Stephen Fry In America (Shortlisted For Galaxy British Book

Description: Britain's best-loved comic genius Stephen Fry turns his celebrated wit and insight to unearthing the real America as he travels across the continent in his black taxicab. Stephen's account of his adventures is filled with his unique humour, insight and warmth in the fascinating book that orginally accompanied his journey for the BBC1 series. 'Stephen Fry is a treasure of the British Empire.' - The Guardian Stephen Fry has always loved America, in fact he came very close to being born there. Here, his fascination for the country and its people sees him embarking on an epic journey across America, visiting each of its 50 states to discover how such a huge diversity of people, cultures, languages, beliefs and landscapes combine to create such a remarkable nation. Starting on the eastern seaboard, Stephen zig-zags across the country in his London taxicab, talking to its hospitable citizens, listening to its music, visiting its landmarks, viewing small-town life and America's breath-taking landscapes - following wherever his curiosity leads him. Stephen meets a collection of remarkable individuals - American icons and unsung local heroes alike. Stephen starts his epic journey on the east coast and zig-zags across America, stopping in every state from Maine to Hawaii. En route he discovers the South Side of Chicago with blues legend Buddy Guy, catches up with Morgan Freeman in Mississippi, strides around with Ted Turner on his Montana ranch, marches with Zulus in New Orleans' Mardi Gras, and drums with the Sioux Nation in South Dakota; joins a Georgia family for thanksgiving, 'picks' with Bluegrass hillbillies, and finds himself in a Tennessee garden full of dead bodies. Whether in a club for failed gangsters (yes, those are real bullet holes) or celebrating Halloween in Salem (is there anywhere better?), Stephen is welcomed by the people of America - mayors, sheriffs, newspaper editors, park rangers, teachers and hobos, bringing to life the oddities and splendours of each locale. A celebration of the magnificent and the eccentric, the beautiful and the strange, Stephen Fry in America is our author's homage to this extraordinary country. Review: 'A fascinating look at one of the world's most complex and confusing countries, this is a story told with the wit and warmth we expect from Fry.' Stoke on Trent Sentinel 'A very funny take on life across the pond.' BAA Emporium Prizes: Shortlisted for Galaxy British Book Awards: Play.com Popular Non-Fiction Award 2009. Author Biography: Comic genius and Renaissance man, Stephen Fry is writer, actor, comedian, broadcaster, director, librettist and compere extraordinaire. He was voted among the all time top 50 comedians by fellow comedians and ranked 6th in the BBC's Top Living Icon awards. He is best known for his TV comedy, including A Bit of Fry and Laurie, Jeeves and Wooster, Blackadder and QI. His acting/directing film credits include playing his hero, Oscar Wilde in the film Wilde, as well as Bright Young Things and Gosford Park. He is the distinctive voice behind the Harry Potter series of audiobooks and found recent futher acclaim for his TV documentary, 'The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive'.