BOOK BRIEF

The Square and the Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook

Niall Ferguson
Guide cover placeholder

The Square and the Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Niall Ferguson

The Square and the Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Philosophy
Setting

Multiple • Multiple Eras

Theme
Community
Topic
Philosophy

Business & Economics

Politics & Government
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The Square and the Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook, Niall Ferguson explores the interplay between hierarchical institutions and social networks throughout history. He examines how these networks have influenced power dynamics, from secret societies like the Freemasons to modern platforms like Facebook, shaping society and governance.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.0

5,300 ratings

63%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Niall Ferguson's The Square and the Tower offers an engaging exploration of networks through history, praised for its breadth and relevance. Critics laud its insightful analysis but note its complexity and dense presentation can be challenging. Some argue the historical connections made are occasionally tenuous, yet the work remains a thought-provoking read on power dynamics.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Square and the Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook?

Ideal for readers interested in history and power dynamics, The Square and the Tower appeals to those who enjoyed Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari or The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, blending historical narrative with analysis of networks from past to present.

4.0

5,300 ratings

63%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre
Philosophy
Setting

Multiple • Multiple Eras

Theme
Community
Topic
Philosophy

Business & Economics

Politics & Government
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!