1776 and All That

1776 and All That

by Leonard Wibberley

In the White House in 1776, a dignified man comes for the clock, saying that the Maker wants to look at it; he signs a receipt with a flourish. In heaven, unicorns and wyverns cry, "In excelsis Deo." George III remarks that a bit of frost is good for the turnips. Thomas Jefferson notices the clock and begins to get nervous: there is no Time in eternity, so why is it here? Benjamin Franklin, who also notices the clock, reminisces with an angel named Ruth about the Countess Marie des Petit Chalons, who once called him Poo Poo. (He reminded her of a stuffed bear.) Then the hands of the clock begin to move and Voltaire, King George, and Thomas Jefferson find themselves at the Presidential Costume Ball to honor the Bi-Centennial of the United States. This book is an utterly delightful, brief, (it's only 96 pages long), and humorous look at the concept of liberty. Treat yourself with this one for Independence Day. -- recommended by Rianne S. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Wikipedia article on Leonard Wibberley ]

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