Why Freedom Matters: The Spirit of the Declaration of Independence in Prose, Poetry, and Song.

KATZ, Daniel R. Introduction by Norman Lear. Forewords by Jimmy Carter and Gerald R. Ford.

Item Number: 136588

New York: Workman Publishing, 2003.

First edition of Katz’s classic anthology celebrating the American spirit. Octavo, original boards. Fine in a near fine dust jacket.

Inspired by the Declaration of Independence, Why Freedom Matters is a collection of more than 100 speeches, letters, essays, poems, and songs that celebrate the meaning of freedom. Each is distinct, each enduring, each a voice in the great, garrulous experiment called democracy. "The Declaration of Independence is the centerpiece of the great American experiment, the document we keep turning to for sustenance. Seldom in the history of mankind has the longing for liberty been more eloquently expressed and passionately argued. As this book shows, our finest document continues to inspire us - thanks to the example set by Jefferson and the Founding Fathers, we will always question ourselves, in order to keep a close watch on our progress" (Martin Scorsese).