H Books

I found these books a year into my nurse-practitioner program, and really wish I would have known about them from the beginning. This would have saved SO MUCH TIME while preparing for seminar assignments and clinical sites! I have three of these in-a-page books, and use at least one of them every day I'm seeing patients.

Very helpful book, useful for my examination as well as my practice

I was lucky enough to find a copy of this book in my hospital. It is excellent. I strongly recommend it to any healthcare professional, doctor, or student who needs a quick, accurate reference to medical diseases and syndromes.

Excellent quick-reference book. I keep a copy in my coat pocket. Hardly a day goes by without perusing through this book for a quick refresher. Every healthcare provider should have one in their posession.

As a practicing podiatrist for 25 years I finally found a book that quickly and thoroughly gives me the current medical information that I require in evaluating my patients co-morbidities. I refer to "In a Page Medicine" all the time. I have a copy in both my offices!

it is surprising to find that so few people have anything to say about this book; Hardy was a giant among mathematicians and at last this book is translated in french...Although it is an old book, the younger author saw that it was updated through 5 editions in the 20th century; this book cannot truly become obsolete because it is about number theory from an elementary viewpoint; so no complex analysis, no modular forms and no proof of Fermat's last theorem either but a wealth of results that could keep you busy quite for a while. Moreover, most of the proofs are still up to date and usable in secondary school or college; most of the proofs about arithmetical functions given in this work have found a new life and home in more recent books such as Natanson's: Elementary methods in number theory (another fine book by the way in which Hardy and Littlewood tauberian theorem is proven via Karamata's method to ensure a density theorem on partitions). The main parts of the book I went through are those on arithmetical functions and series of prime and especially mertens's theorem but there is a lot to learn from it on such subjects as gaussian integers (chapter 12), diophantine equations (chapter 13), Rogers-Ramanujan identities, Jacobi and Euler theorems in the chapter about partitions (numbered 19...), Kronecker's theorem on irrational numbers and on a smaller scale e and pi's irrationality (easy) and transcendence (not so easy) in chapter 11 and of course congruences including a famous theorem on Bernoulli numbers of Von Staudt which gives the fractional part of those enigmatic numbers as a sum of picked inverse of prime numbers . Let say it again: a wonderful book.

It was always claimed that of all the mathematicians who ever lived, Hardy was one of the greatest writers. This book certainly confirms that view. From the very beginning, one thinks, "Wow, this guy REALLY knows what he's talking about." Hardy was, in fact, one of the greatest number theorists of the twentieth century. Hardy gives actual intuitive motivation for almost all of the theorems in the book (intuition is often overlooked by mathematical authors who use the confusing traditional "theorem-proof" approach), and his proofs are elegant and easy to follow. Once, I spoke to the chair of the math department at a major University (Wash U. in St. Louis) and he told me that he reads Hardy and Wright at least once a year to refresh himself on the basics. I would recommend this book to anyone who is learning about number theory for the first time, and wishes to pursue the subject through self-study.

This is an unusual number theory book in that it covers topics of interest to the authors which are not often found in the "standard" introductory treatment. My only mild complaints are: no subject index and some ambiguous and unusual notation here and there.

I agree that this book should be in the library of anyone serious about the topic, however, if you are beginning your study of number theory from scratch there are other books that may provide a better start. I would recommend Joe Roberts "Elementary Number Theory: A Problem Oriented Approach" and/or "An Introduction to the Theory of Numbers" by Niven, Zuckerman, and Montgomery.

Roberts offers a wide spectrum of problems, with detailed solutions, written along the lines of Polya & Szego's "Problems and Theorems in Analysis I & II". Nivens book is a solid traditional introduction.

It is fun to read Hardy and Wright though, it exhibits a style that is sadly missing today.

I have to say in closing that it would be good to ignore some of the previous reviews, specifically ones making reference to "idiots". They're unproductive, miss the point of reviewing, and exhibit a level of ignorance which Mark Twain identified years ago: "It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than to open it and remove all doubt."

This classic deserves its reputation but be warned that it is not an introduction for mathematical neophytes. The authors take detours (which sometimes are looks ahead) from the main path of development that the sophisticate will enjoy but the novice may not be able to recognize as detours. Examples are the geometry of numbers (introduced in chapter 3), the Farey dissection of the continuum, and trigonometric sums.

