Lothrop Stoddard (1883–1950)

The book is incredibly anachronistic, which actually gives the prose a certain charm. Yet, this same quality also magnifies the astonishing prescience of many of Stoddard's observations and predictions. In many cases, his ominous warnings regarding potential worst case scenarios proved actually to be disturbingly understated. Some of the political content of the book is obviously so irrelevant to our present context that you can just skim right over pages of it and not miss anything of substance. Overall however, this book struck me as a pragmatic "Decline of the West". A surprisingly impassioned and spirited book, as well; Stoddard was a romantic, in many ways -- a vigorous warrior-poet. Unfortunately, it appears that his zeal was for naught, and Stoddard must presently be rolling in his grave...… (meer)