{"product_id":"colossus-of-roads","title":"Colossus Of Roads","description":"\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003eA rich and lively examination of this curious and pervasive tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe world’s largest prairie chicken, a restaurant shaped like a fish, a massive Paul Bunyan, an enormous ear of corn-roadside sculpture is a uniquely American phenomenon, and these strange and wonderful figures are scattered along highways and standing in small-town squares, particularly in the Midwest.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThese odd, oversized attractions have become destinations for travelers. Whether it serves art, commerce, or local pride, the colossus is a stopping place where the everyday rules of reality are suspended and the observer can gain insight into the way these communities imagine themselves.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eKaral Ann Marling visits dozens of these roadside attractions, viewing them analytically, intellectually, and enthusiastically, tracing each one through folklore and literature. Heavily illustrated, this book takes the reader on the road to examine these treasures and all that they represent.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Karal Ann Marling","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53616363831676,"sku":"9780816636723","price":20.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0251\/4980\/0541\/files\/missing-cover_6416a35a-56d8-4223-a09c-772d8e254e63.jpg?v=1746711705","url":"https:\/\/combined-academic.myshopify.com\/products\/colossus-of-roads","provider":"Combined Academic Publishers - Mare Nostrum Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}