Michael S. Law has written a carefully considered history of the writing of the Declaration of Independence with analysis of today’s conditions in comparison with the conditions of the time. This is not an overtly political book, though it is unapologetically conservative in its views. These views are based solely on the writings of the founders and on historical documents, not on modern-day concepts of “living documents” commonly applied to the Constitution by those of a more liberal mindset.

One of the things I most appreciated about Law’s writing is his application of analysis based on the context of the time in which the Declaration was written instead of current revisionist thinking that applies 21st-century values, or lack thereof, to the document. I particularly appreciated his handling of the slavery issue in which Law exposed the fallacy of the present-day condemnation of the founders who were locked into a system they abhorred but were unable to change due to laws not of their making that prevented them from releasing the slaves they inherited. Very few today are aware of the anti-manumission laws they opposed. Very few today are aware that Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and others petitioned King George to end importation of slaves to the colonies; rather King George was the one who forced their continued importation.

I have a significant library of historical volumes, and I’m most gratified to add this one to my shelves. I know Law’s book is one I will refer to over and over again in the future as I research material for projects at hand.