Education
Inspiring Our Youth to Learn
‘A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-First Century’ By Oliver DeMilleThis first volume of the Leadership Education Library explores the basis of the Founding Fathers’ education: the classics and mentoring. For those eyeing homeschooling and for teachers seeking inspiration, this book provides a method for challenging our youth.
History
Weaponry of the Dark Ages
‘Post-Roman Kingdoms: ‘Dark Ages’ Gaul & Britain, AD 450–800’ By Raffaele D'Amato and Andrea SalimbetiWhen the Goths sacked Rome in A.D. 410, it marked the end of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of what became known as the Dark Ages. There are countless books on the subject, but Raffaele D’Amato and Andrea Salimbeti write less about the kingdoms and leaders that arose during the late Roman world and more about the armies that fought for those kingdoms and what they fought with, such as wardrobe and weaponry. For such a short work, it isn’t short on sources from the ancient to the modern world.
A Real Crime-Fighting Hero
‘Gangbuster: One Man’s Battle Against Crime, Corruption, and the Klan’ By Alan PrendergastIf anyone is looking for a new American hero, Alan Prendergast’s March release “Gangbuster” has identified one: Philip S. Van Cise. With a gift for true crime narratives, Prendergast tells the story of the fearless and methodical Denver district attorney, who, in the post-World War I era, eventually rounded up “Big Con” artists and brought them to justice. Then, the hero fought another onslaught of injustice: the rise of the Ku Klux Klan—a topic well explored in a fascinating history.
Biography
The Visionary Buckminster Fuller
‘Inventor of the Future: The Visionary Life of Buckminster Fuller’ By Alec Nevala-LeeWithout a doubt, Buckminster Fuller was a brilliant man. In a new biography of the relentless inventor-architect-designer, he is presented as one of the 20th century’s most brilliant people. But the book calls into question how much of his brilliance was real and how much of it was showmanship. Part inspiration, part disenchantment, this biography examines the clash between the promise of the future and the reality of the present.
Wellness
Spotlight on Relationships
‘The Good Life: Lessons From the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness’ By Robert Waldinger, M.D. and Marc Schulz, Ph.D.This ongoing study, based on research by the Harvard Study of Adult Development, began in 1938. It now includes three generations and 1,300 descendants of the original 724 participants. The main takeaway: Those who are connected to family, friends, and community are happier and healthier. Sound advice for our era of loneliness.
Classics
A Guide to Solace
‘How to Grieve: An Ancient Guide to the Lost Art of Consolation’ Written by Marcus Tullius Cicero; translated by Michael FontaineCapturing the spirit of Roman statesman Cicero’s “Consolation,” Michael Fontaine’s translation provides wisdom on how to grieve and how to think about death, tragedy, and other misfortunes. One of the recent editions from Princeton University Press’s ongoing series “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers,” this excellently researched work is based on a recreation of the lost original, which was likely written in response to the death of Cicero’s daughter. It presents solace in a philosophy that balances grieving and stoicism.
For Kids
From Rags to Respectability
‘Ragged Dick’ By Horatio Alger Jr.Resourceful “Ragged Dick” is a 14-year-old living on the streets of New York in the 1860s, but his honesty leads him to a better life. Alger’s once-popular books show that a virtuous character and a willingness to learn and work hard can lead to success.
Waiting Without Boredom
‘Patrick Picklebottom and the Longest Wait’ By Mr. JayIn this second book about Patrick Picklebottom, the protagonist arrives early for the library’s storybook hour. Time goes by really s-l-o-w-l-y until he learns that he can entertain himself, in this story that shows children they need never be bored.
