Too Much: Art and Society in the Sixties 1960-75

Too Much is a 1986 book that chronicles the tumultuous period between 1960 and 1975, when the arts were a battleground for social change. It explores the rejection of cultural conformism and the emergence of new forms of expression, such as Pop Art, pop music, fringe theatre, and performance poetry, creating the semi-mythological image of 'Swinging London'. The book also highlights the conflict between official culture and the underground, with the confrontation between the two coming in 1968, a year with its own mythical resonance.

Format: Hardback
Length: 374 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1986, Too Much chronicles the tumultuous decade between 1960 and 1975, a period marked by a fierce clash between the forces of social change and the arts. The Sixties brought about a newfound affluence, leading to a rejection of the cultural conformism of the previous decade. In its place, a surge of new forms of expression emerged, including pop art, pop music, fringe theatre, and performance poetry. These artistic movements helped to shape the semi-mythical image of 'Swinging London,' a vibrant and dynamic city that was at the forefront of cultural innovation.

However, the liberation ethic that emerged during this time was not without its challenges. While it masked the insecurities of a society in decline, it also posed a real political challenge to the established status quo. The confrontation between official culture and the underground came to a head in 1968, a year that holds a mythical resonance in the annals of cultural history.

Too Much is a valuable resource for students of art, media studies, and cultural studies, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of this pivotal period in artistic and social history. It sheds light on the complex interplay between the arts, society, and politics, and provides a rich context for understanding the cultural developments of the past century.

Weight: 857g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032482149