The Revolt of the Elites and the Betrayal of Democracy

By: Christopher Lasch

Narrated by: David de Vries

In this challenging work, Christopher Lasch makes an accessible critique of what is wrong with the values and beliefs of America's professional and managerial elites. The distinguished historian argues that democracy today is threatened not by the masses, as Jose Ortega y Gasset (The Revolt of the Masses) had said, but by the elites. These elites - mobile and increasingly global in outlook - refuse to accept limits or ties to nation and place. As they isolate themselves in their networks and enclaves, they abandon the middle class, divide the nation, and betray the idea of a democracy for all America's citizens. This is Lasch's clarion call for a return to the virtues of community, responsibility, and religion.

©1995 The Estate of Christopher Lasch (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Lasch is so pithy and cogent that he produces the kind of book that makes you want to corner friends and read it aloud to them." ( Booklist)

Clear and Cogent!

Dr. Lasch is a profound writer. He is a joy to listen to. I recommend this book to all of my colleagues, regardless of their political affiliations.

Imagine my surprise . .

When during an interesting passage of this audiobook, it went silent. The numbers kept moving, but no sound! This has happened at several places in other recent books, including some by Joan Didion.

What's going on? QC no longer on the job? Refund coming to me?

Good book but....

This book probably should be read. Definitely lower your speed to 1.00 on the audible app. It has concepts that are very difficult to understand verbally.

The last twenty years proves the author right

We moved from a small town outside Chicago in 2000 to northern VA. What my family has seen and experienced these last twenty years is the rise of plutocracy and oligarchs. Though a heady listening experience, I think the majority of Americans don't understand what is happening to this country. We must come to understand so we can reverse course. Not one for conspiracy theories,I know there is a Few of Them vs. the Rest of Us. We need a government strong enough to enforce the Constitutional rights of us all.

What is the hurry?

The analysis of the topic was great. The reader did not give it the performance it deserved. It seemed as if the reader was in a hurry. The reading was so fast in some sections that it sounded like it was a run on sentence. The content of the text was spot on.