The Perils of Prosperity, 1914-1932

Originally I purchased this book as part of my required college history class. Needless to say, I wasn't expecting much. This book was a huge surprise. Some people may be turned off by Leuchtenberg's "negative" appraisal of the early 20th century. But his arguments are well-supported and his opinions are clearly outlined against the facts. The best feature of this book is the sheer volume of time-specific setting information. Tons of examples from then-contemporary newspapers, books, and movies immerse the reader in the time period.

Leuchtenburg's book is an excellent work that shows in depth the various aspects of life in the 1920's. Whether you are interested in the pop culture, politics, or economics of the time, this book has it all. A very interesting and easy read. Recommended for people who want to learn about the 1920's and life in America during that time.

I had to read this book for my American History Since 1877 course. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed reading this book. I thought I knew about the 1920's, and after reading this book I knew that I knew nothing at all.This book covers ever aspect of the decade and gives it more than just a name. The book covers political, economic, and social issues of the day. It explains the state of the nation in the previous decade as well to give us better understanding of what was to come at the decades end. The book was also easy to understand and did not try to overcompensate with formal language. Anyone could understand the messages conveyed.Overall I enjoyed this book and would read it again just to enjoy it.

William Leuchtenberg wrote a very good and informative history about the 1920's. He explains life before 1914, World War 1, Prohibition, The Scopes Trial, The Teapot Dome Scandal, The Presidental Administrations of Harding, Coolidge and Hoover, The Great Depression, and The 1932 Election of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He also covers the role of Women, African-Americans, race relations, and The Ku-Klux-Klan. A book worth reading.

This is an outstanding history of pre-Crash America. Leuchtenburg is one of the country's best historians of the New Deal, but in this text he does a wonderful job of providing the backstory to that era. Very lively stories, wonderfully written.