Books matching: social change
100 result(s)
- #1
'Medieval Technology and Social Change' by Lynn White is a distinguished book that explores the technological advancements of the Middle Ages and their impact on social and economic development. White challenges the common perception of the Middle Ages as a period of darkness and ignorance, highlighting the stunning technological developments that laid the foundation for the modern world. The book delves into various innovations such as the stirrup, saddle, and town clock tower, connecting them to radical changes in social outlook and property conceptions. White's writing style is scholarly yet engaging, offering speculations on how Europe was influenced by the technological changes of the Middle Ages.
- #2
The Cherry Orchard is a play that revolves around a Russian aristocratic family facing financial difficulties and the impending sale of their beloved cherry orchard. The story captures the decline of the old semifeudal order in turn-of-the-century Russia, symbolized by the sale of the cherry orchard owned by Madame Ranevskaya. The play delves into themes of social disturbances, political transformations, and the shift in classes from nobility to middle class, all portrayed through Chekhov's rich sensitivities as an observer of human nature. The narrative is filled with tragicomic elements, witty dialogues, and a sense of nostalgia for a fading way of life.
A room which is still called the nursery. One of the doors leads into Anya’s room. Daybreak, just before sunrise. It is May but still cold, with a morning frost. LOPAKHIN has fallen asleep over a book... - #3
Ratha's Creature by Clare Bell is a fantasy novel that delves into the world of prehistoric big cats who speak and have an organized society. The story follows the young female protagonist, Ratha, as she faces exile for taming fire, a power feared by all animals. Forced to venture into unfamiliar territory, Ratha undergoes a journey of self-discovery, challenging her beliefs and assumptions while struggling for survival in a brutal environment. The book is praised for its rich descriptions of the characters' emotions and surroundings, portraying Ratha as a believable character dealing with pride, hate, hope, and friendship amidst moments of betrayal and despair.
Clare Bell's writing style in Ratha's Creature is lauded for its immersive storytelling that weaves deep themes of intelligence, moral obligations, and societal norms into the plot without coming across as preachy. The author's vivid depiction of a harsh prehistoric world inhabited by sentient cats captures readers' imaginations, drawing them into a narrative filled with adventure, love, loss, betrayal, and survival. The book stands out for its portrayal of a unique society of intelligent felines facing conflicts, exile, and the struggle for change, making it a compelling read for fans of animal stories and fantasy genres.
Ratha leaped over a fern thicket and dug her paws into the spongy ground as she dodged sharp horns. One prong sifted through her fur and she skittered away from the beast. She turned and stood her gro... Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown is a deeply thoughtful and beautifully self-aware masterpiece that introduces a modern twist to complexity and change leadership writings. Brown combines social and environmental justice lenses with complexity science, offering practical steps to practice radical, rebellious love to create a future that nurtures life. The book invites readers into a conversation about transcending limitations and imagining a new way of being, emphasizing emergence over resistance. Through personal anecdotes and references to influential figures like Octavia Butler and Grace Lee Boggs, Brown presents a unique vision of the future and a path towards healing and growth.
Or rather, at the same time, each of these elements is distinct and is totally connected to every other element. When I speak about them, they shift in my mouth. In writing this book, seven elements b...In 'Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World', author Anand Giridharadas critically examines the actions of the global elite who claim to be making positive changes in the world. He challenges the notion that the wealthy can solve social problems that they themselves have contributed to, shedding light on the superficiality of their efforts and the need for structural, collective solutions. Giridharadas argues that true social change must come from organic movements, elected leaders, and legislation, rather than being led by the elites who often prioritize profit and self-enrichment over meaningful progress.
Her college mind heavy with the teachings of Aristotle and Goldman Sachs, Hilary Cohen knew she wanted to change the world. Yet she wrestled with a question that haunted many around her: How should th...- #6
Readers find "Turning to One Another" by Margaret J. Wheatley to be a thought-provoking and inspiring read that emphasizes the importance of conversations for personal growth, learning, and positive change. The book presents compelling short essays and prose poems that encourage reflection on life in the postmodern world, offering conversation starters that spark insightful and inspiring dialogues. Wheatley's writing style is described as powerful, honest, and easy to comprehend, with a focus on the necessity of turning to one another, learning from community, and embracing the positives from different cultures. The book is visually appealing and encourages readers to engage with the text on a deeper level, making it more than just a manual for initiating conversations.
Watermark: A Novel of the Middle Ages by Vanitha Sankaran is a historical fiction novel set in the early 14th century Narbonne, France, during a time of Inquisition and intolerance. The story follows a young mute woman named Auda, who is skilled in the written word and passionate about papermaking. Auda's struggle to survive in a society filled with ignorance, superstition, and fear of the different is at the heart of the novel. The book explores themes of love, betrayal, courage, and the power of the written word in a time when new ideas were considered heresy.
The author, Vanitha Sankaran, weaves a compelling narrative that delves into the historical details of France in the Middle Ages, the development of papermaking, and the challenges faced by individuals who dared to be different in a society governed by fear and superstition. Through well-researched characters and vivid descriptions, the novel paints a rich setting that immerses readers in Auda's world of secrets, danger, and the pursuit of social change through the revolutionary potential of paper and the written word.
Elena clutched her distended belly and tried not to cry out. A cold winter draft blew through crevices in the cottage’s half-timbered walls. Yet rivulets of sweat still ran down the sides of her face....- #8
'Future Shock' by Alvin Toffler explores the concept that the accelerating rate of social change is outpacing man's ability to cope, urging readers to adapt or face dire consequences. Toffler's writing is well-researched and fast-paced, making the book an essential read for those fascinated by culture and the rapid compression of modern life. The book delves into various aspects such as sociology, anthropology, technology, psychology, economics, education, and politics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by the ever-evolving world.
In the three short decades between now and the twenty-first century, millions of ordinary, psychologically normal people will face an abrupt collision with the future. Citizens of the world's richest ... - #9
'Only Yesterday' by Frederick Lewis Allen is an informal history of the 1920s in the United States. Written in 1931, the book provides a detailed overview of the decade, covering various aspects such as popular culture, politics, economics, and social changes. The author's writing style is described as casual, informative, and engaging, offering a mix of popular history with economic and political insights to bring the era to life. Allen's approach provides a sense of immediacy, capturing the essence of the 1920s without the bias of hindsight, making the book a fascinating read for anyone interested in American history.
If time were suddenly to turn back to the earliest days of the Postwar Decade, and you were to look about you, what would seem strange to you? since 1919 the circumstances of American life have been t... - #10
'The Years' by Annie Ernaux is a unique blend of memoir and social history that spans from 1941 to the early 21st century. Through the author's own experiences, readers are taken on a journey through the changing world, cultural shifts, and personal memories. Ernaux's writing style incorporates a mix of personal recollections, social commentary, and historical events, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and detached. The book explores themes of generational change, societal norms, political events, and the evolution of personal values over nearly seven decades.
—the woman who squatted to urinate in broad daylight, behind the shack that served coffee at the edge of the ruins in Yvetot, after the war, who stood, skirts lifted, to pull up her underwear and then...