Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating story of a fascinating man & his self-less life
Review: A truly compeling account of one man's life and how he helped those who came to him. Mr. Cayce is truly a role model for the world today, a man who stayed totally focussed on his life's mission,to help the sick and those in pain without any thought for his own gain. Ahh, to be half the man he was. I highly recommend this book to everyone. WARNING...reading this book could change your life forever (for the better). Thank you Mr. Kirkpatrick for bringing Mr. Cayce's story to the world. After reading this book I and my friends are joining Mr. Cayce's organization in Virginia Beach, the A.R.E.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastically written biography
Review: A very enjoyable, well written and meaningful book. Sidney Kirkpatrick has done the unbelievable, by taking all the information available and weaving it into a logical step-by-step story. It is a book to be read many times. Although what Edgar had to say about Christ is contrary to what is often written, what he offers actually makes sense. Since the Bible is a matter of interpretation, there is no proof that what it says is accurate. What we believe from the Bible is strictly taken on faith. Read this book--for yourself--and come to your own conclusions!!
Rating: 
Summary: Poor Scholarship-Flim Flam
Review: Although readable, the book contains many exaggerations, poor research and is certainly misleading. The author considers Cayce's reading placing the missing Amelia Earhart Northeast of Howland Island accurate, although her remains were found southeast of the island (her destination-no psychic ability here). The author also, hints that the Cayce reading on the Lindberg kidnapping was accurate although the kidnappers were found in a totally different location.Cayce's documented errors are numerous, Adolph Hitler as a Biblical savior, Atlantis, massive earth changes, failed oil wells, undiscovered treasure troves, health readings for dead people, Jesus 1998 return and on and on. Unfortunately, Cayce's miracles and wonders are largely anecdotal and undocumrnted. Will someone ever write an objective book dealing with the Cayce material?
Rating:
Summary: terminally silly, unintentionally hilarious
Review: Come on! This book can't be intended for anyone with an ounze of common sense. Totally incredible. Cayce at least had the excuse of an accidental nail in his head as a youth. Lost city of Atlantis, channeling, clairvoyance about stocks and horses, etc. Amazing.
Rating:
Summary: Great book to understand Cayce
Review: Defintely the best of the Cayce books to really give a lot of details of his life and work. Excellent
Rating: 
Summary: Book works on many levels
Review: Despite some of the book's flaws, I really enjoyed reading it. The author, while making a number of minor mistakes, is a very skillful writer and the pages flew by (especially the first 300 pages). One can approach this work on many levels, which can be a lot of fun to explore and think about. Kirkpatrick writes in a way that is generally neutral enough to explore multiple sides of a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the things i've been thinking about: Period perspective: used as the core level of the book, i really enjoyed discovering what it was like to live in the early to mid 1900's. Survival was difficult in those times, and there were many deaths in Edgar's circles of friends, beginning with his best friend as a child and his grandfather. The oil prospecting stories were especially fascinating. Personal perspective: Edgar was an interesting person, to be sure. he had character flaws, behaved contrary to Biblical principles at times, and deeply loved his family always. The people around him were colorful, to say the least. He was surrounded by well-meaning people, inventors, rich people, celebrities, poor people, [fools], manipulators, leaches, etc. How people's characters develop and interact is almost like a novel. Historical perspective: the author takes great pains to place all of the readings into their place in history - when and where the Atlantis readings took place, for example. Like an historian, the author resolves a number of historical inaccuracies put forth by previous biographers. Religious perspective: There is a chapter devoted to the many readings on Jesus' life, which together with the many life readings, basically began the New Age movement. I would have appreciated if the author had stopped somewhere and stated the huge difference here between the Biblical Jesus and the Source's Jesus. The Biblical Jesus is the incarnated God whose death brings Salvation (by paying the price for the restoration of the fallen relationship between God and his creation) by Grace (meaning God's work does this because of His goodness, and not by anything we can do) through Faith (in Jesus' death serving to pay for restored with God, and in His resurrection which gives us hope for spending eternal life with our Creator). The Source's Jesus is the first entity (we are all entities, many with multiple incarnations or manifestations), after some 30 reincarnations, to have aligned his will with that of God the Creator. The Source's concept of Jesus, while there are some similarities, drops the ideas of grace and salvation, and replaces it with works-for-salvation through multiple reincarnations. Readers should be aware of this fundamental shift in theology. The Readings: the author takes great pains to put the readings (what Cayce's trance sessions are called) into historical and contextual perspective. There are many examples of Cayce's medical diagnoses, so much so that perhaps the book should have been entitled, "Edgar Cayce: Psychic Diagnostician" rather than Edgar Cayce: An American Prophet. Cayce is largely credited to beginning the holistic health movement, and this book explains why. Why Cayce is NOT considered the father of the field of polymer science is demonstrated by his complete bungling of the description of Plexiglass (polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA). But of course, just the fact that he came up with the trade name was remarkable. Religious Cult perspective: Hey, wanna start a religious cult?? You can use this book as a handbook! A cult needs credibility (here established by Cayce's association with celebrities and well-known historical figures, and by his apparently close association with mainstream Christianity), a way to discredit the Bible (explained to be only barely sufficient for proper godly alignment because of its many rewrites), a way to motivate your followers (with visits from other