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Book reviews for "Power,_Michael" sorted by average review score:

Usareur: United States Army in Europe (Presidio Power Series. Landpower, No 3003)
Published in Paperback by Presidio Pr (1989)
Author: Michael Skinner
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Skinner and the US Army in Europe.
Michael Skinner's USAREUR published by Presidio Press in 1989, is fascinating reading. On one level it is a contemporary account of one of the most powerful armies in the world facing up to it's greatest adversary on the plains of Germany. Read today, with the unification of Germany, it still provides fascinating reading for military historians and modelling buffs alike! The rich text, wealth of photographs and the Central Front map showing peace time deployment areas are not to be missed. If you have this book in you're collection, re-visit it, if you don't, get it!


Utilization of Ocean Waves: Wave to Energy Conversion
Published in Paperback by American Society of Civil Engineers (1987)
Authors: Michael E. McCormick and Young C. Kim
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A collection of important papers. A classic synopsis
This assembly of resumed research papers on Wave Energy Technology, was part of the ASCE Specialty Conference, Utilization of Ocean Waves, held at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in 1986. Signed by some of the most prominent researchers in industry and academy, such as Prof. M.E.MCCORMICK, Prof. Y.MASUDA, T.J.T. WHITTAKER, KIM NIELSEN -among others, this brief 200-page synopsis cannot be overlooked by the serious field researcher. Despite the significant field progress accomplished since when issued, this is a meticulously selected material as to deserve classification as an all-time classic. Among issues considered are, capture chamber geometry efficiencies, research and design, turbine design and performance, power take-off integration, along with some basic assessment on economics and electric power transmission to shoreline. Undertandably, an elaborate section is devoted to applications incorporating the renowned McCormick impulse counter-rotating turbine, as well as an excellent section on the ubiquitous Wells turbine. I should take this opportunity to gratify the many inquiries asking me for information on the KVAERNER Norway OWC device, by indicating a related paper appearing in this book.


The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power
Published in Hardcover by Signature Books (1994)
Author: D. Michael Quinn
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convincing but only a part of the discourse
The book is an interesting one. I found it somewhat persuasive in its arguments, however some of the primary sources that he uses could be interpreted differently. I've read a couple of reviews that said after reading Quinn's work they left the LDS church, that is unfortunate because Quinn is not the final word on the topics he treats. One should always look at author's who offer a different picture using the same primary sources that Quinn uses. Also, one could argue that Quinn is a biased historian since he was excommunicated from the church he is writing about. It's like writing a book about the IRS just after they've audited you and took everything you had. Would your book be considered objective? Apply that logic to Quinn's work and enjoy.

Historical details on Mormon Authority
This book examines the origin and theology of "power" in the LDS Church.

The term "power" seems a little missleading. What the book is really about is the origin of Mormon "authority." Specifically, this refers to the concept of Mormon "Priesthood," or the "authority" of Mormon leaders to act in the name of God.

The book addresses how Joseph Smith received this authority, what he did with it, and how it helped to shape early Mormon society and theology.

Joseph's traditional account on how he received this authority from God is addressed, as well as the historical problems and evolution of that account over time.

It also explains how this authority became paramount in his theology. How his belief in this authority gave birth to, "theocratic ethics" (i.e. If God says something is right, it doesn't matter what man says), and to Joseph's being ordained King by his secret council of 50.

The book is well written, heavily annotated (typical of Quinn), and important in pointing out revisions to Mormon scripture as Joseph's traditional account became canonized.

Quinn's work is an excellent example of historical research.
My wife and I were both LDS members, and in combination with what we were taught at church and temple services, Origins of Power sheds invaluable light onto the way the church operated in its beginning and how it operates today. Quinn's research and dedication to factual evidence (I've followed through on many of his sources), is no less than exciting and complete. I note that Quinn was excommunicated from the church, because of the sensitive, "unauthorized" information he (and many other authors) have brought forth concerning the origins of Mormon religious beliefs and practices. As a historical researcher, and once fond member of the church, I highly recommend Quinn's work to anyone interested in Mormon history, and who are fair minded and strong willed.


