This book has so much information, yet it's not overwhelming nor is it written in a way that a typical mom couldn't read it and understand it. My copy has been well-used! And since my dream is of becoming a Lactation Consultant, you can bet that it'll be used much more in the future.

Every medical professional involved with childbirth and babies would have a copy of this book in order to help expectant and new mothers with questions. There is too much misinformation and too many wrong answers to our needs. It's because of those wrong answers that so many moms give up on breastfeeding and fall into the "I couldn't do it" trap. That's totally unfair to them and to their babies.

And to expectant parents, yes, it's an expensive book but if you are going to be a nursing family, I would highly recommend this book to you. This book is DEFINITELY the answer book!

I have read other books and this by far is the BEST one I have come across. It answers ANY question or concern I may have. I have found the answers I need in a matter of minutes and even when health professionals haven't a clue what to tell me. It has great information about pumping and storing breastmilk, what medications affect/don't affect your breastmilk, and so many other things that have helped me. This book is written like a textbook and instead of saying "you", it refers to you as "the mother." It is very easy reading, and I recommend this to a first time breastfeeder or a mom like myself who has breastfed before but didn't have all the information I needed. The book was very encouraging and interesting!

This book is designed to educate and easily provide specific facts and information to the health professional and lay person who is interested in breastfeeding and finding their way through the process. The Breastfeeding Answer Book really answers all the questions and directs you to the appropriate resources for back up and more information. This is a permanent fixture in my library. The pages are already dog eared.

Review of book: The Village Poet is a philosopher who is highly favored among the chief villager and villagers. His speech
challenges people to overcome their evil contention with good intentions. First, he mentions fear as example for putting a halt on their spirtual growth. Fear takes place when you're running from failure, rejection, and humilation. Therefore, change must emerge from " I can't" to "I can" in our hearts. His next step of becoming a true soldier is realizing the love for oneself and others. Love doesn't downplay or dictate a person's self-worth for living. You know that God made everything beautiful, so accept who you are and others too. Also, he tells them about helping others and having a forgiving heart towards mankind. Lastly, he gives God's instructions, "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all else is yours." If you believe that,then your struggles are just temporary. Either,you're going to do to things, follow the works of evil doers or follow God. Following the instruction of God may seem long, but the journey will always be rewarding.

Overall Opinion: The "Village Poet" is a great story of encouragement for all people. It can serve as a guide for our daily struggle. The story makes you think about the consequences of right and wrong. Although the sources remain unknown, God is truly represented throughout the whole story.

Review of book: The Village Poet is a philosopher who is highly favored among the chief villager and villagers. His speech challenges people to overcome their evil contention with good intentions. First, he mentions fear as example for putting a halt on their spirtual growth. Fear takes place when you're running from failure, rejection, and humilation. Therefore, change must emerge from "I can" to " I can't" in our hearts. His next step of becoming a true soldiers is realizing the love for oneself and others. Love doesn't downplay or dictate a person's self-worth for living. You know that God made everything beautiful, so accept who you are and others too. Also, he tells them to about helping others and having a forgiving heart towards mankind. Lastly, he gives God's instructions, "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all else is yours." If you believe that, then all your struggles are just temporary. Either, you're going to do two things, follow the works of evil doers or follow God. Following the instruction of God may seem long, but the journey will always be rewarding.

Overall Opinion: The "Village Poet" is a great story of encouragement for all people. It can serve as a guide for our daily struggle. The story makes you think about the consequences of right and wrong. Although the sources remain unknown, God is truly represented throughout the whole story.

The Village poet is a philosopher who is highly favored among the chief villager and villagers. His speech challenges people to overcome their evil contentions with good intentions. First, he mentions fear as example for putting a halt on their spirtual growth. Fear takes place when you're running from failure, rejection, and humiliation. Therefore, change must emerge from "I can't" to "I can" in our hearts. His next step of becoming a true soldier is realizing the love for oneself and others too. Also, he tells them about helping others and having a forgiving heart towards mankind. Lastly, he gives God's instructions, "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all else is yours." If you believe that, then your struggles are just temporary. Either, you're going to do two things, follow the works of evil doers or follow God. Following the instructions of God may seem long, but the journey will always be rewarding.

