HISTORY & POLITICS

Well here it is, the revamped 1930's & 40's WPA American Guide takes readers on a state-by-state factoid adventure with a twist: This anthology contains not only demographic statistics like toothlessness and voter registration rates but also, an all-star literary cast bringing to light their favorite state through memory and personal stories. Here are only a few names to get you going: William T. Vollman, Jhumpa Lahiri Anthony Bourdain, Dave Eggers, Ann Patchett, Jonathan Franzen, and more! -Adrienne Mages

This beautifully illustrated cultural history- written exclusively by Native Americans-has been developed in conjunction with the opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. The three main sections of this majestic book ("Our Universe", "Our Peoples", and "Our Lives") feature more than 300 color illustrations of Native artwork, with poems and essays. This insightful book is a reminder that the ancient philosophies are just as valuable and relevant in today's world as they were generations ago. -Clytia Fuller

Here's the perfect gift for any history buff! This book and DVD set provides access to the world as reflected in its most influential and respected newspaper. More than 300 of the most significant New York Times front pages have been carefully selected and reproduced in the book. The 3 DVDs include each of the 54,266 front pages printed by the Times over the past 157 years. Read the headlines and stories covering such world-changing events as Abraham Lincoln's assassination, Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight, Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, and the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. From wars and political assassinations to social movements and space exploration, all the news that is fit to print-or download-can be found in this extraordinary set.

Darth Vader-ish V.P. Dick Cheney has had the curtains wrenched open in this shocking investigation into a closely guarded man. Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, Barton Gellman addresses every aspect of Cheney's time in office from stalled peace talks, to Al Qaeda interrogations to the usurping of power from all other positions in the executive branch. This is a scathing look at the man who redefined the power of the vice presidency. "Until now, I assumed it would take decades, the eventual declassification of documents and considerably more historical perspective for an author (say, some future Robert Caro) to uncover and describe Cheney's secretive role. But Barton Gellman's outstanding new book, Angler, could well turn out to be the most revealing account of Cheney's activities as vice president that ever gets written," says James Mann of The Washington Post. -Adrienne Mages