by Neil Howe
First published 1997
William Strauss and Neil Howe examine five centuries of American history and discover a repeating pattern. History moves in cycles lasting roughly eighty years, each divided into four twenty-year periods that always follow the same sequence. The High brings confident expansion after old systems collapse. The Awakening sparks spiritual exploration and rebellion against established order. The Unraveling sees individualism triumph while institutions crumble. The Crisis represents society's passage through a dangerous historical turning point. The authors place contemporary America in the middle of an Unraveling, about ten years from the next Crisis period. They analyze generational dynamics from World War II onward, examining the G.I. generation, the Silent generation, Boomers, 13ers, and Millennials. Each generation's character becomes clear within these historical rhythms. The book applies these patterns to forecast America's approaching encounter with destiny and provides guidance for navigating the coming transformation.
Genres: history, american, non-fiction, 21st-century, american-history
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: forecast, historical-analysis
Setting: America
Period: World War II, 20th Century, 21st Century
382 pages · Hardcover · Broadway