The 1950s was a bizarre period in the United States. It was a time when the current post-war prosperity, with all its normalcy and serenity, encouraged the growth of new countercultures. This recalcitrant mindset started becoming obvious not only in the decade’s politics, music, art, and movies, but in literature as well. This kind of attitude is quite apparent in some of the most iconic books published in America in the ‘50s.
Apart from discernible themes of alienation, rebellion, and discrimination, the decade’s societal problems – like suppression, prejudice, and commercialization – arise as recurring motifs in most of these books. Here are ten classic books published during the ‘50s.
The Cat in the Hat
Released in 1957, this book was destined to become Dr. Seuss’ most iconic work. It is instantly recognizable even now as a classic in children’s literature.
