How is culture made? In a readable style, this book argues that the development of American culture in the twentieth century was the result of a cacophony of influences with a large sociological sweep, from the role of immigrants as a new audience to the intimate circles of artists who forged connections through neighborhoods, popular pubs, and lovers - heterosexual and homosexual - all contributing to an intellectual ferment that was open to new ideas. Patricia Bradley examines how some of these forces impacted the evolution of popular cultural forms such as vaudeville, song, and early film as well as the emergence of modern art, dance, and literary productions. All off these forms were a product of their times and were fueled by the ambition of artists looking to be part of the American success story.
"Patricia Bradley has a unique way of looking at American media - whether it be broadcasting, vaudeville, or silent film - within a culture building context. Her forte is rejecting standard professional history and analyzing media as a cultural artifact and force intermixed with politics. Bradley examines media content and production within celebrated American values such as the entrepreneurial impulse. This book is a must read for those who want a greater understanding of culture without the usual jargon that accompanies such works. Bradley is a gifted scholar and writer." - Jean Folkerts, Dean and Alumni Distinguished Professor, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill