| I was surprise to see so few reviews of this seventh book in the nine book series from Mr. Maybury. It astonished me even more to find a library review that seemed to attack him. This could not have been a person who has given the "Uncle Eric" series a fair and balanced hearing. To attack Mr. Maybury for presenting a compressed view of history on the grounds that they put forth, proves that they do not fully understand nor comprehend the overall spirit and intent of his books. As a matter of fact I found that review rather childish, inept and unjustifiable. In any case I find this book no different than all the rest, a good read, informative and thought provoking. Mr. Maybury tells us way back in his first book of this series...that they are all simply one man's opinion of how we have arrived where we are today. It is up to the reader to research futher and consider whether they want to accept his evaluation or not. Surely tolerance itself would dictate he get a just hearing in that regard. Big government does oppress the people, and anyone who does not agree with that is just plain simple-minded. I found this book thought provoking, challenging and educational on a level that I guess the library in queston cannot comprehend. As a primer to history, economics, moral issues, government, polictics, money and countless other subjects Mr. Maybury brings a method that should be more widely used to educate our children. At least on the most basic level to spart their interest and bring such matters down to a level of simplification that does not turn the young reader off. Surly we must instruct them that they should never take one persons opinion as a gospel to the truth or history or anything but to deny them the benefit of his rather extraordiary talents is a much worse sin upon enlightenment than anything Mr. Maybury has perpetrated. All writings, no matter how well cloaked or clothed in the dust jackets of the historian, journalist, constitutional scholar or other famous authors is after all "just opinion" derived at by looking at something someone else has produced, and trying to glean what was in their minds when they put pen or quill to paper or parchment. Librarians should remember that and not be so harsh upon people like Mr. Maybury for there is no more truth and fiction in his works than in many many others that sit upon the library shelves. Great introductory book to history as it relates to todays world. I would strongly recommend it to the beginner. |