Conversations With History

This book of remarkable insights and reflections was channelled by a lawyer and ostensibly orchestrated by Benjamin Franklin from the other side. Each chapter takes the form of an interview and one of the remarkable features is how the distinctive personalities come through. No two interviews are alike. There are both historical and contemporary figures. The most ancient is the Greek poetess Sappho, who produces some extraordinarily beautiful new lyrical poetry, quite unlike anything else in the book. The next most ancient figure is Charlemagne with his strong warrior ethos, then Nostradamus reflecting on his prophecies. Among the best known other figures are Gandhi, Einstein, Henry Ford and Steve Jobs. Then there is also Frederick Douglass, Andy Warhol, Leni Riefenstahl, Louis Armstrong, Walt Disney and Dudley Moore. In other words, a huge variety of voices. Gandhi's message is one of peace, love and nonviolence, while Eva Peron says: 'Be unafraid in whatever you do. Live to your greatest ability. Always follow your dreams. Try not to judge yourself. As long as you are striving, you are doing the right thing, and you will be surprised at what you can accomplish. The world is waiting to see you.' Each contributor draws important conclusions from their own lives and demonstrates a continuity of concern for our collective future.