| United States |
| 20th Century |
| History |
Summary
Summary
Between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, Americans underwent a dramatic transformation: having formerly lived as individuals or members of small communities, they now found themselves living in networks--physical, social, and political--which bound them together in ways never previously imagined.
Reviews (2)
Choice Review
A major transformation in American life occurred by the second decade of the 20th century, caused by advances in technology, science, and even religion. What these new innovations caused, according to Cassedy (literature, Univ. of California, San Diego), were new networks that brought Americans out of isolation and gave them a sense of connectedness. By 1913, almost all Americans lived within these networks, and it was virtually impossible to live outside or beyond the reach of them. However, Cassedy does not sell the premise. The subject has been dealt with before, as the author acknowledges with Robert Wiebe's classic study, The Search for Order (CH, May'67). Wiebe's thesis that the new order (networks) in US society caused "bewilderment and dislocation" is more convincing than the togetherness argument presented by Cassedy. Nonetheless, this is an intriguing and important study, and many may be swayed by Cassedy's argument. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate level and above. R. D. Screws independent scholar
Library Journal Review
Cassedy (Slavic & comparative literature, Univ. of California, San Diego; Dostoevsky's Religion) assesses the impact on this country at the turn of the 20th century of such diverse historical phenomena as the burgeoning public health movement, the appearance of home economics as an academic discipline, and homes themselves becoming increasingly networked with and dependent upon community-based sewer, gas, and electric systems. But that's not all. He explores the institution of Standard Time and the appearance on the household table of foreign delicacies such as pineapples, Camel cigarettes, and bananas. The book is in some respects an elaboration on Robert H. Wiebe's classic 1967 study, The Search for Order, 1877-1920, which argued that during those decades a shift occurred in this country from "island communities"-self-providing, locally enmeshed-to larger, looser nationwide connectivities. But so well researched and argued is Cassedy's book, and such interesting new evidence does it provide, that it constitutes a seminal study in its own right. One of the intriguing subnarratives is an analysis of the short-lived popularity in America of philosopher Henri Bergson's vitalism: his 1913 lectures at Columbia sold out, even the one in French. VERDICT Cassedy's historical study provides scholars with ample food for thought and will prove fascinating to the lay history buff as well.-David Keymer, Modesto, CA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
