resources

RECENT ELECTRONIC BOOKS

Abraham Lincoln: A Legacy of Freedom

February 2009

The year 2009 marks the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16th president, and the man often considered its greatest leader. As the United States endured its greatest crisis, this self-educated common man supplied the leadership and the moral force that bound Americans together and carried them to victory.

Obama in His Own Words

January 2009

These pages share President Obama’s words with our global readership. This book includes the complete text of the 44th President’s Inaugural Address. Also featured are extended excerpts from eight other significant campaign and pre-presidential speeches.

Free at Last: The U.S. Civil Rights Movement
(PDF file, 3.6MB) (Get Adobe Acrobat Reader)

January 2009

This publication tells the story of the African-American civil rights movement in the United States, as well as of its roots in the historical injustices of slavery and segregation.

Barack Obama: 44th President of the United States 
(PDF file, 774KB) (Get Adobe Acrobat Reader)

November 2008

Barack Obama, elected the 44th President of the United States, has lived a truly American life, and has opened a new chapter in American politics. This publication tells the story of Obama’s life, describes how he captured the presidency, and portrays his vision for the future. It also introduces readers to the Obama family and to the new Vice President, Joseph Biden.

American Popular Music
(PDF file, 7.70MB) (Get Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Popular music, like so much of American culture, reflects a kaleidoscope of contributions,a cross-fertilization of styles,and a blending of dreams. It couldhardly be otherwise in this nation of immigrants. Arguably the United States is a perfect musical laboratory: take people from every corner of the globe, give them freedom to create. Distribute their effort: by sheet music, phonograph, radio — or, for the younger reader: by Blu-ray Disc, mp3, Internet stream.

Women in Politics
(PDF file, 1.44MB) (Get Adobe Acrobat Reader) 

March 2008

Interviews illustrating women's growing role in U.S. politics, from elected officials to grassroots organizers.

USA Elections in Brief
(PDF file, 717kB) (Get Adobe Acrobat Reader)

January 2008

A background guide to the entire U.S. electoral system, from federal, state, local, and primary elections to related topics such as polling and the role of the parties and the media.