In all fairness though, Watson's book is remarkably ambitious in its attempt to cover the entire scope of twentieth century intellectual history in one volume. Undertaking this daunting task alone merits a few stars. The author's apparent breadth of knowledge is impressive and it was somewhat nice to read a broad work on a subject so prone to esoteric treatment. Watson's book brings needed perspective. I learned some things reading it, but I would not want my students to model his writing. The word "encyclopedic," used elsewhere in reference to this book, is an accurate description--for better or for worse.