The Village poet is a great story of encouragement for all people. It can serve as a guide for our daily struggle. The story makes you think about the consequences of right and wrong. Although the sources remain unknown, God is truly represented throughout the whole story.

While reading this book, I was fascinated by each of these men but even more so of James Newton, the author. Reading this book I found that it was full of history, humor, and unfounded wisdom. I began taking notes for my own personal edification. This is truly a must read.

This book originally caught my eye as an addition to another book I read called Edison: A Life of Invention by Paul Israel. I wanted a book that would cover a little more of Edison's personal life, and this book did just that. However, James Newton's close, dedicated friendships with all of these great men of the twentieth century is truly amazing, and I learned more than I would probably learn otherwise about some of these important historical figures.

The entire book is fascinating, and surely different parts will appeal to different readers. I was particularly enchanted with a poignant description of how Charles Lindbergh handled dying as he lay on his deathbed. I was also fascinated with how environmentally conscientious some of these men were, particularly Edison and Lindbergh, but also Ford. For example, Ford was very interested in making automobile parts out of soybeans in order to reduce the need for metal parts. It seems that all of these men had numerous ideas and ideas for inventions that were way ahead of their time - perhaps some of them still are.

Newton's writing is quite good, and I only have one very minor criticism: it seems that he preaches a little bit and dwells on the religious facet of his relationships with these people. Of course, I'm sure this was a very important part of his relationship with these men and their families, but it seems that there is a grand, overarching agenda he has in constantly illustrating their connection to God and religion.

If you are interested in any of these historical figures and their fascinating relationships with each other, this book is definitely the best book you will find on the subject.

This book originally caught my eye as an addition to another book I read called Edison: A Life of Invention by Paul Israel. I wanted a book that would cover a little more of Edison's personal life, and this book did just that. However, James Newton's close, dedicated friendships with all of these great men of the twentieth century is truly amazing, and I learned more than I would probably learn otherwise about some of these important historical figures.

The entire book is fascinating, and surely different parts will appeal to different readers. I was particularly enchanted with a poignant description of how Charles Lindbergh handled dying as he lay on his deathbed. I was also fascinated with how environmentally conscientious some of these men were, particularly Edison and Lindbergh, but also Ford. For example, Ford was very interested in making automobile parts out of soybeans in order to reduce the need for metal parts. It seems that all of these men had numerous ideas and ideas for inventions that were way ahead of their time - perhaps some of them still are.

Newton's writing is quite good, and I only have one very minor criticism: it seems that he preaches a little bit and dwells on the religious facet of his relationships with these people. Of course, I'm sure this was a very important part of his relationship with these men and their families, but it seems that there is a grand, overarching agenda he has in constantly illustrating their connection to God and religion.

If you are interested in any of these historical figures and their fascinating relationships with each other, this book is definitely the best book you will find on the subject.

In "Anger Busting 101" Newton Hightower provides a framework for change that anyone can use. The author starts by establishing his credentials - he is not only a professional therapist but has had an anger problem that nearly ruined his life. He tried the therapies that were thought to help but was not successful. In fact, he found that many of the traditional therapies actually made his problem worse.

