Books Set in the 1900s
Books Set in the 1900s
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A Nostalgic Look at the 1900s: The Dawn of Modernity
The turn of the 20th century was a transformative period that bridged the traditions of the Victorian era with the rapid innovations that would define the new century. It was a time of shifting social structures, groundbreaking inventions, and a collective sense of excitement for the future. This post takes a nostalgic look back at some defining aspects of the 1900s, a decade that paved the way for the world we know today.
1. The Rise of City Life
The 1900s were marked by an unprecedented migration to urban areas. Industrialization drew workers from farms to bustling cities, leading to the growth of metropolises like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Skyscrapers began to pierce the skyline, and cities became cultural and economic hubs filled with the hustle and bustle of modern life.
2. Fashion: A Shift Towards Practicality and Style
As more women joined the workforce and social norms began to change, fashion in the 1900s evolved from restrictive corsets and voluminous skirts to more functional attire. The iconic "Gibson Girl" look—with shirtwaists, high necklines, and less cumbersome skirts—symbolized independence and the modern woman. For men, three-piece suits with high lapels and bowler hats were common, and the formal top hat began to lose popularity as styles became more streamlined.
3. Technology: New Wonders of the Modern Age
Technology in the 1900s was nothing short of miraculous for those who witnessed it firsthand. The Wright brothers’ first flight in 1903 redefined human potential, proving that the skies were within reach. The advent of electricity in homes and public spaces revolutionized daily life, and telephones started to become more accessible. The vacuum cleaner, washing machine, and other household appliances hinted at a future where convenience and innovation would reign.
4. Entertainment: The Birth of Cinema
The 1900s saw the birth of a new form of storytelling: cinema. Early silent films, like The Great Train Robbery (1903), captivated audiences, showcasing thrilling action sequences and sparking an insatiable appetite for this novel medium. Nickelodeons—small theaters showing short films for a nickel—became popular, and by the end of the decade, movie theaters were gaining popularity. It was the start of a love affair with film that would shape the entertainment industry for decades.
5. Social Movements: Paving the Way for Change
This decade saw significant momentum in social reform movements, particularly for women’s rights and labor rights. The suffrage movement gained traction, with women demanding the right to vote and greater autonomy. Labor unions grew in response to harsh working conditions, championing better wages, safer workplaces, and shorter working hours. The seeds of social change were planted, setting the stage for the progressive transformations that would follow.
6. Literature and Arts: A Period of Transition
In the arts, the 1900s were a time of experimentation and transition. Writers like Jack London and Upton Sinclair used their novels to highlight social issues, while others, like Edith Wharton, focused on themes of class and society. The Art Nouveau movement dominated visual art, with its ornate, flowing lines influencing everything from posters to architecture. The 1900s’ artistic works conveyed both a nostalgia for the past and an eagerness to embrace the future.
7. Transportation: From Horses to Automobiles
The automobile began to revolutionize travel in the 1900s. Thanks to Henry Ford’s assembly line innovation, cars became more affordable, allowing families a newfound freedom to explore. Roads were developed, and the world seemed to shrink as people could travel faster and farther than ever before. Meanwhile, railroads continued to expand, making cross-country trips more accessible.
8. Home Life: A Glimpse Into Domestic Life
Home life in the 1900s remained focused on family, with many traditions still rooted in the Victorian ideals of the previous century. However, modern amenities were beginning to enter the home, making household tasks easier. While many families still relied on fireplaces and wood stoves, the gradual spread of gas and electricity hinted at a more efficient future. Phonographs brought music into living rooms, and a few lucky families even enjoyed the novelty of a telephone.
9. Food and Dining: From Formality to Family Meals
Dining in the 1900s was often a formal affair, especially for the upper class. Meals were hearty, with dishes like roast beef, stews, and seasonal vegetables on the menu. For the first time, pre-packaged foods, like Quaker Oats and Nabisco crackers, made their way into homes, symbolizing a shift in how families approached food preparation. With the rise of diners and cafes in urban areas, people began to enjoy eating outside the home, marking the beginning of a trend that would become commonplace in later decades.
