Take your pick. When it comes to relaxing, two of America's favorites are the Adirondack chair and the hammock.

Both iconic designs have regional variations and rich histories, and now they also have books devoted to their lore. "The Hammock: A Celebration of a Summer Classic" and "The Adirondack Chair: A Celebration of a Summer Classic" are by artist and furniture-maker Daniel Mack.

He mixes vintage photos with gorgeous contemporary shots in a small-scaled, heavily illustrated format.

You'll learn that the La-Z-Boy recliner was inspired by the Adirondack chair, that Civil War soldiers slept in hammocks and that some cultures bury their dead in them. Out just in time for those hot summer days, the books are from Stewart, Tabori & Chang ($17.95).