Why did I love this book?
History doesn’t ride only on the backs of soldiers and politicians. It’s also formed by thought and art, which reciprocally reflect historical circumstances.
In this splendid book of vast coverage, Menand takes on thought and artistic expression in the entire Western world from 1945 into the 21st century. Heavies like Martin Heidegger are joined on stage by the likes of Elvis Presley.
In Menand’s hands — light of touch, his style unbrokenly lucid—the most profound books and musical compositions are comprehensible. All sorts of subjects—science, Hollywood, existentialism, consumerism—come alive and move along with the smoothness of a French railroad car.
All centers on the Cold War and how it affected everything. Those who lived through it will recognize it. Those who didn’t will learn more than they ever knew.
2 authors picked The Free World as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
"An engrossing and impossibly wide-ranging project . . . In The Free World, every seat is a good one." ―Carlos Lozada, The Washington Post
"The Free World sparkles. Fully original, beautifully written . . . One hopes Menand has a sequel in mind. The bar is set very high." ―David Oshinsky, The New York Times Book Review | Editors' Choice
One of The New York Times's 100 best books of 2021 | One of The Washington Post's 50 best nonfiction books of 2021 | A Mother Jones best book of 2021
In his follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize–winning The Metaphysical…