Book Review: The Dawning of a New Dark Age by Mark Alexander

The author has a deep insight and personal knowledge of the Islamic faith, upon which he evidences his clear-sighted views.

The book is clearly written and makes fascinating reading.

The warnings to the West, as to what will happen when extremists control such a religion, are all so skillfully stated.

I found it difficult to put the book down once I started to read it.

Glynne (Wales)

Available at:

Amazon.com

Amazon (UK)

BN

Niall Ferguson: Without American Hegemony, the World Would Likely Return to the Dark Ages
The following article appeared in The Wall Street Journal in June 2004; but it is so relevant to the deteriorating situation in the world in the face of Islamic extremism, a seriously deteriorating world economy, powerless and clueless world leaders, and a weakened America that I feel it is well worth revisiting what Niall Ferguson had to say. Don’t forget that I have been warning of another “Dark Age” in my book, The Dawning of a New Dark Age, since 2003. - ©Mark

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: We tend to assume that power, like nature, abhors a vacuum. In the history of world politics, it seems, someone is always bidding for hegemony. Today it is the United States; a century ago it was Britain. Before that, it was the French, the Spaniards and so on. The 19th-century German historian Leopold von Ranke, doyen of the study of statecraft, portrayed modern European history as an incessant struggle for mastery, in which a balance of power was possible only through recurrent conflict.

Power, in other words, is not a natural monopoly; the struggle for mastery is both perennial and universal. The "unipolarity" identified by commentators following the Soviet collapse cannot last much longer, for the simple reason that history hates a hyperpower. Sooner or later, challengers will arise, and back we must go to a multipolar, multipower world.

But what if this view is wrong? What if the world is heading for a period when there is no hegemon? What if, instead of a balance of power, there is an absence of power? Such a situation is not unknown in history. Though the chroniclers of the past have long been preoccupied with the achievements of great powers--whether civilizations, empires or nation states--they have not wholly overlooked eras when power has receded. Unfortunately, the world's experience with power vacuums is hardly encouraging. Anyone who dislikes U.S. hegemony should bear in mind that, instead of a multipolar world of competing great powers, a world with no hegemon at all may be the real alternative to it. This could turn out to mean a new Dark Age of waning empires and religious fanaticism; of endemic rapine in the world's no-go zones; of economic stagnation and a retreat by civilization into a few fortified enclaves. Without American Hegemony, the World Would Likely Return to the Dark Ages >>> By Niall Ferguson

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (US) >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Paperback, direct from the publishers (US) >>>

A Watchman’s Call
With gratitude to Richard Williams for this excellent review:

An easily accessible read outlining the dangers that Islamism presents, not just to western civilisation, but to all cultures, for Islam's intent, made plain in this book of short essays, is nothing short of that age old plague of man's existence - world domination. A dramatic statement, yes, but unless we awake to the dangers clearly outlined in this book, a drama that will unfold under our very noses, with catastrophic consequences for us all. Make no mistake, the Qur’an says it, the pious Muslims say it, and Mark shows you exactly where and how they say it, in a format that is easy to read and follow.

Islam is immiscible with other cultures, 1400 years of history and countless tales of cultures lost tell us in unmistakable detail that this is so. Mark's book gives you an insight as to why this is so. As Mark shows, by adhering to the idols of our age, 'political correctness' and 'multiculturalism', we are facilitating Islam's age old dream. This book goes against the prevailing orthodoxies of our times and in so doing, delivers a clear warning of the danger which faces us all. – Richard Williams

Mark Alexander

The Unvarnished Truth
Many thanks to Always for this great review:

A book of reader-friendly and short essays, Mark Alexander's The Dawning of a New Dark Age examines the tenets of Islam and clearly delineates what those tenets mean for Western civilization. Concentrating on the present danger, the signs of which continue to proliferate since the book's publication in 2003, the author passionately spells out and proves the bottom line: Islam is not just another religion. Mr. Alexander writes from the Christian perspective, but his book will also appeal to those who are not Christians because he uses excellent sources as well as his personal observations. READ THIS BOOK! – Always On Watch

Mark Alexander

Single Best Book to Start to Learn Truth about Islam
A BOOK WORTH READING

The Dawning of a New Dark Age, A Collection of Essays on Islam, by Mark Alexander (1st Books, ISBN: 1-4107-9037-1, paperback; 2003.)