10. Enduring Legacy of the 1900s
The 1900s were a time of incredible change and optimism, and the spirit of innovation and exploration that defined this decade continues to influence the world. The transitions in social norms, the rise of technology, and the burst of creative expression set the foundation for the decades to come. The 1900s were indeed the dawn of the modern era, a time of progress and promise that would propel society forward.
Looking back at the 1900s, we can feel a deep sense of connection to a time when people dared to dream bigger than ever before. The decade serves as a reminder that progress is built on both tradition and innovation, with each generation leaving its mark on the unfolding story of history.
A Wolff in the Family by Francine Falk-Allen
Railroad engineer Frank Wolff and Kansas farmgirl Naomi Sims were happily married in 1908. Naomi was excited to take up her role as wife and mother and make a life with Frank in thriving Ogden, Utah. Despite Frank’s almost-constant absence due to his job riding the rails, their romantic relationship resulted in fourteen children. The young mother’s life was consumed with caring for her brood, who became helpers as soon as they could fold a diaper. Affection and conflict endured side by side in the humble house, but the marriage ultimately faced insurmountable challenges—just before the Depression took hold of the nation.
Katharine, the Wright Sister by Tracey Enerson Wood
Also included in Books About Aviation
From national and international bestselling author Tracey Enerson Wood comes KATHARINE, THE WRIGHT SISTER, a vibrant historical novel about the unsung hero behind the groundbreaking aeronautical achievement of Wilbur and Orville Wright: their sister.
Wilbur and Orville Wright risked life and limb in their pursuit of human flight, but their sister Katherine was the behind-the-scenes mastermind of their inventions. She sourced materials, managed communications, and kept Wilbur and Orville focused on their goal—even when it seemed hopeless—all at the expense of her own unique dreams and plans. But the Wright brothers’ success in 1903 wasn’t the end of her sacrifice. At the height of Wilbur and Orville’s fame, tragedy rips them apart time and again, forcing Katherine to make choices that will haunt her for the rest of her life.
Perfect for fans of Marie Benedict and Fiona Davis, KATHARINE, THE WRIGHT SISTER is an intricate and refreshingly emotional historical novel that reveals the story of one of the most consequential women to ever live and the incredible, courageous choices she made so that others might fly.
The Ghost Cat by Alex Howard
For fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold and How to Stop Time, a charming novel by TikTok sensation Alex Howard that follows a cat through his nine lives in Edinburgh, moving through the ever-changing city and its inhabitants over centuries
Early morning, 1902. In a gloomy Edinburgh tenement, Eilidh the charlady tips coal into a fire grate and sets it alight. Overhearing, a cat ambles over to curl up against the welcome heat.
This is to be the cat's last day on earth. But he is going to return... as The Ghost Cat, a spirit-feline destined to live out his ghostly existence according to the medieval proverb of "The Cat with Nine Lives" - For Three He Plays, For Three He Strays, For Three He Stays.
Follow The Ghost Cat as he witnesses the changes of the next two centuries as he purrs, shuffles and sniffs his way through the fashion, politics and technological advances of the modern era alongside the ever-changing inhabitants of an Edinburgh tenement.
As we follow our new spirit-feline friend, this unique story unearths some startling revelations about the mystery of existence and the human condition and provides a feel-good read full of charm for any fan of history, humour and fur-ridden fun.
Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate
Also included in Books Set in the 1990s
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours comes a sweeping novel inspired by the untold history of women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth.
