From the Gridiron to Space: Two New Books Published in Association with the Library of Congress

Here’s info about two new printed books published in association with the Library of Congress.
1. American Football Subject of New Library Publication

“Football Nation: Four Hundred Years of America’s Game” by Susan Reyburn is an unprecedented look at football from its early days in colonial America to the professional and college game in the 21st century. Published by the Library of Congress in association with Abrams Books, this visually appealing social and cultural history contains nearly 400 images—many rare or never before published—including memorabilia, cartoons, fine art and game photographs. The lively text examines how the game acquired its distinct American style, survived attempts to end it, and became the country’s dominant sport—thriving despite wartime, social change, intensifying fan participation and corporate influence.
“Football Nation,” a 256-page hardcover book, will be sold for $30 at bookstores nationwide and through the Library of Congress Shop, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C., 20540-4985. Credit-card orders are taken at (888) 682-3557 or www.loc.gov/shop/. Pre-publication orders will be accepted.

2. Galileo’s “Starry Messenger” Is Subject of New Library Publication

In 609, when Galileo Galilei fashioned a telescope and looked to the heavens, he was the first to see that the surface of our moon is filled with craters, mountains and other imperfections. He also saw countless stars filling every inch of the sky and noticed moons circling Jupiter—all previously unseen by any human. He published these revelations in a book called “Siderius nuncius” or “The Starry Messenger.” This thin volume would help shift the world away from an earth-centered view of the heavens and start the revolution called modern science.
For the first time, a full-color facsimile of the work, along with related material, has been reprinted in “The Starry Messenger, Venice 1610: ‘From Doubt to Astonishment,’” published by Levenger Press in association with the Library of Congress. The facsimile is based on the Library’s untrimmed copy—one of the most complete copies in existence—which was purchased in 2008.

Note: This book is available exclusively from either Levenger Press or in the LC Shop.

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