Overview

The Cambridge Companion to the Declaration of Independence offers a wide-ranging and accessible anthology of essays for understanding the Declaration's intellectual and social context, connection to the American Revolution, and influence in the United States and throughout the world. The volume places the document in the context of ideas during the Enlightenment and examines the language and structure to assess its effect and appeal throughout the centuries and across countries. Here are contributions from law, history, and political science, considering such matters as the philosophical foundations of the Declaration, the role of religion, critics of its role in American political development, and whether 'Jefferson's handiwork' is still relevant in the twenty-first century. Written by distinguished and emerging scholars, the Companion provides new and diverse perspectives on the most important statement of American political commitments.

Full Product Details

Author:   Mark A. Graber (University of Maryland, College Park) ,  Michael Zuckert (University of Notre Dame, Indiana)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
Weight:   0.462kg
ISBN:  

9781009692601

ISBN 10:   1009692607
Pages:   318
Publication Date:   22 January 2026
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

Introduction Michael Zuckert; 1. European antecedents to the Declaration of Independence S. Adam Seagrave; 2. The twenty-six grievances Woody Holton; 3. The process of writing and procedures for adopting the Declaration Peter Charles Hoffer and Williamjames Hoffer; 4. The Declaration as political rhetoric Matthew Crow; 5. Equality, liberty, and rights in the Declaration of Independence Michael Zuckert; 6. The 'stubborn' Declaration: less dissent than alienation in black political thought and the Declaration of Independence Saladin Ambar; 7. 'Popular sovereignty' and the Declaration of Independence Sanford Levinson; 8. Slavery and the Declaration: a re-interpretation Richard Newman; 9. A theological interpretation of the Declaration of Independence Barbara A. McGraw; 10. The Declaration versus the Constitution Tom Cutterham; 11. Getting 'the hang of the Declaration': The Declaration in American nationalism Brian Steele; 12. Native nations and Declarations of Independence Jonathan Todd Hancock; 13. The Declaration in anti-slavery and African Americans thought Thomas J. Davis; 14. The Declaration of Independence and women Leslie F. Goldstein; 15. Aspirational reliance of the Declaration of Independence: labor and woman's suffrage Alexander Tsesis; 16. Presidents and the Declaration of Independence Mark A. Graber; Conclusion – four children, sixteen essays, and the Declaration of Independence Mark A. Graber.

Reviews

'This book provides a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the Declaration from distinguished experts. The lively chapters invite deeper understandings of the history, political theory, and uses over time of this foundational text. They also encourage readers to think critically about it, including considering the gaps between its universal language and the many people and groups who did not have a share in its vision in 1776. There's something in here for almost anyone who wants a deeper encounter with the Declaration and its fulfilled and unfulfilled promises!' Keith E. Whittington, Yale Law School 'This book provides a kaleidoscope of perspectives on the Declaration from distinguished experts. The lively chapters invite deeper understandings of the history, political theory, and uses over time of this foundational text. They also encourage readers to think critically about it, including considering the gaps between its universal language and the many people and groups who did not have a share in its vision in 1776. There's something in here for almost anyone who wants a deeper encounter with the Declaration and its fulfilled and unfulfilled promises!' Julie Novkov, University at Albany 'In time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Michael Zuckert and Mark Graber have collected, and contributed to, the best set of essays on the Declaration ever published. Their value is enhanced by the fact that the distinguished and commendably diverse contributors have illuminating disagreements about the Declaration's origins, purpose, meaning, and value.' Rogers M. Smith, University of Pennsylvania, and author of That Is Not Who We Are! Populism and Peoplehood 'When Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, he hoped to appeal to 'the opinions of mankind' and to 'let Facts be submitted to a candid world.' He wanted the Declaration to be read widely and its arguments taken seriously. But he never anticipated the enormous impact that document would have on political thinking, at home and abroad. The wonderful essays collected in this volume incisively explain why that was the case.' Jack Rakove, Stanford University

Author Information

Mark A. Graber is the Regents Professor at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, one of only seven professors to hold the highest honor in the University of Maryland system. He has published fifteen books and over 100 articles. In 2023, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Law and Courts Section of the American Political Science Association. Michael Zuckert is the Nancy R. Dreux Professor, Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame and Clinical Professor at Arizona State University. He has worked extensively in the area of American political thought. He was the founding editor of the journal American Political Thought and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Political Thought section of the American Political Science Association. His many books include The Natural Rights Republic (1994).

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