Description
Book SynopsisGenealogies of the West presents a new look at the West by tracing the still-recognizable footprints of the past and reflecting on the present challenges it faces. Through a review of its rich and often controversial history, it recalls the genealogies of the plural processes, ideas, characters, and events that structure the West’s tradition and identity, and their presence nowadays. It shows the faces of the Modernity and its most relevant achievements—such as the state, capitalism, science, technology, ideologies, and enlightenments—and how they are being revised nowadays by postmodernity. This helps readers gain perspective, gives clues for understanding the complexities of the past, challenges some pre-assumed historical inaccuracies, identifies its weight and presence in the present, and projects these thoughts toward the future.
Trade Review“Genealogy of the West is a stunning achievement, a brief history from the Jerusalem of the Hebrews to the daunting challenges of the new millennium. Erudite yet elegantly written, it covers, critiques, and rescues the heart of our political and cultural tradition for contemporary readers. Perfect for a college survey course, it is exciting and fast paced enough for a general audience”—Robert A, Rosenstone, Professor Emeritus of History, California Institute of Technology, USA.
“Genealogies of the West is a lucid and timely analysis of the positive core values that have given the West its unique identity, especially those that have made it an exceptionally innovative, introspective, and self-critical civilization. As much of an unflinching rebuttal of triumphalist Western narratives and attitudes as it is of shortcomings that threaten to unmake the West from within, this daring book packs a welcome punch. Reminiscent of Charles Taylor’s A Secular Age, Aurell’s book offers a serious challenge to all reductionist discourse in the public sphere”—Carlos Eire, University of Yale, USA.
“Jaume Aurell has produced an account of Western history that is a welcome antidote to the current conversations surrounding the positioning of the West in the history of civilization. It will serve as a welcome volume during this tumultuous time.” —Julie Fairman, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
“Jaume Aurell’s book is both a history and a defense of the Western cultural tradition (or as he calls it, West’ DNA), an ambitious work that is reminiscent of the famous Making of Europe by Christopher Dawson. At a time when Western values are often questioned, Aurell’s voice is one that needs to be heard.” —Peter Burke, University of Cambridge, UK.
Table of ContentsList of Figures; Acknowledgments; Introduction; CHAPTER 1 Jerusalem; CHAPTER 2 Athens; CHAPTER 3 Rome; CHAPTER 4 Christianity; CHAPTER 5 Clash; CHAPTER 6 Expansion; CHAPTER 7 Shift; CHAPTER 8 Exuberance; CHAPTER 9 Modernity; CHAPTER 10 State; CHAPTER 11 Capitalism; CHAPTER 12 Science; CHAPTER 13 Reforms; CHAPTER 14 Enlightenments; CHAPTER 15 Ideologies; CHAPTER 16 Crisis; CHAPTER 17 Liberations; CHAPTER 18 Challenges; Epilogue; Suggested Bibliography; Detailed Table of Contents; Index
