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The Capitol: The Surprising Biography of an American Building
An in-depth exploration of history of the US Capitol building and the incredible personalities who built it, full of dramatic stories, surprising facts, and offering a powerful testament to what the Capitol has meant to generations of Americans, and how it’s endured.
The Capitol is a unique biography of a place, encompassing architecture, history, politics, popular culture, and race in a fascinating exploration of our Capitol's secret history; a history 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 across three centuries of American history, it focuses on iconic and easily recognizable 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 stories of enslaved people and recognizing their contributions.
The story of the Capitol is the story of America itself, and, for the first time, that story will be told in this sweeping, aspirational biography of the building at the very heart of the American experiment.
The Capitol is a unique biography of a place, encompassing architecture, history, politics, popular culture, and race in a fascinating exploration of our Capitol's secret history; a history 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 across three centuries of American history, it focuses on iconic and easily recognizable 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 stories of enslaved people and recognizing their contributions.
The story of the Capitol is the story of America itself, and, for the first time, that story will be told in this sweeping, aspirational biography of the building at the very heart of the American experiment.
463 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Brian Jay Jones
5 books360 followersBrian Jay Jones is the award-winning, bestselling biographer of some of the world's most iconic creative geniuses, from American writer Washington Irving and Muppet master Jim Henson, to Star Wars creator George Lucas and children's writer/artist Dr. Seuss.
Brian's biography of Jim Henson won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Biography of 2013, an honor he still appreciates every day.
A note from Brian: "I've taken a somewhat different tact with this site, starting with a 'day one' approach where l've added books as I purchased and read them, rather than trying to recreate my entire library (apart from a few favorite biographies that I can't resist sticking on the shelf)."
Subnote: I'm also really bad about updating my books. Sorry about that.
Brian's biography of Jim Henson won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Biography of 2013, an honor he still appreciates every day.
A note from Brian: "I've taken a somewhat different tact with this site, starting with a 'day one' approach where l've added books as I purchased and read them, rather than trying to recreate my entire library (apart from a few favorite biographies that I can't resist sticking on the shelf)."
Subnote: I'm also really bad about updating my books. Sorry about that.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 30, 2026
A wonderful, informative history of "the People's building" which made me want to make another trip out to tour it again because now I know more! By turns poignant, head-shaking (all the partisan infighting and outsized egos), moving, and even funny. It was both discouraging and encouraging to hear about all the nutjobs through the years who have attacked people, shot people, threatened to shoot people, planted bombs, etc. etc. in the Capitol--discouraging because duh, but encouraging because not only the building but the government has limped along and survived.
An excellent read for our nation's 250th!
An excellent read for our nation's 250th!
March 15, 2026
The Capitol is a very interesting book that American history lovers will want to add to their TBR list. Author Brian Jay Jones takes the reader on a journey, beginning when Washington, DC was little more than a mud-soaked, barren section of land that would evolve over time to the nation's capital. This is a biography of the Capitol, but unlike a traditional biography the history is detailed through the many individuals responsible for managing, designing, and ultimately building the most recognizable building in the world.
And the collection of individuals is fascinating; you will meet many whose names you have probably never heard of in other history books and articles. There was (and still is) a lot of politics involved in building, maintaining, rebuilding, and modernizing the nation's Capitol over the past 250 years. We learn how different Presidents from Washington to Fillmore to Lincoln to FDR and modern Presidents played a role in helping to develop the Capitol.
The history is told in chunks of time, some comprising a few years, others decades. The book is well-researched and the reader can't help but walk away with a completely different view of the Capitol building. For example, there have been numerous acts of violence in the building beyond the caning of Senator Charles Sumner in the years leading up to the Civil War. People have died in the Capitol, some victims of attacks, others by the hands of the Capitol Police. to protect the Congress and citizens.
You will also learn many fascinating details about the architecture of the building; its furnishings and artwork, the arrival of running water and air conditioning, and many other things we take for granted in the 21st century.
I give the book five stars and recommend it if you are interested in the subject.
My thanks to the author, publisher Dutton, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this new book which will be published to coincide with the 250th birthday of the United States of America.
And the collection of individuals is fascinating; you will meet many whose names you have probably never heard of in other history books and articles. There was (and still is) a lot of politics involved in building, maintaining, rebuilding, and modernizing the nation's Capitol over the past 250 years. We learn how different Presidents from Washington to Fillmore to Lincoln to FDR and modern Presidents played a role in helping to develop the Capitol.
