Drawn from ancient times through the twentieth century, this inspriring collection of 300 of the most important documents and speeches of American History and Western civilization chronicles the birth of freedom. Written by ancient thinkers and contemporary world peacemakers, these words have shaped the ideals of freedom, justice, and liberty that are so important to Americans today. Selections include the words of influential thinkers throughout history from Socrates to Nelson Mandela, as well as: • Thomas Paine • Abraham Lincoln • William Wordsworth • John F. Kennedy • Florence Nightingale • Mary Wollstonecraft • Frederick Douglas