To celebrate the library's 1895-1995 centennial, the librarians at the New York Public Library were asked which books helped shape and define the last hundred years. This book is their response: From The Time Machine by Herbert George Wells in 1895 to The Whole Internet: User's Guide & Catalog by Ed Krol in 1992, the librarians present their 204 selections. There's a page devoted to each work, with the author's dates and a few paragraphs summarizing the content and significance of the book. Divided into 12 categories (such as Landmarks of Modern Literature, Protest & Progress, Popular Culture, and Favorites of Childhood and Youth) the books form a fascinating view of the 20th century's literary canon while the text makes for a useful literary reference and excellent browsing. --Stephanie Gold