The story of the consumer age as we know it begins in the Victorian era, when many of the elements that changed society forever - including mass production, the Penny Post, railways and labour-saving domestic appliances - first emerged. Changes such as these gradually made fashionable clothes and cosmetics, books, music, sweets and eventually foreign holidays available to the general public, and were responsible for a higher standard of living, increased literacy and greater freedom for women.
This absorbing book examines the 20th century decade by decade. It explores aspects of daily life such as shopping, fashion, travel, entertainment, toys and games through the hoard of packaging, advertising and the products themselves. Key historical events of the 20th century are also covered, including two world wars, four coronations, the arrival of radio and television and the first man on the moon.
There is something in this book to inspire a smile of recognition in readers of all ages. It is packed with pictures and anecdotes that will appeal to anyone with a fondness for our shared past, from school children to graphic designers, social historians to lovers of nostalgia.
Robert Opie uses a rich legacy of original items - packaging, advertising, film posters, magazines, newspapers, toys, games, and royal and commemorative souvenirs - top present a fascinating picture of everyday life since Victorian times. Together these objects tell history as people remember it, evoking the tastes, smells, sights and sounds of the past.
