Sounds In the Air: The Golden Age of Radio - Softcover

Finkelstein, Norman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0595131905 ISBN 13: 9780595131907

Publisher: iUniverse, 2000

Synopsis

"Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear..."In this unique contribution to American social history, Normal Finkelstein explores the Golden Age of radio broadcasting from the Great Depression through World War II. Radio became the common experience that unified a diverse America, providing entertainment, news and information, which unified all Americans. Quoted passages from old programs and commercials provide readers with the flavor of what radio used to be.

About this title

About the Author:

Norman H. Finkelstein has written 12 books about history for young adult readers. One reviewer wrote that he "tells a fascinating story, and if it sounds like fiction sometimes, it's a tribute to his storytelling power." Recipient of the National Jewish Book Award and the Golden Kite Honor Award, Mr. Finkelstein is a school librarian and lives in Farmingham, MA.

From Kirkus Reviews:

A cogent, admirably detailed survey of American radio in its heyday. After a brief explanation of the technology that led to its sudden growth and popularity in the 20's, the author explains how radio gradually supplanted vaudeville, with many of its performers making a successful transition, then takes a close look at comedy shows (Jack Benny gets a whole chapter), shows for children, and soaps. How radio changed society is a constant theme--as TV did later, the radio became a family center. But its early civility succumbed to various forces: ladylike storytellers were replaced by dramatizations; cultural events, at first uninterrupted, were invaded by commercials. Advertising's evolution and its influence on programming are discussed, as is the effect of the advent of radio news on politics and on newspaper economics. Edward R. Murrow's innovative coverage of WW II is depicted as radio's finest hour; a last chapter draws instructive parallels between the rise of radio and the postwar rise of TV. The author is generous with quotes; they're so good that they leave the reader hungry for more. Lucid, thorough, and fascinating: excellent social history. B&w photos; bibliography; index. (Nonfiction. 11+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: iUniverse
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0595131905
• ISBN 13: 9780595131907
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144