I thought I knew almost all of the current books (past few years) about Islam. I had not encountered this book, however, until the author alerted me to it, for which I am grateful.

After reading the book, I can recommend it enthusiastically to readers new to Islam and its dangers, but I must offer a qualification to that recommendation.

First, the writing is excellent. The author's style flows, with great grammar and syntax as well as thought formulation and progression, i.e., he is clear and easy to follow. I would love to see more writing from him.

The book is presented as a series of short essays. One may start at any point reading these and lose absolutely nothing by skipping about, as long as one reads the entire book. If you start reading from the beginning and proceed systematically to the end, you may notice repetitions, but probably not if you dip in and out until finished.

Second, and more importantly, his grasp of Islam meets many criteria of depth and breadth. He lived in Saudi Arabia long enough to come to terms with Islam, particularly the Saudi variety (Wahhabism), and Arabs. He knows the subject well and covers almost all of the concerns people should have about Islam. There is so very much I agree with that I almost had déjà vu. Some of the 47 chapters are more appealing to me than others, but these chapters are like 47 unique facets, each giving insight to this huge problem of Islamism. Someone beginning the work of studying Islam will find valuable nuggets of information in all 47 chapters.

Anyone unfamiliar with Islam will get a terrific education, delivered quickly and painlessly. It is such an easy introduction that I would put this book into the MUST READ category for those who want to understand why Islam is a threat to American culture and values, and who want a good place to start understanding the problems Islam creates for our civilization.

Third, the author is not just pro-Western culture, but he is unabashedly pro-American. He sees with objectivity about the threat that Islam poses to our country and the entire civilized world, and he minces no words presenting his thoughts fearlessly, without concessions made to the "sensitivities" of this or that person or group or nation. I greatly admire how he identifies multiculturalism and political correctness for the evils that they are, and identifies Islam and its evils for what they are. Since he spent significant time in school in England, he speaks to how the Brits have severely endangered themselves by being so obliging to the Muslims infesting their country. He also has excellent chapters on France and Turkey.

My sole complaint is that, for all of the author's excellent qualities, he is not philosophically-oriented; I wish so much that he was. Were he so oriented, his case against Islam could be even stronger, perhaps unassailable. He wants very much to wake people up, to shake them out of their passive unconcern, to fill their minds with good information, and to neutralize the poison of relativism, multiculturalism, and political correctness, all of which are sustained by today's wide-spread moral uncertainty among Americans. He is looking for answers in terms of guiding principles, and he comes close to finding them.

However, he relies on Western religion as a philosophical base, particularly Christianity, rather than philosophical principles, and this perspective just does not take him as far as he obviously wants to go. Religions have values which differ from religionist to religionist, and which separate religions from a strong system of philosophy. Rational, integrated philosophical principles complete the armamentaria, and take those who hold these principles the full distance.

What religionists and non-religionists have in common is a shared vision of the incredible danger Islam poses. We also support the Constitution, which guarantees our freedom of thought and Rights of Man. We must stand united and well-armed through the discipline of philosophy rather than distracted by differences in details of various belief systems.

[We discuss the philosophical elements of Islam and dealing with it within our website, 6th Column Against Jihad (http://www.6thcolumnagainstjihad.com).]

