Have you ever wanted to travel to all fifty states? Unless you're wealthy (or have plenty of opportunities to travel) this marvelous book will allow you to do so without leaving the comfort of your favorite armchair! Inspired by John Gunther's classic 1947 work, "Inside America", the "Book of America"'s two authors personally traveled to all fifty states in the late seventies and early eighties, interviewed and absorbed as much information and experiences as they could, and then produced this book. The result is a unique and insightful look at America in the eighties (and much of the information they provide is still relevant today). Yet this book is far more than a simple travelogue or list of facts. The authors cover - often in surprising detail - virtually every facet of life in all fifty states. The politics, regional differences, history, culture, geography, scenic spots, and more of every state are discussed. To cite just one example (or one state) - have you ever wanted a "bird's eye" tour of New York City's five boroughs? Then it's all here (all the ethnic groups, neighborhoods, the city's nightlife, etc.)- but so is a tour of Long Island's suburbs, the dairy country of upstate New York, the "Finger Lakes" region, the majestic Adirondack Mountains of the upstate region, and almost everything you'd need to know about the Empire State's people and places. You'll learn that New York City nearly always votes for Democrats, while the "upstate" farmers and suburbs vote Republican. Yet none of this ever gets boring, as the authors are witty and aren't afraid to poke holes or skewer sacred cows along the way: "Texas, that braggart of American states...etc." One of the author's interesting discoveries is that America's regional differences are still strong, despite the mobility of the American people (for proof of that, just look at the recent presidential election)! To be sure, some of their info is now dated, such as when they discuss the phenomenal popularity of the TV series "Dallas" overseas (that, of course, is in the chapter on Texas). But overall this is still a superb, one-of-a-kind look at America that you won't find anywhere else.

I read this book in college and loved it! I've wondered if there was ever going to be a follow-up. There needs to be another written just like it for today. Please write another one guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you ever wanted to travel to all fifty states? Unless you're wealthy (or have a-lot of free time on your hands) this marvelous book will allow you to do so without ever leaving the comfort of your armchair. Inspired by John Gunther's classic 1947 work, "Inside America", this book's two authors personally traveled to all fifty states in the late seventies and early eighties. They traveled throughout each state and visited its' major cities, interviewed as many citizens, political and business leaders as they could, and then produced this book. The result is a unique and insightful look at America in the early 1980's (and much of the information they provide is still relevant today). Yet this book is far more than a simple travelogue or list of facts. The authors cover - and often in surprising detail - virtually every facet of life in all fifty states. The politics, regional differences, history, culture, geography, scenic spots, problems, and more info about every state are discussed. To cite just one example (or state): Have you ever wanted a "bird's eye" tour of New York City and its' boroughs? Then it's all here - the ethnic neighborhoods, the history of each borough, the sports teams, the city's politics, the nightclubs, etc. It's like visiting New York in your living room. Yet in the chapter on New York you'll also get a tour of the city's suburbs on Long Island; the dairy and farming country of the upstate, the majestic "Finger Lakes" region and the Adirondack Mountains in the upstate, and a completely seperate section on the state's "second-tier" cities from Albany to Rochester and Buffalo - all in a single engrossing chapter! You'll learn why New York City almost always votes Democratic, while upstate New York usually votes Republican. The book is rarely boring, as the authors are witty and not afraid to tease: "Texas, that braggart of American states...". One of the author's interesting discoveries is that America's regional differences are still strong and lively, despite the mobility of the American people (for proof of regional differences, just look at the 2000 presidential election)! To be sure, some of their info is now dated, such as when they discuss the phenomenal popularity of the TV show "Dallas" overseas (that, of course, is in the chapter on Texas). But overall this is still a superb, one-of-a-kind look at America that you won't find anywhere else. Highly Recommended!