For You They Signed Book Review

I just received a copy of the book "For You They Signed" by Marilyn Boyer. Published by New Leaf Publishing and Master Books, this beautiful hardcover book covers the spiritual heritage of the Declaration of Independence signers - all 56 of them. It is illustrated by Linda Linder, whose pencil drawings of each signer allow you to put a "face with the name".

In 1776, 56 men signed their names to the Declaration of Independence, knowing full well that they were risking their lives to do so. England would brand them as traitors, punishable by death, and by putting their names on the document, they were risking their very lives. Imagine the faith and courage that it took for them to take this chance!

"For You They Signed " is a large, coffee table size book (8.5" x 11"). It has a beautiful cover that shows the Declaration of Independence and the American flag. Of course, you don't judge a book by it's cover, but it is a beautiful cover nonetheless! The great stuff is inside, though...

Inside the book, you'll find the complete text of the Declaration of Independence, and a photocopy of the original, including the signatures. Each signer of the Declaration of Independence is given his own chapter, which includes pertinent facts about each one, an illustration of them and a brief biography. At the end of each signer's chapter, there is a page of "Questions for Discussion". The book is fully indexed and includes appendices, endnotes and bibliography.

Ways to use "For You They Signed"

While this book can be read simply for pleasure, you can also use it as a valuable teaching tool for your family. Read about one signer per week, and you'll be busy for a little over a year (56 signers - 56 weeks). Great for home schoolers! There is even an online Family Activity Guide available (details to download the activity book are in the front of the book, in the section titled "Suggestions for Using This Book") that includes coloring pages for the little ones, over 25 fun quizzes about the signers and more.

I am so impressed with the quality of this book and others from New Leaf Publishing that I have seen. Through their "Attic Books" division, they offer reprints of antique books such as "Life of Washington " and "Life of Andrew Jackson ". With their Attic books, they have captured the charm of an old book, with their weathered looking covers and torn edge papers. The quality is supurb!

Here are some photos of the inside...