What is NYU Reads?
NYU Reads brings the NYU community together around a single common reading, chosen by a University committee made up of faculty, student, and administrator representatives. Building on our undergraduate schools’ first-year reading programs, NYU Reads extends this dialogue beyond NYU Welcome and opens it up to the entire University community.
Fall 2026: The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, by Walter Isaacson
The Greatest Sentence Ever Written l (2025) by Walter Isaacson is our NYU Reads selection for Fall 2026.
To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Walter Isaacson takes readers on a fascinating deep dive into the creation of one of history’s most powerful sentences: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, this line lays the foundation for the American Dream and defines the common ground we share as a nation.
Isaacson unpacks its genius, word by word, illuminating the then-radical concepts behind it. Readers will gain a fresh appreciation for how it was drafted to inspire unity, equality, and the enduring promise of America. With clarity and insight, he reveals not just the power of these words but describes how, in these polarized times, we can use them to restore an appreciation for our common values.
Accessing the Book
How can I get copies of The Greatest Sentence Ever Written from NYU Libraries?
The Libraries offer multiple formats at no cost.
- E-book and an audiobook copies of The Greatest Sentence Ever Written.
- You will need your NYU Net ID and password, and to go through multi-factor authentication.
- For help with the e-book and audiobook platform, visit Getting started with OverDrive.
- Physical copies of The Greatest Sentence Ever Written will be available in Bobst Library.
- The Libraries will have limited copies available on a first come, first served basis beginning in September.
How can I purchase a copy of The Greatest Sentence Ever Written??
If you wish to purchase a copy of The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, please feel free to do so at a local bookstore or online. . Audio and ebooks are also available for individual purchase from your favorite booksellers.
When to Read the Book
Events and discussions for The Greatest Sentence Ever Written will take place primarily in the Fall 2026 semester. We recommend that you plan to read The Greatest Sentence Ever Written over the summer, before the start of the fall semester.
Resources and Support
If you need emotional support while reading The Greatest Sentence Ever Written, professional counselors are available to talk 24/7 through the Wellness Exchange hotline at +1-212-443-9999 or to chat through the Wellness Exchange app (available in the Apple App Store or Google Play).
Accessibility
If you need help retrieving books or would like to request an alternative format, please email us at lib-accomodations@nyu.edu.