Miss America: In Pursuit of the Crown: The Complete Guide to the Miss America Pageant

I say first-runner up, because as an avid Miss America fan, I don't think the winning tome had yet to be published. In the meantime, Ms. Bivan' book is a treat. Very thoroughly researched, and nicely illustrated. Many black and white photo. Some color photos, but it definitely could use more, and from a larger range of years. My complaint was that it seemed a "puff piece", written by someone a little too closely involved with the MAO program -- and therefore lost some objectivity in reporting of some pageant scandals of yore -- and let's face it, those are some of the most fun in a pageant history book. Nonetheless, this is clearly a work of love on Miss Bivan's part, and a must for anyone who is a Miss America devotee. But I'm still waiting for the MAO book that will take the tiara.

This book is a must read for all Miss America Fans. People often make judgements about things they do not know. This book is a true account of the history of the Miss America Orgainization. It is refreshing to have facts and be able to learn the truth. This books shows what an awsome organization Miss America really is. Great history lesson.