Customer Reviews

The 1970s (American Popular Culture Through History)

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This book strikes a strange balance. It covers the 1970s on a very superficial level, with vague commentary and sweeping generalizations that won't be of much use to a researcher. At the same time, it often references events or figures--such as Chappaquiddick--without any explanation. So if you're looking for an introduction to the 1970s, you'll probably be confused pretty quickly. And conversely, if you're looking for any kind of in-depth information, you'll be frustrated pretty quickly.

Each chapter covers a different topic--advertising, architecture, fashion, etc.--but within chapters, information is not clearly organized, and the book tends to ramble. Many statements are not footnoted, and a lot of the sources that *are* cited are not only secondary rather than primary, they're also of questionable reference value. Some are personal websites; others are sites that may not provide accurate information--like citing the Utah Education Network for relative prices of goods in the 1970s. Moreover, the prose style is often awkward ("Fearful of retaliation aimed at Spitz, upon advice, he flew home"), which makes for a difficult and sometimes unintentionally funny read.

If you're already familiar with '70s pop culture and are just looking for a quick flashback, this book may help you. However, if you're looking for substance--whether for a research project or your own edification--I'd try a different book.