well-known entities including Jesus and Michael the archangel), and to control them (with authoritative instructions from the Source, Cayce's entity while in trance). Perhaps Cayce is why religious cults are almost exclusively an American phenomenon - is Cayce the father of the modern religious cult movements?? Antichrist perspective: was Cayce possessed by an evil entity who was floating a trial balloon for the antichrist? The first beast referred to in Revelation 13 was healed, "and the whole earth was amazed and followed the beast" as a result of the healing. Thus, perhaps many truths in the readings (like the many medical diagnoses) were mixed with lies (like the life of Jesus and the many sensational historical figures identified as people presently reincarnated). Strategic management perspective: there are some good examples on how partnerships and businesses fail. Edgar failed at oil speculation, treasure hunting, photo development (even though he was quite skilled at it), initial formation of hospital and university, and several inventions (though he was apparently successful in at least one invention). Of course, all of these perspectives are possible to contemplate only because of the skillful way Kirkpatrick organizes and writes the book. It is entirely up to the reader to determine who Edgar Cayce was and what his place is in American history.
Rating:
Summary: Book works on many levels
Review: Despite some of the book's flaws, I really enjoyed reading it. The author, while making a number of minor mistakes, is a very skillful writer and the pages flew by (especially the first 300 pages). One can approach this work on many levels, which can be a lot of fun to explore and think about. Kirkpatrick writes in a way that is generally neutral enough to explore multiple sides of a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the things i've been thinking about: Period perspective: used as the core level of the book, i really enjoyed discovering what it was like to live in the early to mid 1900's. Survival was difficult in those times, and there were many deaths in Edgar's circles of friends, beginning with his best friend as a child and his grandfather. The oil prospecting stories were especially fascinating. Personal perspective: Edgar was an interesting person, to be sure. he had character flaws, behaved contrary to Biblical principles at times, and deeply loved his family always. The people around him were colorful, to say the least. He was surrounded by well-meaning people, inventors, rich people, celebrities, poor people, [fools], manipulators, leaches, etc. How people's characters develop and interact is almost like a novel. Historical perspective: the author takes great pains to place all of the readings into their place in history - when and where the Atlantis readings took place, for example. Like an historian, the author resolves a number of historical inaccuracies put forth by previous biographers. Religious perspective: There is a chapter devoted to the many readings on Jesus' life, which together with the many life readings, basically began the New Age movement. I would have appreciated if the author had stopped somewhere and stated the huge difference here between the Biblical Jesus and the Source's Jesus. The Biblical Jesus is the incarnated God whose death brings Salvation (by paying the price for the restoration of the fallen relationship between God and his creation) by Grace (meaning God's work does this because of His goodness, and not by anything we can do) through Faith (in Jesus' death serving to pay for restored with God, and in His resurrection which gives us hope for spending eternal life with our Creator). The Source's Jesus is the first entity (we are all entities, many with multiple incarnations or manifestations), after some 30 reincarnations, to have aligned his will with that of God the Creator. The Source's concept of Jesus, while there are some similarities, drops the ideas of grace and salvation, and replaces it with works-for-salvation through multiple reincarnations. Readers should be aware of this fundamental shift in theology. The Readings: the author takes great pains to put the readings (what Cayce's trance sessions are called) into historical and contextual perspective. There are many examples of Cayce's medical diagnoses, so much so that perhaps the book should have been entitled, "Edgar Cayce: Psychic Diagnostician" rather than Edgar Cayce: An American Prophet. Cayce is largely credited to beginning the holistic health movement, and this book explains why. Why Cayce is NOT considered the father of the field of polymer science is demonstrated by his complete bungling of the description of Plexiglass (polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA). But of course, just the fact that he came up with the trade name was remarkable. Religious Cult perspective: Hey, wanna start a religious cult?? You can use this book as a handbook! A cult needs credibility (here established by Cayce's association with celebrities and well-known historical figures, and by his apparently close association with mainstream Christianity), a way to discredit the Bible (explained to be only barely sufficient for proper godly alignment because of its many rewrites), a way to motivate your followers (with visits from other well-known entities including Jesus and Michael the archangel), and to control them (with authoritative instructions from the Source, Cayce's entity while in trance). Perhaps Cayce is why religious cults are almost exclusively an American phenomenon - is Cayce the father of the modern religious cult movements?? Antichrist perspective: was Cayce possessed by an evil entity who was floating a trial balloon for the antichrist? The first beast referred to in Revelation 13 was healed, "and the whole earth was amazed and followed the beast" as a result of the healing. Thus, perhaps many truths in the readings (like the many medical diagnoses) were mixed with lies (like the life of Jesus and the many sensational historical figures identified as people presently reincarnated). Strategic management perspective: there are some good examples on how partnerships and businesses fail. Edgar failed at oil speculation, treasure hunting, photo development (even though he was quite skilled at it), initial formation of hospital and university, and several inventions (though he was apparently successful in at least one invention). Of course, all of these perspectives are possible to contemplate only because of the skillful way Kirkpatrick organizes and writes the book. It is entirely up to the reader to determine who Edgar Cayce was and what his place is in American history.
