BookMark, Minneapolis Central Library, downtown Minneapolis, through the rain, August 2007, opened May 2006, architecture by the design team of Cesar Pelli & Associates, photo © 2007 by QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
Time for another decade of bestselling books. At the end of the 1960’s, gas was 39¢ a gallon, a 1962 Jaguar XKE would set you back $4,500, and James Bond in Goldfinger grossed $23 million at the box office. Twiggy was big (I just saw her flash by the TV screen last night on America’s Top Model), along with hiphuggers, bellbottoms, collarless Nehru jackets, and cashmere turtlenecks.
People were buzzing about Foster Grants, Duncan yo-yo’s, new math, Dolby noise reduction, macrame, K-Mart, the Twist, the Chicago 8, draft dodgers, Teflon, and St. Louis’s Gateway arch, the world’s tallest monument.
The American 60’s were turbulent, violent, optimistic, free loving, and slow moving. If it was your generation you were either hip, jock, rock, or nerd. If it wasn’t, well, it lives on in the mythology that surrounds it.
The 60’s were big enough to hold Capote, Sontag, Kesey, Plath, Robbins, Baldwin, Ginsberg, Puzo, Hailey, Vonnegut, Nin, Miller, Didion, and Vidal. You can tell a lot about a person by the books they read. You can also tell a lot about a culture. In the 1960’s, for better or worse, here’s what America was reading.
1 9 6 0 ‘ s – B E S T S E L L E R S
F I C T I O N
- The Agony and the Ecstasy, Irving Stone
- Franney and Zooey, J. D. Salinger
- To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
- The Winter of Our Discontent, John Steinbeck
- The Reivers, William Faulkner
- Dearly Beloved, Anne Morrow Lindbergh
- The Shoes of the Fisherman, Morris L. West
- Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters, and Seymour–An Introduction, J. D. Salinger
- The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, John Le Carré
- Up the Down Staircase, Bel Kaufman
- The Man with the Golden Gun, Ian Fleming
- Valley of the Dolls, Jacqueline Susann
- All in the Family, Edwin O’Connor
- The Adventurers, Harold Robbins
- The Confessions of Nat Turner, William Styron
- The Chosen, Chaim Potok
- The Exhibitionist, Henry Sutton
- Airport, Arthur Hailey
- The Salzburg Connection, Helen MacInnes
- The Tower of Babel, Morris L. West
- Preserve and Protect, Allen Drury
- Portnoy’s Complaint, Philip Roth
- The Godfather, Mario Puzo
- The Andromeda Strain, Michael Crichton
- Naked Came the Stranger, Penelope Ashe
- The House on the Strand, Daphne du Maurier
- The Love Machine, Jacqueline Susann
- Myra Breckinridge, Gore Vidal
- Christy, Catherine Marshall
- The Pretenders, Gwen Davis
Minneapolis Central Library, looking straight up, through the rain,
Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 2007, opened May 2006, architecture
by the design team of Cesar Pelli & Associates, photo © 2007 by
QuoinMonkey. All rights reserved.
1 9 6 0 ‘ s – B E S T S E L L E R S
N O N F I C T I O N
- The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, William L. Shirer
- The Conscience of a Conservative, Barry Goldwater
- I Kid You Not, Jack Paar
- Between You, Me and the Gatepost, Pat Boone
- Better Homes and Gardens Sewing Book
- Calories Don’t Count, Dr. Herman Taller
- Sex and the Single Girl, Helen Gurley Brown
- Travels with Charley, John Steinbeck
- The Joy of Cooking: New Edition, Irma S. Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker
- Security Is a Thumb and a Blanket, Charles M. Schulz
- I Owe Russia $1200, Bob Hope
- Profiles in Courage: Memorial Edition, John F. Kennedy
- In His Own Write, John Lennon
- Reminiscences, General Douglas MacArthur
- A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway
- A Day in the Life of President Kennedy, Jim Bishop
- How To Be a Jewish Mother, Dan Greenburg
- A Gift of Prophecy, Ruth Montgomery
- A Thousand Days, Arthur Schlesinger Jr.
- The Making of the President, 1964, Theodore H. White
- How to Avoid Probate, Norman F. Dacey
- In Cold Blood, Truman Capote
- Phyllis Diller’s Housekeeping Hints, Phyllis Diller
- Misery Is a Blind Date, Johnny Carson
- Death of a President, William Manchester
- Edgar Cayce–The Sleeping Prophet, Jess Stearn
- The Weight Watcher’s Cook Book, Jean Nidetch
- The Peter Principle, Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull
- My Life and Prophecies, Jeane Dixon with René Noorberger
- Linda Goodman’s Sun Signs, Linda Goodman
-posted on red Ravine, Thursday, August 30th, 2007
-Resources: 1960’s Bestsellers List at Cader Books, Writer’s Dream Tools, and The Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library
-related to posts: The 1950’s — What Was America Reading?, The 1970’s — What Was America Reading?
