Declaration - by Robert P Watson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Declaration uncovers the lesser-known stories, surprising twists, and forgotten voices behind the most iconic document in U.S. history.

Robert P. Watson delves into the complex and often misunderstood origins of the Declaration, revealing how a series of missteps by the British Crown, shifting colonial sentiments, and a convergence of enlightened thinkers led to a revolutionary moment that changed the course of history.

Drawing from a wealth of primary sources-including letters, diaries, newspapers, and diplomatic communiqués-Watson reconstructs the debates, drafts, and drama that surrounded the Declaration's creation.
Complete with a unique look into the influence of women, enslaved individuals, and indigenous peoples, Declaration brings to light the diverse cast of characters and perspectives that shaped the American experiment. It explores the document's philosophical roots, its political impact, and the enduring struggle to realize its lofty promises of liberty and equality.

Review Quotes

"The publication of this engaging and nuanced recap of the American colonies' successful bid for independence comes just in time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence ... Serious and casual historians alike will appreciate this approachable, well-written narrative." --Booklist

"Watson, in this remarkable book, illuminates the mysteries surrounding the painstaking process and deliberations that went into crafting this timeless document, highlighting the often-overlooked human dimension, and in so doing reminds us that even our most celebrated national documents still have mysteries to explore." --Richard M. Yon, United States Military Academy at West Point, USA

"Watson has produced one of the best works in recent memory on the development of the Declaration of Independence and its centrality to the founding of the United States. More significantly, the author compellingly demonstrates how the values and principles of the founding document transcend the political divides that have come to dominate contemporary America." --Tom Lansford, University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast, USA

About the Author

Robert Watson holds the titles Distinguished Professor of American History, Avron Fogelman Research Professor, and Assistant Director of the Center for Citizenship & Civility at Lynn University and was formerly Senior Fellow with the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship. His publications include over 40 books on topics in politics and history, including, most recently
- George Washington's Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and Nation (2021), winner of the Gold Medal in History at the Independence Publishers Awards.