The Education of Henry Adams
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The Education of Henry Adams
Henry Adams
Biography & Memoir
James Mustich
Jul 28, 2018
Surveying national events from his birth through the era of the Civil War and the subsequent economic expansion of the United States, Adams’s distinctive autobiography is also a brilliant work of historical acumen. It depicts, with imaginative aplomb, the cultural transformations set in motion as the onrushing realities of the twentieth century overwhelmed the stately expectations of the nineteenth. A work of extraordinary eloquence and discernment, it has earned its author a place in literary history worthy of his illustrious pedigree.
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roppenhe
Feb 18, 2019
A wondrously immersive, idiosyncratic look at a fascinating period, through the eyes of a fascinating man. Plus it's immensely quotable!
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Jane Huttner
Oct 8, 2019
an excellent book. I can see why Mr. Mustich considers it singular.
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Leslie Maxwell
Dec 27, 2019
I
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Adri Matamoros
Dec 8, 2021
Good.
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Noemy Silva Lima
Jan 11, 2023
agree
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James Charles
Apr 10, 2023
Disagree, and actually not sure why it's here. Whilst I agree it's quotable with some of lines, it is immensely dense and ultimately forgettable. I enjoyed parts of Henry's childhood and him going country to country. Oddly my favourite chapter is the one where Henry discusses Charles Darwin's discoveries, but although its my favourite chapter it perfectly encapsulates what's so pointless about this entry - it's so self-absorbed. There isn't any real progress for the character. He rants about education and writing a book not for the sake of entertainment, but to help "young gentlemen". Honestly I just struggle to think what typical young gentleman (or human being for that matter) at the time would pick this up. There's no payoff. There's moments where you might be able to enjoy yourself, but for me it is an actual painful read. It's got all the tongue-in-cheek "I met so and so" references from Forest Gump, and all the difficulties of reading War and Peace except without the charming characters and poignant themes. Heck, this book really does want to be War and Peace by exploring so many issues in a span of a lifetime. But it honestly falls flat. Heck, I preferred My Dog Tulip. Sure that dog story was a bit of a gross-out, but at least I was captivated enough to go along with the plot. This is not a book. This is a third-rate tourist rambling about everything he saw. Don't waste your time it's not worth the effort.
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"1,000 Books To Read Before You Die" is a registered trademark of Workman Publishing, Inc. Based on the book: 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich, (Workman Publishing Co., Inc.: © 2018 James Mustich)
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