Product ReviewsFourth Turning : What the Cycles of History Tell Us about America's Next Rendezvous with Destiny by Neil Howe and William Strauss (1997, Trade Paperback)

Society is cyclical, and it always has been

Truly eye opening, an explanation of who we are, amd where we're headed. Written in 1997 this book accurately predicts what is happening in American society 14 years later.

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Ignores Vietnam Generation

This book requires the reader to take a leap of faith. It is way too general to be of any use other than a speculation. The author's dislike for the baby boomer generation is obvious, as he points out how selfish and greedy they are. HOWEVER, the authors conveniently overlook the service of many in the Vietnam War, and the betrayal by friends and government upon returning. This book is heavy on speculation, a smattering of facts, and half of the book is setting up the thesis (history, events, are cyclical). It is a laborious read, and you'd be better off just reading about the various eras in separate books with more depth.Read full review...

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Highly recommended book that explains the world today

This Fourth Turning is an eye opening read that goes in depth into American history & it's "Turnings". Dated back to the 1400's up until today & even predicts what is possible during the fourth turning - that being a Crisis. Written in 1997 I believe the predictions given explain a lot about what modern day looks like today. While reading this book I tried to connect the dot's to what modern day looks like & how it is where we got to where we are today. Honestly while reading the more I realized that history does repeat itself time after time again.
It was though, a more challenging read for me as well as more of a novice reader, I was recommended this book by being shown the YouTube video explaining this books main points. I was inspired by the video & had to go more in depth with the topic which lead me to read the book.
The Fourth Turning sums up American history's turning points, how society changes around every 20 or so. It explains the good, bad, culture, dreams, happiness, sadness, thoughts, politics, economics. It's a book I think that should be taught in schools. A book that all Americans should read to get a glimpse of history, it's turning society. Quoting the author here about the turning points.
"The First Turning is a High, an upbeat era of strengthening of institutions & weakening individualism, when a new civic order implants & the old values regime decays.
The second Turning is an Awakening, a passionate era of spiritual upheaval, when the civic order comes under attack from a new values regime.
The Third Turning is an Unraveling, a downcast era of strengthening individualism & weakening institutions, when the old civic order decays & the new values regime implants.
The Fourth Turning is a Crisis, a decisive era of secular upheaval, when the values regime propels the replacement of the old civic order with a new one"

That's quoted. This sums up about 600 years of American history. Before America was even independent. A great read I highly recommend more people read it.Read full review...

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A fundamental change in the US is taking place now.

A historical summary of the phases of change for about each hundred years in the US. At each final (fourth) turning deep serious changes take place. Listen to the current news and the "prophecy" is taking place & coming true.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: kolbhaywar-0

A nice, clean copy! Item as described. Packed well/sent timely. Would highly, highly recommend!

A nice, clean copy! Item as described. Packed well/sent timely. Would highly, highly recommend!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: carolinaonlines...

The Fourth Turning

I read other readers' comments about this book the history/politics blog http://belmont.blogspot.com/. The thesis is that US history follows predictable cycles. We are currently in early days of a cycle called "fourth turning". This cycle is one of chaos as events take a new direction and will last about 20-25 years. Following current events the reader can see how we are indeed in a new era of big changes and no clue how it will play out. Very interesting and thoughtful book with new ideas. Recommend it to readers who have curiosity about history and history in the making.Read full review...

Item came in good quality and in good timing, thank you!

Item came in good quality and in good timing, thank you!

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Well worth the time to read.

This book predicted what has happened in the US in the last 20+ years. Fascinating read!

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Enlightening Read Shedding Light on Current Events

Have been hearing references to this book for several years. Finally, I took the time to look it up and purchase it. It is well worth the read. Interesting take on the cyclical nature of history with an emphasis on the American story. It is really enlightening and lends an interesting take on the times we currently live in. Written in 1997, it is amazingly prophetical to events in 2022. Read full review...

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Excellent trader, excellent product, thanks!

Bought the book or a friend, I read it yrs ago and think everyone should. It's a very telling set of facts that explain why we're where we are as a society.

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Great book

This is a great book. I have bought 3 of them to give to friends. When I had a question I wrote the authors and got an answer back quite quickly.

This is a thinking persons book, you'll think about what you have read for months after you have read it. I have reread the book and then bought all of the follow up books.

These are must read books for historians.

Rick
hrickclarki@gmail.comRead full review...