This book investigates the complex relationship between popular culture and the established canon of 'great works' in American society. Fishwick, a noted cultural historian, examines how mass media and everyday cultural practices both challenge and reinforce traditional notions of artistic and intellectual merit. The work seeks to understand how a shared cultural understanding is formed and maintained across diverse societal strata.

The Authority Perspective: This work is recognized as a significant contribution to the study of American cultural history, offering a nuanced perspective on the interplay between elite and popular forms of expression. Scholars have noted Fishwick's ability to synthesize diverse cultural phenomena into a coherent argument about national identity. The book is considered a valuable resource for understanding the forces that shaped American cultural discourse during the latter half of the 20th century.