The history is told in chunks of time, some comprising a few years, others decades. The book is well-researched and the reader can't help but walk away with a completely different view of the Capitol building. For example, there have been numerous acts of violence in the building beyond the caning of Senator Charles Sumner in the years leading up to the Civil War. People have died in the Capitol, some victims of attacks, others by the hands of the Capitol Police. to protect the Congress and citizens.
You will also learn many fascinating details about the architecture of the building; its furnishings and artwork, the arrival of running water and air conditioning, and many other things we take for granted in the 21st century.
I give the book five stars and recommend it if you are interested in the subject.
My thanks to the author, publisher Dutton, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this new book which will be published to coincide with the 250th birthday of the United States of America.
September 15, 2026
So interesting. Can’t wait to visit the Capitol. Jones gives us hope. Even as he started this as a response to Jan. 6, he uses the building as a metaphor. It’s been through a lot - explosions, fine moments, and through it all Freedom stands over all.
September 12, 2026
Very informative and interesting story of how the capital building was built and evolved from its inception until now. There are architecturally interesting details, such as the fact that the original design combined Georgian style and Neoclassical styles out of deference to the preferences of Washington for the first and Jefferson for the second. The evolution of the dome from the original wood, Monroe's choice due to concerns about the cost and safety of masonry domes, which could fall as one built by the same architect, Latrobe, had during construction of the Supreme Court , to the current larger masonry dome that was only completed during the Civil War. I found it interesting that the Capitol dome consists of an outer dome buttressed with iron trusses and a smaller inner dome that one looks up at from inside the building.
Another area of interest was the stories it told of the drama that has accompanied the creation and expansion of such an important public work. The conflicts among those who designed and those who had charge of the building were interesting. You also get a smattering of the drama going on inside the building when that drama touches on the building, as when Puerto Rican nationalists fired guns inside the House and injured four people while firing thirty shots, some of which left their mark on the building. There was also the bomb that was set off in the building. In 1998 a gunman, came through the doors and started firing when a metal detector went off, killing two and wounding two. One of those he shot succeeded in hitting him as he lay fatally wounded. The shooter ended up in a mental institution, and the deaths of two policemen led to final authorization of a visitors' center to create one single, safer entrance to the building. The last bit of craziness in the history of the building, the mob invasion of the Capitol in 2020 receives just a brief coverage, a few pages, and so this is not the book for anyone looking to learn more about events on that day.
Also interesting was the discussion of the role that enslaved labor played in building a fair amount of the capitol building. One of the enslaved cast the bronze version of the statute. That is the huge statute that sits atop the capitol dome, and a plaster copy greets visitors in the Visitors Center now. I hadn't realized that the original design for Freedom had Freedom wearing a "liberty cap", a symbol associated with freed slaves, but this was in the years leading up to the Civil War and Freedom was not permitted to flaunt a liberty cap and so a different design was adopted. The book also covers other art works in the building, many of which have interesting histories, too.
Another area of interest was the stories it told of the drama that has accompanied the creation and expansion of such an important public work. The conflicts among those who designed and those who had charge of the building were interesting. You also get a smattering of the drama going on inside the building when that drama touches on the building, as when Puerto Rican nationalists fired guns inside the House and injured four people while firing thirty shots, some of which left their mark on the building. There was also the bomb that was set off in the building. In 1998 a gunman, came through the doors and started firing when a metal detector went off, killing two and wounding two. One of those he shot succeeded in hitting him as he lay fatally wounded. The shooter ended up in a mental institution, and the deaths of two policemen led to final authorization of a visitors' center to create one single, safer entrance to the building. The last bit of craziness in the history of the building, the mob invasion of the Capitol in 2020 receives just a brief coverage, a few pages, and so this is not the book for anyone looking to learn more about events on that day.
Also interesting was the discussion of the role that enslaved labor played in building a fair amount of the capitol building. One of the enslaved cast the bronze version of the statute. That is the huge statute that sits atop the capitol dome, and a plaster copy greets visitors in the Visitors Center now. I hadn't realized that the original design for Freedom had Freedom wearing a "liberty cap", a symbol associated with freed slaves, but this was in the years leading up to the Civil War and Freedom was not permitted to flaunt a liberty cap and so a different design was adopted. The book also covers other art works in the building, many of which have interesting histories, too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my Goodreads page. This fascinating biography of the United States Capitol building is set for release on June 2, 2026.
