Our Documents tells the story of the American nation through a collection of 100 history-changing documents. Together, these landmark documents chronicle the centuries of social and political upheaval as the country struggled to define itself as a new nation and then to assume its place as a global power. Judged by the National Archives to be the most essential in the development of the United States, the documents collected here include such milestones as the Declaration of Independence, the original design for the Great Seal of the United States, the patent for the cotton gin, a check for the purchase of Alaska, a Manhattan Project notebook, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.Landmark Supreme Court decisions are also included, as are inauguration speeches of Presidents, international treaties, and domestic legislation, but this collection highlights more unusual items as well, such as a transcription of astronaut John Glenn's official communication with the space command center in 1962. The result is a vivid and compelling depiction of a constantly changing country and an indispensable anthology of primary sources.Illustrated with photographs culled from the extensive collections of the National Archives, this comprehensive volume is perfect for the history buff's library and the historian's bookshelf. Our Documents is a collection that enables readers to hold history in their hands. Read Less