Visions of the Future in Germany and America (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781859735213)

Predictions about the world have the power to grip whole societies, and shape the actions of many groups whether working in politics, ecology or religion. At the end of epochs and eras humans tend to reflect on the shape of things to come. Most recently, fears about the 'millennium bug' had thousands rushing to stock up on candles and food in the weeks before New Year's Eve. Concerns about the future have been expressed differently throughout history. This book explores the historical context surrounding various debates, decisions and beliefs about the future in recent centuries. Religious, political, literary and ecological visions of the future in America and Germany are addressed comparatively. In particular, scholars from the United States and Germany explore the meaning of eschatological and utopian thoughts pursued during the last three centuries and tackle subjects ranging from science fiction to religious radicalism, utopian social experiments, and visions of race relations. This book delves into the hopes and fears for the future that have shaped the past and will be of interest to comparative historians as well as to historians of Europe and the United States intrigued by the subject of utopias.

Author: Norbert Finzsch
ISBN-10: 1859735215
ISBN-13: 9781859735213
Publisher: Berg Publishers
Language: English
Published: 10/01/2001
Pages: 566
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.77lbs
Size: 11.62h x 4.76w x 1.37d