October 2, 1997

Contact:
Craig D'Ooge (202) 707-9189

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Lavish New Book Based on Library of Congress's Collections To Be Featured

Eyes of the Nation: A Visual History of the United States, a one-volume pictorial and narrative history for the general reader just published by Alfred A. Knopf in association with the Library of Congress, whose curators are its co-authors with Vincent Virga, will be discussed and celebrated at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 1997. This special "Books & Beyond" program will be held in the Northwest Gallery of the Jefferson Building.

Sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, Alfred A. Knopf, and ArtLook -- producers of the CD-ROM based on the book -- the program will feature Vincent Virga and co-authors Bernie Reilly (Chicago Historical Society, formerly head of the Prints and Photographs Division Curatorial Section), Elena Millie (Prints and Photographs Division), Ron Grim (Geography and Map Division), John Hebert (Hispanic Division), John McDonough (Manuscript Division), Patrick Loughney (Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division), and Jon Newsom (Music Division). The six other co-authors from the Prints and Photographs Division will be available to answer questions during the panel discussion on this unique collaboration and the process of choosing the images from the Library's vast archive.

A selection of the Book of the Month Club and the History Book Club, Eyes of the Nation features historical commentary by Alan Brinkley, over 500 illustrations full color throughout, and a double gatefold. At 416 pages, the cost is $75. This handsome book is available in stores nationwide and in the Library of Congress Sales Shop.

The Center for the Book was established in 1977 to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and libraries. For further information, visit the Center on the World Wide Web at: http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook.

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PR 97-163
10/2/97
ISSN 0731-3527