The good old 70s & 80s. Crazy fashions, neon lights and synth music…but did you know that even in the midst of every razzle-dazzle, there were hordes of literature lovers who’d grab the newest copy of an adventure, science fiction, horror and every book taking one on a long-lost journey into the human heart and mind. Oh, the joy when you could only find those classic books of the 70s & 80s in paperback and not with those fancy schmancy e-readers and audiobooks. Not to mention the classic beauty of the next page with those fonts and the colorful covers burning through your retina. This article is in homage to classic books of the 70s & 80s. That literary world of two decades with readers and later fans of pop culture.
The Pulse of Horror: The Stephen King Era
You can’t speak about the books of the 70s and 80s, and not speak about the horror maestro — Stephen King. He was a rage with a fan base and all his books were bestsellers. Let us start off his journey with Carrie (1974) — a high school horror drama which was down right scary albeit relatable. Then we have another gem — The Shining (1977). That story about the Overlook Hotel has made many people have to put down the book as they were too scared to read on. Next up is a book on which he literally didn’t clown around – It (1986). King is the official flag bearer of the 80s and we love him for it!
Sci-Fi Sensations: Dune and Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
In come science fiction books. Although they have evolved today, the mother of mothers was in the 70s and 80s. These books transported readers to distant worlds where the unknown was explored. Let’s take a look at one classic, Dune by Frank Herbert. It was first published in 1965, its popularity grew in the 70s and 80s — this was when science fiction (sci-fi) was becoming mainstream. The story talks of the desert on a planet called Arrakis mixed with political intrigue that captivated readers. We can still see its footprint in sci-fi films and literature today.
Next, we move on to another fan-favorite, Douglas Adams’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979). Now this one was a different type of sci-fi because it brought along with it some humor. Absurd and philosophical – quirky humor. The perfect combination! The book also has memorable phrases like “Don’t Panic,” and the oh-so-common search for the meaning of life (42, anyone?). These resonated with so many readers looking for something that’s out-of-this-world but at the same time relatable. He did a great job with it if you ask me!
Young Adult Revolution: The Outsiders and Sweet Valley High
Teens had a literary blast during this time. Through books, they got to learn, discover and explore their identities, friendships and they gave them a shared sense of belonging through the age groups targeted. One of the beloved books for this age was The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. It was written in 1967 but gained a massive cult following in the 70s and 80s. It showed the “Greasers” and “Socs,” and the real, raw and heartbreaking conflict between them. What made young readers like this book is the fact is the fact that it proved self-discovery and teen angst were universal and shared themes.
Sweet Valley High is another gem that took our young readers to a fictional paradise in California. Identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield explored romance, experienced drama, and tested friendships. The series of books was pure 80s escapism with fantastic, melodramatic plots. It became a cultural phenomenon — the valley girl syndrome. If you are wondering if this series contributed to the dedicated horde of young adult readers today? Yes, it did.
Mystery and Mayhem: The Agatha Christie Legacy
Agatha Christie was already a well-known and established author long before the 70s. But her works were so good that they reached a whole new level of readership throughout the 80s as well. Her mysteries, especially Murder on the Orient Express (yes, the inspiration for the amazing movie featuring Johnny Depp) and Death on the Nile, captivated readers who love crime and suspense. Her work really influenced the detective genre, and her impact lives on in modern mysteries.
Final Pages: Why Retro Books Matter Today
Retro books have proven to be a stepping stone for so many creative works of the modern day. How wonderful it is to experience the fears, dreams, and imagination of readers who lived through disco, the Walkmans (and boomboxes), all through the rise of the digital age.
The 70s and 80s may seem like distant decades, but you have to agree, they have timeless appeal. Pick up one of these classic reads and step into a time machine that will help you relive the past, learn lessons and experience the magic of retro literature!