The most influential books of the millennium will be on display at the Fondren Library at Southern Methodist University throughout the year 2000. The university president, provost, library directors and student body president were asked to select the books that had the most influence in the last millennium and the academic deans were asked to select books that had the most influence in their field in the last millennium. The first two books, on display through March 15, are the King James version of The Bible, recommended by SMU President R.Gerald Turner, and Dante's The Divine Comedy , recommended by SMU Provost Ross Murfin. Music, the visual and performing arts, education, law and the tradition of public service also reflect influences of the King James Bible. Outlining English Naturalist Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, Origin of Species was selected by SMU Student Body President Frank White.
Evolution is still the lens through which all scientists view their subject of study. . .
This particular play could well be judged to have generated the most controversy, discussion and inspiration over the years. . . . The internal health of these organizations, whether they are local, state, national or international, has a significant influence on our lives. Bhat selected William Feller's An Introduction to Probability Theory and its Applications . Feller's book, which first appeared in 1950, has had a major influence on many researchers in applied probability because it introduced probability theory not as a mathematical theory, but as a set of probability concepts that can be used to understand random phenomena. The Complete Pelican Shakespeare was Meadows School of the Arts Dean Carole Brandt's choice.