The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
All other sections in this Literature Study Guide are owned and copyrighted by BookRags, Inc.
The La-Z-Boy Lounger, a reclining chair also known as the "easy chair," is a heavily padded item of furniture, generally upholstered in naugahyde or other, similarly tough and durable fabric, and boasts a built-in ottoman. By pulling a side lever, one can simultaneously recline the chair back and kick out the attached footrest, arriving at a position somewhere between sitting and lying down.
Ed Shoemaker and Ed Knabusch of Monroe, Michigan made the first loungers in 1927. Combining the science of ergonomics with automobile and airplane seat design, they developed what would eventually become the La-Z-Boy. In 1941, Edward Barcalo licensed the design of Dr. Anton Lorenz for a "scientifically articulated" chair, which he dubbed the "Barcalounger," and which became La-Z-Boy's largest competitor.
These chairs, which sacrifice high style for immediate comfort and versatility, have remained enduring American symbols of low-brow masculine tastes. Although many companies have produced loungers throughout the century, La-Z-Boy remains the most popular brand and has become the generic name for them all.
Patton, Phil. Made in U.S.A. The Secret Histories of the Things That Made America. New York, Grove Weidenfeld, 1992.
Stern, Jane, and Michael Stern. The Encyclopedia of Bad Taste. New York, Harper Collins, 1990.