This book explores the contribution of magazines to the social construction of female adolescence during a historical period of rapid change, and locates the role of magazines in the lives of girls at this time. In addressing this theme, the book examines the changing social, economic, political and cultural conditions which shaped, and continue to influence, the experience of girlhood.

The author discusses key concepts such as adolescence and 'girlhood', and engages with theories concerning the interpretation of gender relations, cultural production, meaning and reading.

The chapters use life-course events and transitions such as schooling, work, entrance into sexual relationships, marriage and motherhood as their main themes. In exploring these themes, the author considers the importance attached to age and social class for the form and content of the magazines.

The book also unravels the negotiation of key factors which contributed to decisions about what were legitimate concerns for different groups of girls, for example, publisher's objectives and culture; reader interests; and ideologies of femininity. Such concerns remain a feature of media issues today.