This is the era I think I’d like to visit. I want to see what palpable optimism feels like.
Some pretty great books on that fiction list.
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Yes, that optimism is empowering somehow. Though it may have been undirected in the 60’s, I sure think we could use more of it today. I look for that in people. I find it inspiring.
It’s interesting to compare the Fiction to the Non-Fiction list. And then you have In Cold Blood which is somewhere in between. There’s a metaphysical slant to the NF, too. I wonder if the top selling list is always just a little bit behind what’s cutting edge. If all of America is reading this, what are the fringe people reading?
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*L*
Keruoac and Ginsberg
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I read that differently the first time through… I read it as the optimism may have been misdirected in the 60’s… but it says undirected. Would you elaborate a little? That put me in mind of a passage from Daniel Quinn’s story ‘Ishmael’… but you might mean something different.
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It s actually surprising, in a way, to see that Kurt Vonnegut did not have a top best seller in the ’60’s. Seemed like “everyone” read him (smile).
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I remember The Peter Principle. My dad must have bought it to deal with someone at work who had been promoted to Supervisor but wasn’t working out. I remember knowing what the principle was, even at that early age. Strange…
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Also, Helen Gurley Brown. I don’t know if we had that book, but I do my older sisters always bought Cosmopolitan Magazine. It was inappropriate reading for me (my two oldest sisters were 11 and 13 years older than me), but there I was, reading it right along with them.
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Y: quick question — how are you lists compiled? Is this the books that selled the most, beginning January 1, 1960 to Dec 31, ’69, or is it the top few books per year, or what?
Re the Peter Principle: Dr. Laurence J. Peter (September 16, 1919 – January 12, 1990) was an educator and “hierarchiologist,” best known to the general public for the formulation of the Peter Principle.
He was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, and began his career as a teacher in 1941. He received the degree of Doctor of Education from Washington State University in 1963.
In 1964, Peter moved to … the University of Southern California. He became widely famous in 1968, on the publication of the The Peter Principle, in which he states: “In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.”
Just fyi, Laurence Peter is often and easily confused these days with an organizational/ efficiency expert named Tom Peters, who writes books about business aimed for executives and their wannabes.
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I made a list of my own from that list. These books were in the house, being read by me, my mother and/or my father. What a funny combo of books from that list. Very telling.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Up the Down Staircase
Franny and Zoe
Portnoy’s Complaint
Rise and Fall of the Third Reich
Calories Don’t Count
Travels With Charley
Joy of Cooking
Security is a Thumb and a Blanket
Profiles in Courage
How to Avoid Probate
In Cold Blood
and
Weight Watchers Cookbook
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That’s cool that you remember all those. Yes, it’s an odd combo. Security is a Thumb and a Blanket — is that a Peanuts and Charlie Brown book, by chance?
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Ben–wow, did you just have those facts on Laurence J. Peter right off the top?
This reminds me, we get a lot of corporate books these days at my work–Who Moved My Cheese?, The Tipping Point, What Your CEO Wants You To Know, The Fifth Discipline (is that the title?)–and I have to say, I struggle to read every one. They’re often written in such simplistic terms, or they seem so evident it’s hard to stick with them. But I feel that way about most Self-Help and Psychology books, period. The woman/man Mars/Venus book–I couldn’t read it. I found it insulting. Is this just me being arrogant? These books must be helpful to many people, else they wouldn’t sell.
Oh, Ben–QM is the one who did this post, but I see at the bottom of the post she notes that the list came from the 1960s Bestseller List (along with a couple of other sources).
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amuirin, yes, I meant undirected. Looking back, it seems that the movements in the 60’s were rise-up catalysts for what was to come. But in many ways did not always have clear direction. Many good things came from the strong desire for the world to change, including the revision of antiquated laws. But in the end, the idealism could not sustain itself. I do believe the intentions were good.
Your comment about Ishmael is interesting. The Leavers and the Takers and what needs to be done to change the world on a wider scale across the globe. Which part of that novel were you referring to in your comment? I remember a friend of mine from Montana gave that novel to me to read over a decade ago. I bet the ideas in it are still relevant.
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ben, the list is from compiled data of bestselling hardcover books in the 1960’s and is broken down by Top 10 Fiction and Top 10 NF, year by year. The list is compiled by Cader Books and ybonesy is right, for the complete list of 200 Fiction and NF you can go to the link at the bottom of the piece.
