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4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
103 global ratings
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77%
4 star
8%
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8%
2 star
3%
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4%
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Usagi3
5.0 out of 5 stars Landmark Book
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2013
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The author (Boorstin) was such a prolific writer that while being grilled by the Senate for confirmation as Librarian of Congress, he was asked if he would write during business hours. He said no, but wrote every evening, late into the nights, and I am grateful that he did so. This book and the others in this series have been around for a while, but the material covered is iconic, and will not go out of date. The organization is lucid, and segues nicely from chapter to chapter. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
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Scottie Tudor
4.0 out of 5 stars Boorstin's book is a fantastic read and comes highly recommended
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2018
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Boorstin's book is a fantastic read and comes highly recommended. However, the paperback copy that I purchased here is shoddy. Shrunk down to save space, the front cover doesn't even have the entire name of the author, and various other plates are not complete on the page (though, fortunately, no text has been lost except in the table of contents). I will be keeping my eyes open for a better copy and will replace it as soon as I can.
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jon pollard
2.0 out of 5 stars Boorstin is not as good with Creators as he is with Discoverers
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2014
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After reading 'The Discoverers', which I loved, I was disappointed with 'The Creators'. I suspect that Boorstin, who is a brilliant gatherer and expounder of facts, is out of his depth when analyzing the creative instinct. I am particularly interested in music, and I found that he gives brief biographies of Mozart, Beethoven, and Wagner, and some analysis of the SOCIAL impact of their music, but no real analysis of the music itself (e.g. Wagner's revolutionary use of tonality). Without that, I don't think there is much point in writing the book.
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Nina Murray
3.0 out of 5 stars Informative but occasionally uninspiring
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2010
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For some reason, I thought this book would focus more on the personalities of various "creators" (historically significant composers, painters, writers etc.) and their lives and processes, and less on the pure history of art. So I was a bit disappointed, but, as I said, my expectations were probably off. If you are looking for a good reference book about the history of ideas, creative and otherwise, and the philosophical and intellectual trends that have made the western civilization what it is today -- this is absolutely it! It is thoroughly informative and written in very smooth prose that is easy to read and think about.
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J. Granlund
5.0 out of 5 stars Daniel Boorstin is one of my favorite historians. I read his books in the 90s
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2015
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Daniel Boorstin is one of my favorite historians. I read his books in the 90s, and although I was well versed in world history, his clear writing style, and unique talent for making the connections between seemingly far flung events, personalities, and creations opened up a new way of thinking about our world and ways we interact with it.
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Whip
5.0 out of 5 stars Creators . . . the basics
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2020
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I bought this for my grandson to read. It's an exceptional work!
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Patrick King
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the greatest history books I’ve ever read
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2018
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I enjoyed it as much if not more than The Discoverers! Seriously just so many inspiring moments of human fulfillment and creativity. History that’s connected not by wars and politics and empires, but weaving great individuals through a common theme and often overlapping lives. Very readable!
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Gil
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding reading
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2018
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The range and depth of the subjects kept me hypnotized for hours.
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Top reviews from other countries

Aurelius Intel
3.0 out of 5 stars Misleading condition
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2018
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Good book, but I bought in very good condition not acceptable.
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Andry Anthias
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2014
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Dust jacket intact and clean copy - excellent copy and prompt delivery! Thank you!
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MJB
5.0 out of 5 stars Third copy
Reviewed in Canada on March 15, 2013
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i purchased two copies of this book in New York City when it was first published. One was a gift for my Father and the other for myself. When my Father passed away, it came back to me. I gave a copy to a student of mine and I new it was in good hands and in a good mind. As lending of books goes, my copy vanished. I finally remembered the author and have the whole set - the trilogy. The copies are in perfect shape, and the delivery timely. Good read! M
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lucy
5.0 out of 5 stars a 'keeper'
Reviewed in Canada on December 1, 2020
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It is wonderfully written...and about all the developments that we take for granted
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Rukshana Mahamood
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing book on history
Reviewed in India on September 10, 2013
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The book is an easy to read yet nearly exhaustive take on the history and evolution of art, culture, literature etc. The sequel to The Discoverers, it is a highly enlightening read.
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