The Library of Congress is beginning its "Celebration of the Book" with an exhibition, "Books That Shaped America". The exhibition is part of a larger series of events that explore the important and varied ways that books influence our lives.
The Library of Congress has selected 88 books that shaped America, all by American authors. The first was published in 1751, and the most recent in 2002. Each author is represented only once, with one exception: Benjamin Franklin, who landed three books. The list includes poetry, novels, nonfiction, plays, a polemic, books of science and grammar, cookbooks, and children’s books.
If you're looking for summer reading, here's the list.