Recommendations  Read, Watch, Discover

The editors’ reading, streaming, and event picks are a short roundup of links and works that have recently moved or inspired us — or that we’re looking forward to.

Read

“We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution” by Jill Lepore (2026 Pulitzer Prize Winner in History, in English)
To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, Harvard historian and legal scholar Jill Lepore, author of the acclaimed These Truths, offers a timely and thought-provoking examination of one of the world’s oldest constitutions in We, the People. Blending historical insight with contemporary relevance, Lepore explores the Constitution’s enduring promise as well as its fragility, showing how democratic institutions can be tested in times of political polarization and the threat of violence. A compelling reflection on the past, present, and future of American democracy. 
Read here: https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/jill-lepore

“Amerika, wie es im Buche steht” (literal translation: America, As Told in Books, F.A.Z., in German)
In addition to our article highlighting ten American books that shaped Germany, we recommend exploring the major literary series by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (F.A.Z.): “Amerika, wie es im Buche steht” (translation: America, as Written in Books) was curated by Andreas Platthaus and traces 250 years of American history, culture, and self-understanding through 50 landmark works of fiction and nonfiction. Together, these books offer a unique perspective on the ideas, conflicts, ambitions, and contradictions that have shaped the American experience.
Read here: “Amerika, wie es im Buche steht” | FAZ

“Inside the Partisan Battle Over America’s 250th Birthday Celebrations” (New York Times, in English):
If you’ve been to the U.S. in 2026, chances are you’ve seen banners, flags, and other signage bearing the slogans “America 250” or “Freedom 250.” You may be wondering: Why two campaigns, and what are the differences? While both commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, they stem from different initiatives and emphasize distinct themes. The New York Times offers a concise explanation of the origins and purposes of the two efforts. 
Read here: Inside the Partisan Battle Over America’s 250th Birthday Celebrations

Watch

“The American Revolution” (PBS, in English):
An epic six-part documentary series by Ken Burns that premiered on PBS in November 2025 (total length: approx. 12 hours). The acclaimed documentary brings the story of America’s founding to life through powerful storytelling and historical insight. Exploring the people, ideas, and conflicts that shaped the struggle for independence, it offers a compelling look at the Revolution’s enduring impact on the nation and the world. A must-watch for anyone interested in American history.

Streaming Availability 

• United States: Available through PBS at The American Revolution | All Episodes Now Streaming | Ken Burns | PBS and via the PBS app. Also available through PBS Documentaries on Amazon. Availability varies over time between free streaming and PBS Passport access. 
• Canada: Canadian viewers can stream it through PBS if they have an active PBS Passport membership with a participating PBS station. It is also listed on several commercial streaming platforms in Canada.
• Mexico and Germany: PBS does not stream the series outside the United States, its territories, and Canada. We recommend to check local distributors or international streaming services for availability.

Discover

Goethe-Institut Boston
As part of a residency in the Goethe-Institut Boston’s Studio 170 program, playwright Yide Cai from Shenzhen, China, and director and performance artist Skye Xiaotian Lu are developing an unconventional retelling of the Boston Tea Party—from the perspective of the tea itself.
Learn more: Yide Cai: Steeped(品)

Goethe-Institut Washington
Developed by the EUNIC cluster in Washington, D.C., and marking the 250th anniversary of American democracy, “The Art of Freedom: Voices of Expression from Europe to America” is a year-long platform for cultural relations that brings together European and American artists, thinkers, students, and communities to explore one of democracy’s most fundamental principles: freedom of expression.
Learn more: The Art of Freedom