In 'Happiness: A History,' Darrin M. McMahon takes readers on an enlightening journey through two millennia, exploring how the concept of happiness has evolved in Western culture from ancient times to the modern day. The book delves into the radical shift in human expectations since the Enlightenment, illuminating how happiness transitioned from a divine promise to a worldly entitlement. McMahon traces this transformation through various facets of human endeavor and thought, examining sources that range from art and theology to philosophy and literature. As McMahon chronicles humankind's enduring quest for happiness, he uncovers the dual nature of our pursuit, revealing how it has produced not only new forms of joy but also new kinds of suffering.