Book description
The 1950s saw a major shift in the lifestyles of many in Britain.
The austerity that had dogged the 1940s after the end of the Second
World War began to give way to better times. Employment levels rose to
new heights, white consumer goods appeared in shop windows for the
first time, television replaced the radio in most homes, rock and roll
was born, the National Health Service provided free health care to the
nation, more children went to grammar schools, leisure time increased,
families went on holiday, and the new Queen was crowned -bringing in a
glorious new Elizabethan age. Including interviews with former Labour
leader Lord Neil Kinnock, footballers Bobby Charlton, Wilf McGuinness
and Terry Venables, radio producer, author and journalist Clare
Jenkins, and teh eminent historian Lord Peter Hennessy, among others,
this delightful compendium of reminiscences will appeal to all who
grew up in this post-war decade, whether in town or country, wealth or
poverty. With chapters on schooldays, TV and radio, trips to the
seaside, music and fashion, these wonderful stories are sure to jog
the memories of all who remember this exciting era.
Stephen F Kelly is a writer and broadcaster. He is the author of
over 20 books largely on sport and sporting personalities. He taught
journalism and television production at the University of Huddersfield
before becoming Director of their Centre for Oral History Research at
the university.
