Discusses important writers from the colonial period, the neoclassic age, the romantic movement, realism and naturalism, and the twentieth century (1914-1970).

Traces the little-known origins of such American phenomena as the doughnut, Mary's little lamb, the beaver hat, the Ferris wheel, the Raggedy Ann doll, and denim jeans.

An introduction to the American influence and contributions in such areas as inventions, food, sports, technology and transportation.

Argues that the so-called decline in the standard of life in the United States is part of a normal cycle and that people who fret over increased immigration, slow economy, corrupt government, and other problems, are unfairly comparing the state of the country with the unprecedented, and unique prosperity experienced in the years following World War II.

"An epic novel that spans thirty years in the lives of a farm family in Iowa, telling a parallel story of the changes taking place in America from 1920 through the early 1950s"--Provided by publisher.