Declaring Independence

At a time when the guardrails of our democracy are being tested, it is vitally important to understand the foundations of American government. Edward J. Larson has written a magnificent book that explains how pivotal 1776 was for liberty, equality, and democracy. This beautifully written history is stunning in its lessons for today.--Erwin Chemerinsky, author of No Democracy Lasts Forever A profound account of a pivotal year, 1776, with special emphasis on the generative state constitutions and state declarations of rights that took shape that year. If you want to understand America--all of it, deeply, widely, then, now, and in between--read Larson.--Akhil Reed Amar, author of Born Equal Timely and timeless.--Susan Dunn, author of Jefferson's Second Revolution Declaring Independence is a brilliant illumination of the self-evident truths that inspired America's revolutionary war against the tyrannical British monarchy. On the eve of our 250th anniversary, if we are to reclaim our founding ideals of democratic self-government and rule by law, we should begin by poring over every studied page of Edward J. Larson's anniversary gift to America.--J. Michael Luttig, former U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Edward J. Larson's eloquent and illuminating Declaring Independence ranks as the indispensable history to read as Americans prepare for our 250th anniversary as a nation.--Douglas Brinkley, author of Silent Spring Revolution