American Scripture

Pauline Maier, one of our foremost scholars of the Revolutionary period, has written what may be be the most significant work on the creation of the Declaration of Independence and its historical destiny since Carl Becker`s eponymous study published 75 years ago. She begins by tracing the complex history of the composition of the document in its contemporary context, following with a breathtaking account of the gradual process of sanctification undergone by the Declaration in the 19th century, culminating in Lincoln`s efforts to ensure its permanent persistence in American political culture. Finally, she cautions and directs us to wonder if in venerating the Declaration as we do--as the central holy writ of our civil religion--we may not actually betray its original purpose and power. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.