"The Marvellous Century," filled with characters, events, romance and intrigue, explores the literature, the philosophy, the politics and the sciences of the sixth century BC. It documents the writing of the Upanishads, pursues the thought of the Greek astronomer and philosopher Thales, traces the emergence of atomic theories in India, monitors the economics of the central Asia silk trade, reflects upon the great religions--Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism and Modern Judaism--and discusses how, and why, so much that was vital to our civilization came into being during this era.

George Woodcock (1912-1995)--poet, author, essayist and widely known as a literary journalist and historian--published more than 90 titles on history, biography, philosophy, poetry and literary criticism.