Stolen Legacy

Rating:
Summary: Written in enervating style but nevertheless important...
Review: Had George G. M. James been able to write this book in a manner which was not polemic, not enervating, not preachy, not tiring to read, it would have 50 times the effect it anyway has plus he'd have way more allies than he actually does.

His argument is that Greek philosophy and sciences were not original at all, and that for the most part they were directly influenced ("stolen" as he puts it) by the Egyptians. Being that this is a very provocative and controversial point, he needs some seriously solid sources to support him. He does provide this support of his argument but not in a very convincing manner. He cites both ancient historians (mostly of Greek origin)as well as modern specialised historians (egyptologists) to achieve this.

Exactly there arises the first problem. For an issue of massive significance such as the one he raises this is a remarkably thin book barely spanning over 150 pages. Because of this, everytime he dismisses a greek philosopher or mathematician ,etc., he does this in a mere 5-10 pages simply by bombarding the reader by quotes from ancient and modern texts or accounts. This is the stly of the book for its entirety and in the end you have the feeling that you might be reading the most important telephone catalogue ever written.

This not only tires the reader incredibly but it also undermines the author himself. The concept is, of course, to motivate the reader to research this further himself by checking up on the sources the author provides. I very much doubt he achieves this goal. Only the extremely unbiased and those with loads of time in their hands might do that. The majority of the readers would rather prefer a much more expanded book with a lot more detail. The way George James' book is written anybody who wishes to remain with the "orthodox" version of history will do so thinking that this book is simply equal to tabloid polemics.

The truth of the matter is that James does have an argument. To what extend this argument can carry its weight is still under debate, but it is a fact that the influence of the Egyptians upon the Greeks was immense. Being that the Egyptian system of philosophy and sciences was one that worked through levels of initiation and much less through documentation the picture that has prevailed is the one most people know about the Greek civilisation being the first that incorporated such an advanced level in those areas.

But advanced students of history know all too well that not only the Egyptians but the Chinese too (to name just two cultures) had achieved similar if not far superior levels in those fields. The reasons why the Greeks have been chosen as pioneers or forerunners of western civilisations are complex, intriguing, and in any case far more complicated than James argues.

Still, i consider this a horribly written book with a very important issue underneath the mess.
But there arises the second problem. In reality, it matters very little, or it should matter very little who first thought what, or who first invented what. James makes the same mistake as those he thinks he opposes. He has the same agenda as those he opposes because his argument is one of a racial backround. It's really irrelevant whether philosophy or sciences were first founded or solidified by white cultures, black cultures, or asian cultures. Human history has far less borders than some would want people to think.

As it is, this is yes an important book, a very faulty one simoultaneously, and one that fails to effectively raise the issue it advocates. Only people with a deep understanding over knowledge of history will see whichever value James's book has. Other than that, a rather wasted effort...

Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I think the White folks who are rating this book low are just in denial of the historic FACTS! Blacks are the original peoples, not Caucasians. That's why Black blood is the strongest and why Whites invented that "one drop" rule. The Pymies of Africa are amongst the oldest race on the planet and their fossils have been found all over the world. They were a dwarf like Black peoples. Even the Chinese described those who came before them as a short Black peoples. African's legacy was stolen just like they themselves were stolen from Africa and brought to America. Whites love to discredit Black history and give themselves all the credit to promote White supremacy. I even saw on the internet where Whites lay out the plan to discredit Black scholars at all costs. The Greeks and Romans took on many practices from the ancient Kemetians (Egytians) without giving them credit, typical Caucasian mentality just like they did with the Native Americans and other indigneous peoples. Like someone else here said: To the Caucasians, Kemet civilized you all!!

Rating:
Summary: To those who give the book low ratings
Review: 1. If the Greeks were indeed the creators of civilization... how come they cant seem to come up with any NEW wonders of the world? (The last one standing is in Egypt, not Greece!)

2. If you examine the many pictures of ancient Egyptian sculptures, you are sure to notice that the "discoverers" broke off all the noses. Any idiot can still see that the base of the nose (which is still visible on the face), is broad like Mike Tysons. Which Caucasian has a broad nose?

3. Caucasian peoples of the world... Kemet civilized you, yet you wont even be honest and grateful. The only thing you innovate is the hasty destruction of this planet. This, is your history... and your reward is forthcoming.

VATICAN, your days are numbered.

Rating:
Summary: Horrific
Review: As a long time researcher of Masonic history it is clear where this work "stole" it's bad ideas--they are ultimately derived from Terrason's _Life of Sethos_ (although Jame's probably did NOT go back this far, his sources are some fictional Masonic works like _The Ancient Mysteries and Modern Masonry_). If you can get a copy of "Sethos" read the 1732 english edition (otherwise you'll have to read it in French).

It is clearly fictional and largely an artifact of the post-Napoleonic Egyptian craze. Of course this was long before hieroglyphics were even translated. Anyone, even knowing a basic history of the ancient world, would have to be insane to take this seriously. It is completely transparent today as simple racism and a desperate need for self-esteem--at the expense of others. Thus the only thing "classic" about this is it is a classic document of pseudohistory and African-American racism.