In 1919 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published a call to the world to take up the challenges presented to it and enter upon a new age. He called his book THE VITAL MESSAGE and it marks the beginning of a movement often called 'the new age'. Today, many 'new age' thinkers have been drawn imaginatively to the year 2012, for it is the moment at which one of the great achievements of civilization, the Mayan calendar, simply comes to an end. Rather than think of 2012 as an end-date, however, it is probably best to think of it as a new beginning - and an opportunity for today's thinkers to review 'the new age' with its 'vital message' and ask 'Just how far along our road have we come?' In their different ways they take up challenges for us today, suggest ways in which humankind may best move forward, and describe some of the discoveries and innovations which will reshape our lives in the years ahead. Review: "THE VIEW is a complex, in-depth, informative book. Written to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's birth, the book's theme emerged from the 1919 publication of his book, THE VITAL MESSAGE, which passionately promoted spiritualism and the existence of life after death. THE VIEW contains contributions from 29 authors discussing the challenges faced by us as a civilisation, and how we can best make use of the future while we approach the critical threats posted to our planet. It analyses what has brought us to the brink of a new spirituality in life, the end of the Mayan calendar in 2012 and the beginning of the Age of Aquarius. It is divided into chapters covering the life and contribution of ACD towards spirituality;Spirituality; Empowerment and health; Nature, Community and Family;Sustainable Leadership; 2012. This is essential reading fro anyone interested in the future of humankind and spirituality". - Kate Hartley, Kindred Spirit magazine.