A Thread of Years

The author takes on an interesting challenge: to provide a short scene or story for each year beginning in 1900. After each setting, he has a discussion with his alter ego. The dialogue, especially with his alter ego are the highlight of the book. I would have given this book five stars except for a few weaknesses. The settings are over represented by Philadelphia and Budapest, perhaps using settings the author is most familiar with. The author promised to show the disintigration of culture from 1900 to 1969. I believe he failed to miss the mark. Better that he would have continued through to 2000, and in doing so make the point that corporate power has come full circle in a century. Finally, the disdain the author has for progressive and liberal thinking is abundantly clear, but no justification for this hatred is given.

One of the most difficult themes: Americans in Europe, Europe in America. Very daring literary form of "vignettes" and some socratic dialogue. It is a success.Professionally the facts and conslusions are what they should be, the author being a Yale professor.This fro the point of view of an Northern European historian.