O'Connor, Mallory M. and Gary Monroe. Florida's American Heritage River: Images from the St. Johns Region. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 2009.
Once called the "Nile of the Americas" because of its exotic locale and northward flow, the St. Johns River has been an integral part of the history of Florida. Stretching for 310 miles up the length of Florida before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean, the waterway has served as a lifeline for the peninsula. This book explores how the river and its watershed has been viewed over the centuries by the many different ways mankind has interacted with it. The book is illustrated with hundreds of images that reflect the various views of the river from prehistoric times through modern day. The authors use images, artifacts, and objects in order to be led to narratives about the waterway resulting in a vivid picture of a vital river.
Updegrove, Mark K. Baptism by Fire: Eight Presidents Who Took Office in Times of Crisis. New York, NY: Thomas Dunne, 2009.
The office of the President of the United States is never an easy ride. However, whereas some Presidents get a "honeymoon" period where they are able to ride on the goodwill offered to a new leader, some coming into the office were not afforded the luxury of easing into the position. Many have had to hit the ground running facing crises in their first day of office. The author examines eight presidents who immediately started their term in times of adversity: Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, Tyler, Franklin Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, and Ford. By examining their actions and words the author strives to inspire hope and confidence in the the future of the United States.
Schoonover, John R., Louise Schoonover Smith, and LeeAnn Dean. Frank E. Schoonover Catalogue Raisonné. New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press, 2009.
Frank Schoonover (1877-1972) was born in New Jersey and studied under Howard Pyle at the Drexel Institute in Philadelphia. Although settling in Delaware, Schoonover became famous for his outdoor illustrations and especially western scenes. Living what he drew and painted, Schoonover traveled to Canada and Alaska in 1903 through great stretches of wilderness. He also traveled out to the West of the United States and he began long-term relationships with such authors as Zane Grey, Jack London, and James Willard Schultz, whose articles and books Schoonover later illustrated. Over his lifetime he illustrated over 200 books and created illustrations for many magazines. Living in Wilmington, Schoonover helped organize the creation of the Delaware Art Museum. For the first time the entire artistic output of this prolific illustrator has been gathered and reproduced in this two-volume set.
Barra, Allen. Yogi Berra: Eternal Yankee. New York: W. W. Norton, 2009.
Three-time American League MVP and ten-time World Series champion, Yogi Berra is one of the most famous (and quoted) former athletes in the United States. Born to Italian immigrants during the Great Depression, he rose to fame playing for the New York Yankees after World War II. After his playing career, he coached and managed pennant-winning teams in both leagues. Throughout his career he never lost his popularity, buoyed by his continuing ability to win as player or manager as well as his sharp wit (and stream of commercial endorsements). This book is a comprehensive look at the lifetime of this great ballplayer and is illustrated with close to one hundred illustrations. It offers a new in-depth look at an American icon.—Doug Litts
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