Well-organized and informative, this collection of Christmas trivia quizzes covers many different aspects of the holiday. Each topic has several quizzWell-organized and informative, this collection of Christmas trivia quizzes covers many different aspects of the holiday. Each topic has several quizzes, separated by age and difficulty, so that everyone from young children to grownups can find something for them. Educational, broad in scope, and yet never tedious, this book is sure to provide fun for the whole family....more
Overall, this is an excellent introduction to English runes. The author clearly describes what runes are, what they meant, who carved them, how scholaOverall, this is an excellent introduction to English runes. The author clearly describes what runes are, what they meant, who carved them, how scholars interpret them, etc. He lists the runes of various groups across different time periods and regions, and he matches each one to the letter used in transliterating. He tone is easy, and his writing is clear even for people who have not previously studied runes or Old English. His work is clearly divided into chapters by topic, so there is a chapter on cryptic runes, and a chapter on ecclesiastical rune-stones, and so on. His maps showing the locations of different findings, as well as the section of photographs, lend even more background to a well-organized volume. As the title suggests, he focuses specifically on English runes, but he also isn't afraid to describe other runic traditions when doing so will help paint a more complete picture. He gives plenty of context for his conclusions. So all of that is good.
In general, information is only as good as its source, and since so much runic interpretation depends on the biases of the scholar, it is necessary to examine that scholar in depth. R. I. Page evidently agrees with this, since he is self-aware enough at the beginning to state that he tends toward the skeptical side of runic interpretation. He does not claim to be always right, or even always completely objective, and he is very open about the difficulties of some interpretations, right from the beginning. This type of honesty comes as sort of a breath of fresh air, and it helps me at least to know where he's coming from in all this. Moreover, throughout the book, he'll make sure to mention differing opinions. He'll describe an inscription, mention that so-and-so scholar thinks XYZ, while such-and-such believes it means ABC, and that he thinks the first one is right. So that is also good.
However—could you tell a "however" was coming?—I am seriously wondering if he started to get tired while writing this. About halfway through, the tone changes a little bit, and his remarks get a little more snide. At one point, he references another professional's opinion of a word's meaning, adding that people who would believe her would tend to believe anything. At first, I thought it might be a form of sexism, that he was disparaging the scholarly efforts of his female peers, but he seems equally dismissive of some of the men in the field. He'll quote some opinions, say that they're completely wrong, and then never speak of them again. On the one hand, I understand that this is meant to be a general overview, and that he can't take the time to outline his reasoning on every point. On the other hand, it felt a little abrupt. He made one very troubling comment about religion that didn't belong in a history book. His opinions about all things runic come so strongly to the center that it's hard to get a sense of the whole picture. It's hard to understand what alternatives exist beyond simply agreeing with him in all things.
And just when I thought I'd had enough, he landed his final insult—on himself. For being so old-fashioned and out-of-date that it was up to his readers (the next generation of scholars) to do even greater things than he. So yes, he was a bit harsh and cold, but he was just as likely to turn that on himself as on others.
Does anyone escape from these judgments and insults? Yes. The readers. Page is insanely protective of those who read his books. Remember how I said that it was okay not to have a background in this? That if you were picking the book up cold, he'd still explain things okay? I stand by that. Furthermore, to people like myself who have dabbled in Old English, the runes seen here are very intimidating. Even transliterated, they don't make sense. Page is absolutely reassuring. He'll say things like "If this section seems confusing to students of Old English, it's because these runes are much older than the manuscripts, and they're in the Northumbrian dialect." That's a paraphrase, since I don't have the book in front of me at the moment, but you get the idea. He anticipated confusion, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed, and he put those all to rest. At times, reading this book felt like someone next to me, holding my hand and saying "Of course it looks tough, but it's not so difficult. Start here, and read this section, and you'll understand." And then he made a completely inappropriate comment about Christianity, and I was unsure, all over again, what to think about this enigmatic author....more
I was a little unsure about this one at first. I had already read Adam C. English’s excellent work, The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life I was a little unsure about this one at first. I had already read Adam C. English’s excellent work, The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra, and I wasn’t sure that I’d learn anything new from this much shorter study by William Bennett. I am happy to report that this account moves in a very different direction, takes an in-depth look at many different aspects both of Nicholas’ life and of his legend, and contains much information that was new to me.