Otherwise, I enjoyed this book very much, and I think it offers much of value to an intelligent reader who wants a good place to start to understanding Islam. – George Mason

Mark Alexander

Get your copy of The Dawning of a New Dark Age for Christmas for yourself and your friends

"I have read a lot of books on the issue of Islam and by no means consider my self totally across it. As is the case with most subjects, it has the capacity to glaze the eyes if you let it. This book though is a breezy and comprehensive easy read. You can pick it up and put it down at will and not lose the plot. The introduction of Mark Alexander's easy to read reality check, The Dawning of a New Dark Age is Wake Up, West! It is compelling reading." - Jim Ball

"The book I wish I could have written myself!" - Norman Caswallon

"Mark, I have you to thank for two nights in a row of very little sleep! I have just finished reading your book. Awesome, but very worrying. I have been researching Islam for years now and your book is the latest. I feel that your book is probably the most amazing, and by far the most frank and to-the-point book about this very real and massive problem at hand. From one page to the other I thought about people in my street, my town and my country who are blissfully unaware of the impending peril." - Liberty Lover

”Recently, I took a competitive exam that would enable me to be a candidate for permanent hire. The odds of passing this writing test are around 15%. The vast preponderance of people who pass are people fresh out of college and lawyers. We were told we cannot study for this exam. We were told that either one has the ability or one does not. I refused to accept those myths. I quickly realized that my style would not pass that exam. I went through books of short essays and one book stood out above the rest: Mark Alexander's. His simple, no-frills writing style, his eloquence, worked like a charm! Before the exam, I examined Mark Alexander's sentence style for one hundred hours. Mark's style made the rules of grammar come alive! I have to give credit to Mark Alexander for this. Going into the test, I knew I had to produce a first rate essay, and I did. My boss has noted the drastic improvements in my writing style. He even asked me if I had taken a brush-up course at the local University!” - Beakerkin

A MUST READ for Americans who do not understand the forces behind the attacks by Islamic terrorists on Western civilization. Mark Alexander bases his analysis on extensive research in Islamic literature, passages from the Koran, and his own experience gained from living and working in the Middle East. Mark's book is beautifully and powerfully written and is eminently readable.MUST READ for Americans who do not understand the forces behind the attacks by Islamic terrorists on Western civilization. Mark Alexander bases his analysis on extensive research in Islamic literature, passages from the Koran, and his own experience gained from living and working in the Middle East. Mark's book is beautifully and powerfully written and is eminently readable." - Anonymous

Single best book to start to learn truth about Islam - George M.

"The author has deep insight and personal knowledge of the Islamic faith - knowledge upon which he bases his evidence and expresses his clear views and insights. The book is clearly written, and it makes fascinating reading.The warnings to the West are skilfully stated. I found it difficult to put the book down!" - Anon. UK

Great Insight Great Read: "Mark Alexander has perfect insight into the issues facing the free world from Islam. Anyone who wants to understand the roots of terrorism will want to read Mark's book. It is short, readable and to the point." - George, University Professor

"Mark has written a very readable book here. He states clearly what Islam is all about, and he shows why this religion and political system is likley to be a problem for the West. Definitely a good read. I highly recommend this book." - EL

Great Read: "Mark Alexander is 'right on target.' His book is not only beautifully written, but is perfect for those who want a clear, straightforward understanding of Islam and its ambitious goal to make the whole world Islamic (and/or to destroy the infidels who refuse to convert). Mark's book is a 'great read,' an 'easy read' and a 'fascinating read' - I commend it to you highly." - D. K., Academic

Excellent!"This book is excellent. It really explains the danger that Islam poses to the West. It's a great read. I recommend it ." - Anonymous

Buy the book around the world here:


BUY eBOOK
BUY BOOK @ AMAZON
BUY BOOK @ B&N
BUY BOOK - BLACKWELL (US)
BUY BOOK - BLACKWELL (UK)
BUY BOOK @ POWELLS
BUY BOOK @ THE TELEGRAPH BOOKSHOP
BUY BOOK @ TESCO
BUY BOOK - AUSTRALIA
BUY BOOK - DENMARK
BUY BOOK - FINLAND
BUY BOOK - HONG KONG
BUY BOOK - N.Z.
BUY BOOK - JAPAN
BUY BOOK - SWEDEN
BUY BOOK - SWITZERLAND
FORBES BOOK CLUB
GUARDIAN BOOK CLUB
PLAY - Free Delivery (£'s)
PLAY - Free Delivery (€'s)

Mark Alexander