Bringhurst and Zolbrod approach the discussion thoughtfully, and I’ve written in conversation with their thoughts on the matter; Schmiesing clearly has opinions on the matter, but they don’t come across in the text as fully formed, and she engages with the matter shallowly, passing slantwise judgements on the Grimms’ editorial decisions and their intersection with contemporary and modern mores, without engaging in a deeper analysis.
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.
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.”
Destiny of the Republic Review
Even putting aside my desire for it to be a more comprehensive biography of Garfield, Destiny of the Republic is a somewhat confused book that never really lives up to its grandiose title, nor successfully makes its main argument.
New Non-Fiction Categories
There are a lot of books I read that are nonfiction, but that can mean anything from a biography to a mathematical treatise.
The Quiet Americans Review
If I'm going to read a book about more modern times, therefore, I like it to be one that doesn't merely retread the same worn ground as other histories with some purportedly new-fangled interpretation or spin that never quite lives up to its advertisements. The Quiet Americans fit the bill perfectly.
Grant Review
Grant lived up to my exospheric expectations for a Chernow biography in spectacular fashion, and my biggest challenge reading it was not inhaling it in three-hundred-page binges.
Stalin Review
We can learn the history of a time, place, or person without reading a biography. Biographies are fundamentally personal, and why should we desire to spend time in the company of someone considered one of history's villains? In most cases, I think that the answer is a desire to understand.
The Inklings Review
Instead, Inklings is a biography of CS Lewis and Charles Williams, with an emphasis on their respective roles in the Inklings group, especially Lewis, who was arguably the group’s heart.
First Review
Sandra Day O’Connor’s life is a thought-provoking story in its own right, and takes place in the context of fascinating decisions and occurrences that have shaped and continue to shape the world in which we live. I’m glad that I made an exception to my twenty five year rule for First.
IGC Publishing 