In his 50 years as a book editor, based in London and New York, with a particular interest in architecture, urban history and landscape design, Michael Stephenson has also written six books of history.

Established in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world's largest museum and research complex, dedicated to public education, national service, and scholarship in the arts, sciences and history. It includes 19 museums and galleries and the National Zoological Park. The total number of artifacts, works of art and specimens in the Smithsonian's collection is estimated at 156 million.