The Business of Bobbysoxers: Cultural Production in 1940s Frank Sinatra Fandom
Cultural Production in 1940s Frank Sinatra Fandom
Book •
Dr.
Katie Beisel-Hollenbach's "The Business of Bobbysoxers" delves into the world of teenage girls who were devoted fans of Frank Sinatra during World War II. The book challenges the stereotypical image of these 'bobbysoxers' as hysterical and overly emotional, instead presenting them as active participants in shaping their own identities and communities.
Through detailed analysis of fan club journals and other primary sources, Beisel-Hollenbach reveals the social, political, and cultural significance of these fan clubs.
The book highlights the girls' engagement with issues of civil rights, politics, and the war itself, demonstrating their agency and critical thinking.
Ultimately, "The Business of Bobbysoxers" offers a nuanced and compelling perspective on female fandom and the complexities of American culture during a time of significant change.
Katie Beisel-Hollenbach's "The Business of Bobbysoxers" delves into the world of teenage girls who were devoted fans of Frank Sinatra during World War II. The book challenges the stereotypical image of these 'bobbysoxers' as hysterical and overly emotional, instead presenting them as active participants in shaping their own identities and communities.
Through detailed analysis of fan club journals and other primary sources, Beisel-Hollenbach reveals the social, political, and cultural significance of these fan clubs.
The book highlights the girls' engagement with issues of civil rights, politics, and the war itself, demonstrating their agency and critical thinking.
Ultimately, "The Business of Bobbysoxers" offers a nuanced and compelling perspective on female fandom and the complexities of American culture during a time of significant change.
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Miranda Melcher
Katie Beisel Hollenbach, "The Business of Bobbysoxers: Cultural Production in 1940s Frank Sinatra Fandom" (Oxford UP, 2024)
