"The unsung heroes of the Second World War were the women who were left behind. Isolated from the action, fearful for the lives of their menfolk and hopeful for a future at peace, they adapted well to a rapidly changing world. This book provides a full commentary onhome life during those wartime years. Drawing on an unrivalled collection of contemporary women's magazines, the authors have extracted features, fashion tips, morale-boosting stories, mottoes and recipes to present a panoramic view of women's shifting roles. Emotional reaciton, the practicalities of working and maintaining a home, relationships with Allied troops and, of course, love, leisure and fashion are all included, together with advertisments and readers' letters from the war years. As never before, the portrait that emerges of women in wartime is one of immense courage, good humour and ingenuity"--Back cover.