Though it grew tedious at times with all the technical specifics of whaling and whales, there were moments of great philosophical beauty that still reThough it grew tedious at times with all the technical specifics of whaling and whales, there were moments of great philosophical beauty that still resonate with me today. Some of my most favorite passages in literature come from this book.
"Where lies the final harbor whence we unmoor no more? In what rapt ether sails the world of which the weariest will never weary? Where is the foundling's father hidden? Our souls are like those orphans whose unwedded mothers die in bearing them - the secret of our paternity lies in their grave, and we must there to learn it."...more
Of course, I had to read this to see what all the fuss was about, and yeah, I totally understand the controversy it must have generated at the time. AOf course, I had to read this to see what all the fuss was about, and yeah, I totally understand the controversy it must have generated at the time. A lot of what you find in modern depictions of slavery was written here first....more
Though I have my own theories about the meaning behind this Kafka work, I'll save them for another time and just say that I enjoyed the imagery, perfeThough I have my own theories about the meaning behind this Kafka work, I'll save them for another time and just say that I enjoyed the imagery, perfectly bizarre as it was. I listened to the audiobook over the course of a few days at work once. Not my most productive week for sure....more
I was going through some stuff when I read this one, so it may not have gotten a fair shake from me. Probably should give it another go. Seemed ratherI was going through some stuff when I read this one, so it may not have gotten a fair shake from me. Probably should give it another go. Seemed rather absurd to me, but I guess that was the whole point....more
Stop me if this sounds familiar. Some friends escape the big city during a global pandemic and quarantine in the remote countryside, except it's the mStop me if this sounds familiar. Some friends escape the big city during a global pandemic and quarantine in the remote countryside, except it's the middle of the 14th century and they're running from the Black Death. For ten days, each tells a story to entertain the others, for a grand total of 100 short stories in this collection. From the bawdy to the heroic, this book is perfect for those who prefer to read in short bursts. Unfortunately, I have yet to finish, as I lent my copy to an old girlfriend who subsequently ran off with it. That is so Decameron. ...more
For reasons I cannot yet fathom, the Inferno was by far my favorite part. Never thought taking a journey into the depths of Hell would be so entertainFor reasons I cannot yet fathom, the Inferno was by far my favorite part. Never thought taking a journey into the depths of Hell would be so entertaining. Maybe, I missed the point. From a history nerd perspective, the footnotes explaining the many contemporaries that Dante encountered along the way made for a rather revealing study of early Renaissance Italy. Not gonna lie, though. This one is not for the casual reader. ...more
This book was pure fun. King Arthur fighting the Romans? Yes, please. Though filled with a lot of legend and myth, it was an interesting look at the eThis book was pure fun. King Arthur fighting the Romans? Yes, please. Though filled with a lot of legend and myth, it was an interesting look at the early monarchy before the 13th century....more
More of a glimpse into early Nordic life and society than an accurate account of history. Nonetheless, it had a real Viking feel to it. If the early MMore of a glimpse into early Nordic life and society than an accurate account of history. Nonetheless, it had a real Viking feel to it. If the early Middle Ages is your jam, this is a worthy addition to your reading list....more
Another worthy epic from the Middle Ages. I wasn't sure if I would like it at first, but it grew on me. It was either this or The Song of Roland, and Another worthy epic from the Middle Ages. I wasn't sure if I would like it at first, but it grew on me. It was either this or The Song of Roland, and everyone else was reading the latter. No regrets....more
Look out! Another history source here. Written by the princess Anna, this rather detailed text gives rich insight into the rule of her father, EmperorLook out! Another history source here. Written by the princess Anna, this rather detailed text gives rich insight into the rule of her father, Emperor Alexius I, and the Byzantine Empire around the First Crusade. If you are at all curious about medieval life at the turn of the 12th century (and, who isn't?), this book is a must....more
Though it didn't quite hold my attention the way other sources of the period did, I still found it an interesting example of early Christian history.Though it didn't quite hold my attention the way other sources of the period did, I still found it an interesting example of early Christian history....more
Shocking to find another historical primary source on my list, I know. What can I say? The history nerd in me loves the first-person account of thingsShocking to find another historical primary source on my list, I know. What can I say? The history nerd in me loves the first-person account of things that once had been, and this era, this part of the world, I found it enlightening....more
Still cannot believe this early scandal sheet of Roman history hasn't gotten more traction in the modern world. The lives of Justinian, his controversStill cannot believe this early scandal sheet of Roman history hasn't gotten more traction in the modern world. The lives of Justinian, his controversial wife Theodora, his top general Belisarius, and the general's domineering wife Antonina are something right out of the headlines today. Very entertaining....more
Of all the translations, I've found Robert Fagles' to be the most poetic. I read the book ages ago, and I still remember the following passage from AgOf all the translations, I've found Robert Fagles' to be the most poetic. I read the book ages ago, and I still remember the following passage from Agamemnon because it was so beautifully rendered. No other version will do.
"Oh the halls and the lords of war, the bed and the fresh prints of love. I see him, unavenging, unavenged, the stun of his desolation is so clear. He longs for the one who lies across the sea, until her phantom seems to sway the house.
Her curving images, her beauty hurts her lord, the eyes starve and the touch of love is gone, and radiant dreams are passing in the night, memories throb with sorrow, joy with pain... a vision lost forever, winging down the moving drifts of sleep."
My first formal introduction to the epic as a literary form, I've tried to harness some of its characteristics for my own writing. Yes, long, but the My first formal introduction to the epic as a literary form, I've tried to harness some of its characteristics for my own writing. Yes, long, but the Fagles translation makes it easier to digest....more
This is actually the earliest edition. I've since rebranded and retitled the book and series because too many were confusing it with other Bard's TaleThis is actually the earliest edition. I've since rebranded and retitled the book and series because too many were confusing it with other Bard's Tale works. The Amalrok series, beginning with this offering as Book One (same content, different title/cover), will be a four-book collection (Copper, Silver, Gold, and Black) that follows the epic quest of Uruk and his diverse band of adventurers to save the world. I truly hope you enjoy it....more
Probably one of the best books I've found on here so far. Sure. It starts a little slow, but when it picks up, it'll take you on a ride like no other Probably one of the best books I've found on here so far. Sure. It starts a little slow, but when it picks up, it'll take you on a ride like no other story you've read. Can't wait for Book Two....more
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