This is a wonderfully written account of a missionary's life in early 20th century China. Both educational and entertaining. Well worth the reader's time. Ed Bliss does the subject exquisite justice.

From what I've read of reviews and from what I know of the content of this beautifully written biography of a father by his son.

"Beyond the Stone Arches" is the gripping story of a pioneer missionary doctor who served for four decades in a mission station deep in the interior of Fujian province. Each chapter could stand alone, for the scene changes from Imperial China to the shaky, new Republic in 1911, to civil wars, banditry, floods, plague and cholera epidemics - but through it all, Edward Bliss, Jr. tells the story of his father's daily work, his love for China and its people, his ventures such as raising milk cows so children could have milk, and his courage in the face of danger from Communist guerrillas, bandit gangs and rampant warlords. The book reads like an autobiography, for the author draws heavily on his own extensive interviews with his father and his father's letters, plus the author's own memories of childhood in pre-modern China. This is not a stereotype "missionary book!"

With this book, Edwin Bliss has gotten to the heart of understanding and having victory over procrastination. I see it as a key factor in one taking control over his own life. The importance of this topic cannot be underestimated, for without focussed and consistent action towards one's goal and dreams, they will not come true. Moreover, Bliss has crafted an extremely practical set of tools- ones that anyone can immediately put to use and begin reaping benefits. Two practical books to read in conjuction with this one are David Schwartz's "The Magic of Thinking Big", and Anthony Robbin's "Awaken the Giant Within". Don't be put off by Robin's infomercial approach (you don't have to spend $100's on his programs to tap his brain). Robbins really has captured a great number of priceless nuggets. Jose Silva's work on mind control has also made some highly valuable contributions, particularly in his triad foundation of understanding and generating desire, belief and expectation, even without all his work at the subconcious level. These all build to make one powerful program for positive change.