#1042: Mystery Babylon #8

"Time Bomb," written by Emanuel Piller and published in 1945, is a powerful anti-fascist treatise that warns against the continued presence of fascist ideologies within American society. Piller argues that while fascism has been defeated on the battlefield, its underlying ideas and proponents remain a threat. The book emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the rights of minority groups and advocating for labor as key defenses against fascist propaganda. Piller highlights the dangers of nationalism and its use by pro-fascist groups to promote their agenda. "Time Bomb" serves as a call to vigilance, urging Americans to remain aware of the subtle ways in which fascism can infiltrate and undermine democratic values.

"Witches and Sorcerers" delves into the historical and cultural aspects of witchcraft and sorcery across different societies. It examines the beliefs, practices, and rituals associated with these traditions, exploring their origins, evolution, and enduring appeal. The book sheds light on the social and religious contexts in which witchcraft and sorcery have flourished, highlighting the roles of practitioners and their relationships with their communities. It also discusses the persecution and demonization of witches throughout history, exploring the underlying factors that fueled these movements. By providing a comprehensive overview of witchcraft and sorcery, the book offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of magic, religion, and society.

"A History of Mathematics" offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of mathematical ideas and discoveries across different cultures and time periods. It traces the development of key concepts, theorems, and techniques, highlighting the contributions of mathematicians from ancient civilizations to the modern era. The book covers a wide range of topics, including number theory, geometry, algebra, calculus, and mathematical logic. It examines the historical context in which mathematical advancements occurred, shedding light on the social, cultural, and scientific factors that influenced their development. By providing a detailed account of the history of mathematics, this book offers valuable insights into the nature of mathematical knowledge and its impact on society.

"The Sufis" is a comprehensive exploration of Sufism, a mystical and esoteric branch of Islam. Written by Idries Shah, the book delves into the history, philosophy, and practices of Sufism, revealing its unique approach to spirituality and self-discovery. Shah examines the key concepts of Sufi thought, including the nature of reality, the role of the teacher, and the path to enlightenment. The book also explores the rich literary and artistic traditions of Sufism, highlighting the use of poetry, music, and storytelling as vehicles for spiritual expression. "The Sufis" offers a profound insight into the mystical dimensions of Islam and the universal quest for spiritual truth.

In this first volume of 'The Masks of God', Joseph Campbell explores the wellsprings of myth from the earliest expressions of religious awe in pre-modern humans to the rites and art of contemporary primal tribes. He examines the basic concepts that underlie all human myth, highlighting the unity of themes running through all civilizations and religions. Campbell argues that mythology is a fundamental aspect of human culture, influencing religion, philosophy, art, and science, and that it continues to shape human understanding and motivation.

The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, follows the journey of Harry Potter, an orphan boy who discovers he is a wizard. The series spans seven novels, each corresponding to one year of Harry's life at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry, along with his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, navigates the magical world, confronts various challenges, and ultimately faces off against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who murdered Harry's parents and seeks to dominate the wizarding world. The series explores themes of friendship, love, and the struggle between good and evil.

In 'Occidental Mythology', Joseph Campbell delves into the mythological roots of Western civilizations, exploring how the mythologies of the goddess mother were transformed and suppressed by patriarchal warrior tribes. The book covers the emergence of great Occidental religious traditions, including the influence of Near Eastern, Greek, and Roman mythologies. Campbell discusses the evolution of these mythological motifs and their impact on Western consciousness, highlighting the transition from an organic, vegetal view of life to a more heroic and male-dominated perspective.