Bennett’s goal here seems to have been to paint as complete a picture as possible. Although it is impossible to verify much of anything from Nicholas’ third- and fourth-century life, Bennett nevertheless is careful to indicate what elements are more grounded in historical context and which ones are more fanciful. He surprised me by sharing some of the more legendary tales, events that almost certainly were not history; he has included these stories as a way of tracking the saint’s fame and honor among various people in the centuries that followed his death. So this book isn’t just the history of the man: it’s also the history of the legend. And he follows those threads through the various reimaginings of St. Nicholas all the way up to the present day. The real St. Nicholas endured hardship and persecution; he is remembered for his participation in the Council of Nicaea in 325, as well as for his acts of charity. The modern St. Nicholas—for all the flying reindeer, red suit, bottle of Coke, and little elves—still reminds children of the importance of charity, kindness, and love. This book, then, is more than a history: it’s a celebration. Its description of Nicolas’ journey from man to saint to legend embraces all the stages of the experience, and it acknowledges all people of all times who have loved and shaped these stories. A loving portrait of a real human, and also of all the many ways that St. Nicholas continues to brighten the holiday season for children around the world....more
Most of these were interesting, although some don’t seem very mysterious, and their inclusion is a bit of a stretch. Some of the people I was expectinMost of these were interesting, although some don’t seem very mysterious, and their inclusion is a bit of a stretch. Some of the people I was expecting to read about weren’t included at all, although I think they are probably featured in other books of this same series. It’s divided into sections by type of mystery (e.g. disappearance), and each section is chronological, which was wonderful. There are illustrations—portraits, photos of interest, and other pictures of the people involved. There is also plenty of background information, with pictures of vehicles and terrain, and maps, too, to help set the scene. This book also makes clear what is known and what is conjecture. It explores a few different theories for the different people involved, and it tells what evidence has led to those suppositions. In the hands of a lesser author, this fascinating and slightly morbid subject matter might be used only for its shock value; here, however, the book’s emphasis is exactly where it belongs: on the historical record, and the analysis of facts....more
A nice overview of runes. Different chapters by country/region, which gave me a far more complete picture overall than some other, more English-centriA nice overview of runes. Different chapters by country/region, which gave me a far more complete picture overall than some other, more English-centric runic books I've read. This is a quick read that packs a lot of information into a few pages. Not dry, not dense, and filled with clear photographs and large drawings, this book is sure to interest anyone who is curious about this ancient writing system....more
This was a wonderful book—a great introduction to an ancient writing system, with enough linguistic, geographical, historical, and cultural detail to This was a wonderful book—a great introduction to an ancient writing system, with enough linguistic, geographical, historical, and cultural detail to offer readers a sense of the scope of runology (without overwhelming them). If it weren't for the last chapter, this book would be a solid 5-star that I would recommend to all my friends.
In the last chapter, Findell explores some modern ideas associated with runes, such as the relatively recent construct that runes are magical (or have the innate ability to work magic). He outlines the use of runes in the occult, particularly in the racist political extremism that characterized the Nazi party, as well as with certain "New-Age or pagan magic." And, he sort of blames this magical interpretation on J. R. R. Tolkien.
I agree that it is sad that a beautiful linguistic aspect of runes may be largely ignored by modern people. I have not encountered that, but I am not a runologist; I assume that Findell has witnessed this himself. But linguistics was the whole point for Tolkien, too. He was a philologist who was very much interested in ancient languages, cultures, and mythology, and it was language that inspired his fiction in the first place. His use of runes in the stories is NEVER in a magical context, and the characters who study them are the ones who (like Tolkien and Findell) are interested in foreign languages and peoples. To his credit, Findell does temper his statements with the comment, "It would obviously be unjust to draw direct parallels between fantasy literature, modern paganism and political extremism." But then he continues, "In their use of runes, though, these three areas of culture are informed by a shared set of (thoroughly modern) ideas. The most important of these are that runes are inherently magical." Tokien may be responsible for reawakening an interest in runes, from an archaeological and linguistic standpoint. He may also be responsible for inspiring other fantasy authors to use runes in their stories, much in the same way that The Lord of the Rings has inspired most fantasy books that came after it. But to trace the runes-as-magic theory back to a man whose intellectual pursuits never mixed the two? Someone whose fantasy works explored runes (as well as Old English, Welsh, Gaelic, and Finnish, for the record) for their linguistic qualities alone? I doubt it was Findell's intent to cast aspersions on Tolkien, and certainly other fantasy writers may have taken runes further and used them in fictional spells. But I think Findell is generalizing a little too much here; painting with too wide a brush for so sophisticated a point.
Still, though, I thought this book was an amazing introduction to runology, and it was very readable and interesting. I didn't know much about runes going in, but Findell did an amazing job of laying the groundwork. He also handled the complexities of runes quite clearly....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
This book gives a wonderful, solid depiction of the background and context of the Reformation. I have never seen another book on Luther go into such dThis book gives a wonderful, solid depiction of the background and context of the Reformation. I have never seen another book on Luther go into such depth to explain the centuries of Medieval tradition from which the reformers were distinguishing themselves. I have also never encountered another Luther book that so clearly and satisfyingly explains the complex political powers and structures involved in the Reformation. The vast number of illustrations are also a great boon.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a brief biography of Luther in the context of his very specific time and place. This is the book that has helped me understand so many of the other books on Luther that I have read. The Electors’ courage when the Emporer opposed Luther, the delicate stance Luther took during the Peasants’ War, even Luther’s troubled relationship with his father—many such complicated facets of Luther’s life are given thoughtful consideration here....more
This is excellent for what it is: a brief introduction to the famous Gospel manuscript. I feel like it was written with children in mind, and it does This is excellent for what it is: a brief introduction to the famous Gospel manuscript. I feel like it was written with children in mind, and it does a great job holding readers' interest....more
I greatly enjoyed this little gem. It's a nice refresher for those of us who haven't taken a philosophy course in a while, and it deftly weaves the joI greatly enjoyed this little gem. It's a nice refresher for those of us who haven't taken a philosophy course in a while, and it deftly weaves the jokes into the text to illustrate each section's philosophy. Humorous prose, structural nods to Plato, tongue-in-cheek accounts of history: this book offers enjoyment on multiple levels. It's more an overview than an in-depth account, but it's well worth reading....more
Don't waste your time with this. If you have two neurons to rub together, you'll be better off on your own than following the guidance of the authors Don't waste your time with this. If you have two neurons to rub together, you'll be better off on your own than following the guidance of the authors of this monstrosity. (See, Brigid? I, too, can be rude and dismissive about a book without actually offering a cogent reason why it's so bad!) For an honest review, read on.
