Beach Beauties: Postcards and Photographs, 1890-1940

by Beth Dunlop

Offers a glimpse into American beach life in the early twentieth century, displaying photographs and postcards of female bathers in their swimwear, documenting the change in mores as society moved away from Victorian ideals.

Genres: Nonfiction

80 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing shocking or insightful, just a collection of old-time postcards. The most interesting part to me was glossed over rather quickly - early postal laws about the use and distribution of postcards that restricted them for years until a new act freed them and exploded the popularity. Anyone know a good book on postal-law history?

[Judy Egnew Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little history book with vintage postcard and photographic images taken from the author's collection. Images of bathing beauties from the years 1890-1940, show the progression of women from under the heavy wraps of "appropriate beachwear"to the "skimpy" one-piece suit that allowed actual swimming, rather than simply wading in the shallows. She tells the story of women coming into their own in the emerging freedom of the beach. Swimming and suffragism become synonymous and real swimming was a symbol of the newly independent woman.

[Theresa F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lovely artwork gives readers an interesting peek into the past.
Did I like it? Yes.
Would I reread it? There really isn't much to read. The book is more visual than anything.
Would I recommend it? Yes.