Synopsis
In Stranger Than We Can Imagine, John Higgs argues that before 1900, history seemed to make sense. We can understand innovations like electricity, agriculture and democracy. The twentieth century, in contrast, gave us relativity, cubism, quantum mechanics, the id, existentialism, Stalin, psychedelics, chaos mathematics, climate change and postmodernism.
In order to understand such a disorienting barrage of unfamiliar and knotty ideas, Higgs shows us, we need to shift the framework of our interpretation and view these concepts within the context of a new kind of historical narrative. Instead of looking at it as another step forward in a stable path, we need to look at the twentieth century as a chaotic seismic shift, upending all linear narratives.
Higgs invites us along as he journeys across a century “about which we know too much” in order to grant us a new perspective on it. He brings a refreshingly non-academic, eclectic and infectiously energetic approach to his subjects as well as a unique ability to explain how complex ideas connect and intersect—whether he’s discussing Einstein’s theories of relativity, the Beat poets' interest in Eastern thought or the bright spots and pitfalls of the American Dream.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
John Higgs created the long-running BBC Radio 4 quiz show “X Marks the Spot” and has directed BAFTA-winning episodes of animated pre-school British TV. He is the author of KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band that Burned a Million Pounds, I Have America Surrounded: A Biography of Timothy Leary and Our Pet Queen: A New Perspective on Monarchy.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for Stranger Than We Can Imagine: Making Sense of the Twentieth...
Stock Image
Stranger Than We Can Imagine: Making Sense of the Twentieth Century
Seller: New Legacy Books, Annandale, NJ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Good. Fast shipping and order satisfaction guaranteed. A portion of your purchase benefits Non-Profit Organizations, First Aid and Fire Stations! Seller Inventory # mon0000062416
Stock Image
Stranger Than We Can Imagine : Making Sense of the Twentieth Century
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 38466912-6
Stock Image
Stranger Than We Can Imagine : Making Sense of the Twentieth Century
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 16557889-6
Stock Image
Stranger Than We Can Imagine : Making Sense of the Twentieth Century
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 14940555-75
Seller Image
Stranger Than We Can Imagine: Making Sense of the Twentieth Century
Seller: MERS Goodwill-Kansas City, Blue Springs, MO, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: acceptable. The book has obvious wear. It may have some damage to the cover, but its integrity is intact. The binding may be slightly damaged, but its integrity is still intact. There may be possible writing in the margins and underlining and highlighting of text, but there are no missing pages or anything that would compromise the legibility or understanding of the text. See the seller's listing for full details and a description of any imperfections. Seller Inventory # WMEKV.1593766262.A
Seller Image
Stranger Than We Can Imagine: Making Sense of the Twentieth Century
Seller: Goodwill Books, Hillsboro, OR, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: acceptable. Fairly worn, but readable and intact. If applicable: Dust jacket, disc or access code may not be included. Seller Inventory # GICWV.1593766262.A
Stock Image
Stranger Than We Can Imagine: Making Sense of the Twentieth Century
Seller: HPB-Diamond, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_463568381
Seller Image
Stranger Than We Can Imagine : An Alternative History of the 20th Century
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition. Seller Inventory # 24507078
Stock Image
Stranger Than We Can Imagine : An Alternative History of the 20th Century
Seller: GreatBookPrices, Columbia, MD, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 24507078-n
Stock Image
Stranger Than We Can Imagine Format: Paperback
Seller: INDOO, Avenel, NJ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: As New. Unread copy in mint condition. Seller Inventory # RH9781593766269