Conversation with Stephen D. Solomon

Join Lewes Public Library and Browseabout Books in-person in the library or online for a conversation between Ron Collins and Stephen D. Solomon, author of Revolutionary Dissent: How the Founding Generation Created the Freedom of Speech. When members of the founding generation protested against British authority, debated separation, and then ratified the Constitution, they formed the American political character we know today – raucous, intemperate, and often mean-spirited. Revolutionary Dissent brings alive a world of colorful and stormy protests that included effigies, pamphlets, songs, sermons, cartoons, letters, and liberty trees. Solomon explores through a Join Lewes Public Library and Browseabout Books in-person in the library or online for a conversation between Ron Collins and Stephen D. Solomon, author of Revolutionary Dissent: How the Founding Generation Created the Freedom of Speech. When members of the founding generation protested against British authority, debated separation, and then ratified the Constitution, they formed the American political character we know today – raucous, intemperate, and often mean-spirited. Revolutionary Dissent brings alive a world of colorful and stormy protests that included effigies, pamphlets, songs, sermons, cartoons, letters, and liberty trees. Solomon explores through a series of chronological narratives how Americans of the Revolutionary period employed robust speech against the British and against each other. Uninhibited dissent provided a distinctly American meaning to the First Amendment’s guarantees of freedom of speech and press at a time when the legal doctrine inherited from England allowed prosecutions of those who criticized government. Solomon shares the stories of the dissenters who created the American idea of the liberty of thought, revealing the history of free expression in America.

Stephen D. Solomon is Marjorie Deane Professor of Journalism at New York University, where he teaches First Amendment law. He is founding editor of First Amendment Watch, which covers current conflicts over freedom of expression and provides legal and historical context. Ron Collins is a retired law professor, co-founder of the History Book Festival, and the Lewes Public Library’s Distinguished Lecturer. His latest book is Tragedy on Trial: The Story of the Infamous Emmett Till Murder Trial.

NOTE: this session is available to attend in-person or through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER and indicate which you prefer.series of chronological narratives how Americans of the Revolutionary period employed robust speech against the British and against each other. Uninhibited dissent provided a distinctly American meaning to the First Amendment’s guarantees of freedom of speech and press at a time when the legal doctrine inherited from England allowed prosecutions of those who criticized government. Solomon shares the stories of the dissenters who created the American idea of the liberty of thought, revealing the history of free expression in America.

Stephen D. Solomon is Marjorie Deane Professor of Journalism at New York University, where he teaches First Amendment law. He is founding editor of First Amendment Watch, which covers current conflicts over freedom of expression and provides legal and historical context. Ron Collins is a retired law professor, co-founder of the History Book Festival, and the Lewes Public Library’s Distinguished Lecturer. His latest book is Tragedy on Trial: The Story of the Infamous Emmett Till Murder Trial.

NOTE: this session is available to attend in-person or through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER and indicate which you prefer.