In the Beginning: Bibles Before the Year 1000, edited by Michelle Brown (Collins, 2006, $45). A sumptuously illustrated volume featuring a rare assemblage of fragile biblical treasures--the physical evidence for the earliest copies of scriptures. Companion to a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.

Jamestown, Québec, Sante Fe: Three North American Beginnings, edited by James Kelly and Barbara Clark Smith (Collins, 2007, $34.95). The official companion book to the nationally touring exhibition commemorating the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown in 1607, Québec in 1608 and Sante Fe in 1609.

Identity by Design: Tradition and Innovation in Native American Dresses, (Collins, 2007, $24.95). A stunning book of illustrations and essays showcasing the clothing of Native American women and the forces of tradition and change in their lives.

The Invisible Sex: Uncovering the True Role of Women in Prehistory, by J.M. Adovasio, Olga Soffer and Jake Page (Collins, 2007, $26.95). An exciting new look at prehistory, which argues that women played a central role in the development of language and social life and the creation of materials, such as clothing and nets.

Crazy ‘08: How a Cast of Cranks, Rogues, Boneheads and Magnates Created the Greatest Year in Baseball History, by Cait Murphy (Collins, 2007, $24.95). A rollercoaster ride through the wildest year America’s game has ever seen.

Indigenous Motivations: Recent Acquisitions from the National Museum of the American Indian (National Museum of the American Indian, 2006, $19.99). Essays about and images and descriptions of some of the most important and intriguing works made by Native artists and craftsman in recent decades.

U.S. Air Force: A Complete History, by Dik A. Daso (Hugh Lauter Levin Associates Inc., 2006, $75). A definitive and richly illustrated chronology of the U.S. Air Force from Civil War-era Army ballooning to  cruise missiles over Afghanistan and Iraq.

Under a Green Sky: Global Warming, the Mass Extinctions of the Past and What They Can Tell Us About Our Future, by Peter D. Ward (Collins, 2007, $26.95). The only book that, by looking backward, finds the key to the potential climate disasters facing humanity.

Classic Canadian Songs from Smithsonian Folkways (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 2006, $15). Thirty classic tracks that showcase the rich musical traditions of generations of European settlers.

When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 2006, $15). Improvisations by Rahim Alhaj on the oud, a Middle Eastern lute—a proud tradition’s meeting with modernity.

Friends of Old Time Music (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 2006, $29.95). A three-CD set of live recordings taken from a trailblazing series of concerts held in New York City between 1961 and 1965.

Books listed on Pages 14 and 15 can be ordered through online book vendors or purchased in bookstores nationwide.

Recordings can be ordered from Smithsonian Folkways Mail Order, Smithsonian Folkways Recordings Dept. 0607, Washington, D.C. 20073-0607. To order by phone, call (800) 410-9815 or (202) 275-1143.