This vivid New York Times bestseller about 1950s America from a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist is “an engrossing sail across a pivotal decade” (Time). Joe McCarthy. Marilyn Monroe. The H-bomb. Ozzie and Harriet. Elvis. Civil rights. It’s undeniable: The fifties were a defining decade for America, complete with sweeping cultural change and political upheaval. This decade is also the focus of … upheaval. This decade is also the focus of David Halberstam’s triumphant The Fifties, which stands as an enduring classic and was an instant New York Times bestseller upon its publication. More than a survey of the decade, it is a masterfully woven examination of far-reaching change, from the unexpected popularity of Holiday Inn to the marketing savvy behind McDonald’s expansion. A meditation on the staggering influence of image and rhetoric, The Fifties is vintage Halberstam, who was hailed by the Denver Post as “a lively, graceful writer who makes you . . . understand how much of our time was born in those years.” This ebook features an extended biography of David Halberstam.
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This is an excellent read for anybody who lived during the decade of the 50s. Or, for that matter, anybody who wants to know what it was really like. So many things during that time affect us even now, and the legacy of Elvis, and Marilyn, and the military complex, and the U-2, and all the other things is astounding. David Halberstam is an …
The book is USA-focused rather than world-focused. At the start of this book, some of the topics covered include: Joseph McCarthy (Commies are everywhere); Harry Truman (plain spoken); Korean War (avoidable tragedy); Levitt Town (homes for the masses); McDonalds (fast food); rise of television (remember Milton Berle?). And the articles continue …
I was much too busy being a kid in the fifties to comprehend what was swirling around me. But this decade would have major impacts in our daily lives. I was around for the Korean war, French Viet Nam, Elvis, civil rights, Emmett Till, Deep Throat [the movie], Marilyn Monroe, McCarthy, MacArthur, Eisenhower, E.J. Korvettes, McDonald’s first …
An accurate picture of the 1950s.
Nice research and a great insight into this crucial half century decade. The material on Vietnam was particularly excellent.
Lived through it and forgot some of it
It’s impossible to rate this narrative history of the US in the 1950s too highly. Every aspect of politics, life and culture is covered. The elegant prose is a joy to read.
Having grown up in the 50s (I graduated from high school in 1960), this book was captivating for me — explaining the historically pivotal significance of events that we experienced and managed to take in stride as life went on. The book is especially significant in 2020 — a year in which a number of potentially momentous changes are taking …
I’d say this book is exciting, a tear jerker, great to read etc. but it’s all true! It’s our history and despite living through the fifties there was so much I didn’t know or understand. I loved loved loved it.
Since I was born in 1946 as one of the many postwar babies, the 1950s is an important decade for me but one that I do not have a lot of distinct recollections about. So this book was interesting from that point of view. There were no surprises in the book and it is always questionable about what events to emphasize in 10 years but I thought it was …
Really great review of the 1950;s Brought back many memories.
Great writer.
HAVING BEEN A TEENAGER IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE IN THE 50’S I LIKED THE BOOK BECAUSE IT WAS ACCURATE AND BROUGHT BACK MANY MEMORIES.
It wasn’t a ‘page turner’ for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading each of the great stories. It was an amazing decade.
Interesting refresher into those of us who grew up in the 50s
Very incisive and points out how decisions in the 1950s still continue to affect our lives now. it looks at all areas including politics, industries, race, businesses, music and media. very informative
A good book for those who didn’t live the period and a great reminder for those who did.
Excellent narrative of what happened in the Fifties!!!
A fascinating history of the first decade I lived through as a young child. It explains things I remember and never fully understood, and things I was never aware of.
For those of us who remember and who lived the Fifties this book brings back many memories. Its also easy to read. And I couldnt put it down.
I grew from age 10 through 19 in that decade. This is how it was, except that I was in a place and culture less sophisticated than is depicted here.