The Good Years - Walter Lord - A Short Summary and Review
The Good Years: From 1900 to the First World War - Walter Lord - A Short Summary and Review
By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures
A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review
A short summary:
The Good Years by Walter Lord explores the period in American history between the turn of the twentieth century and the outbreak of World War I, a time marked by optimism, innovation, and a widespread belief in progress.
Lord paints a vivid picture of a nation confident in its ability to solve problems through ingenuity and effort. He weaves together politics, industry, culture, and everyday life, highlighting how Americans embraced technological advances, expanded cities, and imagined a future that seemed endlessly improvable.
Rather than focusing solely on major political events, the book captures the spirit of the era: a society convinced that whatever troubles arose, they could be fixed.
My favorite quote from the book:
Questions to ponder while reading:
My review:
This is an oldie, but a very good one.
Despite its size, The Good Years is surprisingly entertaining. Lord’s storytelling style keeps the narrative moving, blending anecdote with historical detail in a way that feels approachable rather than academic. It’s a book you settle into, not one you slog through.
What makes it especially compelling is the sense of confidence that runs throughout the pages. Reading it with hindsight, that optimism feels poignant, knowing how abruptly World War I would shatter the belief that progress was inevitable.
Don’t let the length intimidate you. The book rewards patience, offering a rich, textured portrait of America during a formative and often idealistic moment in its history
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
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