World Perspectives – serie

The World Perspectives series presented short books written by some of the most eminent thinkers of the 20th Century. Each volume discusses the interrelation of the changing religious, scientific, artistic, political, economic and social influences on the human experience. This set reissues 9/10 of the volumes originally published between 1957 and 1965 and presents the thought and belief of its author and discuss: The role of architecture on social well-being and democracy The problems of international cooperation The impact of increased technology on global society The philosophies of logical positivism and materialism The meaning and function of language.

Originally published in 1956, the well-known archaeologist here takes on the role of philosopher. The author argues that knowledge is a social phenomenon, and that our intellectual life is the product of social heritage: reality is the product of different opinions of various societies.

Originally published in 1956, the well-known archaeologist here takes on the role of philosopher. The author argues that knowledge is a social phenomenon, and that our intellectual life is the product of social heritage: reality is the product of different opinions of various societies.

Originally published in 1958 and authored by one of the foremost liberal Catholic theologians of the 20th Century, this book recognizes the need for a greater unity of understanding among all faiths and explores these common grounds with insight and sympathy, bringing to Catholics and non-Catholics alike a full measure of the author’s inspiration and judgement.

Originally published in 1958 and authored by one of the foremost liberal Catholic theologians of the 20th Century, this book recognizes the need for a greater unity of understanding among all faiths and explores these common grounds with insight and sympathy, bringing to Catholics and non-Catholics alike a full measure of the author’s inspiration and judgement.

Originally published in 1956, this book provides a non-technical analysis of contemporary building by on the of the world’s greatest architects. Published a few years after the end of WW2, it was an inspiring and constructive picture of what kind of living could lie ahead for Western industrial society. This book, the result of many year in the forefront of architectural experiment and achievement by the author, outlines in practical terms the road to improved existence through science, mass production in building and renewed emphasis on the individual.

Originally published in 1956, this book provides a non-technical analysis of contemporary building by on the of the world’s greatest architects. Published a few years after the end of WW2, it was an inspiring and constructive picture of what kind of living could lie ahead for Western industrial society. This book, the result of many year in the forefront of architectural experiment and achievement by the author, outlines in practical terms the road to improved existence through science, mass production in building and renewed emphasis on the individual.

Originally published in 1957, this volume compares the 20th Century transformation of human life to the revolution which swept early man into the first civilized communities. It shows how each radical new stage of human development grew out of changes in human personality and consciousness, such as the invention of language and symbols, the origins of universal religions and the mechanization of everyday life. Despite the threat that the author foresees from an over-reliance on automation, the book maintains that humanity still has the means, spiritual, personal and technological to create a sustainable future for itself, by increasing the usefulness and freedom of all men.

Originally published in 1957, this volume compares the 20th Century transformation of human life to the revolution which swept early man into the first civilized communities. It shows how each radical new stage of human development grew out of changes in human personality and consciousness, such as the invention of language and symbols, the origins of universal religions and the mechanization of everyday life. Despite the threat that the author foresees from an over-reliance on automation, the book maintains that humanity still has the means, spiritual, personal and technological to create a sustainable future for itself, by increasing the usefulness and freedom of all men.

Originally published in 1964, this book examines where and how the pattern and texture of speech emerged and whether language is logical. It looks at linguistics from both the historical and descriptive points of view, as a physical science and as a social science. It also discusses the problem of aesthetics in language and what happens when different languages come into contact with each other. The book concludes with a discussion of the possibility of an international language, and indeed whether such a development would be progress or something that is needed or wanted.

Originally published in 1964, this book examines where and how the pattern and texture of speech emerged and whether language is logical. It looks at linguistics from both the historical and descriptive points of view, as a physical science and as a social science. It also discusses the problem of aesthetics in language and what happens when different languages come into contact with each other. The book concludes with a discussion of the possibility of an international language, and indeed whether such a development would be progress or something that is needed or wanted.

Originally published in 1957 and written by one of the 20th Century’s leading botanists and a fierce advocate of organicism, this book explores concepts about man and his relation to life and the universe, and about the great creative and spiritual powers within and around him. The author provides answers to perennial human questions whilst discussing the problems of sin, justice, ugliness and beauty.

Originally published in 1957 and written by one of the 20th Century’s leading botanists and a fierce advocate of organicism, this book explores concepts about man and his relation to life and the universe, and about the great creative and spiritual powers within and around him. The author provides answers to perennial human questions whilst discussing the problems of sin, justice, ugliness and beauty.

Originally published in the UK in 1956, this book presents the essence of the political philosophy of one of Europe’s best-known post-war statesmen, as well as his experience in government as head of Germany in one of its most critical periods of history. The role of Germany in a (then) new Europe is discussed, along with its rearmament, its greatly restored economic power and its relation to NATO. Germany’s Chancellor gives his views on the world struggle, the cold war, Germany and America, Germany and Israel and the difficulties and responsibilities of the alliance of free nations.

Originally published in the UK in 1956, this book presents the essence of the political philosophy of one of Europe’s best-known post-war statesmen, as well as his experience in government as head of Germany in one of its most critical periods of history. The role of Germany in a (then) new Europe is discussed, along with its rearmament, its greatly restored economic power and its relation to NATO. Germany’s Chancellor gives his views on the world struggle, the cold war, Germany and America, Germany and Israel and the difficulties and responsibilities of the alliance of free nations.

Originally published in the UK in 1961 this was an unconventional book when first published but a powerful interpretation of Greek individualism. The author examines the influence of the Greeks on European philosophy, religion, literature, art and architecture and challenges many commonly held assumptions: ‘Those items in the Greek legacy which are most easily recognizable as such are in fact the least important.’

Originally published in 1965 and written by a noted economist and leader in the field of conflict resolution, this book traces the forces which have brought the 20th century ‘post-civilisation’ into being: the ever-increasing power of science and the scientific attitude, the global communication network, the high efficiency of industrial societies. New conditions pointed to a life of ease but also enormous problems. The book discusses how though our technical resources have become immense, social and psychological conflicts remain. The author’s training in psychology and economics combines with a deep sense of history to create a book which is as relevant now as when it was first published.

Originally published in 1965 and written by a noted economist and leader in the field of conflict resolution, this book traces the forces which have brought the 20th century ‘post-civilisation’ into being: the ever-increasing power of science and the scientific attitude, the global communication network, the high efficiency of industrial societies. New conditions pointed to a life of ease but also enormous problems. The book discusses how though our technical resources have become immense, social and psychological conflicts remain. The author’s training in psychology and economics combines with a deep sense of history to create a book which is as relevant now as when it was first published.

Originally published in the UK in 1961 this was an unconventional book when first published but a powerful interpretation of Greek individualism. The author examines the influence of the Greeks on European philosophy, religion, literature, art and architecture and challenges many commonly held assumptions: ‘Those items in the Greek legacy which are most easily recognizable as such are in fact the least important.’

Originally published in 1957, this book offers a challenging intellectual experience to the reader who wishes to understand the broad historical trends that determine the future of humanity on this planet. The book examines natural laws that govern humanity by looking at communities over long periods of time and noting patterns which become evident. The book includes discussions of communism, the crisis in food and population growth, the significance of industrialism and man and his religious beliefs – all issues that remain as relevant today as when the book was first published.