A Source Book in American History to 1787

A carefully edited collection of primary sources, this audiobook presents the essential documents that trace American history from the earliest colonial charters up to the convening of the Constitutional Convention. It blends official grants, town‑meeting records, letters, and excerpts from contemporary chronicles, offering a panoramic view of political ideas, social life, and the evolving concept of self‑government. Roughly two‑thirds of the selections are newly included, giving listeners fresh material alongside the classics.

The editor’s introduction explains how these varied texts are organized to highlight themes such as the idealistic motives behind colonization, the development of representative institutions, and the early struggles of democracy. Modernized spelling and helpful annotations keep the original flavor while ensuring clarity, and typographic cues signal where excerpts have been trimmed. Ideal for students and history enthusiasts, the collection invites listeners to hear the voices that shaped a nation before 1787.