A New York Times Bestselling Author -- Many think of 1776 as the defining year of American history, when we became a nation devoted to the pursuit of happiness through self-government. Now, in her trademark outrageous style, Sarah Vowell argues that 1898 might be a year just as defining, when, in an orgy of imperialism, the United States annexed Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam, and invaded first Cuba, then the Philippines, becoming an international superpower practically overnight.

Product Description: A humorous compendium of reference tables, trivia, and wisdom--largely invented by the author--lists the mottoes of the fifty-one states, identifies U.S. presidents with hooks for hands, describes the menu items in addition to eel at the first Thanksgiving, and more...read more