Freedom of Expression: Foundational Documents and Historical Arguments

Winner of the 2019 Franklyn S. Haiman Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Freedom of Expression. This outstanding anthology of essential historical writings and speeches on freedom of speech and freedom of the press provides the reader with a solid grounding in the classical arguments about freedom of expression. This comprehensive collection of 188 carefully-curated primary sources will enhance our understanding of the topic and provide the knowledge to productively engage in the ongoing conversation. Professor Stephen A. Smith, a nationally-recognized First Amendment scholar, presents guided introductions to each selection to assist the reader in understanding the context of the times, the background and motives of the author, and the importance of each selection. This book is an invaluable reference collection for exploring and facilitating significant discussions on the topic, in the classroom or the public sphere, and as a primary source for research, studying, and teaching freedom of expression.