42 pages • 1 hour read
Rites of Spring: The Great War and the Birth of the Modern Age
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Book Brief
416
Book • Nonfiction
Europe • Early 20th Century
1989
Mariner Books
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Rites of Spring by Modris Eksteins explores the cultural and ideological currents leading to and resulting from World War I, initiated by tensions between Germany's drive for innovation and the Anglo-French desire to maintain the old world order. Tying the war's brutality to the modernist upheaval epitomized by the 1913 ballet The Rite of Spring, Eksteins examines the impact on soldiers' morale, the lasting disillusionment post-war, and the rise of extremist ideologies. The book includes discussion of wartime violence, trench warfare misery, and anti-Semitic sentiments.
Informative
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
Rites of Spring by Modris Eksteins is praised for its unique cultural history approach to World War I, blending art, politics, and societal shifts. Reviewers commend its originality and interdisciplinary insights but note its dense theoretical framework can be challenging. Despite complex narrative layers, it is lauded for its compelling connections between cultural movements and historical events.
Who Should Read Rites of Spring?
Readers interested in Rites of Spring by Modris Eksteins are likely enthusiasts of cultural history and the transformative power of art. Comparable to fans of Erich Maria Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front and Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, they appreciate detailed analyses of WWI's influence on modernity and the arts' role in societal shifts.
3,169 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Vaslav Nijinsky
Vaslav Nijinsky
Born in 1889, Nijinsky was a renowned dancer for the Ballets Russes, famous for his expressive performances and innovative choreography. His marriage to another dancer led to a rift with Diaghilev.
Igor Stravinsky
Igor Stravinsky
A Russian-born composer who created the music for The Rite of Spring. Known for his innovative and complex compositions, he aimed to break traditional plot conventions and challenge audiences with new musical languages.
Kaiser Wilhelm II
Kaiser Wilhelm II
The German Kaiser who ascended to power in 1888, known for his theatrical public demeanor and fascination with military and technological advancements. While projecting an image of strength, he was drawn to the arts and private affection among his inner circle.
Charles Lindbergh
Charles Lindbergh
An American pilot celebrated for his solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927, noted for his bravery and modesty. Despite his fame, he had controversial ties to fascism later in life.
Erich Maria Remarque
Erich Maria Remarque
A German author and ex-serviceman who wrote All Quiet on the Western Front, portraying soldiers’ experiences during World War I. Known for his elusive personality and romantic tendencies, he reflected on the personal and universal impacts of war through his writing.
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler
Born in Austria, Hitler gained notoriety as the fascist dictator of Nazi Germany. Initially aspiring to be an artist, he channeled his visions into the militaristic and ideological movements that would lead to his rise to power.
416
Book • Nonfiction
Europe • Early 20th Century
1989
Mariner Books
Adult
18+ years
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