42 pages 1 hour read

William Strauss, Neil Howe

The Fourth Turning: What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America’s Next Rendezvous with Destiny

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1996

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe, the authors explore the cyclical nature of history through the concept of saeculums, each lasting 80-100 years and comprising four phases—High, Awakening, Unraveling, and Crisis—each impacting generational archetypes and national moods, and predict an impending crisis phase for early 21st-century America. The book contains themes relating to national crises and societal upheavals.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe presents a thought-provoking theory on generational cycles in American history, sparking both acclaim and criticism. Supporters praise its innovative perspective and historical insights, while detractors argue it lacks empirical rigor and predictability. Overall, a stimulating read for those interested in cyclical theories and social trends. MLA style uses italics for book titles, but the format doesn't directly change text formatting in plain text mediums like email or plain-text web forms. Thus, please ensure you format the title The Fourth Turning correctly in your final document.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Fourth Turning?

A reader who would enjoy The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe is likely fascinated by history, generational theory, and cyclical patterns in society. Comparable to readers of Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari and Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond, they appreciate broad, analytical narratives about historical trends and future projections.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: U.S.

Sociology

Politics / Government

Themes

Society: Nation

Life/Time: The Future

Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger