Suicide of the West - by Richard Koch & Chris Smith (Hardcover)

About the Book

A large degree of success in Western civilization can be traced to six principal ideas - Christianity, optimism, science, economic growth, liberalism, and individualism. In theory, a synthesis of these ideas could provide a way for the West to recover its nerve and integrity. But in practice? This book seeks to find the answer.

Book Synopsis

One hundred years ago, most Westerners felt tremendous pride and confidence in their civilisation. They knew what it stood for, and they believed in it. Today that sense has gone. That is largely because the six principal ideas which underpinned Western confidence - those of Christianity, optimism, science, economic growth, liberalism and individualism - have suffered a century of sustained attack. These ideas no longer inspire or unite the West as they once did.

The contributors to Suicide of the West believe that, in theory, a more sophisticated synthesis of the six ideas could provide a way for the West to recover its nerve and integrity. But in practice? This fascinating book seeks to find the answer.

Review Quotes

""...a book which garners praise from as diverse a group as Polly Toynbee of the Guardian, Neil Kinnock, Margaret Thatcher's former political Secretary Sir Stephen Sherbourne, and John Blundell of the Institute of Economic Affairs, clearly has something about it...The analysis of each factor, while pithy, typically no more than 20 pages, draws from a wide range of sources...the book as a whole is stimulating and thought provoking..." John Hewitt, The Wadham College Gazette, January 2007" --John Hewitt

""Suicide of the West is a bold attempt to try to distil the essence of western civilisation." The Business, July 2006" --John Blundell

""We can be confident western civilisation will endure. This book will endure, too." The Business" --John Blundell

""The six factors are exactly right ... I tried to think of others, but these are the key factors and all of them are vital." Andrew Roberts, historian" --Blurb from reviewer

""I enjoyed the well-written resume ... there is certainly room for such a book ... [especially in] America, where they like big themes and the debate is generally on a higher and broader intellectual level." George Walden, former Cabinet minister" --Blurb from reviewer

""Extremely interesting" David Cannadine, historian" --Blurb from reviewer

""I agree with the thesis and think it is important." Frank Field, former cabinet minister" --Blurb from reviewer

""Clear, well-argued and challenging." Matthew Parris, political columnist" --Blurb from reviewer

"' A book that manages to win praise from a diverse group of people that includes Sir Menzies Campbell, Neil Knnock, Polly Toynbee, Andrew Roberts, Martin Kettle, and Simon Jenkins, must have something going for it.' 'I found myself agreeing with the main thesis even if I wanted to dispute parts of the argument. Sections of this book are..illuminating' Church of England Newspaper, Paul Richardson, 25/08/2006" --Paul Richardson, Church of England Newspaper

"Article by authors - Excerpt from book" --Yorkshire Post

About the Author

Richard Koch is an entrepreneur and author of thirteen highly acclaimed non-fiction books, including The 80/20 Principle. The Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury was Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in Tony Blair's cabinet.