Rites of Spring

The Great War and the Birth of the Modern Age

By: Modris Eksteins

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Dazzling in its originality, Rites of Spring probes the origins, impact, and aftermath of World War I from the premiere of Stravinsky's ballet "The Rite of Spring" in 1913 to the death of Hitler in 1945. "The Great War", as Modris Eksteins writes, "was the psychological turning point...for modernism as a whole. The urge to create and the urge to destroy had changed places." Eksteins goes on to chart the seismic shifts in human consciousness brought about by this great cataclysm through the lives and words of ordinary people, works of literature, and such events as Lindbergh's transatlantic flight and the publication of the first modern best seller, All Quiet on the Western Front. Rites of Spring is a remarkable and rare work, a cultural history that redefines the way we look at our past and toward our future.

©1989 Modris Eksteins (P)2015 Tantor

Zeitgeist of when Europe convulsed into madness

An interesting and unique look at Europe as it headed into WWI, and some of the consequences. Although indebted to Tuchman's The Proud Tower, Rites of Spring has its own story to tell and stands alone. Both books are a great addition for anyone interested in the First World War.

profoundly different

if interested in modernity and the "causes" of 21c events - much to consider here

Fantastic

Beginning is a little odd, but all comes together in the end. well worth the read or listen!

Cuts to the heart of the matter

A picture of the emotional drive behind the wars. This book enlightened the 20th century for me in a way no other book on the wars has. Uncovering with a stout sound mind how the impulse to destruction can possess generations (and how much it still holds true).
P.s. The begining is not as meaty, but it's So worth it!

Insights into WW1 and WW2

Complex and difficult book at times, but quite worthwhile and illuminating. Narrator has somewhat unpleasant voice.

Beginning of the end

Traces the immediate causes of the the Great War--which include Germany's moral decay and expansionists tendencies--as well as its immediate effects, which include the death of the best men in the West, and the beginning of the end of Christendom.

A Remarkable Vision

It is a real advantage to hear to this book read- Prichard's voice is strong, raspy, unpretty and argumentative in tone and, therefore, entirely suited to the topic. Eksteins is arguing for a deep alternative view of the two World Wars and of Hitler's Germany. The facts are not alternative just his vision of how far self-deception and fantasy can govern the lives of our half-baked humanity. Eksteins gives an answer to why and how that happens. He makes the case and suggests no remedy, Hitler was a dress rehearsal for what we are seeing now. To see that clearly and to not be distracted with any notions of a rational end that would bring some equanimity is see what can help us. Essentially it is a better and more creative story that empowers things we could love.