Now That's What I Call a History of the 1980s: Pop Culture and Politics in the Decade That Shaped Modern Britain

Now Thats What I Call a History of the 1980s is an alternative history of 1980s Britain, exploring a mashing together of different genres and fan bases to make sense of the decade and give new insights into globalisation and excess.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Now That's What I Call a History of the 1980s is a captivating book that delves into the vibrant and eclectic culture of 1980s Britain. Authored by Lucy Robinson, this work offers an alternative perspective on the decade, weaving together a narrative that challenges the conventional understanding of the era. Rather than focusing on grand geopolitical disasters or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, Robinson's book explores the intricate connections between different genres and fan bases, providing fresh insights into our recent past and offering a deeper understanding of the decade that shaped globalisation and excess.

Packed with extensive archival and cultural research, the book is written with a lively and engaging style that appeals to both general readers and scholars of the 1980s. Robinson's writing is filled with verve and spark, making it an enjoyable and accessible read. The book offers a distinctive and definitive contemporary history of 1980s Britain, covering a wide range of topics, including pop culture, politics, cold war cultures, censorship, and sexuality.

In the first chapter, Robinson sets the stage for the book by exploring the iconic moments that defined the 1980s, such as Lady Diana's legs, the miners' strike, and Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage. Through these moments, she highlights the cultural and political tensions of the time, as well as the emergence of new genres and fan bases. Robinson then delves into the mashing together of different genres and fan bases that characterised the 1980s, exploring how they shaped the cultural landscape and influenced the political discourse.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of technology on culture and society in the 1980s. Robinson explores how the rise of the personal computer, the internet, and digital media transformed the way people communicated, consumed media, and engaged with each other. She also examines the ways in which these technologies were used to promote censorship and control, as well as the ways in which they were used to challenge these practices.

Another important theme of the book is the rise of consumer culture and the emergence of the yuppie lifestyle. Robinson explores how the advertising industry, the media, and the entertainment industry shaped the values and attitudes of the 1980s, promoting materialism and consumerism while also critiquing these values. She also examines the ways in which these trends and attitudes were challenged by alternative movements and subcultures, such as punk and alternative music.

The book also explores the cultural impact of the cold war, particularly in Britain. Robinson examines how the conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union shaped the political and cultural landscape of the 1980s, as well as how it influenced the development of new genres and fan bases. She also explores the ways in which these tensions were manifested in popular culture, such as the rise of science fiction and horror films.

In conclusion, Now That's What I Call a History of the 1980s is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the vibrant and eclectic culture of 1980s Britain. Authored by Lucy Robinson with a wealth of knowledge and expertise, this book offers a fresh and engaging perspective on the decade that shaped globalisation and excess. Through its exploration of different genres and fan bases, the book provides new insights into our recent past and offers a deeper understanding of the decade that defined both globalisation and excess. Whether you are a general reader or a scholar of the 1980s, this book is a valuable resource that will enrich your understanding of this important period in history.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 215 x 138 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526167255