A journalist explores the homogenization of American culture and the impact of the fast food industry on modern-day health, economy, politics, popular culture, entertainment, and food production.

Introduction -- I. American way -- Founding fathers -- Your trusted friends -- Behind the counter -- Success -- II. Meat and potatoes -- Why the fries taste good -- On the range -- Cogs in the great machine -- Most dangerous job -- What's in the meat -- Global realization -- Epilogue: Have it your way -- Afterword -- Photo credits -- Notes.