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  The 1940s Look

Recreating the Fashions, Hairstyles ans Make-up of the Second World War is now within your reach thanks to Mike Browns long awaited book which covers Men, Women & Children. A great gift idea.
£16,99.


 

  


 

 

 

Home Front

1940s Society Shop > Books > Home Front
Allotment & Garden Guide - A monthly guide to better wartime gardeningAllotment & Garden Guide - A monthly guide to better wartime gardening
Produced by the Ministry of Agriculture, the "Allotment and Garden Guides" were issued monthly throughout 1945. Aimed at the amateur gardener, they were to be the final rallying call in the wartime campaign to Dig for Victory.

Here, Twigs Way gives an historical overview to gardening during the Second World War and comments on each month of the guide.

I may be slightly biased but I think this is a superb book, packed with additional photographs and illustrations and is full of useful tips for gardeners as well as being a fascinating book for those interested in Britains Home Front.

PUBLISHED 1 DECEMBER 2009 - NOW IN STOCK
(Hardback, RRP £9.99)




Price: £8.99


The Black-Out BookThe Black-Out Book
Evelyn August brings together over five hundred games, pensees, puzzles, jokes and literary snippets which provided some amusement during the long nights of the blitz. A fun book thats difficult to put down once you start reading it. Great for parties and get togethers.

(Hardback, RRP £9.99)




Price: £8.99


The 1940s Look - Recreating the Fashions, Hairstyles and Make-up of World War Two. SPECIAL OFFERThe 1940s Look - Recreating the Fashions, Hairstyles and Make-up of World War Two. SPECIAL OFFER
At last the book we've been waiting for. The 1940s Look by historian and author Mike Brown, tells you everything you need to know about the fashions of wartime and the impact that rationing, the Utility scheme, changing tastes and the demands of everyday life had on the styles people wore. Covering Men, Women, Children, Accessories, Hair Styles, Make-up, and much more, its a must have book.

Comprehensively illustrated throughout in colour, this large format, 280x229mm 144 page book is an ideal reference for re-enactors, fashion students or anyone interested in the 1940s


Make Do And Mend - FREE BONUS BOOK OFFER
Receive a FREE copy of the 1943 booklet "Make Do And Mend" with every copy of "The 1940s Look" ordered. (RRP £4.99)
Also available seperately from the wartime booklets section.




Price: £16.99


The 1950s Look - Recreating the Fashions of the Fifties SPECIAL OFFERThe 1950s Look - Recreating the Fashions of the Fifties SPECIAL OFFER
With an end to the drab war years came a bright new optimism and exciting new fashions ruffled through the wardrobes of the nation. Discover the fashions, hairstyles, make-up and accessories that made this decade so special. Meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated, this is essential reading for anyone interested in social history and fifties fashion.

NOW IN STOCK and available for immeadiate delivery

BONUS OFFER - While Stocks Last
Order now and it will be sent to you together with a FREE CD - BILL HALEY, King of 1950's Rock 'N Roll (worth £5.99).

Price: £16.99


Utility FurnitureUtility Furniture
A comprehensive guide to the introduction of wartime Utility Furniture by Jon Mills. Lots of illustrations, colour throughout, also includes a complete reproduction of the first Utility Catalogue which was published in 1943. Hardback.


Price: £9.99


The Childrens WarThe Childrens War
Published in association with the Imperial War Museum, a lavishly illustrated account of how the Second World War impacted on the lives of children. It looks at the evacuees who were forced to adjust to separation from family and friends; and those who stayed in the cities to endure the horrors of the Blitz. It describes in words and pictures every aspect of life on the home front for children - through letters, diaries, drawings, posters and photos, plus numerous vivid first hand accounts. The result is a supremely nostalgic and poignant reminder of what the war meant for the innocent children caught up in it. (Hardback, RRP £20.00)

Price: £9.99


World War ll in CartoonsWorld War ll in Cartoons
The old adage that a picture paints a thousand words has never been more true when applied to the cartoon during World War ll. This large format book is divided into chapters covering the war year-by-year, each chapter prefaced with a concise introduction that provides a historical framework for the cartoons of that year. Altogether some 300 cartoons, in colour and black and white, have been skilfully blended to produce a unique record of World War ll, one which will appeal to a very wide audience.

