The main argument of the book is that society is undergoing an enormous structural change, a revolution from an industrial society to a "super-industrial society". This change will overwhelm people, the accelerated rate of technological and social change will leave them disconnected, suffering from "shattering stress and disorientation" - future shocked. Toffler stated that the majority of social problems were symptoms of future shock.
This book has been reprinted several times: ISBN's include: ISBN 0553277375 (mass market paperback, 1984); ISBN 0553246496 (paperback, 1984); ISBN 084880645X (hardcover, Amereon Ltd, 1970); ISBN 553857651 (mass market paperback, 1991); ISBN 0808501526 (mass market paperback in library binding, 1999); ISBN 0394425863 (hardcover, Random House, 1970); ISBN 0553206265 (mass market paperback, 1981)