Exploring the Past: A History Book Club

The History Book Club will read and discuss history books in a friendly, casual, and inquisitive setting. Selected titles will explore history at the civilizational level (Persia and China) and at the personal, biographical level (FDR). No prior knowledge or expertise is expected, just a curiosity about other times and places. While not a comprehensive or exhaustive study of history, the course is meant to open our imaginations to past events—both as fascinating stories in their own right and as ways to better understand our present and future. We welcome all students, whether you’re well-versed in history or simply curious about why it’s worth reading. In September and October, we begin with surveys of Persia (Persians: The Age of the Great Kings by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones) and China (China: A History by John Keay). November and December will bring us a focus on one lengthy biography of FDR (Traitor to His Class by H.W. Brands), split across the final two sessions. Students can find these books at the Free Library of Philadelphia, or local bookshops.