India: Emerging Power
Published in Hardcover by The Brookings Institution (30 June, 2001)
Authors: Stephen Philip Cohen, Stephen P. Cohen, and Michael H. Armacost
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Emerging or Merging Power
Stephen P Cohen contends that India's power is balanced and paradoxical. Its economy is thriving, yet it is likely to contain over half of the world's poorest people. Its strategic elite is ambitious, yet it has been unable to translate its civilization distinctiveness into international influence and respect. Further, while India has long been praised as the 'world's largest democracy', the logic of democracy has triggered a series of domestic revolutions that are transforming the economy, the unique institution of caste, the relationship between India's states and the central government, and India's very identity. Cohen further argues that the United States should build on the recent warming in the relations between the two countries to ensure that India does not turn hostile and threaten to block American policy initiatives.While India is now emerging as a major pan-Asian power, this evolution will be conditioned and shaped by a series of dramatic internal social and political developments that are transforming much of India. These developments will occupy the attention of Indian politicians for years. The author is of the view that as a strategic power, India is likely to continue its cautious policies toward China. India's relations with Pakistan present another area of vulnerability and that New Delhi seems unable to develop a strategy that would resolve the Kashmir crisis.The author has covered almost all aspects of the Indian History and suggested an overwhelming future but Economy of India has not been given due coverage. His entire thesis of emergence of India is based on the existing growth rate, which is about 6 %. However, Means of Production and Services Sector etc have not been covered with rationale. In this connection it is recommended that "The world in 2020" by Hamish McRae be read, which hardly shows any tangible change in the Indian Economy by the year 2020. An entire chapter dealing Economic aspects would have given the real picture of "future of India". In the book one finds a lot of repetition of events. Even some of the chapters could have been lumped together to provide concrete material. One finds most of the chapters without addressing the main issues. The author has not covered the various ongoing separatists' movements in India and their repercussions on the overall stability and the growth of India. Though he has touched upon the movements in Tamil Nadu and Kashmir. He has suggested that until Kashmir Dispute is not resolved the chances of status quo in the region remains. The author has given a lighter touch to the critical role of the RSS/BJP, their popular agenda and the future of the so-called Secular State. The dangerous consequences of this revivalist movement have not been appreciated fully.

great resource on India since 47
As India became an independent nation in 1947, it became the world's second largest country in population and the world's larges democracies. Cohen in India:Emerging Power looks at how India has been advancing since 1947. Cohen looks at the different influences on India such as non-alliance, the Nehru view, and the Gandhi view. Cohen also deals deals with India's interactions with other countries such as the Soviet Union and later Russia, United States, Africa, China and other South Asian countries. Cohen also looks at some of the more well known issues of India such as its military. It relied on Soviet Aid for a long time but was never able to get as much as it wanted. Cohen looks at American influences on the Indian military and its desire to become an arms exporter. Cohen also looks at India's nuclear program and its relations with Pakistan. He goes through the history of the conflict and how nuclear weapons. It also deals with INdia's relations to the United states and about how the two countries can work togheter.

One of the best Review about South Asia
Its one of the best book in the market about South Asia
And i agree with the author that India is going to be a Power in South Asia
As USA and the free World have one thing common with India and that is Democracy and to work hard and live in a civilized world


Children with Autism: A Parent's Guide
Published in Paperback by Woodbine House (15 July, 2000)
Authors: Michael D. Powers and Temple Grandin
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A depressing, horrible book, read only after you've given up
Please, do not let this be the first book you read when your child is diagnosed. This book is depressing and includes no information about actually helping your child or dealing with the biological aspects of this disorder. This book assumes you have given up on treating your child's illness and that there are no comorbid disorders associated with the autism diagnosis, which is completely wrong. Keep searching, there is help and much better books.

