Ocean State Libraries

A funny and entertaining history of printed books as told through absurd moments in the lives of authors and printers, collected by television’s favorite rare-book expert from HISTORY’s hit series Pawn Stars.

Since the Gutenberg Bible first went on sale in 1455, printing has been viewed as one of the highest achievements of human innovation. But the march of progress hasn’t been smooth; downright bizarre is more like

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An account of the battles and economic and social devastation of the four years of the Civil War fought by the Union and Confederate soldiers.

It's the early 1900s and a change has gripped the world. The Harlem Renaissance has awakened people to a wealth of African American arts and culture. Centered in Harlem, New York, this renaissance brought the world all black orchestras, singers who wowed audiences in the United States and abroad, and amazing writers whose books became best sellers. It's a time when almost anything seems possible. So what road will you travel? Will you: Leave your...

"Describes the experiences of Irish immigrants upon arriving in America during the time of the Irish potato famine. Reader's choices reveal historical details about where they settled, the jobs they found, and the difficulties they faced"--Provided by publisher.

"Describes the experiences of German immigrants upon arriving in America. The reader's choices reveal historical details from the perspective of Germans who came to Texas in the 1840s, the Dakota Territory in the 1880s, and Wisconsin before the start of World War I"--Provided by publisher.

"On May 31, 1889, heavy rains and a dam failure sent flood waters sweeping into Johnstown, Pennsylvania. The 50-foot-high wall of water quickly demolished much of the town. Will you and your new husband be able to escape certain doom as you wait for your train to leave the station? Can you climb onto your house's roof for safety before the building completely fills with water? Will you join in the effort to save others who are floating by on the roofs...

"In September 1900, the people of Galveston, Texas, knew a storm was coming. But they'd experienced storms before and didn't think much of it. However, the hurricane that hit on September 8 was more powerful and damaging than anybody expected. Will you find a way to survive the storm and write about the experience for the local newspaper? Can you find a way to save your family's business and the customers inside when the storm hits? Will you rescue...

"Describes the events surrounding the internment of Japanese Americans in relocation centers during World War II. The reader's choices reveal the historical details from the perspective of Japanese internees and Caucasians"--Provided by publisher.

You are a Patriot in the American Revolution, ready to fight for independence and the right to prosper in this new land, OR . . .You are a British soldier, sent to fight for England against the American rebels, OR . . .You are a Boston civilian trying to make sense of the chaos overtaking your city.

"Describes the exploration of North America in the times of explorers Christopher Columbus, Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, and Sieur de La Salle. The reader's choices reveal the historical details from Columbus' voyage in 1492, Coronado's 1540 expedition, and Sieur de La Salle's expedition down the Mississippi River in 1682"--Provided by publisher.