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The Winds of Time: An Analytical Study of the Titans who shaped Western Civilization

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Shakespeare's "What's past is prologue" postulates that what has happened in the past sets the scene for the greatness that follows if one builds on the lessons of history. But this greatness can be either good or evil as accurately defined by DiSilvio in The Winds of Time.

No one denies the evil greatness of Hitler, or of his polar opposite, Washington. Both played world-tipping roles that helped shape western civilization, and the knowledge learned from studying their influence as well as others detailed in the book, should be re-visited often to ensure our compass remains pointed due North. DiSilvio points out that many of the same conditions and circumstances from the past have formed again and critical decisions have to be made. It will take a titan to lead us safely through the land mines if our western civilization, our way of life, is to survive. DiSilvio's precise analysis lights the path - will we follow it? A great, engaging read!

Every now and then you come across a movie or book that you feels needs to be "required reading or viewing" for an American public who seems to have forgotten where we came from, or at times seems unconcerned with where we are going.

At a time when many American's seem to have become soft and apathetic as a result of us having it too good for too long, WINDS OF TIME serves as a well written bit of wisdom and insight to reveal just how dangerously close modern America is to walking down the same path as the Roman Empire before us.

I might argue that much of America's population under the age of 45 could learn more from this book than the revisionist tripe being taught in our educational system and viewed on our mainstream media today.

The Winds of Time is an analysis, written by and for Americans, of Western history's greatest figures and how they are relevant to us, the inheritors of the world they helped shape. This ambitious volume is broken into logical, chronological, and easily digestible sections for the reader making it a joy to read either from cover-to-cover or one section at a time. In it the author attempts with great success to warn and inspire us; to enlighten and entertain us.

He warns us that the existential dangers confronting modernity's and antiquity's greatest powers, the United States and Rome, respectively, are eerily similar. DiSilvio reminds us that Pax Americana, like Pax Romana is fragile - not necessarily Providential - and must be nurtured and defended by every generation or it will be lost.

He inspires us by recounting the great and terrible achievements of Western history's greatest thinkers and doers, reminding us that it is the efforts of individual men and women which shape history - for good or ill - not the moribund and emasculating Marxist model wherein history's flow is inevitable.

He enlightens us by digging deep to reveal bits of history that have been either ignored or distorted by prominent historians and academics.

And he entertains us by way of the narritive vignette, an innovative literary device akin to the historical novels of Newt Gingrich or Steven Pressfield. Written in rich and graceful prose, these brief semi-historical features shake the dust off of the musty old history books and bring these giants vividly to life.

And while I did feel the alternative history of the early Church presented in Winds of Time was mostly a recitation of the various major heresies championed by its dissenters ranging from from the time of ancient Pharisees to the modern day Dan Brown it is a truism that no one will ever agree with all of an authors conclusions or analysis. It is, nevertheless, a thought-provoking, entertaining, and insightful read.

The Winds of Time is a book that is both important and timely. For every American (like this one) with an abiding love of country who is also interested in history and how its lessons are relevant today, this book is a must-read.

Rich DiSilvio takes us on an epic journey through Western Civilization, including the Titan's who shaped history and some of their collegues. His extensive research include little known facts that spark interest and capture the imagination. He includes vingettes of famous people which gives us a glimpse of life during the "era" in which they lived.
I was fascinated by the rich and imense detail that has been included to help the reader understand the impact of decisions made in the past that still affect us today. More importantly, it helps us to see how history often repeats itself.
The reader is immediately engaged and travels through time while always enjoying the journey. Each stop in history covers major details about that time period as well as some little known fact and point of interest. The author's analysis and presentation is brilliantly laid out throughout the book and is easy to follow. A "must read" for all students of history.

"The Winds of Time" is a mesmerizing narrative of civilization's journey written with keen insight by Rich DiSilvio.

Each chapter centers around a major figure-often including several secondary figures-and the effects they each had on the world. One reads not only about Jesus Christ and Saint Paul but also Roman Emperors Augustus and Constantine, William Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, the great figures of the Renaissance such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Filippo Brunelleschi, explorers Christopher Columbus and Vasco Da Gama, the fathers of America George Washington, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, the great inventors Thomas Edison, Marconi, Volta and political thinkers and statesmen Machiavelli, Karl Marx, Martin Luther King, Jr., John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, and many, many more.

DiSilvio is a fervent scholar of the past with a refreshing outlook rooted in common sense and practical analysis. He successfully debunks the current trend today among some scholars of negating the profound influence of ancient Rome, Renaissance Italy, Elizabethan England and Colonial America.