Hardback, RRP £15.99


Price: £8.99


The Forties - Good Times Just Around The CornerThe Forties - Good Times Just Around The Corner
Whilst the forties were a time when servicemen and women were seperated from their families, those left at home pullled together, united in their struggle to live as normal a life as possible and their determination to make the most of what little was available to feed and clothe their children.
This well illustrated book is a welcome addition for anyone interested in the forties or Britains homefront
(RRP £9.99)



Price: £7.99


The Day Peace Broke Out - The VE-Day ExperienceThe Day Peace Broke Out - The VE-Day Experience
Indidually signed by the author.
This excellent book is illustrated with photographs, adverts, posters and cartoons, describing the celebrations in Britain and accross the world.

Mike Brown, an authority on the British Home Front, charts the nations progressive change of heart from defeatism to growing confidance of certain victory. He looks at the post-VE-Day period, the victory over Japan in August 1945 and concludes with the harsh realisation of post war austerity that led many britains to conclude that they had won the war but lost the peace.
(RRP £12.99)

Each book has been individually signed by the Author - An ideal gift!!




Price: £9.99


Home Front: Civilian Life in World War TwoHome Front: Civilian Life in World War Two
This book deals with the experiences of those at home during the conflict of the Second World War, from mothers and children to voluntary organisations. Using significant events as markers, Peter Cooksley comments upon the differing experiences of these individual groups, using many previously unpublished or little-known accounts, from newspapers and interviews, and then explains these events in the wider context of the general conflict.
(Paperback, RRP £14.99)



Price: £8.99


Evacuees of the Second World War by Mike BrownEvacuees of the Second World War by Mike Brown
This highly illustrated book looks at the experience of evacuation and is written by Mike Brown who is an authority on the British Home Front in the Second World War. A very readable and enjoyable little book.


Click Here for more about this book
Price: £5.99


The 1940s Home by Paul Evans & Peter DoyleThe 1940s Home by Paul Evans & Peter Doyle
A well illustrated book which covers the 1940s Home. The book is split between wartime (1939 - 1945) and post-war (1945 - 1951) and very well illustrates the changes in housing, furniture and design that occurred during this period. A good introductory book which is very readable.


Click Here for more about this book
Price: £5.99


The Home Guard by Neil R StoreyThe Home Guard by Neil R Storey
This book tells the Home Guard’s story, using original training manuals, photographs, and memoirs, and covers all aspects of their history. A good general guide to the home guard with interesting informative text and a nice selection of interesting photographs and illustrations.




Click Here for more about this book
Price: £5.99


British Home Defences 1940 - 45 by Bernard LowryBritish Home Defences 1940 - 45 by Bernard Lowry
In the summer of 1940, Britain asked itself not 'will Hitler invade?' but 'when?'
This title provides a concise assessment of Britain's defensive systems, and presents a vivid picture of war on the home front. Some excellent photographs and illustrations with colour artwork and maps toether with detailed text. A good addition to the home front collection.


Click Here for more about this book
Price: £11.99


Eating For Victory: Healthy Home Front Cooking on War RationsEating For Victory: Healthy Home Front Cooking on War Rations
A collection of Home Front Ministry of Information leafets that have been reproduced and put into book form.
Many of the well known leaflets are here including how to use your dried egg, making the most of your meat ration, plus many more. Also includes short foreward by Jill Norman.
Hardback, RRP 9.99




Price: £8.99


Make Do and Mend: Keeping Family and Home Afloat on War RationsMake Do and Mend: Keeping Family and Home Afloat on War Rations
A collection of Home Front Ministry of Information leafets that have been reproduced and put into book form.
This selection of leaflets cover clothing and how to repair, look after and recycle. A fascinating selection. Also includes short foreward by Jill Norman.
Hardback, RRP 9.99





Price: £8.99


Eating For Victory & Make Do and Mend: Combined Special OfferEating For Victory & Make Do and Mend: Combined Special Offer
An opportunity to buy both these books at a very special combined price of £15.99.
Hardback, RRP 9.99 Each



Price: £15.99


The Ration Book DietThe Ration Book Diet
During the Second World War the British population enjoyed a dramatic improvement in their level of health and fitness, which was higher than at any time before or since.

