A.J. Jacobs, "The Year of Living Constitutionally"

Main Point Books, Radnor Memorial Library, and Radnor Historical Society welcome A.J. Jacobs and his new book, "The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning."

This event will happen at the Radnor Memorial Library in the Winsor Room. It is free, with reservations requested via Eventbrite. Walk-ins are welcome as long as seats are available. Books may be purchased in advance through Eventbrite or the store's website; after the event, signed books can be picked up at the store or mailed within the U.S.

About The Book

In The Year of Living Constitutionally, A.J. Jacobs tries to get inside the minds of the Founding Fathers by living as closely as possible to the original meaning of the Constitution. He asserts his right to free speech by writing his opinions on parchment with a quill and handing them out to strangers in Times Square. He consents to quartering a soldier, as is his Third Amendment right. He turns his home into a traditional 1790s household by lighting candles instead of using electricity, boiling mutton, and—because women were not allowed to sign contracts— feebly attempting to take over his wife’s day job, which involves a lot of contract negotiations.

The book blends unforgettable adventures—delivering a handwritten petition to Congress, applying for a Letter of Marque to become a legal pirate for the government, and battling redcoats as part of a Revolutionary War reenactment group—with dozens of interviews from constitutional experts from both sides. Jacobs dives deep into originalism and living constitutionalism, the two rival ways of interpreting the document.

About the Author

A.J. Jacobs is a journalist, lecturer, and human guinea pig who has written four bestselling books—including “Drop Dead Healthy” and “The Year of Living Biblically”—that blend memoir, science, humor, and a dash of self-help. A contributor to NPR, “The New York Times,” and “Esquire,” among other media outlets, Jacobs lives in New York City with his family.

Host or Publisher Main Point Books