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国和美国的社会与文化现象。学生通过本书的学习可以进一步增进对英、美社会与文化的了解，并透过社会的表象了解英、美文化核心，拓宽文化视野，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 …………………………………………………………… 1
Chapter 1 History and Territory ……………………………………………………3
Chapter 2 System of Government and Political Parties ………………………… 19
Chapter 3 Justice and Law ……………………………………………………… 34
Chapter 4 Education …………………………………………………………… 47
Chapter 5 Press, Radio and Television ………………………………………… 63
Chapter 6 Literature …………………………………………………………… 73
Chapter 7 Food and Drinks …………………………………………………… 86
Chapter 8 Customs and Etiquettes ……………………………………………… 97
Chapter 9 Religion and Beliefs …………………………………………………110
Chapter 10 Scenic Spots and Historical Sites …………………………………118

Part Two American Society and Culture ……………………………………………………… 131
Chapter 1 Origin and History ……………………………………………………133
Chapter 2 System of Government and Political Parties …………………………146
Chapter 3 Literature ……………………………………………………………157
Chapter 4 Arts ……………………………………………………………………168
Chapter 5 Sports …………………………………………………………………179
Chapter 6 Education ……………………………………………………………193
Chapter 7 Traditional Holidays and Celebrations ………………………………206
Chapter 8 Religions and Faith …………………………………………………221
Chapter 9 Famous Tourist Spots ………………………………………………235
Chapter 10 African Americans and Nationalities ………………………………249

Appendices ???????????????????????????????? 265
Appendix I ………………………………………………………………………267
Appendix II ……………………………………………………………………270
Appendix III ……………………………………………………………………272
Appendix IV ……………………………………………………………………274
Appendix V ……………………………………………………………………279

References …………………………………………………………………………………… 290