No Place of Grace presents a dark and gloomy look at human existence and how the supposed "progress" made during the late 19th and early 20th centuries generally created more problems than it solved. The modernization process, which was considered at the time to be a moral and cultural advancement, ironically led to the destruction of both. Instead of becoming a time of progress and triumph for mankind this period became a time marked by …showed first 75 words of 1244 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1244 total…the turn of the 20th century. It clearly documents the elements that formed the foundation of modern American society and culture whether for the good or the bad. With the knowledge of the past provided by Mr. Lears we are able to more accurately know ourselves as well as the civilization we live in. Furthermore, with the valuable knowledge of the past we as a society are more able to discern and welcome the future.