A look back over 5,000 years of civilized societies with anticipation of an impending new age. Building on Spengler and Toynbee, this book has the capacity to change our understanding of history. It identifies five separate epochs of historical experience and associates each with a civilization having distinct qualities and themes. While not everyone will agree with the author's conclusions about the future, most will recognize his insight into historical processes and ability to see the big picture.