Smithsonian

We took a visit to the Smithsonian in Washington, hosting some guests from Germany who had the treasures of the mineral exhibit on their "must see first time to the US" list of attractions. We were a bit nonplussed by this--we didn't know that foreigners would be interested in the Smithsonian Museum. We spent an entire day, seeing just a small percentage of the national treasures in this montsrous museum complex. While we were shopping in one of the gift shops, we were offered a membership. We signed up to support the Smithsonian and to get this magazine.

Recently, there was an article on Cambodia's huge temple complex Ankhor Wat (filmed in "Lara Croft"), an article on sled dogs and an article on the Kansas-Nebraska Act, a key law that added to the tinder sparking the Civil War. And best of all, an article on Diane Arbus, the photographer who was famous for her portraits of seemingly ordinary people, somehow caught with an eye to freakishness or evil. Though I've been familiar with Arbus' work for year, this article had so much new information.

If you like magazines about nature, culture and history, this is the one to get. We get excited by every issue.


Better than a trip to the museum!   October 26, 2001
Word Sorceress (Seattle, WA USA)
39 out of 40 found this review helpful

I never know what I'm going to find when I open an issue of Smithsonian, but I always find something intriguing that I would never have learned about in any other way. The depth and breadth of the articles never ceases to astonish me. In what other single magazine could you read about the art of Maxfield Parrish, the history of the calendar, the 13 smallest countries in the world, and see photos of exotic species of chickens? The writing is always intelligent, often witty, and inevitably a pleasure.


A great magazine from "America's Attic"   August 27, 2005
E. A. Lovitt (Gladwin, MI USA)
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

A subscription to the "Smithsonian" magazine is one of the benefits of enrolling as member in this venerable American institution. Another benefit is a member discount for items in their catalog--always a good thing to have around birthdays or Christmas.

Speaking of holidays, this magazine makes a wonderful gift. Buy a gift membership, and you can feel good about supporting the Smithsonian's sixteen museums and galleries, the National Zoo, and numerous research facilities in the United States and abroad, and you can check a friend or relative off of your gift list with the assurance that he or she will find something of interest in this award-winning monthly magazine.

In this month's "Smithsonian" see ten endangered species making a comeback, learn about slavery in Niger, and navigate Russia's unspoiled Lena River.

Last month's issue had an article about the Scopes 'monkey' trial in Tennessee--unfortunately not much has changed in them thar hills. The lead-in to the article states, "Eighty Years after a Dayton, Tennessee Jury found John Scopes guilty of teaching evolution, the citizens of 'Monkeytown' still say Darwin's for the birds."

Another series that I've been following with interest is monthly excerpts from the Lewis and Clark journals, in this the 200th anniversary of their westward journey of exploration. Upon encountering their first grizzlies, Meriwether Lewis wrote, "The White bear (grizzlies) have become so troublesome to us that I do not think it prudent to send one man alone on an errand of any kind." This month's extract is accompanied by a painting entitled "Hasty Retreat" by John Clymer, which shows a grizzly attacking a group of trappers in dugouts.

"Smithsonian" is not just about American history. It has acquired quite an ecological angle in the many years since I started my subscription, and like "National Geographic," there are always insights and photographs into other cultures and other customs. Last month's article "Out of Time" takes place deep in the Amazon where "one man struggles to protect the isolated Korubo tribe from loggers, settlers and missionaries. Is he saving the Indians' unique culture--or cruelly depriving them of modern blessings?"

Art, medicine, travel tips, astronomy--you name the topic, and it can probably be found in the back issues of this magazine. I was once doing research on the "Girl on a Velvet Swing" trial and sure enough, the internet search engine pointed me at an article in a back issue of the "Smithsonian." This makes sense for the publication of an institution that has often been called "America's Attic."

Subscribe and enjoy!



A literate and beautifully photographed magazine   January 2, 2003
Reginald D. Garrard (Camilla, GA USA)
18 out of 20 found this review helpful

Every issue of "Smithsonian" is as varied as the multitude of items found in the much-heralded institution. Having visited the respective museums in the Smithsonian complex on the mall in DC, I have come to respect the magazine as providing its readers with such diverse articles within its pages.

The reader can find historical essays and reports, science developments, the arts, and a bevy of pieces encompassing the whole of existence on this planet.

One of the most highly entertaining magazines of its type, it is not just an intellectual pursuit. It is geared for all interests.


Best American Magazine, My Membership Is Good To 2017.   December 20, 2006
Steve Guardala (AM MOVING TO REVIEW SITE THAT PAYS.)
61 out of 62 found this review helpful

Every month this mag has fascinating articles. History, current events, Politics, Enviromentalism, Science, Technology, Art, & daily living in the USA are all covered here. The topics are diverse, well written, & the photography can sometimes rival National Geographic. Smithsonian's articles encompasse several areas covered in magazines as various as "The Atlantic Monthly, Economist, Discovery, US News & World Report, & Archaeology. From prehistory to the newest innovations you will find it here.