In this text he goes over the techniques that he found actually worked to change his life. These techniques came out of a whole new approach to anger, this approach is to treat anger as a recovery situation. This brings me to the only item that I had a problem with in the book. In chapter 3 he discusses how to respond to questions of "why" from a spouse, sibling, or other person. For example, if asked why you got so angry and threw the lamp against the wall then you should use one of the answers given in the text. The basic idea of the answers is understandable as they focus on the angry person taking responsibility for their anger and actions. However, the way they are worded is highly questionable. For example, one response is "I'm crazy" or another is "I'm stupid". Current traditional psychotherapy would say to word it more along the lines of "What I did was a crazy thing to do" or "I did a stupid thing". Taking responsibility for your actions is one thing but taking it to the point of putting yourself down and endangering your self esteem when angry people often already have low self esteem does not seem like a good idea to me. Then again it is hard to argue with results. From the cases listed in the book and the comments from other people that have used it successfully it does seem to work.

If anger is controlling you in any way and you want to start living a postive and fulfilling life then this book is for you. I would use caution with the wording in Chapter 3 and feel that you could take responsibility without the self-deprication, but other than that this book seems to offer hope to people who have been unsuccessful in controling their rage in the past. A highly recommended read.

Hightower has done it again! Anger Busting 101 is a must-read for therapists as well as angry men and their partners. This book is loaded with practical suggestions for healing relationships. Hightower's lighthearted approach manages to both enlighten and entertain. With self deprecating humor(rare for therapists), Hightower places himself on a level playing field with his readers. Hightower's personal journey in battling rage addiction remains an inspiration to angry men everywhere.
Rebecca Strick LMSW-ACP

This is one of those books we all need to read whether or not we or a partner have a problem with anger ourselves. It's very state-of-the-art in terms of psychological insight--the kind one needs to get along in the present climate of stressed-out people. I've recommended this book to several friends coping with various stages of anger in marriage, and they've thanked me for it. Newton Hightower is onto something important with his practical, straight-from-the-hip help. Women with the "learned helplessness" of battered/verbally abused wives will see their way out in this book. Both men and women are sure to benefit. Newton Hightower is a true peacemaker, and bless him for it.

If you're going to study the Black Panther Party, you of course must check out a story of its preminent leader. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. He gave me an understanding what it meant to be a radical Black activist during the 60s and 70s. It meant that you had to be courageous, committed, and five steps ahead of the cops, the FBI, and informants.

Of course, now, this is Huey's account of the Party. While his is seriously important, the works of other Panthers and scholars who are now publishing works about the Panthers must also be studied. For now that I'm reading a biography on another Panther leader, Geronimo Pratt, I'm very interested in understanding more about the political split that took place in the BPP. Why did Huey expell Pratt from the Party? Why did Eldridge Cleaver turn out to be so reactionary? I look forward to reading other books on the Panthers to answer these and other questions.

I felt as though this book was very powerful in expressing the reality of every African-American in society that lives in an urban area. Huey Newton is a powerful writer, but his books are often not read becuase of the fact that limitations are place on him because of his staus. I feel as though his books should be read by every one in order to understand our struggle and also African-Americans as a race and The Black Panther Party as a group. I give this book infinite stars and I think this book should be read by every intellectual and every conscious mind that's open to all possiabilities of reveloution. Stay Strong everyone and always remember the struggle. Peace!!!!!

This book is a great read, it is powerful, every chapter starts with a relevant quote, usually by a Socialist leader. It is filled with the incidents of huey's life and his beliefs. It is clearly written and shows the strong convictions of the man in affirming personal freedom and justice, and his belief that it can be done. Through all the trials and tribulations he went through, and through the rhetoric that went back and forth between the panthers and government, Huey manages to steer away from cliches, (though he interestingly describes the way they came up with the word "pig" for cops.) I was fortunate enough to pick this book up in middle school after hearing about huey newton on a rap album, and being curious. I don't understand why it is so hard to find. I have found Eldridge Cleaver's Soul on Ice recently, and find it amazingly honest in a way that huey doesn't get, with his personal life and weaknesses. And Bobby Seale, the other founder, has written some books as well. Its unproductive to talk about which is better. This one is great.

