Federalism Book

A foundational work in public history, and still well worth a read. I think, knowing its significance, I went in expecting something dense, theoretical, textbook-y. It is theoretical, but in a very friendly, conversational way, and it's a short book, so I think the interested public could also get a lot out of it too (provided they recognize it's sixty years old). For me as a public history practitioner, it's a positive and encouraging book that helps you think about the visitor first and learn how to give that visitor something of value. There are tips and tricks, and six "principles" of interpretation that I think should still be taught to public history students everywhere, but the main thing is this motivational "consider this aspect..." kind of tone. Because the book mostly focuses on the national parks, and mostly on guiding tours within those parks, others might get even more practical instruction out of it. He takes care to reference museums, historic homes, and other sites of interpretation as well, though. Not the be-all and end-all, but good!