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Made in America

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About this listen

Featuring a special introduction written for the audiobook edition and read by the author

In Made in America, Bryson de-mythologizes his native land, explaining how a dusty hamlet with neither woods nor holly became Hollywood, how the Wild West wasn't won, why Americans say 'lootenant' and 'Toosday', how Americans were eating junk food long before the word itself was cooked up, as well as exposing the true origins of the G-string, the original $64,000 question, and Dr Kellogg of cornflakes fame.

©1994 Bill Bryson (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Americas Linguistics Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary United States Funny Witty Thought-Provoking Suspenseful Imperialism Latin American United Kingdom American History British Empire Old West Wild West

Critic reviews

"Bryson offers a playfully anecdotal account of the etymology of distinctive words and phrases that help to create a distinctly American English." ( Publishers Weekly)
"A treat....Filled with surprises....A literate exploration of why we use, or mangle, our native tongue." ( USA Today)
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Anyone who loves language and fancies themselves an arm-chair historian will absolutely love this book. Wonderfully read by William Roberts. Download it NOW!

FAN-tastic

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Bill Bryson does not need an introduction, but in case you never heard of him, you should start with “Walk in the woods” or “Notes from the small island” rather than this one...

Still, “Made in America” is a good book which I found very entertaining. The author takes you on a cultural journey through the centuries from development of the language, food, via industrial development, traditions and on through day to day American life.

He does not shy from sharing his opinions and strangely British humour (he must have developed that early on) and gives the story its unique Brysonsque character.
So if you can laugh out loud and you enjoy reading about cultural differences and travels, you wil love it.

Finally, the icing on this cupcake is in the narration. William Roberts does a splendid job and I think Bill would fully approve.

Welcome to the Hotel America. Such a lovely place.

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This was a tricky wee read for the narrator and he coped admirably. We are taken on a linguistic journey from the Mayflower to present day. The origins of American English had several roots, English, Scottish, Irish, Native American, Spanish and German; and far from being a boring language lesson, it was an informative wee listen!

The history of inventions and the lying and cheating that went on to obtain copyrights was fascinating - especially the poor wee guy who was cheated by Singer on his sewing machine. You'll learn all about the later fads like Coke and McDonalds too, I'd recommend this.

Top Marks to the Narrator

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Lots of really interesting information. A little out of date now but still well worth a listen. There are parts where in the written text it is clearly a list, and this is not great in am audio book. However for the most part of its an enjoyable history lesson which entertains along the way.

Interesting and informative

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loved it. Bill Bryson has a way of making anything he chooses turns his attention to automatically fascinating to the reader/listener.
I've listened to his audiobooks all my life and they have never ever disappointed.

Any work bill bryson is Golden in my opinion

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