BOOK REPORT

Book Report in 'Only Yesterday: An Informal History of the 1920s'

By Frederick Lewis Allen

Book Report in 'Only Yesterday: An Informal History of the 1920s'

By Frederick Lewis Allen

Introduction

The book “Only Yesterday: An Informal History of the 1920s,” written by Frederick L. Allen, is a remarkable book about the history of United States in the 1920s. He was a writer and editor of several national publications including the Century, Atlantic Monthly and Harper's. Allen wrote this book in 1931, which is why the information and remarks contained in it are untainted by the future happenings.  Therefore, he presents a fresh, brief glimpse back upon the thrilling era - the "Roaring 20's" - which he had experienced personally. This book is fascinating as it provides the reader with captivating accounts of the events which infolded in the 1920s and the changing culture of that time. Allen covers the events from Teapot Dome scandal, the rise of Al Capone, the crash of 1929, Black Tuesday, the development of the radio and even the rise of the hemlines of the skirts.

The accounts of life in the United States between the era of World War I and the Panic of 1929 have been wonderfully described. Allen poignantly yet briefly, touches the important social, political and economical phases of life in United Sates during those years. He included brief biographies of the presidents: of Woodrow Wilson and his failure to promote successfully his `14 Point-based peace treaty and a League of Nations; of Warren G. Harding - decent, personable, handsome, but ignorant, apparently, about the scandals happening around him; of `silent' Calvin Coolidge and his era of prosperity; and of Herbert Hoover - well-meaning, but unable to find answers to the deteriorating economy and the approaching depression.

Description

This book is an engaging account of the events of 1920s and also about the people and activities which had an impact on the lives of the people living in that era. The book begins from Armistice Day, when the bells and sirens were ringing, indicating that the war is over. After the end of the war in the post war era, there was a big red scare. The people were in fear during this time. The Red Scare was started by the Bolshevik Revolution. This decade started the riots by anti-Bolshevik and also saw the emergence of Ku Klux Klan. However, according to Allan, the Red Scare lasted for a short while as it became obvious that there were not much Bolshevik and Communist rebellions to start with (Allen, 1931).

The book also highlights the changing obsessions which swept the people of the United States during that era. The new fad brought the changing styles of the women of that era. Their fashion changed and the scandalous shortening of the length of the skirt also evolved during this time. The women started consuming alcohol along with the men.

“Of far greater social significance, however, was the fact that men and women were drinking together. Among well-to-do people the serving of cocktails before dinner became almost socially ...