No book tour for Henry Waxman?

U.S. Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Beverly Hills) was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday night; he was feeling "unwell," a spokeswoman told The Times. But, she added, the 69-year-old is feeling "much better now."

Waxman is the author (with co-writer Joshua Green) of the new "The Waxman Report: How Congress Really Works," one of the dozen books that will be released this year by picky publishing house 12. Today, the "heartfelt, important little book" is reviewed by Tim Rutten.

When the history of postwar America is definitively written, it's possible that the record will show that the three California politicians who had the biggest impact on the largest number of American lives were Earl Warren, as chief justice; Ronald Reagan, as president; and Henry Waxman as representative of the 30th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tens of millions of Americans are healthier, breathe cleaner air and live safer lives because of his legislative efforts. Among living lawmakers, his record of legislative achievement can be compared only to Sen. Ted Kennedy's ... .

"The Waxman Report" is part compelling memoir, part fascinating, shrewd civics lesson and part bracing statement of practical idealism. It's impossible to put down and a joy to read -- a model, in fact, of lucid exposition. If your plans for the long Independence Day weekend incline toward thoughts on the state of the nation, skip all the patriotic kitsch and read this book.

It's impressive that Waxman found time to work on the book at all. Now in his 18th congressional term, he's an important figure in Washington. He chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is dealing with both global warming and healthcare, which are high on President Obama's agenda. And Waxman just co-authored the ambitious energy and climate-change bill, which passed the House in a squeaky 219-212 vote Friday.

Even if a book tour could have been squeezed into his packed schedule -- perhaps during the summer congressional break? -- Waxman's hospital visit makes it seem unlikely. According to his publisher's website, the congressman has no book tour dates scheduled.

-- Carolyn Kellogg

Photo: Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Beverly Hills) with members of his House Energy and Commerce Committee in May. Credit: Matthew Cavanaugh / European Pressphoto Agency