In Search of America - Hardcover

Peter Jennings; Todd Brewster

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1401300324 ISBN 13: 9781401300326

Publisher: Hyperion, 2002

Synopsis

eter Jennings and Todd Brewster conceived of this fascinating book long before the events of September 11th. But watching America respond to one of the worst attacks in its history deepened the meaning of their project. Now, more than ever, Americans need to treasure their way of life, and to reacquaint themselves with the founding ideas that united and sustained this country in its struggle for independence two hundred and twenty-five years ago. In Search of America explores the basic ideals that drive and define the American character. Exquisitely designed, lavishly illustrated with photographs, and peppered with fascinating sidebars, this superb blend of eyewitness reporting and history is a significant, timely achievement. In Search of America is a splendid and provocative journey, one that will assure each and every American that though the principles of our great nation may be shaken, molded, adapted, and assaulted, remarkably, they endure.

About this title

About the Author

Peter Jennings is anchor and Senior Editor of ABC News World News Tonight. In nearly 40 years as a broadcast journalist, he has covered many of the pivotal events of our times. He is co-author of the bestselling books The Century and The Century for Young People.

Todd Brewster is Senior Editorial Producer of the television series In Search of America, as he was for ABCs The Century. A former editor and writer with Life magazine, he is co-author of the bestselling books The Century and The Century for Young People.

From Publishers Weekly

Anchorman Jennings and television producer Brewster illuminate contemporary American society with six stories, set in six different locations, examining central themes of American life: race, government, business, immigration, religion and culture. Each section is buttressed by thematically related sidebars and full-color illustrations. The battle in a South Carolina town to have creationism added to the public school biology curriculum is viewed in the context of the ongoing struggle between religion and science in America, and the chapter is supplemented by a discussion of the Scopes trial, the often overlooked complexity of Thomas Jefferson's ideas on religion and state and a look at the battle over textbooks in Texas. Another chapter focuses on attempts to revive the downtown of predominantly black Gary, Ind., thus highlighting the role of race in America. A look at Frito-Lay's efforts to market potato chips around the world underscores the role of business in America and its attempt to spread "the gospel of the free market" to undeveloped countries. The presentation is highly polished, and the authors report nonjudgmentally on various points of view in each controversy. But the authors do reach an optimistic conclusion that, indeed, the principles laid down by the founders 225 years ago "still form the essence of the American identity." (One-day laydown Sept. 3) Forecast: Major ABC promotion, a $500,000 national print ad campaign and the airing of the multipart TV program of the same title September 3-9, as well as the Jennings name, will make this a bestseller like the authors' last collaboration, The Century.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hyperion
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1401300324
• ISBN 13: 9781401300326
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 307