Highly regarded here and abroad for some thirty works of cultural history and criticism; master historian Jacques Barzun has now set down in one continuous narrative the sum of his discoveries and conclusions about the whole of Western culture since 1500.In this account; Barzun describes what Western Man wrought from the Renaisance 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 "Puritans as Democrats;" "The Monarch's Revolution;" "The Artist Prophet and Jester" -- show the recurrent role of great themes throughout the eras. 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 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.
#253737 in Books Harper Perennial 1994-01-01 1994-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.05 x .83 x 5.34l; .57 #File Name: 0060923210310 pagesGreat product!
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Feeling the smiling face of JesusBy Love PeopleThe power of Jesus' love and wisdom is bold and abundant in these pages that Mitchell has masterfully intermixed with insights and companion wisdom from great eastern masters and his own wisdom and experience. He does so without sacrificing reason and rationality and scholarly integrity so that you can trust that the words have not been overly influenced by anything other than his quest for the authentic.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I really like this down to Earth and practical examination of what ...By JOHN SOMMERS-FLANAGANI really like this down to Earth and practical examination of what might be the core teachings of Jesus. Although I wish Jesus had written it; I think Stephen Mitchell did an excellent job.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Sandra WilburA wonderful book to discuss among seekers of what their religious tradition can mean to them.
