The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects

A lovely book

This book will spark the interest of just about anybody. There are so many articles displayed in this book including the history behind the articles that it will occupy much of your time and reading enjoyment. Its a book you can place on a table top, and read at your pleasure or skip through and find a certain object in no particular order. I've had this book for about a week now and I've read just read about 2 objects. I've put the book aside for now, and the next day I want to sit and relax and learn a little something more about our history I will pick this book up and continue my read. I look forward to that very much. I will note that the photographs are very well presented, as also the text. Job well done Mr Kurin!

Purchased this as a gift for one of my home care patients who loves any book about history or museums. The book was in pristine condition and the recipient is absolutely thrilled with it. I enjoyed leafing thru the book before gifting it as well. Great pictures and descriptions.

Saw the book in a magazine and it was $25.00 more there. I received the book in a timely manner, and while it was listed as in "good" condition, I would instead grade it as "like new/excellent." A great buy for the price. A lot there (about 800 pages) and am planning to hold on to it for 4 months and have one of my kids give it to me for father's day - so can't give it a 5 Star until I read it.

I am about halfway through the book and am enjoying it very much. However, it is not just the history. I realize that it gives an emerging description of the American Character like no other book I have ever read. You can gaze at each object in detail, consider the respective narrative, and what comes through is a value base--i.e., what is held dearly-- which is distinctly American. I think this is shaped not only by what is gained ("manifest destiny") but by what is lost (the passenger pigeon and near-extinction of the buffalo).