Southern California in the '50s: Sun, Fun and Fantasy

by Charles Phoenix

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IN THE '50 SUN, FUN AND FANTASY—a treasury of retro car culture, space-age style, suburbia, Hollywood, mountain, desert and seaside resorts, and America's favorite amusement parks. In the 1950s, Southern California was the place to be. The mood was up, prosperity ruled, and the standard of living was high. It was the land of plenty for a new generation of movers and shakers who reinvented the way America would live.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Americana, Pop Culture

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Andee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely gorgeous! The original ads, artwork, and photos of places in So Cal in the 50’s were phenomenal. Add to that the factoids and captions and it makes for a very interesting, and beautiful coffee table book.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING ⚠️ The book talks briefly about a primate who was murdered by the couple that raised him as a human. Some graphic details of the killing are included. Otherwise a pleasant book with lots of pictures.

[Christian Petrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had picked this book at the library for a report my daughter had to do. Since I was helping her with, decided to read it as well so I follow her on the project.

Even though I did not grow up in California (I grew up in Arizona), or in the 50's (80's my growing years), I still found this interesting to read. Actually any book that does a great job of showing the past along with great photos will get my interest.

Charles Phoenix does a great job of setting up each chapter about things in general. Then focuses on specific items that fall under that category. It gives a great insight into the places of the time period.

For a quick reference guide, and great photos, you can't go wrong with this book. One thing that might have been nice, but probably would have taken away from the book, is knowing which places were still around or completely gone. I enjoy learning the fate of some places.

[Kathie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous, delightful escape from the humdrum 21st century. Thank you, Charles Phoenix, for sharing your "Golden Age thinking" with me. Your book helped me step back into a world I never knew (I was born in 1960) but was lucky enough to catch glimpses of from my television on the east coast and, later, when I visited California for the first time (in 2001). I'll read every Charles Phoenix title after this wonderful treat.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Mr.Phoenix & I were twins separated at birth because we love all the same things. This is why I own all of his books. If you're interested in googie and the cool architecture of yesteryear California, you'll love this book.

[Kahlil Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Mr. Phoenix is as passionate about Southern California as Walt Disney was about trains. And every now and then, Mr. Phoenix throws in some random violent fact (the entire look of the 50's is a little violent by default) that adds a wonderful hit of shock value.

[Donnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great fun. Happened to read along with Beverley Cleary's The Luckiest Girl--set in the same place and time and it was a good companion piece. Both covers even shared the turquoise and orange color scheme.

[Bronwyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neat tid-bits. Good reading for anyone who lives in Southern California.