Hillsdale College’s Matthew Spalding Named Finalist for Book of the Year Award
‘The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence’ is a finalist for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute’s Conservative Book of the Year Award.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Matthew Spalding, Kirby Professor in Constitutional Government and Dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale in D.C., has been named a finalist for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute’s Conservative Book of the Year Award. Spalding’s new book, “The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence,” is among the top six contenders for the annual prize.
“The great principles of our nation’s founding are the philosophical mooring of our civilization, and what we should all be aiming to conserve,” Spalding said. “I’m honored that my book telling the Declaration’s story is included on the finalist list.”
“The great principles of our nation’s founding are the philosophical mooring of our civilization, and what we should all be aiming to conserve.”
“The Making of the American Mind” tells the story of the Declaration of Independence, weaving together the meaning of the document with the history and stories of the men who pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to support it.
The prize will recognize a work of nonfiction published this year that advances understanding of conservative principles, makes an outstanding contribution to the literature on its subject, and avoids factional or partisan argumentation. The winning book will be announced on May 1 in Washington, D.C. The winner will receive ISI’s Paolucci Book Award and a $10,000 cash prize.
Multiple past award recipients are affiliated with Hillsdale College:
- Chris Rufo, distinguished fellow, “America’s Cultural Revolution” (2024)
- Dan Mahoney, senior visiting fellow, “The Statesman as Thinker” (2023)
- Victor Davis Hanson, Wayne and Marcia Buske Distinguished Fellow in History, “The Dying Citizen” (2022)
- Wilfred M. McClay, professor of history, “Land of Hope” (2020)
- Bradley J. Birzer, professor of history “Russell Kirk: American Conservative” (2016)