Comments on: Tuesday, 20 September 1938

By: Brett Holman

Brett Holman — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 07:23:18 +0000

Yep! Though for us it works the other way around too, reading backwards from ‘the big event’ to find precursors. I think I’ve done that here — upon reflection, the food defence plan probably isn’t just rationing but also simple storage of food, in case the distribution network breaks down (e.g. through a knock-out blow).

By: Erik Lund

Erik Lund — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:46:26 +0000

One of the interesting things about exploring media from before the big event is finding ideas that were supposed to be emergent during it are actually present before hand. I’m thinking of the momentary loss of power in “bunting” flight in carburetted engines that is often mentioned in Battle of Britain histories as though it were a new discovery. But, hey, rationing has some minor historical significance, too.
The reason that I think they’re interesting is that you begin to suspect that the fuss made is informed less by observed effects than by anticipation.

By: Brett Holman

Brett Holman — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:42:33 +0000

Hate to correct you here. A “scoop” on page 11?

Yes, actually.

By: CK

CK — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:34:02 +0000

Sorry Brett,

Hate to correct you here. A “scoop” on page 11?

Scoops are on page 1. Page 11 might just be late-breaking news, ’30’s style.