The 20th Century

"The history of the 20th century can be measured out in the sheer quantity of words it was necessary to invent to describe it." This quotation lays the groundwork for The 1900s: The Seeds of Progress, the first volume of this comprehensive 10-part (decade by decade) series. The 1900s burst forth with a seemingly endless variety of innovations and achievements in all areas of society, from science to sports to technology. Widespread availability and use of automobiles, electricity, airplanes, phonographs, motion pictures, mass-produced goods of all types, and a plethora of other developments set the stage for the ensuing decades. At the same time, all this "progress" was achieved in tandem with a darker underbelly of social problems that would plague society for the remainder of the century. Touching upon many of the highlights, as well as "low lights," of the first decade of the 20th century, the program is illuminated by wonderful period photographs and film footage as well as a superbly written script. Assuming that the other nine volumes are comparable in content and production values to this one, the set is well worth the price and time for both casual viewers and students alike. In the hands of a creative teacher, it could be used either as a starting point, or as supplemental material, for various classes in humanities, social sciences, history of science, medicine, and/or technology. Highly recommended. Aud: I, J, H, C, P. (M. Rechel)