This work feels destined to become one of the definitive modern accounts not only of the United States Capitol, but also of the early formation of Washington, D.C. The depth of research is immediately apparent, and the author brings to life both the vision and the struggle behind the creation of the nation’s most iconic seat of government. What emerges is not simply a story of a building, but of ambition, conflict, perseverance, and identity.
The book carefully traces the founding of Washington, D.C., while chronicling the more than century-long effort to design, construct, and continually reimagine the Capitol itself—a process that, in many ways, remains ongoing even today. Through this lens, the Capitol becomes a living symbol of the nation: unfinished, evolving, and shaped by the people who pass through its halls.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its storytelling approach. The author weaves together rich anecdotes, little-known historical vignettes, and moments of both triumph and tragedy. Readers will encounter not just architectural milestones, but also stories of pride, ego, political maneuvering, and even the occasional brush with death and violence. These human elements give the narrative energy and texture, elevating it far beyond a traditional architectural history.
Framed largely through the lives and visions of the Capitol’s architects and designers, the book maintains a focused and engaging structure. It manages to be both accessible and substantial—compact in its storytelling, yet dense with meaningful historical insight.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in American history, the founding of the nation, or the enduring symbolism of the Capitol building itself.
This work feels destined to become one of the definitive modern accounts not only of the United States Capitol, but also of the early formation of Washington, D.C. The depth of research is immediately apparent, and the author brings to life both the vision and the struggle behind the creation of the nation’s most iconic seat of government. What emerges is not simply a story of a building, but of ambition, conflict, perseverance, and identity.
The book carefully traces the founding of Washington, D.C., while chronicling the more than century-long effort to design, construct, and continually reimagine the Capitol itself—a process that, in many ways, remains ongoing even today. Through this lens, the Capitol becomes a living symbol of the nation: unfinished, evolving, and shaped by the people who pass through its halls.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its storytelling approach. The author weaves together rich anecdotes, little-known historical vignettes, and moments of both triumph and tragedy. Readers will encounter not just architectural milestones, but also stories of pride, ego, political maneuvering, and even the occasional brush with death and violence. These human elements give the narrative energy and texture, elevating it far beyond a traditional architectural history.
Framed largely through the lives and visions of the Capitol’s architects and designers, the book maintains a focused and engaging structure. It manages to be both accessible and substantial—compact in its storytelling, yet dense with meaningful historical insight.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in American history, the founding of the nation, or the enduring symbolism of the Capitol building itself.
June 22, 2026
The Capitol: The Surprising Biography of an American Building offers a richly detailed and engaging exploration of one of the most symbolically important structures in the United States. Brian Jay Jones takes an innovative approach by treating the US Capitol not just as an architectural landmark, but as a living witness to the nation’s evolving political, cultural, and social history.
One of the most compelling strengths of this work is its scope. By spanning three centuries, the book captures the Capitol’s transformation alongside the development of the American republic itself. From its early construction in Washington, D.C., to its role in major national events, the building becomes a lens through which readers can better understand the broader story of the United States.
The narrative is enriched by the wide range of figures included, from well-known leaders like George Washington to lesser-known individuals whose contributions have often been overlooked. The inclusion of enslaved laborers and their restored histories adds important depth, ensuring that the story of the Capitol is not told in isolation from the human lives that shaped it.
Another notable strength is the book’s attention to the complexities and contradictions embedded in American history. Political intrigue, acts of violence, and moments of national crisis are all woven into the story, reflecting how the Capitol has always been a site of both symbolism and conflict. This layered approach helps readers appreciate the building not just as a government structure, but as a stage where American democracy has continually been tested and redefined.
The blend of architecture, politics, and cultural history makes this work particularly engaging for a broad audience. It is accessible enough for general readers while still offering meaningful insights for those interested in American history, political institutions, and historical architecture.
One of the most compelling strengths of this work is its scope. By spanning three centuries, the book captures the Capitol’s transformation alongside the development of the American republic itself. From its early construction in Washington, D.C., to its role in major national events, the building becomes a lens through which readers can better understand the broader story of the United States.