An invaluable resource
With the second edition of "Children with Autism", Michael Powers has again provided families of children with autism (along with professionals)an invaluable resource for living with, and loving, a child with autism. In straightforward, non-technical language, "Children with Autism" addresses the needs of persons with autism and their families across their lifespan. From diagnosis, to early intervention, to adulthood we are presented with practical information that, in addtion, has a fairly broad research base. I am on my third copy as I keep lending mine out and, for some reason (perhaps the value of the information contained) they never seem to be retained. Highly recommended.

A must read
Dr. Powers has been a major contributor to the understanding of autism spectrum disorders for many years. The ORIGINAL book was one of the few available on the subject at the time of publishing, and while it is NOW outdated, it has been replaced by the current edition published in 2000. This edition contains much useful information that parents will not find elsewhere. I was, therefore, somewhat confused that the reviews for the previous edition are still on this website, as they really describe a different book, which is very misleading.


The POWER OF CORPORATE KINETICS : CREATE THE SELF-ADJUSTING, SELF-RENEWING, INSTANT-ACTION ENTERPRISE
Published in Paperback by Touchstone Books (2001)
Authors: Michael Fradette and Steve Michaud
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"Kinetics" Good Readings!
The Power Of Corporate Kinetics-Book review

Introduction

The concept of Corporate Kinetics (Kinetics meaning movement from the Greek language), is presented in this book as a new business model that evolved from the analysis by the two authors in 1995 of a fundamental shift in pioneering companies, in response to a rapidly changing environment (Fradette & Michaud, 1998). The premise in the author's view is that in order for business to survive in today's age of advanced technology, savvy and demanding customers, and uncertain politics and finance, a business must move at the same pace and be ready to meet the challenge.

Some of the ideas in the book can be identified within well-established motivational theories and organizational models. However, the newness of the model presented in this book is in the potential of "Kinetic" organizations to utilize principles that work such as a clear corporate vision, coupled with worker's passion that grows out of ownership of the vision, translated into immediate actions in response to market changes or customer needs. The old theories are crystallized into a picture of a planned corporate setting that welcomes and encourages change and new opportunities, without loosing sight of why the company exists in the first place.

Book summary

The book is composed of two parts, the first being described as "The Destination", and the second as "The Journey".

Part I - Embrace the power of Corporate Kinetics

Part one of the book begins from the premise that businesses today are faced with unpredictability, changing customer loyalties, and tremendous advances in technology that warrant corporate change to cope, survive, and thrive.

Part II - Follow five concurrent paths to Corporate Kinetics

This section of the book describes the practical steps a company can take to become "Kinetic". The practical steps provide a road map to executives wishing to "convert" their companies into "kinetic" enterprises, or entrepreneurs who are looking to fit in today's business environment.

Commentary

This book caught my eye as I searched for strategic insight, primarily because I am a visual as well as conceptual learner. This book presented more than a total of theories and a plan of action, but a "word picture" that I could "see" with my mind's eye. A Company deeply committed to a vision, with a good strategic plan, but fluid enough to adapt quickly in response to internal or external changes, as identified by a hand-picked workforce, in touch with the real world, and just as committed to the company's vision.

"Kinetic" workers, test their responses to market changes or customer demands by how well they fit the strategic plan, support the vision, and create competitive advantage and corporate health. The motivation for the so called kinetic worker, is a sense of ownership in the company, fueled by a generous reward system and clear understanding of the vision, as well as complete collaboration and access to resources, among all levels in the workforce from the CEO to the front line worker.

It is this worker empowerment and encouragement of innovation that attracted my attention, since they are concepts that I espouse wholeheartedly, the essence of what I find fascinating in this book. Especially impressive were the case histories used that clearly illustrate what a company "in movement" is like, i.e. Kinko's, MTV, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, the US Army, etc. It was evident by the examples that the companies illustrated "fit" the overall picture of the "Kinetic" enterprise as described in the book. The idea is to "step back a minute" to see more clearly what we've missed or where we are going.

Ultimately I feel this type of organization encourages personal growth and societal well being, as well as a healthy corporate structure that can stand the test of time and change.

