I got a (poorly bound) copy of this for less than $3.00 from Christian Liberty Press - give that a look!
As to the book, it's written in pl...moreI got a (poorly bound) copy of this for less than $3.00 from Christian Liberty Press - give that a look!
As to the book, it's written in pleasing (if occasionally highfalutin) prose. I know plenty of authors that like to drop two-bit words, but I don't know that I've ever read one that footnotes his own two-bitters with definitions! That makes the books a feel a bit pretentious. One further negative is that the style of the last four chapters of the book was less pleasing; these chapters read more like a list of information. For these two reasons, I gave the book four stars.
On the positive side, Grant's style is quite engaging. He kept the book short and punchy. Grant shows his wisdom in producing a very thin volume on Sanger's life and work. He adequately shows that Margaret Sanger is one of the great monsters of the 20th Century, and that she deserves to be loathed right along side of the other, more despised fiends of the last century.
Grant demonstrates that, from her radical social/political roots, Sanger was well-connected to the European eugenicists of the early 20th Century. Planned Parenthood has tried to expunge her genocidal racism (at least the verbiage of it). To some degree they've succeeded, too, as Sanger is often hailed as Leftist saint, the embodiment of help to the poor, the down-trodden and minorities. But Grant observes that, if she wrote now what she wrote in the 1920s, she's be crucified as an out-and-out racist, which she certainly was. Since, however, her views were backed by the *reverent pause* "Science" of her day, her racial views scarcely raised an eyebrow. Truth is, though, that her blood-thirsty, genocidal descendants (read: Planned Parenthood) are embarrassed by her terminology. That, however, is where the embarrassment ends. Planned Parenthood still carries on the support for the mass murder of minority and disenfranchised segments of society around the world. Sanger would've had it no other way. She was a wonderful woman.(less)
Eig's written a book that not only gives one a pretty good feel for Capone himself, but also paints a helpful picture of the political landscape in th...moreEig's written a book that not only gives one a pretty good feel for Capone himself, but also paints a helpful picture of the political landscape in the US through the '20s and into the '30s. Further, in reading this book, I think I got a helpful understanding of this history of the city of Chicago. Eig writes well; the book moves along at a good clip and draws the read into Capone's complicated and sordid story. The author doesn't focus on the obscene, but leave the details off stage where they should be. When it comes to the violence, however, some of the descriptions are fairly detailed and gory. Being a gangster in Chicago in the Roaring 20s was a gory business.
Capone's a figure that is, at once, both repulsive and strangely attractive. He's repulsive for obvious reasons: he was (just for starters) a pimp, a murderer, and *pause for dramatic effect* an income tax evader. He an attractive figure because he had a schmoozy and magnetic personality, he loved his family (especially his son), and he's the figurehead standing against the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution (which, by the way, in case you haven't heard, was a very BAD idea). Capone was larger than life in his own day, and it seems like he still is today. He's a captivating figure and a worthy subject for Eig's well-written and interesting book. (less)
This is a series of lectures about the Holocaust. They range from some philosophical and political backgrounds to Nazism, to the rise of Hitler, to th...moreThis is a series of lectures about the Holocaust. They range from some philosophical and political backgrounds to Nazism, to the rise of Hitler, to the prosecution of the war, to the "final solution", to some repercussions of the Holocaust. Good lectures. Grizzly subject, but Engel does a good job of handling it in a non-emotional and analytical way. Anyone looking into this subject, trying to get the span of modern scholarship in a fairly quick take, will appreciate these lectures. (less)
Raymond Chandler is gold. He's two tons of fun. Great murder mystery. Great and sordid characters. Great wise cracks. The hard-boiled private detectiv...moreRaymond Chandler is gold. He's two tons of fun. Great murder mystery. Great and sordid characters. Great wise cracks. The hard-boiled private detective owes everything to Chandler's Philip Marlowe. I've read quite a few of Chandler's books... none disappoints. Just good fun. (less)
This is a happy little biography of a great man. I've read a handful of bios on Churchill, and I think that this is the best (for its size). It progre...moreThis is a happy little biography of a great man. I've read a handful of bios on Churchill, and I think that this is the best (for its size). It progresses nicely through his life and gives a good feel for the development of the man. The author, Paul Johnson, highlights Churchill's political falls and his comebacks. In the end, Johnson even gives life lessons drawn from the study of Churchill, including 1) set your goals very high and 2) work very hard toward them. Those two lessons may seem common-sensical or even to be cliches, but the reality is that both are life-changing and, in the case of Winston Churchill, world-changing. Good show. (less)
I'm quite willing to admit that I don't (yet) get Flannery. Some of the stories in this collection were great (e.g., The River). Most of the others I'...moreI'm quite willing to admit that I don't (yet) get Flannery. Some of the stories in this collection were great (e.g., The River). Most of the others I'm quite sure I didn't get. The stories seemed full of sordid characters and even some pretty grizzly situations. Don't get me wrong, I'm cool with that kind of stuff, but somehow I guess that the stories just didn't get traction with me. Hopefully, as I gain some facility with her, Flannery will become a known, understood, and appreciated author. Until then, I give this collection of short stories but three stars. (less)
Anselm's famous book was on one hand exactly what I thought it'd be, and on the other hand refreshingly different than I expected.
Cur Deu...moreAnselm's famous book was on one hand exactly what I thought it'd be, and on the other hand refreshingly different than I expected.
Cur Deus Homo is often referenced in discussions of why the incarnation of the Son of God factored into the atonement which he purchased. It is quite common (praise the Lord) for people to speak of the Savior needing to be man because only a human could pay for human sin and also needing to be God, as only God could do the job of reconciling sinful men to an infinitely holy God. I totally expected to find this explained in Anselm's book, and I was not disappointed.
I was also refreshed by a few things that I did not expect. The first thing that I didn't expect was Anselm's lucid style. This book is set as a dialog 'twixt Anselm and Boso, a curious and educated inquirer. I think the style of the dialog is excellent and should be used more often. What's more, I've heard Anselm referred to as the Augustine of the Middle Ages. With his clear writing style and the way in which he handles ideas, I can understand why Anselm enjoys that high distinction. Augustine, too, was a fabulous and lucid writer. I find that usually the great ones are far easier to understand than their handlers. Finally, the way in which Anselm conceives of the redemption purchased by the God-man is at once very similar, but also quite foreign to the contemporary discussion of the matter. I don't want to go into detail here in this short review, but suffice it to say that there is great benefit in reading ancient writers. If nothing else, they can help us to see how our thinking is both modern and all-too-provincial.
One weakness of Anselm's approach, it seems to me, is that he's self-consciously and explicitly attempting to give a rational accounting of how the incarnation factors into the atonement. Thus, while he does occasionally refer to Scripture, and even call it the only rock on which we're to build a sturdy house, reason is his guiding light in this book. In Cur Deus Homo he's trying to show how the biblical doctrine and the church teaching regarding atonement through the God-man is rational. To that degree, I guess I have no beef. I would just like to see him root his work more deeply in the Scripture, which is, after all, the sword of the Spirit. His reliance upon reason, however, is part of what's earned him another one of his titles (valid or not): the father of scholasticism.(less)
Ellis tells a good story, and Washington's story is pretty fantastic. This book was meant to be a modest one-volume attempt at pulling together the li...moreEllis tells a good story, and Washington's story is pretty fantastic. This book was meant to be a modest one-volume attempt at pulling together the life of George Washington in the light of the piles of scholarship concerning the Revolutionary era that has amassed in the past sixty years. Now, I'm no scholar of this era, but (in my humble analysis) Ellis pulled it off.
