
Nella Last in the 1950s
Further diaries of Housewife, 49
- 320 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
'I can never understand how the scribbles of such an ordinary person... can possibly have value.' So wrote Nella Last in her diary on 2 September 1949. Sixty years on, tens of thousands of people have read and enjoyed the first two volumes of her uniquely detailed and moving diaries, written during World War II and its aftermath as part of the Mass Observation project, and the basis for BAFTA-winning drama Housewife 49 starring Victoria Wood. This third compelling volume sees Nella, now in her sixties, writing of what ordinary people felt during those years of growing prosperity in a modernising Britain. Her diary offers a detailed, moving and humorous narrative of daily life at a time that shaped the society we live in today. It is an account that's full of surprises as we learn more about her relationship with 'my husband' (never 'Will') and her fears of nuclear war. Outwardly Nella's life was commonplace; but behind this mask were a penetrating mind and a lively pen. As David Kynaston said on Radio 4, Nella Last ' will come to be seen as one of the major twentieth century English diarists.'
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover Page
- Title Page
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- Map: Nellaâs Cumbria
- Introduction
- Nella Lastâs Family, Friends, Neighbours and Associates
- Chapter One Troubles and Trials: JanuaryâFebruary 1950
- Chapter Two Public and Private: FebruaryâApril 1950
- Chapter Three Snapshots of Society: MayâAugust 1950
- Chapter Four Fragilities and Familiarities: SeptemberâDecember 1950
- Chapter Five Getting By, Getting On: December 1950âMay 1951
- Chapter Six Summer and Sons Return: MayâAugust 1951
- Chapter Seven Comings, Goings and Public Affairs: SeptemberâDecember 1951
- Chapter Eight Times Change: JanuaryâJuly 1952
- Afterword July 1952âDecember 1953
- February 1953: Helping the Victims of Floods
- Glossary
- Money and Its Value
- Chronology
- Editing Nella Lastâs Diary
- Mass Observation
- Acknowledgements
- List of Illustrations
- Footnotes