What an excellent collection of short fiction! There were, of course, a few stories that didn't seem as strong as some of the others, but I don't thinWhat an excellent collection of short fiction! There were, of course, a few stories that didn't seem as strong as some of the others, but I don't think there was a single one that I disliked—an unusual occurrence with anthologies and something that impresses me greatly. These exceedingly well-chosen sea stories have been grouped here into four different thematic sections, each of which explores a different element of the sea. The tales complement each other perfectly, and each section is an adventure unto itself. I cannot praise this book highly enough. Absolutely amazing collection.
Out of an already-strong collection, these seven were my favorites: • The Fog Horn (Bradbury) • A Descent into the Maelström (Poe) • The Cruise of The Jolly Roger (Vonnegut) • One for the Islands (Highsmith) • The Open Boat (Crane) • The House of Mapuhi (London) • Sail Shining in White (Helprin) ...more
Well-laid out and highly informative, this book traces the history of our alphabet, one letter at a time. This is an incredibly complicated history, bWell-laid out and highly informative, this book traces the history of our alphabet, one letter at a time. This is an incredibly complicated history, but Don Robb has done the impossible and presented it in a clear, concise format. There is a map showing the geographical relationship between the different cultures who shaped the forms of each letter, and this helps clarify their interaction, and the way information traveled. Throughout the book are charts chronicling the various stages of each letter's evolution (from Sinaitic to Phoenician, Early Greek, Classical Greek, and finally Roman). These charts are consistent in style throughout the book. Moreover, the sections are supplemented with extra bits of information that help expand the reader's understanding of this history. Consequently, children are able to interact with this book however they want, whether it's just reading bits of trivia, or looking at various shapes in the charts, or reading this cover to cover. Fascinating stuff!...more
Highly informative! I don’t speak Latin and don’t know much about social structure in day-t0-day life of Ancient Rome. But that’s all right, because tHighly informative! I don’t speak Latin and don’t know much about social structure in day-t0-day life of Ancient Rome. But that’s all right, because this book is intended for people with no prior experience in this field. Booms does a great job of breaking complex ideas down into manageable parts, and he patiently walks the reader through interpreting all different kinds of inscriptions. Very detailed and quite interesting!...more
This highly informative history pieces together what we know of the life of St. Nicholas. It is very factual, citing different accounts that connect tThis highly informative history pieces together what we know of the life of St. Nicholas. It is very factual, citing different accounts that connect to Nicholas' life and works, and listing the place and year of these accounts' origins. While some of these accounts are questionable, it is amazing how so many varied sources agree on several of the same basic ideas. A handful of accounts also give dates and specific names of officials involved, lending authenticity. English builds a convincing case for the existence of this man, and he gets beyond the legend to piece together a clear, realistic narrative of St. Nicholas' life. English also traces how some of the plainer facts about his life have grown through the centuries into fantastical legends, and he illustrates how a few particular incidents in his life have led disparate groups of people to claim his as their patron (sailors, pawnbrokers, children, etc.). He also traces how the legend of St. Nicholas has spread geographically and through commerce, and how his still being celebrated and recognized today.
The best part for me, though, was that English also grounds Nicholas' life in the larger historical and political context. He starts as far back as the first century, explaining how the Jewish and Christian religions existed alongside the polytheistic Greek and Roman religions, and how the empire brought together diverse people from many cultures. English explains many beliefs and traditions associated with the goddess Artemis, whom St. Nicholas would largely displace in the coming centuries. He talks of the emperor Constantinople, who changed Christianity forever. Nicholas lived in a time of great change, and English does a remarkable job of bringing that historical period to life. I was especially interested in his writings about the Council of Nicaea in 325. I remember learning about this in college, and some of the decisions made in this council (and in another that followed it) are still upheld and recited today. Nicholas' involvement in the Council, however slight, still makes for very interesting reading.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history or folklore, or who likes reading about religions, Christmas, or Santa Claus. I enjoyed it immensely....more
**spoiler alert** I first heard of Clytemnestra in a college course on classical epic. I thought then that she was an interesting character, cheating **spoiler alert** I first heard of Clytemnestra in a college course on classical epic. I thought then that she was an interesting character, cheating on her husband and killing him. Later, reading Lucretius, I learned that according to legend, Agamemnon sacrificed his own daughter (without his wife knowing beforehand, of course). After that, I really wanted to know more. While I enjoyed reading this play, I do wish that I could have seen a little more of the two main characters. Since the whole thing builds to Agamemnon's death, I could have done with a little less exposition and a little more of Aggy and his wife....more
This book was fascinating. In terms of science, it was interesting to see how much and how little people knew about the natural world. Some of what LuThis book was fascinating. In terms of science, it was interesting to see how much and how little people knew about the natural world. Some of what Lucretius believed was accurate, and some was highly inaccurate; but even when his facts are wrong, his way of seeing the world makes for a terrific reading experience. He states a few scientific principles, and then he ponders them deeply, looks at the same principle in several different examples, and then, often, draws moral or philosophical conclusions based on the science. While I don't agree with his philosophy, his dynamic style made for quite an enjoyable read. Moreover, it was fascinating to study Epicurean ideas and to read about the pursuit of pleasure. The six books deal with everything from atoms to the cosmos, from the human soul to the weather. Finally, A. E. Stallings' translation, with its meter and rhyme, makes the book a pleasure to read....more
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