The narrative is enriched by the wide range of figures included, from well-known leaders like George Washington to lesser-known individuals whose contributions have often been overlooked. The inclusion of enslaved laborers and their restored histories adds important depth, ensuring that the story of the Capitol is not told in isolation from the human lives that shaped it.
Another notable strength is the book’s attention to the complexities and contradictions embedded in American history. Political intrigue, acts of violence, and moments of national crisis are all woven into the story, reflecting how the Capitol has always been a site of both symbolism and conflict. This layered approach helps readers appreciate the building not just as a government structure, but as a stage where American democracy has continually been tested and redefined.
The blend of architecture, politics, and cultural history makes this work particularly engaging for a broad audience. It is accessible enough for general readers while still offering meaningful insights for those interested in American history, political institutions, and historical architecture.
July 24, 2026
Brian Jay Jones takes us on an incredible historical journey of the Capitol's development from the early days of George Washington to present day. This was my first book by Jones and I appreciated his writing style and storytelling throughout. We were introduced to several historical figures, many with complex egos, and given insight into the political and cultural moments that played a role in the architecture and construction of the Capitol building. Jones also does not shy away from the horror and dark moments of American history, such as slavery and indigenous genocide, and the mark they left, not only at the Capitol, but in the generations to come. There were also several moments of humor throughout, such as the initial designs resulting from a competition and Andrew Jackson beating his would-be assassin with his cane after the first ever presidential assassination attempt!
Overall, this book serves as a reminder of why it is so important for us to learn and know our history. There were so many moments where certain patterns or behaviors mirrored those of present-day politicians. There were also several attempts to rewrite history or only focus on certain aspects of it. While reading, I found myself thinking of what different historical figures would think of where things are today. My final thoughts on the history itself are, the Capitol would have gotten done a lot quicker and efficiently if women had been in charge since most of the men involved were only focused on "who could build the bigger dome."
Lastly, thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange of an honest review. I am looking forward to reading more of Jones' work.
Overall, this book serves as a reminder of why it is so important for us to learn and know our history. There were so many moments where certain patterns or behaviors mirrored those of present-day politicians. There were also several attempts to rewrite history or only focus on certain aspects of it. While reading, I found myself thinking of what different historical figures would think of where things are today. My final thoughts on the history itself are, the Capitol would have gotten done a lot quicker and efficiently if women had been in charge since most of the men involved were only focused on "who could build the bigger dome."
Lastly, thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange of an honest review. I am looking forward to reading more of Jones' work.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton, for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
This book does something rare: it respects both the subject and the reader at the same time. I've read many history and civics books that either dumb everything down to the point of uselessness or bury you alive in jargon to prove how smart the author is. This one? Neither. Jones nails the balance so perfectly it almost feels effortless, detailed enough to actually teach you something but accessible enough that you never feel lost or talked down to. What I really appreciated was how the chapters are broken down into a timeline. It lets Jones weave historical events from each period directly into the narrative, so you're not just learning about the Capitol in isolation, you're seeing it in context with everything else happening at the time. That structure gave me so much more clarity on why certain decisions were made and how the building itself reflected the politics and tensions of each era. If walls could talk, this building would have so much to say, and Jones basically did that for us. The Capitol becomes a living character in its own right, witnessing and shaping centuries of American history, and you feel that weight on every page.
This book does something rare: it respects both the subject and the reader at the same time. I've read many history and civics books that either dumb everything down to the point of uselessness or bury you alive in jargon to prove how smart the author is. This one? Neither. Jones nails the balance so perfectly it almost feels effortless, detailed enough to actually teach you something but accessible enough that you never feel lost or talked down to. What I really appreciated was how the chapters are broken down into a timeline. It lets Jones weave historical events from each period directly into the narrative, so you're not just learning about the Capitol in isolation, you're seeing it in context with everything else happening at the time. That structure gave me so much more clarity on why certain decisions were made and how the building itself reflected the politics and tensions of each era. If walls could talk, this building would have so much to say, and Jones basically did that for us. The Capitol becomes a living character in its own right, witnessing and shaping centuries of American history, and you feel that weight on every page.
