book tv is taking a tour of the exit and joining us is roberta shaver, associate librarian for the library of congress. ms. schaefer, why do you call that books that shaped america? >> well, we actually call it books that shaped america as opposed to some of the other words we considered like changed america because we think that books so we have an impact on american society. and shaped seemed to be the better word to imply that kind of consultation. >> when you think of the worst shape what the book comes to mind? >> that is the fabulous part of this exhibit. no one book is shaping america. so many books have had such a profound influence on american culture and society and indeed the very essence of what america is that it would be impossible, and would be in proper to pick one book from the 88 it better here. >> it starts off, the exhibit starts off with common sense. >> yes it does although the earliest book is actually been franklin's book on electricity. that is 1751. so, we have to books about common sense on the shelf. one is dr. spock's book on raising your child in a common sens

roberta shaver is the associate librarian. why are they books that shaped america? >> as opposed to change america because with the american society it is a better word to imply that connotation. but the fabulous part is no one book in shaping america. that had been impact on culture and society and the essence of what america it is. it is improper to pick one book out of 88. >> host: it starts with common-sense. >> guest: the earliest was ben franklin's on electricity. one was dr. spock's book praising your child in a common-sense way and of course, common-sense that sparked the american course, common-sense that sparked the american revolution. they're not all first editions or very rare but many would be. if not one of the kind. those descriptions by the authors what i a door is part of those not but now there send books to read on the ipod button in the olden days. one is tarzan. i cannot think of the other one. >> host: in the exhibit is a lot of novels. not only but the common people read but some novels but it appeals to all ages. is a children's audience. >>

. >> books that shaped america and booktv we have roberta shaver why you called it books that shaped america of? >> as opposed to the other words like change america because pokes slowly have an impact and shape has the better word with that connotation. >> host: what book comes to mind immediately? >> no one book shapes america up. indeed the very essence of what america it is is, impossible and improper to pick out of 88. >> host: the exhibit starts with common sense. >> the earliest is from ben franklin on electricity. we have to books about common sense. one is about dr. spock raising your child and the thomas paine book that saved the american revolution. >> host: are they all first editions or rare? >> guest: not all of them but many are if not one-of-a-kind. some have inscriptions by the authors or other famous people. to books are part of the armed services reach four people surveying in the military. books that soldiers were sent bride believe now they are sent on the ipod but in the old days. one is tarzan and i cannot think of the other one. >> host: in this exhibit a lot