One Summer: America, 1927 - Book Review

One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson

The 1920s in US was probably a game changer. There were some major inventions, technical breakthroughs, controversial happenings and in the midst of some small and big wars. And the great, enigmatic and contentious people behind all these are historically important even now. Some have left great legacies and some have been forgotten. Bill Bryson amalgamates stories of this era with an in-depth account of some major players.

Essentially a book about the summer of 1927, this book delves deep into every news of that time. However, in typical Bryson wit, there is no history lesson here.

For easy read and to keep up with this extensive dive into history, the book is systematically divided into sections according to the summer months. 

One of the famous names mentioned is Babe Ruth, the baseball champion. The book elucidates his transformation, rise from rags and his hits and 'missus'!

How can one forget Charles Lindbergh, the sphinxlike aviator who was in the news for a long long time ever since he flew non-stop from New York to Paris.

Henry Ford's ludicrous business plans (yes even the model T), the cynicism of presidents such as President Calvin Coolidge, the unfortunate Sacco and Vanzetti are also narrated in pocketful of tales.

The book, as is with all of his writings, is well researched. I loved the additional pictures provided in those wonderful sepia tones of the crazy bygone era.

 As Bryson puts it, 'it was one hell of a summer'.