The American Diner [Hardcover]

Michael Karl Witzel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1999

Historic diners, from horse-drawn lunch wagons at the turn of the century to Streamline Moderne styling of the 1950s.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The News Tribune (WA), Jan 5, 2007

“Now, there are a number of nice diner books around, but one new one worth getting is  … American Diner. It’s lavishly illustrated with black-and-white photos and lots of color … Very readable text … Great bibliography for the aficionado.”

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Michael Karl Witzel is a writer, photographer, historian, and folklorist devoted to American roadside culture. An award-winning author, he has penned several books published by MBI Publishing Company, including The American Drive-In, Cruisin’, Route 66, Drive-In Deluxe, and The American Gas Station. He lives in Wemberley, Texas. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks International (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760301107
• ISBN-13: 978-0760301104
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,163,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Member, American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very beautiful, informative and entertaining., April 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The American Diner (Hardcover)

"The American Diner" is a delightful book that maintains the high standards Michael Witzel has always set for himself. Very beautiful, informative and entertaining. Chock-full of outstanding images from photographers like Pedar Ness, Ronald Saari and Howard Ande.

There are many excellent sidebar stories, including one on Jerry Berta's DINERLAND in Rockford, Michigan. This man saved Rosie's Diner, built a miniature golf course and restored another 1947 diner into an art gallery. (I've gotta meet this guy.)

Another delightful effort from Michael Karl Witzel. "The American Diner" entices me to Hit The Road and experience these wonderful greasy-spoons firsthand, especially those original East Coast joints!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The American Diner is eye candy for the diner enthusiast!, March 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The American Diner (Hardcover)

Witzel has done it again! The diner images in this book are fantastic, both the vintage and current shots. Many are full page size and more, giving the reader a closeup look at some of America's greatest diners. Along with really informative historical text, each chapter contains a sidebar that highlights a particularly cool diner. It was fun to learn the history of and to see some of the greats like Pal's, Rosies, The Riverhead Grill, the Cutchogue, and Mel's "Googies" Diner in action.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great color photos!, May 13, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The American Diner (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book for we nostalgia nuts! The many photographs and descriptions of pre-fast food America will remind you of simpler times, or make you sad that you missed them.