Short Synopsis
From the risky and audacious adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to our modern Fourth of July celebrations, American Treasures shows how the ideas captured in these documents underscore the nation's strengths and hopes, and embody its fundamental values of liberty and equality.

Full Synopsis
On December 26, 1941, Secret Service Agent Harry E. Neal stood on a platform at Washington's Union Station, watching a train chug off into the dark and feeling at once relieved and inexorably anxious. These were dire times: As Hitler's armies plowed across Europe, seizing or destroying the Continent's historic artifacts at will, Japan bristled to the East. The Axis was rapidly closing in.

So FDR set about hiding the country's valuables. On the train speeding away from Neal sat four plain-wrapped cases containing the documentary history of American democracy: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address, and more, guarded by a battery of agents and bound for safekeeping in the nation's most impenetrable hiding place.

American Treasures charts the little-known journeys of these American crown jewels. From the risky and audacious adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to our modern Fourth of July celebrations, American Treasures shows how the ideas captured in these documents underscore the nation's strengths and hopes, and embody its fundamental values of liberty and equality.

"A solid retelling of an inspiring story." ---Kirkus

"An engrossing account of the creation, consecration, and conservation of the documents that defined American democracy." ---Library Journal

"This unique, easily digestible, well-researched saga is ideal for general readers." ---Booklist

"[Stephen Puleo's] vivid and detailed descriptions of characters and events will make readers feel like they are in the room with historic figures." ---Patriot Ledger

"American Treasures is an example of narrative non-fiction at its best: thorough research underpins an engaging—even gripping—story that captures the reader, who races along to discover what happens next." ---Historical Novel Society

"Fascinating . . . American Treasures is an engaging exploration." ---Shelf Awareness