The 40s: The Story of a Decade

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The 1940s stand as a pivotal decade marked by trauma, upheaval, and significant cultural transformation. This era, defined by events such as the atomic bombings and iconic films like Casablanca, saw The New Yorker evolve from a humor-focused publication to one that provided in-depth reporting and introduced American readers to influential writers like Vladimir Nabokov and Elizabeth Bishop. This collection features masterful contributions from renowned authors who shaped the magazine during this transformative period, offering profiles of notable figures such as Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Walt Disney. It includes landmark reports, including John Hersey's account of John F. Kennedy's heroism, A. J. Liebling's vivid narratives of D-Day, and Rebecca West's powerful coverage of a lynching trial. The volume also revisits critical essays, showcasing exchanges among literary giants like George Orwell and W. H. Auden. Furthermore, it presents an extraordinary array of short stories, including Shirley Jackson's provocative "The Lottery" and John Cheever's celebrated "The Enormous Radio." Contemporary reflections from today's New Yorker staff, including insights from Louis Menand and Zadie Smith, provide a fresh perspective on this influential decade, making the collection both enlightening and engaging.