Great American Billboards: 100 Years of History by the Side of the Road

Early in the 20th century, as Americans climbed into their Model-Ts and took to the open road, American manufacturers and retailers discovered miles and miles of new advertising space, and the audaciously oversized billboard was born. For a century, billboards have recruited, congratulated, teased, sold, and seduced us, promoting everything under the sun, from hosiery to war bonds, presidential candidates to rock shows. GREAT AMERICAN BILLBOARDS not only offers a lively look back at changing styles, products, and tastes, but is also an important visual record of this largely unheralded yet ubiquitous American art form.Reviews This slice-of-life compendium entertains and educates. -US Airways Magazine Although the pictures are fascinating, Basten'?s text is quite a bonus. -Oklahoman An illuminating guide to a country, its culture, and its people. -American Way Beyond the irresistible nostalgia is a fascinating glimpse of the evolution of our consumer nation. -Dallas Morning NewsFeatured on Entertainment Weekly'?s Must List