James Marriott’s book, The New Dark Ages: The Death of Reading and the Dawn of the Post-Literate Society, published by Doubleday in 2026, reignites discussions about the so-called ‘crisis of reading’ at a time when interest in the topic appears to be waning.
Read More
Marriott reflects on personal observations from two decades ago when train commuters in Chicago frequently read newspapers. However, this trend has shifted as the newspaper industry has declined, with readers now largely scrolling through their phones rather than engaging with print media. Anecdotes like this have elicited skepticism amid a backlash against claims of a reading crisis, prompting critics to question the validity of statistical evidence that suggests a decline in literacy.
A notable essay by Rose Horowitch in The Atlantic cited data from the National Endowment for the Arts indicating reduced reading rates among various demographics in the U.S. Furthermore, a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development revealed stagnating or declining literacy rates in the majority of its 31 member countries, except Denmark and Finland, emphasizing a growing educational inequality.
In 2022, the NEA's survey showed a marked drop in the percentage of Americans who had read a work of creative literature, falling from 56.9 percent in 1982 to 37.6 percent. While some commentators argue that these figures signal a significant decline in reading, others caution against oversimplifying the issue. We must also consider changes in consumer habits towards digital news consumption and the cultural nuances tied to reading as a leisure activity.
Marriott posits that as reading declines, society risks adopting a post-literate mindset characterized by tribalism and autocracy, similar to pre-literate societies. He draws historical connections between literacy's rise and the Enlightenment, suggesting that the decline in reading erodes fundamental values such as reason, scientific inquiry, and political liberalism, which have advanced public discourse and governance.
Despite acknowledging the complex relationship between literacy and social progress, Marriott warns against romanticizing past readers. He emphasizes that reading contributes to the cultivation of critical thought, which is necessary for democratic engagement. However, he critiques how modern media consumption has simplified discourse and encouraged superficial engagement, impacting public life and political rhetoric.
Marriott faces critiques regarding his predictions for a post-literate future. While he claims that diminished reading correlates with a resurgence of anti-intellectualism and simplistic governance, he fails to consider other socio-political factors contributing to these trends. Nevertheless, his central argument remains impactful: a decline in reading does indeed threaten the values fostered by Enlightenment principles.
As the dialogue around literacy continues, the implications of these trends become more pressing, particularly concerning global issues like climate change, which necessitate informed public discourse. It underscores the critical need for a revived emphasis on reading and literacy as foundational to a well-informed society.