Books

Author Charles Dickens is best known for his memorable cast of characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge, David Copperfield and Oliver Twist, shown here.

The Essentials: Charles Dickens

What are the must-read books written by and about the famed British author?

Author Judy Blume recently received the John P. McGovern Award from the Smithsonian Associates for her contributions to the American family.

Q and A: Judy Blume

The children's book author speaks about her career and what it means to write a "banned book"

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Q and A with Cake Wrecks Blogger Jen Yates

"I'm not out to vilify bakers; I'm just trying to find a little funny in unexpected places"

Pitcairn Island provided the mutineers of the Bounty a haven from the world in the 18th century. Today, it offers much the same—along with a general store, a cafe and 50 permanent residents.

Seven Islands to Visit in 2012

Pitcairn Island is populated by 50 people, has a handful of hostels, a general store and a café and, frankly, could really use a few visitors

If you don't want to show an misformed Moon on a Christmas card, a full moon is a safe option

That Moon On Your Christmas Card

An astronomer finds that depictions of the Moon on Christmas cards, wrapping paper and books is often wrong

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Evolution, A Book That Turns Science Into Art

See examples of these beautiful photographs of animal skeletons in our image gallery

A game of chess on a fold-up travel board can break the ice between strangers in strange lands.

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Adventure Traveler

A chess set, soccer ball, bear spray and other items, even dog food, make the list of gifts to give your favorite hardened traveler

Consider food—and food-themed gifts—this holiday season.

Last Minute Food-Themed Gift Ideas

Food, jewelry, toys and books for those hard-to-shop-for people on your gift list

Three great picture books from 2011

A Trio of Outstanding Picture Books

Three more books to add to the Best of Childrens Books 2011 list

Political cookbooks come from all sides of the spectrum.

The Edible Is Political: Cookbooks from Both Sides of the Aisle

The cookbook has been a campaign tool for the women's suffrage movement, John F. Kennedy and now Ron Paul

In this image from Science on Ice, graduate student Maria Tausendfreund collects a water sample from an Arctic melt pond during a brief period of 'ice liberty.'

A Holiday Gift List for Science Lovers

Some books, toys, art and clothing for the scientist or geek in your life

Some of the best picture books of the year

Best of Children’s Books 2011: For Picture Book Readers (Part I)

As you begin your holiday shopping, review these selections of the best picture books of the year

Facing the Void: Ellee Thalheimer stands before a high pass near Sampeyre, Italy after an ascent of several thousand feet.

Women and the Way of the Pedal-empowered

Susan B. Anthony said bicycling "emancipates women than anything else in the world. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel"

Nobody wants to eat a dry turkey.

Why Does Meat Dry Out During Cooking?

You never know what you will find on the beaches of Malarrimo.

The Wonders that Wash Ashore: Malarrimo Beach

The attraction of beachcombing is that one isn't perusing a garbage dump; much of what one sifts through on a stretch of sand are valuables lost at sea

Pond Walk, by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace

Ten Great Science Books For Kids

From dinosaurs at the Smithsonian to a walk around a pond, here are some of our favorites from 2011

Children's books for the youngest readers

Best of Children’s Books 2011: For the Very Youngest Readers

The first section of Smithsonian's 2011 Best Children's Books begins with selections for the youngest readers in your family

Our shelves are always full of children's books.

Welcome to Just One More Story: A Blog Highlighting the Best in Kid’s Books

Our goal is simple: to offer up an unfolding guide to irresistible reads—books that will keep kids up at night, reading by flashlight under the covers

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Into a Desert Place: A Talk With Graham Mackintosh

In remote fishing camps, a few older fishermen remember a red-haired Englishman who tramped through 30 years ago, disappearing around the next point

Martin Sheen in "The Way"

Martin Sheen’s Pilgrimage in “The Way”

The new movie by Emilio Estevez and featuring his dad, Martin Sheen, is a stunning depiction of famed religious pilgrimage

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