Discover Benjamin Franklin's Blueprint for Living a Moral Life

This pocket-sized hardcover edition contains all thirteen moral virtues as Benjamin Franklin wrote them in his memoirs, first posthumously published in 1791. In the heart of this larger work, today known as The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, he writes of the bold and arduous project of arriving at perfection that he set for himself as a young man. In this task of perfection, young Franklin prepared a catalog of thirteen necessary or desirable virtues that he might strive to acquire by means of habit and daily practice. This edition also includes a chart that Franklin used to track his personal progress.

This pocket-sized hardcover edition contains the preamble, conclusion, and all thirteen articles that make up the Articles of Confederation. 

The original document—one of the United States' first governing documents—was passed by the Continental Congress in 1777, and later ratified by the states in 1781. Though the Articles of Confederation was not successful in creating a strong federal government, it did establish a set of rules for politics and governance that do—in some ways—still persist today. This document was replaced by the United States Constitution in 1789.

Discover the Unique Backgrounds of America’s Founding Fathers 

This small, elegant hardcover features short biographies and artful line portraits of each of the signers of the United States Constitution. An ideal companion to Applewood Books’s bestselling edition of the Constitution of the United States of America, this gift sized title includes a gold die stamped cover and a traditional design in line with other titles in our Books of American Wisdom series.

Timeless Rules of Civility and Decency from America’s Founding Father

Proudly printed in America, this beautiful gift edition is stamped in celebration of America 250

Copied out by hand as a young man, George Washington’s 110 rules of civility and decency in company and conversation were based on rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595 and later first published in English in 1640. Washington wrote out simplified versions of these rules as a personal guide to live by, and kept them by his side throughout his incredible life. Subjects include self-respect, how to dress in public, how to address one’s superiors, eating, walking, respect for others, and many more details of etiquette. As comity continues to face societal challenges, Washington’s rules remain essential for keeping the American republic decent and civil. 

The America250™️ word mark and logo are trademarks owned by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and any use of such marks by Applewood Books is under license.

Proudly printed in America, this beautiful gift edition is stamped in celebration of America 250 and contains the Declaration of Independence along with illustrations and biographies of the signers. It is a treasure for Americans of any age.

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the Declaration of Independence summarizes America's founding political philosophy. At once a cherished symbol of liberty and an expression of Jefferson's monumental talents as a writer, the document captures in unforgettable phrases the ideals of individual liberty and formed the backbone of American's Revolutionary movement. In setting forth these self-evident truths alongside a list of grievances against King George's Brittain, the Declaration of Independence justified the breaking of ties with Mother England and the formation of a new country.

The America250™️ word mark and logo are trademarks owned by the United States Semiquincentennial Commission and any use of such marks by Applewood Books is under license.