SKU: 87690162865

From Dawn to Decadence: 1500 to the Present: 500 Years of Western Cultural Life

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From Dawn to Decadence: 1500 to the Present: 500 Years of Western Cultural LifeA stunning five century study of civilization's cultural retreat. William Safire, New York Times Highly regarded here and abroad for some thirty works of cultural history and criticism, master historian Jacques Barzun has set down in one continuous narrative the sum of his discoveries and conclusions about the whole of Western culture since 1500. Barzun describes what Western Man wrought from the Renaissance and Reformation down to the present in the

A stunning five-century study of civilization's cultural retreat. -- William Safire, New York Times

Highly regarded here and abroad for some thirty works of cultural history and criticism, master historian Jacques Barzun has set down in one continuous narrative the sum of his discoveries and conclusions about the whole of Western culture since 1500.

Barzun describes what Western Man wrought from the Renaissance and Reformation down to the present in the double light of its own time and our pressing concerns. He introduces characters and incidents with his unusual literary style and grace, bringing to the fore those that have been forgotten or obscured. His compelling chapters--such as Puritans as Democrats, The Monarchs' Revolution, and The Artist Prophet and Jester--show the recurrent role of great themes throughout the era.

The triumphs and defeats of five hundred years form an inspiring saga that modifies the current impression of one long tale of oppression by white European males. Women and their deeds are prominent, and freedom (even in sexual matters) is not an invention of the last decades. And when Barzun rates the present not as a culmination but a decline, he is in no way a prophet of doom. Instead, he shows decadence as the normal close of great periods and a necessary condition of the creative novelty that will burst forth--tomorrow or the next day.

Only after a lifetime of separate studies covering a broad territory could a writer create with such ease the synthesis displayed in this magnificent volume.

--Peter Green, Times Literary Supplement

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Published: 05/15/2001
ISBN: 9780060928834
Pages: 912
Weight: 1.80lbs
Size: 8.10h x 6.10w x 1.70d

Review Citations: New York Times 05/27/2001 pg. 20
Entertainment Weekly 09/21/2001 pg. 77

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 50407 / From Dawn to Decadence: 1500 to the Present
Reading Level: 11.5 / Interest Level: Upper Grade / Point Value: 80
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SKU: 87690162865

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Roberta Hallahan
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 4
Can opener
It doesn't shut off by itself when done and doesn't shut off when I push the button, so after a while it will shut off but when it wants too after you take it off the can ,like 30 seconds. But I do like the way it cuts, a clean cut and lid removal nice.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2026
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Laura Barrere
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Great opener
Color: Blue
Had a battery operated can opener before and was always changing the batteries. Love the safety cut and this works great now that I can just charge it with my phone charger. Fits in my drawer so no counter space used
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Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2026
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Nancy Broady
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Can opener
Color: Black
Great can opener. Charge lasts a good while.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
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Linda L. <3
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 1
Leaves an EXTREMELY SHARP edge - cuts off entire lid from sides of can!
Color: Blue, Color: Blue
This can opener cut off the whole top of the tuna cans and left an insanely sharp, wobbly, very thin edge of the top of the can that nearly cut me because there was no heavy metal lip left behind to hold the structure of the top of the can! This is a very bad feature that is going to really hurt someone! I do NOT recommend this for anyone! Needs a product recall!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
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Mike
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 3
Lackluster
Color: Black, Color: Black
It does what it’s supposed to but only for a couple of cans before it dies. I’ve learned that I have to charge it before I put it away or it’s dead when I need it next and that’s after 2-3 cans. It’s small and fits in my drawer nice, does what it’s supposed to, just a little disappointed in how long it lasts
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026

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