Volume 8 of The Essential Rinehart Collection presents “A Poor Wise Man,” which continues the author’s series of novels examining the effects of the first World War on everyday people.  “There were bad times coming. The old peaceful quiet days were gone, for age and obstinacy had met youth and the arrogance of youth, and it was to be a battle.”  Birth, death, and renewal are the themes that Mary Roberts Rinehart tackles in this emotional and thought-provoking story.