Product Description

The Declaration of Independence is considered to be one of the greatest documents of all time. The central section of the declaration is a ringing assertion that every human being has an equal right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Now in paperback, here is the complete Declaration of Independence beautifully hand-lettered and decorated. Almost every section is highlighted on its own page, with its meaning enhanced by imaginative drawings and sketches appropriate to the all-important words they complement, making the sometimes difficult language clear to any reader.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #219892 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Amazon.com Review
When pondering the Declaration of Independence, many readers get as far as "When in the course of human events..." before their eyes glaze over. But when author-illustrator Sam Fink took the time to read the document, he was so impressed, he decided to do what he could to make it more accessible to everyone. By dividing the text into short phrases, hand lettering the words on one page, and illustrating the ideas expressed on the facing page, Fink succeeded marvelously in his goal. His scratchy, historically accurate illustrations are compelling (and often witty) in their representation of the Declaration's significance. In one spread, the text reads "The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States." On the facing page, a grumpy King George stands over a dictionary opened to a definition of tyrant, pointing to the word and saying, "THAT'S ME!" and "I am also a usurper." A complete version of the Declaration of Independence follows the illustrated portion of the book, as well as a chronology of events, a glossary of terms (such as "usurpations"), and a selected bibliography. A fabulously readable surprise! (Ages 10 and older) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly
Infused with humor and a contagious patriotism, newcomer Fink's visual interpretation of the Declaration of Independence will help youngsters read between the sometimes puzzling lines of this monumental document. Fink breaks up this fervent, articulate proclamation into brief, elegantly hand-lettered phrases, which he pairs with etching-like artwork that evokes the period of the document s authorship and elucidates the words meaning. As the Declaration specifies the colonists grievances against King George III, the comically hyperbolic cross-hatch illustrations depict inventive symbols for the despised British rule and a range of comical parodies of the monarch. Opposite the statement He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records is a picture of an elaborate maze, with a building atop a steep cliff at its center and a caption that reads, Enter here to get to the King s meeting place. On a spread declaring that the king is a Tyrant,... unfit to be the ruler of a free people, Fink shows an empty throne with a sign announcing Be back soon. Gone to Class in Advanced Tyranny! Geo III. And with playful anachronism, the illustrator shows Patrick Henry holding a contemporary New Hampshire license plate (bearing the slogan Live Free or Die and the tag number 1776) opposite the assertion that these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States. This clever and inspiring volume concludes with a glossary and chronology of events leading up to the drafting of the Declaration. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-In this truly inspired book, Fink uses lighthearted pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations and a hand-lettered text to explain the meaning of the document, phrase by phrase. He captures the protagonists-Thomas Jefferson, along with John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston-who worked as a committee to write the Declaration. And there is a villain-England's own George III, who pretty much single-handedly, through personality, actions, and inactions, saw to it that America would revolt and sever ties with the crown. The 200-year-old words are made clear with the complementary illustrations. As an example, the wording "-it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another-" is illustrated with a pair of scissors severing a ribbon binding the Union Jack to Old Glory. And, in referring to several of George III's many misdeeds, "He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices-," the king is pictured as a puppet master, with a wigged judge as the puppet. There is no doubt where Fink's sympathies lie. This effort pairs nicely with Russell Freedman's Give Me Liberty! (Holiday, 2000), which delves more deeply into how and why the Declaration was written. Fink's work is a winner.
Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Jefferson Smiles!
Large, phrase-by-phrase drawings in clever, political cartoon style, Fink's illustrations do justice to document itself. Fun for kids, but advanced enough to entertain any audience. Book also includes a glossary of Jefferson's beautiful words, a Revolution chronology, and index.

I recommend it for all ages.

Declaration of excelence
The illistrated book of "The Declaration of Independence" by Sam Fink is excelent. It makes it very memorable for people of all ages who can read. I recomend everybody who home schools, or all public libraries, have a copy. People need to understand what happened to create this country. It was not easy.

Indenpendence
1.This book sums up the Declaration of Independence and who wrote it and how it was made. On all that was happening in the time that it was wrote.
2.I personal liked the book and enjoyed it. I love history and enjoy the Declaration. It helped me further understand the declaration and its meaning. I have a better understanding of it.
3. The main story element in this book is characteriaztion because it does a good job discribing the writers and King George and how they were at the time the Declaration was writin.Characteriazation is what a charcter is like what he/she does to show personality.
4.I have rated this book 5 stars because it is a wonderful history book. If you like the decaration and histroy you would like this book. If you like Sam Fink you would also like this book.