The Ideal That Underlies The Declaration of Independence
$65.00–$165.00Price range: $65.00 through $165.00
by Walter Isaacson
A cornerstone of American history and political thought, the Declaration of Independence remains one of the most consequential texts ever written. Its central claim—that all people are created equal and possess inherent rights—has shaped not only a nation, but the aspirations of people around the world.
This edition pairs the full text of the Declaration with a new essay by Walter Isaacson, who examines the origins and enduring meaning of its most famous sentence. Drawing on the collaboration between Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, Isaacson reveals how the language of the Declaration reflects a careful balancing of ideas—between reason and faith, liberty and responsibility, individuality and the common good. His essay situates the document not only within its historical moment, but within the ongoing challenge of sustaining a shared civic life.
Walter Isaacson is a historian and bestselling author whose works explore the lives and ideas of some of history’s most influential figures. His acclaimed biographies include Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Benjamin Franklin, as well as The Innovators, a history of the digital revolution. Known for his ability to bring complex individuals and intellectual movements vividly to life, Isaacson’s writing bridges science, technology, politics, and culture.
He is a professor of history at Tulane University and has served as president of the Aspen Institute. Earlier in his career, he was chairman of CNN and editor of TIME. He has also been a Rhodes Scholar and a member of the U.S. Secretary of State’s Advisory Committee on Historical Diplomatic Documentation.
