Kirjahaku

"Vividly and with great skills he marshals the men, the mountebanks, the measures, and the events of ten years of American life and causes them to march before us in orderly panathenaic procession."--"Saturday Review"

"A perfectly grand piece of historical record and synthetic journalism." -- Chicago Daily TribuneFrom Frederick Lewis Allen, former editor-in-chief of Harper's magazine, comes a classic history of 1920s America, from the end of World War I to the stock market crash and the beginning of The Great Depression. Originally published in 1931, Only Yesterday has an exuberance and proximity to its subject--the Roaring Twenties in all its scandal and glory--that uniquely captures the feel of the era.Only Yesterday deals with that delightful decade from the Armistice in November 1918 to the panic and depression of 1929-30. Here is the story of Woodrow Wilson's defeat, the Harding scandals, the Coolidge prosperity, the revolution in manners and morals, the bull market and its smash-up. Allen's lively narrative brings back an endless variety of half-forgotten events, fashions, crazes, and absurdities. Deftly written, with a humorous touch, Only Yesterday traces, beneath the excitements of day-to-day life in the 20s, those currents in national life and thought which are the essence of true history.

Only Yesterday Hailed as a classic even when it was first published in 1931, Only Yesterday remains one of the most vivid and precise accounts of the volatile stock market and the heady boom years of the 1920's. A vibrant social history that is unparalleled in scope and accuracy, it artfully depicts the rise of post - World War I prosperity, the catalytic incidents that led to the Crash of 1929, and the devastating economic decline that ensued—all set before a colorful backdrop of flappers, Al Capone, the first radio, and the "scandalous" rise of skirt hemlines. Now, this mesmerizing chronicle is reintroduced to offer readers of today an unforgettable look at one of the most dynamic periods of America's past. With a novelist's eye for detail and a historian's attention to the facts, Frederick Lewis Allen tells a story that will ignite your imagination as its rich pageant of characters and events comes alive. Peppering his narrative with actual stock quotes and financial news, Allen tracks the major economic trends of the decade and explores the underlying causes of the Crash. Here are fresh accounts of Harding's oil scandals and the growth of the automobile industry, as well as the decline of the family farm, the Coolidge prosperity, and the long bull market of the late twenties. Allen's virtual hour-by-hour account of the Crash itself, told from multiple perspectives with mounting suspense, is as gripping as anything you are likely to read in fiction. In addition to his power as a storyteller, Allen was a living witness to the events he describes; there is a thrilling you-are-there feeling about the unfolding history. After a brief "return to normalcy" following the War, the pace of life in America quickly escalated to a full gallop. New forces were being unleashed: prosperity with serious inflation, larger-than-life figures such as J. Pierpont Morgan and Henry Ford, and the Big Red Scare of the early twenties. Allen documents the new inventions, fads, and scandals as they affected the daily life of the country, including the impact of Freud and Einstein, Prohibition and Al Capone, Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey, the trial of Sacco and Vanzetti, and the shocking changes in manners and morals. In Only Yesterday we hear America talking to itself from coast to coast, furiously debating its own rapidly evolving destiny. An engaging narrative that describes the harried, often tumultuous events of Wall Street in the twenties, as well as the infectious spirit of the times, Only Yesterday is not only a compelling account of years gone by, but a true classic that will be appreciated for years to come. "When this fascinating social history of America in the 1920's was first published in 1931, the twenties were indeed Only Yesterday. But, as Mr. Allen makes clear, they were so much more than the clich— would have it. . . . Frederick Allen's marvelous book brings back an exciting time in the life of the nation. I am quite sure you will enjoy reading it as much as Mr. Allen and I enjoyed living it." —from the Foreword by Roy R. Neuberger. Recognized as a classic even when it was first published in 1931, Only Yesterday is a fascinating and revealing chronicle of the volatile stock market and heady boom years of the 1920's. Written by an esteemed historian who witnessed firsthand the explosive atmosphere and events of the time, this compelling narrative takes its place as one of the most important and invaluable contributions to investment literature. Acclaim for Only Yesterday "Marvelously absorbing . . . Only Yesterday tells the story of the 1920's from the collapse of Wilson and the New Freedom to the collapse of Wall Street and the New Era." —Stuart Chase, Books. "A perfectly grand piece of historical record and synthetic journalism." —Fanny Butcher, Chicago Tribune. "A style that is verve itself . . . Besides telling the story of the bull market in fine perspective, Mr. Allen presents the first coherent account that we have seen of the oil scandals that will eventually make the Harding regime match that of President Grant and the Crédit Mobilier story in the history books of the future." —John Chamberlain, The New York Times.

