Amusing the Million: Coney Island at the Turn of the Century : Book Review

"Amusing the Million" by John F. Kasson offers a captivating exploration of the early 1900s transformation of American amusement culture, with a focus on the iconic Coney Island. Kasson provides illuminating insights into the factors that contributed to the success of Coney Island, including technological advancements, urbanization, and shifting social attitudes.

One of the key elements driving the popularity of Coney Island was the introduction of innovative technologies. Kasson delves into the impact of electric lights, which transformed the nighttime ambiance and created a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that captivated visitors. Additionally, the author discusses the development of amusement park rides and the introduction of moving pictures, contributing to the surreal and thrilling experience of Coney Island.

Urbanization played a significant role in the rise of Coney Island as a haven for leisure. As cities became increasingly crowded and stressful, Coney Island offered a much-needed escape. Kasson reveals how the amusement park served as a social equalizer, attracting individuals from all walks of life who sought enjoyment, relaxation, and respite from the pressures of urban living.

Furthermore, the book explores the changing social attitudes of the time. Coney Island challenged traditional values and norms, allowing individuals to experiment with new forms of leisure, dress more daringly, and engage in activities that were once seen as scandalous. Kasson delves into how Coney Island mirrored evolving societal views on leisure, class, and gender.

Overall, "Amusing the Million" provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Coney Island's profound impact on American amusement culture. Kasson's engaging writing style, meticulous research, and attention to detail make this book a must-read for those interested in the history of amusement parks, urbanization, and the evolution of American leisure.

What are readers saying?

John F. Kasson's book "Amusing the Million" examines the cultural changes that occurred in Coney Island during the early 1900s. Readers have had varied opinions on the book's content. Many appreciated Kasson's extensive research and historical analysis, finding the book to be well-written and comprehensive. They were fascinated by the insights it provided into the social, economic, and cultural transformations during that era. The author's ability to capture the essence of Coney Island's amusement parks and sideshows, as well as their impact on American society, was also praised.

Kasson's engaging storytelling style was highlighted by multiple reviewers as a strong point. They found the book both enjoyable and informative, as he skillfully interwove historical facts with anecdotes and narratives. Through this approach, readers gained a deeper understanding of the people and events behind Coney Island's rise to popularity.

However, some readers critiqued the book for being repetitive and lengthy, suggesting that it could have been more concise. They felt that certain sections were overly descriptive, hindering the overall flow of the narrative. Some also expressed a desire for more analysis and interpretation of the historical events, rather than just a chronological account.

A few disappointed readers mentioned the absence of visual materials like photographs or illustrations. They believed that visuals would have enhanced their reading experience and allowed them to better visualize the amusement parks and attractions of Coney Island.

Overall, John F. Kasson's "Amusing the Million" has received positive reviews for its depth of research, engaging storytelling, and insightful analysis of Coney Island's cultural transformation. Nevertheless, some readers felt it could have been more concise, contained more analysis, and included visual materials to enhance their understanding.

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