The American historian and sociologist Christopher Lasch (1932-1994) wrote this book, which was widely read in his country and abroad, in 1979. He considers "narcissism" to be characteristic of life in America in the 1970s. The author refers to the reception and impact of his book in a Postscript he wrote in 1990, which is included in this edition.

"A remarkable understanding of modern life, with a moral conviction rarely encountered in today's history and sociology, which have detached from moral values. Lasch indeed captured something new." (Time Magazine)

A landmark book that uncovered the dangerous culture of narcissism in 1979, developed based on an earlier study by the author on the family ("Haven in a Heartless World"). A book that, upon its release, impressed many, but was also criticized as a jeremiad that, with the progress of modernity, soon held no value, yet has even greater significance now, because it is timeless.

The ten chapters of the book:

1. The self-awareness movement and society's invasion into the self

2. The narcissistic personality of our time

3. Changing standards of success

4. The banality of self-awareness: the theatricality of politics

5. The degradation of sports

6. The educational system and the new illiteracy

7. The modernization of reproduction and the collapse of authority

8. The escape from emotion. Sociopsychology of the war between the sexes

9. The shaken faith in the rebirth of life

10. Paternalism without a father.

"A book that strikes directly at the heart of culture. It boldly captures some astonishing characteristics of social and private life," wrote Professor M. Rogin of the University of Berkeley.

But now, when everything has reached a point of incomprehensible deadlock, to what harbor shall we steer in such a nightmarish world? Dimitris Kakavelakis, "Chaniotika Nea", 23.6.2008.