Frederick Lewis Allen was one of the pioneers in social history. Best known as the author of Only Yesterday, Allen originated a model of what is sometimes called instant history, the reconstruction of past eras through vivid commentary on the news, fashions, customs, and artifacts that altered the pace and forms of American life. The Big Change was Allen's last and most ambitious book. In it he attempted to chart and explain the progressive evolution of American life over half a century. Written at a time of unprecedented optimism and prosperity, The Big Change defines a transformative moment in American history and provides an implicit and illuminating perspective on what has taken place in the second half of the twentieth century.Allen's theme is the realization, in large measure, of the promise of democracy. As against the strain of social criticism that saw America as enfeebled by affluence and conformity, Allen wrote in praise of an economic system that had ushered in a new age of well being for the American people. He divides his inquiry into three major sections. The first, 'The Old Order,' portrays the turn-of-the-century plutocracy in which the federal government was largely subservient to business interests and the gap between rich and poor portended a real possibility of bloody rebellion. 'The Momentum of Change' graphically describes the various forces that gradually transformed the country in the new century: mass production, the automobile, the Great Depression and the coming of big government, World War II and America's emergence as a world power. Against this background, Allen shows how the economic system was reformed without being ruined, and how social gaps began to steadily close.The concluding section, 'The New America,' is a hopeful assessment of postwar American culture. Allen's analysis takes critical issue with many common perceptions, both foreign and domestic, of American life and places remaining social problems in careful perspective. As William O'Neill remarks in his introduction to this new edition, The Big Change is both a deep and wonderfully readable work of social commentary, a book that gains rather than loses with the years.

Harper's Magazine, 1850-1950: A Centenary Address is a book written by Frederick Lewis Allen, which provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Harper's Magazine. The book is a centennial tribute to the magazine, which was founded in 1850 and had become a prominent publication in American literature and journalism by 1950. The book covers the magazine's evolution over the years, from its early days as a literary and cultural journal to its emergence as a leading voice in American politics and society. Allen traces the magazine's history through the contributions of its many notable writers and editors, including Mark Twain, Henry James, Theodore Roosevelt, and Norman Mailer. The book also explores the magazine's influence on American society and culture, including its coverage of major historical events such as the Civil War, World War I, and the Great Depression. Allen examines the magazine's role in shaping public opinion on important issues such as race relations, women's rights, and environmentalism.Overall, Harper's Magazine, 1850-1950: A Centenary Address is a comprehensive and engaging account of the history of one of America's most influential magazines. It provides readers with a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of American literature, journalism, and culture over the course of a century.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

A “stimulating” account of the capitalists who changed America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, setting the stage for the 1929 crash and Great Depression (Kirkus Reviews). In the decades following the Civil War, America entered an era of unprecedented corporate expansion, with ultimate financial power in the hands of a few wealthy industrialists who exploited the system for everything it was worth. The Rockefellers, Fords, Morgans, and Vanderbilts were the “lords of creation” who, along with like-minded magnates, controlled the economic destiny of the country, unrestrained by regulations or moral imperatives. Through a combination of foresight, ingenuity, ruthlessness, and greed, America’s giants of industry remolded the US economy in their own image. They established their power and authority, ensuring that they—and they alone—would control the means of production, transportation, energy, and commerce—creating the conditions for the stock market collapse of 1929 and the Great Depression that followed. As modern society continues to be affected by wealth inequality and cycles of boom and bust, it’s as important as ever to understand the origins of financial disaster, and the policies, practices, and people who bring them on. The Lords of Creation, first published when the catastrophe of the 1930s was still painfully fresh, is a fascinating story of bankers, railroad tycoons, steel magnates, speculators, scoundrels, and robber barons. It is a tale of innovation and shocking exploitation—and a sobering reminder that history can indeed repeat itself.

The New York Times–bestselling history of the first half of the twentieth century—five decades that transformed America—from the author of Only Yesterday. During the first fifty years of the twentieth century, the United States saw two world wars, a devastating economic depression, and more social, political, and economic changes than in any other five-decade period before. Frederick Lewis Allen, former editor of Harper’s magazine, recounts these years—spanning World War I, the Progressive Era, the Great Depression, World War II, and the early Cold War—in vivid detail, from the fashions and customs of the times to major events that changed the course of history. Politically, the United States grew into its own as a global superpower during these years, even as domestic developments altered the everyday lives of its citizens. The introduction of the automobile, mass production, and organized labor changed the way Americans lived and worked, while innovations like penicillin and government regulation of food safety contributed to an increase in average life expectancy from forty-nine years in 1900 to sixty-eight years in 1950. With the development of a strong, centralized government, a thriving middle class, and widespread economic prosperity, the nation emerged from the Second World War transformed in virtually every way. Richly informative and delightfully readable, The Big Change is an indispensable volume charting the many changes that ushered in our contemporary age.

