The Land of Contrasts: A Briton's View of His American Kin

"The Land of Contrasts: A Briton's View of His American Kin" by James F. Muirhead is a British traveler's observations and thoughts about America during the late 1800s, where American customs are presented alongside British ones. Muirhead shares his journey across the United States, providing both praise and constructive criticism of American society. Through his writing, the author considers specific elements of American life, specifically social interactions, personal independence, and the expectations of individuals within American society. The book begins by discussing how a persons views of America are largely guided by their own personal beliefs and what they anticipate, and that keeping an open mind is extremely important when visiting the US. He frames America as a place of extreme differences and contrasts, a theme that is then explored in detail throughout the rest of the book.