Studies of twentieth-century American history invariably include a lengthy examination of the “Greatest Generation,” and rightfully so. Navigating the repercussions of worldwide economic calamity, struggling to survive the suffocating Dust Bowl, and witnessing the advent of another world conflict were just a few of the defining moments of that decade. In an effort to better understand this turbulent time period and the people that experienced it, This is Who We Were offers a statistical, cultural, and personal examination through the lens of the 1940 census.

This is Who We Were is organized into a lengthy preface, containing newspaper articles published shortly before and after the 1940 census that provide insight on issues pertaining to the census at the time of its release, and five subject-based sections. Highlights include biographical profiles of American citizens spanning geographic location and socio-economic standing; an economic snapshot of the decade listing prices of such items as an ice box, home egg hatcher, and a portable typewriter; and an impressive array of data tables collected from the 1940 census. While the information in each section is not organized in any particular manner, an index is included, which makes finding specific information within this volume a breeze.

Were this book simply a collection of data tables from the 1940 census, its usefulness would be suspect as such information can be found through numerous other sources. Fortunately, one of the strengths of this book is its ability to blend the rather dry, dense data tables with fascinating biographical pieces and cultural cornerstones. The result is an all-encompassing cultural and societal context in which to learn more about the decade. Combined with the raw data of the 1940 census, users will have access to a comprehensive examination of the time period.

The one glaring omission of this work is the absence of a concrete bibliography or list of sources. According to the introduction, information contained within the book is based on “original material from the 1940 Census, first hand interviews, government data and dozens of images”(xi). While this is all well and good, it would have been beneficial, particularly to historians and students of American history, to know precisely what these sources are and where to go to delve further into sources that constitute this work.

While the addition of a bibliography or list of citations for the sources that complement the 1940 census would have further enhanced the value of this book, This is Who We Were would still make a welcome addition to any academic library in support of modern American history research.