The Wilmot Historical Society’s (WHS) book group will discuss Godly Hero: The Life of William Jennings Bryan by Michael Kazan at 10 AM, Saturday, December 9, at the Wilmot Community Association’s Red Barn, 64 Village Road, Wilmot.

From an online review: “Politician, evangelist, and reformer William Jennings Bryan was the most popular public speaker of his time. In this acclaimed biography – the first major reconsideration of Bryan’s life in 40 years – award-winning historian Michael Kazin illuminates his astonishing career and the richly diverse and volatile landscape of religion and politics in which he rose to fame.

“Kazin vividly re-creates Bryan’s tremendous appeal, showing how he won a passionate following among both rural and urban Americans, who saw in him not only the practical vision of a reform politician but also the righteousness of a pastor. Bryan did more than anyone to transform the Democratic Party from a bulwark of laissez-faire to the citadel of liberalism we identify with Franklin D. Roosevelt. In 1896, 1900, and 1908, Bryan was nominated for president.”

Copies of the book are available at Morgan Hill Bookstore and will be available at the Wilmot Public Library.

The WHS Book Discussion Group, established more than 10 years ago, meets quarterly – December, March, June and September. Members of the group discuss books on a wide range of topics. Most selections are nonfiction, but occasionally the group reads historical fiction. New members are always welcome.

The meeting is free and open to the public. More information is available from Marc Davis at 

603 526-6960 or marcsdavis@nulltds.net.