In this engaging discussion, Adam Gopnik, a renowned author and staff writer for The New Yorker, joins Selby Kiffer, Senior Vice President at Sotheby's, to delve into the writings of America's Founding Fathers. They explore the complexities and dualities of these historical figures, reexamining their legacies amid modern issues. The conversation also highlights the vital role of primary sources in education and the diverse influences that shaped American ideals, including voices from the African American and Iroquois traditions, weaving a rich tapestry of America's foundational narrative.
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Remembering the Founding Fathers
Remember the Founding Fathers as both revered and flawed figures.
Recognize their contributions while acknowledging their imperfections, like slaveholding.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Primary Sources
Use primary sources to understand history's complexities.
Reading original texts reveals the Founding Fathers' humanness and intentions.
insights INSIGHT
Value of Original Documents
Original documents offer a direct connection to the past.
They reveal the Founding Fathers as individuals, not just historical figures.
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What do the words of America’s Founding Fathers mean today? In this conversation produced in partnership with Sotheby’s, New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik, scholar Dr Anika Prather and Sotheby’s books specialist Selby Kiffer explore the historical significance of the writings of America’s Founding Fathers for the twenty-first century. Running alongside Sotheby's Book Week in July 2023 and the auction of key documents from Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and George Washington, this talk will examine the pivotal role these papers played in history, such as the establishment of the English Empire, negotiations for peace during the Revolution, as well as personal reflections of Thomas Jefferson. Join us and discover the intellect, passion, and conviction of the Founding Fathers as they established the ideals that became the foundation of the United States, which have inspired countless others to rise and reclaim their own liberty and human dignity.
This event was recorded on 11 July 2023 as part of Sotheby’s Book Week, a series of sales taking place in London, Paris and New York from 4-20 July featuring literature, illustrations and musical manuscripts that span continents and centuries. The New York auction will take place on Tuesday 18 July. Please visit sothebys.com to find out more and register for further updates.
This conversation was produced by Executive Producer Hannah Kaye and edited by Producer Catharine Hughes.
Intelligence Squared 
