Lost Continent

Travels in Small Town America

By Bill Bryson | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book

“The kind of book Steinbeck might have written if he’d traveled with David Letterman.” —New York magazine

An inspiring and hilarious account of one man’s rediscovery of America and his search for the perfect small town. 

Following an urge to rediscover his youth, Bill Bryson left his native Des Moines, Iowa, on a cross-country road trip that would take him across 38 states. Lucky for us, he brought a notebook. With a razor wit and a kind heart, Bryson serves up a colorful tale of boredom, kitsch, and beauty when you least expect it. From Times Square to the Mississippi River to Williamsburg, Virginia, Bryson's keen and hilarious search for the perfect American small town is a beloved travelogue straight into the heart and soul of America.

He was looking for the idyllic America of his youth. What he found was—something else entirely.

  • Travel Humor: Experience Bryson’s legendary wit as he navigates the kitsch, beauty, and sheer absurdity of America's forgotten corners.
  • Small Town America: Join the hilarious, heartfelt search for the perfect small town—and the stranger-than-fiction reality of what’s really out there.
  • A Nostalgic Journey: A poignant and funny look at coming home, this trip through 38 states is a rediscovery of the country Bryson left behind.
  • Classic Americana: From bizarre tourist traps to the surprising soul of the nation, it’s a loving, laugh-out-loud tribute to the heart of America.

Editions of Lost Continent

Paperback
ISBN 9780060920081
EBook
ISBN 9780062434418

Read an Excerpt

“The kind of book Steinbeck might have written if he’d traveled with David Letterman.” —New York magazine

An inspiring and hilarious account of one man’s rediscovery of America and his search for the perfect small town. 

Following an urge to rediscover his youth, Bill Bryson left his native Des Moines, Iowa, on a cross-country road trip that would take him across 38 states. Lucky for us, he brought a notebook. With a razor wit and a kind heart, Bryson serves up a colorful tale of boredom, kitsch, and beauty when you least expect it. From Times Square to the Mississippi River to Williamsburg, Virginia, Bryson's keen and hilarious search for the perfect American small town is a beloved travelogue straight into the heart and soul of America.

He was looking for the idyllic America of his youth. What he found was—something else entirely.

  • Travel Humor: Experience Bryson’s legendary wit as he navigates the kitsch, beauty, and sheer absurdity of America's forgotten corners.
  • Small Town America: Join the hilarious, heartfelt search for the perfect small town—and the stranger-than-fiction reality of what’s really out there.
  • A Nostalgic Journey: A poignant and funny look at coming home, this trip through 38 states is a rediscovery of the country Bryson left behind.
  • Classic Americana: From bizarre tourist traps to the surprising soul of the nation, it’s a loving, laugh-out-loud tribute to the heart of America.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lost Continent about?

“The kind of book Steinbeck might have written if he’d traveled with David Letterman.” —New York magazine

An inspiring and hilarious account of one man’s rediscovery of America and his search for the perfect small town. 

Following an urge to rediscover his youth, Bill Bryson left his native Des Moines, Iowa, on a cross-country road trip that would take him across 38 states. Lucky for us, he brought a notebook. With a razor wit and a kind heart, Bryson serves up a colorful tale of boredom, kitsch, and beauty when you least expect it. From Times Square to the Mississippi River to Williamsburg, Virginia, Bryson's keen and hilarious search for the perfect American small town is a beloved travelogue straight into the heart and soul of America.

He was looking for the idyllic America of his youth. What he found was—something else entirely.

  • Travel Humor: Experience Bryson’s legendary wit as he navigates the kitsch, beauty, and sheer absurdity of America's forgotten corners.
  • Small Town America: Join the hilarious, heartfelt search for the perfect small town—and the stranger-than-fiction reality of what’s really out there.
  • A Nostalgic Journey: A poignant and funny look at coming home, this trip through 38 states is a rediscovery of the country Bryson left behind.
  • Classic Americana: From bizarre tourist traps to the surprising soul of the nation, it’s a loving, laugh-out-loud tribute to the heart of America.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Lost Continent?

History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas

Where can I read a sample of Lost Continent?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780060920081

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Lost Continent?

Bill Bryson

Who is the Publisher of the book Lost Continent?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Lost Continent is available as paperback(ISBN 9780060920081) and ebook(ISBN 9780062434418)

Where can I buy Lost Continent online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Lost Continent from below

Where can I buy Lost Continent?