American Speeches: Political Oratory from Patrick Henry to Barack Obama: A Library of America Paperback Classic (Library of America Paperback Classics)

From the American Revolution to the present day public oratory has profoundly shaped American history and culture-not only our politics but our language and our sense of national identity. Edited by historian and former presidential speechwriter Ted Widmer American Speeches presents the complete texts of forty-seven of the greatest speeches in American history: from Patrick Henrys address before the Virginia Convention in 1775 ("give me liberty or give me death!") to "A More Perfect Union " Barack Obamas profound meditation on race from the 2008 presidential campaign. Classic speeches like Sojourner Truths stirring declamation to the 1851 Womens Rights Convention Abraham Lincolns masterpiece at Gettysburg John F. Kennedys still-inspiring inaugural address Martin Luther King Jr.s prophetic "I Have a Dream" speech and Ronald Reagans clarion call at the Brandenburg Gate come together to form a dynamic portrait of our ongoing struggle to define and to realize the possibilities of the American experiment. For almost thirty years The Library of America has presented Americas best and most significant writing in acclaimed hardcover editions. Now a new series Library of America Paperback Classics offers attractive and affordable books that bring The Library of Americas authoritative texts within easy reach of every reader. This book features detailed biographical notes about the speakers an essay on the choice of the texts and explanatory notes.