Between Two Ages : The 21st Century and the Crisis of Meaning [Hardcover]

William Van Dusen Wishard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2000

The next three decades may be the most decisive 30-year period in the history of mankind. To understand why, Between Two Ages offers an eagle's-eye view of how the cultural, technological and spiritual tectonic plates of life have been clashing and reshaping our lives, and how civilized existence struggles with this epic transformation.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William Van Dusen Wishard heads WorldTrends Research, a Washington-based consultancy specializing in the analysis and synthesizing of global trends. His briefings on world trends for members of Congress and for professional groups have been televised nationally by C-SPAN numerous times, and his Voice of America commentary has been broadcast worldwide.

He and his wife Anne live in Reston, Virginia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 324 pages
• Publisher: Xlibris Corporation; 1st edition (December 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738836559
• ISBN-13: 978-0738836553
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,006,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magnificient, provocative perspective., April 5, 2001

By 

Terry Pearce (Larkspur, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Between Two Ages : The 21st Century and the Crisis of Meaning (Paperback)

Wishard has captured his perspective of this century in a remarkably short volume. His integrated review of the events of the last 100 years is impressive in itself, but his ability to define the meaning of those events and point us toward the really important questions of the next century make this book stand alone in its genre. The second half of the book moves us squarely into the ether of our own making; not only by providing a series of predictions, but also by provoking introspection into what we might want the future to be. Wishard is not afraid to define the basis for meaning for us as individuals and as a human family, and then offer alternative choices. Altogether scholarly, thoughtful, and provocative.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Intriguing Way to Get an Education, February 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Between Two Ages : The 21st Century and the Crisis of Meaning (Hardcover)

When I was handed an early copy, I expected it to be good, but it was way beyond that. I think BETWEEN TWO AGES may be the best analysis of why we're where we are that's out there. Wishard looks into the heart and mind of the age and the ages, does it memorably, and you get an education while you're being fascinated. It's obviously the result of a lifetime of thought and work.

The forecasts of technology for the next two decades are quite amazing, well researched, and not a little scary. But, of course, look how far we've "advanced" in the last twenty years! He writes about C.G. Jung and the "psychological interpretation of history." That analysis is an excellent framework for the elements he brings into the book. Very worth reading.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Coming Age, February 26, 2001

By 

Reader (Edina, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Between Two Ages : The 21st Century and the Crisis of Meaning (Paperback)

In Between Two Ages Van Wishard has done a service for those of us concerned about the age we live in and its future direction. He writes with clarity and style that moves along at a fast clip. He condenses the sweep of events of 20th centry western civilization, with a special focus on the US, into a manageable framework. He surveys a wide array of events and devlopments, drawing on the insights and views of leading thinkers of the time.

The second half of the book summarizes his findings and creates a context that helps us inderstand this critical period by asking the question,"what is the meaning of our new century and where are we going?" It offers a bold and original approach for the next 30 years as technology exerts an ever more powerful hold on our lives.

Wishard explores these questions in a way that is both unexpected and profound, going to the very root of the nature and makeup of the human individual. His conclusions suggest ways of raising the level of human consciousness that could enable us to live in an ever more complex and integrated world.

Quite a read.