Free Time: The History of an Elusive Ideal

The history of leisure time, from the earliest societies to the work-from-home era, is explored in Free Time by Gary S. Cross. He argues that despite the promise of modern industrialization, many people experience a scarcity of free time and a disappointment in it. The book covers a wide range of leisure activities, from peasant festivals to amusement parks, and explores the industrial-era origins of our modern obsession with work and productivity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2024
Publisher: New York University Press

The history of leisure time, from the earliest societies to the work-from-home era, is a fascinating and complex subject that has evolved significantly over time. Free time, one of life's most precious commodities, often feels unfulfilling, but why is that? And how did leisure activities transition from leisurely strolls in the park to "doomscrolling" on social media for thirty minutes?

Today, despite the promise of modern industrialization, many people experience both a scarcity of free time and a disappointment in it. Free Time provides a comprehensive historical explanation of why our affluent society does not afford more time away from work and why that time is often unsatisfying. Gary S. Cross explores the cultural, social, economic, and political history, particularly of the past 250 years, to understand the roots of our conceptions of free time and its use.

By the end of the nineteenth century, a common expectation was that industrial innovations would lead to a progressive reduction of work time and a subsequent rise in free time devoted to self-development and social engagement. However, despite significant changes in the early twentieth century, both goals were frustrated, thus leading to the contemporary dilemma. Cross touches on leisure of all kinds, from peasant festivals and aristocratic pleasure gardens to amusement parks, movie theaters, and organized sports to internet surfing, and even the use of alcohol and drugs.

This wide-ranging cultural and social history explores the industrial-era origins of our modern obsession with work and productivity, but also the historical efforts to liberate time from work and cultivate free time for culture. Insightful and informative, this book is sure to help you make sense of your own relationship to free time.

Weight: 667g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479813070