New Book Announcement - John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Founding of America

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Aug. 17, 2026 - PRLog -- The University Press of Kansas announces the publication of a major new collection, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and the Founding of America edited by Lee Ward and Michael P. Zuckert. Examining the lives, ideas, and enduring influence of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson on the bicentennial of their deaths, this book brings together an esteemed group of scholars of the early American republic, and offers a timely reassessment of two of the nation's most consequential founders as the United States.

Adams and Jefferson died within hours of one another on July 4, 1826—exactly fifty years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, a document both men helped shape. Their parallel lives and complicated friendship have long occupied a central place in American political and intellectual history. Two centuries later, debates surrounding democracy, constitutional government, civic virtue, religion, education, and slavery continue to draw Americans back to the ideas and contradictions embodied by these two figures.

Beginning with an introduction by distinguished historian Gordon Wood, the collection assembles leading scholars to explore the philosophical disagreements and shared commitments that defined the Adams-Jefferson relationship. Essays examine their presidencies, their competing visions of democracy and republicanism, and their views on science, religion, and education. The volume also addresses difficult and enduring questions concerning slavery, inequality, and the meaning of natural aristocracy in the American founding tradition.

Published at a moment of renewed national reflection on the founding of America, the volume contributes to ongoing conversations about the nation's identity, institutions, and democratic ideals.

Key Features & News Angles

• Bicentennial Commemoration: Marks 200 years since the deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson on July 4, 1826, exactly fifty years after the Declaration of Independence.
• Timely National Relevance: Published in advance of the 250th anniversary of the United States, connecting founding-era debates to contemporary discussions about democracy and national identity.
• Leading Scholars of the Early Republic: Features original essays from many of the most respected historians and political theorists studying the American founding.
• Explores Enduring Constitutional Questions: Examines competing visions of democracy, republican government, civic virtue, religion, education, and executive leadership. Addresses Difficult Historical Legacies: Confronts controversial issues including slavery, inequality, and the concept of natural aristocracy in the founding era.
• Unique Literary Contribution: Concludes with a three-act play dramatizing the complex intellectual and personal relationship between Adams and Jefferson.

Learn more about the book here: https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700642717/