“D.L.Mahan’s newest book ‘East of Eden’s Gate: The Poetry of War and The Human Condition’ is an emotionally stirring compilation of poetry focused on the age-old effects of war, in its various manifestations, that mankind rages both externally and internally. The human condition is rife with symptoms such as hatred, revenge, prejudice, greed, and envy. East of Eden’s Gate confronts these tragic maladies of humanity with creative and provocative verse, as well as essays. The book will leave the reader contemplating when war truly is necessary versus when it should be avoided at all costs. It disarms the societal objections to the uncomfortably confrontational topic – spotlighting the insidiously self-serving or sometimes necessarily unfortunate motives for war – revealing its true victims. It is a must read for the poet, or poetry lover, who longs to be challenged in their thinking – with riveting imagery and story-telling.”