Conclusion

In my view, rather than finding something entirely new in this book, I found a fresh perspective with a word picture "Kinetics" (stay in movement), to describe in a graspable way the ideal business in today's world. One that moves with the times, focuses on the ever-changing needs of clients, and is willing to change itself, while also acting as an agent of change. It is apparent to the author that all of the elements mentioned in this review are necessary to succeed in creating such an organization. However, the primary elements are servant leadership (leaders and managers rolling up their sleeves and joining workers), and recognition of the front line worker as a mover and innovator (closest to customer needs and market opportunities). Both of these must also be aligned with the primary purpose of customer satisfaction and company well being that is shared by all.

As attractive as this model is however, even these companies must continually renew their efforts to prevent stagnation. Leadership in my opinion is key, since in many organizations denial is still rampant, and corporate change is stifled by hierarchical structures and corporate culture. Personally, I acknowledged as I read this book that as a mini-organization, home life also needs to become "kinetic" to some extent. I.e. we must make time for one child at a time, invest in their changing needs, "get into" their environment (the world as it is rather than as we would have it be), and be committed to the overall success of this enterprise we call family however defined by each. Whether running a large corporation or home life, we do well to heed the signs of the times and focus on adapting and seizing the opportunities presented to us, one at a time.

Bottom line, I recommend this book for it's fresh perspective and insight into a complex and ever changing business environment. Good readings!

Asela M. Calhoun, BS, MAOM Student, Azusa Pacific University

Change Now or You Won't Be Around To Say "I was wrong!"
The Power of Corporate Kinetics makes a solid case that the rules of the game are changing and companies that don't attempt to become "self-adapting, self-renewing, and prepared for instant-action" will not be here to regret their mistakes. It all boils down to survivability. In an era of highly intelligent and extremely demanding customers; companies will not be able to remain competitive by simply squeezing profitability out of mass production of undifferentiated products. Production efficiency and product quality are increasing almost as fast as customer satisfaction is decreaseing (what the heck is going on?).

This book was extremely readable and insightful. Fradette and Michaud's anecdotal writing style allowed their assertions to really hit home. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to using many of its lessons in my everyday business life.

Tolls the death knell for the industrial business model.
As any number of recent business books have pointed out, markets and customers have become increasingly unpredictable. What Fradette and Michaud offer, however, is a new business design that takes unpredictability as a working assumption. This new design--which responds to customer and market "events" rather than attempting to predict, plan and implement--turns everyone in the enterprise, from the CEO to the receptionist, into a front-line worker. The authors also posit two outrageous goals for aspiring kinetic companies: zero-time response and serving markets of one profitably. If the vision seems at times a bit like science fiction, scores of real-world examples remind the reader that many such efforts have, in fact, succeeded (albeit on a smaller scale than the wholesale, enterprise-wide transformation the authors propose). The book is well-paced and written in an engaging style. I found myself devouring it in a single sitting.


Five Equations That Changed the World: The Power and Poetry of Mathematics
Published in Hardcover by MJF Books (2000)
Author: Michael Guillen
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Great history of science - but with a flaw
It is difficult for me to review this book. "Five Equations That Changed The World" suffers from a racist, anti-German stereotype the author invokes in the chapter about Einstein that I simply cannot get out of my mind. Sadly, whenever I think of this book that ugly comment is all I will think about. Except for that comment I would have given it four stars.

Aside from that, I rather liked "Five Equations That Changed The World" and would generally recommend it to the non-technical reader. Michael Guillen's choice of the five equations combines the obvious (Newton and Einstein) with the interesting, more obscure choices of Michael Faraday and Rudolph Clausius.

I especially like the way author Guillen describes the scientific and philosophical worldview into which each of his five geniuses was born. This is critical - because this is not a book about five men; it is a book about five Earth-shattering ideas that changed the way science (and eventually society) looks at the universe.

Extremely interesting is the chapter about Clausius and his formulation of the concept of entropy.

Less interesting to me was the details of each man's life. The author attributes too much importance to incidents in the lives of his subjects that have little bearing on the ideas they developed. It is evident that author Guillen holds to a strongly Judeo-Christian religious point of view. It is important to note that Guillen's religious views appear to have something to do with his selection of subjects and intrudes often in his telling of their lives. The passionate Protestant religious convictions of Faraday and Clausius is something I did not realize. I also never knew that Einstein was an ardent Zionist.

