Made in America: From Levi's to Barbie to Google

Books of lists are an old publishing favorite and the Made in America type probably come out every year or so. I have a 1964 Ace paperback by Hannah Campbell 'Why Did They Name It...?' with the background to dozens of products. Nick Freeth's book is a bit better than most because its covers two hundred items. Right away problems start because this number means it can't just be products otherwise some real obscure things would have be included (and are) so Mack trucks, Las Vegas Strip, Hollywood, Times Square, traffic lights or a Kazoo are included. Each product (or concept) gets a photo, statistical data (including, amazingly, the makers Stock Exchange symbol) background text and the predictable 'Did you know?' all presented on pages with several colored panels (Did You Know?.. that the book 'Made in America' didn't repeat the same page color schemes in a 304 page book). The listings are arranged alphabetically so that Shure Microphones rub shoulders with Silly Putty then Skippy Peanut Butter. If you like this kind of fun juxtaposing of products you'll enjoy the book. It's surely the ultimate dip into and be amazed page turner and Did You Know?.. that Greyhound Scenicruiser buses had two engines just in case one broke down! 2008 UPDATE: If this sort of subject interests you'll love Iconic America: A Roller-Coaster Ride through the Eye-Popping Panorama of American Pop Culture full of products and concepts that define the Nation. ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

I bought this book on a whim after leafing through it to see what made the list. It really has a lot of info--I can't resist picking it up to read another half dozen entries. Lots of fun, even though you'll probably think of lots of other stuff he could have included. (Dr Pepper is really the oldest soft drink?)

What a great book. This gives you info on everything American. From Coca Cola and Barbie Dolls etc etc. It's really interesting because firstly, you may not have realised that something is actually American made/invented, and then with so many products in here, something is bound to capture your interest. It will tell you all about that product like the date it was invented, where, how etc. This is a really cool gift for someone, or just entertaining reading for yourself. I recommend this to any 'history' buff or just anyone in general.