Our Declaration

March 15, 2014

Allen (Sch. of Social Science, Inst. for Advanced Study; coeditor, Education, Justice, and Democracy) parses the Declaration of Independence, finding meaning in every phrase, every word, even every punctuation mark. Her book is a thought-provoking extended essay that claims the equality and freedom described therein (as contrasted with simple "liberty" or "independence") as the birthright of every American. Allen, a biracial woman herself, recognizes the contradictions surrounding the Declaration, which was written, after all, in the 18th century by white men, many of whom owned slaves. Yet despite these "shadows" on the document, she sees it as a timeless argument for equality, freedom, and the right to self-government. She even claims that it is a memo written to the world and for posterity--a message that all people are equal, that society should promote the happiness of its citizens, and that the people have the right, even the duty, to overturn tyrannies. VERDICT Most of us can quote the opening line or two of the Declaration; after reading Allen's book you will know much of it by heart and understand its enduring argument for equality and freedom. [See Prepub Alert, 12/16/13.]--Duncan Stewart, Univ. of Iowa Libs., Iowa City

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.