Missing the Point: The Rise of High Modernity and the Decline of Everything Else

A challenging and timely examination of the philosophical and ideological assumptions that underlie modern Western culture and politics.

In his new book, John Elsom considers the drama of international politics from the viewpoint of a theatre critic, someone who sits in life's stalls and takes notes in semi-darkness. He relates how grand narratives of human behaviour grew from the insights of Darwin, Descartes and the ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, to become "the unacknowledged state religion of the West, High Modernity". He argues that the primary aim of most European ministries of culture, together with Western media companies, is to promote aspects of this faith.

With a dazzling range of examples, from George Bush's New World Order to the war in Iraq, the Peace Process in Northern Ireland and John Birt at the BBC, Dr. Elsom describes how the faith in High Modernity has permeated Western habits of mind. High Modernity may alarm those who do not share its Enlightenment beliefs, but it reassures others who want to believe that the future is something that "we can, and must, control", according to the mission statement for the Millennium Dome.

Essential reading for anyone willing to open their minds to the realities of international differences in modern politics, this book will challenge readers' perceptions of the world they live in and the role of High Modernity in Western politics and culture.

In his long and distinguished career as a writer, John Elsom has worked for Paramount Pictures, the BBC and the US magazine The World & I. He has also broadcast widely and taught in universities in Britain and the US. His other publications include Theatre Outside London, The History of the National Theatre, Erotic Theatre, Post-War British Theatre Criticism, Cold War Theatre and Is Shakespeare Still Our Contemporary? His play The Well-Intentioned Builder is currently running in repetoire at the National Theatre of Craiova.