Originally published in 1965, this book recaptures the major events of the years between 1949 and 1960 including: Austerity and rationing in the UK, the Festival of Britain, the expansion of television and flying saucers, as well as the Korean war, the threat of nuclear war, Suez, the renaissance of British playwriting, the expansion of British airlines and the emergence of the so-called 'age of affluence'. The book considers some important questions which remain as relevant in the 21st century: Is our society really affluent and what is the future in an over-populated world where millions still exist on the brink of starvation? This book will be of interest to social, cultural and economic historians.