51 pages • 1 hour read
One Summer: America, 1927
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Book Brief
456
Book • Nonfiction
America • 1920s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In One Summer: America, 1927, Bill Bryson vividly recounts the historical events and figures of a dramatic summer in the U.S., centering on Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight, Babe Ruth's legendary baseball season, President Coolidge's laid-back leadership, and the controversial execution of Sacco and Vanzetti, highlighting the era's technological advances, media evolution, and societal challenges, including racism and xenophobia.
Informative
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Humorous
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
62,919 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Bill Bryson's One Summer: America, 1927 is widely praised for its engaging narrative and vivid portrayal of a transformative period. Critics commend Bryson's ability to intertwine historical events with captivating anecdotes. However, some reviewers find the book's numerous tangents distracting. Overall, it's an enlightening and entertaining read that enriches understanding of 1920s America.
Who Should Read One Summer: America, 1927?
Readers with a keen interest in American history, cultural studies, and anecdotal narratives will enjoy One Summer: America, 1927 by Bill Bryson. Comparable to fans of Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City and Ron Chernow's Alexander Hamilton, this book blends historical depth with engaging storytelling.
62,919 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth
A legendary American baseball player known for his home run record, Ruth symbolizes the celebrity and sports culture of 1927, embodying themes of fame and the American dream.
Charles Lindbergh
Charles Lindbergh
An American aviator who gained fame for his solo flight across the Atlantic, Lindbergh represents the era's spirit of innovation and the complexities of celebrity in the early 20th century.
Calvin Coolidge
Calvin Coolidge
The 30th U.S. President, often remembered for his quiet demeanor and a presidency characterized by calm and prosperity, spending the summer of 1927 in South Dakota.
Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti
Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti
Italian immigrants and anarchists whose controversial conviction and execution highlight themes of American xenophobia and justice issues in the 1920s.
456
Book • Nonfiction
America • 1920s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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