With 'The Ration Book Diet', you and your family can enjoy the same health benefits as the wartime generation. Home Front experts Mike Brown and Carol Harris and well known cookery writer C.J.Jackson show you how, in over sixty delicious recipes for every occasion. (Hardback, RRP 16.99)




Price: £12.99




OUT OF STOCK
Christmas on the Home FrontChristmas on the Home Front
World War Two Homefront author and expert Mike Brown looks at each wartime Christmas on the British Home Front, from 1939 to 1944. He explores how people celebrated Christmas despite the problems of shortages, rationing, the blackout, Luftwaffe raids and the absence of family members who had been called up or evacuated.

Through looking at Christmas year by year, this book gives a snapshot of how life changed dramatically for the British people as the war progressed. (Hardback, RRP 14.99)




Price: £9.99


A Wartime ChristmasA Wartime Christmas
A collection of nostalgia from wartime Christmases past. The book details how ration coupons were juggled and how Christmas was celebrated in POW camps, army hospitals and on the front-line.
(Paperback, RRP £9.99)

Price: £6.99


Soccer at War, 1939 - 45Soccer at War, 1939 - 45
No books on wartime football, then two come along at the same time (see above). I'm not much of a football fan so can't judge but my football friends tell me both are really good. My advice then is to buy both while I have them available!!

"Thunderingly good" Frank Keating, Punch
"An absolute must for anyone with an interest in football history or for that matter war history" Cliff Butler, Manchester United Review
"The best football book I've ever read" Tom Watt

Hardback, RRP £25.00



Price: £12.99


War of the Unknown Warriors - Memories of Britain 1939-45War of the Unknown Warriors - Memories of Britain 1939-45
The title of this book from the National Trust is perhaps misleading and refers to a broadcast by Winston Churchill on 14 July 1940. It is in fact a very nice collection of photographs and memories from staff and members of the National Trust between 1939-45. As you would expect, many of the photographs are of National Trust properties being put to wartime use and the quality of the photographs are to the high standard you would expect. The text also makes for a fascinating read. A nice book or even a good birthday gift idea for that awkward aunt or uncle.

(Hardback, RRP £17.99)



Price: £8.99


Hollywood CocktailsHollywood Cocktails
A fun, nicely produced hardback book featuring details/photographs of some of Hollywoods finest films together with detailed recipes of the cocktails mentioned in them. The majority of the films are from the 30s and 40s. If you want to make a Singapore Sling from Casablanca (1942) or a Planters Punch from Gone with the Wind (1939), or many others, then this is the book for you.
(Hardback, RRP 12.99)



Price: £4.99


Identity Cards, Permits and Passes - Within The Island Fortress - The uniforms, Insignia & Ephemera of the Home Front in Britain 1939-1945,Identity Cards, Permits and Passes - Within The Island Fortress - The uniforms, Insignia & Ephemera of the Home Front in Britain 1939-1945,
by Jon Mills.

Everyone in Britain during the Second World War had to have the correct identification documents and there were a huge number and variety depending on who you were. Civilians, Children, Policeman, War Workers, Army, Navy, RAF, Allied servicemen of every nation (US, Polish, French etc.), and many more, each differant.
Never before has such a superb guide been put together in one book. Jon Mills has once again put together THE essential guide for collectors, historians, re-enactors or anyone interested in Britains Homefront.

SPECIAL OFFER
FREE with every copy ordered from the 1940s Society.
A blank reproduction identity card.



Price: £14.00


The Women's Voluntary Services (WVS) 1939-45 Within The Island Fortress - The uniforms, Insignia & Ephemera of the Home Front in Britain 1939-1945,The Women's Voluntary Services (WVS) 1939-45 Within The Island Fortress - The uniforms, Insignia & Ephemera of the Home Front in Britain 1939-1945,
by Jon Mills.

This is the definative reference work for the 'ladies in green' featuring superb photographs of original uniforms, badges and ephemera worn during WW2. An essential guide for re-enactors and collectors, this excellent book is the first in a series on Home Front organisations. Lady Reading formed the WVS in 1938 and the service saw front line action throughout WW2. As with Jon's other reference works on the ARP and The Home Guard, meticulous attention to detail and focus on important facts give the historian and collector a real checklist with background to support the findings. Illustrated throughout with black and white as well as colour photographs.




