Product Description

The 1960s continue to be the subject of passionate debate and political controversy, a touchstone in struggles over the meaning of the American past and the direction of the American future. Amid the polemics and the myths, making sense of the Sixties and its legacies presents a challenge. This book is for all those who want to take it on. Because there are so many facets to this unique and transformative era, this volume offers multiple approaches and perspectives. The first section gives a lively narrative overview of the decade's major policies, events, and cultural changes. The second presents ten original interpretative essays from prominent historians about significant and controversial issues from the Vietnam War to the sexual revolution, followed by a concise encyclopedia articles organized alphabetically. This section could stand as a reference work in itself and serves to supplement the narrative. Subsequent sections include short topical essays, special subjects, a brief chronology, and finally an extensive annotated bibliography with ample information on books, films, and electronic resources for further exploration. With interesting facts, statistics, and comparisons presented in almanac style as well as the expertise of prominent scholars, The Columbia Guide to America in the 1960s is the most complete guide to an enduringly fascinating era.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1277881 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 1.58 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

From Library Journal
Eminent historians Farber (Age of Great Dreams) and Bailey (Sex in the Heartland) present an accessible, state-of-the-art overview of the turbulent Sixties. Part narrative history and interpretation, part almanac, chronology, and glossary, the book offers an introspective yet entertaining investigation for those who remember the age as well as for those just being introduced to it. The most stimulating chapter includes essays by contributing scholars who assess the legacies of the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, the New Left, the women's movement, and the sexual revolution. An excellent glossary, which includes one-paragraph to one-page views of well-known political leaders and such cultural icons as Twiggy, the Beach Boys, the Beatles, and Janis Joplin, bolsters Farber's somewhat sketchy historical summary. In turn, short essays that discuss such topics as the environmental movement, significant legal cases, and religion enhance the glossary. The book concludes with a chronology, demographics, and a comprehensive annotated bibliography, which is noted more for its inclusiveness than the substance of the annotations. One small weakness in this seven-part book is that the affiliations and publications of the secondary contributors are not identified. For another collection of interpretative essays on the Sixties, see Alexander Bloom's Long Time Gone (Oxford Univ., 2001). Highly recommended for academic and public libraries. Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, PA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
It's hard to imagine a more useful multifunction library resource than this latest entry in the Columbia Guide series, which previously issued studies of the cold war and American women in the nineteenth century. University of New Mexico historian Farber and sex-and-courtship researcher Beth Bailey open with a 75-page overview of the 1960s. In part 2 (roughly 100 pages), nine authors summarize the historiography of 10 political, social, and cultural issues. Part 3 is an A-to-Z glossary of key people and organizations; unlikely neighbors here include radical feminist Kate Millet and the military-industrial complex, Twiggy and transcendental meditation. Part 4 supplies brief essays on eight general topics, such as environmentalism, religion, and sports in the 1960s. Part 5 is a cross between an almanac and the Statistical Abstract, capturing fascinating facts, trends, and demographics of the era. Part 6 offers a 1960s chronology (including the years when significant consumer products were introduced); part 7 is a valuable annotated bibliography. Everyone from "the Greatest Generation" to that generation's great-grandchildren can learn something here. Mary Carroll
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
An accessible, state-of-the-art overview of the turbulent Sixties. Part narrative history and interpretation, part almanac, chronology, and glossary, the book offers an introspective yet entertaining investigation for those who remember the age as well as for those just being introduced to it. -- Karl Helicher Library Journal This book is a fine addition to any library's collection, so good that faculty may want their students to purchase a copy. If other volumes in the series are half so impressive, libraries may want the series on standing order. Choice It's hard to imagine a more useful multi-function library resource than this latest entry in the Columbia Guide series... everyone from 'the Greatest Generation'to that generation's great-grandchildren can learn something here. Booklist There are many books written about the United States during the 1960s; none are quite like this one. The Columbia Guide to America in the 1960s is a multi-purpose book. -- Jennifer Clark Australasian Journal of American Studies