The 1960s: A Decade of Transformation and Turmoil in Britain

David Kynaston's "Deep Into The Sixties: Britain 1965–66" offers a detailed examination of mid-1960s Britain, challenging the notion of a purely "swinging" decade and instead highlighting significant societal shifts, cultural changes, and emerging challenges. The period, as depicted by Kynaston, was marked by a blend of popular culture milestones, political developments, and social transformations.

Cultural touchstones of the era included the debut of puppies on the children's program "Blue Peter," John Prescott's university days, and the introduction of multi-flavored crisps. In celebrity culture, the rise of satirical comedy, epitomized by Peter Cook, and The Beatles' receipt of the MBE were notable events. John Lennon's infamous "more popular than Jesus" comment reflected a growing cultural confidence, while retired colonels lamented the commercialization of music.

Amidst this, artistic movements were met with varied reception; Harold Pinter's plays were dismissed by some as "drivel," while Tom Jones topped the charts. Politically, Harold Wilson's Labour government navigated high taxation and the decline of traditional industries, foreshadowing the economic strife of the 1970s. The era also saw the end of textile and clothing manufacturing, shipyards, and coal mining. Shuttered shops, closed pubs, and the emergence of tattoo parlors and discount alcohol outlets became increasingly visible.

Immigration was another significant factor, with a notable increase in Pakistani-owned businesses in cities like Birmingham. The period also saw debates around education policy, with the government moving to abolish grammar schools in favor of a comprehensive system.

A significant theme explored by Kynaston is the destruction of Britain's urban landscape. This included the closure of railway lines, leading to increased road traffic and pollution. Kynaston details the replacement of Victorian terraces, Georgian squares, and historic buildings with high-rise flats, shopping plazas, and concrete office blocks, a process he characterizes as "destructive philistinism" by local authorities and planning committees. This architectural upheaval was compounded by schemes for inner ring-roads and road-widening projects.

The social fabric of the 1960s was also undergoing profound changes. The legalisation of abortion, a rise in divorce rates, and an increase in illegitimacy were significant developments. Kynaston also recounts instances of cruelty towards single mothers and forced adoptions by charities.

Brutality was not uncommon, with police routinely beating suspects and corporal punishment prevalent in schools. Despite homosexuality no longer being a criminal offense, societal attitudes remained largely negative, with fears of "lawlessness" associated with gay liberation. The era also saw a heightened public sensitivity regarding sexual matters, exemplified by Mary Whitehouse's campaign against perceived permissiveness and the start of "Penthouse" magazine's publication in March 1965.

The concept of "normality" was being redefined, with the introduction of the Pill influencing social interactions. Feminism gained momentum in response to misogynistic media portrayals and unequal pay disputes. Fay Weldon is quoted describing the indignities faced by women as "monstrous."

Kynaston contrasts the idealized image of the "Swinging Sixties" with the reality, suggesting that films like the "Carry On" series better reflected a life of "delayed or cancelled gratifications" with its depiction of shabbiness, restrictions, and mundane routines.

The review posits that the 1960s marked a turning point, contributing to educational deterioration, architectural decline, mental health issues, disaffection, and social divisiveness. The sentiment of one quoted individual, expressing a desire to live "immersed in my own culture," is seen as a seed for later political movements like Brexit.

In conclusion, Kynaston's work suggests that many of the era's supposed agents of advancement were, in fact, "elegists" for a bygone Britain, bringing much to an end, though not all of it, the review implies, needed to be.

In a separate review, Lucy Worsley's "Queens and Kings" explores the lives of British monarchs, from Henry VIII to Queen Victoria. Worsley's work is noted for its historical detail and fairness in debunking myths. The book highlights the personal mottos of queens, the familial dynamics of royalty, and the administrative prowess of figures like Queen Anne. The review touches upon Prince Albert's influence on Queen Victoria and the enduring human qualities found even within the royal family, such as changing waistlines and personal struggles.

The article also briefly mentions new fiction releases, including Jiro Akagawa's "A Game Of Cat And Killer," John Boyne's "The Weight Of Angels," Naomi Alderman's "The Strangers," and Louise Kennedy's "Stations."