Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #76625 in Books
• Published on: 2001-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

Review
Anybody who wants to know where we were and how we got to where we are now-read this book. -- Arthur Miller

Synopsis
Capturing the Depression in all its complexity, this work assembles a mosaic of memories as told by those who faced destitution, as well as those who stayed rich. The book includes information that illustrates the Depression's effect on those who lived through it, and shows how bitter memories can be transformed into a surprising nostalgia.

Customer Reviews

History repeats itself
Years ago, I read this book about the Great Depression as 'oral history.' I've just re-read it during October, 2008 and, believe me, it now resonates in a completely different way.

"Today (1970s), if you want to buy $100 worth of stock, you have to put up $80 and the broker will put up $20. In those days (just before the stock market crash in 1929) you could put up just $8 or $10. That was really responsible for the collapse. The slightest shake-up caused calamity because people didn't have the money required to cover the other $90 or so."

"It was a mad dream of get-rich-quick."

Credit crunch? Nothing new, then. Back then, as now, ordinary people tried to live way above their means, assuming the good-times bubble would never burst.

And then, as now--it did.

When Mr Terkel compiled these interviews back in 1970, most of the interviewees were assuming a crash wouldn't happen again. It might not have done, if the financial controls over lending practices begun during Roosevelt's administration had not been removed by Bill Clinton during his term as president ...and enthusiastically endorsed by the Republicans ever since.

It's also interesting to read about Roosevelt's New Deal solution, and compare it to Gordon Brown's present plan to 'spend' the UK out of recession. Essentially the same idea. Perhaps the Prime Minister has read Studs Terkel? Whether the same kind of plan will work once again remains to be seen.

This is a fascinating book, with much to tell us about our own time, as well as 'what happened then.' Furthermore, it's written in a lively, accessible manner, with individual voices captured clearly and unambiguously.

These are people found on streets and in offices of cities and small-town USA alike, from various professions, people who served in the Depression-Era government, from the unemployed, from miners, farmers, from left and right-wing organisations, from black folk and white folk, men, women, students, singers, artists, teachers, lawyers, economists, stockbrokers and journalists, preachers and corporate executives. Some interviewees are famous--Myrna Loy, Alf Landon, Cesar Chavez, Country Joe McDonald--others obscure or simply forgotten in a later era. Many had lived through the Depression themselves, a few were born later, but all were willing to talk about the Great Depression with Mr Terkel.

As oral history of a specific time and place, Hard Times can't be faulted. As a reflection upon our present financial crisis, it's incredibly instructive. It's a must-read.

Hard Times is a delightfully entertaining book
I had to read Studs Terkel's "Hard Times" for school. At first it seemed confusing and long b/c there where no main characters and it was 462 pages. I was surprised to sincerely enjoy it. It was a captivating book with many fascinating stories. I liked the way the book shows you all aspects of the Depression from people with all different lifestyles.

Studs Hit It Again in Nostalgia
I like Studs, he is great. This book is a lot like others of his wherein he takes a taperecorder and asks people questions and then makes a book of it. The best part is that Studs knows a lot of people and so he can call up and ask a lot of questions. Whatever, you will enjoy this book, and order it from Amazon.com where you will get the best price unless you find it in the garbage bin.