The Rivers North of the Future: The Testament of Ivan Illich [Paperback]

David Cayley (Author), Charles Taylor (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 10, 2005

In this provocative new book, respected Canadian journalist David Cayley compiles and reflects upon the thoughts of Ivan Illich, one of the 20th century's most visionary cultural critics. Illich believed that the West could only be understood as a corruption of the Christian New Testament. Cayley presents Illich's exploration of this idea, illuminating Illich's thoughts on the criminalization of sin, on how the Church has become a template for the modern nation-state, and how contemporary society has become a congealed and corrupted Christianity. These critiques are as timely and valuable as Illich's prescription for fixing them.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: House of Anansi Press (March 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887847145
• ISBN-13: 978-0887847141
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,038,993 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenge Yourself., April 29, 2005

By 

James Hardt (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rivers North of the Future: The Testament of Ivan Illich (Paperback)

Although labeled and promoted as a book on christianity this work is much more. Anyone with a serious interest in history, social issues, social psychology or what one might do to make the world a better place will find plenty to think about in this very interesting read. I have no religious inclinations and found the aproach of looking for documented truth rather than proselytizing refreshing. This book should appeal to free thinkers of the left, right, and center. Although this book may stand alone, it is understood more easily if one has read Cayley's previous book with Illich, "Ivan Illich in Conversation," and the fine work by Lee Hoinacki "The Challenges of Ivan Illich; a Collective Reflection."
A real treat for free thinkers, and a challenge for folks with strong opinions.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extending his critique, February 5, 2008

By 

D. McShane "warpspasm" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rivers North of the Future: The Testament of Ivan Illich (Paperback)

Anyone who has read Illich knows that his thought was ever-evolving. This work extends his critique of christianity, along with providing glimpses of how we may pick up where he left off. He spoke truth when few listened. You owe it to yourself to read Illich and open your mind to his unique thought process.