This work traces the history of the vending machine from its inception to its current place in popular American culture, with the eight chapters covering significant eras. Successes and failures of the machines, economic factors influencing the popularity (or lack thereof) of vending machines, and the struggle of the industry to become a dominant method of retailing are discussed. This text is richly illustrated and includes appendices on vending dollar value, vending sales by location type, and vending statistics.