The Long Week-End: A Social History of Great Britain 1918-1939 (1940)

An enjoyable social history of the 1918 to 1939 period in England (no real mention of Scotland, Wales and Ireland) first published in 1940 and so very contemporary. As you would expect, much stronger on the fads, crazes, new dances and the development of radio and film than the politics of the period. Also enlightening on the coercion of the press to right wing tendencies, leading to self censorship.
Interesting for having Robert Graves quote from his diary on meetings with public figures such as T E Lawrence and Winston Churchill.
The analysis of literature seems rather poor with the benefit of hindsight, especially with the references to Robert Graves' partner, Laura Riding. ( )

This is a history of Great Britain between World War One and World War Two, It covers most aspects of life from politics to cinema to physical fitness and beyond.

It was written during the early years of World War Two with a certain amount of bitterness toward government and politicians. But it tries, I think, to be even-handed and fair even to those it dislikes. A good read especially for those interested in events leading up to World War Two.

Long Weekend seems to pop in and out of print without ever quite being recognised as the great work of social history that it is. Indeed, I'm not sure that much social history was being written at all when Long Weekend was first published, but it just goes to show what a couple of really good brains - including a poetical one - can see when they turn their minds to the commonplace. If you want to know what the world of Brighton Rock or Vile Bodies or Keep the Aspidistra Flying or 20000 Streets Under The Sky was really like, you must read Lost Weekend. ( )

chatty rendering of the lead up to WWII ( )