Frederick Lewis Allen was one of the pioneers in social history. Best known as the author of Only Yesterday, Allen originated a model of what is sometimes called instant history, the reconstruction of past eras through vivid commentary on the news, fashions, customs, and artifacts that altered the pace and forms of American life. The Big Change was Allen's last and most ambitious book. In it he attempted to chart and explain the progressive evolution of American life over half a century. Written at a time of unprecedented optimism and prosperity, The Big Change defines a transformative moment in American history and provides an implicit and illuminating perspective on what has taken place in the second half of the twentieth century.Allen's theme is the realization, in large measure, of the promise of democracy. As against the strain of social criticism that saw America as enfeebled by affluence and conformity, Allen wrote in praise of an economic system that had ushered in a new age of well being for the American people. He divides his inquiry into three major sections. The first, 'The Old Order,' portrays the turn-of-the-century plutocracy in which the federal government was largely subservient to business interests and the gap between rich and poor portended a real possibility of bloody rebellion. 'The Momentum of Change' graphically describes the various forces that gradually transformed the country in the new century: mass production, the automobile, the Great Depression and the coming of big government, World War II and America's emergence as a world power. Against this background, Allen shows how the economic system was reformed without being ruined, and how social gaps began to steadily close.The concluding section, 'The New America,' is a hopeful assessment of postwar American culture. Allen's analysis takes critical issue with many common perceptions, both foreign and domestic, of American life and places remaining social problems in careful perspective. As William O'Neill remarks in his introduction to this new edition, The Big Change is both a deep and wonderfully readable work of social commentary, a book that gains rather than loses with the years.

Frederick Lewis Allen (July 5, 1890 Boston, Massachusetts - February 13, 1954 New York City) was the editor of Harper's Magazine and also notable as an American historian of the first half of the twentieth century. His specialty was writing about what was at the time recent and popular history. His best-known book was Only Yesterday, a book chronicling American life in the 1920s. (wikipedia.org)

A social history of the United States during the "roaring twenties." Examines American individualism and the decade that they knew Mah Jong and Mencken, Cou ism and Coolidge, Listerine and Lindbergh, as well as Capone, Ford, Babe Ruth, the Teapot Dome, and bathtub gin.

Amidst the echoes of jazz and the shadows of breadlines, a nation teetered on the brink of transformation. The 1930s United States was a crucible of change, where the Great Depression era forged resilience and sparked profound cultural shifts. This historical analysis book captures the essence of a tumultuous decade, offering readers a vivid tapestry of the American experience. With a nonfiction narrative style that resonates with both history enthusiasts and casual readers, the book delves into the economic recovery analysis and the societal metamorphosis that set the stage for the pre-World War II era. This work, once lost to time, was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been meticulously restored for today's and future generations, ensuring that its insights remain as relevant as ever. As a cornerstone of American history literature, it stands not just as a reprint, but as a collector's item and a cultural treasure. Scholars and academic researchers will find it an invaluable resource, while fans of John Dos Passos will appreciate its rich narrative that parallels his renowned storytelling. Dive into the pages and witness the great crash and its aftermath, a period that reshaped a nation and left an indelible mark on the world.

Imagine a world where horse-drawn carriages give way to roaring automobiles, and the quiet hum of rural life transforms into the bustling symphony of urban America. This historical analysis book delves into the profound american social change that swept across the nation from 1900 to 1950, capturing the essence of 20th century America like no other. As the industrial revolution impacts took hold, the United States underwent an economic transformation that not only reshaped its cities but also its cultural identity. This narrative is a beacon for history enthusiasts and academic researchers alike, providing a vivid tapestry of united states history through the lens of american historical narratives. Out of print for decades, this remarkable work has been lovingly republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations, ensuring that the insights and stories of early 20th century America continue to inspire. This edition is not just a reprint-it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, offering a unique glimpse into a pivotal era that shaped the modern world. Whether you're a casual reader or a dedicated classic-collection buyer, this book offers an unparalleled journey through the cultural shifts America experienced, inviting you to explore the dynamic forces that moulded a nation.

In an era where jazz rhythms set the pace of life and speakeasies whispered secrets of the night, the 1920s unfolded as a paradox of prosperity and prohibition. This historical nonfiction book offers an informal history narrative that captures the essence of 1920s American history, a decade that danced on the edge of modernity and tradition. This period, known for its roaring twenties culture, saw a post-war economic boom that reshaped society and left an indelible mark on early 20th century America. With keen insights into the prohibition era, the book delves into the complexities and contradictions of a time when the American dream was both pursued and questioned. As a resource for history enthusiasts and academic research alike, it provides a vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age America that inspired the works of literary giants like Sinclair Lewis and F. Scott Fitzgerald. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions, ensuring that its rich tapestry of stories is restored for today's and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure, offering a window into a world that continues to influence our present. Whether you're a casual reader or a classic-collection buyer, this book invites you to explore the vibrant and tumultuous landscape of a bygone era.