by Neil Howe
First published 1992
William Strauss and Neil Howe examine American history through the lens of generational patterns spanning from 1584 to the present day. The authors argue that American generations fall into four distinct types that repeat in a predictable sequence. They trace these cyclical patterns through biographical portraits of each generation, revealing how spiritual awakenings and secular crises alternate throughout American history. The book reconstructs the American story as a series of generational biographies, showing how each cohort fits into larger historical rhythms. Political figures from Al Gore to Newt Gingrich have praised this framework for its insights. Strauss and Howe use their theory to project future trends into the twenty-first century, offering readers a new way to understand both historical events and coming changes in American society.
Genres: history, 20th-century, non-fiction, biography-memoir, 21st-century, american-history
Vibes: analytical, informative, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-analysis, social-commentary
Setting: America, United States
Period: 1584-Present
538 pages · Paperback · William Morrow