Colossus of Roads: Myth and Symbol Along the American Highway
A rich and lively examination of this curious and pervasive tradition.
The 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.
These 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.Karal 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.Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0816636729
ISBN13:9780816636723
Release Date:May 2000
Publisher:University of Minnesota Press
Length:152 Pages
Weight:0.50 lbs.
Dimensions:0.3" x 5.9" x 8.9"
Customer Reviews
1 rating
Folk Art Meets Capitalism
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Titanic fish, overgrown birds, and a victory statue involving an impaled insect aren't likely to be found in the Louver, but they're a part of the American landscape, particularly in the north-central region. Despite introductory passages which reveal a solidly academic background and viewpoint, this book is a useful and entertaining guide to the out-sized outdoor sculptures designed to draw and hold travelers' attention. "Colossus" is not encyclopedic: so far as I can tell, the 2000 edition fails to note the Belgrade Crow. However, I can recommend this for anyone interested in, or trying to find, examples of American folk art such as the Rothsay Prairie Chicken or the Jolly Green Giant.
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