Brian Jay Jones — The Capitol: The Surprising Biography of an American Building - with David O. Stewart — at Conn Ave
Brian Jay Jones presents *The Capitol: The Surprising Biography of an American Building*, an expansive history of the U.S. Capitol and the people who shaped it. Drawing on three centuries of American history, Jones examines the building through architecture, politics, race, popular culture, and the dramatic events connected to it, including political intrigue, assassination attempts, thwarted bombings, and other unusual episodes. The book also highlights the contributions of enslaved people and introduces lesser-known figures alongside prominent names such as George Washington, Davy Crockett, and Ronald Reagan.
Jones will discuss the book with David O. Stewart. The event includes stories about the Capitol’s enduring importance to American life, as well as curious details ranging from ghostly cat prints and bloodstained steps to the “fairy doors” found throughout its history.
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Showtimes: 5:00pm
Venue: Politics and Prose at 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW, 5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
Tickets: Free
Seating: First come, first served.
Featured author: Brian Jay Jones is a bestselling biographer who has written about major creative figures. He studied English at the University of New Mexico and spent more than 20 years as a public policy analyst and speechwriter, including nearly a decade working in the U.S. Senate. He lives in New Mexico.
Conversation partner: David O. Stewart is the author of eleven award-winning and bestselling history books and historical novels. He received the Washington Independent Review of Books’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. He lives in Maryland and is the author of the Overstreet Saga fiction series.
Accessibility: To request accommodations or ask about accessibility, email events@politics-prose.com, ideally at least one week before the event. Requests made closer to the event will also be considered.
Related book: *The Capitol: The Surprising Biography of an American Building* by Brian Jay Jones, a $35 hardcover published June 2, 2026.
Run time: Not provided.