Reviews Archives - The Retro Press

The National Geographic Rewind: August 1964

18Jan

By tatecroftsNo Comments

Culture, History, Reviews

The National Geographic Rewind: August 1964

While browsing some garage sales a few weeks ago, I came across a lawn loaded with stacks and stacks of old magazines dating back to the 60s. These included a number of National Geographic magazines, a society well-familiar with bringing to life an exciting combination of history, society, geography, nature and more. These National Geographics instantly stole my attention, because amongst these piles of ads and fads lay some of the most intriguing insights into our social past, which the historian in me was thrilled to uncover. This Rewind series follows my thoughts and reflections upon some of the editions set between the early 60s and late 70s, largely the astounding change between perspectives then and now. In this August 1964 edition I will delve into themes prominent acros...

8Dec

By tatecroftsNo Comments

Politics, Reviews

The Female Persuasion – Meg Wolitzer

A narrative largely centred around power, The Female Persuasion explores the moral balance between those who hold and control it, and those who bear it, and inherit it. As the title suggests, the novel follows several main characters on their journey into adulthood, and places them within a generational evolution of female empowerment. However throughout the book, feminism is used not just as a political lens to analyse their motives, but rather to highlight their individual and respective struggles of self vs society. Greer Kadetsky Initially cast as a studious but shy college student, Greer finds herself tossed into a whirlwind of social life no longer solely entwined with facts, but also opinions, ethics, and uncertainty. This effect is accentuated as she navigates her wa...

Rising Phoenix: Heroes of the Paralympics

16Sep

By tatecrofts1 Comment

History, Politics, Reviews

Rising Phoenix: Heroes of the Paralympics

I was at the London 2012 Olympic Games. I witnessed with dumbfounding inspiration the incredible feats of sporting heroes, as well as the moments where dreams were dawned, achieved, and crushed. As a 12 year old 2020 hopeful, watching Michael Phelps as he received an award for his breathtaking achievements made tangible the thought of one day also swimming in the Olympics. The Olympic games represent something more than just competition, they exist as a checkpoint at which only the most dedicated, talented, and ruthless can reach (as discussed in Exploring Athlete A). This worldwide movement provides the opportunity for nations to come together every 4 years in support of their athletes as they represent the hopes and spirits of their homes. And yet somehow, I had no idea about the e...

19Jul

By tatecrofts1 Comment

Culture, Reviews

Dolly Parton: Here I am

In a refreshing take on the star's career, Dolly Parton's new documentary entitled Here I Am follows the conception and creation of an icon as she undertook a musical journey to fame and success. Through my 2000-born eyes, Dolly Parton has always been a persona cemented into fame as if she had been born into it. Without having experienced her ascension to the world stage during the 60s, I've never been able to credit Dolly's larger than life character and celebrity status alongside actual professional achievements (beyond of course trademark hits like 9 to 5 and Jolene). Evidently, this documentary had the profound effect of contextualising each timeless classic in their original setting. While decorating her life with music, the story follows the actual events and effects that help...

Exploring ‘Athlete A’: cover-ups, crime, and culture

1Jul

By tatecrofts3 Comments

Culture, History, Reviews

Exploring ‘Athlete A’: cover-ups, crime, and culture

Gymnastics is one of those sports where it seems as if the athletes were born to flip and fly through the air. As a major highlight for many Olympic viewers, the sport invokes unimaginable inspiration and awe for both the athlete's dedication and their talent. However as Netflix's new documentary Athlete A reveals - and as multitudes of other sports scandals can attest - there is scarcely enough attention given to their sacrifices, struggles, or general wellbeing. The case of Larry Nassar In 2017, allegations of sexual abuse against USA Gymnastics' (USAG) team doctor Larry Nassar shocked both the gymnastics community and the rest of the world. Not only was it 'out of character' for the previously beloved community member, but the sheer extent and severity of his abuse remained unbel...

Why did the chicken cross the World? – Andrew Lawler

21Jun

By tatecrofts1 Comment

Culture, History, Reviews

Why did the chicken cross the World? – Andrew Lawler

With a name alluding to the all-time favourite joke category of my young self, this book immediately drew my attention as it played on a question I had no idea how to approach, let alone answer. Written by journalist Andrew Lawler, 'Why did the chicken cross the world?' poses a novel dilemma that many would find puzzling. Is this a joke book? a cookbook? a rhetorical question used to prompt intrigue? The answer, I was soon happily surprised to find, was both none and all of the above. With a wealth of information that would overwhelm the comedically small chicken-brain, this book is ideal for anyone looking to dig their teeth into the riveting life, complex biology and tumultuous history of the basic chook. At a glance... Lawler works to unearth the nested reasons that humans ha...