On Becoming American: A celebration of what it means and how it feels

by Ted Morgan

On Becoming American is an inquiry into American identity--what it is that sets Americans apart from the rest of the world. Ted Morgan discusses America through the prism of his own he was a French aristocrat, Sanche de Gramont, who became Ted Morgan and an American citizen in 1977, he settled on a name that conformed with the language and cultural norms of American society, a name that telephone operators and desk clerks could hear without flinching. A Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist, Morgan's experience illustrates why immigration is central to the American experience. He sees us with fresh eyes, and writes with humor about our passion for fast cars, fast food and the freedom we take for granted. "An antidote to facile put downs of America. Morgan makes the case that America is the greatest success story the world has ever known. Not bad for someone who isn't even running for office!"

336 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1978

About the author

Born Saint-Charles Armand Gabriel de Gramont*, he used the name Sanche de Gramont as his byline (and also on his books) during the early part of his career. He worked as a journalist for many years, and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 for local reporting written under pressure of a deadline. He first came to the United States in 1937, and became a naturalized citizen in February 1977, at which time he had his name legally changed to Ted Morgan. He was a National Book Award finalist in 1982 for Maugham: A Biography.


*His father was a military pilot who died in an accident in 1943, at which point he inherited the title "Comte de Gramont". He was properly styled "Saint-Charles Armand Gabriel, Comte de Gramont" until he renounced his title upon becoming a U.S. citizen in 1977.

Reviews

[Jaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"On Becoming American" might be the most interesting book by a prolific writer that no one has heard of, Ted Morgan. Having published numerous novels under his given name, Count Sanche Charles Armand Gabriel de Gramont. Gramont changed his name to Ted Morgan when he became an American and renounced his titles of nobility. This novel is part memoir, part American history, and a part love letter to his adopted home. Morgan has a humorous way of writing that makes the book engaging. Also, Morgan is renowned for his in-depth research and his ability to quote numerous and varied sources. I found this book quite insightful and valuable as a reminder of the grandeur and chaos America has to offer. Morgan embraces our democratic and capitalistic messiness and lovingly but unflinchingly details the highs and lows of such a system.

The main negative of this book is that it is a product of its time. Written in 1978, some of the views and language seem provincial and off-putting to modern ears. I would very much be interested in Morgan's observations of the rise of computing, social media, and the current American culture. Also, the book is not linear in format so the content can seem jumbled and haphazard. Morgan even wonders aloud how he will organize such a mass of thought and information.

Despite these items, "On Becoming American" is an insightful read and helps me appreciate America all the more.