Ever heard of “stunt journalism”? Think of a writer who eschews the role of observer in favor of participation. Think of sports writer George Plimpton, who captivated Americans in the 1960s and ’70s by signing up to play pro football (and hockey and baseball) and join the circus.

In today’s Daily, meet A.J. Jacobs, whose desire to plumb originalist interpretations of the U.S. Constitution led him to don attire and write with quill pens the Founding Fathers would recognize. It’s understanding through living the experience – and having some fun, too.