I asked the Senate Library to compile a list of ten books they recommend for High School students who are interested in reading more about the Senate, the legislative process, and the history of the Congress.
Ask the librarian at your school or local library if you need help finding any of these books. Happy reading!
by Robert C. Byrd; with a foreword by William E. Leuchtenburg * This book is the current standard history of the U.S. Senate. Its four volumes cover the history of the Senate, classic speeches and historical statistics.
The Senate of the United States: a Bicentennial History
by Richard A. Baker * Richard Baker is the current Senate Historian. His book covers both history and key speeches of the Senate.
First Among Equals: Outstanding Senate Leaders of the Twentieth Century
by Richard A. Baker and Roger H. Davidson * This book contains profiles of key Senators of the twentieth century.
The Senate
by Donald A. Ritchie * Donald Ritchie is the Associate Historian of the Senate. His book was written on the bicentennial anniversary of the Senate.
Books about the House
Forge of Democracy: The House of Representatives
by Neil MacNeil * This book is considered a standard history of the House of Representatives.
The House of Representatives
by Bruce A. Ragsdale * Bruce Ragsdale is the former Assistant House Historian.
Books about the Congress
The Congress [Videotape] * A film by Ken Burns.
The American Heritage History of the Congress of the United States
by Alvin M. Josephy, Jr. * A nicely-illustrated encyclopedic reference book.
The Young Oxford Companion to the Congress of the United States
by Donald A. Richie * An excellent reference book covering many aspects of Congress.
On the Hill: A History of the American Congress
by Alvin M. Josephy, Jr. * Another work by Alvin M. Josephy, Jr.
