Under the Dome
The View from the Center of American Democracy with Capitol Hill's Source for News
CQ Roll Call boasts more than sixty years of covering politics in Washington, and no shortage of talented photographers have plied their trade there. That’s evident in Under the Dome, which collects an enjoyable variety of photos from inside the Capitol and on its grounds. This is a well-curated collection with plenty of memorable shots.
In contrast to most current books addressing politics, Under the Dome feels like a throwback to slightly more collegial times. It focuses on the Capitol as a place of awe and of moments both historic and mundane. One solemn section looks at funerals, from Rosa Parks lying in state, to representatives of both parties wearing leis in honor of the deceased Rep. Mark Takai, to a black-and-white shot of Richard Nixon at Lyndon Johnson’s casket. Another section captures government officials and staffers on days of terror: evacuating on 9/11; standing in line to be checked after a possible anthrax attack; reacting to the shooting of a trespasser by police.
Along with those images, the book is full of happier ones, with plenty of photos of politicians with their children, grandchildren, or pets. Clever protests—like a man dressed as Monopoly’s Rich Uncle Pennybags during a financial-crimes hearing—and general frivolity—like Chuck Hagel wearing a Joe Biden mask on Halloween, shaking hands with the actual Biden—are also well represented. If there’s a small quibble, it’s that the captioned photos rarely contain dates; in a book with such impressive historical range—Arlen Specter appears as both a middle-aged senator and an older, bald version—they would be helpful. Still, the captions and supporting text are full of anecdotes and memorable descriptions.
This is a wonderful collection of photography celebrating the Capitol and all it contains—a celebration of Washington as it was not long ago, and as it may soon be again.
Reviewed by
Jeff Fleischer
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
