Publications by Topic

U.S. Society and Values

America Popular Music

American popular music is a kaleidoscopic mélange of styles and dreams. Its vibrancy reflects the mating of cultural diversity to artistic and creative freedom. The stories in this book illustrate how Americans, borrowing from diverse musical traditions, have contributed to humanity’s universal language.  (July 2008)

America Is

This photo essay depicts facets of the United States' cherished values, as well as the variety and diversity of its people. The photos are grouped by values: love of family, community, individuality, liberty and freedom, justice, democracy, freedom of faith, freedom of speech, compassion, diversity, equal rights, education, innovation, opportunity, and hope.  (January 2008)
 

USA Map with Facts in Brief

This brochure features a full-color map of the United States. It includes plenty of facts and statistics about the United States -- its government, geography, environment, sports and entertainment, the economy and employment, education, transportation, and population.  (October 2007) 

Portrait of the USA

An introduction, in words and pictures, to the United States — people, geography, history, government, business, education, science and medicine, religion, social services, the arts, sports and entertainment, and the media.  (March 1999)

  

Historians on America

Historians on America is a series of individual essays that selects specific moments, decisions, and intellectual or legislative or legal developments and explains how they altered the course of U.S. history. The book consists of 11 separate essays by major historians, ranging from The Trial of John Peter Zenger in 1735 to The Immigration Act of 1965. (September 2007)  

USA Literature in Brief
USA Literature in Brief pinpoints and describes the contributions to American literature of some of the best-recognized American poets, novelists, philosophers and dramatists from pre-Colonial days through the present. Major literary figures are discussed in detail, as are their major works. Brief discussions of cultural periods and movements such as romanticism, transcendentalism, and modernism put individuals in context and lend perspective. This condensed version of Outline of American Literature highlights major achievers and important works in the canon. (May 2007)  

About America: The Constitution of the United States of America With Explanatory Notes

This illustrated publication includes the complete text of the U.S. Constitution (preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments), as well an updated introduction and explanatory notes by J.W. Peltason, author of Understanding the Constitution and Government by the People. The introduction includes sections explaining how the Constitution set up the U.S. federal system, the background to the Constitutional Convention and how the participants arrived at a final version of the document, its ratification, and sections on the call for a Bill of Rights and the need for additional amendments over the years. Dr. Peltason is currently professor of Political Science Emeritus, University of California, Irvine, as well as President Emeritus, University of California.  (July 2004)  

About America: Edward R. Murrow, Journalism at Its Best

The career of Edward R. Murrow, the eminent broadcast journalist, is discussed in this publication as an example of the essential role the free press plays in a democratic society. With his reports from London during World War II and his exposé of Senator McCarthy's anti-Communist campaign in the 1950s, Murrow showed how a fearless reporter can use journalistic skills in the public's service in times of crisis. The publication also highlights Murrow's creativity in developing reporting formats for the new media of his day — first radio, then TV. Audio of Murrow's broadcasts and a photo gallery are also included.  (April 2006)

About America: How the United States Is Governed

This joint publication of the State Department's Bureau of International Information Programs and Braddock Communications presents a comprehensive yet easy-to-read overview of the various levels of and institutions related to government in the U.S. "How the United States Is Governed" describes how federal, state, and local governments are elected, how they operate, and how the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government relate under the U.S. constitutional system. It also highlights how nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other institutions allow Americans to influence and shape government policy. This publication contains a glossary and a list of useful Web sites.  (October 2005)

About America: Women of Influence

This collection chronicles how 21 notable American women broke new ground, some by championing equal rights for all and others by their accomplishments in fields such as government, literature, and even in war. It consists of seven mini-chapters featuring: Pocahontas, Sacagawea, Anne Marbury Hutchinson, Anne Dudley Bradstreet, Abigail Adams, Margaret Cochran Corbin, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Jeannette Rankin, Hattie Ophelia Wyatt Caraway, a Eleanor Roosevelt, Sandra Day O'Connor, Wilma Mankiller, Clara Barton, Jane Addams, Nellie Bly, Rosalyn Yalow, Sheila C. Johnson, and Maya Lin.  (Revised November 2006)

Art on the Edge: 17 Contemporary American Artists

This joint publication of the State Department's ART in Embassies Program and its Bureau of International Information Programs showcases the work of 17 contemporary American artists. All have made their art available in U.S. ambassador's residences in countries around the world. As a group, these up-and-comers exemplify such bedrock American values as innovation, diversity, freedom, individualism, and competitive excellence.  (November 2004)

The Civil Rights Movement and the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

A history of the contemporary civil rights movement in the United States, including a chronology of key events, brief biographical information on two centuries of African-American leaders, and excerpts from King's speeches and writings.  (November 1998 )

George W. Bush: 43rd President of the United States

This illustrated publication features biographic information on President Bush, including his early life, schooling and college years, business ventures, entry into politics, and the road to the White House and re-election. Additional biographies cover First Lady Laura Bush, Vice President Richard Cheney, and Lynne Cheney. Other features include a listing of the president's first-term policy priorities, a historical brief on the inaugural process, and photo galleries featuring the president and vice president's global travels and meetings with world leaders and ordinary citizens.  (November 2004)

If You Want to Study in the United States

An update and revision of the popular series of booklets for students considering higher education in the United States. Click on the title above to view those booklets. Check back in the coming months for the fourth booklet in the series: Getting Ready to Go: Practical Information for Living and Studying in the United States.

 - Undergraduate Study
 - Graduate and Professional Study and Research
 - Short-Term Study, English Language Programs, Distance Education, and Accreditation

Muslim Life in America

This pamphlet is a collection of stories, profiles, graphics, and more than 80 photographs that show Muslims living as part of mainstream American life. Features range from an account of how a Muslim community in Massachusetts built its own mosque, to a history of Muslim settlement in the United States, to the story of a popular young rap group that performs songs incorporating Muslim values.  (October 2002)