Price: £9.50




OUT OF STOCK
Remember When - A nostalgic trip through the consumer eraRemember When - A nostalgic trip through the consumer era
Robert Opie uses a rich legacy of original items - packaging, advertising, film posters, magazines, newspapers, toys, games, and royal and commemorative souvenirs - to present a fascinating picture of everyday life since Victorian times.

Together these objects tell history as people remember it, evoking the tastes, smells, sights and sounds of the past.

Whilst this book covers a number of decades I personally bought it for the 20s, 30's & 40s sections which are great. This is a large hardback book which normally sells for 19.99.



Price: £6.99


The World Wars (World War l & World War ll)The World Wars (World War l & World War ll)
Covering both world wars this offers a referance for children wanting useful, fun and interesting information about the conflicts. Its produced by HodderHeadline and although in a similar vein I think I just prefer it to the Horrible Histories series but thats just an opinion (this ones twice as thick as it covers both wars).
(paperback, RRP 5.99)



Price: £4.99


Women at War in Uniform 1939-1945Women at War in Uniform 1939-1945
Using narrative and eyewitness accounts, Carol Harris explores the essential and far reaching role of women in the services from recruiting to demobilisation. Illustrated with a fascinating selection of contemporary photographs and ephemera, this book provides a timely reminder of the often underestimated contribution made by the nation's women to winning the war.



Price: £9.95


Women at War - Voices from the Twentieth CenturyWomen at War - Voices from the Twentieth Century
Women at War examines the enormously important part that women played in both the First and Second World Wars. As munitions workers, land girls, postal workers, drivers, as well as nurses and in the women's corps of the armed services. The book is accompanied by an unique, 1-hour audio CD featuring the actual reminiscences of many of these key players and eyewitnesses, drawn from the magnificent Sound Archive of Britain's national museum of conflict, the Imperial War Museum. The result is a remarkable publication that captures the reality of women at war in their own words, and voices. (Hardback, Includes CD, RRP £14.99)



Price: £9.99


Home Guard Manual - 1941Home Guard Manual - 1941
This reprint of the 1941 Home Guard Manual covers all the material you would expect and is a fascinating read. Basic fieldcraft, how to survive in the open, how to destroy tanks, ambush the invaders, use weapons of varying sorts, make boobytraps, read maps and send signals. The fledgling volunteer was turned into a veritable fighting machine!


Price: £7.99


Air Raid Precautions - 1938Air Raid Precautions - 1938
From protection from gas attack to preparing a safe refuge and even first aid for bomb victims, this book is a mine of invaluable advice for the Blitz-weary householder. An excellent hardback reproduction of a 1938 publication. (HB RRP £9.99)



Price: £7.99


1940s Hairstyles by Daniela Turudich1940s Hairstyles by Daniela Turudich
This hard to find (now out of print) book is a regular girls guide to creating 1940s hairstyles. It uses basic techniques and practices that someone can replicate at home with a little bit of practice.

Haircuts, War styles, Short styles, Formal styles, Star Styles, Up styles, Down styles, And all around town styles.

Paperback, 110 pages

Currently out of stock - I have been trying to get some more but haven't been able to find any at a reasonable price. Have a look at the excellent new book The 1940s Look by Mike Brown instead.


Price: £21.95




OUT OF STOCK
Hair & Wiggs for the StageHair & Wiggs for the Stage
The only reason I have a stock of this book is because I get so many enquiries about hair. This book is very multi-period but does have a couple of good general sections and some nice bits specifically about 1930s and 1940s hairstyles. If you have an interest in hairstyles then you'll find this book of interest.

(Hardback, RRP 14.99)




Price: £7.99


Etiquette For Men - A book of Modern Manners & CustomsEtiquette For Men - A book of Modern Manners & Customs
First published in 1929 and reprinted in 1937, this 'handy' guide gives advice on how the 'gentleman' should conduct himself in a wide variety of everyday and social occasions. From Motoring Manners, to Attending a Dance, and the Art of Conversation, its all here.

Hardback, RRP 7.99



Price: £5.95


Etiquette For Women - A book of Modern Manners & CustomsEtiquette For Women - A book of Modern Manners & Customs
First published in 1928 and reprinted in 1939, this 'handy' guide gives advice on how women should conduct themselves in a wide variety of everyday and social occasions. Be it entertaining guests, writing a letter or travelling on holiday, its all here.

