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"A stunning five-century study of civilization's cultural retreat." -- William Safire, New York Times Highly regarded here and abroad for some thirty works of cultural history and criticism, master historian Jacques Barzun has set down in one continuous narrative the sum of his discoveries and conclusions about the whole of Western culture since 1500. Barzun describes what Western Man wrought from the Renaissance and Reformation down to the present in the double light of its own time and our pressing concerns. He introduces characters and incidents with his unusual literary style and grace, bringing to the fore those that have been forgotten or obscured. His compelling chapters--such as "Puritans as Democrats," "The Monarchs' Revolution," and "The Artist Prophet and Jester"--show the recurrent role of great themes throughout the era. The triumphs and defeats of five hundred years form an inspiring saga that modifies the current impression of one long tale of oppression by white European males. Women and their deeds are prominent, and freedom (even in sexual matters) is not an invention of the last decades. And when Barzun rates the present not as a culmination but a decline, he is in no way a prophet of doom. Instead, he shows decadence as the normal close of great periods and a necessary condition of the creative novelty that will burst forth--tomorrow or the next day. Only after a lifetime of separate studies covering a broad territory could a writer create with such ease the synthesis displayed in this magnificent volume.… (more)
User reviews
Barzun’s style throughout the book is nearly conversational as he discusses the various topics, people, and ideas we encounter along the way. He takes us down side trails that connect seemingly disparate elements of culture, such as Bach and the rise of National Socialism or street gangs and Andy Warhol, bringing together facts that are normally compartmentalized, separated, and sorted, and giving us, throughout, his own knowledgeable assessment. And, in the end, he offers us his thoughts on the current state of Western Civilization, what we have become and what he believes will become of us.
For all of this, I think any attentive disciple (that is, reader) cannot help but whisper “thank you” as he closes the book, even after a second or third read of it, and to wish, hope, and pray, no matter the odds against, that Barzun could have another 100 years.
I would give this 100 stars if I were able to! I choose this as one of "the 5 books I would take to a desert island."
I intended, when began this, to keep it in pristine condition, so I did not underline or write marginalia for the first 30 pages or so.
But it quickly became
It is obviously the culmination of a life devoted to the study of, and thinking about, western cultural life. As that is my chief intellectual interest, and Mr. Barzun has a lively mind, a clear style and a refreshingly astringent mode of commentary, this was an undliluted joy.
He has obviously read EVERYTHING, and most likely in the original languages, so his suggestions for reading and his commenary on "the classics" are also a delight.
He builds slowly and relentlessly to his conclusion, and, as it resonated with me, I found this to be a masterpiece. I read it piecemeal, over a period of 2-3 years. Now that I see it as a whole, I intend to go back and read it straight through.
This is a masterwork by a 90-year-old who has an incredibly long view.
I loved it!
The book is
I can recommend the book to anyone with an interest in the subject. Whether you agree with his conclusions or not it is a book well worth reading. I will say that he seems to have no liking at all for the student movement of the sixties.
The sweep and grasp of material is nothing short of astounding and it makes a very interesting and illuminating read. Barzun doesn't really try to tell "what happened" - he assumes that his readers are in general aware of the main events and historical persons and concentrates on filling in the blanks, giving lots of background information and outlining connections and common themes. This, however, is also one of the main weaknesses of FDtD - Barzun is often very opinionated and, instead of trying to give a balanced and neutral account, treats material to his own ends.
Still, it is certainly a monumental achievement and deserves to be read and re-read. Just maintain your critical attitude and don't forget that this, although certainly learned and authoritative, is only one possible viewpoint on the last half of the millennia.
The 3 stars mostly relates to the quality of the audio recording. Worst I've ever had. Like having C3PO read it - but worse.