First of all, I can't believe that in 11 years, no one else has reviewed this incredible book!
I have not read it yet -- only skimmed through it and read the Introduction. But let me tell you -- and believe me, I know what I'm talking about -- there is an entire undergraduate education, and most of a post-graduate education -- in political science, the humanities, psychology, political economics, sociology, and history (of many stripes) encapsulated in this most wonderful tome. Eli Sagan - hats off to you, or Phrygian cap off to you! Now I've got to get your other books, too!