A People’s History of Philadelphia

A People’s History of Philadelphia

by | Aug 22, 2021

Philadelphia Stories: People and Their Places in Early America by C. Dallett Hemphill, edited by Rodney Hessinger and Daniel K. Richter. University of Pennsylvania Press, 2021. Hardcover, 392 pages, $35. Reviewed by Addison Del Mastro Philadelphia Stories: People and...
Free Ride

Free Ride

by | May 9, 2021

Why We Drive: Toward a Philosophy of the Open Road by Matthew Crawford. William Morrow, 2020. Hardcover, 368 pages, $29. Reviewed by Addison Del Mastro “When you ride alone, you ride with Hitler!” So reads a famous American propaganda poster from World War II,...
The Nation’s First Architect

The Nation’s First Architect

by | Apr 5, 2020

Building America: The Life of Benjamin Henry Latrobe by Jean H. Baker. Oxford University Press, 2020. Hardcover, 304 pages, $35. Reviewed by Addison Del Mastro Benjamin Henry Latrobe is, in two ways, not Pierre L’Enfant—he was not, despite his surname, French; and he...
A Timeless History of Public Education

A Timeless History of Public Education

by | Jul 28, 2019

Democracy’s Schools: The Rise of Public Education in America by Johann N. Neem. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2017. Hardcover, 256 pages, $55. Reviewed by Addison Del Mastro Democracy’s Schools is written by Johann Neem, an Indian immigrant brought to America as a...
Americans’ Dignity, and the Nation’s Shame

Americans’ Dignity, and the Nation’s Shame

by | Jun 16, 2019

Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America by Chris Arnade. Sentinel, 2019. Hardcover, 304 pages, $30. Reviewed by Addison Del Mastro It is an understatement to say that Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America, is an important book: it is a must-read. And the...