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Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Danielle S. Allen

Our Declaration

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

351

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality is a close analysis by Danielle S. Allen, arguing that the Declaration is fundamentally about equality. By combining personal narrative, rigorous analysis, and metaphoric explanations, Allen emphasizes the collaborative “democratic writing” of the Declaration and the importance of equality in participating in shared institutions. The work also examines morality, truth, and the historical context of its creation by individuals who were also slave-owners.

Informative

Inspirational

Contemplative

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

1,194 ratings

74%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Danielle S. Allen's Our Declaration offers a profound reinterpretation of the Declaration of Independence, praised for its accessibility and fresh perspective. While some critics find its approach repetitive and overly detailed, overall, it is lauded for making historical analysis engaging and relevant.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Our Declaration?

A reader who appreciates deep dives into historical texts, particularly those with a focus on democracy and equality, would enjoy Danielle S. Allen's Our Declaration. Ideal for fans of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States and Jill Lepore's These Truths, this book balances scholarly analysis with accessible prose.

4.2

1,194 ratings

74%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

351

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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