Twentieth-Century Teen Culture by the Decades: A Reference Guide

Though this work is an excellent, one-of-a-kind compendium of U.S. teen culture in 20th Century, it is also a good bedside read. Pick a chapter for any decade and learn the lingo, rituals, songs, dress, and the larger forces shaping the life of teens -- from war to depression to prosperity. Where else can you read American history from the perspective of how it was shaping, and shaped by, a kid growing up in it? Even if you "found yourself" when you came of age in the United State some decades ago, with this book you'll find out even more.

Don't expect any personal commentary from Lucy Rollin in 20th Century Teen Culture. Why? The book, as noted on the front cover, is "A Reference Guide." Although Rollin does a fantastic job documenting the sources of her information, the book lacks personal input. However, it does cover a unique and somewhat uncommon topic: teenagers. Arranged chronologically, the book documents statistics and facts relating to the life of the American teenager from 1900 to the 1990's. Each chapter, which usually covers a decade, includes topics such as teens at home, teens at school, teens at work, money, fashion, slang, leisure, entertainment, movies, music, dancing, dating, sex, drugs, violence, reading, radio, comic strips, magazines, and family dynamics. Lucy Rollin deserves high marks for her dilligent, precise documentation following each chapter. Her references are clearly and correctly documented, which would make the book very ideal for research. She also includes a chapter at the end of the book called "A Note on Sources," which highlights what she felt were her most valuble resources in writing the book. She also includes an appendix of web sites relating to teen culture. Overall, I feel that 20th Century Teen Culture was well-written for what it was, but could have been improved even further. For example, quotations from people or teens themselves would surely have elaborated upon the content. Also, more pictures of substantial size would contribute to the book's visual appeal. Despite being strictly informative, 20th Century Teen Culture is an eye-opening book with countless connections to other works and references, that can surely be appreciated by both teenagers and adults alike.