Principal’s Picks: “In Their Own Words”

The theme “In Their Own Words” underpins a selection of unique historical documents that convey personal insight           

Chosen by Karen Raab, this curated selection of historical documents brings us to the desks of renowned leaders, authors, and innovators, as they pen their personal ruminations, hopes, and ideas.  Each document shows what the historical figure was thinking in real time and gives insight into how they thought, felt, and acted. Below are some highlights; click here to view the entire selection.

Susan B. Anthony Lobbies Congress to Gain Women the Right to Vote in an Expanding Nation

“This is not just a letter of Anthony mentioning her work to gain women the right to vote. We can see in her own words how she went about doing it, showing her knowledge of the legislative process, the actors, and the women who were rallying to the cause.” 

Charles Darwin Uses the Language of Religion to Describe the Increasing Number of Scientists Adopting His Theory of Evolution: Converts

“The heated debate surrounding science and religion was given life after the publication of Darwin’s work. Here we see him using the language of religion himself to apply to his own work.” 

Winston Churchill’s Hand Held Reading Copy of a Great Postwar Speech to Parliament, Advocating a Larger, Stronger Navy, and Extolling the Great Historic Role of the British Navy for Generations in Maintaining Peace, With Some Notations In His Hand

“What greater example of seeing the words of great figures than a speech held and used by one of the great orators of all time, Churchill. This product of his work, both the crafting of the language and unique style of the document itself, is a testament to how he went about rallying the British people and the free West to his side and vision.”  

In an Unpublished Letter, JRR Tolkien Writes on His Invention and Public Proliferation of Some of the Great Names of Lord of the Rings, Including Aragorn, Gandalf, Lorien, Rivendell, and Shadowfax

“Tolkien’s characters have become household names, not only because of the enduring popularity of his books but the movies and tv series that followed. Here he talks about some of the most popular characters and in such a warm, honest and disarming way, writing not to a prominent literary figure but simply to a fan of his work.” 

Napoleon on the Defining Character of a Great Leader: “it is advantageous for the good of the service to be liked.”

“Napoleon is among the great leaders of all time, and we almost never get to see his thoughts on that subject. Here he defines these very traits, referring to another general, in a way that could easily be applied to him.” 

This selection was created using Search & Curate, Raab’s refined search experience where collectors can filter their results by signer, date, price, category, and more, and then email the curation to themselves to peruse at a later date. Click here to learn more about Search & Curate.