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A Page on the World: Books That Changed the WorldRobert B. Downs gives landmarks in the history of ideas that can assist us in coming up to speed with many of the foundational thoughts that have shaped and molded the world for the past 500 years.Reviewed by Robin WebberWorld News and Prophecy is dedicated to offering a biblical framework for the dynamic events that are swirling around us today. Perhaps many in our reading audience are taking an interest in what this life is all about for the first time. Where is humanity headed? How did we get here in the first place? Can humanity by itself solve the seemingly overwhelming problems that commonly beset us? But, as you are following along with the various articles and opening your Bible for the first time, you also notice we are commenting on matters of history, philosophy, sociopolitical development and science. You have the interest and desire, but maybe you are a little hesitant to move forward, because perhaps history or American and English literature were never your thing in high school or college. So often, we didn't connect with our teachers at an early age for one reason or another and thus some subjects still remain a mystery to us. The antidote for such a dilemma is found in a book titled Books That Changed the World by Robert B. Downs (a Mentor Book published by The New American Library, Inc., initially written 1956). This is a book that can assist you in coming up to speed with many of the foundational thoughts that have shaped and molded the world for the past 500 years. The subtitle of the book is "16 Landmarks in the History of Ideas." The author offers 16 selections of books, manuals or pamphlets that changed the world over the past 500 years. Downs' goal is not to focus on the size of the book, but rather the size of the idea and its ultimate effect on humanity. Some books were immediately noticed by millions of people due to their emotional appeal or call to arms, while others were read by a few and would later affect the daily lives of millions for decades if not centuries to come. Downs observes that "books can be forces for both good and bad. The intention here, in any case, is not to measure moral values, but instead to demonstrate that books are dynamic and powerful instruments, tools, or weapons" (p. 16). The books are divided into two main sections: 1) The World of Man and 2) The World of Science. The list of books, authors and chapter headings in the first section are as follows: The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli, "Anatomy of Power Politics"; Common Sense by Thomas Paine, "American Firebrand"; The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith, "Patron Saint of Free Enterprise"; Essay on the Principle of Population by Thomas Malthus, "Too Many Mouths"; Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau, "Individual Versus State"; Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, "Crusader for the Lowly"; Das Kapital by Karl Marx, "Prophet of the Proletariat"; The Influence of Sea Power Upon History by Alfred T. Mahan, "Leviathan Against Elephant"; The Geographical Pivot of History by Sir Halford J. Mackinder, "Heartland and World Island"; and Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler, "Study in Megalomania." The second section dealing with the World of Science includes De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium by Nicolaus Copernicus, "Celestial Revolution"; De Motu Cordis by William Harvey, "Dawn of Scientific Medicine"; Principia Mathematica by Sir Issac Newton, "System of the World"; Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, "Survival of the Fittest"; The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud, "Psychologist of the Unconscious"; and Relativity: The Special and the General Theory by Albert Einstein, "Godfather of the Atomic Age." Each entry is given 10 to 12 pages of description. Downs' account in each chapter gives breath and life to the authors, the times in which they lived and the ultimate impact of their writings. These always leave the reader pondering as to the sheer power of the written word. This book will allow the readers of World News and Prophecy a greater insight into this present age of man that is rooted in the soil of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17) and how humanity has properly or improperly exercised the spirit in man (1 Corinthians 2:11) that God has placed within us. For those who want to take some of the mystery out of history, this is your book. Many of the ideas covered in these seminal books are on the minds of our magazine's staff as they strive to offer accurate commentary on world history or current events in the light of biblical prophecy. Remember, it's not how much you read, but what you read that makes the difference. Books That Changed the World is a crisp and concise tool that will make your time, thoughts and understanding count. (Note: A revised edition is now available that has been expanded to 352 pages, covering more books.) WNP |
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