I just got this book in te mail today and I'm really excited about it. I have been working in colored pencil for about 2 years and have seen a number of books on the subject. This one is by far the best one I've come across. Lots of basics,useful information, beautiful pictures and many techniques I can hardly wait to try. Highly recommend this book!

This book is a must-have! Not only for those who work primarily in colored pencil, but for anyone who is interested in drawing, still life, the use of color, composition, and realistic style. The book is clearly written, well organized, packed with information, and a delight to view. The many beautiful photographs of completed works rendered solely by these two accomplished artists distinguish this book. The compatible style of Janie Gildow and Barbara Benedetti Newton better support the narrative guidelines and step-by-step demonstrations than any other drawing book in my collection. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to explore or expand their options in artistic expression.

This book is wonderful. It is full of step by step easy to follow instructions, along with technics of color pencil, how to draw realistic glass, and metal containers, and those fuzzy peaches. Being a beginner in color pencil, I have found this book full of useful information.

The story of little black Sambo is truly a classic from all who remember it from our childhood.Helen Bannerman wrote this story for her two little children while traveling with them by train across India. If people would LOOK AT THE ILLUSTRATIONS they would see that Sambo is a little Indian boy from India, continents away from America and the Cival war and or South. I ran 2 independant bookstores some 12 to 14 years ago and when I finally found THE STORY OF LITTLE BLACK SAMBO in print again I'd order maybe 60 copies a week and could not keep this wonderful little storybook in stock. Almost every buyer were grandparents who could not wait to introduce their grandchildren to a book we all knew and loved. It is a must have for all collectors of wonderful literature!

When my wife asked me to try and find several classic children's books for her new baby grandson, I smiled at the mention of the titles, recalling with great fondness the stories being read to me by my mother when I was a child. Little Black Sambo was one of those stories. It is, of course, a shame that there arose some time ago individuals who equated the story with "racism". To the intelligent mind, it is truly a pity that some are so intent to find "racism" that they will envision same where none even vaguely exists.Such is the case with this fanciful, harmless classic story for children; a story that has been told to generations of children who have listened in wonder as the tigers melted into butter for (the little Indian boy) Sambo's pancakes!It is a story that returns one to a simpler time, long before child psychologists, political correctness (and who indeed is qualified to judge what is or is not CURRENTLY "correct"? Perhaps we're better off not knowing their identities, God help us!), shootings committed by school children, and all the other wonders of this wonderful Modern Age.Little Black Sambo is an American classic. As for racism: it can be found wherever one desires to find it. And if it exists not where they look, tis easy enough to invent.

A wonderful childhood book to read again even now at age 52.

The pictures of the tigers, bright clothing and how to make butter are still fresh in my mind from that story. I ran around that tree with that little boy, time and time again and I am glad that we are able to have this book available to share with our children and grandchildren.

Murray Rothbard once again cuts through the popular dogma and conventional knowledge which government would prefer we all simply take on faith. In this case, the subject is money and the creation of it. Rothbard, an exceptional economist, showcases his ability to set aside the technical jargon and higher mathematics of the profession in favor of language accessible to everyone. In "The Case Against the Fed," Professor Rothbard examines the roots of money, as a commodity with subjective value which, because of wide-spread acceptance and other desireable qualities, becomes a medium of exchange for a people. Furthermore, he exposes the government's, via the Federal Reserve, monopolization of money. Rothbard shows how the Fed uses the power of the printing press to tax the people via inflation, to redistribute income, and to artificailly lower the interest rate leading to the infamous "business cycle" and the roller coaster of depressions and booms which our eceonomy is regualraly subjected to. Anyone who is concerned about the purchasing power of their income and about the unemployment which the business cycle regularly brings should read this book. Professor Rothbard portrays the federal government as what it is: the self-proclaimed, legitimate counterfeiter

Ever since the creation of the Federal Reserve Board ("the Fed"), the American economy has been subject to a cycle of boom and bust. Most recently, we saw a bubble in technology stocks in general and telecommunication stocks in particular, fueled by the creation of credit. But no one wants to blame the culprit -- the Fed. Why has an institution that was created allegedly to bring stability to the economy caused such havoc? Equally importantly, why is an institution that has so much power so unaccountable?

