WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS

We Hold These Truths is an exposition of the "ideas and ideals" embodied in three historical documents: the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Gettysburg Address. By its own declaration, it is directed to the non-scholarly reader. Nonetheless, it's dry, wordy and pedantic. Furthermore, it's not designed to be read straight through; a significant portion is intended as supplementary reference material. It's hard to imagine anyone preferring to listen to, rather than read, such a book. However, Jeff Riggenbach manfully does his duty, plowing through it in a clear, pleasant voice with as much animation as the writing permits. J.N. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 99]