DiSilvio provides us with creative dialogue among history's most famous participants to add perspective to his exhaustive research. What makes "The Winds of Time" an amazing work is that history is presented without distillation. We read glories and foibles; dark and bright moments, quite often dependent upon each other.

He reminds us how intense rivalry between nations often led to great achievements in commerce, art and literature, language and laws, architecture and engineering, etc... How pacifist nations fell not necessarily under the marching feet of warring neighbors but rather from complacency, a lack of ingenuity and invention among its people. Not all great societies began as purely noble undertakings. But that should not diminish the great gifts these societies have given to the world.

As a journalist, I found "The Winds of Time" a riveting work of historical scholarship. The reader comes away marinated in the richness of Western civilization. DiSilvio's research and creative touches turn what often is a droll exercise by narrow minded scholars into what history is and ought to be.

"The Winds of Time" is a great story.

Rich DiSilvio, The Winds of Time: An Analytical Study of the Titans Who Shaped Western Civilization New York: DV Books. 2009. ix + 731 pp.
Western Civilization is so immense a topic that it is often too daunting for most readers who do not possess a passion for history. With his work, The Winds of Time, author Rich DiSilvio offers an analytical study of the history of western civilization which is sure to capture the interest of all Americans, regardless of their appreciation level for history. Written from a new American perspective, The Winds of Time plunges a sword into the heart of political correctness with its tiptoeing around truths for fear of offending. DiSilvio offers no apologies for having written his work for Americans and in the hopes that Americans can learn from the lessons of history and avoid the pitfalls of the past.
The book is a collection of informal commentaries and informative biographies that bring history alive for the reader. DiSilvio's easy writing style gives the reader a feeling that they are conversing directly with the author. That is not to say that DiSilvio's interpretations of historical events and figures will find unanimous agreement among all his readers, but his conclusions have been arrived at in an analytical and logical manner, through intense research worthy of any academic historian.
The Winds of Time offers a thought provoking look at history bringing enlightenment on commonly held beliefs that deserve a fresher look. The influence of the Roman Republic, which was not lost to the American founding fathers who borrowed liberally from it while forming the new Republic, is one such example. Many Americans today believe they live in a democracy and credit ancient Athens for its influence, even while pledging allegiance "to the Republic for which it stands". Author Rich DiSilvio offers many such eye-opening tidbits which are guaranteed to give readers a new perspective on some of the many topics discussed in this enjoyable and informative work.
Rich DiSilvio has drawn on over one hundred sources, which are listed in the book's bibliography, in tackling this immense subject matter and his book also contains sixty five photos and illustrations for the readers enjoyment. DiSilvio is successful in achieving his goal of writing to appeal to a broader audience beyond the academic historian and arm chair history buff. He writes for Americans with the hope of sparking in them a keener awareness of their nation's origins, current status, and an awareness of the lessons history can offer to help guide America's future. I highly recommend this book which should be a part of every American's personal library.

Michael Gandolfo
Palm Harbor, Florida

Not only did I find the book, "The Winds of Time" by Richard Di Silvio insightful, involving and inspiring, it offers a variety of mind challenges in the social, religious, and cultural aspects. The book not only talks about past and present leaders, but also of the great inventors and intellects that were influential in their time.

I would recommend reading this book to anyone who is interested in a different perspective of how the Titans shaped our world.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this unique perspective of Western Civilization. Mr. DiSilvio was able to take a tremendous amount of information throughout over 2000 years and was able to tie everything together with his smooth and easy to read writing style. His challenging task was to take all this information and make it "a page turner" which it certainly was. To be fair, I did have an objection to some of his theories on Jesus's life and lineage. I also felt that the Catholic Church was portrayed by only its perceived weaknesses and it could have added to the richness of the book with the overwhelming good the Church has contributed to our civilization. That said, Mr. DiSilvio deserves a great deal of credit for his extensive research and hard work for putting in perspective and explaining to the reader how we got where we are here in the 21st century. Sadly, most young people have no knowledge of the vital and fascinating past that is our history and heritage. Mr. DiSilvio captures that history in a very enjoyable manner. I would also recommend this book as a valuable reference/resource material for history buffs and students of political science. Well done!

Rich DiSilvio presents a review of history throughout the ages. This book may not be for you if you believe everything that was taught to you about history and religion. This book challenges many popular interpretations via a conservative analysis of various historical sources. Throughout the book it becomes clear that many of our beliefs are based on historical interpretations that may be more fiction than reality. If you believe that history repeats itself I would suggest reading the Winds Of Time to prepare for the future.