New Book Releases

Published in anticipation of Columbia's fortieth anniversary in 2007, this book showcases the history of one of the nation's leading "new towns." Built from the brilliant plan developed by visionary designer James Rouse, Columbia's innovative design is the foundation for a unique community that has thrived for decades and flourishes today.

The North Baltimore neighborhood of Remington has a proud and industrious history. Stone from its quarries built the foundations of homes in the city, and the Jones Falls turned its mills to feed hungry immigrants who found a home in the neighborhood. By the end of World War II, the population of the area began to decline, yet through floods, depressions and even a mosquito plague, generations of residents remained in the neighborhood to help build a tightknit community. Drawing on interviews with locals and her own meticulous research, historian and neighborhood resident Kathleen C. Ambrose chronicles the history of Remington. Join Ambrose as she journeys from Remington's earliest days through the twentieth century--and even as she takes a glimpse at the future of this vibrant community.

From its first sighting by European explorers in 1498, Somerset County on Maryland's Eastern Shore has played a significant role in America's heritage. Set on the beautiful backdrop of the Tangier Sound, its story is a tale of Native Americans, naval battles, Confederate generals, buried treasure, ornate mansions, rail travel, rags-to-riches businessmen, political leaders, skipjacks--and even a rogue elephant! In this volume, award-winning journalist Jason Rhodes details the important events and colourful characters that have made Somerset County such a well-loved place for generations of residents and visitors.

Going Down the Ocean, A Brief History of Ocean City, Maryland will chronicle the long and colorful history of Maryland's premier ocean resort. Beginning with the visit of the explorer Giovanni da Verrazano, this book will examine the arrival of Asssateague's famous ponies, visits by Blackbeard and other pirates, the birth of Steven Decatur, and brave soldiers who fought in the Civil War. After Ocean City was founded in the late 19th century, the resort became a mecca for vacationers, who enjoyed the surf and sand along side the pound fishermen who worked their nets a short distance off shore. During the 20th century, Ocean City witnessed the arrival of the automobile, bootleggers, and German submarines. Following the Second World War, Bobby Baker, confidant to Lyndon Johnson, built a motel on the barren dunes to the north and helped ignite the condominium boom that saw Ocean City grow all the way to the Delaware line.