Virtual Author Talk: David O. Stewart

Description

The Democracy We Must Keep: Why the Ideas that Built America Still Matter with David O. Stewart
Award-Winning Historian and Bestselling Author of Impeached and The Summer of 1787
Tuesday, September 1st 2026 at 1:00 PM CST
Register now for your private live link or find the recording after the event here: https://libraryc.org/danvillepubliclibrary/195300

Join us as we chat with award-winning historian David O. Stewart about his newest work, The Democracy We Must Keep, and the question he explores throughout the book: What did America’s founders say about democracy, and can we remain true to their vision for America?

Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled.

In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry’s thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution.

Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape.

These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy:

• Power must be limited.
• Leaders must answer to the people.
• Individual rights must be protected by law.

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Democracy We Must Keep urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them.

Register today to gain a deeper understanding of how American democracy started, why it still matters, and the active role each generation must play to uphold it.

About the Author: 

David O. Stewart has published eleven award-winning and best-selling books of history and historical novels. In 2023, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Washington Independent Review of Books. His most recent fictional series, the Overstreet Saga, is inspired by family stories his mother told. He lives in Maryland with the light of his life, Nancy Floreen; they have three children and six grandchildren.

All events are free and open to the public.  For more information or to register for the author talks, visit https://libraryc.org/danvillepubliclibrary or call 217-477-5220.
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Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium and a grant from Danville Library Foundation.

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The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Danville Public Library.