Murray Rothbard (1926-1995) provides in this book an outstanding discussion of money, banking, the Fed, and U.S. monetary policy. As usual, Rothbard sees the "big picture." There was no need for a central bank, however the Banksters ' in combination with Big Business and Big Intellectuals -- pushed for the creation of the Fed. Rothbard's discussion of the battles between the Rockefellers and the House of Morgan is fascinating. (See his Wall Street, Banks and American Foreign Policy for a more elaborate discussion of this great "conspiracy" in U.S. history.)

The foundation for this work is Austrian economic theory. Through fractional reserve banking ' which is little more than legal counterfeiting ' banks are permitted to print new money, thus creating inflation. Yet the central insight of Austrian theory is that this creation of money doesn't simply increase prices, but distorts the cycle of production as it works its way through the economy. This creates the boom and bust cycles that have plagued our economy.

For a more detailed discussion of many of the issues raised in this book, the interested reader should consult Rothbard's The Mystery of Banking.

This book, written by Murray Rothbard, an economist and historian of fairly well known repute, is a scathing attack on not only the Federal Reserve, but the interests that created this institution. Rothbard is an adept writer, as he takes a concept that can be fairly daunting and makes it accessible to the those readers without an economics background. I considered trying to earn a degree in Economics, but abandoned it when I found out that most of it is tied to higher mathematics. I'm more interested in the conceptual side. Rothbard cuts out math and focuses on the real meat of the issue, the concepts that govern money supply and inflation.

The book starts by discussing the biggest problem with the Federal Reserve system, which is fractional reserve banking. Rothbard explains how this system is only functioning because people believe that it works. If there was a run on banks tomorrow, the entire financial system would collapse, because there isn't enough "real" money in reserve to cover all of the bank notes in circulation. Rothbard believes that it is the Fed that causes inflation, and that the Fed is the sole source of inflation in society. It can be a confusing issue to explain, but Rothbard makes it easy.

The rest of the book is a detailed history of the creation of the central banking system. This part can be confusing due to the numerous names that Rothbard flies through as he traces the events leading up to the creation of the Fed at Jekyll Island in 1911. Several interesting points are made during this history. Rothbard says that the Progressive movement in American history was essentially engineered by the money interests to help destroy competition. The little guy couldn't afford to put up with all the regulatory laws passed by the government. This opened the way for the giants, such as Morgan and Rockefeller to monopolize industry. Another point that Rothbard makes is that the history of the United States from after the Civil War to World War Two has essentially been controlled by two financial camps, Morgan and Rockefeller. In this way, he supports views held by many that the big money trust controls the country and owns all of the politicians, an issue that is very much in vogue today, and can be seen in the minor success of Ralph Nader's run for the White House. The book winds up by saying that the only way to restore sanity is to go back to the gold standard, where all money is backed up by an equivalent amount of either gold or silver.

I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in finance and economics. This book is good for anyone who just wants to understand what fractional reserve banking is and how it works. Rothbard died in 1995, but he has left a good account of himself behind for all to enjoy.

I am responding to the person who wrote the second review, the student who decided to use this book to study for an exam in basic calculus. What are you, crazy? Why would ANYONE think they could learn "baby calc" from the great book in which Newton elucidated his theory of the universe!? Did you think about asking anyone, first? I'm a college math prof and my guess is that ANY math teacher would have suggested you study from a modern, elementary calc book, instead. (Then you make matters worse by giving the book a bad review!) At any rate, if you would like a good, modern translation of Newton's Principia, this is the place to go. You really should know some calc and basic mechanics, however - remember, this book, was written by one of the greatest minds in the human history, and it was NOT meant to be a textbook for the novice. Please do not let review # 2 steer you away..........

