"The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home." So begins an American standard, first published as a minstrel song, that became dear to the hearts of millions and ultimately was enshrined as the Kentucky Derby's sonic centerpiece—a popular selling point for Kentucky tourism. Emily Bingham's masterful decoding of Stephen Foster's 1853 ballad reveals that the song was always about slavery and how white Americans wanted to remember it. Acknowledging her own entanglement in this legacy, Bingham takes readers on the journey of a melody, from its inception by a white northerner, to its enormous success on the blackface circuit, in recordings by Al Jolson and Bing Crosby, and on the pages of Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind, to its countless screen appearances, including Shirley Temple movies, The Simpsons, and Mad Men. For almost two centuries, "My Old Kentucky Home" has never been just a song—it continues to be a resonant, changing emblem of America's original sin, whose blood-drenched shadow haunts us still. My Old Kentucky Home: The Astonishing Life and Reckoning of an Iconic American Song investigates the tune's hidden history, lodged in the nation's cultural DNA, and ends with a startling solution for what to do with this artifact of race and slavery.

The Rowman family lived in Pennsylvania then moved to Kentucky in 1782.

This lively memoir recounts the story of a determined woman who led a remarkable life in the highest circles of power in both state and national politics. Catherine Conner spent her formative years on a farm named "Solitude," located outside of Bardstown. Her father, who taught her early to ride and swim, told the young woman, "I can't teach you how to be a lady, but I can teach you how to behave like a gentleman." She was weaned on a secret "early breakfast" of bourbon and milk toddies that her father brought to her every morning. Though she enjoyed privilege, Conner also witnessed the harsher sides of rural life. Those experiences markedly shaped the personality of a woman who would become the youngest National Democratic Committeewoman and would subsequently serve in FDR's inner circle. Conner began her political career in Kentucky under the tutelage of J. Dan Talbott of Bardstown, heading the successful effort to have Federal Hill, better known as "My Old Kentucky Home," preserved as a state park, which has now become one of the most popular in Kentucky. When local leaders proved only mildly supportive of the project, Conner devised a campaign in 1921 that raised $45,000 by having schoolchildren all over the state drop their pennies into a cardboard replica of the famous home. She acted as a special assistant to Harry Hopkins for five years, helping set up departments to carry out New Deal programs and lobbying. She befriended many of the shapers of the 20th Century, including Senator Sam Rayburn, A.B. "Happy" Chandler, and Senator Harry Byrd of Virginia. Throughout her life, Conner witnessed remarkable events. She saw the Hindenburg crash, met Amelia Earhart, and had Cary Grant show her how to gut a Thanksgiving turkey.

The 'De La Salle Fifth Reader' by the Christian Brothers is a classic educational text that provides students with a wide range of literary works, including poetry, essays, and short stories. This reader is written in a clear and accessible style, making it ideal for young readers to develop their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. The literature included in this reader reflects the time period it was written in, giving readers a glimpse into the cultural and social context of that era. The book's structured approach to reading and analysis helps students engage with the texts on a deeper level, making it an essential tool for educators seeking to enhance their students' literary knowledge. The Christian Brothers, a religious order dedicated to education, drew upon their experience in teaching to create this educational reader. With a focus on moral and intellectual development, the Christian Brothers aimed to provide students with quality literature that would stimulate their minds and nurture their character. The 'De La Salle Fifth Reader' is a testament to their commitment to providing a well-rounded education for young learners. I recommend the 'De La Salle Fifth Reader' to educators, parents, and students looking to explore a diverse selection of literary works in a structured and engaging format. This reader not only enriches students' literary knowledge but also encourages critical thinking and reflection, making it an invaluable resource for any classroom or home library.