June 11, 2026
Like the nation it embodies, the Capitol was founded and built on debate and compromise, heated arguments and bruised egos, hurt feelings and loud disagreement–and often violence and chaos. from The Capitol by Brian Jay Jones
It is mindboggling to consider. A brand new country, the first modern democracy, elects to build it’s capital city from scratch. The building that will house this new government was situated on a hill in an area without roads and infrastructure. Over decades, the Capitol was built and rebuilt, destroyed by accidental fires and torched by the enemy. It decayed. The government out grew it. It was expanded.
The Capitol is a work in process, just as the country it stands for is and always has been a work in process.
It’s history includes violence. Slave labor. Feuds and thrashings enacted on the floor of it’s chambers. Gunshots. And infamously, the January 6 siege.
I was enthralled by the stories of the visionary men who made the Capitol as an image of this country.
Thanks to Dutton for a free book through NetGalley.
It is mindboggling to consider. A brand new country, the first modern democracy, elects to build it’s capital city from scratch. The building that will house this new government was situated on a hill in an area without roads and infrastructure. Over decades, the Capitol was built and rebuilt, destroyed by accidental fires and torched by the enemy. It decayed. The government out grew it. It was expanded.
The Capitol is a work in process, just as the country it stands for is and always has been a work in process.
It’s history includes violence. Slave labor. Feuds and thrashings enacted on the floor of it’s chambers. Gunshots. And infamously, the January 6 siege.
I was enthralled by the stories of the visionary men who made the Capitol as an image of this country.
Thanks to Dutton for a free book through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(Note: I received an advanced reader copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley)
I actually am not the greatest fan of books about the histories of buildings, and US history books can admittedly be a very hit-or-miss affair for me. However, I still tentatively gave The Capitol a try since I really enjoyed several of Brain Jay Jones past biographical works (his "Jim Henson: The Biography" is a genuine favorite of mine). When only partway through the first chapter, I found myself very comfortably settled in to the flow, and enjoying myself quite a bit. I was able to learn more about this one single iconic building and the wide cast of those involved in it than I ever thought I would, and not once did I find myself overwhelmed or slogging along. Once again, Jones proves himself an expert at balancing exhaustively researched, detailed, and thorough subject matter and an accessible and readable style to present all of that information.
I actually am not the greatest fan of books about the histories of buildings, and US history books can admittedly be a very hit-or-miss affair for me. However, I still tentatively gave The Capitol a try since I really enjoyed several of Brain Jay Jones past biographical works (his "Jim Henson: The Biography" is a genuine favorite of mine). When only partway through the first chapter, I found myself very comfortably settled in to the flow, and enjoying myself quite a bit. I was able to learn more about this one single iconic building and the wide cast of those involved in it than I ever thought I would, and not once did I find myself overwhelmed or slogging along. Once again, Jones proves himself an expert at balancing exhaustively researched, detailed, and thorough subject matter and an accessible and readable style to present all of that information.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won an uncorrected proofs from goodreads.This book is an interesting history of both the Capitol and parts of US history. The author describes the work done by slaves who were rented to the government to work on the building. Political 'intrigue' and cultural 'sensitivities' played a role in the design and construction of this magnificent edifice. Disputes between architects and superintendents sometimes caused delays. (Egos played a major role.) Artists were given vague descriptions of what was wanted in the art decorating the building. Politicians wanted a certain portrayal of America's history (i.e. rah rah rah) and artists had to comply though they would rather have had a more honest portrayal. The author notes various firsts and discusses damage that occurred from war and explosions. Though an uncorrected proof I found only a few errors in the writing. As one politician has noted: The whole Capitol is a masterpiece.
June 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Fascinating. While I knew pictures of the U.S. Capitol, I had never read into the building’s history. I’m so grateful to have received a copy of this book.
Brian Jay Jones’ ‘The Capitol’ is incredibly detailed, but also easy to read. Never dry, it kept my attention and the pages practically turned themselves. It was the perfect mix of social, political, architectural, and art histories.
Throughout, I found myself stopping to do research. Budget appropriations process. DC assassination attempts. Jackson/Trump parallels. I probably spent as much time on these side quests as actually reading the book. I am now especially obsessed with both Minton tiles and Aquia sandstone.
If you appreciate history, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. However, even if you don’t, I think you should consider reading. Every American needs to know this story.
Fascinating. While I knew pictures of the U.S. Capitol, I had never read into the building’s history. I’m so grateful to have received a copy of this book.
Brian Jay Jones’ ‘The Capitol’ is incredibly detailed, but also easy to read. Never dry, it kept my attention and the pages practically turned themselves. It was the perfect mix of social, political, architectural, and art histories.
