Big Change

The New York Times–bestselling history of the first half of the twentieth century—five decades that transformed America—from the author of Only Yesterday.   During the first fifty years of the twentieth century, the United States saw two world wars, a devastating economic depression, and more social, political, and economic changes than in any other five-decade period before. Frederick Lewis Allen, former editor of Harper’s magazine, recounts these years—spanning World War I, the Progressive Era, the Great Depression, World War II, and the early Cold War—in vivid detail, from the fashions and customs of the times to major events that changed the course of history.   Politically, the United States grew into its own as a global superpower during these years, even as domestic developments altered the everyday lives of its citizens. The introduction of the automobile, mass production, and organized labor changed the way Americans lived and worked, while innovations like penicillin and government regulation of food safety contributed to an increase in average life expectancy from forty-nine years in 1900 to sixty-eight years in 1950. With the development of a strong, centralized government, a thriving middle class, and widespread economic prosperity, the nation emerged from the Second World War transformed in virtually every way.   Richly informative and delightfully readable, The Big Change is an indispensable volume charting the many changes that ushered in our contemporary age.  

“A mellow and thoroughly charming volume which tells the story of the changing American scene with humor and affection.” —The Nation   “A master historical journalist.” —The New York Times   “[Allen] once again demonstrates his unique gift for writing social history in terms that everyone who reads can understand—and enjoy.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review   “It is important for Americans to understand their commitment to sound social change. Mr. Allen writes the history well.” —TheChristian Science Monitor  Praise for Frederick Lewis Allen “Mr. Allen’s shining service is to recall the things that have blurred equally with those that have stuck in memory. No one else does this sort of thing so well.” —The New York Times on Since Yesterday   “[Allen] is one of our most urbane and penetrating social historians.” —The Christian Science Monitor on Since Yesterday   “A diligent and perceptive reporter . . . So much of what he has to say is almost eerie to read [today].” —Forbes on The Lords of Creation  

Frederick Lewis Allen (1890–1954) was born in Boston, studied at Groton, and graduated from Harvard in 1912. He was assistant and associate editor of Harper’s Magazine for eighteen years, then the magazine’s sixth editor in chief for twelve years until his death. In addition to The Lords of Creation, Allen was well known for Only Yesterday, Since Yesterday, and The Big Change.