OF PEACE
By
Bradford Smith's major theme seems to be that while the world has enduring literature supporting peace and harmony, the major proponents of peace have been given more lip service than belief by adherents who continue to make war. Jesus and Buddha called for an end to violence and moved millions -- who kept right on fighting. Gandhi's non-violent resistance captured the imagination of the world, but he was assassinated and his followers did occasionally riot. Penn, Thoreau and Tolstoy are examined for their intent and effect. The irony of Nobel's Peace Prize is underlined once again. Woodrow Wilson's efforts are followed by a discussion of Dag Hammerskjold's more successful practical applications of diplomacy for peace. Through bulk rather than intent, Mr. Smith has reduce some exciting Men of Peace to dull fare. By concentrating so heavily on this one aspect of total philosophies, an imbalance in overall presentation of these men results. For this reason, we are not following the publisher's lead in recommending this for YA.