In this the first in-depth study of the most American of holidays James Baker sweeps away lingering myths and misconceptions to show how this celebration day was born and grew to be an essential part of our national spirit. Thanksgiving: The Biography of an American Holiday opens with an overview of the popular mythos of the holiday before discussing its possible religious and cultural precedents. This classic Yankee holiday is examined in historical and contemporary detail that embraces everything from proclamations sermons and local and regional traditions to family reunions turkey dinners and recipes. Thanksgiving s evolving face is illustrated with charming and often revealing period prints that chart our changing attitudes: the influence of Victorian sentiment in Thanksgiving s development Progressive utilitarianism intellectual debunking patriotic wartime reclamation and 1960s-era protest. Thanksgiving remains controversial up to the present day as Mayflower descendants Native Americans and commercial exploiters compete for the American public s opinion of the holiday s contemporary significance and its future status. This is an intelligent and illuminating introduction to a beloved holiday and a fascinating cultural history of America and Americana. Author: James W. Baker Publisher: University of New Hampshire Press Published: 10/01/2009 Pages: 288 Binding Type: Paperback Weight: 0.97lbs Size: 9.16h x 6.04w x 0.81d ISBN: 9781584658016 Review Citation(s): Library Journal 10/15/2009 pg. 90 Chronicle of Higher Education 12/04/2009 pg. 17 Choice 04/01/2010 About the Author JAMES W. BAKER was the director of research at Plimoth Plantation for many years and has acted as an authority for numerous Thanksgiving Day exhibits articles newscasts and children s books.