This book investigates the complex relationship between American identity and its physical and imagined landscapes. Agnew, a distinguished geographer, draws upon extensive historical and cultural analyses to argue that the concept of 'America' is inextricably linked to its spatial dimensions, from its continental expansion to its global influence.

This work is recognized for its rigorous geographical analysis applied to the study of American identity and space. Scholars in geography and American studies have noted its comprehensive approach to understanding how the nation's physical and conceptual landscapes have been intertwined throughout its history. The book is considered a significant contribution to debates on national identity and spatial theory.