Books

Chewing gum has been around for centuries.

A Brief History of Chewing Gum

The Mayans and Aztecs were the first to unlock the positive properties of gum

None

The History of Spices

None

Wicked Plants (and Fungi)

None

Become a Mad Scientist

None

Poetry on the Menu

None

Food Matters on Earth Day

None

All You Ever Wanted to Know about Chocolate, Volume One

None

Cooking With the Bible

Sarah Zielinski (left) is an assistant editor at Smithsonian magazine and Jennifer Drapkin (right) is a senior editor at Mental Floss magazine.

Jennifer Drapkin and Sarah Zielinski on “Celestial Sleuth”

A Feast for the Eyes, if not the Stomach

None

Where Our Food Comes From

The New York Public Library maintains the world's largest collection of tobacciana, materials related in some way to tobacco's history, use, and mystique.

Libraries' Surprising Special Collections

Tucked away in libraries across the country are unexpected archives and world-class treasures

Dustin Hoffman, in the famous scene from The Graduate, during his first liaison with Mrs. Robinson. The movie was rejected by every major Hollywood studio.

Five Films that Redefined Hollywood

Author Mark Harris discusses his book about the five movies nominated for Best Picture at the 1967 Academy Awards

Scientist Joseph Priestly is best known for discovering oxygen but his contributions were much larger.

The Inventor of Air

Known for discovering oxygen, scientist Joseph Priestly also influenced the beliefs of our founding fathers

None

Evolution Began With a Second Helping of Beef Collops (Maybe)

After coming within 50 feet of several wolves, Frank Clifford understands why 100,000 people say they come to Yellowstone just to see wolves.

Frank Clifford on "Howling Success"

The Devil's Food Dictionary

Book Worth a Look: The Devil's Food Dictionary

None

Food News and Trends to Expect in 2009

Yertle the Turtle, Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley and The Order of Odd Fish were among those selected as Smithsonian Notable Books for Children 2008.

Smithsonian Notable Books for Children 2008

Surprising, inspiring and outstanding titles for youngsters and the grownups that read to them

None

Gourmet Gift Idea: Red Truck Baker, Smithsonian Knew Him When

Page 71 of 77