Bryson is an endlessly entertaining writer, and though in recent years he has moved from his autobiographical/travel mode to historical, sociological research, his books are still a huge pleasure to read. This one focuses on one extraordinary year in America's history, one in which, as Bryson says, America suddenly became dominant in nearly every field -- popular culture, finance, banking, sport, invention, technology, and more besides.
Great book -- you can read my full review of it here.