Something I’ve had at the back of mind for a bit, but I’m interested in books that shaped the American popular culture identity up to say the 1950s/early 1960s. I’m not looking for great American literature per se, I mean books that shaped the cultural and historical worldview of the average person up to around that time. I figure a fair amount of it would include children’s and young readers books, stuff people would have read in school. For instance, I’m guessing Mason Locke Weems’ The Life of Washington (where the cherry tree story first appears) would be on such a list.
Any suggestions or ideas? It’s not for any project of mine, just something I think would be interesting to read, and when I’ve tried to find such lists it’s usually books considered to be great American literature in particular time periods, which isn’t really what I’m after.
by nectaris2089