From a scientific sense, though, there are far better means by which to learn about thermodynamics and the theory of heat engines.
On the Bondage of the Will Review
This is a piece of philosophy praised for its insight, lauded for its clarity of composition…and quite disappointing to a reader like me.
Two Treatises of Government Review
After spending the first treatise lambasting a proponent of absolute, unlimited monarchy, Locke turns in the second treatise to what I would consider the more productive exercise of defining, deriving, and justifying for himself the source of political power in any commonwealth.
Volsunga Saga Review
If I were feeling lazy, I could probably summarize this review by saying that reading the Volsunga Saga was a little like reading a cross between Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology and The Story of Burnt Njal.
A Journey to the Center of the Earth Review
A Journey to the Center of the Earth is a classic adventure novel, and to a modern reader has little of science fiction about it.
The Oresteia Review
The Oresteia merits a special entry because it survives in its entire trilogy form, which is apparently unique amongst the Greek tragedies which are preserved (although some scholars believe that these three-part tragedies were supposed to be completed by a fourth comedic part). The story is full of twists, turns, and, certainly, tragedy.
Diné Bahaneʼ Review
When I eventually came across Diné Bahaneʼ, billed as the Navajo creation story, it immediately went on my reading list, and I was even more excited when I began the book. Not only is Diné Bahaneʼ exactly what it claims to be, it is also a serious, scholarly treatment of the story, as accurately translated from an oral tradition as Zolbrod could manage.
Pilgrim’s Progress Review
In the case of Pilgrim's Progress, I suspect it became a classic because it served as a blatant and approachable introduction to a certain school of Christian thought.
Meditations Review
These are not commandments, nor diktats, nor rules for living a stoic life; they present rather as Aurelius' thoughts as he goes through life and seeks to live stoicism.
Democracy in America Review
Democracy in America, Tocqueville’s nineteenth century commentary inspired by his travels in America and written for his primarily French audience in an attempt to salvage that nation’s struggles with revolution and democracy, is one of those classic works that is referenced over and over in everything from newspaper editorials, to historical essays, to modern, scholarly books.
