"Speaking of America: Great Conversations at the Library of Congress," a new book presenting 19 conversations from philanthropist and financier David M. Rubenstein's long-running Congressional Dialogues series, publishes Oct. 6, the Library of Congress announced.
Since 2013, the series has brought together lawmakers for nonpartisan, off-the-record receptions that feature Rubenstein interviewing a prominent author about a relevant and timely topic. The book makes these 19 conversations available to the public for the first time.
Topics range from art and history to artificial intelligence and more. Highlights include filmmaker Ken Burns describing how he brings history to life, author David Grann discussing his bestseller "The Wager," historians Manisha Sinha speaking on Reconstruction, Beverly Gage exploring J. Edgar Hoover and Michael Beschloss describing wartime presidents.
The book also features authorities from other fields, including physician Siddhartha Mukherjee explaining cancer and cell biology, Admiral William H. McRaven relating his experience hunting for Osama bin Laden, and author Arthur C. Brooks on the search for happiness.
Read together, the conversations build toward a shared message of dialogue, cooperation and the importance of knowledge and reflection, the Library said. The book highlights how the study of history can enrich understanding of current-day challenges in politics and policy.
"David is a standard-bearer for the American spirit of generosity, creativity, and leadership," writes Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen in the foreword.
"The incomparable David Rubenstein once again invites us into conversation," writes President Emerita of Harvard University Drew Gilpin Faust, adding that "delicious consumed individually, the interviews devoured all together constitute a feast." Rice University Professor Douglas Brinkley praised the book as "a dazzling master class in the realm of high-minded public dialogue and discourse."
"Speaking of America" is published by Duke University Press in association with the Library of Congress. It will be available Oct. 6 in hardcover and e-book from the Library of Congress Store and booksellers worldwide.
Rubenstein is the author of several New York Times bestsellers, including "The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency" and "How to Invest: Masters on the Craft." He is co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group and chairman of the boards of the Madison Council of the Library of Congress, the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Gallery of Art, the Economic Club of Washington and the University of Chicago.