About the book
In this provocative book, Wilfred McClay considers the long-standing tension between individualism and social cohesion in conceptions of American culture. Exploring ideas of unity and diversity as they have evolved since the Civil War, he illuminates the historical background to our ongoing search for social connectedness and sources of authority in a society increasingly dominated by the premises of individualism. McClay borrows D. H. Lawrence’s term 'masterless men' — extending its meaning to women as well — and argues that it is expressive of both the promise and the peril inherent in the modern American social order.
Drawing upon a wide range of disciplines — including literature, sociology, political science, philosophy, psychology, and feminist theory — McClay identifies a competition between visions of dispersion on the one hand and coalescence on the other as modes of social organization. In addition, he employs intellectual biography to illuminate the intersection of these ideas with the personal experiences of the thinkers articulating them and shows how these shifting visions are manifestations of a more general ambivalence about the process of national integration and centralization that has characterized modern American economic, political, and cultural life.
Editions of The Masterless
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807821176
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807844199
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807863299
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890866318
Read an Excerpt
In this provocative book, Wilfred McClay considers the long-standing tension between individualism and social cohesion in conceptions of American culture. Exploring ideas of unity and diversity as they have evolved since the Civil War, he illuminates the historical background to our ongoing search for social connectedness and sources of authority in a society increasingly dominated by the premises of individualism. McClay borrows D. H. Lawrence’s term 'masterless men' — extending its meaning to women as well — and argues that it is expressive of both the promise and the peril inherent in the modern American social order.
Drawing upon a wide range of disciplines — including literature, sociology, political science, philosophy, psychology, and feminist theory — McClay identifies a competition between visions of dispersion on the one hand and coalescence on the other as modes of social organization. In addition, he employs intellectual biography to illuminate the intersection of these ideas with the personal experiences of the thinkers articulating them and shows how these shifting visions are manifestations of a more general ambivalence about the process of national integration and centralization that has characterized modern American economic, political, and cultural life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Masterless about?
In this provocative book, Wilfred McClay considers the long-standing tension between individualism and social cohesion in conceptions of American culture. Exploring ideas of unity and diversity as they have evolved since the Civil War, he illuminates the historical background to our ongoing search for social connectedness and sources of authority in a society increasingly dominated by the premises of individualism. McClay borrows D. H. Lawrence’s term 'masterless men' — extending its meaning to women as well — and argues that it is expressive of both the promise and the peril inherent in the modern American social order.
Drawing upon a wide range of disciplines — including literature, sociology, political science, philosophy, psychology, and feminist theory — McClay identifies a competition between visions of dispersion on the one hand and coalescence on the other as modes of social organization. In addition, he employs intellectual biography to illuminate the intersection of these ideas with the personal experiences of the thinkers articulating them and shows how these shifting visions are manifestations of a more general ambivalence about the process of national integration and centralization that has characterized modern American economic, political, and cultural life.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Masterless?
History and Archaeology > History > History: specific events and topics > Social and cultural history
Where can I read a sample of The Masterless?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807821176
How long is The Masterless and how many pages does it have?
The Masterless has 380 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Masterless?
Wilfred M. McClay
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Masterless is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807821176) and paperback(ISBN 9780807844199) and ebook(ISBN 9780807863299) and pdf(ISBN 9798890866318)
Where can I buy The Masterless online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy The Masterless?