Britain in fact, fiction and film ... 1945 -1980

[Britjan]

A somewhat grandiose title I admit but I have just promised myself that I will read the first volume of David Kynaston's series, "Tales of New Jerusalem" . On no less recommendation than Nick Hornby ( his book "Fever Pitch" and the first film of it made in 1997 are among my favourites ) I am flexing my muscles to tackle "Austerity Britain , 1945-1951" at about 700 pages. Here is a description from my public library's website.

"Coursing through Austerity Britain is an astonishing variety of voices - vivid, unselfconscious, and unaware of what the future holds. A Chingford housewife endures the tribulations of rationing; a retired schoolteacher observes during a royal visit how well-fed the Queen looks; a pernickety civil servant in Bristol is oblivious to anyone's troubles but his own. An array of working-class witnesses describe how life in post-war Britain is, with little regard for liberal niceties or the feelings of their 'betters'."

If anyone has read it please wade in and comment or recommend something else which is not too scholarly for the average reader. I have read a great deal of fiction from this time period and as a film fan have my favourites but I haven't tackled much non-fiction.

I'll leave it to others to also comment on a fiction book or film that they believe paints a realistic picture of Britain in that era or perhaps venture into another and then we can have some sub groups under a general theme.

 

[Heather]

I am flexing my muscles to tackle "Austerity Britain , 1945-1951" at about 700 pages.
If anyone has read it please wade in and comment or recommend something else which is not too scholarly for the average reader.

At the moment I am reading "Real Lancashire" by Phil Smith. "A journey through the history of the old county" which I am finding a very interesting read. I do not read very much fiction, preferring non-fiction. Funnily the next book I intend to read is "Austerity Britain 1945 - 51" , [Sunday Times book of the decade ] , so I too will be interested to hear if anyone has read it. I have waiting for me on my bookshelf another David Kynaston book "Family Britain 1951 - 57" which is also a 700 page book. We are in for a heatwave for several days this week so maybe I will get started on one of them.

 

[Alexander Bisset]

"Austerity Britain 1945 - 51" , [Sunday Times book of the decade ]

If it only covers 6 years how is it a book of the decade A book of 60% of a decade surely!!

 

[Tim]

Its a good point, however it would be 70% as there are 7 years in 1945-51

 

[Britjan]

If it only covers 6 years how is it a book of the decade A book of 60% of a decade surely!!

Just to muddy the waters I thought the accolade was for the decade in which the book was published rather than the era it was about? I tried a Google search to clarify this and was thoroughly confused. Either way some latitude is permissible in my book , and like all Top Ten or One Hundred Best lists no one is ever going to agree!!

 

[Heather]

If it only covers 6 years how is it a book of the decade A book of 60% of a decade surely!!

Good point Alexander, I was just stating what is printed on the cover, but maybe Britjan has a good point also........ "I thought the accolade was for the decade in which the book was published rather than the era it was about? " Then again Tim makes the point............" Its a good point, however it would be 70% as there are 7 years in 1945-51 " Just goes to show what a lively bunch we all are !!!!!

 

[emjay]

Just to muddy the waters I thought the accolade was for the decade in which the book was published rather than the era it was about? I tried a Google search to clarify this and was thoroughly confused. Either way some latitude is permissible in my book , and like all Top Ten or One Hundred Best lists no one is ever going to agree!!

Yes, the date could have been omitted from the title : " Austerity Britain" ....and still named as the book of the decade