Publisher's Synopsis
More than any other country, America has crafted for itself a reputation for freedom, democracy and openness. Hailed since the nineteenth century as the 'melting pot of nations', and more recently as the leader of the free world and the champion of diversity and civil rights, it has an image like that of no other country on Earth. But how accurate is the image, how did it come about? Rather than provide direct answers to these two questions, this is a collection of tableaux in advanced-level English, illustrating the mix that is modern America, key people, places, lifestyles and events that have helped make the United States what they are today - in all their diversity.