However, the problem of finding up to date reference material on the Declaration of Independence has recently been solved. Pauline Maier, who has written books on the time period before (From Resistance to Revolution, and The Old Revolutionaries), has now seen fit to write a book exclusively about the Declaration. She brilliantly analyses the entirety of the Declaration, pointing out changes made by Jefferson and others. In doing this, she shows that the common conceptual image of Jefferson laboring alone is in fact a fallacy. Combing through the Declaration, Maier gives many instances of specific origins of words and phrases, such as the opening paragraph which relies almost exclusively upon George Mason’s draft of the "Virginia Declaration of Rights". She traces the philosophical origins back to 1696 with "The English Declaration of Rights" and Locke’s "Second Treatise of Government", on through the abundance of written material readily found in the public domain that Thomas Jefferson drew upon.

  What events took place between it’s adoption on July 4 and it’s signing on August 2 that might have effected it’s outcome? It could’ve brought a more complete closure. However, these minor critiques in no way lessen the value of her work.

  Her writing is clear, concise, and illuminating. The book should appeal to the mildly curious and yet also to those who are approaching it in a more serious fashion. It is difficult to say whether this is the definitive work on the Declaration, but it will certainly be the major reference book far into the next century. American Scripture is heartily recommended.

Don’t deny yourself, buy it.