Hatless Jack

Rating:
Summary: Smart, Funny, Insightful
Review: Steinberg has written a wonder here. This book deftly negotiates both sides of historical writing: the Great Man school which focuses on national leaders, and the social history approach, which focuses on the minutia of everyday life. His depiction of the history of hats as a reflection of a myriad of everyday social issues--conformity, commerce, class structure, individualism--is set among a thoroughly-researched examination of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy. He mines new material out of Camelot to show us more about the world we live in and the world we came from. It's full of humor, insight and intelligence--a great book, for Kennedy enthusiasts, fashionistas, or anyone interested in a good read.