The authors also present deeper material than is usually considered an introduction. Their presentations are excellent but require sophistication for the following topics among others: quadratic fields, generating functions of arithmetical functions, Selberg's proof of the Prime Number Theorem, and Kronecker's theorem.

This is a book to buy and keep provided you have the necessary mathematical sophistication.

Final note: this book nicely complements Apostol's Introduction to Analytic Number Theory.

First of all, let me say this about the one star review. Do not let yourself be infuenced by lesser mathematicians. Idiots in my opinion. To give this book one star, you must posses some special kind of mediocracy. Keep your stupidity to yourself Lucas.

No one writes like this anymore. Mathematicians like Hardy have passed. The subject has ballooned, and now you have to specialize within Number Theory. There are fewer and fewer that can posses knowledge of the entire subject of Number Theory. Remember what Harold M. Edwards said. You have to read the classics, and beware of secondary sources. Authors give their own spin on ideas. And who is to say they have a greater or lesser understanding of the subject. Furthermore, who can determine how well can they express themselves. How many mathematicians our days bother to study grammar and literature? The best example is Gauss' Disquisitiones Arithmeticae. Would you rather read a book written by Gauss himself, the man that established the subject? Or by some one who learned what some one learned what some one learned over a period of 200 years? Also know what Axler, author of Linear Algebra Done Right, said about reading mathematics books. For a mathematics book, if you spend less than half an hour per page you are going too fast. The last thing i will say is again attributed to Edwards. In his book on Advanced Calculus he encourages the reader to jump chapters. A book does not have to, and sometimes it should not, be read in order. It may take some practice to see how you need to jump around, but you will find that you can maximize your reading by doing so.

There are several point in which this book excels. First, in the writing style. Second, in how many ideas it introduces. Or how good an understanding the reader obtains of Number Theory. It is invaluable to have the big picture. Third, the author has in mind the future material the reader will encounter. He knows you will go beyond this book, and prepares you for what is to come. You do not enter higher courses blind.

The writting style is representative of that of Wiles and Loiville. It will show you how your mathematical writting should be. It takes a lot of practice to learn mathematical formalism and how to write proofs. This is the book to learn from. The author is not afraid to connect the ideas you are learning to other advanced ideas and to mathematical history, unlike present day authors. If you plan to be a mathematician, you must know its history. The writting is in a mathematical sense superfluos. It does not assume you are a genius, but strikes balance between what you should know and what you should be told.

The book is successful in providing you with the big picture, and how ideas you are learning reflect one ideas you will learn or have already learned. Having a big picture of the subject, which he describes in the second chapter, lets you know what you are learning now and puts the entire material in context. Gives you great perspective of the subject. Because a great deal of branches of number theory are discussed, you are not only better equiped to choose which branch might interest you, but it eases the transition to more advanced courses, such as Analytical Number Theory.

The author from the start discusses unanswered questions in Number Theory. I know alot of professors which think that the student should not be exposed to questions that surpass his mathematical knowledge. They are the weak mathematicians. Mathematics is about exploring and breaking limits. You should know what is beyond your reach, and the reach of every one else. The questions that still stand might be answered by some one that was intrigued by the challenge of answering them when they are helpless to do so. Fermat's Last Thorem is such an example. The guy learned it at the age of 10.

The last thing i will say about the book is this. Number theory has one scope. Namely, prime numbers. This book make it clear that the purpose of number theory is to determine the properties of numbers. It discusses the limitations of mathematics in attaining answers to Riemann Hypothesis, Fundamental theorem, trancedental and irrational and algebraic numbers, and so on. The book is, in my opinion, an expansion of the section on unanswered questions. And in doing so many more questions are asked and analyzed. There are prime numbers, and nothing else.

this book is about the twins first trip to coventry island,their birthplace.it's excellently written.you can almost feel that you're on the island.there are some really sereious parts, like karsh's funeral, the first time cam and alex visit lunasoliel,and the battle with the furies. but, like any other twiches book there are plenty of hilarious parts. like when the twins go to afamily dinner at crailmore and turn their cousin vey into a frog. also,there are chapters where ileana is reading karsh's journal,and you get a peek into the details of an ancient curse.definetley recommended reading.

