Born Equal: America’s Founding Promise and the Fight for Equality

This book delves into the foundational debates between Hamilton and Jefferson, highlighting how their differing visions for America have shaped the country's political landscape. It explores the lasting implications of their rivalry on American governance and society.

The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, is set in 17th-century Boston and revolves around Hester Prynne, a young woman who is publicly shamed for committing adultery. She is forced to wear a scarlet letter 'A' on her clothing as a symbol of her sin. The novel delves into themes of guilt, sin, redemption, and the strict moral codes of the Puritan community. Hester's husband, Roger Chillingworth, seeks revenge against her lover, Arthur Dimmesdale, a local minister who is wracked with guilt over his secret sin. The story explores the psychological and emotional suffering of the characters, ultimately leading to a dramatic public confession by Dimmesdale and the subsequent consequences for all involved. The novel is a classic moral study and a masterpiece of American literature, critiquing the hypocrisy and rigid moral standards of the Puritan society.

In 'The Broken Constitution', Noah Feldman provides a compelling narrative of Abraham Lincoln's constitutional choices during the Civil War. Feldman argues that Lincoln deliberately violated the founding principles of the U.S. Constitution to save it, transforming it from a compromise pact into a sacred text embodying the nation's highest ideals. The book explores Lincoln's actions, including the suspension of habeas corpus and the Emancipation Proclamation, within the context of his time.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a picaresque novel that follows Huck Finn and Jim, a runaway slave, as they travel down the Mississippi River. The story explores themes of racism, identity, and the moral education of Huck, who learns to see Jim as a human being rather than a slave. Through their adventures, Twain critiques societal norms and the hypocrisy of 'civilized' society.

Moby-Dick is a novel that tells the story of Captain Ahab's maniacal quest for revenge against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. Narrated by Ishmael, the story follows the crew of the whaling ship Pequod as they embark on a journey that explores themes of obsession, man vs. nature, and the existential questions of good and evil. The novel is rich in detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a culturally diverse crew, and it has become a cornerstone of American and world literature.

Published in 1852, 'Uncle Tom’s Cabin' is a seminal work by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicts the harsh realities of slavery in the United States. The novel follows the story of Uncle Tom, a dignified and religious enslaved man, and Eliza, a fugitive slave, among other characters. It highlights the cruelty and injustices of the slave system and the emotional toll on enslaved individuals and their families. The book was a massive success, selling over 300,000 copies in its first year and becoming the second-best-selling book of the 19th century after the Bible. It played a significant role in fueling the abolitionist cause and is credited with influencing public opinion on slavery.

The book begins with the story of Kunta Kinte, a young Mandinka man from The Gambia who is captured by slave traders and sold into slavery in America. It follows the lives of his descendants through seven generations, detailing their experiences under slavery, the Civil War, and the post-war period. The narrative shifts to Alex Haley's first-person account, recounting his own life and the oral traditions passed down through his family. The book is a powerful exploration of slavery, family history, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.