Written in the early 19th century, this travelogue captures Dickens' journey from England to America, along with his observations of society and culture across various American cities. Dickens expresses his thoughts on American society, culture, and the political atmosphere of the time with his characteristic humor and sharp insight. The story begins with Dickens preparing for his voyage to America, where moments of trepidation mix with humor in the face of amusing travel situations. His initial experience aboard the Britannia steam-packet is vividly depicted, showcasing his wit as he navigates the cramped and unpredictable ship life. Through humorous anecdotes about his crowded state-room and the chaotic scenes of boarding, Dickens hints at the reflective journey he will undertake, contemplating the contrasts between American society and England.

PREFACE TO THE FIRST CHEAP EDITION OF “AMERICAN NOTES”
PREFACE TO THE “CHARLES DICKENS” EDITION OF “AMERICAN NOTES”
CHAPTER I. GOING AWAY
CHAPTER II. THE PASSAGE OUT
CHAPTER III. BOSTON
CHAPTER IV. AN AMERICAN RAILROAD. LOWELL AND ITS FACTORY SYSTEM
CHAPTER V. WORCESTER. THE CONNECTICUT RIVER. HARTFORD. NEW HAVEN. TO NEW YORK
CHAPTER VI. NEW YORK
CHAPTER VII. PHILADELPHIA, AND ITS SOLITARY PRISON
CHAPTER VIII. WASHINGTON. THE LEGISLATURE. AND THE PRESIDENT’S HOUSE
CHAPTER IX. A NIGHT STEAMER ON THE POTOMAC RIVER. VIRGINIA ROAD, AND A BLACK DRIVER. RICHMOND. BALTIMORE. THE HARRISBURG MAIL, AND A GLIMPSE OF THE CITY. A CANAL BOAT
CHAPTER X. SOME FURTHER ACCOUNT OF THE CANAL BOAT, ITS DOMESTIC ECONOMY, AND ITS PASSENGERS. JOURNEY TO PITTSBURG ACROSS THE ALLEGHANY MOUNTAINS. PITTSBURG
CHAPTER XI. FROM PITTSBURG TO CINCINNATI IN A WESTERN STEAMBOAT. CINCINNATI
CHAPTER XII. FROM CINCINNATI TO LOUISVILLE IN ANOTHER WESTERN STEAMBOAT; AND FROM LOUISVILLE TO ST. LOUIS IN ANOTHER. ST. LOUIS
CHAPTER XIII. A JAUNT TO THE LOOKING-GLASS PRAIRIE AND BACK
CHAPTER XIV. RETURN TO CINCINNATI. A STAGE-COACH RIDE FROM THAT CITY TO COLUMBUS, AND THENCE TO SANDUSKY. SO, BY LAKE ERIE, TO THE FALLS OF NIAGARA
CHAPTER XV. IN CANADA; TORONTO; KINGSTON; MONTREAL; QUEBEC; ST. JOHN’S. IN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN; LEBANON; THE SHAKER VILLAGE; WEST POINT
CHAPTER XVI. THE PASSAGE HOME
CHAPTER XVII. SLAVERY
CHAPTER XVIII. CONCLUDING REMARKS
POSTSCRIPT