The twins are on their was to Conventry Island.....and it is to go to Karsh's funeral. Their guardian is a mess and some people do not welcome the twins. The twins have to save a friend of theirs from the Three Furies and will Alex save Cam in time? Also, we find out why Thantos dumped Ileana when she was a baby. Read the book and find out!

I started reading this books series T*Witches in about January of 2003. I think this is the BEST book series I have ever read. It has romance, adventure, and much, MUCH more! I recomend this book series to people who LOVE to read about witches, spells, mystery, adventure. When I started reading this book series, I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out!!! (This book series is the best series I have ever read. It'll be a BIG waste if you don't read this series.)

The book that I read was the series of T-Witches. But the specific book that I read was the seventh book in the series. I absolutely love these books because the story is about twins and I'm a twin. Another reason I like it is because you never know what will happen next then about the witches. The points in the book are very exciting. All the spooky things that happen are very interesting. They capture your eye. The book talked about witches and how they deal with life. It was very interesting to see a day in the life of the witches of Camryn and Alexandra. They deal with special powers they have been given from the day they were born. Like I said before I ABSOLUTELY love these series of books. I would recommend these series to anyone who likes drama, romance, action, witches, and their types of spells and their powers. I hope you consider this book to read. You will love it the first time you open the book. You'll get hooked!

I've been reading these books since they began and they're the best. I especially loved the seventh book because of what happened in it. It's really mysterious and exciting with a whole new bad guy! It's also in a new setting. For people who like romance and enchantment this is the best book ever! I can't wait to see what will happen to Cam and Alex (incidentally my name is Alexandra!) next. T*WITCHES are the best!

As a former nursing home chaplain, I am familiar with the Eden Alternative and the tremendous benefits to nursing home residents and to staff and family members. The book reinforces the lessons (and the guidelines)for the Eden model in a way which leaves no doubt or lack of clarity about the benefits to the elderly and to the community as a whole when we focus on meeting the needs of the elderly. These needs are, in the words of the author,loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. We should all be so fortunate as to have some-one or -ones who see the wisdom in this model!

This book was incredible. I knew Dr. Thomas before he wrote this book and I can honestly say the story and wisdom come from his soul. I was so inspired by the books teachings of caring for our elderly, but also felt a tug on plain old every day living with people of all ages. I felt the authors conviction for respecting and honoring the elders of life who have so much to give to our society if we are willing to slow down and listen. I am reminded of every older person I have ever worked with and what they gave me to apply to my own life. With these lessons I realize how much we have to start with our young so that hopefully they can shape a society similar to the book. I suggest this book to anyone just looking for a warm story to stir your soul and to get you thinking about life in general, and how you will be cared for as you age. Thank you Dr. Thomas for once again inspiring me to see beyond the idea and making it a reality. This is a book that clings to your soul and stays there. I love it!

This book is meant for every man,woman and child regardless of age. In a society where we have grown to see aging as repulsive rather than merely a part of living, this message is invaluable. Dr. Thomas tells a beautiful story of his own growth and journey toward understanding the value of our elders. It is an issue that can no longer be avoided. Change is inevitable. This book offers us a guide to help facilitate that change.

Learning from Hannah is a vehicle by which the author attempts to change our societal view that once you reach a certain age, you no longer have anything to offer, and the author achieves that goal. It tells the story of two people who learn that the elderly have much to teach us all, if only we will listen. The main characters also learn that life itself has much more to offer, beyond the next deadline for some distant project. I applaud Thomas' effort and cause, which is why I give the book 4 stars.

From a story standpoint, it felt a bit preachy after a while, and sometimes repetitive; I found myself saying "I've got the point already." In short, I became a little annoyed with the overall story. The writing seemed a little flat, but it was a good effort.

This book uses Dr. Thomas's talent for storytelling to advance his ideas. The Eden Alternative is a way for Long Term Care facilities to be a real home to the people that live there, a place families will enjoy visiting. The changes are very low tech and save money in the long run. The environment these changes create is not only wonderful for the people who LIVE there, but for the staff as well. I encourage anyone with family in a facility to read this book.

One of the best books I've read. Very practical spiritual essays that will bring hope and comfort to whomever reads it.

I found this book to be a comfort and a reminder of how to treat others as you want to treated. I love it. Especially the whole in the street story on taking appropriate action. It is worth having in your library.

