July 22, 2001 Center for the Book Copublishes Major New Reference Work About the "Rivers of America"

The Rivers of America: A Descriptive Bibliography, by Carol Fitzgerald, a comprehensive description of the 65-title "Rivers of America" book series (1937-1974), has been published by Oak Knoll Press and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. In this authoritative and illustrated two-volume, 899-page reference work, collector and bibliographer Carol Fitzgerald presents complete bibliographic descriptions of the nearly 400 printings of the 65 titles in the series and biographies of all of its 60 authors, 53 illustrators, and eight principal editors.

"Carol Fitzgerald helped the Center for the Book and the American Folklife Center organize the Library's 1997 celebration of the 60th anniversary of the "Rivers of America" series and it's a pleasure to assist in the publication of this significant historical work," said Center for the Book Director John Y. Cole. "Carol's admirable achievement fully captures the unique nature of this remarkable series of books-which today is known for its excellent writers and illustrators and its early recognition of the importance of regional and local history."

Conceived by Canadian-born author, historian, and poet Constance Lindsay Skinner (1877-1939), the "Rivers of America" series began with Kennebec: Cradle of Americans (1937) by Robert P. Tristam Coffin, and concluded with The American: River of El Dorado (1974) by Margaret Sanborn, who participated in the Center for the Book's 1997 conference. The series was published by Farrar & Rinehart Inc. (1929-1945) and its corporate successors: Rinehart & Company Inc. (1945-1959), and Holt, Rinehart, and Winston Inc. (1959-).

The Rivers of America: A Descriptive Bibliography, edited by Jean Fitzgerald, is available for $125 from Oak Knoll Press, 310 Delaware St., New Castle DE 19720; telephone (302) 328-7232; toll-free (800) 996-2556; fax (302) 328-7274. It can be ordered online at www.oakknoll.com/detail.php?d_booknr=61955.

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress was established in 1977 to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and libraries. Its program is supported by tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. For information about its activities and those of its affiliated centers in 42 states and the District of Columbia, visit its Web site at www.loc.gov/cfbook.