Volumes have been written about Washington, Adams, and Jefferson, but no previous work captures the intimate and vital details the way Vidal's does. His consummate skill takes the reader into the minds and private rooms of these great men, illuminating their opinions of one another and their concerns about crafting a workable democracy.

Books on Whittaker Chambers and Alger Hiss abound, as countless scholars have labored to uncover the facts behind Chambers's shocking accusation before the House Committee on Un-American Activities in the summer of 1948, that Alger Hiss, a former rising star in the State Department, had been a Communist and engaged in espionage. In this work, the author turns her attention to the Hiss case, including his trial and imprisonment for perjury, as a mirror...

Rising to a triumphant height of 630 feet, the Gateway Arch is one of the world's most widely recognized structures and attracts millions of tourists to St. Louis every year. Envisioned in 1947 but not completed until the mid-1960s, its story is one of innovation and greed; civic pride and backroom deals. Weaving together social, political, and cultural perspectives, historian Tracy Campbell uncovers the complicated and troubling history of this iconic...

The Jefferson Memorial is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., along the Potomac River Tidal Basin. The memorial was made to honor one of the most important figures in early American history. The Icons of America series introduces readers to some of the places, people, and symbols that helped shape America's identity.

The Alamo played an important role in Texas's fight for independence. Over the years, the battle at the Alamo has come to represent the heroism and resilience of the Texan people. Find out more in The Alamo, one of the titles in the Icons of America series.

The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States. This is because it is seen as a majestic bird of great strength and beauty. The bald eagle is also known for its loyalty. Find out more in Bald Eagle, one of the titles in the Icons of America series.

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge in San Francisco, California. The bridge is known throughout the United States and around the world as a symbol of the American West. Find out more in Golden Gate Bridge, one of the titles in the Icons of America series.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial is located in the Black Hills, near Keystone, South Dakota. The monument was built to showcase key stages in America's first 150 years. Find out more in Mount Rushmore, one of the titles in the Icons of America series.

The United States Capitol, in Washington, DC, serves as a workplace for the U.S. Congress. Situated on top of Capitol Hill, the Capitol building overlooks the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial. Find out more in Capitol Building, one of the titles in the Icons of America series