Legacies: Collecting America's History at the Smithsonian

This is a wonderful journey into Americana hosted by the Smithsonian. The photography is perfect, and the text is lively and informative. "Legacies" is a real potpourri of American stuff, including Judy Garland's ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz", Warren Harding's pajamas, inauguration gowns of several first ladies, the stove- pipe hat Lincoln wore the night he was assassinated. the original star spangled banner, Kermit the Frog, the original Teddy bear, and much much more. In the introduction the authors say: "Each object represents an effort to capture something valuable about America- a story, an idea, a way of life." This fine book represents America and Americans as we were in 1776 and as we are now- the unique, enormously eclectic and wonderful America we love and cherish. Enjoy!

This is a newer version of a previous volume, updated with many additions to the museum collection. Regardless of which guide one uses, both works are sumptious, filled with beautiful color photographs and admirable descriptive text. It is the perfect coffee table repository, attracting both attention and creating many a conversation. This is a heavy tome, an oversized tour of the building replete with history, background and purpose. It is applicable for either those who have seen the Museum in person or those who just dream of walking its halls some day.

I encourage anyone who has ever visited the Museum of American History in Washington, DC and anyone who has not yet visited to invest in a copy of this book. Everything from the vibrant colors on the front cover, to the images of the museum's treasures within the pages is unique in its own way, and worth closer inspection. A picture is worth a thousand words, but the captions and text for each chapter are informative and to-the-point, yet anecdotal enough to entertain and hold a reader's interest. Kendrick and Lubar have created a jewel that the Smithsonian should be as proud of as any of the objects selected for this publication.