This is a philosophical work dealing with the spiritual needs of man which few will trouble to read, though among certain intellectuals Simone Well is slated for sainthood, and T.S. Eliot, in his preface, refers to her as a genius. She died at 33, a martyr to the cause of French Liberation. Her book was written during the last year of her life, and was commissioned by the French Headquarters in England who suggested that she formulate a policy to be pursued after the Liberation. It is a blend of prophetic intimations, shrewd good sense in programming for the future, and alarming spiritual excess. Her central premise is that man needs roots of ""corporativeness"" (i.e. identity in the community) if his personality is to burgeon... Born a Jew, but renouncing the teaching of the Old Testament and refusing baptism in the Christian faith, Simone Well became an unorthodox supporter of Christ. This book is, in a large measure, her spiritual autobiography, a document as intense and personal as Pilgrim's Progress. A limited market- perhaps paralleling the Rilke one.