BOOK BRIEF

The Civilizing Process

Norbert Elias
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The Civilizing Process

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2000

Book Brief

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Norbert Elias

The Civilizing Process

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Philosophy

Social Science

Anthropology
Setting

Europe • 16th-19th Century

Theme
Community
Topic
Philosophy

Anthropology

Arts & Culture
Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In The Civilizing Process, Norbert Elias explores the evolution of social norms and behaviors in Western Europe from the Middle Ages to the early modern period. He examines shifts in etiquette, manners, and emotional regulation, highlighting the role of increasing interdependence and state formation in shaping people's behaviors and social structures.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

1,010 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Norbert Elias's The Civilizing Process is praised for its pioneering sociological analysis of Western civilization's evolution, highlighting manners and state formation. Critics commend its in-depth historical scope but note its dense prose and Eurocentric focus. The book remains influential in understanding societal shifts over centuries.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Civilizing Process?

A reader interested in The Civilizing Process by Norbert Elias would likely have a keen interest in sociology, history, and anthropology. They may enjoy comparative works like Michel Foucault’s Discipline and Punish or Eric Hobsbawm’s The Age of Revolution, appreciating nuanced analyses of societal evolution and cultural norms.

4.3

1,010 ratings

82%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Philosophy

Social Science

Anthropology
Setting

Europe • 16th-19th Century

Theme
Community
Topic
Philosophy

Anthropology

Arts & Culture
Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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