The Book of the States, The Council of State Governments. “Published since 1935, The Book of the States has been the reference tool of choice for more than half a century, providing information, answers and comparisons for all 56 U.S. states and territories. Within The Book of the States, you can find analysis and comparative information on a wide range of topics. The book not only focuses on historical data, but also highlights trends in various state public policy areas.”