Robert G. Parkinson —Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence - with Lindsay M. Chervinsky — at The Wharf

Historian Robert G. Parkinson presents a novel interpretation of the Declaration of Independence, arguing that the document's core was not its famous preamble but the twenty‑seven specific grievances against King George III. In his book *Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence*, Parkinson recovers the forgotten people, conflicts, and immediate wartime pressures that drove the patriots to break with Britain, and he shows how the issues that alarmed colonists in 1776 resonate today. He will be joined in conversation by presidential historian Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky, executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon and author of award‑winning works on early American presidencies. The discussion will take place at Politics and Prose at The Wharf on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

When: Friday, July 31, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets: This event is free and seating is first come, first served.

Lineup: Robert G. Parkinson, professor of history at Binghamton University and author of *The Common Cause*, *Thirteen Clocks*, and *Heart of American Darkness*, in conversation with Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky, presidential historian and executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon, author of *Making the Presidency*, *The Cabinet*, and co‑editor of *Mourning the Presidents*.

Venue: Politics and Prose at The Wharf, 610 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024.

Accessibility: To request accommodations or inquire about accessibility, email events@politics‑prose.com ideally one week before the event; every effort will be made to accommodate requests up to the event time.

Note: The event is free, but the featured book *Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence* (hardcover, $31.99, ISBN 9781324124542, published June 9, 2026) is available for purchase at the bookstore.