The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has both a tradition and a solid record of encouraging and supporting historical publications, particularly in the field of biography but also in the history of technical achievements. The numerous books, articles, and commemorative brochures that have been published under Society auspices or with the encouragement of the Society provide a great deal of historical information, much of which would not be otherwise available. These publications make collectively a substantial and tangible witness to the sense of the past that has inspired and, in some measure, informed a surprisingly large number of prominent individuals who are or have been members of the Society.