Made in America

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: William Roberts

Length: 18 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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)

Learned a lot about America

Book starts off slow for a little boring sure gets good as it goes on learned a lot about America that he didn’t know and reinforce some things that I did know
enjoyed it immensely

Narration

No one except Bill Bryson should ever narrate a Bill Bryson book. Bryson’s words, read by William Robert’s sound arrogant and lecturing, while they sound sounded charming and informative if ready by Bryson with his odd accent and unique cadence.

Great reference!

This was a really interesting ,well-researched reference answering so many questions about the derivation of words and ideas found in everyday American speech.

Eclectic enjoyment

I love Bill’s books - they mix fact with humor and side stories in a manner that keeps your attention.
I love sharing little tidbits with my friends and some have indicated an interest in getting their own copy to listen to.
Keep it up Bill!

Didn’t ruin it… But it’s not Bll Bryson

I wouldn’t go so far as of the reviewers to say that the reader ruined the book… But certain authors (David Sedaris, David McCullough, Bill Bryson, etc.) should always read their own work. There’s subtle inflections, and the personality they bring to their own readings, improve or degrade the text by 50%.

William Roberts is as good a narrator as Bryson is a storyteller and that is saying a lot

Bryson uses linguistics, in the form of American contribution to language, as a means of telling US history. It’s great stuff and with an abundance of Bryson humor.

so many mispronunciations

Any additional comments?

Bill Bryson ALWAYS tells a fascinating story but the reader, William Roberts, should have had some guidance how to pronounce MANY place names. It became increasingly irritating. Too bad Bryson did not read it himself. He's a fine reader/

Corky Information on America

"Made in America" is a bit misleading. While I enjoy Bill Bryson and his style of presenting information that I would never thought about, like crime against nature and Comstock laws, I was looking for more products that are made in the States. Instead, the majority of the information is on the American language. I just wish that there was more about American inventions in the 19th century. I forgot that Bill Bryson almost always present corky information and facts, but this is why I enjoy his curiosity.

Deserves Recognition

I think Bill has done a great job with the research. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A brilliant history of language and culture

A witty, fun and insightful look at words and origins told as only Bryson can.