Tyrants and Rogues Understanding the Declaration of Independence
By Robert G. Parkinson
W.W. Norton & Co. 2026.
Whether you are a historian, simply want to learn more about American history, or need to find more reasons to appreciate the wisdom and thoughtfulness of Thomas Jefferson, it will be to your advantage to get to a book store soon and order Robert Parkinson’s newest book due for publication June 2.
(Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
This West Virginia professor and author of several books explains in great detail, backed up with facts and figures, the real reasons why we as a nation went to war against the tyrants who were doing the work of George III in what was a land foreign to the one in which the King ordered taxation, forbade a court systems to settle differences, and simply invaded pretty much all of the rights of people trying to elect and run their own government where all were represented.
Parkinson did it all simply by researching and explaining each of the 27 reasons Jefferson included in the Declaration that told the King in no uncertain terms specifically why the colonists were fighting to become free and independent.
His research into the lords and leaders of England and their intermarriages and other relationships, along with the impact of all of this on the politics of England and the treatment of the colonists must have taken years of research, compilation of information from numerous sources and an understanding of human nature.
Yet Parkinson did all of that, and still presented his findings in a thoughtful, fascinating and understanding manner that makes a reader feel not only proud of our founding fathers but more aware of the sacrifices and hardships they all faced in taking such powerful action.
The book also helps explain the feuding among Congress members over both major and minor details of the Declaration and the brilliance of Jefferson in explaining every aspect of every detail of every reason why he included each charge against the King in the Declaration.
The book is essential reading, especially as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. It is the only book that takes you through every word of the Declaration, showing what Jefferson wrote in the first place, how his words were challenged, his thoughts questioned and his words changed once all members of the Congress got to read and insert their own questions into his reasoning.
It highlights how minuscule some of the changes were … adding the word “certain instead of inherent, or obstructed instead of suffered, but also shows how intent these 55 men were to ensure the King of England knew clearly this was a country of colonies or states, whichever they wanted to call the 13, that was not going to sit back any longer.
The book is terrific. It simply makes you want to read the Declaration of Independence again and again, word for word, and say a prayer of thanks for the Thomas Jeffersons and John Adams that made it happen.
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The book is essential reading, especially as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. It is the only book that takes you through every word of the Declaration, showing what Jefferson wrote in the first place, how his words were challenged, his thoughts questioned and his words changed once all members of the Congress got to read and insert their own questions into his reasoning.It highlights how minuscule some of the changes were … adding the word “certain instead of inherent, or obstructed instead of suffered, but also shows how intent these 55 men were to ensure the King of England knew clearly this was a country of colonies or states, whichever they wanted to call the 13, that was not going to sit back any longer.The book is terrific. It simply makes you want to read the Declaration of Independence again and again, word for word, and say a prayer of thanks for the Thomas Jeffersons and John Adams that made it happen. The book is essential reading, especially as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. It is the only book that takes you through every word of the Declaration, showing what Jefferson wrote in the first place, how his words were challenged, his thoughts questioned and his words changed once all members of the Congress got to read and insert their own questions into his reasoning.It highlights how minuscule some of the changes were … adding the word “certain instead of inherent, or obstructed instead of suffered, but also shows how intent these 55 men were to ensure the King of England knew clearly this was a country of colonies or states, whichever they wanted to call the 13, that was not going to sit back any longer.The book is terrific. It simply makes you want to read the Declaration of Independence again and again, word for word, and say a prayer of thanks for the Thomas Jeffersons and John Adams that made it happen. The book is essential reading, especially as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. It is the only book that takes you through every word of the Declaration, showing what Jefferson wrote in the first place, how his words were challenged, his thoughts questioned and his words changed once all members of the Congress got to read and insert their own questions into his reasoning.It highlights how minuscule some of the changes were … adding the word “certain instead of inherent, or obstructed instead of suffered, but also shows how intent these 55 men were to ensure the King of England knew clearly this was a country of colonies or states, whichever they wanted to call the 13, that was not going to sit back any longer.The book is terrific. It simply makes you want to read the Declaration of Independence again and again, word for word, and say a prayer of thanks for the Thomas Jeffersons and John Adams that made it happen.
