Published by Primary Source Microfilm

From the debut of London's Crystal Palace Exhibition in 1851, world fairs have become symbols of cultural and technological progress. They defined the modern world for millions,often reshaping contemporary outlooks on life. In particular, as they evolved into forums for displaying state achievements, these spectacles played a crucial role in moulding national identities. Fortunately, the story of their enormous impact on so many diverse aspects of society has been preserved in this rare collection of publications.

The material covered makes Books of the Fairs a uniquely valuable resource to scholars. It provides a comprehensive picture of modern society's development, including architecture, fine and decorative arts, technology, industrial design, science, entertainment, politics, women's studies, ethnic studies, consumer tastes, urban planning, photography, manufacturing, and medicine.

Drawn from the holdings of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries, this is an unsurpassed collection of about 2,000 publications, virtually all containing informative photographs, line drawings or lithographs. Here are also official government reports, exposition management publications, exhibition catalogs and visitors guides, commemorative and promotional publications, studies, lectures, technical reports and descriptive accounts from 176 regional and international fairs held worldwide from 1834-1915.

Books of the Fairs is indexed for easy retrieval of information. The Smithsonian Institution has prepared a heavily illustrated book titled, Books of the Fairs, which provides a scholarly introduction to the study of fairs by Professor Robert Rydell and a checklist of publication titles with their microfilm locations. Those ordering the microfilm collection receive a copy of Books of the Fairs.

Unit One: 50 reels Unit Two: 50 reels Unit Three: 50 reels Unit Four: 24 reels
Complete Collection: 174 reels