Publication Highlights

"The First Measured Century: An Illustrated Guide to Trends in America 1900-2000"

by Theodore Caplow, Louis Hicks, and Ben J. Wattenberg

Most history tells the story of the past through events, anecdotes, and personalities—an approach that does not always present an accurate or complete picture. But there is a second way to look at history. The development of widespread, systematic data collection in the twentieth century—the first measured century in human history—enables us to examine the past one hundred years with unprecedented clarity.

This comprehensive reference work uses this vast reservoir of data to tell us about the lives of ordinary Americans in the twentieth century. It relies on statistical trends to describe change and continuity in areas as varied as politics, health, religion, sexual behavior, economics, education, living arrangements, crime recreation, longevity, and public opinion. This panorama of the century uncovers some surprises that dispel commonly held beliefs.

A special feature of the book is original 1999 research that builds on Robert and Helen Lynd's "Middletown," the groundbreaking sociological study of the 1920s and the first city survey in America. Using this this new survey data, the authors provide the longest time series of consistent attitudinal data existing anywhere in the world.

A companion volume to a PBS documentary of the same name, The First Measured Century was written for a diverse audience that includes teachers, students, and journalists, as well as managers, housewives, and bureaucrats. This book was written for everyone who wants a better understanding of American society.