Klan War: Ulysses S. Grant and the Battle to Save Reconstruction by Fergus M. Bordewich

Knopf Review by Brian Tanguay The demise of John W. Stephens is emblematic of the challenge that faced Ulysses S. Grant and the proponents of Reconstruction. In the eyes of…

My Beloved Life: A Novel by Amitava Kumar

Knopf Review by Brian Tanguay During his first year in college, Jadunath Kunwar — Jadu for short — attends a ceremony in honor of Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who along…

Our Ancient Faith: Lincoln, Democracy, and the American Experiment by Allen C. Guelzo

Knopf Review by Brian Tanguay Abraham Lincoln believed that democracy was the single greatest achievement in human history. How Lincoln came to this belief is less well known than other…

The Magic Kingdom by Russell Banks

(Knopf) Review by Brian Tanguay The year is 1971. The place is Florida, south of Orlando. 81-year-old Harley Mann sits on the porch of the house he has lived alone…

The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy by Anand Giridharadas

Review by Brian Tanguay Calling people out for their lack of political awareness or insufficient wokeness isn’t the problem with the political left; the problem is not calling people in.…