The World We Have Lost

Peter Laslett

Genre

Recommended By

Book Reviews

One of Paul Graham's answers to 'What should I read to learn more about history?'

Book Synopsis

"The World We Have Lost" by Peter Laslett is a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental changes that shaped English society from 1530 to 1780.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Laslett delves into various aspects of social life, including family structures, social status, religion, and politics. He expertly paints a vivid picture of a society that operated on principles vastly different from our own.

Laslett examines the evolution of the family unit, highlighting the shift from large extended families to smaller, nuclear households. He explores the roles and responsibilities of different family members, shedding light on the intricate dynamics and challenges they faced.

In addition to family life, Laslett explores prevailing social hierarchies, demonstrating how individuals were categorized based on birth, wealth, and occupation. He uncovers the social and economic disparities that defined this era, illustrating the immense divide between the elites and the common people.

Religion and its influence on society and individual lives is another focal point of Laslett's research. He explores the impact of the English Reformation and the rise of Protestantism, shedding light on how religious beliefs shaped perspectives, values, and behaviors.

Furthermore, Laslett delves into the political landscape, examining the monarchy, Parliament, and the relationship between the state and its citizens. He uncovers the tensions and conflicts that characterized this period, providing insight into how political structures and ideologies shaped society.

Through Laslett's skillful analysis and engaging prose, "The World We Have Lost" offers readers a nuanced understanding of the features, challenges, and complexities of English society during this transformative period. It serves as a valuable resource for historians, scholars, and anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the past, enriching our comprehension of the world we inhabit today.

Explore More Books

See All
Astrophysics for People In a Hurry
Guns, Sails, and Empires
At Play in the Fields of the Lord
Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field
Writing My Wrongs
Dance to the Tune of Life
Bet The Farm
The Interpretation of Dreams
The True Believer
American Prison
National Economic Planning
Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees
Memos From The Chairman
Darwin's Blind Spot
Once a Warrior
The Intel Trinity
Power Failure
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Expectations Investing
Everything All At Once
Glass
The Sun Also Rises
History of the World
Code
The Jungle Book
The Creative Society
The Most Important Thing
The Ordeal of Civility
Good Calories, Bad Calories
Awareness
A Universe From Nothing
DeMark Indicators
The Red Queen
Walter Benjamin
The Man Without a Face
Moorish Spain
End The Fed
Rational Ritual
Being You
The Blue Sweater
The Remains Of The Day
Influence
I Am Not a Tractor
The Trump Century
The Little Prince
A Magic Web
The Outsiders
On The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation
Dreamland
The Dao of Capital
The Hour Between Dog and Wolf
My Inventions
Your Dad Stole My Rake
Nixonland
Long Walk to Freedom
It's About Damn Time
A Higher Loyalty
Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll
Dream Yoga
Sam Walton
The Quest
The Knowledge
In the Company of Giants
The Enchiridion
The Creative Act
Democracy In America
Blink
Hillbilly Elegy
War
Small Is the New Big
The Language Instinct
The Snowball
Slow Horses
Anything You Want
Children of Dune
A History of the English-Speaking Peoples
Financial Derivatives
Born Standing Up
When I Say No, I Feel Guilty
Self Reliance
End of Illness
Defend The Border and Save Lives
Innovating Out of Crisis
Reamde
Burn
The Immortality Key
Joy on Demand
The New Science of Strong Materials
The Invention of Air
When The Facts Change
Shantaram
The Order of Time
Built from Scratch
#AskGaryVee
Blitzscaling
Billion Dollar Whale
100 Best-Loved Poems
Man's Search for Meaning
Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track
Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman