The Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies will host a book talk by Richard A. Baker, Historian Emeritus of the United States Senate on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. Baker will discuss his most recent publication, The American Senate: An Insider’s History, which he co-wrote with the late Neil MacNeil, Time Magazine’s longtime chief congressional correspondent.

Baker was appointed the Senate’s first official historian in 1975. He held that post until his retirement in 2009. Baker has produced a number of historical works, including 200 Notable Days: Senate Stories 1787 to 2002 and Traditions of the United States Senate. He assisted Senator Robert C. Byrd with The Senate, 1789-1989.

The American Senate, charts the historical evolution of Congress’ upper house, focusing on the key individuals, conflicts, and events that have shaped and transformed it into the body it is today. The book clearly contextualizes and examines the Senate’s various eras, explores the Senate’s many run-ins with the presidency, explains its various powers and duties, and sheds light on its unique culture, all the while bringing to life famous and little-known Senators alike.

Deemed “the best history of the Unites States Senate ever written,” by the acclaimed political historian William E. Leuchtenburg, The American Senate has generated critical and popular reviews since its publication earlier this year.

The event will take place in the Robert C. Byrd Center for Legislative Studies auditorium on the campus of Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, WV. A book signing and reception with light refreshments will follow the talk. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information on this event, please contact Mr. Jody Brumage at 304-876-5702 or jbrumage@shepherd.edu.