Events

Stephen Fried presents a slideswow and discusses his new book Appetite for America (Random House, $27.00), the incredible real-life story of Fred Harvey-told in depth for the first time ever-as well as the story of this country's expansion into the Wild West. As a young immigrant, Fred Harvey worked his way up from dishwasher to household name. His eating houses and hotels along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad were patronized by princes, presidents, and countless ordinary travelers looking for the best cup of coffee in the country. Harvey's staff of carefully screened single young women-the celebrated Harvey Girls-were the country's first female workforce and became genuine Americana, even inspiring an MGM musical starring Judy Garland.

Inspiring, instructive, and hugely entertaining, Appetite for America is historical biography that is as richly rewarding as a slice of fresh apple pie-and every bit as satisfying.