Route
66: Quick Reference Encyclopedia ,
by Drew Knowles
Route 66: Quick Reference Encyclopedia
by Drew Knowles is many ways a distillation of what
he has learned about "The Mother Road" over
the last fifteen years. In large measure, the information
is similar to that contained in the third edition of
his Route
66 Adventure Handbook which I reviewed in July,
2006.
This new encyclopedia-style guide is a
handy reference if you find yourself traveling even
just a portion of historic Route 66. The book contains
background information and definitions of terms related
to places and icons of the highway listed in alphabetical
order. While a driver would still need maps and other
guidebooks to drive the highway as it exists today,
the book does include drawings that provide a general
overview of the route. Also included are at least two
hundred black-and-white photographs of attractions found
along the highway, and there's a wealth of historical
information that's amusing to read and ponder.
Among the many trivia tidbits I found entertaining
was the slogan for Campbell's 66 Express Trucking Company:
"Humpin' to Please." The firm's mascot was
a camel known as "Snortin' Norton." I also
gained an expanded definition of the word "shunpiker,"
which, according to the author means "one who deliberately
shuns the larger highways and turnpikes and enjoys using
the smaller, more intimate roads." I always thought
the word referred to people who take side roads merely
to avoid paying tolls. "Ugly Crust Pies" was
another memorable term shared by the author. It refers
to the specialty of the house at the Midpoint Café
in Adrian, Texas.
For those who love the "Mother
Road" this new book is a great addition to the
existing literature. It fits easily in center console
of a car and is a sure-fire way to get more kicks on
Route 66.
Mark
Sedenquist
7/23/08
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