In the 1990s, when “the history of the book” was taking off as an academic field, the scholars involved couldn’t quite decide which objects they were supposed to study.

Yes, right. MONTEFIORE: We often revere history as propulsive, as almost sacred in its authority. And, in fact, history doesn't matter that much. What really matters is how people want to live now.

When you purchase an independently reviewed book through our site, we earn an affiliate commission. BREAKING HISTORY A White House Memoir By Jared Kushner 492 pages. Broadside Books. $35.