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.

‘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