Review by Choice Review
Although Meikle (Univ. of Texas, Austin) treats a seemingly minor subject, Postcard America will appeal to a broad constituency. Linen postcards have long been the Rodney Dangerfield of postcards: with some exceptions, they "don't get no respect," even within the niche of postcard collectors, because they are seen as too mass-produced, garish, and cheap. But in their heyday, the 1930s-50s, they were among the most popular postcards--dazzling with their own vibrant aesthetic and capturing the dynamism of their time. Offering examples from the files of Curt Teich and Co., the originator of linen postcards, this massive (and beautifully produced) book consists of facing-page entries for approximately 150 linen postcards, with the original-size image accompanied by a short analytical text. This could have been a deadly dull approach, but here it sings, with Meikle drawing on visual, historical, and cultural aspects to elucidate the subject. In the extended and engaging introduction, the author develops the history in detail, and in the conclusion he explores artistic and collectible dimensions of these cards in more recent years. Postcard collectors will love this book, but it will also appeal to cultural and art historians and anyone with an interest in US history in the mid-20th century. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. --Frederic W. Gleach, Cornell University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