“A seamlessly crafted tale of tragedy, resilience, and triumph . . . Lisa Wingate once again gives poignant voice to the ‘lost’ children of American history.”—Lisa Scottoline, author of Eternal and Loyalty
Oklahoma, 1909. Eleven-year-old Olive Augusta Radley knows that her stepfather doesn’t have good intentions toward the two Choctaw girls boarded in their home as wards. When the older girl disappears, Ollie flees to the woods, taking six-year-old Nessa with her. Together they begin a perilous journey to the remote Winding Stair Mountains, the notorious territory of outlaws, treasure hunters, and desperate men. Along the way, Ollie and Nessa form an unlikely band with others like themselves, struggling to stay one step ahead of those who seek to exploit them . . . or worse.
Oklahoma, 1990. Law enforcement ranger Valerie Boren-Odell arrives at newly minted Horsethief Trail National Park seeking a quiet place to balance a career and single parenthood. But no sooner has Valerie reported for duty than she’s faced with local controversy over the park’s opening, a teenage hiker gone missing from one of the trails, and the long-hidden burial site of three children unearthed in a cave. Val’s quest for the truth wins an ally among the neighboring Choctaw Tribal Police but soon collides with old secrets and the tragic and deadly history of the land itself.
In this emotional and enveloping novel, Lisa Wingate traces the story of children abandoned by the law and the battle to see justice done. Amid times of deep conflict over who owns the land and its riches, Ollie and Val traverse the rugged and beautiful terrain, each leaving behind one life in search of another.
The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn & Janie Chang
From bestselling authors Janie Chang and Kate Quinn, a thrilling and unforgettable narrative about the intertwined lives of two wronged women, spanning from the chaos of the San Francisco earthquake to the glittering palaces of Versailles.
San Francisco, 1906. In a city bustling with newly minted millionaires and scheming upstarts, two very different women hope to change their fortunes: Gemma, a golden-haired, silver-voiced soprano whose career desperately needs rekindling, and Suling, a petite and resolute Chinatown embroideress who is determined to escape an arranged marriage. Their paths cross when they are drawn into the orbit of Henry Thornton, a charming railroad magnate whose extraordinary collection of Chinese antiques includes the fabled Phoenix Crown, a legendary relic of Beijing’s fallen Summer Palace.
His patronage offers Gemma and Suling the chance of a lifetime, but their lives are thrown into turmoil when a devastating earthquake rips San Francisco apart and Thornton disappears, leaving behind a mystery reaching further than anyone could have imagined . . . until the Phoenix Crown reappears five years later at a sumptuous Paris costume ball, drawing Gemma and Suling together in one last desperate quest for justice.
The Boy in the Rain by Stephanie Cowell
Also listed in Books Set in London
It is 1903 in the English countryside when Robbie, a shy young art student, meets the twenty-nine-year-old Anton who is running from memories of his brutal childhood and failed marriage. Within months, they begin a love affair that will never let them go. Robbie grows into an accomplished portraitist in the vivid London art world with the help of Anton's enchanting former wife, while Anton turns from his inherited wealth and connections to improve the conditions of the poor. But it is the Edwardian Era, and the law sentences homosexual men to prison with hard labor, following the tragic experience of Oscar Wilde. As Robbie and Anton's commitment to each other grows, the world about them turns to a more dangerous place.
After Anne by Logan Steiner
Read more about Lucy Maud Montgomery
A stunning and unexpected portrait of Lucy Maud Montgomery, creator of one of literature’s most prized heroines, whose personal demons were at odds with her most enduring legacy—the irrepressible Anne of Green Gables.
“Dear old world,” she murmured, “you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.” —L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables, 1908
As a young woman, Maud had dreams bigger than the whole of Prince Edward Island. Her exuberant spirit had always drawn frowns from her grandmother and their neighbors, but she knew she was meant to create, to capture and share the way she saw the world. And the young girl in Maud’s mind became more and more persistent: Here is my story, she said. Here is how my name should be spelled—Anne with an “e.”
But the day Maud writes the first lines of Anne of Green Gables, she gets a visit from the handsome new minister in town, and soon faces a decision: forge her own path as a spinster authoress, or live as a rural minister’s wife, an existence she once called "a synonym for respectable slavery." The choice she makes alters the course of her life.
