Listening In: Radio and the American Imagination » (1st Edition)

At the beginning of this spirited and engaging cultural history, Douglas (communication studies, U. of Michigan, Ann Arbor) refers to Erik Barnouw's three-volume History of Broadcasting in the United States (published between 1966 and 1970); she covers much of the same ground--only quicker (one volume)--and points out that each chapter could have been its own book and that many topics are not even addressed. Still, her lively narrative is full of information, insight, and specific references to shows and personalities as she traces the evolution of radio broadcasting and audiences and highlights the significance of this kind of listening in American life. This is a paperbound reprint of a 1999 work published by Times Books. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR