Age of Anger
Age of Anger
Book Brief
416
Book • Nonfiction
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Age of Anger: A History of the Present by Pankaj Mishra explores the rise of political movements fueled by anger and resentment in the Western world, such as Trumpism, Brexit, and ISIS. Mishra critiques theories by Francis Fukuyama and Samuel Huntington, arguing that violence and disorder result from the spread of capitalism and liberal democracy, leading to widespread alienation and ressentiment. Sensitive topics include political violence and extremist movements.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
3,434 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Pankaj Mishra's Age of Anger is lauded for its insightful analysis of global resentment, drawing historical parallels between modern discontent and the 19th-century intellectuals. Critics appreciate its intellectual depth, though some find it dense and overly broad in scope. While eye-opening, its ambitious reach occasionally sacrifices coherence. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Age of Anger?
A reader who would enjoy Age of Anger by Pankaj Mishra is someone fascinated by global history, political theory, and social critique. They likely appreciated books like The Revenge of Geography by Robert D. Kaplan and Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, seeking in-depth analysis of contemporary societal discontent rooted in historical context.
3,434 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pankaj Mishra's Age of Anger explores the historical roots of contemporary global discontent, drawing parallels between present-day populism and the philosophical responses to the Industrial Revolution upheavals.
The book's title, Age of Anger, reflects Mishra's examination of rage arising from failed promises of modernity and globalization, examining how these phenomena have fostered intolerances worldwide.
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Age of Anger was shortlisted for the 2018 Orwell Prize for Books, a prestigious award recognizing works that enhance public understanding of politics and society.
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416
Book • Nonfiction
2017
Adult
18+ years
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