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The Capitol : the surprising biography of an American building / Brian Jay Jones.

Athenaeum of Philadelphia - Circulating Collection NA4411 .J66 2026
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Format:
Book
Author/Creator:
Jones, Brian Jay, author.
Contributor:
Penguin Random House, publisher.
Language:
English
Subjects (All):
United States Capitol (Washington, D.C.)--History.
United States Capitol (Washington, D.C.).
Public buildings--United States.
Public buildings.
Political science--United States--History.
Political science.
Architecture--United States--History.
Architecture.
United States--Capital and capitol--History.
United States.
Genre:
Illustrated works.
Physical Description:
vi, 451 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations (some color), map ; 24 cm.
Other Title:
Surprising biography of an American building
Place of Publication:
New York : Dutton, [2026]
Summary:
"A unique biography of a place, encompassing architecture, history, politics, popular culture, and race in a fascinating exploration of our Capitol's secret past, one rife with political intrigue, assassination attempts, thwarted bombings, and gunmen on the run. Never mind ghostly cat prints, mysteriously bloodstained steps, and charming 'fairy doors' that have delighted visitors for hundreds of years. Spanning three centuries of American history, the book focuses on iconic and notable names and personalities from the past--from George Washington to Davy Crockett to Ronald Reagan--as well as countless colorful characters readers may not have heard of before, with a focus on restoring the narratives of enslaved people and recognizing their contributions"-- Provided by publisher.
Contents:
Grandeur, simplicity, and beauty 1790-1794
A durable and honorable monument of our infant republic 1795-1812
A melancholy spectacle 1814-1817
Solidity to grandeur 1817-1828
A magnificent palace 1828-1850
One harmonious structure 1850-1854
A very perfect thing 1854-1856
A beauty and genuine success 1856-1863
The finest building in the world 1863-1915
A masterpiece 1917-1998
Irresponsibility and madment 1998-present.
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 398-424) and index.
Local Notes:
Athenaeum copy: Albert M. Greenfield Memorial Fund.
ISBN:
9780593185001
0593185005
OCLC:
1593771806

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