Book V is an immense set of "variations" on the theme, the God-Man as World-Axis and Living Perfection of Art (the Divine Sun of Reality shining through the mists of illusion). In this book is boldly set out the fact that the God-Man is the perfect and living Reality, and the view that any real culture or successful Way of Life can only be that which rests upon the acceptance of the God-Man, accepting His person as divine Model of Man; and which strives to mould itself and it works upon the beauty of that Model. This view is supported by a wide knowledge of the older cultures and a penetrating evaluation of present world conditions. Image after image of true values are brought before our eyes by the most simple and beautiful language written in our time; and image after image of false concepts in their context of situations — attitudinizations (a new word) — are brought to our attention — "Look here upon this picture, and on this,” the author is saying.

Some may feel that in a book of this nature, controversial issues should have been left out. But I agree with the view set out in the author's Preface, that had he been born in another period he would have been content to only sing the Avatar's praises, but being born in this time, comment is unavoidable. Comment is the sign of concern and an admission of involvement. Francis is passionately concerned; but his concern is one that arises not from an ideological hope of "better conditions," but from his love for his Master and his version* of a New Humanity emerging in the pattern that that Master is laying down — the impetus for which emergence will be given when He breaks His silence and manifests to the world as Who He is.

The book ends with an adoration of "adorative Self, the God-Man, the Artist — who strove us the stages of stone shape . . . to man-shape and broke through the seas of form, energy, thought-feeling to Self-state and returned to us with form illuminating all forms"; a tremendously swift resume of Baba's life, and an implied prayer that soon Baba will break His silence — for it will not be until then that real devotion will be possible.

There are three entirely new "Discourses" of Baba's in the book, one at the beginning, one in the middle and one at the end . . . Thus, as it were, initiating, supporting and concluding the whole work.