In Search of America by Jennings, Peter;Brewster, Todd - 2002

NY: Hyperion Books, 2002. Book. Illus. by Porges, Vivette, Photog.. Near Fine. Hardcover. First Edition.. Anchorman Peter Jennings (now deceased) and television producer Todd 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 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." 207 pp., glossy color photos on most pages, Index, reading list. Close to new, no markings, slight wear to dj. A companion to a TV series on the topic of America's founding principles and the question of whether they still govern contemporary culture. The authors do this by exploring the character of six communities in detail (Aiken, S.C., washington, D.C., Gary Ind.; Salt Lake City; Plano, Texas; and Boulder, Colo.) Size: 4to -- 10.5 In. Tall.