I highly recommend this book to a high school student who has to write an essay about Newton, Bernoulli, Faraday, Clausius, or Einstein. I also recommend it to adults with an interest in the historical evolution of the modern scientific worldview.

well written description of mathematicians
Michael Guillen has chosen five famous mathematician to describe. The theme for discussing the particular person is that he discovered an equation that changed the world. Each deals with a result in Physics. One could argue that others could be added to the list but there is no question that these are certainly all contenders for the top five. Guillen is a science editor for ABC and is a professor of physics and methematics. This combination makes him well suited to choose the equations and to describe the results and the men behind them to a layman. The five equations and their authors are 1) F=GxMxm/d^2 Newton and the Law of Universal Gravitation, 2) P+rhox 1/2 nu^2 =CONSTANT, Daniel Bernoulli and the Law of Hydrodynamic Pressure, 3)DelXE=-dB/dt, Michael Faraday and the law of electromagnetic induction, 4) Delta S universe > 0, Rudoph Clausius and the second law of thermodynamics and 5) E=mxC^2, Einstein and the special theory of relativity. I am sure we all expected 1 and 5 and depending on your knowledge of physics, the others may or may not be a bit of a surprise. Guillen spends a lot of pages describing the nature of the equation, the character of the inventor and the impact of the results on society (sometimes centuries later). Newton's laws were instrumental in developing guidance and tracking systems for artificial satellites, space shuttles and other objects launched into space in the 20th Century. Our landing on the moon would not have been possible without Newton's laws. This makes for interesting reading for anyone interested in mathematics or science. A good book for teenagers to read to develop motivation to study math and science and to aspire for a career as a scientist.

(Five Equations) + (Micheal Guillen) = The Best Non-Fiction
Any avid reader knows the experience. After weeding through countless uninspired (and uninspiring) novels, or grueling non-fiction that could only be improved by a couple of bald-faced lies, you somehow come across that ONE book that completely captures your imagination, and you simply can't read it fast enough. I would bet that anyone reading this knows the feeling exactly; it's the kind of experience that keeps one going back to the libraries and bookstores.

I'm pleased to report that Michael Guillen's "Five Equations that Changed the World" falls into this category with ease. The subject matter may not initially attract those for whom "mathematics" is synonymous with "inferiority complex", but speaking as an "almost pure" non-mathematician, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in history, in the processes of scientific method, or who simply enjoys an absorbing human drama. Additionally, even the most mathematically challenged may finally have their first experience of truly understanding intricate numerical concepts, as well as the thought, experience and effort which go into their creation.

The book details the lives of five historically prominent individuals, from Sir Issac Newton to Einstein, with the central focus of each story being a mathematical principle (and resulting equation) that proved to be their defining and enduring achievement. Guillen doesn't shy away from presenting the numerical concepts in their pure form, or try to take refuge in "layman's terms", but instead allows you to see some of the thought that went into the development of each equation, and in this way ensures that you will understand the concepts that led to the numbers. This process allows the reader to clearly see mathematics as a language that can be used to elegantly summarize complex ideas.

Ultimately though, what is truly astonishing about the book doesn't lie in the five equations, but in the details of the lives of these remarkable men. Each story is filled with the passion, competition, family drama, ill feelings, jealousy, hard work and sheer will that underlies most human endeavours, science not the least. On finishing the book, I found myself wondering for days where people like these are today, people for whom "genius" seems a small and confining definition. There obviously is not space here to provide any details, so I will can only encourage anyone who finds this even mildly intriguing to do themselves a favour and go to the source as soon as possible.

Guillen manages to find that extremely rare balance where, even as you're reading the book, you're marvelling at his ability to maintain an almost perfect mixture of enlightenment and entertainment. This book is one of those rare items (fiction or non-fiction) that is so absorbing that I found myself checking the number of the last page, not because (as so often happens) I wanted to know how much more I had to wade through, but because I just didn't want it to end too quickly. Be warned, though: this book will almost certainly disrupt your life for whatever time period it takes to finish it! Mr. Guillen, I thank you.

