The USA is now the worldś lone superpower, whose deeds could make or break this century. For better and worse, America has 'Americanized' the world. How did a marginal frontier society, in a mere two centuries, become the de facto ruler of the world? Why do Americaś great achievements in democracy, prosperity and civil rights now seem threatened by forces within itself? Ranging with expertise through anthropology, history, and literature, Canadian author, Ronald Wright reconfigures its self-perception, arguing that the "essence" of America can be traced to the foundations of its history - literally to the collision of worlds that began in 1492, as one civilization subsumed another - and exploring how these currents continue to shape our world. A fresh, passionate look at the past and future of the worldś most powerful nation, "What Is America?" will reframe the debate about our neighbour and ourselves.