ИПИ Библиотека

The 1929 Wall Street Crash set the tone for the decade - for many it was a struggle for survival. Yet for some there was prosperity. The spreading suburbs offered new homes, while cars and motorcycles gave freedom to millions. Cinema sparkled. But stormclouds were gathering: by the decade's end Britain was at war.

There are two opposing historic images of the Depression in 1930s Britain: poverty - lines of broken, unemployed men, rows of shabby housing – and prosperity - new washing machines, automobiles, electricity and cinemas.

Brian Moynahan

Brian Moynahan is an English journalist and historical writer. He graduated from the University of Cambridge in history with first class honours. After this time he became a journalist with The Yorkshire Post, Town Magazine, and The Times. He was also European Editor of The Sunday Times. Since 1989 he has concentrated on writing histories while continuing to write for British and American newspapers.

He has written a dozen books since his first, the best-selling Airport International. They include The Claws of the Bear, The Russian Century, The Faith: A History of Christianity and If God Spare My Life, a biography of William Tyndale.

His latest book, Leningrad Symphony, charting the terrible winter in Leningrad in 1941-2 and the progress of Shostakovich and his score, will be published in August 2012 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the symphony’s first performance.