This slim novel was published anonymously in 1880, but it's hard to imagine who besides Henry Adams could have written it. Its tableau of Gilded Age character types demonstrates deep insider intimacy with elevated political and social circles just as does its sophisticated writing and tone.
It is th

This novel is the "Primary Colors" of the nineteenth century; it was published anonymously in 1880 and was quite controversial because of its less-than-veiled portrayals of several contemporary politicians. Upon his death in 1918, Henry Adams's publisher announced that Adams had penned the book. It'

for democracy, rightly understood, is the government of the people, by the people, for the benefit of Senators.

I don't really have much to say here tbh, I can't say I enjoyed this book, I can't even say I'll remember it come tomorrow. I thought I would be reading some kind of gripping political

I read this book becuase John Dickerson of the Slate Political Gabfest recommended it as one of the best books about Washington D.C. ever written. Having read it, I think he's right. Although the book takes place in teh 1870's, much of the book feels surprisingly current. The story has absolutely no

A novel published anonymously by historian Henry Adams in the 1880's, this portrait of deal-making and corruption in Washington seems almost contemporary. In addition, the novel features an interesting and admirable protagonist: Mrs. Lightfoot Lee, a New York stockbroker's young widow, who wishes to