The Declaration of Arbroath, 6 April, 1320, is one of the most remarkable documents to have been produced anywhere in medieval Europe. Quoted by many, understood by few, its historical significance has now almost been overtaken by its mythic status. Since 1998, the US Senate has claimed that the American Declaration of Independence is modeled upon 'the inspirational document' of Arbroath, and 6 April is celebrated annually as a day of national significance to all Americans, especially those of Scottish descent. To date, such claims have not been the subject of scholarly investigation; this is the first book-length study to examine the origins of the Declaration and the ideas upon which it drew, while tracing the rise of its mystic status in Scotland and exploring its possible impact upon Revolutionary America.

Edward Cowan is an Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies in Dumfries. Until 2009 he was Professor of Scottish History and Director of the Crichton Campus.He has written widely on the history of Viking Scotland, early modern Scottish political thought, Scottish popular culture and Scottish emigration history. He lives in Glasgow.