Customer Reviews

The Writer's Guide to Everyday Life from Prohibition Through World War II (Writer's Guides to Everyday Life)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The book is mainly in a dictionary style. This means that related details are not grouped together by topic but alphabetized so the onus is on you to piece together an image or understanding as you read. The book contains no illustrations or pictures, either, of any of the fashions, uniforms, vehicles, or other items being described. I wouldn't use it as a primary resource, or even an introduction, but I *would* use it to quickly look up a specific word or phrase, or perhaps for writing dialogue.

(I've owned many of Mr. McCutcheon's books, and once again I'm going to fault him for lacking an index.)

Not just for writers, but historians, hobbyists, and anyone interested in the small details of life in other times. This volume, like the others in the series, includes chapters (with figures and illustrations) on food, clothing, family life, work, education, religion, leisure activities, social and political history, etc. Great for browsing, great for research. Well recommended.

If you're doing a novel or short story set in the 1930s or 40s, get this book and keep it at hand. It will save you from the kind of screaming anachronisms that any seasoned reader of period fiction can spot at fifty paces.

Even if your novel takes place in a time period just before or just after 1919-1945, chances are good that your characters and events will be or were affected by this era in American History. Being so well laid out and written with great wit and affection makes it a great read for anyone interested in nostalgia or for those looking to stir up and bring back some memories of their own.

This book covers a lot of ground which is especially good if you are writing a book or screenplay in this era. Your characters have to speak, engage their surroundings, wear the right clothes and even grab a ride with a friend in a Dusenberg or a Durant. That's a car, not a painting. The sections are
1. Slang, Colloquialisms and Everyday Speech - right at the beginning and with character-driven writers that's the way to go.
2. Prohibition
3. Great Depression
4. World War II - a good start but it's mostly the homefront. If you're writing about the War itself, then you'll need a lot more books.
5. Crime - where do plots start, huh?
6. Transportation
7. Clothing and Fashions
8. Radio and Radio Shows - no TV, no Internet, no mobile phones. Practically the Stone Age!
9. Music and Dance

Overall, a very useful book.

Once again through the myriad of the time, the author guides you through the life, the words, and the advents of an age before most of our lives began. Thorough, thought-provoking, and full of nostalgic trivia. Even seasoned writers will find some interesting things to use in your novel. Sublimely titled and studded with perspiring facts and exciting surprises.

Cameron Rowe

A biased saunter through history and USA culture. Too bad the author's views color the whole work. Some interesting tidbits of history, but mainly a rehash of well known developments. I doggedly slogged my way through because I was researching this time period. Not nearly enough information on the everyday life of ordinary people. Not really all that helpful. I got more info from the internet than this book. Don't waste your money. Get it at the library if you must read this book.