42 pages • 1 hour read
William Strauss, Neil HoweThe Fourth Turning: What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America’s Next Rendezvous with Destiny
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1996A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.
400
Book • Nonfiction
1996
Adult
18+ years
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