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‘Age of Anger: A History of Present’

By Pankaj Mishra

How can we explain the origins of the great wave of paranoid hatreds that seem inescapable in our close-knit world — from American shooters and ISIS to Donald Trump, from a rise in vengeful nationalism across the world to racism and misogyny on social media? In Age of Anger, Pankaj Mishra answers our bewilderment by casting his gaze back to the 18th century before leading us to the present.

He shows that as the world became modern, those who were unable to enjoy its promises — of freedom, stability and prosperity — were increasingly susceptible to demagogues. The many who came late to this new world reacted in horrifyingly similar ways: with intense hatred of invented enemies, attempts to re-create an imaginary golden age, and self-empowerment through spectacular violence.

Today, just as then, the wide embrace of mass politics and technology and the pursuit of wealth and individualism have cast many more billions adrift in a demoralized world, uprooted from tradition but still far from modernity, with the same terrible results.

The James V. Brown Library and the Lycoming County Library System add new books, e-books and audiobooks each week. If you’re looking for your next great book, “We’ve Got U Covered” at the Brown Library. To request a personalized reading list, visit www.jvbrown.edu and fill out a short online questionnaire about your reading habits or stop in and see a member of the Information Services department. Questions may be directed to the James V. Brown Library’s circulation staff at 570-326-0536.

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