With a husband whose religious mania threatens their health and happiness at every turn, the secret darkness that Maud herself holds inside threatens to break through the persona she shows to the world, driving an ever-widening wedge between her public face and private self, and putting her on a path towards a heartbreaking end.
Beautiful and moving, After Anne reveals Maud’s hidden personal challenges while celebrating what was timeless about her life and art—the importance of tenacity and the peaceful refuge found in imagination.
The Friday Night Club by Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, and M.J. Rose
Also listed in Books Recommended by the Authors I've interviewed on the Best of Women's Fiction Podcast
Author Interview with Alyson Richman
Author Interview with M.J. Rose
While men have long been credited with producing the first abstract paintings, the true creator was actually a woman – Swedish artist Hilma af Klint, who was inspired by her mystic visions. Acclaimed authors Sofia Lundberg, Alyson Richman, and M.J. Rose bring her story to life in this groundbreaking novel.
Early 1900s: The world belongs to men, and the art world in Stockholm, Sweden, is no different, until Hilma af Klint brings together a mysterious group of female painters and writers—Anna, Cornelia, Sigrid, and Mathilda—to form their own emotional and artistic support system. The members of the Friday Night Club find themselves thrust into uncharted territory when Hilma and her best friend, Anna, begin dabbling in the occult, believing that through séances they can channel unseen spirits to help them achieve their potential as artists. “The Five,” as Hilma referred to them, was a group of immensely talented, fascinating women whose lives and work were cast into obscurity...until now.
The Present: Over a century later, an associate curator at the Guggenheim Museum, Eben Elliot, brings the Hilma af Klint show to New York where he uncovers questions about the Five and how the modern day art world is funded, which puts him in a precarious position both emotionally and professionally, as he witnesses how history can be manipulated.
The Friday Night Club is an illuminating historical novel that explores destiny, passion, and the threads that connect five women as they challenge artistic and societal traditions.
The Girl from Rawblood by Catriona Ward
"An impressively hectic spin on the Gothic tradition"―Telegraph
The winner of BEST HORROR NOVEL at the British Fantasy Awards by the author of The House on Needless Street!
What if it's not your mansion that's haunted―it's you?
Young Iris Villarca is the last of her family's line. They are haunted by "her," a curse passed down through the generations that marks each Villarca for certain heartbreak and death. For generations, the Villarcas have died young, under mysterious circumstances.
But Iris dares to fall in love, and the consequences of her choice are immediate and terrifying. As the world falls apart around her, she must take a final journey back to Rawblood where it all began, and where it must all end…
Perfect for fans of Shirley Jackson, Susan Hill, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia, The Girl from Rawblood will pull readers through time into the early 1800s and 1900s, mesmerizing them with this lyrical story of cunning folk horror right until the breathtaking finish.
Gilded Mountain by Kate Manning
Set in early 1900s Colorado, the unforgettable tale of a young woman who bravely faces the consequences of speaking out against injustice
In a voice spiked with sly humor, Sylvie Pelletier recounts leaving her family’s snowbound mountain cabin to work in a manor house for the Padgetts, owners of the marble-mining company that employs her father and dominates the town. Sharp-eyed Sylvie is awed by the luxury around her; fascinated by her employer, the charming “Countess” Inge, and confused by the erratic affections of Jasper, the bookish heir to the family fortune. Her fairy-tale ideas of romance take a dark turn when she realizes the Padgetts’ lofty philosophical talk is at odds with the unfair labor practices that have enriched them. Their servants, the Gradys, formerly enslaved people, have long known this to be true and are making plans to form a utopian community on the Colorado prairie.
Outside the manor walls, the town of Moonstone is roiling with discontent. A handsome union organizer, along with labor leader Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, is stirring up the quarry workers. The editor of the local newspaper—a bold woman who takes Sylvie on as an apprentice—is publishing unflattering accounts of the Padgett Company. Sylvie navigates vastly different worlds and struggles to find her way amid conflicting loyalties. When the harsh winter brings tragedy, Sylvie must choose between silence and revenge.
