"A very important book . . . After you read it, you will never look into faces on the old dance photos in the same way." ― American Historical ReviewThe rise of commercialized leisure coincided with the arrival of millions of immigrants to America's cities. Conflict was inevitable, as older generations attempted to preserve their traditions, values, and ethnic identities, while the young sought out the cheap amusements and sexual freedom offered by the urb...

In 1947, 4,000 motorcycle hobbyists converged on Hollister, California. As images of dissolute bikers graced the pages of newspapers and magazines, the three-day gathering sparked the growth of a new subculture while also touching off national alarm. In the years that followed, the stereotypical leather-clad biker emerged in the American consciousness as a menace to law-abiding motorists and small towns. Yet a few short decades later, the motorcyclist, once menacing, became mainstream. To ...