In this fifth of six volumes, covering Huxley's essays in the period of 1938-1956, Huxley continues to explore the role of science and technology in modern culture, and seeks a final level of foundational truth that might provide the basis of his growing interest in religious mysticism.

At their best, Huxley's essays stand among the finest examples of the genre in modern literature. From 1938 to 1956 Aldous Huxley continues to explore the role of science and technology in modern culture, and seeks a final level of foundational Truth that might provide the basis for his growing interest in religious mysticism. It is in this period that his philosophy of history took its final form. Here is the fifth volume of a projected six. "He writes with an easy assurance and a command of classical and modern cross-references."-Christopher Hitchens, Los Angeles Times. "There is much to enjoy in these volumes...they are important as a document of his times, and of a window on to a stage in the evolution of his mind."-Economist. "Aldous Huxley very early in life became one of the leading essayists of the 20th century."-Michael Potemra, National Review.