“For those yearning to hit the road for the first time or maybe the hundredth, National Geographic provides an alternative way to see the wonders of the U.S. This incredible collection of photographs, assembled from National Geographic's archives of more than 20 million images, begins with an introduction by historian and best-selling author Jill Lepore describing Katharine Lee Bates’ journey across the U.S. in 1893. This tour by train inspired Bates to write “America, the Beautiful,” the poem that became the country’s unofficial anthem…Organized<br />geographically, <i>America the Beautiful</i> begins in the West as stunning photographs guide readers from one region to another. Each picture highlights the distinct landscape and unique culture of<br />every state and territory alongside a descriptive caption or personal message from one of its well-known offspring: Barack Obama, Maya Rudolph, Wayne Newton, Eva Longoria, and many<br />others. These aren't just beautiful images; they're momentary encapsulations of people, wildlife, environment, and emotion at their essence. Readers will be transported as they experience the expansiveness of the nation and the connectedness of its people.” –<i>Booklist,</i> Starred Review<br /> <br />“A photographic homage to the natural and cultural treasures of the U.S…The consistently high-quality, striking photos are as diverse as the country’s citizenry: aurora borealis shining over a snow-covered Alaskan highway; scientists scaling a 3,200-year-old tree in Sequoia National Park; bison and elk roaming the frozen ranges of Wyoming; farmers harvesting wheat in Kansas; children enjoying a fountain in Chicago’s Millennium Park; massive waves crashing on the rocks next to Maine’s oldest lighthouse; Martin Luther King Jr. standing with other civil rights leaders during the 1963 March on Washington; blues legend B.B. King playing in a small club in Mississippi; and Mexican American students standing for the Pledge of Allegiance in Brownsville, Texas. This outstanding collection meets the high standards that readers have come to expect from National Geographic, providing a wonderful representation of the country’s rich and diverse culture, heritage, and landscape. A stunning celebration of a country’s beauty.” –<i>Kirkus</i>, Starred Review