From School Library Journal
Grade 6 Up-Looking for information on the Ziegfeld Follies, where Raggedy Ann dolls came from, or the history of the Boy Scouts? This enjoyable and informative set is perfect for answering these questions and others. It's two decades per volume of Cracker Jacks, Chia pets, Andy Hardy movies, LPs, PCs, and Curious George. The signed articles are written in an accessible style that sets the trend, fashion, or cultural figure within its proper context, and gives a brief glimpse at the ineffable why. But this is not a ponderous collection. Clearly, the authors have set out to have fun and have succeeded. Each volume is divided into approximately nine chapters that address such topics as: "Commerce," "Film and Theater," and "Food and Drink." Each chapter begins with multipage quick reference boxes that list "What We Said," "What We Read," and so on. The first 100-plus pages in each volume include a set table of contents, an alphabetical list of set entries and another by topic, a guide to using the book, and a time line of the 20th century. Each volume closes with a comprehensive index. Well-chosen, black-and-white photographs of average quality illustrate this resource. For quick reference on a cornucopia of cultural pleasures, this is a great buy for libraries and a fine complement to Carl L. Bankston's Encyclopedia of Family Life (Salem, 1999; o.p.). However, libraries that already own The Guide to United States Popular Culture (Bowling Green, 2001) probably won't need Bowling.
Herman Sutter, Saint Agnes Academy, Houston, TX
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Herman Sutter, Saint Agnes Academy, Houston, TX
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Have you ever wondered how the TV dinner was created? Left with tons of turkey after a slow Thanksgiving season, the Swanson Company combined the modern appeal of refrigeration and television-two of the 1940s' most important inventions-and the aluminum-tray dinner was born. As this fascinating reference shows repeatedly, such fixtures of modern popular culture have had an enormous impact on our everyday lives. The Pendergasts, who also edited the higher-level and more expansive St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, track trends in American popular culture through 750 entries arranged chronologically by decade over five volumes. Within decades, entries are divided into nine major areas: "Commerce," "Fashion," "Film and Theater," "Food and Drink," "Music," "Print Culture," "Sports and Games," Television and Radio," and "The Way We Lived." Ranging from "A-Team" to "Yuppies," the topics within these areas are generally covered in a one-page entry that ends with a helpful "For More Information" section. Also included are 300 black-and-white photos, a useful table of contents, and an index. History lessons have never been so much fun. Informative, entertaining, and clearly presented, this book is recommended for middle school, high school, and public libraries.
Bobbie Wrinkle, McCracken Cty. P.L., Paducah, KY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Bobbie Wrinkle, McCracken Cty. P.L., Paducah, KY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
