Daniel Okrent was the first public editor of “The New York Times.” In his new book “Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition,” he tells the fascinating and often-overlooked story of Prohibition. Despite being one of the most important issues in the country for decades and a dominant force in our nation’s politics, the history of Prohibition is little known to most Americans.

The Anti-Saloon League pushed the 18th Amendment, Prohibition, by wielding power and scaring politicians, a lesson interest groups could use today.