In the face of an increasingly tumultuous political landscape, Random House Publisher Andrew Ward and his team of staff editors recently gathered to discuss potential book projects, and as expected, the conversation inevitably shifted to current events, particularly surrounding the Trump administration. The editorial team agreed that the time had come to look back at the core documents that form the bedrock of American governance and democracy. Ward, reflecting on the need for a timely publication, said, “It seemed obvious that we needed to look back to the country’s core documents, and we wanted to get them out quickly.”
As a result of this brainstorming session, Random House made an important announcement on Wednesday that will likely resonate with many who are seeking clarity and understanding in today’s increasingly polarized world. The publisher revealed plans to release two major volumes in the coming months: a hardcover edition of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, set to be published in July, and a hardcover edition of the Federalist Papers in November. Both books will feature introductions by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham, who is renowned for his biographies of key figures in American history, including Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson.
The decision to publish these foundational texts through Random House’s Modern Library imprint comes at a time when interest in the country’s key political documents has surged dramatically. According to Circana, a company that tracks about 85% of the print retail market, editions of these essential texts are selling at the fastest pace seen in nearly two decades. In fact, more than 162,000 combined copies of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Federalist Papers have been sold by mid-April, compared to just 58,000 in the same period the year prior and a mere 33,000 in 2023. The numbers have eclipsed those seen during the early months of Trump’s first term, when sales were around 92,000 in early 2017, a clear indication of the heightened demand for works that explore and explain the foundations of American democracy.
This surge in sales isn’t just a coincidence. Brenna Connor, a book industry analyst at Circana, suggested that the spike in interest could be directly linked to the recent shift in political dynamics, specifically referencing the change in administration. She noted that there has been a broader movement of interest in books about democracy, governance, and American history in general. Works like Timothy Snyder’s “On Tyranny” and the Michael Lewis-edited “Who Is Government?”, a collection of essays about civil servants, are examples of other works that have garnered attention as people seek a deeper understanding of the systems that govern their lives.
For Meacham, whose extensive experience in studying American history makes him a trusted voice, the recent shift in political climate provides an opportunity to reflect on the very documents that helped shape the United States. He explained during a recent phone interview with The Associated Press that the Founding Fathers were in a similarly uncertain moment when they crafted these essential texts. Whether they were challenging British rule and declaring independence or debating how to form a federal government strong enough to govern effectively but without the kind of monarchical power that had fueled their anger, the founders were grappling with the kind of “tribulations” of their time that seem eerily familiar today. “It is a tumultuous moment… to put it kindly,” Meacham said, referring to the current political climate. “One way to address the chaos of the present time… is to re-engage with the essential texts that are about creating a system that is still worth defending.”
Meacham’s insights serve as a reminder of why these documents are still important today. By engaging with the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers, Meacham believes that Americans can find grounding principles and ideas that have endured for more than two centuries. These texts, written in times of great uncertainty, remain relevant because they speak to universal concepts such as justice, liberty, and the separation of powers. They offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges of governance, even in today’s highly charged political environment.
However, Meacham’s efforts are far from the only initiative trying to bring these foundational texts to the forefront of public conversation. In fact, the Modern Library books will face significant competition from other publishers who have also recognized the surge in demand for editions of the Declaration of Independence and The Federalist Papers. Popular editions have already been released by Skyhorse, Penguin, and Barnes & Noble, all of which have capitalized on the growing interest in these works. Despite the availability of free online versions of these texts, the print editions have continued to sell well, suggesting that people are not only interested in the content but are also seeking high-quality physical copies to keep and reference.
In particular, Shannon DeVito, Senior Director of Book Strategy at Barnes & Noble, noted that the surge in sales of these political texts tends to coincide with election cycles. DeVito also pointed out that this year’s surge might also be fueled by the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, which will likely bring even more attention to these foundational texts. The current political climate, with its rapid and often controversial changes, has also played a significant role in driving interest in works that offer insights into the country’s political origins.
It’s clear that books like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Federalist Papers offer more than just a historical perspective. In these contentious times, they provide a lens through which we can examine the principles that continue to define American democracy. With 2026 marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the timing of these publications could not be more ideal. As Americans look back on the nation’s founding principles, they are also examining the current state of the republic and asking what has changed and what must be preserved.
The upcoming publications from Random House will certainly face competition in the market, but their collaboration with Jon Meacham—a historian with an impeccable reputation—sets these editions apart. Meacham’s thoughtful introductions are expected to add significant value to the texts, providing readers with a contemporary understanding of these historical documents. The historian’s unique perspective and ability to draw connections between the past and the present will offer readers much-needed context as they engage with the core documents that continue to shape American society.
As the country approaches the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and as political debates continue to dominate public discourse, the need for a deeper understanding of these foundational texts becomes even more urgent. The decision to publish these works by Random House will play a significant role in fostering that understanding. Whether it’s students, educators, or citizens interested in gaining a better grasp of the principles that founded the nation, these books will serve as an invaluable resource.
In conclusion, the release of these essential political texts by Random House, with the expert commentary of Jon Meacham, comes at a pivotal time in American history. The public’s renewed interest in these works reflects a desire for clarity and understanding in the face of political uncertainty. As people grapple with questions of governance, democracy, and the future of the republic, returning to the core documents that shaped the nation provides an opportunity to reconnect with the principles that continue to guide American democracy. These editions, despite facing competition, will no doubt be an essential resource for anyone looking to engage with the foundational texts of the United States in a meaningful way.
