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.
#112320 in Books HarperCollins 1992-05-01 1990-10-12Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.75 x 6.50 x 2.50l; .0 #File Name: 0060166053776 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I started during the Cold War.By Donna K.As it is a large book; I started reading in the Cold War section; to coincide with my life's experience during the Cold War. I am thoroughly enjoying it so far. It is very detailed and well documented.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very Long and detailedBy MarkBought it for reference material. Good for that; Very Long and detailed.12 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Adds to Our Cumulative Knowledge.By Bernard ChapinI agree with the other reviewers here as this book is not perfect. It was written before the Venona Transcripts or the Mitrokhin Files became known; and; for this reason; is not as complete a work as something like the Sword and the Shield would be. Regardless; it is an extraordinary primary source testament concerning one of the most secretive; nefarious; and befuddling organizations in history. I got the impression that Mr. Andrew wrote this account based on notes he obtained from Mr. Gordievsky. The result is a somewhat lumbering; and often repetitive; narration. A few of the same sentences are repeated at different points in the book which could potentially irritate many a reader. I did like the chapter outline; however; as it was sequenced chronologically which is helpful considering the varying scenarios within the foreign directorate discussed. We're very lucky in the west that men like Gordievsky had the courage to defect because; if they didn't; there would have been little chance of obtaining information about the Soviet Union at all.
