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Interpretations & Forecasts 1922-72: Studies in Literature, History, Biography, Technics & Contemporary Society
Fine Hardcover Harcourt, Brace and 1973. The first edition is stated, 522 pages. "This book does not attempt to condense the twenty-odd volumes that constitute Mr. Mumford lifework. But as near as is humanly possible this book presents the essence of his thought by chosing representative sample. By organizing this material under five dominant themes, Mr. Mumford has in effect produced a new and original book that bears the imprint of his challenging mind." FINE HARDCOVER, FINE DUST JACKET. Hard Cover. Fine/Fine. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.
- GenresHistory
522 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1973
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About the author
Lewis Mumford
154 books322 followersLewis Mumford (October 19, 1895 – January 26, 1990) was an American historian and philosopher of technology and science. Particularly noted for his study of cities and urban architecture, he had a tremendously broad career as a writer that also included a period as an influential literary critic. Mumford was influenced by the work of Scottish theorist Sir Patrick Geddes.
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June 16, 2020
I can think of no greater compliment to bestow on Lewis Mumford than the fact that Ayn Rand loathed him. The Randian villain Ellsworth Toohey of "The Fountainhead" is modeled on Mumford. I guess she couldn't find anything denigrating enough to rhyme with "Mumford" so she picked a name that would rhyme with "phooey."
(Subtlety was never Rand's strong suit I suspect that if she saw someone pushing someone else onto subway tracks when a train was approaching, she'd say to the pusher, "Can't you make your feelings clearer than
*that?*")
I think Rand's big gripe with Mumford is that he always valued human life far above mechanical life, no matter how materially profitable the results of the latter. Thus, where Rand saw skyscrapers as a glorious achievement of man, Mumford would see them as grinding *humans* into feelings of insignificance.
Many of the essays here deal with the reduction of human feelings and experiences for the sake of mechanical efficiency. Indeed, Mumford considered our American culture a culture of death (and this was many decades ago). But other essays in this book brilliantly reflect on historical figures, including Jesus.
So if you can still get into a reflective mode, despite all the high tech/media trying to eat you alive, and you like to think more deeply than a tweet, this is a treasure.
Fun Fact: Lewis Mumford has the same birthday as Divine.
(Subtlety was never Rand's strong suit I suspect that if she saw someone pushing someone else onto subway tracks when a train was approaching, she'd say to the pusher, "Can't you make your feelings clearer than
*that?*")
I think Rand's big gripe with Mumford is that he always valued human life far above mechanical life, no matter how materially profitable the results of the latter. Thus, where Rand saw skyscrapers as a glorious achievement of man, Mumford would see them as grinding *humans* into feelings of insignificance.
Many of the essays here deal with the reduction of human feelings and experiences for the sake of mechanical efficiency. Indeed, Mumford considered our American culture a culture of death (and this was many decades ago). But other essays in this book brilliantly reflect on historical figures, including Jesus.
So if you can still get into a reflective mode, despite all the high tech/media trying to eat you alive, and you like to think more deeply than a tweet, this is a treasure.
Fun Fact: Lewis Mumford has the same birthday as Divine.
Displaying 1 of 1 review