Ah, the '70s. From Farrah Fawcett's feathered do to men in leisure suits, this entry in the Fabulous Fashions of the Decades series takes readers along for the wild ride, breaking down the fabulosity into six short chapters: "Hairstyles," "Women's Styles and Fashion," "Men's Styles and Fashion," "Accessories," "Fads and Trends," and "Pop Culture." Vogue's announcement in 1970 here are no rules in fashion anymore" apt, and the individuality that characterized the '70s is reflected in photos throughout (three-piece denim suit, anyone?). However, the women's rights movement seems out of place in the "Pop Culture" chapter alongside lighter topics, such as pet rocks and disco dancing. Readers will likely note how fashion trends (such as the current penchant for friendship bracelets and high-waisted jeans) have a way of swinging back around. A time line charts trends from the 1920s to the present day.

Each volume provides an entertaining (if superficial) tour of the decade's trademark hairstyles, shoes, and accessories; women's and men's clothing and "looks"; fashion fads and trends; and influential events in pop culture at the time. Numerous photos support the texts, which will provide readers with a brief glimpse into the fashions of the twentieth century and possibly help elucidate their popularity. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

NIVEN, Felicia Lowenstein . Fabulous Fashions of the 1930s . ISBN 978-0-7660-3824-0 ; ISBN 978-1-59845-276-1 . LC 2010014586. NIVEN, Felicia Lowenstein . Fabulous Fashions of the 1940s . ISBN 978-0-7660-3552-2 ; ISBN 978-1-59845-277-8 . LC 2010004195. NIVEN, Felicia Lowenstein . Fabulous Fashions of the 1950s . ISBN 978-0-7660-3825-7 ; ISBN 978-1-59845-278-5 . LC 2010014587. NIVEN, Felicia Lowenstein . Fabulous Fashions of the 1960s . ISBN 978-0-7660-3553-9 ; ISBN 978-1-59845-279-2 . LC 2010004196. NIVEN, Felicia Lowenstein . Fabulous Fashions of the 1970s . ISBN 978-0-7660-3826-4 ; ISBN 978-1-59845-280-8 . LC 2010014589. NIVEN, Felicia Lowenstein . Fabulous Fashions of the 1980s . ISBN 978-0-7660-3554-6 ; ISBN 978-1-59845-281-5 . LC 2010010311. NIVEN, Felicia Lowenstein . Fabulous Fashions of the 1990s . ISBN 978-0-7660-3827-1 ; ISBN 978-1-59845-282-2 . LC 2010014590. ea vol: 48p. (Fabulous Fashions of the Decades Series). reprods. photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Enslow . 2011. PLB $23.93; pap. $7.95. Gr 5-8 With an emphasis on youth culture and fashion, this series describes trends and crazes of the 20th century. The books each open with a chapter on fashion fads, followed by chapters on hairstyles, women's and men's fashions, accessories, and the decade's unique trends. The concluding chapters discuss popular culture. Niven writes in an informal, readable style and includes some historical and economic information for context, but keeps her focus on fashion. The attractive layout includes numerous full-color and black-and-white photos and reproductions of fashion advertisements with breezy, magazine-style captions. This set's visual appeal and approachable text will draw readers.