Throughout, I found myself stopping to do research. Budget appropriations process. DC assassination attempts. Jackson/Trump parallels. I probably spent as much time on these side quests as actually reading the book. I am now especially obsessed with both Minton tiles and Aquia sandstone.
If you appreciate history, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. However, even if you don’t, I think you should consider reading. Every American needs to know this story.
July 25, 2026
The Capitol building is one of Americas most famous and enduring buildings, and after being in the building many times you come to appreciate it. Brian Jay Jones captures that same love and affection America has for this building very beautifully and weaves in the accidental history of its expansions, artistic explosion, and its rising importance in America.
The only thing I would have liked to see more would be a little further discussion on the underground expansions of the building and some further history of the House and Senate office buildings.
Overall, a very well done book that explores the fascinating history of this iconic building.
The only thing I would have liked to see more would be a little further discussion on the underground expansions of the building and some further history of the House and Senate office buildings.
Overall, a very well done book that explores the fascinating history of this iconic building.
September 1, 2026
The Capitol offers a fascinating way to experience American history by treating one of the country's most recognizable buildings as a living story. I especially enjoyed the way architecture, politics, race, conflict, and forgotten personal histories come together around the Capitol.
An absorbing choice for readers who love American history and discovering the surprising stories hidden behind iconic places.
An absorbing choice for readers who love American history and discovering the surprising stories hidden behind iconic places.
August 18, 2026
Exceptional read! Having worked in The Capitol running the "Senators Only" elevator, Brian hits a Grand Slam. The history, the beauty, the magnificence, was so right on target. Every American must visit, after all it's our gift to ourselves. Outstanding piece of writing and development that will awe any reader and support those trivia pursuits with a never ending tale.
June 17, 2026
Politics was the same then as it is now! After reading this detailed history I would definitely see the building very differently and be more interested in the small almost hidden in meaning details.
July 7, 2026
An interesting read, not sterile and lifeless like so easily can happen when dispensing of historical facts. America's Capitol designed on a quick and immediate basis. Not by our best. Nor our proven. Not even with physical plans. Quick and immediate. And it only gets worse from there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2026
Great story of a building of countless stories
Fantastic read and unpacking of the history of one of the greatest buildings in the world. Keep as a great reference as well!
Fantastic read and unpacking of the history of one of the greatest buildings in the world. Keep as a great reference as well!
July 13, 2026
not my jazz
September 7, 2026
I learned a lot about the Capitol building and all of the men who worked on it for over 200 years!
September 19, 2026
Good history book, not too deep, which was good for me.
July 7, 2026
This was a bit different from my usual reading taste (as mostly a fantasy reader that doubles now and then in science and history books), but I'm so glad I gave it a chance. I learned a ton about the history and significance of the Capitol, and it offered plenty of details that kept me engaged.
I was especially interested to learn that the Capitol's history includes everything from enslaved labor during its construction (waaaaay more than I would have thought) to fires, bombings, and many major renovations over the centuries—it really has witnessed so much of American history. At some point, I will have to do a second pass. Thanks to the publisher and Goodreads for the free giveaway copy!
I was especially interested to learn that the Capitol's history includes everything from enslaved labor during its construction (waaaaay more than I would have thought) to fires, bombings, and many major renovations over the centuries—it really has witnessed so much of American history. At some point, I will have to do a second pass. Thanks to the publisher and Goodreads for the free giveaway copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars. You think you know one of our most iconic buildings, and then you find out, nope, there's a lot more to the Capitol than I would have guessed, and I'm a HUGE nerd both with history and architecture. One of the things that made this book especially good was that the building became a very vivid character, along with all the men and women who make up its history.
I'm tempted to rate this book 4.5 stars rounded up to five, but I wish it had spoken in more depth about the enslaved people that made this building possible. I also wish more visual information had been given. I understand that would make a book more expensive, but when you're talking about the evolution of a building such as this, I would have appreciated more visual architectural and cartographic context.
I'm tempted to rate this book 4.5 stars rounded up to five, but I wish it had spoken in more depth about the enslaved people that made this building possible. I also wish more visual information had been given. I understand that would make a book more expensive, but when you're talking about the evolution of a building such as this, I would have appreciated more visual architectural and cartographic context.
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