The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects

Written by a Smithsonian scholar and drawing on the Institution’s vast collection of Americana, this is the book that recounts the history of the United States in 101 seminal objects. The thoroughly researched, elegantly designed, and easy-to-read tome was penned by Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian’s Under Secretary for Art, History, and Culture. It begins more than 500 million years ago with Burgess Shale fossils and takes readers up to 2020 with the planned completion of the Giant Magellan Telescope. In between it touches on everything from Abraham Lincoln’s hat to the Hope Diamond to Martha, the last passenger pigeon. Each entry is accompanied by a vibrant color photo and an explanation of the object’s provenance and enduring importance. 762 pages. 9 1/2" H x 7 3/4" W x 1 3/4" D. (4 1/3 lbs.)