Applewood Books

Exciting Adventures in Sailing from the Rugged American Literary Icon, Jack London

American author Jack London, best known for his fiction set during the Klondike Gold Rush, such as The Call of the Wild, was also an avid sailor. “Small-Boat Sailing” was published in 1917 in The Human Drift, a collection of short stories and essays. London recounts his time at sea, including travels on fishing schooners and coal ships alongside small sailboats. His descriptions of hard work, excitement, and the thrill of handling a small boat in trouble on the water are exhilarating. 

Part of Applewood’s American Roots series, this gift edition hard back features an elegant design and artful illustrations, ideal for any sailor or maritime lover’s nightstand. 

An impassioned poem with Buddhist imagery and messages of environmentalism, social justice, and enlightenment.

Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet Gary Snyder composed Smokey the Bear Sutra” one spring night in 1969 at a Sierra Club conference. Smokey the Bear is not the U.S. Forest Service’s Smokey Bear, the latter being a highly recognized advertising symbol protected by Federal law. Rather, the imagery of this Smokey comes from Buddhism; according to Snyder, Smokey the Bear Sutra is a dharma protector, modeled after Fugo, the Japanese patron of ascetics and yogis. The message of the Sutra is that we as beings are responsible to protect all other life down to the smallest forms— do no harm, protect our collective selves, and honor the great impermanence.

This short work is part of Applewood's American Roots series, tactile mementos of American passions by some of America's most famous writers.

Walt Whitman's Song of the Open Road, from his seminal work Leaves of Grass, is a celebration of freedom and the joy of journeying.

In Whitman's classic poem, the road becomes a metaphor for life's journey, full of possibilities, adventures, and the promise of personal discovery. Song of the Open Road encapsulates the essence of American transcendentalism, advocating for self-reliance and a profound connection with nature. Whitman's language and verse mirrors the free spirit of the open road, where societal constraints dissolve and the individual becomes one with the world.

“To know the universe itself as a road, as many roads, as roads for traveling souls.”—Walt Whitman

Ghosts are everywhere… if you know how to look.

Originally published in 1864, Spectropia is a science-based, time-honored guide to seeing ghosts, ghouls, spirits, skeletons, and witches—no graveyard loitering necessary.

Simply stare at the sixteen color plates inside this book for twenty seconds and you will see colorful spooky specters, life-sized or colossal. Whether a true believer or a skeptic, anyone can experience the paranormal with Spectropia.

“All Democrats use it, and most Republicans, because it is the best.”

Jane Armstrong Tucker’s collection of recipes, some from her own family’s kitchen and others contributed by fellow Democratic Women of Maine, was published in 1925. Wholesome New England recipes for chowders and fish dishes lead the way, with instructions for preparing sweets occupying almost half the book. Discover classic New England cooking in a historic collection from one of Maine’s iconic families. 

First published in 1824, Tales of a Traveller included some of Washington Irving's most Gothic stories, set throughout Europe rather than in the familiar haunted precincts of the Hudson River Valley.

Years before Edgar Allen Poe began his literary career, Irving was already in the business of scaring readers silly. Read them... if you dare!

One of the twelve-book "Quotes of Inspiration" Series. This little collection of over 100 inspirational and motivational quotations from famous Americans is separated into two parts. The first is the Quote section in which there are the most poignant quotes on success; the second is the Unquote section, in which the more humorous side of success is revealed. Beautifully produced in a hardcover, with two color printing, these little gems are destined to find an honored place in every shop and home.

This little collection of over 100 inspirational and motivational quotations from famous Americans is separated into two parts. The first is the Quote section in which there are the most poignant quotes on teamwork; the second is the Unquote section, in which the more humorous side of teamwork is revealed. Beautifully produced in a hardcover, with two color printing, these little gems are destined to find an honored place in every shop and home.

Vintage Images from America's Grateful Past

From the earliest Thanksgivings over four centuries ago, to the iconic traditions of food and family established today, the most American of celebrations on the nation’s holiday calendar remains Thanksgiving Day. Featuring images drawn from a diverse array of historical sources, including prints, paintings, illustrations, photographs, and more, this curated collection tells the visual history of Thanksgiving in America. Discover vivid early depictions of the First Thanksgiving, Turkey obsessed historic postcards, national proclamations, and more in this fun collection charting America’s love of family and country.

Searching for the Spirit of '76

With America's 250th founding anniversary upcoming, it is opportune to reflect upon the cultural impact and history of America's Bicentennial celebration of 1976. The early 1970s was dominated by economic and political turmoil, and the nation looked to the Bicentennial to provide an outlet for moving past difficult times by defining the American ethos through a celebration of its past. Though the celebration sought to recycle many of the nation's mythologies, both good and bad, it was successful in reinvigorating the country by reminding them of what made America exceptional. Author Lawrence Samuel explores the cultural history of the American Bicentennial and helps us to ponder the very same questions of who we are as a people and a nation, as we look ahead to America at 250.

Your Patriotic Guide to Old Glory

This handsome guide to the American flag is a concise collection of the history and etiquette of the U.S. flag in an elegant hardcover edition. The book includes details of the laws relating to the flag as described in the United States Code, information about the Pledge Of Allegiance and Flag Day, a guide to flag presentation and care, and an engaging timeline of flag history. Maintain the power and prestige of your flag through this guide to the heritage of Old Glory.