If a book made the Top 10 list two years in a row, it’s listed twice. So for variety purposes, I peruse the lists and choose Top selling books with the most variety across genres and cultures for that decade.
And, yes, amazing facts about the Peter Principle!
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neath, I agree that it’s surprising that Vonnegut is not on the list. But then I go back to the idea that if these were what mainstream America was reading in the 60’s, it’s probably a little behind what the cutting edge people were reading. I have a feeling Vonnegut will show up on the 70’s list!
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leslie, I did the same thing with the list – went through and tried to remember what books were on my parent’s shelves at the time. It sure does bring insight to look at what families read. And like ybonesy said, if the book is around the shelves, all the kids will eventually pick it up.
I remember my mother belonged to a book club at the time, and I saw The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier, Edgar Cayce, The Peter Principle, To Kill A Mockingbird, In Cold Blood, and most of the Better Homes and Gardens books. Mom read a lot and, consequently, so did I. I think I sometimes convinced her to order books for me, too!
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ybonesy…The Thumb and a Blanket was a “Peanuts” title. I also had Happiness is a Warm Puppy.
QuoinMonkey…luxury, for me, is a book. I thank my parents example for that sentiment. To Kill a Mockingbird is still one of my all time favorites.
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Peanuts was HUGE in the late 60’s, early 70’s. I remember, even in high school, I had a teacher and coach who loved the sports iconography in Peanuts and used it all the time to bring humor and fun to our high school games.
Peanuts lives on in Minnesota with larger-than-lifesize images of the characters scattered throughout the Twin Cities. I see them all the time but have yet to photograph one. Perhaps an upcoming post.
I still watch the Peanuts Holiday specials. I guess I’m nostalgic for a simpler time. There is something kind of zen about Charlie Brown. Kind of like the Tao of Piglet and Pooh.
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QuoinMonkey, I was very ‘into’ Peanuts. I used to save my allowance, and buy the paperbacks at our towns’ tiny little bookstore. I still have some of them. My father used to tease me for buying ‘comic’ books, but then I would catch him reading them, and laughing out loud. Snoopy can melt the heart of the crustiest curmudgeon…
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QM & y (I rather like that: QM & y. It’s like you only need Stephen Stills or something, in order to form a group … )
QM & y: one of my first publishing jobs as an editor was for the publisher of Tom Peters, who does the executive help books. I was confused for a while about the Peter Principle/Tom Peters thing — to be honest, I still have to think about it to keep these guys straight!
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QM: re Peanuts. I commented in your state fair post about taking my wife there in ’02, the first year we were married, and how much she loved the fair. That same trip she greatly enjoyed all the Peanuts statues around town, and took pictures of some of them.
In fact, we both posed by the one of Lucy in St. Paul by the Mississippi. It’s Lucy as the psychiatrist, with her booth. I’m sitting in front, and my wife is around by Lucy, talking in her ear.
In fact, we used it as our Christmas card that year.
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I kind of like QM, Y, Nash and Young. Has a nice ring.
Photo sounds great. I like the idea of your wife whispering something to Lucy in her ear…like, Hey, Dr. Lucy, I need some advice…see this guy over here…
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QM- Now I’m trying to find the book. 😉
The character telling the story in the book refers to something similar, about the sixties time period having all this momentum, but it didn’t go anywhere. I’ll hafta find my copy.
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amuirin, you are talking about Ishmael, right? Yes, I vaguely remember Quinn referring to the 60’s in the book, too. I haven’t read it in years. And, truthfully, when you mentioned it, I had to go to my bookshelf and pull it down to refresh my memory. I remember at the time I read it, I was glued to it. Quinn did a book after that, too, a follow up. Wasn’t it an autobiography?
Oh, I had to look it up – Providence. He’s also got a new book – here’s a link:
If They Give You Lined Paper, Write Sideways (LINK).
More to ponder. 8) Let me know if you find the book!
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ben, that’s a sweet story about Peanuts and your wife. When I wrote the comment, I was thinking that no one was going to know what I was talking about – and here you even made one of those larger-than-life Peanuts characters around the Twin Cities your Christmas card!
I like QM & y. It does kind of remind me of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, one of my favorite bands of that era. I still see them touring once in a while. But we all get older, don’t we? If I had the wisdom I have today with the energy of my youth – what I might have accomplished!
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I’m surprised “Lord of the Rings” is not on the list.
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Bruce, welcome. It is surprising. I wonder if it will turn up on the 70’s list (a post that I’ve got coming up soon). One thing I’ve noticed is that the Bestsellers Lists tend to lag a little behind what’s cutting edge for that decade. It seems like sometimes it takes a while for mainstream America to figure out what all the writers, artists, poets, musicians, and fringe populations are writing and reading (and the same with the most extreme conservative end of the spectrum).