Drawn from true stories of Colorado history, Gilded Mountain is a tale of a bygone American West seized by robber barons and settled by immigrants, and is a story infused with longing—for self-expression and equality, freedom and adventure.
The Silence of Scheherazade by Defne Suman
At the heart of the Ottoman Empire, in the ancient city of Smyrna, a devastating moment determines the fates of four families. On an orange-tinted evening in September 1905, Scheherazade is born to an opium-dazed mother in the ancient city of Smyrna. At the very same moment, a dashing Indian spy arrives in the harbour with a secret mission from the British Empire. He sails in to golden-hued spires and minarets, scents of fig and sycamore, and the cries of street hawkers selling their wares. When he leaves, seventeen years later, it will be to the heavy smell of kerosene and smoke as the city, and its people, are engulfed in flames. But let us not rush, for much will happen between then and now. Birth, death, romance and grief are all to come as these peaceful, cosmopolitan streets are used as bargaining chips in the wake of the First World War.
Among the Beautiful Beasts by Lori McMullen
Set in the early 1900s, Among the Beautiful Beasts is the untold story of the early life of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, known in her later years as a tireless activist for the Florida Everglades. After a childhood spent in New England, Marjory marries a swindler thirty years her senior. The marriage nearly destroys her, but Marjory finds the courage to move to Miami, where she begins a new life as a journalist in that bustling, booming frontier town. Buoyed by a growing sense of independence and an affair with a rival journalist, Marjory embraces a life lived at the intersection of the untamed Everglades and the rapacious urban development that threatens it. Yet when the demands of a man once again begin to swallow Marjory's own desires and dreams, she sees herself in the vulnerable, inimitable Everglades and is forced to decide whether to commit to a life of subjugation or leap into the wild unknown.
Pharo and the Clever Assassin by Steve Skurka
Author Interview with Steve Skurka
“Some crazy fellow just shot the president.” President William McKinley is shot by an American anarchist at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, in 1901. He dies several days later and a local lawyer, Burford Simmons, is assigned to defend the anarchist killer. Burford, though, is mysteriously kidnapped on the first day of trial. The lead investigator is aided by Clarence Darrow and by Burford's crafty and determined wife, Pharo. Will the group be able to locate and rescue Burford before he meets his doomed fate?
Pharo and the Clever Assassin, a bracingly suspenseful legal thriller about loyalty, racism, revenge, and political scheming, is filled with surprising twists and startling turns that will keep the reader guessing to the very end.
The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey by Serena Burdick
In an exciting new historical novel from Serena Burdick, bestselling author of THE GIRLS WITH NO NAMES, a writer’s wife in Edwardian England goes missing, creating a literary scandal, and her great-great granddaughter must discover what truly happened to break their family curse.
What if you could write a new ending for yourself?
England, 1898: When Evelyn first married the famous novelist William Aubrey, she was thrilled to be with someone her intellectual equal. But when William is gripped with writer’s block, he becomes jealous of Evelyn’s innate writing talent and commits the ultimate betrayal – he steals a draft of her novel and passes it off as his own. Trapped by William’s emotional abuse, Evelyn decides to write her way out of their unhappy marriage.
California, 2006: Abigail had tried to accept that she would never know her father after her mother’s tragic car accident. But that changes when she stumbles upon an old photo of him and her mom, along with a collection of poems by Evelyn Aubrey in her grandmother’s things. His name is still unknown, but the dedication in the book makes it clear that Evelyn Aubrey was her great-great grandmother. Furious with her grandmother for keeping this from her, Abigail embarks on a journey to Evelyn Aubrey’s estate in England, to find any remaining relatives who could lead her to her father.
At Abbington Hall, she discovers the mystery that shrouds Evelyn Aubrey – her shocking disappearance, a family curse, and a literary scandal. The last book William published was of a husband committing the perfect murder of his wife, and London Society believe it to be more fact than fiction when Evelyn went missing. But the more Abigail uncovers, the more she realizes how Evelyn's story connects to her own and why her father left.
