[.ca] The First Measured Century: An Illustrated Guide to ... (ISBN 0844741388)

From Amazon.com:
More than 100 years ago, U.S. President James Garfield predicted that the compilation of detailed statistics would ultimately provide us with a new way to view history. In the 1900s, America did indeed live up Garfield's prophesy by studiously measuring everything from population growth and occupational inclination to crime trends and food fads. The First Measured Century, produced in conjunction with a PBS special of the same name, expertly catalogs and analyzes the "numerical thinking" that has subsequently taken place. Authors Theodore Caplow, Louis Hicks, and TV host Ben Wattenberg are all accomplished social scientists who have collectively produced dozens of books, articles, and television shows on the trends these statistics amplify. Here, they compile statistics derived from government sources and independent polling data into sections on work, education, family, religion, money, politics, business, and more. Each is further divided into single-page essays that begin with one overarching theme ("The concentration of working women in a few occupations diminished as they found employment throughout the economy") and conclude with charts and graphs that underscore the point (in this case, precisely how women left farming, domestic, and factory work from 1900 through 1998 for clerical and sales jobs, teaching, nursing, and other professional occupations). All in all, a highly informative--and entertaining--read. --Howard Rothman

The best sociological book ever!!:
This book is truly the most enjoyable sociology related text that I have read to date. The information found in both the graphs and the text are indespinsible, at least for those of us that want to live a full and knowledgeable life. The text is also extremely well written. Whereas most academic books of this caliber bore the reader with terms and concepts that cannot be understood, this book does no such thing. It consistently interesting and never confusing. I have never read a better sociological book. I would also like to strongly disagree with a previous review that said that this book should not be called a book. Clearly, it is a book, as it has pages with words on them. Clearly, whoever wrote that review should not be allowed to write reviews because The First Measured Century is definitely one of the best books ever.

Statistics you really can learn from!:
This is truly a book for anyone interested in American life in the twentieth century, even those who, at first glance, would be intimidated by statistics. Each topic is presented through a page of thoughtful text about the data, and a facing page of clear, colorful charts, illustrations that can in fact stand alone. Chapters proceed in a logical order, linking interesting data on everything from population to education, government, crime, communications, business, and more. I can honestly say that I have already read this book twice in an attempt to absorb all of the fascinating information it puts forth. Moreover, there is a complete listing of sources in the "notes" section to supplement further research. This book gets an "A," and, by the inherent understanding obtained by reading, so should anyone who reads it to learn about social change.

Great scholarly work, and a nice coffee table book too!:
The First Measured Century is the perfect complement to a well-balanced Ivy League education as well as a great collection of trivial data that will astound your friends and co-workers. Formatted in a very easy to follow combination of graphs and in-depth discussion; the book addresses nearly all conceivable trends in the twentieth century. The breadth of discussion makes it a must for anyone studying social trends.

Got Knowledge?:
Students, statisticians, and nerds all over the world can finally unite beneath the deluge of data in this book. The research team for this book did the number-seeking, number-crunching, and pretty-graph making for you. Now, even poor masses of undergraduate sociology students can safely tackle 100 years of data on the United States. These charts will make you think, ponder, and perhaps even lol (laugh out loud). In no other book will you find such a great volume of information....and no other book will treat you so gently as it crams your mind full of knowledge. I give this book five stars, two thumbs up, and one helluva high five. *high five*

FMC is superior!!!!:
The First Measured Century is an excellent compilation of statistical data, full of tidbits of useful information. Never before have so many social trends been charted and explained in a single book. The FMC is a great conversation starter, and a wonderful addition to any coffee table. Memorize the social trends and astound your friends with " i did not know that" factoids that will blow their minds. An excellent source of information on social life in the United States. Ben Wattenberg is pure genius. That Hicks guy is okay too.