Book Description
It's still a part of the American dream: come up with a useful and fun invention or product, bring it to market and make a fortune selling it, and even end up changing the world in ways large and small. In this colorful, fact-filled book, author and lover-of-all-things-American Nick Freeth chronicles the 210 products that have become a common part of everyday life, but have still made their unique mark on the world. The "Stuff of American Life" ranges from the accidental invention of the world's most successful drink(Coca-Cola); a scientist's "Eureka moment" and creation of a toy based on physics (Slinky); pants made from a fabric tough enough for cowboys that are now worn across the globe (Levi's); 20th-century automotive achievements like the stylish Corvette and luxurious Cadillac; or cutting-edge technology like Windows or Google that continue to change our world today.
Each iconic product was specially photographed and is accompanied by a concise history, fascinating trivia, and key information including manufacture dates and locations, product variations, pop culture references, and more fun "factoids" that trivia buffs will love. As part of his research, Freeth worked with a panel of academics and journalists and contacted each company to gather little-known tidbits about each object and how it came to be Made in America.
About the author
Nick Freeth is the author of several books on Americana and related subjects, including Route 66 and Pacific Coast Highway. He considers himself an ongoing "student of American history and culture" and has traveled the US extensively, taking photos and researching his books from coast to coast. After graduating from Cambridge University in England, Nick worked for the BBC as a senior producer, and later formed his own production company to produce current affairs and music-related documentaries for the network. When he's not traveling in America, he lives in the United Kingdom.
