Proclaiming Liberty: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence

by Timothy Sandefur

An exploration of the ideas of Adams, Jefferson, and other founding fathers as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

In July 1776, revolutionary leaders in Philadelphia took the bold step of announcing their nation’s independence. But they did not merely sever ties with Great Britain. The American founding fathers also proclaimed the principles which justified their cause—principles which have inspired generations of people worldwide to champion the cause of freedom.

But today, as Americans prepare to honor the 250th anniversary of their country’s birth, recent generations have witnessed a growing skepticism and even hostility toward the American Founders. In Proclaiming Liberty, Timothy Sandefur shows why these views are unjust. The Declaration was, as Abraham Lincoln said, more than a “merely revolutionary document.” It was and remains a charter of freedom for all mankind. Readers will return to the summer of 1776 to explore why Americans are right to revere the Declaration and to celebrate its authors as champions of liberty.

630 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandefur expertly provides just the right mixture of explanation of law, history, and context - making this an amazing tool to unpack and understand our amazing Declaration of Independence. This should be required reading for every high school student.

[Scott Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I cannot say enough about it. It’s the best book I’ve read on the Declaration of Independence and the history of America. This book should be required reading in every school in America. Yes, it should be used in history or civics classes by teachers across America. I want to encourage you to buy a copy, give a copy, share a copy, send a copy, donate a copy; yes, it’s that good.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just in time for America's 250th, this book is a fascinating and engaging look at the history leading up to the Declaration of Independence, the intolerable actions that Parliament took toward the colonies, the riots in the streets of Boston and beyond, the lives of Jefferson and Adams, and the legal basis for independence, and the meaning of the Declaration itself. I loved reading it and highly recommend it!

[MellyBean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently read Washington, Adams, and Jefferson’s biographies; this tied the three together in an introspective look at how their ideals founded our country and went against the belief systems of the time. It was extremely well written and went through the process of Americas founding beautifully.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful I was introduced to this author and this book. Although it took me a long time to get through it, it made me process it all the more. This should be required reading for schools, I never was taught this much about the Declaration of Independence when is was in school. Such a great in depth work on the Declaration of Independence.