Synopses & Reviews
Review
"The problem that the author sets himself is to provide an explanation of the major change in European culture that took place in the middle of the 17th century. Many historians have noted this change and have attributed it to religious, political, or social causes. Indeed, the problem has been identified with a 'crisis' in European culture. Professor Rabb is aware of the problems involving terminology, especially the term 'crisis' and those involving historical explanation. His book can be seen as an attempt to establish 'a new chronological and analytic framework for the period.' The new framework rests on the hypothesis that the change from the age of Reformation to the age of Enlightenment was due to abandonment of views of religious extension, the new domination of politics, society, and culture by the aristocracy, and the revulsion with the violence of wars.
Professor Rabb sees his argument as heuristic, and one hopes that it will be taken seriously and tested in detail by other historians." Reviewed by Daniel Weiss, Virginia Quarterly Review (Copyright 2006 Virginia Quarterly Review)
Review
"Fresh and thought-provoking even after nearly twenty years. Even where I disagree with it I still find it valuable, especially as a demonstration of good history and good historical writing. Should provide fodder for hours of productive classroom discussion."--Robert S. Babcock, Hastings College
"Stimulating, concise, and lucid--interdisciplinary approach particularly useful for my students."--A.J. King, University of Pennsylvania
"Thought-provoking and compelling."--National Review
"The most ambitious attempt yet made to see the seventeenth century as a whole."--Times Literary Supplement