In the preface, Ellis says something to the effect that Washington was surrounded by men who were more accomplished than him in just about every way: Hamilton was a greater genius, Adams was better educated, Madison had greater political sense... but all these great men considered Washington their undisputed superior. Why was that? According to one of his eulogists, George Washington was first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of the American people. Ellis tries to spin a yarn that, in some degree, answers the question of how Washington came to be the personal embodiment of the American revolution. Good stuff.(less)
I don't know anything about David Platt except what I read in this book. So, I cannot vouch for him in any way. His book, in a word, is convicting. I ...moreI don't know anything about David Platt except what I read in this book. So, I cannot vouch for him in any way. His book, in a word, is convicting. I liked that. We need to be reminded not to pursue our own comforts, but to pursue the propagation of the Gospel. So, on that level, the book is excellent.
There are, however, many problems with the book, too. The most glaring problem is a hermeneutical one. Since Platt's trying to show how radical the call of Christian life is (which call he unfortunately calls the Gospel), he tends to grab onto texts without understanding them in the context of the whole of the Bible. Thus, he sounds quite unbalanced at times. Also, there's a great deal of guilt manipulation throughout the book, which is quite distasteful.
If you can fight through these and other problems (which, indeed, takes a good deal of effort to do), the book will be a benefit to you. Platt does a good job distinguishing the American Dream from the call to be Christ's disciple, and that's a good thing. No... it's an excellent thing and, it seems to me, to be a message quite needful in our day.(less)
This is a wonderful ancient history for parents and kids to enjoy together. The point of view is not Christian (which is too bad), but it is still qui...moreThis is a wonderful ancient history for parents and kids to enjoy together. The point of view is not Christian (which is too bad), but it is still quite valuable. Also, there's value in the non-Western ancient history, too. Good stuff.(less)
I found this book to be fascinating, greatly informative and easily accessible. Old offers a look at the development of the practice of baptism among ...moreI found this book to be fascinating, greatly informative and easily accessible. Old offers a look at the development of the practice of baptism among the Reformers, but in so doing he gives us much more than that. For anytime one studies the Reformers, one necessarily studies all of church history before the Reformers. This book offers a sweeping (but detailed) view of the baptismal rite from NT times into the early Christian centuries, through the long Middle Ages into the Reformation. Old analyzes changes in the rite of baptism in light of historical, political, and theological developments in the church and the culture generally. He demonstrates how the baptismal rite developed through the centuries and what the Reformers had to work with as they set to reforming the baptismal rite in their own churches. I've read a good deal about the Reformed doctrine of baptism, but I was blown away by how much I didn't know about the Reformed practice of baptism. Further, I am impressed at how conversant the Reformers were (generally, but specifically with regard to baptism) with the early and medieval church. The Reformers (and Old's presentation of their work and thought) should encourage us to read more broadly and be less provincial. This is an excellent book and is highly recommended for anyone interested in the doctrine and practice of baptism in the Reformed churches.(less)
Shorto's book was a good look into the Dutch colonial history of New York, especially Manhattan. The author does good job stressing the importance of ...moreShorto's book was a good look into the Dutch colonial history of New York, especially Manhattan. The author does good job stressing the importance of the Dutch roots of the colony by painting the developments of the colony in the broader context of international geo-political movements. He contends (and it seems manifestly true to me) that the colonies of New Netherland bequeathed to America Dutch openness and pluralism, without which America would have been quite different. New Amsterdam (Manhattan) in particular was wildly diverse (especially by 17th-century standards) and there was a vigorous vibrancy that grew out of that diversity.
