What are you reading now?

[L Verge]

I spent a lot of this weekend reading a new book by Jefferson Morley entitled "Snow-Storm in August." It is a factual account of a little-known race riot that occurred in Washington City in 1835. It involved the widow of William Thornton, architect of the Capitol, one of the first and finest black restauranteurs in the city, and Francis Scott Key.

I always enjoy reading about the history of Washington, its society, culture, intrigues, etc. Having grown up ten miles from downtown, I am very familiar with many of the places mentioned. This book, however, is giving me a good insight into the growing abolitionist movement, the role of the free blacks in the fight for freedom, Jacksonian politics (in terms I can understand), and the man - Francis Scott Key, himself. I have to admit that I never realized his role in our government.