The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson

The document which has lately issued from the Congress of the American colonies is one of the most remarkable political papers that has ever been produced. It is at once a declaration of rights, a manifesto of rebellion, and a philosophical treatise on the nature of government. The authors have drawn their principles from the best sources of political philosophy, and they have expressed them with a dignity and a force that do them honour. Whether the principles of government which they assert are compatible with the maintenance of social order is a question which time alone can decide; but there can be no doubt that the document is a masterpiece of political literature.

We have received the Declaration of the American Congress, and we insert it with such observations as occur to us on this extraordinary state-paper. The style of the composition is manly and impressive, and the authors have shown themselves not unskilled in the arts of rhetoric. Their enumeration of grievances against the mother-country is set forth with much force, though with something more of passion than of accuracy. It is not for us to pronounce whether the step they have taken is wise or unwise; but we may be permitted to express our admiration for the courage and the spirit which have inspired so momentous a resolution.

ok so this isnt really a "book" its a document lol. But its THE document. Honestly its shorter than you think and theres alot in there that doesnt get talked about enough. The bit about "merciless Indian savages" is.. yikes. but its important to read it all including the ugly parts. History is complicated.

I had to read this for a class and expected it to be boring. It wasnt. The language is powerful and you can see how carefully every word was chosen. The deleted passage about slavery is especially revealing — politics has always been about compromise. Read it with Jeffersons original draft alongside to see what got cut.

Everyone should read this. I mean REALLY read it not just the famous parts. The list of grievances is amazing — its basically a breakup letter to the king. Some of the language is old fashioned but you can feel the passion and urgency in every word. Gets me every time i think about what they were risking.