Found the author's site on line a while back and got this book which helped me very much! Read it 6-7 months ago, and I'm still finding the advice in here extremely useful. Basically, it's advice on positive thinking that really can help your life be happier if you apply the principles suggested.

Lessons for Living is a exceptionally well-written book offering simple, practical and usable suggestions for living a happier and more fulfilling life. The book has helped me personally, offering new perspectives on situations in my life that were troublesome. As a therapist, I often recommend Johnston's book to my clients and have used it as a text in several group therapy settings. Every single client has given positive feedback on how the book has helped them see problems in a new light as well as provide easy to follow exercises to aid them in making changes in their lives. The book's best feature is the many strategies for tackling long-standing habits that negatively impact our lives. I highly recommend Lessons for Living . . . for everyone.

There are many reasons for having this book but let me relate to you what only two chapters did for me:

Gradually I became stressed. I found it hard to concentrate on anything, even the things I once enjoyed -- Even watching a movie became a task. I was too tense to concentrate, which made it hard to remember anything. I avoided people because even talking became stressful. I became so tense at times that I had difficulty breathing.

Then I got this book.

The muscle relaxation exercise showed me that all of the above symptoms were due to tense muscles brought on by stress. Afterwards I felt wonderfully calm and at peace with the world.

Following the advice on meditation brought about a simultaneous supreme calmness and sharp-thinking alertness (My brainwaves had gone from high beta to alpha). Once, my concentration increased so dramatically after the meditation that I felt mentally invincible. Of course, the effect only lasted that night but I experienced a similar effect on repeating the mediation. It basically quietens your chattering mind, and reduces 'noise on the brain'.

The incessant chatter on the brain stops. No longer caught up in your thoughts, you are left more in the moment, and notice the world isn't all that complicated after all. Peace follows.

I can't _stress_ enough how vital this book is for conquering tension, stress, and emotional unrest.

Get it for yourself and feel much better.

Lord Chesterfield's writings are by far the best guidelines for an up-and-coming, savvy gentleman to learn the ways of the society. Stanhope's many gems of advice are learned painfully by most through experience, or sometimes not at all. This book is truly a classic and one I will insist my future sons read before making their way in the world.

Lord Chesterfield is the 18th-century English father I never had. In these letters to his son, he gives stern but fair lessons in how to conduct oneself as a gentleman in society. Chesterfield, with his classical learning and lifelong service to the monarchy, is superbly qualified to give such social advice. His dry wit, strong-mindedness, and discerning eye make him entertaining to read, and, though repetitive ("the graces, boy, remember the graces!"), much of his advice is still very apt today. Taking us through the prime of his career to the twilight of his life, these letters show Chesterfield as the ultimate politician--keenly aware of humanity's selfishness, and always ready to use that selfishness to his own benefit. There is something endearing in this open devilishness.

"All you learn, and all you can read, will be of little use, if you don't think and reason upon it yourself". This is merely one of the advices Lord Chesterfield gave to his natural son, Philip, in the many letters he wrote to him from 1737 onwards, and that this book compiles.

Chesterfield was an important stateman, who wrote these letters only for the eyes of his son, not for the general public, so he did express in stark terms what he truly thought about many controversial themes. It is, in my opinion, very interesting to read what he considered to be general truths, and to get to know his conception of life, society and politics. Whether you agree or not with his opinions, you cannot remain indifferent to this controversial book.

Lord Chesterfield places great value on appearances. He tells Philip that "If your air and address are vulgar, awkward, and gauche, you may be esteemed indeed, if you have great intrinsic merit; but you will never please; and without pleasing you will rise but heavily". The author is, evidently, a cynic who doesn't believe that the world can be improved. He points out that "The world is taken by the outside of things, and we must take the world as it is". Chesterfields profession is fairly evident at all times, for example when he advises his son "...to be upon your own guard, and yet, by a seeming natural openness, to put people off theirs".

"Lord Chesterfield's Letters" has been considered a noteworthy classic by many, but it has also been strongly criticized. For example, Samuel Johnson said that it taught "the morals of a whore and the manners of a dancing-master". I really don't agree with Johnson: I happen to like this book, and a lot. It is not only very easy to read, but also informative. The reader feels as if he were talking with an old but very experienced person, who played an active part in an enormous number of significant events, and who wants to transmit his knowledge not only on diplomatic affairs, but also about life and education. He often displays great insight, for example when he says that "You must look into people, as well as at them. Almost all people are born with all the passions, to a certain degree; but almost every man has a prevailing one, to which the others are subordinate".