Two issues with the book: 1) Shorto seems to have a slight penchant for the sordid and obscene. The book is by no means full of steamy and gritty stories, but there are enough in it to make it clear that Shorto either really like these types of stories, or that he thinks that they'll add to the appeal of a popular history. 2) Shorto judgmentally reads modern "sensibilities" into the 17th century. He offers the tired old caricature of the the New England Puritans. He paint the picture of Dutch Calvinism as offering the stiff-lipped, iron-fisted God to its paritioners. Essentially, when he's sympathetic with something, he takes the time to present it carefully, but when he's not, he sometimes resorts of popular caricatures. Either way, people and events are too often viewed in light of current mores. This, it seems to me, really diminishes the value of this work as serious (if popular) history. These two criticisms also stand behind the three stars I gave it. They besmirch an otherwise well-written, exciting recounting of an interesting place. (less)
Just to get it out on the table, I love all sorts of music, and I think that Zeppelin is top-tier. In a word, this bio make me appreciate the music of...moreJust to get it out on the table, I love all sorts of music, and I think that Zeppelin is top-tier. In a word, this bio make me appreciate the music of the band all the more and loathe the band members similarly. The author's use of the SECOND person, vocative case (self address, in this instance) is interesting and provides a good cut away to provide the back story of the members of the band. The technique could get old, but I think it was used well in this book.
I was born in '77 and didn't pay any mind to Zep until I was in college. Reading about them in '69 and '70 makes me wish I could time warp back into one of those little venues in Los Angeles, San Fran or NYC to watch them just rip the doors off the building, following the likes of Jefferson Airplane! Powerful band.
At the end of the day, this is a good bio. In addition to what you might expect, Wall goes into a lot of detail about the Occult, sexual exploits, and all manner of other stuff that is generally pertinent, but at points seems grandiose and all-too-congratulatory. The members of the band basically turned into animals and beasts on tour. That's worth knowing, but we don't need to roll in the filth with them to get the idea. (less)
Lively's retelling of Virgil's classic is a wonderful read. The story is, well, the Aeneid. So, it's great. The illustrations are fun and the kids rea...moreLively's retelling of Virgil's classic is a wonderful read. The story is, well, the Aeneid. So, it's great. The illustrations are fun and the kids really liked them (so did I). Got little ones? Get this and read it. I love introducing my little ones to the classic books in a way that is accessible. I used to tell them Homer's and Virgil's stories before bed from memory... this method is WAY better.(less)
This book is a good introduction to Bill Clinton's "Third Way" in American politics. Klein's excessively partisan in his assessments of othe...moreThis book is a good introduction to Bill Clinton's "Third Way" in American politics. Klein's excessively partisan in his assessments of other politicians around Clinton (Newt Gingrich, for example), but his retelling of the story of Clinton's presidency is helpful.(less)
I read this with Calvin (almost 6 years old). It was great; we both enjoyed it a great deal Along with The Black Ships it reminded me of how awesome H...moreI read this with Calvin (almost 6 years old). It was great; we both enjoyed it a great deal Along with The Black Ships it reminded me of how awesome Homer is. This is a great introduction to the Odyssey for younger folks. I heartily recommend it.(less)
Quo Vadis is one of those books that hangs around and makes me feel guilty for not having read it. Well, I read it. It was a wonderful piece of histor...moreQuo Vadis is one of those books that hangs around and makes me feel guilty for not having read it. Well, I read it. It was a wonderful piece of historical fiction. It portrays the madness of Rome in the mid-60s (that is, AD 64-65) under Nero. The story is a romance that wraps around the burning of Rome and the subsequent persecutions of the Christians. The presentation of the persecutions is heart-wrenching. The portrayals of the Apostles Peter and Paul are interesting, but seem less than convincing. Overall, this book is well worth your time.(less)
Our family just finished the third Harry Potter. It was okay, even approaching good at points. So far, I'm less and less impressed as we work through ...moreOur family just finished the third Harry Potter. It was okay, even approaching good at points. So far, I'm less and less impressed as we work through these volumes. The original wonder of the magical world has faded for me. There were some cool twists in this volume, but even some of those were, to some degree, expected. (less)
Dershowitz is fascinating. In these 14 lectures, he runs through what he takes to be the most important court cases of the 20th (and very early 21st) ...moreDershowitz is fascinating. In these 14 lectures, he runs through what he takes to be the most important court cases of the 20th (and very early 21st) Century. I'm impressed by his intelligence. He's full of interesting information, and he presents it well. I'm also impressed by his arbitrariness and inconsistency. He's arbitrary in his ethics. He presents no basis for rending ethical judgments (though he does so all throughout these lectures), save his own personal assessment or that of liberal society at the current time. Societal judgments of, say, fifty years ago mean nothing to him, but those of the present time seem to be decisive. This sort of arbitrary assessment is very amusing on the one hand, but quite maddening on the other. He's inconsistent in that he, at numerous times, opposes constitutional originalists, as he thinks that the Constitution is a living document (whatever that actually means). However, when a justice does something that he doesn't like, he'll consistently go back to the law (or Constitution) and say that such and such a law was not originally intended for the use in question. In other words, he's something of an originalist when it fits him. This makes me suspect "original intent" is ALWAYS the necessary place to land, and that the whole "living document" thing is just smoke... and not the good kind.
