Description
Book SynopsisLooking at such figures as Nancy Drew, Judy Graves, Corliss Archer, Gidget, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Britney Spears, this book shows how popular culture has shaped our view of the adolescent girl as an individual who is simultaneously sexualized and infantilized. It explores the intersecting histories of adolescence, and popular culture.
Trade ReviewNash's book is a fascinating and insightful look at the figure of the teenage American girl through the guise of popular culture. . . .Compelling and and persuasive, American Sweethearts goes a long way in showing where our mid-century views of teenage women came from, and, sadly, how those stereotypes still pervade our popular culture to this day.
* Bloomsbury Review *
. . . Nash . . . adds to growing body of work in 'girls' studies.' . . . Overall, this book makes a valuable contribution to this emergent field. . . . Recommended.
* Choice *
Table of ContentsContents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Radical Notions: Nancy Drew and Her Readers, 1930–1949
2. "Pretty Baby": Nancy Drew Goes to Hollywood
3. "Delightfully Dangerous" Girls in the 1940s
4. The Postwar Fall and Rise of Teen Girls
Epilogue
Notes
Bibliography
Index
