'<i>Hip: The History</i> is an exploration of American pop culture, tracing its evolution through the twentieth century to its present-day global influence. In this in-depth study, John Leland embarks on a cultural odyssey examining the obsession with 'hip.' From its roots in subterranean Bohemia, through the domains of sex, music, fashion, and commerce, this journey uncovers how the concept of hip has shaped America's self-identity and maintained a persistent search for authenticity. It is a historical traverse from marginalized counter-culture to mainstream recognition, examining the cyclical interplay between avant-garde and commercial forces.