Born in Queens, I grew up in Wayne, New Jersey, and studied philosophy at McGill University in Montreal. I have also published essays, reviews, and articles in The Nation, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, USA Today, Slate, Raritan, The Baffler, and elsewhere. My books are BREAK IT UP: Secession, Division, and the Secret History of America’s Imperfect Union (2020) and BOOKED: A Traveler’s Guide to Literary Locations Around the World (2019). My next project is a study of American Jews, slavery, and the Civil War. I also write “Only United in Name,” an occasional newsletter about politics and history. I live in the Hudson Valley with my wife, daughter, and son.
I am available to speak to schools, book clubs and reading groups, companies, and other organizations.
You can contact me at richard dot kreitner at gmail.