From “Who’s on First” to “A Hard Rain’s a’ Gonna Fall,” from “The Gettysburg Address” to “Green Eggs and Ham,” this delightful anthology lets you hear America talking.

Webster had his dictionary but it took an ugly war of words to win its place in American life.

From denunciation to celebration, The Attic explores the unique language called American.

Topping Manhattan’s soaring skyline took money, ego, and an architect’s secret plan.

Humpbacks had been singing since forever but no one heard until Roger Payne — and Judy Collins — made the world listen.

B.C. (Before Calder) sculpture was set in stone. Then “Sandy” began to have fun.

The first skateboards were skates nailed to a board. By kids like me. But today the sky’s the limit.

Legends of the Old West were hard, tough men. But then there was Annie Oakley.

When smallpox ravaged Boston, Cotton Mather turned to science to stop this “Destroying Angel.” American medicine was never the same.

Books were no bargain until a century ago when the Little Blue Books were born. A half billion books later. . .

Death may be final but mocking the Grim Reaper is an old American tradition

It was another night in prime time, 1977, and then “Roots” broke the bonds of denial. (As seen in “Roots.”)

John Cage heard music in everyday sounds. His 4’33” taught audiences to hear that music, too.

As a potter, Theaster Gates learned to shape clay. Now he is reshaping a Chicago neighborhood — and lives.

Her first book made her the “true heir” to Thoreau. But Annie Dillard found new wonders to explore.

JULY 4, 1910

When Jack Johnson fought Jim Jeffries on the Fourth, white supremacy took a stunning blow.