On The Road - America's Legendary Highways

By: Andrew Montgomery .

From the grinding rims of the covered wagon, via the gleaming tracks of the railroad to the glittering chrome of Detroit's finest, it is mobility that has created the unique character and culture of the United States. American highways do not follow the footsteps of imperial armies, or foreign "traders and explorers; they have been created for Americans by Americans. Their names make our hearts quicken and our feet itch, Daniel Boone, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.

This uniquely American lifestyle has been created by the need to provide food and lodging for the highway traveller, and fuel for his car. Competition for the passing trade has raised the diner, motel and humble gas station to the level of an art form, celebrated by artists and architects from Norman Rockwell and Edward Hopper to Frank Lloyd Wright.

This book is about the basic, beautiful contradiction that lies at the heartof the American love affair with the automobile and the road itself, the warm feeling of belonging, coupled with the desire to move on.

• Covers 12 classic road journeys, exploring the gas, food and lodging along the way, and the cultural references en route
• Includes details of a selection of iconic vehicles that travel the highways, with information on their history and specifications of each model
• Information on the famous and quirky landmarks to be seen on each trip
• Reconstruct each journey literally, or take a lyrical trip of the imagination

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