I don't usually mind books that disagree with the masses. I know how difficult it can be to dislike something that is widely held to be classic. (Check out my review of Grapes of Wrath for an example.) And there ARE parts of this book that do that, and that do it well. The chapter on Hamlet, for instance, explains certain areas in which the play doesn't live up to Shakespeare's usual standard of excellence. It doesn't claim that Hamlet is bad, as much as it claims that some other plays are better. Why is this one particular work so highly praised? And, whether you like Hamlet or hate it, their logic makes sense.
Unfortunately, most of the rest of the book does not take the time to present a careful argument for the works the authors are disparaging. In order to justify the lack of quality of an acclaimed work, it is necessary to demonstrate an understanding of that work, and most of the reviews here left me questioning that the authors even understood the point. The argument against The Scarlet Letter, for instance, hinges almost entirely on the assumption both the author and the story's narrator are condoning the harsh judgments of the Puritans and taking their "side" against Hester. The book, then, becomes a celebration of one woman's punishment. This is ridiculous. For one thing, limiting a book—any book—to one single true "meaning" will usually backfire. Basing that one meaning entirely on an imagined view of authorial intent is dangerous, and it assumes that the work of literature can't stand up on its own merit. Furthermore, The Scarlet Letter lends itself to many sympathetic readings of Hester's character. By the end of the novel, Hester has "won": the Puritans don't want her to wear the letter because it shames them, not her; and she has raised her daughter up out of a powerful stigma and set her up as an independent, wealthy, and respected member of society. Different critics have analyzed this book in different ways over the years, but here's a sampling: Feminist critics have interpreted this story as a woman's ultimate triumph over a system that fails to ruin her. Structuralists have compared Hester's honesty, penance, and subsequent redemption to the ruination that Dimmesdale experiences through his silence. Theorists exploring the psychoanalytic elements have reviewed the mother-daughter relationship in all its subtlety. Fifty Works's abrupt dismissal of any complexity that Hawthorne may have shown is puzzling, as is their connection between The Scarlet Letter and married American men today who ogle other women. (How is that relevant?)
I would have thought that the authors of this book simply didn't understand American literature, except that they are just as clueless about English works. Just because something went over their heads doesn't mean it has no value. I was especially disappointed with their dismissal of older works simply on a basis of their age. They seem to dismiss older works as being primitive just because they're old. They don't (or can't) demonstrate how these works miss the mark, but that doesn't stop them from similarly dismissing the people who made these older literary offerings as incapable of understanding complex ideas. Oh, the irony....more
I greatly enjoyed this little book. It offers a nice mix of carols in different styles of music; the selections come from different countries and dateI greatly enjoyed this little book. It offers a nice mix of carols in different styles of music; the selections come from different countries and date from as early as the 5th century. The songs were mostly religious, although some were not. Many old favorites were included, like “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Deck the Halls,” but there were also a few carols I’d never heard before. Most carols seemed to have the complete lyrics, and there were many stanzas here that were new to me, but since some well-known songs were missing some verses, I doubt this is meant to be a comprehensive record. Simple line drawings on most pages add to the charm. It’s too bad that musical notation isn’t included—it’s lyrics only—but the collection is nevertheless delightful. This book was a pleasure to read, a wonderful Christmas songbook....more
This book is the Wimmer Lecture No. 3, given in 1949. This book, partially because of its very short length, works very well as an overview or even inThis book is the Wimmer Lecture No. 3, given in 1949. This book, partially because of its very short length, works very well as an overview or even introduction to the philosophy of Saint Anselm. Specifically, Anselm was concerned with the connection between faith and reason. Interestingly, Anselm saw the two as working together, not separately. He felt that without first believing, he would never understand; but he also believed that, since humans are rational, nonbelievers could be reached through reason and logic. Moreover, he was always seeking the "Truth," which for him, was something more than fact. Anselm says, "If one does what he ought to do, he expresses truth." Phelan's lecture is a fine introduction to these concepts, but it really left me wishing to read more. Phelan touches on different philosophies from Anselm's time and after (being as existance and not essence), and he also briefly contrasts the truth of man (veritas hominis) with the truth of existance (veritas existendi). Each of these concepts could be a lecture by itself, and I would have liked to see them examined in slightly greater depth. Still, Phelan only had a short amount of time to deliver his lecture, and he does quite a lot with so little....more
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