Description
Book SynopsisThe twenties and thirties witnessed dramatic changes in American life: increasing urbanization, technological innovation, cultural upheaval, and economic disaster. In this fascinating book, the prize-winning historian David E. Kyvig describes everyday life in these decades, when automobiles and home electricity became commonplace, when radio and the movies became broadly popular. The details of work life, domestic life, and leisure activities make engrossing reading and bring the era clearly into focus.
Trade ReviewKyvig—a respected historian . . . writes in an agreeably lucid style . . . about subjects that should be of immediate interest to all readers. * The Review of Higher Education *
Kyvig regularly comes up with illuminating details . . . and new ways of thinking about familiar subjects. . . . This is an unusually satisfying book. * Atlantic Monthly *
The details of work life, domestic life, and leisure activities make engrossing reading . . . on a level we can all understand. * Walla Walla Union Bulletin *
This enjoyable read brings the period clearly into focus. * Forbes *
Virtually encyclopedic in its coverage of a vast array of topics, yet it manages to be readable and engaging. -- Ronald E. Butchart * University Of Georgia *
David Kyvig’s Daily Life in the United States, 1920–1940 is an excellent social history which examines how 'ordinary people' reacted to the massive changes during what have been called the 'prosperity' and 'depression' decades. -- Roger Daniels, University of Cincinnati
Daily Life in the United States, 1920–1940 is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the origins of contemporary America. -- William L. O'Neill, Professor of History, Rutgers University; author of
Coming Apart
In the midst of his quite lucid and readable analysis, the author also touches on race, gender, class and the differences between rural and urban environments. In sum, Kyvig's book represents a penetrating information-packed portrait of Main Street USA, during tumultuous times. * Publishers Weekly *
Stands strong on a bedrock of solid research and clear writing. * Library Journal *
A happy marriage of political and social history. -- William E. Leuchtenburg, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, author of The Supreme Court Reborn
An excellent popular approach to an important subject by a well respected historian. -- G. Wesley Johnson, Brigham Young University
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Circumstances of American Life in 1920 Chapter 2: Automobiles and the Construction of Daily Life Chapter 3: Electricity and the Conditions of Daily Life Chapter 4: Radio and the Connecting of Daily Lives Chapter 5: Cinema and the Extension of Experience Chapter 6: Carrying on Day by Day: Life's Basics Chapter 7: Carrying on Year by Year: Making a Life Chapter 8: Conflict, Crime, and Catastrophe: The Disruptions of Daily Life Chapter 9: Culture for the Masses: The Standardizing of Daily Life Chapter 10: Crisis: The Impact of the Great Depression Chapter 11: Creating the New Deal: A Larger Role for Government in Daily Life Chapter 12: Continuity and Change: American Communities at the End of the 1930s For Further Reading
