Welcome to the preview of my book, A Pocketful of History: Four Hundred Years of America -- One State Quarter at a Time. You'll find it starts with a discussion of the U.S. Mint's 50 State Quarters program and progresses to a chapter-by-chapter discussion of each state's quarter. Before it's all said and done, you'll know why Caesar Rodney is riding across Delaware's quarter, how Georgia became the Peach State, why Connecticut treasures the memory of its Charter Oak, and a host of other fascinating aspects of American history and culture -- all depicted on these state quarters. I'll be looking forward to corresponding with you. -- Jim Noles
As one who has been fascinated with history for many years I have wondered just why certain images were used to depict state images on quarters. Living in California I had wondered how the decision to use John Muir instead of the expected 49er Gold Miner or perhaps the Golden Gate Bridge. Glad to see it will be answered in your book. My 88 year young mother has carefully collected all the quarters so far for her great-grandchildren and both she and I are looking forward to getting your book.
Thanks for your interest! The California quarter stirred up quite a bit of controversy. The 49er design actually reportedly won an on-line poll which led many people to believe that it would be the design selected. However, the final decision rested with the governor and he opted for the John Muir design. The good news is that John Muir is a fascinating story and he made for a good chapter nevertheless!
Appreciatioin for receiving these emails about the books suggested by Suzanne seems, at times, inadequate to express how much I look forward to reading the suggested books and, in particular, your entire book. What a wonderful subject you have chosen! We ALL should read this one, and I hope everyone does. Thanks for writing on such an interesting subject. As I get older, I find that I get so much more enjoyment from non-fiction; whereas, when younger, it was always the fiction novels which peaked my interest. Thanks again to both of you: you for writing the book and Suzanne for sharing.
Robbie Salyers
P.S.
In case you're wondering, I am female. Most people see my name and assume I'm a guy!
Thanks for the enthusiasm, Robbie. I also hope that everyone reads it -- I have to put two boys through college one day! Seriously, I hope you enjoy it. I find that a lot of readers appreciate their history lessons in smaller, casual doses -- and that was certainly one of my goals with A Pocketful of History. Anyway, I hope it lives up to your expectations.
I've been collecting the state quarters since they were first issued, and some of the choices have surprised me. I liked the Alabama quarter celebrating Helen Keller, and the Connecticut and Oklahoma quarters because of their designs. It's been a treasure hunt each time I've gone to a store to see if I'll get a new quarter, and I'm sorry to see it ending soon. I'm looking forward to reading your book and finding out about some of the odd choices too, like "Birthplace of Aviation" for Ohio.
I definitely think you'll enjoy the book. But take heart -- the Mint will issue quarters for DC and for the five territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, USVI, and American Samoa) in 2009. So you'll have a little bit more of a chance to collect quarters in 2009!
What a great book!! My siblings, parents and in-laws have all been collecting the quarters. I am going to give your book to all of them for Christmas! Thank-you for writing it! I haven't seen my in-laws collection, but they have to collect quarters from both mints. They have an easier time with the Denver's as they live in Phoenix - so I try to find the Philly's since I live in Florida. It's been a lot of fun and your book is going to be the perfect ending for all of us.
Thats really neat. I don't think to many people think about the significance of the 50 state quarters I know I never did. I can't beleive I had to wait so long for my own states quarter. GO IDAHO. and when it got here I was pretty let down. We have a lot of history here in Idaho and they really didn't show it.
There's actually a method to the madness of the Idaho quarter, Mallory -- even thought the peregrine falcon depicted on the quarter is not the state bird. Read the Idaho chapter and you'll see what I mean.
