From The Potomac, ars poetica: Gregg Mosson on a case for American political poetry and on Janus-faced optimism: America’s inaugural poetry. From TPM, examples of anti-mosque protests in all corners of the country: it's not just new mosque construction that angers the right — even the idea of Muslims reusing existing, non-mosque-looking buildings seems to be a step too far for many Americans. A review of American Christians and Islam by Thomas S. Kidd. Nick Rosen on his book Off The Grid: Inside the Movement for More Space, Less Government, and True Independence in Modern America. From Ralph, a review of U. S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth by Joan Waugh; and a review of Early Stone Houses of Kentucky by Carolyn Murray-Wooley. A review of Capture the Flag: A Political History of American Patriotism by Woden Teachout. Culture club: Does the nation’s culture need federal protection? An interview with Eric Jay Dolin, author of Fur, Fortune, and Empire: The Epic History of the Fur Trade in America (and more and more and more). The Reds and the Blues, it's time for a divorce: An expanded proposal to divide America into two countries. From Preservation, an article on America's eleven most endangered historic places; and Biltmore behind the scenes: How many caretakers does it take to keep one of America’s grandest houses humming? From Paste, Josh Jackson on 50 new state songs for the 21st century.
