The Essential American

A Patriot’s Resource - 25 Documents and Speeches Every American Should Own

By: Jackie Gingrich Cushman, Newt Gingrich - foreword

Narrated by: Vanessa Hart, Jim Meskimen

More than ever, Americans are realizing that if we want to keep this country great, we must be citizen-patriots. And here’s the handbook every citizen-patriot needs: The Essential American, featuring the fundamental documents of our nation’s history.

Compiled by syndicated columnist Jackie Gingrich Cushman and featuring a foreword by her father, best-selling author and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, The Essential American is the ultimate patriot’s resource. Featuring well-known and lesser-known documents and speeches, The Essential American includes the Declaration of Independence; the Constitution; Daniel Webster’s Plymouth Oration; Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address; Douglas MacArthur’s Duty, Honor, Country speech; Ronald Reagan’s speech at the Brandenburg Gate; and much more!

©2010 Jackie Gingrich Cushman (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Jackie has compiled the speeches and documents you read in history class—or wish you’d read—and introduced each one with interesting historical details and explanations of how it shaped the character of America. Pick up this unique resource for the history of our nation. You’ll return to it again and again as you’re reminded of why you’re proud to be an American.” (Sean Hannity)

Appropriately Titled! EVERY AMERICAN MUST!

Where does The Essential American rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

TOP FIVE!

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that these documents were all assembled and packaged so concisely.

What about Vanessa Hart and Jim Meskimen ’s performance did you like?

Short, sweet, to the point assessment of what we were about to read/hear.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

They got me in the first few minutes. Hated interruptions!

Any additional comments?

Find a philantopist who would give this audible to EVERY HIGH SCHOOL/or/College Graduate! Or somehow, instead of music in elevators, trains, airplanes, airports, PLAY THIS! Too good to be true! Thank you, Ms. Cushman!

Many speeches I had not heard before

The majority of the speeches favor a traditional or conservative political perspective. Some of the writings didn't lend themselves to the audio format (the Articles of Confederation, in particular). I really enjoyed the later part of the book. I was struck by how long the academic trend has been anti-American. Such a deep seated philosphy will take a long time to counter.

Got to Love Reagan!

Any additional comments?

As a Canadian I learned a great deal about the American ethos. Based of the current state of the nation I'm left wondering how many Americans really understand their heritage. Certainly an essential resource for those who care enough to know. Reagan's speech is one of the best!