The Gun, the Ship, and the Pen

The Gun, the Ship, and the Pen explores the global history of written constitutions from the 1750s to the 20th century, revealing their crucial role in shaping political, cultural, and wartime histories across six continents. Linda Colley reexamines well-known documents while uncovering marginalized ones, highlighting surprising contributors and lesser-known sites, such as Corsica and Pitcairn Island. The book emphasizes how constitutions crossed boundaries, influenced empires and nations, and intertwined with cultural developments like print and literature, offering a broad and original perspective on their significance.