At the turn of the century, Herbert Small, a newspaperman, wrote a guide to the building and its decoration. His text, edited by Henry Hope Reed, is reproduced here. It is preceded by introductory essays by historian and Librarian of Congress Emeritus Daniel J. Boorstin and noted writer Brendan Gill. The planning and construction of the building are detailed in John Y.

A new visual history of the Library of Congress from its creation in 1800 to the present day.

A celebratory guide, stunningly illustrated, of one of the world's great libraries.