A Page-Turning Decade

Author: Jeff Little

Believe it or not, Americans of the 1950's - between hoola-hooping, rock 'n' rolling and watching what would become classic TV - still found time to read. Fortunately for them, the 1950's spawned some of the greatest literature of all time to fill their needs.

Known for its day-to-day blandness in comparison to today's fast-paced lifestyles, the 50's had its share of interesting, but yawn-inducing books to peruse while ironing, desk-sitting and watching episodes of Father Knows Best. Books like The Power of Positive Thinking, Betty Crocker's Picture Cook Book, Why Johnny Can't Read, and of course The Holy Bible all made the non-fiction best sellers lists at various times during the decade.

For those whose tastes leaned toward more imaginative writing, the fiction of the times had plenty to offer. Variety, and sometimes controversy, abounded as some of the finest writing in history was published from 1950-1959.

On the somewhat sublime and usually not-so-ridiculous side of 50's publishing were titles such as The Robe and The Silver Chalice (both dealing with non-offensive religious themes). Also popular at the time were historically thematic works like Andersonville and Battle Cry. And while some opted for such thought-provoking fare, others gravitated toward lighter selections. Books like Auntie Mame and No Time for Sergeants (which would later inspire television's Gomer Pyle, USMC ) would keep readers turning pages and smiling while publishers laughed all the way to the bank.

But all was not so calm in every quadrant of the literary ocean. Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea became an immediate favorite in 1952 with its "right in your face" style that sharply differed from milder offerings indicative of the decade. Earlier, in 1950, Hemingway had achieved commercial success with Across the River and into the Trees but was only one of many now legendary authors whose work highlighted a typical 1950's reading list.

Herman Wouk captivated the public with The Caine Mutiny and Marjorie Morningstar. John Steinbeck took us East of Eden before showing us a Sweet Thursday. James A. Michener made a Return to Paradise before exploring Hawaii, and other writers published their trademark pieces.

James Jones' From Here to Eternity, Peyton Place by Grace Metalious and Doctor Zhivago from Boris Pasternak were all products of the 50's. Also coming from the 10-year-span was marketing which employed a more open attitude attached to "The S Word".

S-E-X not only became more prevalent in 50's literature; it also became more acceptable. Such offerings as Lady Chatterley's Lover, Lolita and The Catcher in the Rye, considered controversial in their day, were freely published and popular (even though many such titles were banned in certain communities).

Fortunately for us, there is no book ban in the United States today…and all of the great titles from the 1950's are available at most public libraries. So when your motivation leads your thumb away from a TV remote and onto a written page, you're in luck.

Also lucky is the fact that you need not fear rustiness in your ability to embrace reading. If all else fails, you can pick up a copy of The Elements of Style (still considered the text on proper usage of written English). It made the best seller list in 1959.