Mad Men: A Cultural History

The Cultural History of Television

by M. Keith Booker, Bob Batchelor

From the opening credits that feature a silhouette falling among skyscrapers, Mad Men transcended its role as a series about the Madison Avenue advertising industry to become a modern classic. For seven seasons, Mad Men asked viewers to contemplate the 1960s anew, reassessing the tumultuous era's stance on women's rights, race, war, politics, and family relationships that comprise the American Dream. Set in the heart of the twentieth century, the show brought to light how deeply we still are connected to that age. The result is a show that continually asks us to rethink our own families, lives, work, and ethical beliefs as we strive for a better world.

In Mad A Cultural History, M. Keith Booker and Bob Batchelor offer an engaging analysis of the series, providing in-depth examinations of its many themes and nostalgic portrayals of the years from Camelot to Vietnam and beyond. Highly regarded cultural scholars and critics, Booker and Batchelor examine the show in its entirety, presenting readers with a deep but accessible exploration of the series, as well as look at its larger meanings and implications. This cultural history perspective reveals Mad Men's critical importance as a TV series, as well as its role as a tool for helping viewers understand how they are shaped by history and culture.

As a showcase in America's new "golden age of television," Mad Men reveals the deep hold history and nostalgia have on viewers, particularly when combined with stunning visuals and intricate writing and storylines. With this volume as their guide, readers will enjoy contemplating the show's place among the most lauded popular culture touchstones of the twenty-first century. As it engages with ideas central to the American experience--from the evolution of gender roles to family dynamics and workplace relationships--Mad A Cultural History brings to life the significance of this profound yet entertaining series. -- "Journal of American Culture"

Genres: Nonfiction, Tv, Pop Culture

317 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2023

Reviews

[Pat Lampe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very well researched and attempted to explain how the series reflected the 60s. I didn't always agree with their observations, being a career girl in the 60s. But it was a very interesting book and I really liked the recap of episodes at the end.

[Hom Sack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find in Part II, "Mad Men and Culture", the chapters on books and movies referenced in the series the most interesting. Who knew there is even a reading list from the New York Public Library.