Danielle Allen, a renowned political philosopher and Harvard University Professor, has shed new light on the intertwined histories of British and American revolutionary movements in her latest book, *Radical Duke: How One Aristocrat — and the American Revolution — Transformed Britain*. The work focuses on Charles Lennox, the third Duke of Richmond, a prominent 18th-century British aristocrat who notably supported American independence as well as democratic reforms within Britain itself.

Allen’s research reveals the duke’s significant role beyond traditional historical narratives. Previously known for her studies on democracy from ancient Greece to modern America, Allen’s latest findings highlight Richmond’s collaboration with key revolutionary figures, including Thomas Paine. In uncovering documents in the duke’s library, Allen discovered evidence that Richmond worked closely with Paine on *The Letters of Junius*, a series of anonymous pamphlets that articulated the rights of man during a period of political upheaval. This challenges Paine’s own assertion that he had not written before arriving in America, marking a substantial revision of established historical understandings.

The duke’s support extended to Republican ideals within Britain, promoting democratizing efforts that mirrored those on the other side of the Atlantic. Allen emphasizes that the political struggle of the era was not simply a binary conflict between America and Britain, but rather between advocates of freedom and concentrated executive power present in both societies. This perspective complicates the traditional portrayal of the American Revolution as a clear-cut opposition to British rule, instead suggesting a transatlantic movement united by shared concerns over liberty and governance.

Allen’s work also draws connections between the radical political ideas of the 18th century and earlier philosophical traditions. She points out that many arguments found in the Junius letters parallel concepts that emerged in ancient Athens, underscoring a longstanding intellectual legacy in the fight for individual rights.

The release of *Radical Duke* coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adding a nuanced layer to commemorations by highlighting overlooked actors and affiliations that shaped revolutionary thought on both sides of the Atlantic. Allen’s research, which began with a 2017 discovery of a previously unknown ceremonial parchment of the Declaration in West Sussex, continues to redefine the complexities surrounding the revolution’s history.

Allen is scheduled to present her findings during a reading event at Harvard Book Store on Monday, July 20.