I had a friend in college in the early 70’s that was a fanatic for Lord of the Rings. She ate, slept, and breathed it. I wasn’t into that kind of fantasy writing at the time, but ended up reading it later. Maybe it will turn up in the 70’s. I’ll have to see what’s there. Thanks for commenting.
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[…] -related to posts: The 1950’s – What Was America Reading?, The 1960’s — What Was America Reading? […]
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[…] -related to posts: The 1960’s — What Was America Reading? […]
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This morning the Minnesota Historical Society announced that they have to close three historic sites because of budget cuts. One of them, most unhappily, is the birthplace of Charles Lingbergh, the first person to fly solo over the Atlantic. I’ve been there, it’s a lovely country home on the Mississippi River.
The first time I went there I discovered his wife Anne(mentioned in this post) and her prolific writings. Though it has been a while, I remember there being a lot of emphasis on her at the site. It closes July 1st; I’ll have to go one more time.
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Teri, yes, Dearly Beloved by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I’m so sad they have to close down THREE historical sites. (You knew I was going to ask this!) what are the other two?
I’ve never been to the birthplace of Charles Lindbergh, though I have heard that it’s here. I can’t remember the town though. I am guessing that more and more of these small historical places will not be able to keep their doors open.
Sometimes it seems like people would rather read about these places than visit them. I am sure there are tons of local places that I haven’t visited either. It makes me want to make an extra effort to go and visit them.
What do you think they will do with all the artifacts that are in the home? Or how will they protect it and preserve it after it closes? Do you think they’ll have a live-in caretaker or something?
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QM,
Besides the Lindbergh house, they’ll close Forestville in Preston, and the North West Company Fur Post in Pine City. I’ve been to all three and it’s a shame.
The Lindbergh house is in Little Falls, a darling town. Of course I hope the community will be able to rally to create a “Charles Lindbergh Society” to keep the doors open and/or preserve the site. The Lindbergh house reminds me of Jimmy Carter’s boyhood home in Plains. The same sort of simple-but-charming home in the country, one from which greatness sprung.
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In the news today: the town of Little Falls is beginning a mailing campaign to Governor Pawlenty, appealing for funding for the Historical Society to keep Lindbergh’s home open. They’re calling it the Blue Letter Campaign.
I’m planning a trip there with my mom and sisters before July 1st. Just in case.
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Teri, I’m glad to hear about the Blue Letter Campaign to keep the Lindbergh home open. I don’t think I’ve been to Little Falls. How far is it from the Twin Cities? It’s a good idea to plan to go there — just in case it closes. It’s on my radar now, too.
What’s Forestville and the Northwest Company Fur Post? Preston is a great little town. I have been there a few times.
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Little Falls is about 100 miles northwest of the Twin Cities–a nice drive.
Forestville is a restored town in the middle of nowhere. I think the town died when the railroad stopped going through. The Northwest Co. Fur Post is an old trading post north of St. Paul. There is someone dressed up as an old trapper who tells you the story of the fur trade in Minnesota. If you can only go to one of the historic sites that may close by July 1st, I would definitely recommend Charles Lindbergh’s home.
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Just saw this title when visiting redRavine today. I found your summary of the 60’s quite fascinating. Let’s see – I would have been about 7 to 17 y.o. that decade. I guess the 70s were probably more “my” decade, though maybe more accurately I straddled the 60s/70s. Impressive – the 60s best seller books. I’ve read 2/3rds of the fiction, only 7 of the non-fiction. Lots of classics. I remember being enthralled with Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley. How cool would that have been to travel the country, all those adventures, with only your dog for company?
Now I need to go see what other decades you did…
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Bo, thanks for your thoughtful comment. It’s funny about the 60’s and 70’s. I kind of straddle the two decades. But I remember a lot about the 1960’s. They had a big impact on me. Part of it is because there was a lot of change in my personal life as a young child during that period. We moved from South to North, a huge geographic and cultural change. I was especially attuned to what was going on around me.
I have a friend who wanted to do Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley route. She ended up making her own way with her own trip route. But I think we carry the energy of a writer’s pilgrimage whenever we travel to see writers or their birthplaces, place of death.
I appreciate you stopping by. I actually have a draft started for a new decade of books. I’ve done the 1960’s, 1950’s, 1970’s. Hope to get the next one out early this year. To me, it’s fascinating to see what’s hot in what decade, going way, way back. You can follow some of the cultural shifts by following the bestsellers lists. Then again, there are so many great authors who never make it to a list like this. These are the stats we have available for those who did.
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