The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.49 (925 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0143128159 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 784 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2014-12-28 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Unexpected selections… make the book even more engrossing, and… can make for some emotional reading. The book is much more descriptive than analytical, as Kurin sets each object, beautifully photographed, in its historical and institutional context.” . This humanistic approach to storytelling makes for immersive, addictive reading.”Kirkus Reviews:“Smithsonian Undersecretary Kurin’s tales are abundant, so much so that it seems almost a shame to stop at a mere 101 items.A well-conceived and well-illustrated pleasure to read, combining narrative history and keepsake volume.”Library Journal:“A guide like this is all the more useful since such a small percentage of the Smithsonian's holdings can
In Kurin's hands, each object comes to vivid life, providing a tactile connection to American history.Beautifully designed and illustrated with color photographs throughout, The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects is a rich and fascinating journey through America's collective memory, and a beautiful object in its own right.. Some objects, such as Harriet Tubman's hymnal, Sitting Bull's ledger, Cesar Chavez's union jacket, and the Enola Gay bomber, tell difficult stories from the nation's history, and inspire controversies when exhibited at the Smithsonian. Others, from George Washington's sword to the space shuttle Discovery, celebrate the richness and vitality of the American spirit. Other objects will be eye-opening new discoveries for many, but no less evocative of the most poignant and important moments of the American experience. Kurin sheds remarkable new light on objects we think we know well, from Lincoln's hat to Dorothy's ruby slippers and Julia Child's kitchen, including the often astonishing tales of how each made its way into the collections of the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian Institution is America's largest, most important, and most beloved repository for the objects that define our common heritage. Now Under Secretary for Art, History, and Culture Richard Kurin, aided by a team of top Smithsonian curators and scholars, has assembled a literary exhibition of 101 objects from across the Smithsonian's museums that together offe
He is the author of several books, including Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem, and his scholarship and museological work have been recognized by the International Council of Museums, UNESCO, and Harvard's Peabody Museum. from the University of Chicago. He is an anthropologist and cultural historian, a former Fulbright fellow with a Ph.D. . Awarded the Smithsonian Secretary's Gold Medal for Exceptional
Not that great I used to live outside Washington, DC and have been to most of the Smithsonian museums several times. What a disappointment this book is! Out of all the amazing items that could have been featured in the book, this book was not well done. Also the pictures were not what one should expect in a book like this. They should have been large, up close, detailed photos instead of pictures that looked like they were just casually taken somewhere in the . "Universally Liked" according to lilkimbo1Universally Liked This is an extremely fun coffee-table book that's not just for history buffs! It's an accessible look into American History that's perfect for teens through adults. My 7-year-old nephew even loves it - there are certain portions he's asked us to read to him more than once. Though I bought it for myself, it would also make a great gift. As I have this book sitting out, a multitude of family and friends (and friends of friends, etc.) have leafed t. . This is an extremely fun coffee-table book that's not just for history buffs! It's an accessible look into American History that's perfect for teens through adults. My 7-year-old nephew even loves it - there are certain portions he's asked us to read to him more than once. Though I bought it for myself, it would also make a great gift. As I have this book sitting out, a multitude of family and friends (and friends of friends, etc.) have leafed t. James Smithson said Brilliant and Engaging Analysis!. Kurin has written a very interesting series of articles about these 101 objects and how they relate to the history of America. It's a brilliant and engaging analysis, well worth the cost and the strength to hold it in your lap.