The style of its writing, the way its contents are presented, and the nature of those contents do not match the style of the preceding books, all ostensibly authored by Moses.
Uta-Matua and Other Tales of Kapingamarangi Review
Since, at least from this collection, we can gain only a sliver of insight into the associated culture, it is difficult to draw meaningful conclusions. Instead, I find myself asking more questions.
The Polymath Review
Burke is supposedly something of a specialist in the study of the history of knowledge, but his writing does not reflect it – it is detailed, but not thoughtful. Despite the prolific endnotes with which the text is populated, The Polymath suffers from the fate of many nonfiction books written with appeal to a general audience in mind, being rather dilute and shallow in its treatment and approach.
An Aristocracy of Critics Review
Much of the text reads as an almost blow-by-blow accounting of the committee’s work. It somehow contrives to be exceptionally focused on its topic, replete with specifics and thorough research, and simultaneously lacking in detail.
Numbers Review
After enumerating the numbers of the different tribes and their basic demographic features, Numbers turns to the employment of those numbers, and not just for the proper proportional sacrifices and offerings to God, or for determining how much food and water might be necessary. Rather, the major use of the census seems to be for the creation of an army.
The Consolation of Philosophy Review
Although it’s often described as being in the vein of one of Plato’s dialogues, the conversation between book-Boethius and Lady Philosophy reads like a cross between the style of Plato and the style of Dante.
The Man Who Knew Too Much Review
Modern science is a highly specialized discipline, and scientists are expected to be removed from their experiments. It is not the science of Hooke’s day.
Leviticus Review
The rulebook-like nature of Leviticus is probably why you don’t see it referenced or quoted more often, or maybe it’s because people struggle to quote Biblical passages about wave-breasts and heave-thighs with a straight face.
On Benefits Review
“Benefits” seems to be the most common and literal translation, but you will also see it translated at times as “Charity,” “Generosity,” or “Giving.” One annotated version I came across titled it An Ancient Guide to Giving. Though perhaps less accurate than On Benefits, I think this last might be the most appropriate.
Life of Marcus Cato the Elder Review
It paints a rather different picture of the famous Roman statesman than is perhaps suggested from simply reading On Agriculture. Quiet descriptions of the infinite utility of cabbage somehow don’t lead one to think of a man who would conclude every public speech with the line “and Carthage must be destroyed.”
IGC Publishing 