The Gilded Age

by Joel Shrock

The Gilded Age―the time between Reconstruction and the Spanish-American War―marked the beginnings of modern America. The advertising industry became an important part of selling the American Dream. Americans dined out more than ever before, and began to take leisure activities more seriously. Women's fashion gradually grew less restrictive, and architecture experienced an American Renaissance. Twelve narrative chapters chronicle how American culture changed and grew near the end of the 20th century. Included are chapter bibliographies, a timeline, a cost comparison, and a suggested reading list for students. This latest addition to Greenwood's American Popular Culture Through History series is an invaluable contribution to the study of American popular culture.

American Popular Culture Through History is the only reference series that presents a detailed, narrative discussion of U.S. popular culture. This volume is one of 17 in the series, each of which presents essays on Everyday America, The World of Youth, Advertising, Architecture, Fashion, Food, Leisure Activities, Literature, Music, Performing Arts, Travel, and Visual Arts

Genres: History, Nonfiction

344 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2000

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting and informative read. Shrock's in-depth exploration of popular culture had him cover everything from food to architecture, to travel and the arts, and everything in between. Shrock made clear how and why certain changes and development emerged and the subsequent consequences. Upper-class culture is mentioned, but somewhat brushed over due to the fact that popular culture of the working- and middle-class is the main focus. The list of prices for various daily life items at the back of the book is also pretty neat.

[Laura]

Using for research for a time-travel mystery I plan to write.

[nikola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and interesting, but it mainly covered middle class and lower class things and neglected the upper class, which was the information that I'd been seeking.