All in all, I strongly recommend this book. It includes a high number of subjects, and I think you are highly likely to find it very appealing. If more is needed to convince you, I'll just leave you with one of the phrases written by the author, and I'll let its excellence to speak for itself: "Mind, not only what people say, but how they say it; and, if you have any sagacity, you may discover more truth by your eyes than by your ears. People can say what they will, but they cannot look just as they will; and their looks frequently discover, what their words are calculated to conceal". What else can I say?... Enjoy this book!.

Belen Alcat

The following, and my favorite, quote will no doubt provide a quick and definitive answer to the ageless question: are you upper class?

Dear Boy,
Having mentioned laughing, I must particularly warn you against it: and I could heartily wish that you may often be seen to smile, but never heard to laugh while you live. ... A man's going to sit down, in the supposition that he has a chair behind him, and falling down upon his breech for want of one, sets a whole company a laughing, when all the wit in the world would not do it; a plain proof, in my mind, how low and unbecoming a thing laughing is: not to mention the disagreeable noise that it makes, and the shocking distortion of the face that it occasions. Laughter is easily restrained by a very little reflection; but as it is generally connected with the idea of gaiety, people do not enough attend to its absurdity. I am neither of a melancholy nor a cynical disposition, and am as willing and as apt to be pleased as anybody; but I am sure that since I have had the full use of my reason, nobody has ever heard me laugh.

Lord Chesterfield was an influential politician, diplomat and cabinet minister during the reigns of George I and II, and this book is a collection of letters of advice, counsel, and sometimes genuine wisdom, written by Chesterfield, over many years, to his son, Philip Stanhope, for whom Chesterfield had the highest hopes of success in the world. What you may get out of this book depends on who you are as a reader: casual readers would do better to stay with mysteries and thrillers; inebriate undergraduates would do better to skip it altogether; but ambitous men and women, actually working in the real world, will find so much here to consider and reflect upon, that it will take several close readings to absorb all that may apply to your career. That one's knowlege of the World must be learned by experience in the World, not in an ivory tower; that one's skills and virtues are of little practical value, unless carefully presented in a pleasing and artful Image; that multitasking destroys all hope of success; these are a few of the ideas which Chesterfield presents in elegant and polished prose. But Chesterfield's personal life, as it unfolds through his letters to its tragic and sorrowful conclusion, presents the most powerful lesson of all about ambition, life, and failure, for those readers who can read beyond what is merely written.

The concepts in this book work. The long-term care center where my mother spent her final nine months actually introduced me to the concepts of the Eden alternative, and indicated that many residents were feeling more content and "stable" with the presence of animals and plants in the individuals' rooms and throughout the facility. An indoor fountain was donated to the lobby. My mom was delighted when a parakeet magically appeared one day to become her roommate for many months. There were small birds in various rooms and lobbies, often donated by families or staff. Bunnies and dogs made weekly visits to residents, and each floor had a free-roaming cat. I especially loved one who occasionally cruised into Mom's room to check up on its feathered friend in the cage.

Long-term care MUST change to meet the needs of aging boomers, though they may be aging well for their years; bodies eventually fail as life closes. Mr. Thomas has the ideas and vision to change the course of eldercare so that the wisdom and dignity of the elderly can be recognized in society, enabling them to remain assets rather than burdens.

E.A. Davis, author, Waiting for Wings: Accomanying a Parent to the Edge of Life

As a Regional Ombudsman, responsible for a large county in N. CA, I used this book to inspire people to form a "Family Council" in a sample nursing home and to lobby for the changes that Thomas recommends. The home adopted several of the changes and they transformed the home, once known as the worst in the county into the best. Several people emerged from years of depression, others simply took a whole new interest in life, others simply had whole-hearted laughter reenter their lives for the fist time in years. The Eden alternative is indeed the "recipe" for making one's years in long term care "worth living."

Anyone planning to place their family member in a nursing home should read this innovative book first. They author's insightful, yet relatively simple ideas show how a well designed nursing home can be a welcoming, life affirming place for your loved one to live. I am a legal aid hotline attorney and own an medical supply business and often discuss nursing home related issues with my clients and customers. I found this book eyeopening and educational. If your relative is already in a nursing home, give the director a copy of this book.

