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First Principles, Inc. promotes real American history as a key source for understanding the foundations of American law, civil government, and our public institutions.

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Accessible History

FPP aims to make history accessible, accurate, and engaging for everyone, from scholars to casual researchers, by marrying history with emerging technologies.

Research Support

Our collection of 8,000+ books and 40,000+ documents have been digitized to be word-searchable and accessible by AI for research and educational purposes.

digital pioneers

Using what we’ve learned, FPP hopes to serve as pioneers in new areas of technology for other groups and individuals seeking to preserve and digitize their own print collections.

Our Projects

Founded in 1993, FPP remains dedicated to providing historical instruction and information about the perennial truth and current significance of the first principles of America. FPP is the umbrella organization for two major projects: The Ronald D. Ray Library of American History and FPP Archive, both rooted in the vision of Colonel Ronald D. Ray.

Ronald D. Ray Library of American History

The Ronald D. Ray Library of American History is a dynamic project of FPP based on the book collection of Colonel Ronald D. Ray. The library aims to provide a resource as timeless as the Constitution and as forward-thinking as the Founding Fathers themselves. By applying AI technology, the library seeks to create an interactive experience where history comes alive.

The FPP Digital Archive

In 2006, First Principles began to move its extensive archive from filing cabinets to digital, preserving it from decay and making it accessible to people across the world. The FPP Digital Archive contains more than 40,000 supporting documents from FPP’s vast collection of primary source material, backgrounders, historical research and articles from 1993 to present.

Peek Into The Pages: Featured Books from the Library

This Week's Feature

A History of the United States of America

By Charles A. Goodrich
Copyright: 1834
Publisher: American Stationers’ Company

Today’s Peek into the Pages features one of the oldest books in our Library! Published in 1834, A History of the United States of America serves as a unique primary source that was written within 60 years of our nation’s founding. Now as we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, resources like this book are vitally important to remember and retain the founders’ original intent and vision for America.

Available in the Public Domain – View Now!

About "Peek into the Pages"

Welcome to our weekly feature “Peek Into the Pages” where we highlight a book from the Ronald D. Ray Library of American History! Our collection includes books under copyright and in the public domain. If available, we will share books from our collection here. Click below to see previously featured “Peek into the Pages” books.

Handbook for American Citizens

By Henry Mann
Copyright: 1895
Publisher: Louis Klopsch

In Henry Mann’s Handbook for American Citizens (1917), citizens are equipped with the foundational knowledge every American ought to possess about our rights, duties, government, and civic responsibility. At a time when patriotism was expected and understood, Mann’s work served as a practical guide to the Constitution and the principles that sustain our Republic. We can still learn and participate more fully as American citizens today from a peek into the pages of Mann’s Handbook.

At First Principles, Inc., we PRESERVE & PROTECT such works to safeguard our national memory, and we PRESENT & INFORM by making them accessible to future leaders. This handbook is more than a relic—it’s a reminder that liberty endures when citizens understand it.

Available in the Public Domain – View Now!

Patton: Ordeal and Triumph

By Ladislas Farago
Copyright: 1964
Publisher: Ivan Obolensky Inc.

Around Veterans Day 2025, we saw several posts online about General George S. Patton and his position on Germany and the Jews, his predictions about communism in America, and even controversy surrounding the end of his life. Comments on these posts range from full support of his quoted positions to complete dismissal based on supposed false information. How do we know what to believe?

This Peek into the Pages features Ladislas Farago’s biography Patton: Ordeal and Triumph. As we navigate the complex sea of information online, the preverbal waters look brackish at times – a mix of truth and falsehood that, like fresh and salt water, seems impossible to distinguish or separate.

At First Principles, Inc. we look to primary and authoritative sources like Farago’s book to find an accurate account of history. As part of the mission of the Ronald D. Ray Library of American History, we want to equip to with accurate information about our nation’s history in order to protect our future liberty. A look into Farago’s biography will help you make well-informed arguments and present the truth of Patton’s life and career.

Because this book is under copyright protection, we can’t share the text in its entirety, but our staff can help you to produce quality, comprehensive answers using the latest AI technology of our virtual librarian “Dewey Dudley.” We would also be happy to locate a copy for you to purchase.

Copyrighted material – contact us for research options.

The Marines

Written by John De St. Jorre
Photographed by Anthony Edgeworth
Copyright: 1989
Publisher: Doubleday

On November 10, 2025, the United States Marine Corps celebrated its 250 birthday, a remarkable milestone for America and all who are proud to claim the title of United States Marines. In this week’s “Peek into the Pages” we’re featuring “The Marines” by John De St. Jorre and photographed by Anthony Edgeworth, which was published “to capture the special flavor of the United States Marine Corps in images and words.”

Happy Birthday Marines!

Copyrighted material – contact us for research options.

The Brass Check

By Upton Sinclair
Copyright: 1919
Publisher: n/a

Check out our new weekly feature Peek Into the Pages where we highlight a book from our library!

Available in the Public Domain – View Now!

More Coming Soon

Check back soon for more featured books!

Start Researching Today

We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you with your research needs! Please allow 24-48 hours for a response from an FPP staff member.

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