A delicious page turner with a literary mystery spanning generations, THE STOLEN BOOK OF EVELYN AUBREY weaves together past and present in an unforgettable story, perfect for readers of THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE, THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK, and THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN.
1900s Fashion
The 1900s were a pivotal time in fashion, reflecting the shift from the strict formalities of the Victorian era to a more modern, practical style. This era marked the beginning of looser silhouettes for women, the gradual reduction of restrictive garments, and the rise of a distinctive look for both men and women. Here’s a look at the defining trends of the decade:
Women’s Fashion: The Gibson Girl and Practical Elegance
The Gibson Girl: This iconic look, named after illustrator Charles Dana Gibson’s idealized depiction of the modern woman, became the defining fashion image of the decade. Gibson Girls wore high-collared blouses, floor-length skirts, and a slightly exaggerated S-shaped silhouette achieved with corsets and bustles. They exuded a mix of elegance and independence, symbolizing the emerging “New Woman” who was educated, socially active, and confident.
Blouses and Skirts: Shirtwaists (high-necked blouses) paired with long skirts became popular for everyday wear. This combination allowed greater mobility for women who were entering the workforce, particularly as teachers, office workers, and nurses.
Corsets and the S-Bend Silhouette: The “health corset” created an S-bend posture, which emphasized a rounded chest and curved hips. However, the corsets of the 1900s were less restrictive than their Victorian predecessors, allowing for slightly more movement.
Evening Wear: Evening gowns in the 1900s featured lace, delicate embellishments, and luxurious fabrics. Off-the-shoulder styles with short sleeves were common, often adorned with flowers, ribbons, and intricate embroidery for a soft, romantic look.
Men’s Fashion: Formality Meets Modernity
Suits: Three-piece suits became standard attire for men in the 1900s. These suits consisted of a jacket, waistcoat (vest), and trousers, typically in darker, conservative colors. Jackets had high lapels, and trousers were narrower than in previous decades, giving a more tailored look.
High Collars and Bowler Hats: Starched, detachable high collars remained popular, conveying a refined and formal appearance. Bowler hats and fedoras were common for daily wear, while top hats were reserved for formal occasions.
Outerwear: Men’s outerwear featured long overcoats, often in wool, which were practical for cold weather. Trench coats began to appear, originally designed as military wear but later adopted for everyday use.
Accessories: The Finishing Touches
Women’s Hats and Hair: Hats were essential for women in the 1900s, ranging from wide-brimmed styles adorned with flowers and feathers to smaller, perched hats. Women’s hairstyles often featured the iconic Gibson Girl “pompadour” look, where hair was piled high at the crown, creating a voluminous effect.
Men’s Accessories: Men typically wore pocket watches, gloves, and walking sticks, which added a layer of polish. Gloves were a symbol of sophistication, worn for both formal and informal occasions.
Fabrics and Colors
The early 1900s favored soft, natural colors like cream, ivory, pastels, and muted shades, especially for women’s clothing. Luxurious fabrics like silk, lace, and velvet were popular in evening wear, while everyday garments often featured wool, cotton, or linen.
Children’s Fashion: Miniature Versions of Adult Style
Children’s clothing closely mirrored adult fashions, with little girls wearing dresses with high collars, long sleeves, and skirts to the ankle. Boys wore knee-length trousers with jackets and sailor-style outfits. The emphasis was on modesty and refinement, even for young children.
Moving Toward Modernity
By the end of the decade, the cumbersome corsets and heavy fabrics that defined early 1900s fashion began to fade, making way for simpler, looser styles. The seeds of change were planted, and in the years to come, women’s fashion would become increasingly functional, with greater freedom of movement, and men’s fashion would continue to refine itself into more streamlined styles. The 1900s were a fascinating period of transition, embodying the blend of tradition and innovation that defined the dawn of the new century.
