About this ebook
Books Are Weapons
Books have wielded an immense power for good and evil throughout the history of the human race. Here is a thoughtful and probing discussion of sixteen of the most important works of all time which influenced history, economics, culture, civilization, and scientific thought from the Renaissance to the present day.
Such widely different, but immensely powerful books as Hitler’s Mein Kampf, which foreshadowed the death and destruction of World War II, Harvey’s famous volume on blood circulation which revolutionized medical theory and treatment, Einstein’s theories on relativity which opened the atomic age are clearly described in this provocative and readable volume. Dr. Downs, former President of the American Library Association and head of the University of Illinois Library, also shows the widespread and decisive influence of other great works, including Newton’s presentation of his discovery of the laws of gravity, a cornerstone in scientific theory today, Darwin’s Origin of Species which many churchmen thought contradicted the Bible, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin which is considered one of the major causes of the American Civil War, and Freud’s Interpretation of Dreams, the great volume from the man who revolutionized modern man’s thoughts about himself.
Altogether, here is a fascinating presentation of books from many times which shows the tremendous power of the printed word on human development.
Books have wielded an immense power for good and evil throughout the history of the human race. Here is a thoughtful and probing discussion of sixteen of the most important works of all time which influenced history, economics, culture, civilization, and scientific thought from the Renaissance to the present day.
Such widely different, but immensely powerful books as Hitler’s Mein Kampf, which foreshadowed the death and destruction of World War II, Harvey’s famous volume on blood circulation which revolutionized medical theory and treatment, Einstein’s theories on relativity which opened the atomic age are clearly described in this provocative and readable volume. Dr. Downs, former President of the American Library Association and head of the University of Illinois Library, also shows the widespread and decisive influence of other great works, including Newton’s presentation of his discovery of the laws of gravity, a cornerstone in scientific theory today, Darwin’s Origin of Species which many churchmen thought contradicted the Bible, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin which is considered one of the major causes of the American Civil War, and Freud’s Interpretation of Dreams, the great volume from the man who revolutionized modern man’s thoughts about himself.
Altogether, here is a fascinating presentation of books from many times which shows the tremendous power of the printed word on human development.
Ratings and reviews
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1 review
Nicolas d'Avout
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November 18, 2017
Darwin did not and still has not proven his imaginary communism he writes off as science. I use to be a secularist myself and I'm telling you he is nothing more than a religious cult leader.
About the author
Robert Bingham Downs (1903-1991) was a prolific American author and librarian. Downs was an advocate for intellectual freedom as well. Downs spent the majority of his career working against, and voicing opposition to, literary censorship. Downs authored many books and publications regarding the topics of censorship, and on the topics of responsible and efficient leadership in the library context.
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