Diners, Bowling Alleys and Trailer Parks Chasing the American Dream in the Postwar Consumer Culture

Hurley, Andrew

ISBN 10: 0465031870 / ISBN 13: 9780465031870

Published by Basic Books, 2002

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 6EE1E51D95BE530

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Diners, Bowling Alleys and Trailer Parks Chasing the American Dream in the Postwar Consumer Culture
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0465031870
• ISBN 13: 9780465031870
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

The years immediately following the Second World War witnessed a dramatic transformation of America's working-class suburbs, driven by an unprecedented post-war prosperity and a burgeoning consumer culture. Chrome and neon were the new currency in this newly vital consumer culture, and no post-war consumer products trafficked more heavily in this currency than diners, bowling alleys, and trailer parks. Through these three distinctively American institutions, Andrew Hurley examines the struggle of Americans with modest means to attain the good life after two long decades of depression and war. He tells the story of the humble origins, explosive growth, and gradual, sad decline of the diner, bowling alley, and trailer park in expert fashion. This is cultural and social history that knows how to entertain.

About the Author

Andrew Hurley is Associate Professor of History at the University of Missouri. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri.