Dreaming up America - Russell Banks

2000 Booker longlisted novelist Banks pinpoints and characterises the origins of the US's often-conflicted national identity in his compelling first work of non-fiction. Dreaming Up America disarms with its charm, its erudition and the simplicity of its approach. With his novelistic gifts on display, Banks tells the story of a great nation still being born today. Beginning as an extensive interview with a French documentary filmmaker about America's history, Dreaming Up America evolved to consider all facets of US culture and people.