• Hard Times by Studs Terkel - Fehmerling Books
  • Internal advertising page in a collectible Studs Terkel volume, promoting Harrison Salisbury's 'The 900 Days'. The screen captures the authentic vintage aging and visible tanning of this 1970s printing, identifying it as part of the Avon Books library. The layout includes a vintage mail-order form and publisher code Q15, providing a fascinating look at mass-market publishing history.
  • The back cover of the vintage paperback edition of 'Hard Times' by Studs Terkel. The weathered white cover features bold headlines: 'THE ALL AMERICAN BESTSELLER!' and praises it as a 'beautiful book' of American voices. The layout includes glowing reviews from The New Yorker, Pete Seeger, and Dwight Macdonald, alongside illustrations of Depression-era symbols like an NRA Eagle and an old truck.
  • Side-angle view of 'Hard Times' resting on a neutral background. The spine prominently displays the author's name in bold block letters and the Avon logo, reflecting the well-read condition of this Great Depression oral history classic. The screen captures the genuine vintage aging of this specific mass-market volume.
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Studs Terkel | History

Hard Times by Studs Terkel

Hard Times by Studs Terkel

$18.00 USD
$18.00 USD
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Book Specifications
  • Format: Paperback
  • Condition: Good
  • Publisher: Avon Books (1971)
  • Length: 533 pages
  • Genre: History
  • Ships within 1–2 business days. Carefully packaged for safe delivery.

A Studs Terkel Landmark Oral History of the Great Depression in America

Breadlines, Dust Bowl migrations, bank foreclosures, and widespread unemployment redefined American life during the 1930s. Pulitzer Prize-winning oral historian Studs Terkel gathers firsthand testimony from over one hundred Americans who survived the economic collapse of the Great Depression.

Terkel interviews a broad cross-section of society—from destitute farmers and factory strikers to wealthy industrialist financiers, politicians, and artists—capturing the grit, despair, and resilience that reshaped 20th-century America.

Why You’ll Love This Book

Studs Terkel presents a masterclass in empathetic oral history, preserving authentic American voices from a defining economic crisis. An essential American history volume for students, historians, and social history readers.

Condition & Grading Guide

How We Grade Our Books

  • 📸 True-to-Life Photos: For all vintage and pre-loved books, the photos on the page are of the exact physical copy on our shelf. Brand-new books feature official publisher cover art.
  • New: Direct from the publisher; immaculate, unread condition.
  • Like New: Pristine condition with minimal to no shelf wear; looks unread.
  • Very Good: Lightly read with minor shelf wear or light cover creasing. Pages are clean, crisp, and unmarked with a tight binding. (Our baseline standard for pre-loved books.)
  • Good: A well-loved reading copy with visible shelf wear or page aging, but fully intact and structurally sound.

Packaging & Shipping

Shipping Details & Delivery Speeds

  • FREE Domestic Shipping: Standard shipping is free on all U.S. orders $50+.
  • Standard Flat-Rate Shipping: Orders under $50 ship at flat, weight-based rates starting at $6.99.
  • Tracking Included: You will receive an automated tracking link via email as soon as your order is packed and labeled.
  • Expedited Shipping Available: Need it faster? UPS 2nd Day Air is available at checkout (ships out the next business day).

Read our full shipping policy here

The Fehmerling Guarantee

Our Guarantee & Return Policy

  • 14-Day Returns: Unread books and unopened tea packages can be returned within 14 days of delivery.
  • Damaged in Transit? If your shipment arrives damaged or incorrect, email us within 72 hours of delivery scan at customerservice@fehmerlingbooks.com. We’ll evaluate it immediately and provide a prepaid return label and replacement or full refund.
  • Hassle-Free Support: To start a return, simply email us with your order number.

Read our full return & refund policy here

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$18.00 USD
$18.00 USD
Sale Sold out

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