Made in America: From Levi's to Barbie to Google [Library Binding]

Nick Freeth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2005 | ISBN-10: 1417691867 | ISBN-13: 978-1417691869

It's still a part of the American dream: come up with a useful and fun invention or product, bring it to market and make a fortune selling it, and even end up changing the world in ways large and small. In this colorful, fact-filled book, author and lover-of-all-things-American Nick Freeth chronicles the 210 products that have become a common part of everyday life, but have still made their unique mark on the world. The "Stuff of American Life" ranges from the accidental invention of the world's most successful drink(Coca-Cola); a scientist's "Eureka moment" and creation of a toy based on physics (Slinky); pants made from a fabric tough enough for cowboys that are now worn across the globe (Levi's); 20th-century automotive achievements like the stylish Corvette and luxurious Cadillac; or cutting-edge technology like Windows or Google that continue to change our world today.

Each iconic product was specially photographed and is accompanied by a concise history, fascinating trivia, and key information including manufacture dates and locations, product variations, pop culture references, and more fun "factoids" that trivia buffs will love. As part of his research, Freeth worked with a panel of academics and journalists and contacted each company to gather little-known tidbits about each object and how it came to be Made in America.

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

Editorial Reviews

Review

Classic American (UK), Winter 2006

“A handy, smallish, soft-back format ideal as a stocking-filler … It’s not too heavy, fun to dip into and very informative. Go buy!”

 

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

About the Author

Nick Freeth is the author of several books on Americana and related subjects, including Route 66 and Pacific Coast Highway. He considers himself an ongoing "student of American history and culture" and has traveled the US extensively, taking photos and researching his books from coast to coast. After graduating from Cambridge University in England, Nick worked for the BBC as a senior producer, and later formed his own production company to produce current affairs and music-related documentaries for the network. When he's not traveling in America, he lives in the United Kingdom. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Library Binding
• Publisher: San Val (October 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1417691867
• ISBN-13: 978-1417691869
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,061,744 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A book entitled "Made in America"...But printed and bound in China!?, March 18, 2008

By 

Jim Healey (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Made in America: From Levi's to Barbie to Google (Paperback)

C'mon, this has to be a sick joke, really. A beautifully written book encompassing all of the great American products, manufacturing prowess, and ingenuity over the past 120+ years...and yet...page 2 tells it all: PRINTED AND BOUND IN CHINA. Absolutely unacceptable.

But, well, at least all of the products listed *IN* the book are American made, right? WRONG. I'll give Nick Freeth a free pass on Levis 501's (the last US factory closed down in 2003), PEZ dispensers (at least the candies themselves are US made), and Converse "All Stars" (made in the USA until 2001), but the iPod, the Ralph Lauren Oxford shirt, and Nike Air Jordans (among numerous others)..?

iPods have NEVER been American made--they've been Chinese manufactured since day one; Ralph Lauren produces ALL of its shirts in third world countries throughout Asia--even the shirt this book uses for their own photo says clearly on the tag "MADE IN HONG KONG,"; and NO Nike shoes, much less the "Air Jordans", are produced anywhere even near the United States of America, lest you discount the Pacific ocean, etc., etc.

In other words, this book should be re-titled "Invented in America...Made Somewhere Else."

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars not true, June 25, 2008

By 

Stephanie E. Smith - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Made in America: From Levi's to Barbie to Google (Paperback)

most items listed in this book may have started in the US but are now only made in other country's. for someone trying to find things made in america, this book is no help. it is a sham

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really fun and interesting, December 25, 2005

By 

Little Miss Cutey (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Made in America: From Levi's to Barbie to Google (Paperback)

What a great book. This gives you info on everything American. From Coca Cola and Barbie Dolls etc etc. It's really interesting because firstly, you may not have realised that something is actually American made/invented, and then with so many products in here, something is bound to capture your interest. It will tell you all about that product like the date it was invented, where, how etc. This is a really cool gift for someone, or just entertaining reading for yourself. I recommend this to any 'history' buff or just anyone in general.