Roger Garaudy was for years an atheist and leading figure - intellectual and militant - in the French Communist Party. Disillusioned by the Party line on Czechoslovakia, he recovered his esential Christian beliefs but abandoned none of his ideals.

In this impassioned and utopian book he seeks to inspire youth with the vision of a future which all can help to construct. He sees the world at a turning-point comparable to the neolithic revolution ; but the 'things to come' are not predestined. Christianity and Marxism have both failed so far to fulfil their promises ; both are rethinking their attitudes. In the fusion of these two powerful doctrines Garaudy sees hope of a political philosophy of 'self-management' which can substitute coordination for subordination.

His message, written 'in agony, hope and passion', is inspired by the rage and hopes of the young - half this world's population; it speaks first to them.