In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

I recently spoke with Michael Auslin, historian at the Hoover Institution. His new book, National Treasure: How the Declaration of Independence Made America, tells the surprisingly gripping biography of the original parchment and how it shaped American history. It is one of the best books on American history you will read this year.