Book Reviews | smithsonianmag.com

The Ten Best Science Books of 2025

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

From “experimental archaeology” to the mysterious appeal of exploration, the wide-ranging subjects detailed in these titles captivated Smithsonian magazine’s science contributors this year

These Photographs of Spirituality in America Will Speak to Your Soul

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 19:21:05 +0000

A new volume from the National Museum of the African American History and Culture explores religion in the Black community

A Journey Around the World, as Told Through Chicken Soup

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 20:06:19 +0000

In her latest book, Portland-based chef Jenn Louis catalogs more than 100 recipes from 64 countries

The Ten Best Science Books of 2020

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 13:30:00 +0000

New titles explore the mysterious lives of eels, the science of fear and our connections to the stars

The Ten Best Books About Food of 2020

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 13:30:00 +0000

From cookbooks to grocery-store exposés, these new books will tempt palates and fuel curiosity

The Plot to Kill George Washington

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 13:00:00 +0000

In The First Conspiracy, thriller writer Brad Meltzer uncovers a real-life story too good to turn into fiction

Sweet! You Can Now Cook the Food From the African-American History Museum's Award-Winning Café in Your Own Home

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 11:41:12 +0000

Smithsonian Books introduces the Sweet Home Café Cookbook, chock full of delicious riffs on classic African-American recipes

The Best History Books of 2018

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 20:17:52 +0000

From the political violence of 19th-century America to the untold stories of African-American pioneers, these books help shape our understanding of today

Smithsonian Scholars Pick Their Favorite Books of 2018

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 15:47:35 +0000

Here are eleven titles that intrigued and thrilled Smithsonian's knowledge seekers this year

Lessons in the Decline of Democracy From the Ruined Roman Republic

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 15:31:31 +0000

A new book argues that violent rhetoric and disregard for political norms was the beginning of Rome's end