Criticisms aside, these lectures were packed with interesting information and analysis. Dershowitz is an able advocate and spokesman for the civil liberties, ACLU types. (less)
Dr. James has been a rich resource for me as I've taught through the history of the church. His lectures are interesting and well-organized. It is a l...moreDr. James has been a rich resource for me as I've taught through the history of the church. His lectures are interesting and well-organized. It is a little difficult (at points) to follow along without notes. That said, I think that Reformed Theological Seminary provides a syllabus, all of which is available on iTunes University. RTS has a great deal of material available via that impressive medium.
I've also gone through almost all of Dr. James's Reformation and Modern Church History. Both come recommended. Also, check out Dr. David Calhoon's lectures though church history over at worldwideclassroom.com - an internet teaching medium for Covenant Seminary.(less)
First off, Thomas Childers is a great teacher. I've listened to many of his lectures and have benefited from them all.
His handling of WWII...moreFirst off, Thomas Childers is a great teacher. I've listened to many of his lectures and have benefited from them all.
His handling of WWII is very impressive. He shows how vast the war was, but breaks it down into bite-sized chunks that are digestible. If you are interested in WWII, I highly recommend this (admittedly long) series of lectures.(less)
I’ve been a fan of all things Russian since I read Leo Tolstoy. The Russian Revolution is instructive for us, as the whole Western world seems to be m...moreI’ve been a fan of all things Russian since I read Leo Tolstoy. The Russian Revolution is instructive for us, as the whole Western world seems to be moving (slower or faster) toward some form of socialism or communism. Thus, knowledge of the history of the fall of the great Tsarist regime into Communism is important.
These lectures offer a helpful, modern assessment of Russia's transition from the Tsarist regime to the loathsome regime of the Bolsheviks. These lectures were well worth the time spent.(less)
This book attempts to define the most significant elements of “The Fascist Moment” of the early 20th century. He shows that Fascism spawned American P...moreThis book attempts to define the most significant elements of “The Fascist Moment” of the early 20th century. He shows that Fascism spawned American Progressivism, which in turn gave birth to modern American Liberalism. Goldberg attempts to show that Liberalism still retains some of the significant elements of Fascism (but certainly not all of them).
The books is very interesting, but seems scattered at points. Thus, it sometimes reads like Goldberg simply strung Wikipedia articles together. That said, it was well worth the time.(less)
This book was a joy. I've loved the movies, but the book was especially wonderful. I felt like I got to know that Corleone family a whole lot better t...moreThis book was a joy. I've loved the movies, but the book was especially wonderful. I felt like I got to know that Corleone family a whole lot better than I had from just watching the movies a score of times. I thought that maybe Puzo's fame was based upon the movies, and that he wasn't a good writer. To the contrary, he is a good writer, indeed. This book is a bit obscene at points (more so than the movies), but if you can blow past that, this book is a great read. Vito and Michael provide great examples of men who trust in princes and in the strength of horses, and that to the peril of everything they hold dear. Very powerful.(less)
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