The 51st state

There are many deeply held notions about America and Americans that the British have. Americans have no sense of irony, they are obese with good teeth and, um, love curly fries. All perhaps valid.

But one of the more cherished beliefs is that there are 51 US states. I have heard this a number of times over the past 9 years I lived here. I always tell them the correct number (50 for those of you scoring at home). And nobody believes me. 'Are you sure? Are you sure?' they say, a skeptical look coming over their face, then dismissing my correction with a shake of the head. 'I've always thought it was 51.'

I was at a publishers presentation of its new titles for the Organ today. I won't name the publisher but let's say it rhymes with CarperHollins. Anyway, one of their big books is a travel book by Stephen Fry of his journey through, as the publicity bumpf tells us, 'all 51 states of America.' And this is from a company that has extensive holdings in the US.