The activities director at my mother's nursing home(Tn.) brought this author and his book's to my attention. The nursing home administrator is currently having the entire staff read this line of book's(The Eden Project). I ordered "Life Worth Living" and "Learning From Hannah", because I want to be a part of what will make mom's life and other's a better place to be. I started reading "Life Worth Living" and was honestly amazed about how educational this paperback really was. Not only is this book easy to understand, it's extremely interesting! I can only pray that some day all nursing home facilities realize how beneficial the "Eden Project" really is.

This book will show how to turn a cold clinical facility into a warm, caring home. A place families want to visit, not make exuses to avoid. This truly can be revolutional. Anyone placing a person into a nursing facility should make sure they have Edenized.

I learned about the existence of this manuscript 16 years ago, yet could never find a full version, until the book came. I have read most of it and it is beatiful. Many of the tradeoffs the early UNIX versions had are there. Context switching is done via coroutine jumps, the callout table is used only for the teletype, the very origins of the scheduler and swapper are neatly explained among many other things. PDP11 architecture is simple enough to make this book still a jewel for those interested in learning OS concepts and evolution and specifically UNIX.

I have been working with Unix for more than 5 years, and read more than 20 books about unix itself. But I never seend book like this much well explain about internal architecture. Unix 6 on PDP-11 is old, but main idea still remain all major distribution.

It great helpful for my understanding about Unix.

The world is full of books on operating systems: their theory, their internals, their applications, etc. The Lions book connects OS theory to practice better than anything I have ever seen. Reading it beforehand certainly made graduate-school Operating Systems a lot easier.

This is prably the best source/commentary book. Though some of the stuff is outdated, the core still is quite valid and gives useful insight into the implementation of the kernel.

I have gone through about 10-15% of the book, like filesystems and os initialization, and fouud it extremely helpful.

santy

Any comments made on a superlative commentary on superb code would be largely superfluous. This gem should be part of any Operating Systems course. The greatest of the pleasures offered by the book is the opportunity to read the source code, version 6 of the UNIX Operating System. It is a unique opportunity to see the real masters at work!

Highly recommended, with Maurice J Bach's "The Design of the Unix Operating System" as a supplement.

No matter what your personal goals are for building relationships, this book will give you tips for making the most of them.

I bought this book for my husband before we have our first baby. I was more excited than he was to have the lyrics to old songs and cool craft and cooking ideas. He has yet to look through it. Maybe he will use it more once the baby is actually here. Keep you posted.

I gave my Son this book as a "sort of" Shower gift. We were going to my Daughter in law's shower and I wanted to give my Son a gift as well.
What better gift that a wonderful Little Big Book for Dads ?
He really liked it and that made me happy.

This book is a good one if you are going to have only a few to read to your little one. It has a wide variety of stories and rhymes for Dads to read to their little people. Moms will enjoy reading from it, too.

Yes...that is what really matters and when I brought it home she fell in love with the pictures and stuff. It is a 'best of' book for expecting fathers. The jokes are actually funny, the stories are great and very well written. I recommend it highly for first-time expecting Daddies like myself and all other Daddies too.

R.H. Benson wrote two mystical visions of the future. _The Dawn of All_ is an extremely romantic and improbable 1911 parable of a 1971 world mostly Catholic and at peace, ready for the Second Coming. _The Lord of the World_ came first, in 1907, and was a darker vision. A world of flying craft, major scientific advances, and comfort has become a place of materialist despair. Euthanasia is routine, for the desperately ill and the terminally bored. Oliver and Mabel Brand, a rising young couple, are the golden ones -- Oliver becomes a major political figure, but Mabel chooses the cool despairing end of legal euthanasia. Father Percy Franklin is one of the last Catholic priests in a world hostile to freedom, church, university, and history. Eventually elected the last Pope, he is restricted to the dusty forgotten village of Nazareth. Julian Felsenburgh is a charismatic American adventurer who means to and does become Lord of the World, anti-Christ. Details are less important than the very modern mood. Believing in progress as the only good, people are swept into any movement that promises it. The past is ruthlessly exterminated. The quest for one world government that begins with Esperanto ends with one world dictatorship.

