The Twelve by William Gladstone is the journey of Max Doff, an unusual young man who thinks in numbers and colors rather than words until he starts speaking at the age of six with remarkable insights into the nature of reality. At the age of fifteen max has a near death experience in which the names of twelve magical people are revealed but max forgets the names upon regaining consciousness. Max’s life unfolds with international adventures as a documentary film maker with  remarkable coincidences which eventually bring him into contact with the Twelve and  their shared destiny in ensuring the positive outcome that 2012  was originally prophesized by the Ancient Mayan.

After reading THE TWELVE, people will have insights into what they can do to transform the world and shift earth’s destiny as 2012 draws near. The book’s message of faith and hope transcends the fear-based viewpoints that dominate the majority of film and media treatments of 2012. William Gladstone, a successful businessman educated at Yale and Harvard, draws on many of his own life experiences to create this dramatic story.  “Much of what happens to Max happened to me,” he explains.  “I was born on the same day and had a near death experience when I was fifteen.  Max’s career and international travels mirror my own life,” he continues. “THE TWELVE has been written for everyone curious or perplexed by the significance of the Mayan calendar and 2012. It is a journey that links the mysterious legends of The Twelve from ancient Egyptian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, American Indian, Christian, Celtic, and aboriginal cultures to speculation about what will occur in 2012.”  As noted author and philosopher Ervin Laszlo says,  “We live in critical times – the future of all of humankind hangs in the balance.  THE TWELVE calls attention to this mind-boggling situation in a way that’s more effective than any scientific or political treatise.  The reader becomes part of The Twelve and so part of the solution – a unique concept and a unique feat. A positive message when we need it most.