Free Time

June 1, 2013

Expanding on his earlier book Work Without End (1988), Hunnicutt (leisure studies, Univ. of Iowa) argues that shortening current work obligations will give Americans time to live more contemplative lives studying, listening to music, and, generally, finding a "higher purpose" to their existence. The author casts a wide net, gleaning examples from the lofty (the University of Chicago's "Great Books" program) to popular culture (Taco Bell's "fourth meal" is evidence of people working late into the evening). He offers a chronological description of the developments that have, over time, stymied our pursuit of the "American Dream." Hunnicutt's tenacious, years-long dedication to this topic is impressive, and the array of pro-leisure personalities cited (John Adams, Julia Child) may keep up interest for the reader, but other names, such as Dorothy Canfield Fisher and Henry Luce, may leave non-baby boomers confused. VERDICT The cross-disciplinary approach suggests that this book might find a place in academic libraries. For a more amusing--but no less thoughtful--counterpoint, see Tom Lutz's Doing Nothing: A History of Loafers, Loungers, Slackers, and Bums in America.--Ellen Gilbert, Princeton, NJ

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