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The Fourth Turning

The Fourth Turning

HistoryPolitics & Society
Pages
400
Published
1997
Language
English

Synopsis

This influential book explores the cyclical nature of history, suggesting that American society is currently in a period of crisis. The authors analyze how different generations, from the "GI generation" to Gen X, have responded to past challenges and predict what lies ahead. It offers a framework for understanding societal shifts and preparing for the future.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

Thought-ProvokingReflectiveComplexInformative

Genres

History Politics & Society Sociology Philosophy & Religion

Authors

N
Neil Howe

Neil Howe is a historian, economist, and demographer who writes and speaks frequently on generations, the economy, and social change. He is the nation’s leading thinker on who today’s generations are, what motivates them, and how they will shape America’s future. He is president and co-founder of LifeCourse Associates, a marketing, HR, and strategic planning consultancy serving corporate, government, and nonprofit clients. He has authored nine books on American generations, mostly co-authored wi...

W
William Strauss

William Strauss is the author of The Fourth Turning, a look at generational cycles in American history. He's known for his work exploring how different generations shape society.

Frequently asked questions

  • How does this book relate to the authors' previous work?

    This book serves as a direct expansion of the generational framework first introduced by the authors in their 1991 book titled Generations. While the earlier work focused on defining the specific generational archetypes, this title applies those concepts to a broader theory of historical cycles.

  • Is there a follow-up book by the authors?

    Neil Howe published a subsequent book titled The Fourth Turning Is Here in 2023 which updates the original theory with observations on events that occurred in the decades following the initial publication.