Here’s a passage that brings historians’ public value to life: “The only way to come to understanding is by knowing the history that has shaped us,” writes Jon Meacham in his evocative, The Soul of America (p. 259). What Meacham asserts is profound. What appears to be new in America’s politics is often anything but. A more likely description, Meacham contends, is that it’s the newest episode of ‘America’s eternal struggle.’ “I’ve wondered why the next generation can’t profit from the generatio...

Ask people why they participate in a book club and you’ll likely hear the words "eye-opening," "engaging," and "worthwhile." Descriptors like those are especially apropos when book clubs seek to deepen citizens’ understanding of public issues. These days civic understanding is under the influence of partisanship and superficiality. An antidote is available when citizens read and discuss books together. A powerful example is an endeavor called "Politics for The People"(P4P). It’s a book club th...