Robert Haaf


The Scarborough Plan : Maximizing The Power of Your 401(k)
Published in Library Binding by Corinthian Books (2000)
Author: J. Michael Scarborough
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Entertaining and Comprehensible
Mr. Scarborough's book helped me to finally understand the basics of managing my 401(k) plan. I haven't been able to get any help from my company, and this book put everything into perspective for me. I now understand why I'm investing through a 401(k) and how to spread out my investments to reduce the chance I'll lose all my money. I also liked his explanation of what a 401(k) is and my company's role in managing it.

A Fantastic Guide for 401k Planning!
Fundamental step-by-step instructions for investing in your future! For a novice looking for essential advice on how to save, plan, and manage, this is the book for you! This contains simple yet detailed information on WHY people should save (i.e. college expenses and how to buy that nice BIG yacht AFTER you pay off the children's undergrad, grad, and doctorate tuition:)) and HOW to save (tax-deferred retirement accounts) with an emphasis on TIME; the key is to start saving now to get the most for your hard earned money. Not only does this guide help in your 401k management, but it also gives humorous little antecdotes to bring what many would call a confusing and complex topic into layman terms. A great read!

Timely Information
I'm not 12, just under the wrong section. I am 23. The book is excellent to say the least. I don't think it could have come at a better time. It seems like a lot of people have 401k and we have all been getting advice from the self-proclaimed investment guru in the office next to us at work. This is the first book I have ever come across that gives the type of advice that is useful to individual investors that are looking for some type of direction for their money. Scarborough helps the reader realize that an investment plan and a retirement plan is just as important as saving itself.


The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power
Published in Hardcover by Signature Books (1997)
Author: D. Michael Quinn
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High marks
I was terribly impressed with Dr. Quinn's efforts in 'Extensions of Power'. If you want to know how the Mormon Church is governed and operates, this is the book to have. Dr. Quinn's use of anecdotes, coupled with his extensively researched factual information, makes this book, nearly as good a read as anything I've ever read before. It's something that's very hard to put down (I read it nearly non-stop for 3 days!). More engaging that Tom Clancy, for sure.

Another reviewer said that Dr. Quinn's extensive use of quotes was somehow not a good thing, that it was distracting (?). I found his use of quotes to be extremely useful. Above all, it showed that his research was well founded in the Church's own records.

This is a tremenduous work and I'd highly recommend it to anyone seeking to understand how the Mormon Church really works.

The Human History of "Gods in Embryo"
Dr. Quinn's book is a remarkable accomplishment. For a brief time, in the 70's and 80's, the historical office of the LDS church allowed for some objective, professional examination of its records. Quinn brings us some of the fruits of that time. This is not "faith-promoting" history-Deseret Book and Bookcraft have taken care of that-but shows the Brethren in all their human glory. Some reviewers have indicated that this volume has not threatened their LDS testimonies, but only confirmed what they already knew, that church leaders are human and fallible; other reviewers may be threatened by this realization, although many past presidents have pointed it out. The marketing of the infallibility of church leaders continues, perhaps because it gives comfort to those church members who are intolerant of ambiguity, but also because toadying is often rewarded in organizations.

Extensions of Power is actually several books. It is topically arranged to consider more or less controversial aspects of the church leadership-violence, involvement in politics, etc. It also includes, as the earlier companion volume did, hundreds of pages of notes and a detailed chronology of church activities from 1848 to 1996. We are afforded a glimpse into the complex personalities, power factions, and challenges of maintaining, growing and adapting a religious movement to a constantly changing and evolving U. S. and world culture. I was by turns frustrated with church leadership and empathetic with them in their struggle to understand and accommodate 'the world' without losing their unique identity. I was also able to see how present problems have their roots in the past, and the futile efforts of those leaders--such as Gordon B. Hinckley and Boyd K. Packer--who would like to bury the past.

