The House: The History of the U.S. House of Representatives

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Historian Robert V. Remini discussed his recently published book, "The House: The History of the U.S. House of Representatives." Remini's single-volume history traces the development of the House of Representatives from a struggling, nascent body to the venerable powerhouse it has become over the past two centuries. The history is told through the lens of America's first through 108th federal Congresses--from the House's origins in 1789 in a chamber in New York reserved for 65 male members drawn from the elite of the founding 13 states to today's heterogeneous body of 435 located in Washington. The struggle between principle and pragmatism is showcased through the many colorful personalities who have made the institution what it is today. The House Awareness and Preservation Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-99) directed the Library of Congress to commission and oversee the first comprehensive narrative history of the U.S. House of Representatives for the general reader, under the oversight of the Committee on House Administration. Congress intended the book to foster an appreciation for the institution of the House, not only for the general public but also for current and future members of the House. In response to the bipartisan passage of this legislation, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington appointed Robert V. Remini as distinguished visiting scholar of American history in the Library's John W. Kluge Center in order to research and write this book.

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Library of Congress, in Library of Congress: talks and concerts

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Rights statement at the Library of Congress, as the Library of Congress states it.

Credit

Library of Congress

Language

English

Country

United States

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