I've read the best-selling book "The 5000 Year Leap" and I became curious about the man who wrote it. The author of the book is the late Dr. Willard Cleon Skousen (1913-2006). Dr. Skousen was born in Alberta, Canada but also grew up in Mexico and California. According to Skousen2000's biography page, he was elected Student Body President at San Bernardino Junior College. He moved to Washington D.C. and became a government aid. He then became an FBI agent, which he remained for 16 years, between 1935-1951.

He joined the faculty of Brigham Young University in 1951 and headed the Student Alumni organization. In 1956 he became the Chief of Police of Salt Lake City, Utah. While serving, he wrote the national best seller "The Naked Communist" and also edited the nation's leading police magazine "Law and Order". In 1960 he left the force and began political speaking tours. He ran for Governor in Utah, but narrowly lost the primaries. From 1967 to retirement in 1978, he taught again at Brigham Young University, teaching religion.

In 1972, he organised the non-profit "The Freemen Institute", which later became "The National Center for Constitutional Studies". He wrote "The Making of America" and educated students nation-wide about the U.S. Constitution and America's founding fathers. Dr. Skousen's book, "The 5,000 Year Leap", where I heard of him, has surged in popularity recently. He passed away peacefully at age 92 on January 9, 2006.

Here are only some of Dr. Skousen's published political books.

The Naked Communist- According to reviews on Amazon.com, describes the communist mindset, the people, and the times. Marx, Lenin, Stalin, Krushchev, Castro, and others are discussed in detail.

The Naked Capitalist- According to reviews on Amazon.com, appears to be largely a review and critique of Dr. Carroll Quigley's lengthy book "Tragedy and Hope". Some reviewers suggest it to be a right-leaning study of the power-elite. Topics also include tax-exempt foundations, Council on Foreign Relations, the Rockefellers, Morgans, Rothchilds.

The Miracle of America- DVD, CD, or MP3 courses teaches the founding fathers original formula and describes what has been implemented in this country since 1900. Desires to restore a free-market economy based on Constitutional principles. I did not find reviews.

The 5,000 Year Leap- Where I was introduced to Dr. Skousen, so this is the only book I have read of his so far. Outlines 28 founding principles of the United States with some philosophical history as well. Should be an eye-opener for those unfamiliar with the constitution. A list of the 28 founding principles described in the book: Is the 5000 Year Leap any good?

Mr Skousen also has other books on other topics, such as family and religion. Go here for a full list of books, audios, CDs, and videos.