Shadows Of The Acropolis: Volume II

by Richard C. Lyons

Do you wonder why, as a citizen, it seems that you are no longer represented? Do you wonder why half the nation is incensed no matter who is the President? Do you wonder why the nation feels so politically divided? Do you wonder why people in this country are polarized and enmity between each side is on the rise? Do you wonder why people in the media speak in many tongues providing different “truths?” Do you wonder why our politics have become a matter of name calling, closed-door maneuverings and political persecutions rather than a matter of respectful debate between parties of mutual respect and good intent? Do you wonder why we seem to be reaching for solutions, not through democratic processes, but through intrigue, hatred and violence? You have the right book in your hands right now - As we must set about to actually “know” our nation as she is… at this pivotally important moment.

416 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2022

Reviews

[Al Shapiro · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have avoided giving a review because I received this book as a giveaway but I do feel out of respect for the author I need to give a review good or bad. When I read the description of this book it sounded like it was going to explain how government has gotten out of control and is petty now and dishonest on both sides of the aisle. It sounded like it was about stopping that and getting back to respecting each other and working together as a whole. I feel completely lied to as it’s then made quite clear that this author doesn’t want there to be any fix to anything. They want to create a problem. They decide to blame the Democratic Party for absolutely everything wrong with our government and country and have the audacity to claim the Republicans are perfect and innocent and the only ones following the constitution. The only Republicans blamed for anything are only blamed for listening to bad advice from Democrats or trying to please them. Not even to blame on their own right. How can you possibly say that Republicans are not to blame for anything?? That’s a sick joke. I’m shocked and have nothing to say for how twisted the opinion is on churches. Churches and faith are described as innocent, loving, accepting of everyone, and giving with no agenda of their own. Excuse me? I think gay people, women, minorities, atheists, etc. would largely disagree. Slavery is even fully blamed on Democrats. Last time I checked we had a civil war to ban slavery and the southern states what are now mostly Republican were the ones fighting to keep it going and still have a much larger percentage of racism. And wow I guess that Republicans banning abortions and taking away our natural rights to our own bodies rights which are written in the constitution is definitely not Republican control right? So I do agree that Democrats have also been to blame for some mistakes and bad governmental actions. They are certainly not innocent but most reasonable people couldn’t possibly blame only them. All parties are to blame for governmental problems. This book gets way out of hand in stating how much control Democrats have and want. Instead of wanting us to work together you want to cause a division and incite violence instead of stopping it. I label this book Republican propaganda.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow of the Acropolis, by Richard Lyons, is the second volume of the series “DNA of democracy” and focuses on subjects such as equality, independence, and American history. He focuses on the most important political figures and acts, going from the acropolis to the evolution of society and how our government has failed to sustain liberty ideals. The difference between what should be and what happens in society is quite unsettling, and the aim of the book is to reflect on how things went and how they are going, thinking about what will happen in the future.

Lyons writes in a straightforward way, starting from Greek society and slowly getting to today’s situation. He analyses each society’s characteristics in a trip through the world and through different eras.

As a reader keen on details, I appreciated the presence of the illustrations, which might look funny or cute at first but gain importance as one reads the book. They are all satirical images, and their symbolism grows as the chapters continue. For example, in the author’s opinion, the octopus representing the administrative state might look cute at first but then seems increasingly corrupted and wicked, just like society’s evolution.

Furthermore, the author addresses the reader directly, asking questions and trying to get the latter to stay active while reading. Finally, the use of illustrations helps readers grasp the concepts and splits the book into three parts, focusing on three different aspects.

Shadow of the Acropolis, by Richard Lyons is an eye-opening look at the historical background of what Lyons calls a “hybrid nation,” which will catch most readers’ attention. This book is insightful for those who are keen on history and politics. I would like to end this review with a quote from the author: “- The State seeks to amputate the DNA contained in our history, in our founding ethos and separate us from the heroes who made America a free and independent democracy devoted to the rights of humanity.”

[Danielle Joy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have gone back and forth about what to say about the novel, “Shadows of the Acropolis,” his first book, “DNA of Democracy,” I found insightful, unbiased and thoroughly educational. This book left me immensely disappointed. I felt completely lied to. Not only was it very one sided and biased, it left the reader wondering how factual is this book? Because of the writer’s views so loudly stated, could the book be exaggerated to create a further divide? Why wasn’t this book more balanced? The writer is alienating one half of the country, while it is pleasing the other side. I finished this book, I didn’t want to. This is the nicest way I could write this review.

[Books Forward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an informative and compelling look at the state of politics in our country today. Everyone should read this book to better understand our nation and all its intricacies.

[Amy Byers]

Good book. Very interesting!!! I need to find and read book one!

[Mary Nee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good interesting book!

[Wendy Gregoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book. Sets clear how we got to where we are now as a country.

Really great read! Now I understand how democracy developed in historical context and why it becomes threatened over time. Wake up America!