This book is amazing. It has helped me realize what this world would be like without the catholic church, the inherent dangers of secularism, and the path to rectify the evil of modernism. By doing this, it has helped bring me back to the catholic church. This author is on par with Aldous Huxley and George Orwell in both his ability to visualize alternate worlds with precise understanding and his ability to write in a eloquent yet succinct manner. It is a short book and I highly recommend it.

Robert Hugh Benson grew up at the end of the nineteenth century, when it looked like Socialism would sweep over the world and make religious worship outmoded. His father was Archbishop of Canterbury; and he joined the Church of England but later converted to Catholicism. In his introduction to this book he wrote that he took the idea of Man (not the Son of Man) becoming the ideal and 'took it where it would go'.

Knowing that this book was written in 1904, before the Great War and the dissolution of the European Empires, and the nascent beginning of flight, it is interesting to read his views of what the world would look like in 100 years (or about now). He saw the end of poverty and hunger, and the raising of HUMANITY to the paramount position. His views on woman are arcane, as one of his characters dismissed his wife as 'just a woman', and that they make no strides of independence. He talks about inter-city flight at the amazing speed of 150mph, one year after Kitty Hawk.

The stories bottom line is that once Man begins to worship himself (in the guise of Julian Felsenburg), he not only has no need for idealized religion, but that the persecution of anyone who disagrees will become an act of Sedition and punishable by death. Religion is represented in this story by Roman Catholicism (all others having given in and disbanded, except for a few 'elderly jews wandering in Palestine) which fights a peaceable rear guard action against the forces of HUMANITY.

The language is a little difficult and flowery, while the ideas are interesting but sometimes the catholicism is hard to comprehend, but all in all it's worth reading.

"A Century before Left Behind there was Lord of the World," reads the cover blurb in the striking Wildside Press edition. But while both books deal with end times, that's where the similarities end. In Benson's vision, Catholics are the last remaining Christians. The Left Behind books, named for a line in Larry Norman's song, "I Wish We'd All Been Ready," on the other hand, follow the idea of the rapture popularized in Hal Lindsey's bestselling book, The Late Great Planet Earth.

I ordered this book from Amazon after reading Gwen Watkins' essay in Charles Williams: A Celebration (also available from Amazon) comparing Benson and Williams as writers. Williams being my favorite author, I was very excited to come upon a similarly gifted novelist. Benson wrote Lord of the World in 1907; it takes place in a future about a century later (around now). That's also around the time that Chesterton wrote his novels. Both he and Benson write so colorfully that it's sometimes hard to know what's going on. Whether people were more imaginative then or that was the style at the turn of the century I don't know. But having read GKC helps one read Benson, and vice versa.

Williams is often held to be obscure for his descriptions of supernatural and occultic ritual. Benson's obscurity lies in his pre-Vatican II Catholic vocabulary and bits of the Latin Mass, which will not be familiar to many readers. That aside, this is an absolutely gripping story. Having once started, I couldn't put the book down. Uncannily, in this 1907 novel, Benson prophesied a dark future that became reality, first in Germany and then in the USSR. Writing in the then new genre of science fiction, he envisioned a technologically advanced world nevertheless rushing headlong to destruction. It's amazing how contemporary he sounds as he looks forward in time to our present and his future.

Robert Hugh Benson (born November 18, 1871; died October 19, 1914) was the youngest son of Edward White Benson, Archbishop of Canterbury, and younger brother of Edward Frederic Benson. Benson studied Classics and Theology at Trinity College, Cambridge, from 1890 to 1893. In 1895, he was ordained a priest in the Church of England by his father.

His father died suddenly in 1896, and Benson was sent on a trip to the Middle East to recover his own health. While there, he began to question the status of the Church of England and to consider the claims of the Roman Catholic Church. His own piety began to tend toward the High Church variety, and he started exploring religious life in various Anglican communities, eventually obtaining permission to join the Community of the Resurrection.

Benson made his profession as a member of the community in 1901, at which time he had no thoughts of leaving the Church of England. But as he continued his studies and began writing, he became more and more uneasy with his own doctrinal position, and on September 11, 1903, he was received into the Roman Catholic Church.

He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1904 and sent to Cambridge. He continued his writing career along with the usual elements of priestly ministry. He was named a monsignor in 1911.

Lord of the World is one of his more exemplary works and well worth reading.