Mormonism is a religion which was established and grew during historical, literate times, and leaders and members must come to terms with the difficulties of their history. Despite Correlation committees, Strengthening the Members Committees and million dollar public relations and marketing campaigns, and particularly since the advent of the internet, historical problems will not go away. For the questioning believer or the student of religions and U. S. history, Dr. Quinn's book is a very useful tool in understanding how the present Mormon church came to be.

Excellent Work on Recent Mormon Church History
Dr. Quinn's work is outstanding. As with all his published works, it has very detailed references. There is no fluff! Nearly half the book is footnotes, and I found them as fascinating as the actual contents. For all the legal work the Mormon church did to prevent the book actually being published, they should have spent the time and money on something better. This book provides a refreshing look at the reality of LDS church leadership. I highly recommend this and also "Origins of Power" to be a part of every LDS, or LDS-interested, library.


The Occult Conspiracy: Secret Societies - Their Influence and Power in World History
Published in Paperback by Inner Traditions Intl Ltd (1989)
Author: Michael Howard
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Great Research Material--for Beginner/refers to good books
This is a great book to add to your collection, if you are interested in, or research, Secret Societies. It has been a long time, since I read this one, but this book gave me good reference material to research & many other books of this genre refer to Howard's book. Add it to your collection, so it will be on-hand when you see quotes in other works.

The information provided by another reader is true--the information about George Washington is completely in Error in "The Occult Conspiracy." I have posted the same information in clubs, but I forgot to return to this review and Update my findings.

"A New Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry," by A.E. Waite & other sources discount much of the material in "The Occult Conspiracy."

However, this books is useful as a reference book/bibliography.

Good information
Unfortunately, this book has a huge number of typos. One is very ridiculous: Bostonia, instead of Bosnia. Otherwise this book has a lot of behind-the-closed -doors information. The author made a great effort to put together such information. The chapter about the occult and anti-Christian origins of Hitler's ideology is truly great. This book is written from a white magic point of view, and presents the anti-Christian New Age movement (with all its aspects: feminism, permissive sexuality, ecology etc) as the future religion. Strange, but the author of this book that reveals so well conspiracies, is pro-conspiracy!

Strange Trip Through Religion and Politics.
THE OCCULT CONSPIRACY by Michael Howard starts off with the misunderstood revelation that occultism is not always practiced by fringe individuals but is well established in the echelons of the world's ruling elite. The sources that Howard used in compiling this book are a who's who of popular arcane researchers and conspiracy theorists among which are Nesta Webster's "Secret Societies", Clark's "Occult Roots of Nazism", the theory of Christ's bloodline--"Holy Blood, Holy Grail", and books by New Age philosopher Manly P. Hall.

The viewpoint of this book is rather vague, and is not easy to pick up right away. There is an apparent conflict between traditional religion, especially Christianity and its largest sect, Catholicism, and secret, esoteric teachings as propounded by different groups linked together through the millenia with similar beliefs and objectives: Gnosticism, Manicheanism, Knights Templar, Rosicrucians, Freemasons, the Illuminati and radical leftism in the 1800s and 1900s. These secret societies have different doctrines, but they are all opposed to traditional Christianity, especially in their endorsement of a universal religion, one world government, the "feminine principle" of God, and the abolition of traditional religious, cultural and ethnic ties. "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity" is their catchphrase. The great events of the past 250 years have their roots in secret society intrigue and have adopted occult symbolism: the American Revoloution, French Revoloution, rise of the British Empire, German Nationalism, Marxism, Russian Revoloution, Nazism, formation of the UN, New Age movement, 1960's radicalism, and the rise of today's "post-Christian" society. All the tumult, it is supposed, is caused by the advent of the Age of Aquarius (supposedly to take place in 2025) which will, in the mind of occultists, usher in a humanist utopia on earth.

There are a lot of flaws with this book. The author fails to give the book any real sort of context, except for its mystical pinko-liberalism. It rather posists a "conspiracy against the vast right-wing conspiracy" and claims that the secret society members are crusaders for human freedom against the oppression of Christianity and the old world order.


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