Eve Gerber

As part of our series on American progressivism, journalist and author Franklin Foer discusses the genesis of liberalism and how the American Civil War remade politics.

The author who gave us The Happiness Project passes on tips for happier living, with a little help from Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin and a nun with humour on her mind.

The head of USAID says ending poverty is within our grasp, and explains why development and a flair for business can be a happy combination

From the annexation of Texas to the UN’s Commission on Human Rights, first ladies have played a key role in the history of the United States. Historian Carl Sferrazza Anthony recommends five engaging books about the tumultuous lives of some of the country’s first ladies.

Harvard economist Edward Glaeser chooses the best books on the economics of cities, from Chicago’s life story to how urban transport shaped New York.

The author of the self-satirising memoir on ambitious “tiger mothers” talks us through the books about motherhood that have made the most impact on her.

John Thorn, the official historian for Major League Baseball, explains how America’s national pastime has been culturally transformative, even radicalising. He recommends the best books on baseball.

The legendary American critic, Andrew Sarris, sounds off on auteurism, his own career and the value of the traditional film-writing canon over internet innovations such as IMDB. He picks the best books on film criticism.

Harvard economist Richard Freeman recommends the best books to get an understanding of the history and theory of labour unions.