Hardback, RRP 7.99



Price: £5.95


How & What to Dance - Instructions for all the popular dances and the etiquette of the ballroomHow & What to Dance - Instructions for all the popular dances and the etiquette of the ballroom
First published in 1919 and reprinted in 1941, this 'handy' book guides you through the etiquette of the ballroom providing invaluable advice on elements such as costume, deportment, how to hold your partner and the discipline of dancing. Step-by-step instructions for all the dances are also included, with footstep diagrams to guide you through the Foxtrot, the Quick Step, the Charleston, the Tango and more...

Hardback, RRP 7.99


Price: £5.99


30s & 40s Britain30s & 40s Britain
Life in Britain during the depression and the Blitz, and the new technology that shaped the way we live today.
A brief general outline with lots of colour photographs and illustrations.
Paperback



Price: £3.95


Children of the Storm - Childhood Memories of WW2Children of the Storm - Childhood Memories of WW2
This is one of those books that you can't help 'flicking through' and reading bits of. A mass of memories, some general, some personal, some sad, some funny. Recolections of childhood memories of World War Two. Of particular interest as it contains contrasting memories from children of nations throughout the world.

Paperback



Price: £7.95


Children of the War Years - Childhood in Britain During 1939 to 1945Children of the War Years - Childhood in Britain During 1939 to 1945
This book explores the lives of British Chidren from 1939 to 1945, including a wonderful collection of pictures from the era, some humorous and some tragic, but all heart-warming and evocative of a very different Britain from that of today. (Hardback, RRP £15.99)



Price: £6.99


BRITAIN - The First Colour PhotographsBRITAIN - The First Colour Photographs
I have managed to obtain a further quantity of this hard to find book after selling out rather quickly.
It is a book of colour photographs of Britain during the Second World War. These photographs were taken by U.S. serviceman who either had access to rare colour film or had managed to bring it over here with them. A unique book which I recommend to those with an interest in wartime Britain.





Price: £14.95


Got Any Gum Chum? - GIs in Wartime Britain 1942-1945Got Any Gum Chum? - GIs in Wartime Britain 1942-1945
When the first GIs reached the shores of Britain in March 1942, they were greeted with mixed feelings by war-weary Britons.
Using a combination her own lively narrative and the personal accounts of those that were there, author Helen Millgate tells the story of the 'friendly invasion'.



Price: £7.95


RICH RELATIONS The American Occupation of Britain 1942-1945 by David Reynolds RICH RELATIONS The American Occupation of Britain 1942-1945 by David Reynolds
David Reynolds' readable and scholarly yet entertaining book explores the rich variety of relations between pushy, homesick American GIs, famously lampooned as 'over-paid, over-sexed, over-fed and over here' and their British hosts - 'under-sexed, under-paid, under-fed and under Eisenhower' - during the Second World War.
Paperback, 555 pages
RRP 14.99



Price: £9.95


The Gentlemen at War Policing Britain 1939-45 by Roy IngletonThe Gentlemen at War Policing Britain 1939-45 by Roy Ingleton
With little having been written about the role and work of the Police Force in Britain during World War Two it is a delight to dicover such a comprehensive volume.

This book examines the changed role of the wartime police force and the effect the War had on the morals and mores of the population.
Paperback, 392 pages



Price: £9.99


True Ghost Stories from WWl & WWllTrue Ghost Stories from WWl & WWll
True Ghost Stories from WW1 & WW11 brings together a collection of real life personal tales of strange, unexplained and paranormal wartime experience.

These chilling tales tell of wartime encounters with phantom armies, ghostly soldiers and haunted airfields. True stories of ghostly battleships, phantom fliers and guardian angels fill these pages.

Paperback, 303 pages, RRP 7.99



Price: £4.99

1940s Society Shop > Books > Home Front
  CART DETAILS


 

  The 1950s Look

Mike Brown continues his look at the fashions of the past with an in depth look at post war Britain and the 1950s. A fascinating book and a great gift idea. £16.99


Christmas Greetings
Wartime Christmas Cards
£3.99 per pack of 10

 Wartime Christmas

Discover what Christmas was like throughout the war
Special Price £9.99