In 1978, when Michael Hart’s controversial book The 100 was first published, critics objected that Hart had the nerve not only to select who he thought were the most influential people in history, but also to rank them according to their importance. Needless to say, the critics were wrong, and to date more than 60,000 copies of the book have been sold. Hart believed that in the intervening years the influence of some of his original selections had grown or lessened and that new names loomed large on the world stage. Thus, the publications of this revised and updated edition of The 100. As before, Hart's yardstick is influence: not the greatest people, but the most influential, the people who swayed the destinies of millions of human beings, determined the rise and fall of civilizations, changed the course of history. With incisive biographies, Hart describes their careers and contributions. Explaining his ratings, he presents a new perspective on history, gathering together the vital facts about the world's greatest religious and political leaders, inventors, writers, philosophers, explorers, artists, and innovators—from Asoka to Zoroaster. Most of the biographies are accompanied by photographs or sketches. Hart's selections may be surprising to some. Neither Jesus nor Marx, but Muhammad, is designated as the most influential person in human history. The writer's arguments may challenge and perhaps convince readers, but whether or not they agree with him, his manner of ranking is both informative and entertaining. The 100, revised and updated, is truly a monumental work. It promises to be just as controversial, just as thought-provoking, and just as successful as its predecessor—a perfect addition to any history or philosophy reference section.

This book is a compilation of my best online lectures between the years 2002 and 2004. They cover varied subjects in History, Politics, and Philosophy. Most of the History lectures are American History since the Civil War. Lectures in Philosophy vary from logic, to ethics, to political economy. There are also some lectures in the area of Public Administration. The greatest benefit that one can derive from reading this book lies in acquiring a deeper understanding about how the world, and especially the American society, works. The book is densely packed with content, and yet I believe, it is a fascinating and enjoyable read, if the reader is eager to understand more about the world in which he or she lives.

Disturbingly Real was written just before my departure for Louisiana. Leaving an old familiar place is never easy. This mood of departure and sadness is found in this book. However, everything turns out fine eventually. And this may be the most disturbing thing of all. But who would not want to have this? Ultimately, I reject gloom and doomin poetry and in life. The book combines rhymed and blank verse. Every reader deserves to enjoy it. And those who know what it means to leave people and places that we are strongly attached to will appreciate and savor this book.

This book was written in Shreveport, Louisiana. Just like with every other book, I wrote only what I felt. I hate pretension and posturing.

I wrote this book in Shreveport, Louisiana in January, February, and March of 2001. I wanted to experiment with new styles and possibilities. But much of the traditional approach to lyrical poetry characteristic of my earlier book is present in this work as well. Perhaps the most important idea of the book is that people often do not give themselves enough credit for what they have accomplished. Sometimes one does not realize how much work is already done. People of all ages will enjoy this book on different levels. It is a book for everyone. And I would like to think that, as is the case with all of my books, this one is not just like every other book on the market. It is stamped by that individualistic spirit that makes creative writing unique and interesting.

A Reliable Avenue is a book written in two stages. The first spanned February and March of 2000, when most poems were written, the second was in June of the same year, and resulted in 20 or so poems. It includes all seven poems that were published in my first chapbook ever, entitled Perpetual Mirages of Existence. Also, when I was completing the present book, I already had the cumulative experience of more than 400 poems and several poetry books behind me. Hence I felt my craft was relatively reliable. The poems in this book range from very personal to more detached poems of observation, or poems that touch on social philosophy. The example of the latter would be The Limits of Wisdom. I feel that a poet should not talk too much about his poetry books, but let them speak for themselves. So pick up this reliable creation of Michael Hart and feel and think with him.

Most of this book was written in Shreveport, Louisiana. The poems about foreign countries and citieswith the exception of the two poems about Russiawere written in Los Angeles. The book is not as personal as my Among Possibilities, nor as analytical as Landscapes of Existenceit is somewhere in between. Most of the poems were inspired by my life in the South, but because of my background the book has a cosmopolitan flavor to it, too. For this reason, I consider it one of the most original poetry books ever written. And I hope that my readers would enjoy this book for its originality, its spectrum of emotions and mood swings, and its poetic and intellectual goodwill.

This book is about love. Millions of books have been written on the subject, in verse and in prose, since writing was invented. This book is different. Here love comes in close contact with other strong emotionsit is the context, the background that are different. Love exists side by side with insecurity, suspicion, and uncertainty. Love hesitates and misses its chance. Love is here intertwined together with emotions that make up the whole of a mans destiny. And with all this, the book stands as an entertaining and thoughtful read.

The form of the poems is traditionalrhymed verse, but the subject matter is anything but traditional. I tackle the topics that most poets either shy away from completely, or touch on in a cursory and often superficial manner. Consequently, expect the unexpected. Tradition, innovation, and knowledge are mixed in this book and, I dare to hope, the mix is a potent description of our times, as well as a philosophical look at the whole of the human condition.

This book is about things that remain important, despite changes.