Synopses & Reviews
The rise of the American diner is the most savory of phenomenons, where classic architecture, a friendly face behind the counter, and some mean pie all combined to make these little roadside stops a treasured part of history. From the early days when Walter Scott brought his horse-drawn lunch wagons through the streets to the heyday of mass-produced chrome and neon diners in the 1950s, The American Diner offers a full blue-plate special of nostalgia for all those who loved the counter culture of these great eateries. More than 250 historical and bright colorful photographs help remind us of life before fast food, and generous helpings of classic advertisements, cool collectibles, and architectural highlights also highlight the era. Diners from coast to coast are featured, giving readers a trip to some of the best stainless-steel and neon diners that still dot the American roadways.
Review
The News Tribune (WA), Jan 5, 2007
“Now, there are a number of nice diner books around, but one new one worth getting is … American Diner. It’s lavishly illustrated with black-and-white photos and lots of color … Very readable text … Great bibliography for the aficionado.”
Synopsis
Historic diners, from horse-drawn lunch wagons at the turn of the century to Streamline Moderne styling of the 1950s.
Synopsis
A heaping mound of history and a plate-full of color photography that celebrates that slice of Americana--the diner. 200 photos, 150 in color.
About the Author
Mike Witzel is the award-winning author of more than two dozen books, including the MBI bestsellers Route 66 Remembered, The American Gas Station, The American Diner, and, most recently, Legendary Route 66. He has appeared on Discovery Channel’s World’s Top Ten Fast Food Restaurants and Tailfins and Drive-ins; Food Network¢s Unwrapped: Drive-In Restaurants; and History Channel’s American Eats: History on a Bun.