The symbolism of the Soviet space program is examined in Cathleen S. Lewis’s cultural history "Cosmonaut". On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human being to enter space. Though brief, Gagarin’s venture outside of... Read More

Robert C. Cottrell and Blaine T. Browne’s book is a reminder that the year 1968 saw the United States on the brink of a revolution, one that was virtually apocalyptic in scope. Race riots led to torched American cities, and outrage and... Read More

These stories are certain to make those dealing with terminal illness feel less alone. At Death’s Door by Sebastian Sepulveda and Gini Graham Scott provides practical and compassionate insights for health-care professionals, as well as... Read More

John Reda’s relatively succinct and pointed history of the white settlement of the Mississippi Valley challenges the oversimplified and convenient notion of Manifest Destiny. Before the American Revolution, before the crowded and... Read More

This masterfully written book is a thoroughly engaging look at a society in transition. With "Tales of the Metric System", Imraan Coovadia uses an innovative structure and masterful writing to craft a portrait of life in South Africa... Read More

The extraordinary life of this brilliant botanist attains its only-in-America moniker not only because George Washington Carver was born into slavery and subject to the vile-level racism of the Jim Crow era, but because of his Andy... Read More

This is a meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated biography of a key player in the settlement of the Pacific Northwest. In the annals of American frontier exploration, John Mullan (1830-1909), is a largely forgotten figure.... Read More

Mongolia’s journey from ancient empire to socialism and renewal is augmented with beautiful photographs of the country’s wondrous, diverse landscape. In his photo journal, "Portraits of Change", a companion piece to a film of the... Read More