Rating:
Summary: I just love this book
Review: Edgar Cayce was an absolutely amazing person and I can't believe the life of sacrifice he led. What a blessing for us--and so many of us are blind to it--to have this prophet live in our country--in our state--in our times. It is almost like having Jesus Christ return but nobody recognize it. He led an extraordinary life--a fascinating life--as did the people around him. A true legend to be told and Sidney Kirkpatrick does a superb job of telling it. I can't wait to see the movie!!
Rating:
Summary: AMERICA'S SEER
Review: Edgar Cayce, one of America's well known clairvoyants, is given a thorough examination in this new biography by Sidney Kirkpatrick. Gone is the myth and legend of the man who has captured the hearts and minds of many New Age adherents. In its place, the reader is given an objective overview of this fascinating man whose mystical powers still baffle those of us today. Just who was this Edgar Cayce? What impact if any did he have on the lives of others and of our nation? While reading this book you will be astounded with the answers. Journey with the author to Hopkinsville, Kentucky where the Cayce clan and related kin provide the foundation for this young seer. We find a family of tobacco growers, misfits and others who share some strange gifts that are known but kept under wraps. Into this environment comes Edgar Cayce who grows up in a conventional lifestyle of his time. Known as a quiet boy and prone to day dreaming there isn't anything extra ordinary about this child. Kirkpatrick humanizes Cayce. We see the various facets of his life. He has a inferiority complex, a deep love of the Bible, struggles with his gift and is artistic. Cayce struggles throughout his lifetime to help others. We also meet the celeberties, entrepreneurs and government officials who also take an interest in Cayce. Their motivations in using this young man are not always pure or in the best interest of Cayce and the work he is called to do. I found it fascinating to read the interviews from the entities that possess Cayce's body and give out advice. Even in the written word their presence is frightening and powerful. It is amusing to hear one of them chastise Cayce for not following its advice and its annoyance in answering the "stupid" questions of people who just don't get what is said. The book also looks at the loves in Cayce's life most notably his relationship with Gladys Davis, his secretary, and a woman he met during his engagement with his fiance. You find a complex man tied up in some strange love triangles. This is an enjoyable work which puts him in the context of his time and also focuses on the investigation of spiritualism, clairvoyance and other mysterious phenomena of the day. You get a clearer historical perspective of what were the attitudes of the day. Oddly enough Cayce was praised and reviled during his day. America was both repelled and attracted to this seer. Edgar Cayce:An American Prophet is insightful, funny and historical in its presentation of a figure who led an unconventional life during the early 20th century. You will enjoy his story and gain a better perspective on the life of America's greatest Clairvoyant.
Rating:
Summary: September 11th makes Cayce's message even more important
Review: For those interested in Edgar Cayce, this is the one book they must own. It not only tells Cayce's life story in detail and depth unlike any books before this--it is truly a definitive biography--but provides an excellent overview of Cayce's philosophies and messages. In the wake of September 11th, Cayce's important message "mind is the builder" takes on extreme importance, as we each, individually, decide how to react to this tragedy. He states that the thoughts that live in our heads and that which lives in our hearts, both individually and collectively, determines our future destiny. That, combined with the notion of karma, or "we reap what we sow" should cause us to pause and stay awake to what goes through our minds and our hearts. Another and the most important message--that we must each accept and honor the Brotherhood/Sisterhood of humanity--and the Mother/Fatherhood of God--if we are to survive on this planet--is perhaps the most relevant. If you are looking for inspiration and guidance in these most difficult times, this is the book for you.
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