Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence

An acclaimed historian presents a sweeping new look at the Declaration of Independence, focusing not on the lofty principles of the preamble but on the list of grievances leveled against King George III.

For the 250 years since it was written and proclaimed to the world, the Declaration of Independence, and the immortal words of its preamble-"all men are created equal," "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness"-have animated those striving for freedom in the United States, and around the...