I've seen bad reviews for master works of science in the past. Mostly they claim these books are either not clear or impossible to understand. Don't buy this book for the purpose of learning Classical Mechanics or Calculus from it, but for the scientific curiosity of learning how the great Isaac Newton presented his revolutionary scientific ideas to the world. Of course, it is difficult to read. This is a translation of a book written in Latin more than 300 years ago!

This book is a jewel. Just like the original works of Einstein, Maxwell, Heisenberg, Schroedinger and all those giants. Many of the ideas presented in the book were written for the first time in history and probably they are not organized in a didactic form. The person buying this book should not expect to find a clear textbook when originally it was not written for the layman, but for the expert scientific community of its time. Buy this book, sit back, scan through it, and enjoy a true piece of history.

This is the third time I have read the PRINCIPIA. Every time I come back with even greater awe and respect for this masterpiece.

Friends, this is a classic work. Reading this book and digesting the material is an experience you will never forget. Just imagine. Three hundred and some years ago Newton came up with the theory of fluxions (Calculus), the theory of light, the theory of gravitation, and much more. Then reading about it in his own words (here translated from the original Latin); is very humbling and awe inspiring.

A word of caution. The writing is turgid in keeping with the times and because it is a translation. Also, if you are not familiar with calculus or basic classical mechanics the material will require an extra effort on your part. This is NOT a easy read. Therefore, take your time reading this book. Maybe even a chapter a week. After the initial inconveniences believe me you will not regret it. You will be inspired and plain surprised that this jewel of knowledge is so affordable to us today.

Over the past year I have read extensively about the 17th century. "The Age of Louis XIV" is the best book which I have found on the period. Volume VII of Will and Ariel Durant's multi-volume "Story of Civilization", this book documents more detail of the era than any others which I have read.

The book begins with sections on France and England. The next section is "The Periphery" dealing with Russia, Poland, Scandinavia, Germany, Italy, and Iberia. After the geographically oriented sections, the reader is treated to sections organized along intellectual topics, such as science, philosophy, and faith and reason, which contain chapters dealing with specific philosophers or scientists. The conclusion wraps it all up with the denouement of Louis XIV.

This book makes the 17th century understandable. The premier character of the era was Louis XIV, the Sun King of France. During his reign, the policies of he and his ministers established France's day in the sun. Absolute ruler of the most populous and powerful kingdom in Western Europe, Louis made France the center of Western Civilization. On these pages we learn about the Fronde, the revolt by the nobility at the rising of his Sun, from which Louis acquired his life long aversion to Paris, Louis' aggressive support of Catholicism, while at the same time maintaining illicit personal relationships, and his generous support for the arts. This era, rich in French literature and theatre, as represented in Moliere, is revealed.

The forces threatening to rend the Catholic Church further asunder, as well as the relationship between King and Pope, are dealt with in detail. I was surprised to learn that Louis exercised a power over the Church in France similar to that which Henry VIII had previously established over the Church in England.

England, meanwhile, endured Cromwell, The Stuart Restoration, and the Glorious Revolution, while spawning Milton, Dryden, Swift and other literary giants.

Interesting contrasts are illustrated. Whereas in France the monarchy was strengthened into absolutism, England was making hesitating steps toward democracy. Whereas Louis excluded much of the nobility from government and military service, essentially forcing them into the role of idle rich, the English nobility gradually gained power and responsibility for the governance of their country. We can see how these trends may have encouraged the resentment of the aristocrats on the part of the French peasantry, which may have contributed to the intensity of feeling during The Terror of the French Revolution. By contrast, the empowerment of the English nobility may have helped solidify the tradition of peaceful political maturation.

On the Periphery, Charles XII brought Sweden to the zenith of its international power, while Peter the great modernized Russia. Germany survived the onslaught of the Turks, while Italy and Iberia, the "Old Europe" of the day, slid through an era of decline.

