Throughout the 20th century, America underwent rapid change, from horses and buggies, through two world wars, and finally to the arrival of the Internet. But Americans have always needed time for relaxation and recreation. This book describes how political, economic, and cultural events influenced the history and development of the leisure pursuits of Americans of different races and ethnic backgrounds during the 20th century. Readers learn about the opening of Disney World and the ever-popular auto vacation, as well as the laws, acts, and organizations that allowed leisure time and activities to become a permanent fixture in American culture. Other topics include the significance of the Model T Ford, the development of the 40-hour work week, and the lure of reality television shows.

Sections include
The Progressive Era and Reformers
The War to End All Wars
Black Death to Black Tuesday
The Great Depression and the New Deal
The Good War and the Aftermath
Television, Teenagers, and Rock 'n Roll
The Jet Age and Turbulence
Yuppies, Star Wars, and MTV
Generation 'X,' the Internet, and Virtual Reality

Organized chronologically, this book is ideal for high school students, college students, and the general public. It identifies the most popular games, sports, and hobbies of social groups ranging from the working class to the wealthy, along with their importance in American history. Over 51 photos illustrate the different leisure pursuits in their time periods.

RALPH G. GIORDANO holds a license as a professional Registered Architect in the state of New York, a Master's degree in History from the City University of New York, and a Bachelor's degree in architecture from the New York Institute of Technology. His previous published works include three entries on the architecture of the Gilded Age, and biographical entries on John Deere and Levi Strauss. He has also contributed articles to several historical journals on various topics including Rosa Parks, Thomas Jefferson, Cold War Culture, Swing Music, Hip-hop, and the integrated use of Popular Culture and History. Giordano is Adjunct Professor of History at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York.