Vividly illustrated, this lively book presents the first in-depth study of the traveling salesman, illuminating his role in American culture from 1830 to 1920. Drawing on letters, diaries, and autobiographies, as well as on literary works by Crane, Dreiser, Lewis, and Miller, Spears examines the impact of the commercial traveler both on the national market economy and on American imagination.
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The subject of everything from dirty jokes to great drama, the traveling salesman has been mythicized in U.S. popular culture. Now Spears takes a serious but nonetheless fascinating look at the role of such salesmen (and during the 100-year period beginning with 1830 considered by Spears, these itinerant sellers were almost always male) in shaping today's consumer culture and in contributing to the lore--and lure--of "the road." Spears' observations and insights are wonderfully enhanced by trade journal advertisements, old photographs, and excerpts from diaries, turn-of-the-century selling manuals, and the works of such authors as Arthur Miller, Eudora Welty, and Theodore Dreiser. This splendid book should find a place in academic and popular collections alike. David Rouse
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great detail,very insightful,
By A Customer
This review is from: 100 Years on the Road: The Traveling Salesman in American Culture (Hardcover)
If you are involved with the modern concept of selling here is a book that gives true perspective and insight on where this stuff all began. I found it amazing.
2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
You will never look at sales the same way again,
By
This review is from: 100 Years on the Road: The Traveling Salesman in American Culture (Hardcover)
This amazing work offers tremendous detail and insight into the historical life of the American Saleman. I found it truly facinating. If you think about what selling is like today and through the pages of this book compare it to what it was like; much has changed, much has not.
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