There was a time when pie was more important. Fat, fruit-stuffed confections lined the booths at state and county fairs, cooled in the windows of kitchens across the world, sprouted blackbirds in nursery rhymes and rose to iconic glory as a symbol of goodness and patriotism. That was then. Pies, as so many other things, have been in a slump for quite a while. This book is one man's attempt to restore them to their former glory, at least for his family. Contained in this book are a short history of pies, along with shared memories of growing up in 1950s, 60s, and 70s America, making stops at every pastry-coated fruity treat along the way. There is baking-the author baked a total of thirteen pies in preparing the book, including the soon-to-be-famous "American Pie" shown on the cover-a pie that should become a FOURTH OF JULY FAVORITE. Along the way he shares bits of his life, some dry humor, and a whole lot of useful tips and tricks for baking the perfect fresh-fruit pie.