Fair America

May 15, 2000
Not mere "encyclopedias of civilization," world's fairs galvanized national support for social reunification after the Civil War, celebrated the U.S. imperial expansionism that followed, generated consumer optimism during the Great Depression, and promoted the essential unity of humankind in the nuclear age. Rydell (history, Montana State Univ.; All the World's a Fair and World of Fairs), John Findling (history, Indiana Univ. Southeast; Chicago's Great World's Fairs) and Kimberly Pelle (admissions, Indiana Univ. Southeast; Historical Dictionary of World's Fairs and Expositions) show that world's fairs have not only showcased cultural and technological aspects of society but have "contribute[d] to the cultural milieu of societies that have hosted them." Filled with archival photographs and boasting a section of extensive notes, Fair America examines and documents 30 world's fairs from 1853 to 1984. It would seem to be the definitive work, exploring the intentions of organizers, the perceptions of audiences, and the way minorities challenged stereotypes at each fair. Any school, public, or academic library would welcome this systematic work.--Kay Meredith Dushek, Anamosa, IA

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