From Dawn to Decadence - 1500 to the Present

Author(s): Jacques Barzun

Europe

In From Dawn to Decadence master historian Jaques Barzun sets down in one continuous narrative the sum of his discoveries and conclusions about Western Culture since 1500. Professor Barzun intertwines penetrating analysis of wars, philosophy, science, manners, sex, religion, morals and art with witty and lucid biographical portraits of major historical figures including Charles V, Descartes, Bacon, Shakespeare, Cromwell, Peter the Great, Defoe, Pascal, Florence Nightingale and James Joyce. He introduces characters and incidents with great literary style and grace, in turn bringing to the fore those that have been forgotten or obscured by time. The triumphs and defeats of five hundred years of Western culture form an inspiring saga. In compelling chapters such as "From Faust, Part I, to the 'Nude Descending a Staircase No 2'", 'The Artist Prophet and Jester', 'The View from Venice Around 1650', 'from London around 1715' and 'from Chicago Around 1895' he shows the recurrent role of great themes throughout history. Barzun describes the current age as decadent, but he also shows that such decadence is a normal and necessary condition before a new age of culture can flourish forth. Jaques Barzun may be considered to be the ultimate historian; only after a lifetime of separate studies covering a broad territory could a writer create with such ease the synthesis displayed in this magnificent volume. Born in France in 1907, Jacques Barzun is the author of thirty books and the recipient of the Gold Medal for Criticism from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, of which he was twice president. He lives in Texas. Hardback


Product Information

General Fields

  • : 9780060175863
  • : HarperCollins
  • : 1.38
  • : August 2000
  • : 248mm X 178mm X 51mm
  • : United States
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Jacques Barzun
  • : hardback with dustjacket
  • : very good
  • : 704