The story of America's early symbols, the Uncle Sam image, and the cartoonists who created them through the years.

The top hat and stars and stripes that characterize Uncle Sam today were first worn by Yankee actors portraying Brother Jonathan. This book explores the complex emblematic function of the Brother Jonathan figure and its changing meaning through the decades and in a multitude of popular media.

A quirky, fun guide to New York’s Capital District. With new and updated entries on everything from food, shopping, and the arts to people, history, and places to visit, The Smalbanac 2.0 is a wry, affectionate, and practical guide to New York State’s capital city and surrounding area. Packed with information, this guide is perfect not only for visitors, new students, and those relocating to the area but also for long-term residents who want to get out of their comfort zones and explore the many hidden—and some not-so-hidden—treasures the area has to offer. Praise for the First Edition “An eclectic and affectionate look at the quirks of our region and its many hidden treasures.” — Albany Times Union “The Smalbanac is a delightful, informative guide to history, culture, cuisine and shopping in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy Whether you like to travel, dine out, or learn local history, this is an exceptional book, worth reading and keeping on hand for when someone laments, ‘I’m so bored.’” — Schenectady Daily Gazette

The long-awaited reissue of the classic Vertigo miniseries Uncle Sam by Steve Darnall and Alex Ross is a sharp political fever dream praised by Kirkus as a “truly subversive graphic novel” and “a damning account of American political history that also affirms basic democratic ideals” Uncle Sam: Special Election Edition is a vibrant, hallucinatory tour of modern America—the story of a star-spangled, ragged vagrant named Sam who is guided by the voices in his head and his own fractured memories. Absorbed by history-traveling visions of America’s dark past, Uncle Sam struggles to remember his true identity and piece together the scattered clues of his own experiences in this deep and thoughtful look at America’s checkered past. Meticulously researched by Steve Darnall and fully painted by Alex Ross, Uncle Sam returns in print just when it is needed most—in time for the 2024 presidential election—as a reminder of American ideals, the promise of our nation, and the democracy that is at stake. Originally published by DC, and out of print for over a decade, this expanded and updated Special Election Edition is brought to readers by Abrams in collaboration with DC.

The bestselling author of "Washington's Crossing" and "Albion's Seed" offers a strikingly original history of America's founding principles. Fischer examines liberty and freedom not as philosophical or political abstractions, but as folkways and popular beliefs deeply embedded in American culture. 400+ illustrations, 250 in full color.