Atom Bomb to Santa Claus

What have the Americans ever done for us?

cover_whathave

The United States of America is heartedly disliked in many parts of the world – why should we be any different?

How should we feel about the USA, and does it matter?

These are important questions we ask ourselves, and Homer argues that the best way to learn to love the USA is to understand what has come out of the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave’.

Atom Bomb to Santa Claus demonstrates that America is no empty vessel seeking only its own ends, but an indispensable key to the future of civilisation as we know it.

Ever wanted to know when computers started, or who actually discovered America?

Could you imagine that today’s smart phones could not operate without a device designed to guide torpedoes, and incidentally, that it was invented by one of the all-time great Hollywood stars?

Would you be surprised to know that Marconi did not invent radio although he was awarded the 1909 Nobel prize in physics for it.

The best-known gangster in history was American, and so was the inventor of the frisbee. Big Macs and Heinz baked beans are eaten around the world and yes, as we know, they are American.

The list goes on: Scientology, the Polio vaccine, the Internet, Jazz, the US Masters and the ubiquitous Jumbo Jet (also known as the Boeing 747). All American of course, as is so much more.

If you ever wondered……this is the book for you.

Reviews of Atom Bomb to Santa Claus

Atom Bomb to Santa Claus: What have the Americans ever done for us? by Trevor Homer is a look at the innovations and innovators of America. Homer is a British Amateur Champion golfer. He represented England seventeen times, winning the European Team Championship in 1973, and Great Britain and Northern Ireland eleven times.

What makes bragging about the US something worth reading? Americans are taught about our country’s greatness all through their schooling. We have a president that preaches that America was great and can be great again. In this case, the author is British. I will say its nice to hear a foreigner talk about what the United States gave to the world without it being about the NFL and McDonald’s in a sarcastic tone. Not only does the book provide a balanced look at America for those in Britain, but it is also a good review for Americans.

BLOG BY ‘EVIL CYCLIST

There are a variety of people mentioned in the book as well as inventions. Willis S Shockey invented the wind-up razor. The more familiar Schick used his military experience to make better shaving systems. Frisbees, canned beer, and beat poetry became the best things since sliced bread (also a US invention). The US became the Gold Standard, then did away with it making the dollar the world currency. A well-done history of sorts that reflects the lighter side as well as some trivial things that made significant changes in the way we do things. Nicely done.

Intriguing nuggets are to be found within the pages of Trevor Homer’s new book.

Glasgow Evening Times

Weird book charting where everything comes from. Great for one-upmanship in the pub.

Nuts

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