Reviewing ‘Greetings from Route 66: The Ultimate Road Trip Back Through Time Along America’s Main Street’
Introduction
‘Greetings from Route 66: The Ultimate Road Trip Back Through Time Along America’s Main Street’ is a coffee table book that is perfect for anyone who is fascinated by the historic Route 66. The book has been written by Michael Karl Witzel and Jim Hinckley, both of whom are experts on Route 66.
In this review, we’ll delve deeper into the book and explore its contents, as well as its pros and cons.
What is Route 66?
Before we dive into the book, let’s take a quick look at what Route 66 is. Route 66, also known as the ‘Main Street of America’ or the ‘Mother Road’, is a historic highway that was built in 1926. It stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, covering a total of 2,448 miles.
The highway was an important route for migrants, who used it to travel west during the Great Depression. It also played a crucial role in the development of the American trucking industry.
Today, Route 66 is a popular tourist attraction, with people from all over the world visiting to experience the nostalgia of a bygone era.
Contents of the Book
‘Greetings from Route 66’ is a visually stunning book that features over 400 vintage postcards that showcase the history and charm of Route 66. The book has been organized into various sections, which makes it easy to navigate and explore.
One of the standout sections of the book is the postcards that showcase the motels, diners, and gas stations that dotted Route 66. These postcards offer a glimpse into the roadside architecture of that era and are sure to make you feel nostalgic.
Another interesting section of the book is the postcards that feature the attractions along Route 66, such as the Grand Canyon and the Wigwam Motel. These postcards demonstrate why Route 66 was a popular road trip destination and why it continues to attract visitors to this day.
Pros
One of the biggest pros of ‘Greetings from Route 66’ is the quality of the postcards. They have been expertly curated and offer a unique insight into the history and culture of Route 66.
Another pro of the book is the way it has been organized. The various sections make it easy to navigate and explore, and the accompanying text provides context and information about the postcards.
Lastly, the book is beautifully designed and printed, which makes it a pleasure to read and look at.
Cons
One of the cons of ‘Greetings from Route 66’ is that it may not be suitable for those who are looking for an in-depth history of Route 66. While the accompanying text provides context and information, it is not as detailed as some readers may like.
Another potential downside of the book is the price. At $40, it may be considered expensive by some readers.
Conclusion
‘Greetings from Route 66: The Ultimate Road Trip Back Through Time Along America’s Main Street’ is a must-have book for anyone who is a fan of Route 66. The postcards offer a unique insight into the history and culture of the highway, and the book has been expertly curated and organized.
While there are some potential downsides to the book, such as the lack of detailed history and the price, these are outweighed by the positives.
Overall, ‘Greetings from Route 66’ is a beautiful and informative book that is sure to delight anyone who loves the nostalgia and history of Route 66.