Books in the American Civilization series

The classic, indispensable introduction to industrial design in the last century--available again

Attempts to assess the role played by Darwinian ideas in the writings of English-speaking social theorists.

Takes a look at Victorian America, and explores the minds of Victorians by examining some of their most distinctive and fascinating creations. The five essays in the book discuss specific pieces - hallstands, sideboards, embroidered mottoes, parlor organs, and seating furniture - within the context of broader cultural issues and concerns.

During the Progressive Era, the child guidance movement began as part of the Commonwealth Fund's "Program for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency." This book presents the complex history of the child guidance movement in relation to the mental health professions, philanthropic foundations, and the American family.

Considering photographs by Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Russell Tee, and Arthur Rothstein, as well as personal papers, memoirs, interviews, and the FSA file, this title reconstructs the methods the photographers used to create the images that defined the Depression in the public's imagination.

Traces the experiences of widows in a society that imposed an ideology of proper female behavior. The author challenges the portrayal of widows as helpless women, unable to fend for themselves or their families. She alters our understanding of the diversity of women's experiences.

Several decades after his death and more than forty years since his radio program left the air, Fred Allen's reputation as a respected humorist remains intact. This book explores the roots of his comedy, the themes it exploited, the problems and challenges that faced the radio comedy writer.