Title: Personal Human Decency – The PhD from the University of Life
Author: Anthony Barclay
Publisher: Xlibris
ISBN: 978-1456839222
Pages: 289
Genre: Poetry, Self-Improvement
Book Review
Personal Human Decency soberly articulates an anthological collection of poems by Anthony Barclay, accompanied by narrative justifications of his work subtitled, The PHD from the University of Life. Although the themes of integrity and honesty prevail, he has separated his work into four sections: Attributes of Personal Human Decency, Recollections of the Liberian Civil War, Development Challenges and Other Issues, Other Things.Clearly emerges Anthony Barclay’s love for his fellow man, kindness, strength in character and patriotic pride in Liberia. His words not only teach, but have a subliminal disciplinary undercurrent, almost commanding – if you will, directing his readers to heed his message. Consistent with his many subtle observations on human behavior, his poems infer hope while simultaneously enlivening a paternal guidance to carry fourth and create anew.
Anthony Barclay possesses the acumen of scholarly wisdom from a historian’s viewpoint along with the morality of a pontiff and the gentleness of a tutor. He imprints his messages with an entertaining style and respect for his audience. One learns the riches of his beloved Liberia, the wonders of its landscapes with the humanity of its people. With atrocities of the past behind, he shows we are given the gift of the future, and like a signpost Anthony Barclay self designates his need to guide his fellow people through the pain and towards peace. His directions are to destinations of love and knowledge. Barclay indulges in truly admirable virtues manifested in each poem; not only is each word consciously placed for a reason, each pause between words or at the end of a line further impacts his message. His Personal Human Decency (PHD) is not only defined by what he writes, but also how he writes it.
Years in the making and with an inherent skill of communication, Anthony Barclay has amassed a work not to be read quickly but to be savored. His messages would best be reserved for “one-a-day” in a classroom, for example at the beginning of a day. Once finished, one should re-read it as if the second time around will reveal even more and different observations and reflections. This book should be a permanent reference in all school libraries, accessible to all who wish to gain Personal Human Decency from the University of Life, whilst enjoying the cleverness of Barclay’s wordsmithing.
