BOOK BRIEF

The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character

David Riesman, Nathan Glazer, Reuel Denney
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The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001

Book Brief

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David Riesman, Nathan Glazer, Reuel Denney

The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

307

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
American Literature

Philosophy

Social Science
Setting

United States • 1950s

Theme
Community
Topic
Philosophy

Anthropology

Arts & Culture
Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character examines American social character post-World War II. The authors, David Riesman, Nathan Glazer, and Reuel Denney, explore three personality types—tradition-directed, inner-directed, and other-directed individuals—and how societal shifts influence these orientations, affecting personal and social relationships.

Informative

Contemplative

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

638 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character by David Riesman, Nathan Glazer, and Reuel Denney offers a seminal examination of American social dynamics, praised for its insightful analysis of conformity and individuality. However, some critics find its theories outdated, and its dense prose challenging. Overall, it's a landmark work in understanding cultural shifts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Lonely Crowd: A Study of the Changing American Character?

Readers interested in sociology, cultural shifts, and social psychology will enjoy The Lonely Crowd. Fans of works like Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam or The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek will appreciate its exploration of American societal changes and character evolution.

4.2

638 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

307

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
American Literature

Philosophy

Social Science
Setting

United States • 1950s

Theme
Community
Topic
Philosophy

Anthropology

Arts & Culture
Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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