Hard Times: The 30s

by Time-Life Books (Editor)

Describes social and economic conditions in the 1930s

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference

168 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[Len Knighton]

Another great look back at a decade in the 20th Century courtesy of Time-Life. I especially loved the final chapter: Movies, and its two page focus on the classic horror films of 1931.
I am disappointed that the feats of Jesse Owens, and the 8 man US rowing crew at the 1936 Summer Olympic Games in Berlin were not included in the book.

Four stars

[Blake Frederick]

"A worker's got no right to have kids anymore."

[H. P. Reed]

Hard Times The 30s is one of a set of Time-Life books popular in the latter part of the 20th century. The over-arching title of the set is Our American Century and the books paint portraits of each decade with a wide brush. While nothing is written about in depth, the subjects of each chapter (Labor, Radio, FDR, The Movies) give enough information to give the average reader a sense of what life was like for men, women and children living through that era. I enjoyed the book as much for its photos and artwork as for its information. Because of Roosevelt inspired WPA projects, the 1930s were times of prodigious art. Photographers recorded everything about the Great Depression and our slow recovery from it, and did it with an eye for beauty as well as despair.

[Ceejay]

This easy to read, largely visual history of the 1930's is a quick and enjoyable read. It's part of the Time/Life history of America in the 20th Century.Think of it as a refresher course with lots of interesting tidbits and pictures.

[Jennifer Hughes]

This is an excellent series, detailing life and highlighting notable historical events in the 20th century.