The Twenties

The Twenties was the period which crystallised the vast social changes initiated in the first world war. It was probably the most significant decade in twentieth-century art and literature, and it was a time when America and Britain came very close together socially, culturally and in modes of entertainment. In this survey, the author records significant developments in aeronautics, motoring, radio, film, popular music, the press, sport and crime, and presents a vivid picture of celebrated 20s figures such as Clara Bow, Marlene Dietrich, Noel Coward and Al Capone. There are chapters covering Art Deco and Cubism, musical comedy, and 1920s fashion.