Discovering America's Past: Customs, Legends, History & Lore of our Great Nation

by Reader's Digest Association

Featuring special sections on bizarre, delightful, and amazing aspects of our nation's unique past, these 450+ surprising but absolutely true stories examine America's history, not through its great moments, but by way of the foibles and folkways that built its character. 700 illus. and photos.

Genres: History, Reference, Nonfiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global media and direct marketing company based in Chappaqua, New York, best known for its flagship publication founded in 1922, Reader's Digest. The company's headquarters are in New York City, where it moved from Pleasantville, New York.

The company was founded by DeWitt and Lila Wallace in 1922 with the first publication of Reader's Digest magazine, but has grown to include a diverse range of magazines, books, music, DVDs and online content.

Reviews

[Alanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intensely interesting tidbits and folklore. Best read in small doses for clarity and absorption.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took a VERY long time to read because there is SO much information. Everything in the book is fascinating, however, and even recommends historic places to visit across the country.

[Russell Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many interesting little pieces of information. It took me a while to read since there was so much. I think this book would be great in the classroom to pick up on little bits of popular history so that students could learn where things like candy bars had their beginnings.

[Aren Lerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful resource for random facts on all areas of American life!