The decade from 1954 to 1964 was one of America's great shopping sprees: never before were so many people able to acquire so many things, and never before was there such choice! These were the years when the United States was virtually unchallenged as a world power, the economy was booming, and the country reveled in a kind of innocent hedonism. It was the era of the newly created world of suburbia, where everything a family owned was provisional: even if it didn't wear out, one always had the hope of being able to move up the ladder to something better. Thomas Hine calls it "Populuxe"--populism and popularity and luxury, plus a totally unnecessary "e" to give it a little class; the word itself as synthetic as the world it describes. By examining the remarkable objects of this time and the life they represent, Hine takes us on an instructive, entertaining tour of this rather peculiar Golden Age. Whether you're a design nut or an appreciator of the defining era of American kitsch, Populuxe is sure to provide hours of insight and fun.
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Editorial Reviews
From The New Yorker
[Hine's] sympathetic grasp of...the affinity between the potato chip's 'free-form' shape and the doubly-curving furniture of Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen showed what a mysteriously alert sensibility could make of vulgar forms usually kept outside the pale of serious consideration.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Review
Hine's illustrated book is a fascinating trip down memory lane. But Populuxe is also an important social history...a study of adolescent America with boundless dreams, a nation of consumers coming of age. -- Don O'Briant, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thomas Hine sets forth in clear, entertaining prose his textbook of consumerism in the Push Button Age. This is more than just a coffeetable book...It is a historical/psychological analusis that documents the American Dream through the things we bought. -- Alan J. Adler, Los Angeles Times --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Thomas Hine sets forth in clear, entertaining prose his textbook of consumerism in the Push Button Age. This is more than just a coffeetable book...It is a historical/psychological analusis that documents the American Dream through the things we bought. -- Alan J. Adler, Los Angeles Times --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I thought I was fortunate when I was able to find and check out this book from my local library; now being able to own it outright is a wish fulfilled.
Hine presents what many consider to be the definitive treatment of American popular culture in _Populuxe_. From its roots in post-WW II mass consumerism to its demise in the pre-Vietnam global technocracy, Hine provides a comprehensive analysis of the commercial design sensibilities that defined the era. I'll bet those Nickelodeon TV Land folks have a copy of this book locked in a protected vault. If you're into Retro, or are a serious or casual student of Pop Art or American pop culture, you've probably seen this book often referenced as an authoritative work. Once you've read it for yourself, you'll know why.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Dave
Format:Paperback
I found this book in college, used as a text for the Industrial Design dept. I was a Criminal Justice major myself, but found this a great look at American culture.
This book could be a blueprint for the whimsical looks at the 50's seen on History Channel documentaries.
Hines book is a fun, unpretentious look at the times that led to the designs. It is refreshing that the author didn't take the easy route and simply churn out a tome laundry listing trends simply to make fun of them. The book shows a great understanding and admiration of the industrial art of the era without any pretense or hubris
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Populuxe describes the postwar era from 1955-1964 when American consumerism reached its fullest expression. Since that time we have just recycled and re-invented that period's concepts and trends. Mr. Hines points to the product launch of the 1955 Chevy as marking the beginning, as it was the first mid-price car with tailfins, terminating with the staleness of the "future" presented at the 1964 World's Fair that came in the months after the crushing blow of JFK's assassination.
Thomas Hine describes the era as one that simultaneously looked back to the old west and to a space age future. The old west was a useful paradigm because it brought to mind the pioneer spirit; the sense of self-invention involved and the space age came with the atom bomb, sputnik and the astronauts. Fueled by sudden prosperity, shaped by sophisticated advertising and product marketing, embraced by an American middle class rich with dollars and plenty of leisure, it was the time of ever-growing tail fins on cars, the latest kitchen gadget and exuberant roadside architecture.
While the book would be highly enjoyable just for the descriptions of the products and trends of those times as well as the treasure trove of classic photos, Mr. Hines does more than that. He shows how the tenets of consumerism were laid out in this time; from feeding people a readymade identity through the products they purchased to creating new markets by fulfilling consumers desires rather than their needs. A toaster was no longer a machine that grilled bread. It was a space aged accessory that told its purchaser that he or she was pioneer in the land of tomorrow.
Thomas Hine describes the era as one that simultaneously looked back to the old west and to a space age future. The old west was a useful paradigm because it brought to mind the pioneer spirit; the sense of self-invention involved and the space age came with the atom bomb, sputnik and the astronauts. Fueled by sudden prosperity, shaped by sophisticated advertising and product marketing, embraced by an American middle class rich with dollars and plenty of leisure, it was the time of ever-growing tail fins on cars, the latest kitchen gadget and exuberant roadside architecture.
While the book would be highly enjoyable just for the descriptions of the products and trends of those times as well as the treasure trove of classic photos, Mr. Hines does more than that. He shows how the tenets of consumerism were laid out in this time; from feeding people a readymade identity through the products they purchased to creating new markets by fulfilling consumers desires rather than their needs. A toaster was no longer a machine that grilled bread. It was a space aged accessory that told its purchaser that he or she was pioneer in the land of tomorrow.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Populuxe - great view of the baby boomer era.
This was a wonderful look at days gone by with much insight. Even with its age, very much recommend this as a good read!
Published 1 month ago by William Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Post WWII evolution in America
Explanations and insights into our changing life styles with plenty of illustrations to show these trends. Read more
Published 2 months ago by J. J. Burke
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous
Greatest insight into the 1950's on many levels, not just cars. Perfect read for midcentury or 1950's retro lovers.
Cool Daddy.
Cool Daddy.
Published 2 months ago by stephen treadaway
5.0 out of 5 stars
Populuxe is an iconic piece of writing
I read Populuxe when it first came out in 1986. I also read Michiko Kakutani's rave review of the book. Read more
Published 11 months ago by James Chan
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Baby Boomer's Dream!
Thomas Hine is a fantastic author. The details and data in Populuxe help us Baby Boomers fondly recall our childhood. Read more
Published on April 21, 2010 by Mark Podmore
1.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing - nothing new here
If you consider yourself knowledgeable about all things mid-century and have 50s furniture, books and magazines right there in your own home, then give this book a miss. Read more
Published on February 11, 2010 by Stacia Gurr
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome Book ABout The Times
If you love books and photos about the great 50s, the style and architecture of everything from homes to big-winged cars, you will enjoy this. Read more
Published on October 28, 2009 by Shatzi Crabtree
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why did cars have fins?
Thomas Hine gets to the bottom of why cars had fins and answers other questions concerning the Pop-Culture of the 50's and early 60's. Insightful and entertaining... Read more
Published on September 8, 2009 by A. D. Salvaggio
5.0 out of 5 stars
A deluxe read!
POPULUXE is a romp thru the fabulous, whimsical 1950s in the United States! It covers the gamut of events, from pop culture to lifestyles, home living and CARS too! Read more
Published on June 20, 2009 by J. Bradley
5.0 out of 5 stars
no book quite like this one
This book captures the optimistic spirit of post-war America like no other book. Any fan of mid-century Americana will love it. Read more
Published on March 20, 2009 by reviewer 1707
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