The American dream The 50s

Time-Life begins its newest set, based on its highly successful "This Fabulous Century" series, with a look at one of our country's liveliest decades. The work is the first of eight volumes to be published under the "Our American Century" brand. After the foreword, by Hugh Downs, the first chapter overviews the major events and trends of the decade, noting such memorable occasions as the first human-to-human kidney transplant (1950) and the publication of Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat (1957). Following chapters cover the presidency and popularity of Dwight Eisenhower, life in suburbia, the "red threat," automobiles, arts and entertainment, television, and sports. A brief bibliography and index conclude the book. As with its earlier incarnation, this work stands out among related titles by focusing primarily on popular culture. Facts on File's Day by Day: The Fifties (1979) covers more political and international ground, while Gale's American Decades (LJ 6/15/96) offers greater detail on personalities. Neither work offers the number of illustrations found in the Time-Life book. Libraries that currently own sets of "This Fabulous Century" will want to retain them, as the new series contains information not found in the first series and vice versa. Written for readers from middle school to adult, this volume and its successors will be in demand in public and academic libraries. Highly recommended.‘Elaine M. Kuhn, Allen Cty. P.L., Fort Wayne, Ind. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.