Games, Puzzles and Pastimes

Post war austerity and shortages made way for optimism and technological advances during the 1950s. This optimism, along with mass consumerism and mass communication, was a hallmark of the period. Society was based on traditional family structures with their accompanying gender roles and racial stereotyping. These factors influenced the quickly expanding market for children’s literature.

The use of vibrant colour was a hallmark of the period.

From The Children’s Book of Games, Puzles and Pastimes’, 1950. MDHS Collection 500/177
From The Children’s Book of Games, Puzles and Pastimes’, 1950. MDHS Collection 500/177
From the ‘Daily Mail Adventure Album’, 1959. MSHS Collection 500/030

The Dr Seuss books ,written by Theodor  Seuss Geisel were loved in the 1950s, and are still very popular today.l

From the ‘Daily Mail Adventure Album’, 1959. MSHS Collection 500/030
Cover from Girl’s Fun Album, 1957. MDHS Collection 500/034