本书采用真实地道的语言材料，从不同方面向中国学生介绍英美国家社会与文化现象。通过本书的学习可以进一步增进中国学生对英美国家社会与文化的了解，并透过社会的表象了解英美国家文化核心，拓宽中国学生的文化视野，帮助中国学生提高英语表达能力，进一步提高跨文化交际的能力。
本书可以作为英语专业基础课——英美国家概况的专业课教材，也可以作为高等院校非英语专业本、专科学生和研究生公选课教材或课外泛读教材，也可供历史学专业英美史方向和对英美国家问题饶有兴趣的学生及希望通过对英美社会与文化知识的学习来提高英语技能的读者使用。

Part One British Society and Culture
Chapter 1 History and Territory
Text Introduction to British Empire
Supplementary Reading The Development of the United Kingdom in Early 19th Century
Knowledge Expansion Battle of Waterloo
Chapter 2 System of Government and Political Parties
Text Introduction to British Government and Main Parties
Supplementary Reading Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Knowledge Expansion Parties and Politics
Chapter 3 Justice and Law
Text British Legal System
Supplementary Reading Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
Knowledge Expansion United Kingdom's Legislatures
Chapter 4 Economy
Text British Industries
Supplementary Reading John Maynard Keynes
Knowledge Expansion British National and Regional Variation
Chapter 5 Education
Text British Education System
Supplementary Reading Eton College
Knowledge Expansion British Top 10 Universities in 2010
Chapter 6 Healthcare
Text Healthcare in the United Kingdom
Supplementary Reading Emergency Medical Services in the United Kingdom
Knowledge Expansion Funding Healthcare System
Chapter 7 Press,Radio and Television
Text Introduction to British Media
Supplementary Reading Tabloid
Knowledge Expansion Top Ten World-Known Business Newspapers
Chapter 8 Literature and Poems
Text Development of British Literature and Poems
Supplementary Reading J.K. Rowling
Knowledge Expansion Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare
Chapter 9 Food and Drink
Text Delicious British Food and Drink
Supplementary Reading Changes in Eating Habits
Knowledge Expansion Ten Fun Facts You May not Know About British
Chapter 10 Customs and Etiquettes
Text Festivals and Customs
Supplementary Reading John Bull & Uncle Sam
Knowledge Expansion Pubs
Chapter 11 Religion and Beliefs
Text Anglicanism--the State Religion of Britain
Supplementary Reading Worldwide Distribution of Anglican Church
Knowledge Expansion Focus of Unity:The Archbishop of Canterbury
Chapter 12 Scenic Spots and Historical Sites
Text London: A Thrilling Place
Supplementary Reading London Eye
Knowledge Expansion Recommended Museums in London
Part Two American Society and Culture
Chapter 1 Origin and History
Text Birth and Development of United States of America
Supplementary Reading The Great Depression
Knowledge Expansion Nicknames for Some Cities in the U.S.
Chapter 2 System of Government and Political Parties
Text American Government and Political Parties
Supplementary Reading Democratic versus Republican Perspectives
Knowledge Expansion Current U. S. Supreme Court Justices
Chapter 3 Economy
Text The Freedom of American Economy
Supplementary Reading Structure of Federal Reserve System
Knowledge Expansion New York Stock Exchange
Chapter 4 Literature
Text The Development of American Literature
Supplementary Reading Walt Whitman and His Works
Knowledge Expansion American Literary Awards
Chapter 5 Arts
Text Diversified Music and Dances in the United States
Supplementary Reading Golden Age of Hollywood
Knowledge Expansion Top 10 Broadway Musicals & Shows
Chapter 6 Science and Technology
Text Advanced Science and Technology of the United States
Supplementary Reading Silicon Valley
Knowledge Expansion Timeline of United States Inventions after 2000
Chapter 7 Sports and Recreation
Text My Super Bowl Journey:Jared Retkofsky
Supplementary Reading Why Do We Love Sports?
Knowledge Expansion The Most Popular American Sports Today
Chapter 8 Education
Text Ivy League Schools versus State Schools
Supplementary Reading Harvard Attempting to Put End to Final Exams
Knowledge Expansion President of U. S. and Their Education
Chapter