Tablets Book Summary

Published in 1890, Tablets by Lewis H. Lapham is a fascinating, if somewhat unusual, work of social commentary presented as a series of fictionalized letters and articles. It offers a satirical glimpse into the anxieties and pretensions of late 19th-century American society, particularly the newly wealthy and those striving for social acceptance. Lapham, a prominent journalist and editor, uses wit and observation to dissect the era's values, morals, and the relentless pursuit of status.

The book is structured as a collection of “tablets” – essentially short pieces of writing – purportedly discovered in the ruins of an ancient civilization in America. These tablets reveal a society remarkably similar to, and often mirroring the flaws of, Gilded Age America. The content ranges from personal letters detailing social climbing and marital woes, to newspaper articles reporting on extravagant parties, political corruption, and the latest fashions. It’s a satirical archaeological report, designed to hold a mirror up to contemporary American life. The overarching theme is the superficiality and moral decay hidden beneath a veneer of progress and prosperity.

One of the most striking lessons in Tablets is the cyclical nature of societal flaws. Lapham argues, through the framing device of a lost civilization, that human weaknesses – greed, vanity, social climbing, and a thirst for novelty – are not unique to any particular era. The “ancient” Americans described in the tablets behave in ways that are instantly recognizable as characteristic of the 1890s, and, frankly, of our own time. For example, the tablets detail elaborate social events focused on displaying wealth, mirroring the opulent parties hosted by the “robber barons” of the Gilded Age. This suggests that material excess and the desire for social distinction are enduring human tendencies, regardless of technological or political advancements.

Another crucial takeaway is the power of appearances and the lengths people will go to maintain them. The characters in the tablets are obsessed with social standing, meticulously crafting their public image while often behaving quite dishonestly or selfishly in private. Letters reveal anxieties over proper etiquette, fashionable attire, and the right social connections. This obsession with surface-level respectability masks a deep-seated insecurity and a lack of genuine moral character. Consider the frequent mentions of carefully curated genealogies; characters desperately attempt to prove their lineage to gain social acceptance, even if it requires fabrication or exaggeration. This highlights the absurdity of basing social worth on inherited status rather than individual merit.

Furthermore, Tablets offers a sharp critique of political corruption and the influence of money in government. The newspaper articles within the book expose scandals, bribery, and the manipulation of public opinion by powerful interests. This resonates strongly with the historical context of the Gilded Age, a period marked by widespread political corruption and the rise of monopolies. Lapham demonstrates how easily those in power can exploit their positions for personal gain, and how difficult it is for ordinary citizens to hold them accountable. The tablets’ reporting on rigged elections and biased legislation serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of a vigilant citizenry.

Finally, the book subtly points to the dangers of unchecked progress and the loss of traditional values. While the “ancient” Americans are depicted as technologically advanced in some ways, their society is ultimately portrayed as decadent and unstable. This suggests that progress without a corresponding moral compass can lead to societal decay. The tablets' lamentations over the decline of craftsmanship and the increasing focus on mass-produced goods hint at a loss of authenticity and a devaluation of skill and artistry. Lapham subtly questions whether the relentless pursuit of novelty and efficiency is truly beneficial if it comes at the expense of deeper, more meaningful values.

You might enjoy Tablets if:

• You are interested in social satire and commentary.
• You enjoy historical fiction, particularly works that offer a critical perspective on the past.
• You appreciate witty writing and clever observations about human nature.
• You are fascinated by the Gilded Age and the social dynamics of late 19th-century America.
• You like books that make you think about the parallels between past and present.

Absolutely. Despite being written over a century ago, Tablets remains remarkably relevant. Its themes of social climbing, political corruption, the pursuit of wealth, and the superficiality of modern life continue to resonate in contemporary society. The book’s satirical lens is just as effective today at exposing the absurdities and contradictions of our own culture. In fact, the ease with which one can draw parallels between the “ancient” Americans and modern individuals is unsettling and thought-provoking.

Because of its enduring relevance, reading a more modern work of social satire that builds upon these themes would be a logical next step.

Tablets is a unique and insightful work that offers a timeless critique of human society. While its format may seem unconventional, its sharp wit and astute observations make it a compelling and surprisingly relevant read. It serves as a potent reminder that the flaws of human nature are not confined to any particular era and that a critical examination of our own values and behaviors is always necessary.