This book is a combination of William Rees-Mogg's writings in "The Independent" and some further new writing, on the great themes of the modern world. These include the rise and fall of nations, the Far East as superpower, the lessons of the past, changing spiritual values, AIDS and of course apocalyptic economics. The book also has a chapter on "The Great Reckoning" debate in which Lord Rees-Mogg analyses the controversy that has surrounded the book and how we now views its central message and the evolution of its predictions.