The Route 66 Encyclopedia - by Jim Hinckley (Paperback)

About the Book

As both a travel guide and a chronicle of almost a century of societal evolution, The Route 66 Encyclopedia presents the landmarks and personalities of a cultural icon.

Book Synopsis

An encyclopedia with a twist, The Route 66 Encyclopedia presents alphabetical entries on Route 66 history, landmarks, personalities, and culture, from Bobby Troup's anthem "Route 66" to The Grapes of Wrath to the Wigwam Motel.

It is illustrated with over 1,000 old and new, color and black-and-white photos and memorabilia.

You'll learn about Jack Rittenhouse and Will Rogers as well as the contributions of lesser-known figures like Arthur Nelson and Angel Delgadillo. With references to the old (including the history of the U Drop Inn Café in Texas) and new (including a section about the recent Cars movie), The Route 66 Encyclopedia provides a sweeping look at a highway that has become more than just a road.

These pages cover the history of Route 66 and the people who played a role in its transformation from highway to icon between 1926 and the present, but like the highway itself, this work does not fit within the traditional confines of generalities or terminology. Yes, this is an encyclopedia, a reference book for all things Route 66. However, it is also a time capsule, a travel guide, a history book, a memorial, a testimonial, and a chronicle of almost a century of societal evolution.

Review Quotes

"Highly recommended and essential" - Route 66 News

About the Author

Jim Hinckley is the author of twenty books and hundreds of feature articles on Route 66, the American Southwest, and the American auto industry. He has been a featured speaker at European Route 66 festivals in Germany and the Czech Republic, and at events in the United States and Canada. Hinckley is a former associate editor for Cars & Parts, and currently writes a monthly feature for New Zealand-based MotoringNZ. He also assists with the creation of visitor guides for communities such as Tucumcari, New Mexico, and the development of historic district walking tours. Jim is the creator of the Jim Hinckley's America network that includes a website (jimhinckleysamerica.com/), social media, the weekly livestream "Coffee with Jim" program, a YouTube channel, and the "Wake Up with Jim" podcast. Linked with this are community education programs developed to foster an increased awareness of an area's history and its role in the development of tourism as a component in economic development.