#Review #RememberThe70s #NetGalley

Release Date: 30th March 2018 / Publisher: Pen & Sword

When you think about the 1970s, what comes to mind? Flares? Queen? Rocky? The 1970s was one of the most exciting, innovative and colourful decades of recent history. With major events in music, film and television, the introduction of new technology, and the rising tide of socio-political change, the decade played a key role in British social history. This decade saw many memorable occasions: Kenny Dalglish became the most expensive footballer after a 440,000 transfer fee, Freddie Laker launched his budget Skytrain airline, Clive Sinclair launched the two inch television, the late 1970s saw the election of the country’s first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, and during 1977, the country became enthralled by the Queen’s Silver Jubilee – street parties were held up and down the land. ‘Remember the 70s’ explores this chaotic and pivotal by-gone era, and by doing so, the author uncovers hidden truths, gives insight into the dazzling array of inventions and the presence of popular culture, as well as remarking upon how these events, and how the decade as a whole, resonated until this very day.

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Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the Publisher, Pen & Sword Books for this review copy given in exchange for an honest review.

Remember the 70’s? I certainly do. I won’t go as far as to say my age, but I was born in the 70’s (and more towards the beginning than the end!). So I can safely say, I do remember most of the 70’s! I like books like this, so was pleased when the Publisher granted my wish and gave me a copy of the book. Also,on looking, the author has written some great other books on subjects of bygone years which I’ll be looking at to read at a later date!

It does what it says on the tin – it explores the 70’s decade, giving insight into many of the things that happened during this time. It brushes on clothes, music, TV and film as well as an array of other things. It was really interesting to read through some of these and, whilst I knew of them and living through most of it, it was great to have my memory jogged for some of the names of people and places that have long passed me by – examples are Rumbelows (what ever happened to them?) and Bejam’s (which apparently is now Iceland!) The pictures weren’t very good on the kindle, but that was the only format given so I had to put up with it. I would hope for the paperback version that they are there in all their 70’s technicolour glory!

My one criticism is that in the music section Gary Glitter’s name was mentioned no less than 3 times. I’m sure the 70’s music scene can be relived without having to broach on the politically incorrect Mr Glitter. Yes, he was memorable at the time, unfortunately more memorable now for other offences. After seeing this, I was expecting Jim’ll Fix It to be dwelled upon, but thankfully we was spared that!

It was a fun read down memory lane. To be honest, most of the stuff that is in there is readily available on the internet and I’d heard of all before, but it was nice to have it all in one place. It would be a great book as a birthday present for someone born of this era.

Born in Plymouth in 1961, Derek Tait spent his early years in Singapore and Malaysia and has written several books about his time there, including ‘Sampans, Banyans and Rambutans’ and ‘Memories of Singapore and Malaya’.

A keen historian, his books include ‘1950s Childhood,’ ‘1960s Childhood’, ‘A 1970s Childhood,’ and ‘Butlins An Illustrated History’ as well as many books in the ‘Through Time’ series for Amberley Publishing.

‘A 1970s Childhood’ has now sold over 33,000 copies and, for a while, was a number one best seller on Amazon.

New books for 2017 include ‘The Great Houdini : His British Tours’, ‘The Great Illusionists’, ‘Remember the 70s’, ‘Devon at War’ and ‘Cornwall at War.’ All are due to be published by Pen and Sword.