The Republic’s Footnotes
A 1916 book of America’s noble moments, with a great many un-noble, forgotten and very human ones tucked between. The oddest here, each linking to the reading it came from.
From America First, 1916
Special Features
The toys we couldn't resist building: oracles, daily readings, dinner wheels, telegrams and other machinery made from old books.
Which American Legend Are You?
Five questions match you with one of the book's hundred true heroes and heroines — then read your own story.
From America First, 1916
Beasts on the Shield
The medieval alphabet of rank is full of monsters, contradictions and improbable beasts. The oddest here, each linking to its place in the book.
From Dame Heraldry, 1886
Blazon Your Own Arms
Pick your tinctures, ordinary and charge from the book's own grammar — get your shield drawn and correctly blazoned, and grant it to a friend by link.
From Dame Heraldry, 1886
Design Your Arms
Answer six questions and receive the coat of arms you deserve, blazoned properly.
From Dame Heraldry, 1886
Tonight's Reading
The daily installment from Lossing's 1877 household history — the whole book, one fireside evening at a time.
From Our Country, 1877
What Happened In…
Look up any year of American history and see what Lossing's 1877 volumes record for it.
From Our Country, 1877
The Republic’s Attic
Forgotten, strange and very human moments from a Centennial history of the United States.
From Our Country, 1877
The Fleet in Plates
All sixty ships reviewed at anchor — every original pen-and-ink plate on one page, from Egyptian galley to five-masted bark.
From The Book of Old Ships, 1924
Ask the Historian
An oracle of American history: ask a question, get the 1902 master historians' answer.
From The Great Republic, 1902
Today's Half-Hour
The daily half-hour reading from The Great Republic, served in 1902 pacing.
From The Great Republic, 1902
Cesare's Gallery
All fourteen caricatures of Harding-era Washington, framed for browsing.
From The Mirrors of Washington, 1921