Library Journal Review: It is still somewhat of a mystery why James Smithson, an English scientist, stipulated in his 1826 will that $500,000 was to be given to America, a country he had never visited, to be used for a building to function "in the increase and diffusion of knowledge." The Smithsonian is still following this mission. The combined museum now includes the National Air and Space Museum, National Zoological Park, National Museum of Natural History, the Hirshorn Collection, and the Museum of the American Indian (opening in 2001). Generally referred to as the "Nation's Attic," the Smithsonian boasts over 140 million artifacts, from the "Spirit of St. Louis" to Fort McHenry's flag to moon rocks. Conaway (Napa, LJ 9/15/90), who started out as a weekend visitor to the museums, offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of America's most visited sites. This lavishly illustrated work is published in conjunction with the Smithsonian's sesquicentennial. Highly recommended.Joseph Hewgley, Nashville P.L. Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.