Midcentury Christmas explores how Christmastime in America transformed from Victorian traditions to a futuristic, Space Age celebration. The book features over 100 colorful illustrations and iconic designs, showcasing the impact of post-war prosperity, new technologies, and suburban culture on holiday decor, gifts, and traditions. It includes vintage how-to templates, holiday recipes, and advice on decorating, reflecting the optimism and consumerism of the era[1][3][4].
This book by Sarah Archer delves into the evolution of the American kitchen during the mid-20th century. It details how the kitchen transformed from a workspace to a dreamscape, reflecting the technological and design ideals of the era. The book includes archival photographs, advertisements, magazine pages, and movie stills to capture the spirit of an era where kitchens became symbols of prosperity and convenience. Archer discusses how companies like General Electric, Pyrex, and Betty Crocker influenced kitchen design and functionality, and how these changes impacted women's roles in society.
The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. is a collection of essays and short stories that includes some of Irving's most famous works, such as 'Rip Van Winkle' and 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'. The book was published serially from 1819 to 1820 and marks Irving's first use of the pseudonym Geoffrey Crayon. The stories range from maudlin to picaresque and comical, and the collection is notable for its portrayal of both American and English life and landscapes. The book helped establish Irving's reputation as a writer and was among the first widely read works of American literature in Britain and Europe.
In this book, Stephen Nissenbaum charts the transformation of Christmas from its origins in ancient agricultural cycles and its early forms as a season of excess and public revelry, to its modern incarnation as a child-centered, domestic celebration. The book details how early Christmas celebrations involved drinking, parties, and social inversion, and how these were suppressed by Puritans and later transformed by New York's elite, including figures like Clement Clarke Moore and Washington Irving. Nissenbaum also explores the commercialization of Christmas and its impact on American culture and social hierarchy[1][3][4].
This book is a delightful exploration of cats and their prominent role in Japanese society. It features charming storytelling, numerous photographs, works of art, pop culture, and folklore. Archer highlights various aspects of Japanese cat culture, including cat cafes, designers creating cat costumes, and craftsmen building furniture for cats. The book also delves into the historical presence of cats in Japanese art, literature, and Buddhist folktales, explaining why cats are an integral part of Japanese society.
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