Intellectually the era was one of giants. Many of the names with which we are familiar come alive as we read of Isaac Newton, Thomas Hobbes, John Lock, Spinoza, Leibniz and others.

The conclusion of the era was the sunset of the Sun King. Having exhausted his country with dynastic war, bled it with unequal taxation and incurred the enmity of the world, Louis negotiated a peace which left his kingdom a shattered hulk of its former greatness.

For anyone desiring an introduction to the history of the 17th century, this is a great place to start. It has me ready for other books in the Durants' "Story of Civilization".

Though the central figure of this book is Louix XIV, this book is not about French history, but about European history as a whole.

The focus of this book is not on political and military history but on the history of religion, art, literature, science and philosophy. Or I can say politics is deeply involved in religion, art, literature and philosophy. I have never studied European philosophy before, and I thought it would be exttremely difficult to understand philosophy. But while I was reading this book, I found that phlosophy could be much easier when it was explained in a political context of the times.

And in this book English history was emphasized as much as French history. It is quite natural because Louis himself was deeply involved in and greatly responsible for the 17th century English history, and Thomas Hobbes and John Locke were Englishmen.

I believe that this book is the best book I've ever read. I'd like to read all 12 volumes of Will & Ariel Durant's "The History of Civilization" series.

By the way, I found 2 trivial mistakes in this book.
According to p 505, Halley identified another comet, seen in 1680, with one observed in the year of Christ's death; he traced its recurrence every 575 years, and from the periodicity he computed its orbit and speed around the sun. According to my own calculation, however, 575 x 2 + 33 = 1183, while 575 x 3 + 33 = 1758.
According to p 513, Mariotte amused his friends by showing that "cold" could burn: with a concave slab of ice he focused sunlight upon gunpowder, causing it to explode. To focus sunlight, however, we need a convex lens, not a concave lens.

The Durants succeed again in encapsulating the 17th century in Europe. They label it as the landmark century intellectually and scientifically and there is much truth to their assessment: the 18th Century, the "Enlightenment" and "Aufklarung" usually takes pride of place given the American and French Revolutions that dominated them and the general retreat of superstition and obscurantism that marred both Catholicism and Protestantism in the previous centuries. The Durants clearly show that all the 18th century did was develop themes initially sounded and expounded by 17th century thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke, Newton, Leibniz, Spinoza and the English Deists. These writers, and others, laid the bedrock for the various revolutions that shook Europe in the 1700 and 1800s and which have culminated in our own day: The Industrial, Political and Scientific.

Thematically, the book is erected upon the scaffolding of the Le Roi Soleil's life. They present his wars, mistresses, patronage of art, political autocracy as well as murderous bigotry. In my opinion, in their conclusion they let Louis off far too lightly. He was a man who countenanced, nay, actually encouraged and gloried not only in wars to dominate Europe--a common enough failing amongst the crowned--but in the Persecution of the Huguenots he left a blot on his record that, in light of the deadly century we just left and the religious fanaticism of 11 September, should sink his record in the humanitarian sense.

His vanity and thirst for "la glorie" (which he admitted himself to have been his worst failing) bankrupted France and left the Peasants in a savage and degrading poverty they hadn't experienced since the calamities of the 14th century. His refusal to use his power to actually reform government and tax the nobility mark his reign as regressive and disastrous in many ways. Still his impeccable taste in the visual and plastic arts-as opposed to his love of second-rate playwrights and third-rate opera--make him the supreme art patron in history. And the prestige and admiration that accumulated acted as a sort of bank that his incompetent, worthless successor cruised upon. Only under sixteenth Louis did the credit of the Sun King's name finally run out...

Still, the Durants must credited for making this error sparkle and shimmer with life and the lovely prose still entrances and pleases regardless of how dull or recondite the subject might be. Again, they are two of the greatest of all American writers. Someday, I hope, they will be acknowledged as such.