Edward Larson - Panel Discussion

WDB Lecture Series

Panel Discussion of American Inheritance: Liberty, Slavery, and Religion in the Birth of a Nation

Featuring Richard Hughes, Edward J. Larson, Christina Littlefield, and J. Christopher Soper

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 | 4 PM | Surfboard Room

American Inheritance: Liberty and Slavery in the Birth of a Nation, 1765-1795 is the newest book by Pulitzer Prize winner Edward J. Larson, professor of history and the Hugh and Hazel Darling chair in law at Pepperdine. The book is a powerful history that reveals how the twin strands of liberty and slavery were joined in the nation’s founding.

Join Pepperdine Libraries in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Seaver College’s W. David Baird Distinguished Lecture Series for a discussion about the central themes in the book – including religion during the American Revolution – by a panel of experts, including:

• Richard Hughes, University Scholar in Residence, Lipscomb University
• Christina Littlefield, Associate Professor of Communication and Religion, Pepperdine University
• J. Christopher Soper, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Pepperdine University

Each panelist will offer their thoughts on the book, followed by Dr. Larson giving his response to these short presentations. The panel will then engage in lively dialogue while taking questions from the audience.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event, and refreshments will be served. Following the discussion, Dr. Larson will sign copies of his book, which will be available for purchase (hardcover, $32.50; RSVP to reserve a copy).

Ed Larson holds the Hugh and Hazel Darling Chair in Law and is University Professor of History at Pepperdine University. With a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a law degree from Harvard, Larson has taught at Stanford Law School, the University of Melbourne, Leiden University, and the University of Georgia. Previously, he served as counsel for the US House of Representatives. Recipient of the Pulitzer Prize in History and numerous other awards, Larson is the author or coauthor of 14 books and more than 100 published articles. His latest book, American Inheritance, was published in 2023.

A popular lecturer, Larson has taught at universities in China, Europe, and South America, and he has made appearances on the Daily Show and the Today Show, along with programs on PBS, the BBC, the History Channel, C-SPAN, CNN, MSNBC, and NPR.