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Все книги издательства IngramHistory of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire - The Original Classic Edition
Still relevant. The font of late Roman and medieval history : Historians love revision. Its why so few histories of the 19th century endure; new evidence and interpretations render them useless. <p> Why, then, is The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire timeless? The author wasnt a post-modernist man trapped in an Enlightenment body; Gibbon had no conception of social history or archeology, his 18th century idea that climate affects morality is long out of date, and his analyses of the Middle East are hampered by his reliance on second-hand sources. But in 200 years no one has seriously challenged the framework Gibbon used to explain the fall of the empire. In fact, contemporary histories of Rome still owe a great deal to him. <p> Why? One reason is his careful use of documents. Decline and Fall relies mostly on writers like Ammianus and Sidonius, who tried to be impartial. Another is Gibbons almost superhuman objectivity; while individual characters are berated for this and that, the author is usually sympathetic to human foibles, and always tells his tales with as much complexity as the sources will allow. Which is one reason the works alleged hostility to Christianity is overstated; Gibbon said the religion played a role (not the role) in the fall of Rome, and even praises the new faith for breaking the violence of the fall, and mollify(ing) the ferocious temper of the conquerors. Theres one stumble, and thats the section on the various heresies and religious controversies of the 300s. Duty required Gibbon to analyze the niggling and sometimes incomprehensible arguments over Christs nature (and he confessed he didnt understand the passions behind them), but the historian gets bogged down in theological jargon and never makes it clear what role those heresies played in the fall until the end of Volume III. By then youve forgotten the details. <p> Thats a small scratch in the masterpiece. In two centuries no one has challenged his famous conclusion: The story of its ruin is simple and obvious; and instead of inquiring why the Roman empire was destroyed, we should rather be surprised that it had subsisted so long. Today we have more details, but the trajectory Gibbon plotted has never been recalculated. <p> Decline and Fall is also a great read, and one of the best narratives in the English language. War, idealism, corruption, droll asides and the clash of civilizations fly along a brisk stream of prose. Its a big book, but the work moves faster than books a tenth its size. <p> The work reflects the best concertos of its time, where a supporting background built themes, and a soloist expanded those ideas in clear, simple notes. So it is with Decline and Fall; Gibbon weaved numerous histories into a harmonious whole, and his asides and analyses deepened our understanding of the whole epoch. Mozart would have applauded.
Old Celtic Romances - The Original Classic Edition
A wonderful resource : This book contains stories from a thousand years of Irish history, as drawn from primary sources. <p> Well written and informative. A good collection of original texts from Ireland. Especially useful after reading a good ancient Irish History book. <p> This is a wonderful resource. I have read many books on Irish history, and it is great to be able read about select episodes as written about by people who lived closer to the actual events. The stories are easy to read, and are quite entertaining. I recommend this book.
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman - The Original Classic Edition
Radical even in the 21st century : Composed long before there were rules about what a novel is supposed to look like, The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy is a visionary piece of literature, a book so original in construction it almost defies genre. Conceived by an Anglican vicar who, under the comic influence of Rabelais and Swift and equally informed by Cervantes and Shakespeare, turned to writing fiction later in his life, it is an inadvertent masterpiece, the product of a writer who just wanted to have fun and entertain his readers and ultimately entertained generations. <p> The book is not a fictitious autobiography, although its narrator Tristram Shandy might have intended it to be; most of the story is concerned not with his life but with his idiosyncratic family and the circumstances surrounding his conception and birth, with many digressions on various related and unrelated subjects. His father Walter, whose conjugal duties coincide with his having to wind the clock the first Sunday of every month, compiles a compendium of information he calls the Tristrapoedia for the education of his newborn son. His uncle Toby, an expert in military architecture, rides a hobby-horse and occupies his time with the science of besieging fortresses. Other characters include Corporal Trim, a former soldier and now Tobys valet and factotum; Dr. Slop, a dwarfish physician who delivers the baby Tristram; and Yorick the parson, who naturally is descended from the infamous jester of the Danish royal court. <p> There are two aspects to this book that distinguish Sternes style. The first is that he provides several different channels of narration and never really settles on a main plot thread; he interrupts the flow of one narrative with another, delivering narrative flights of fancy like a marriage contract, a sermon, a notice of excommunication from the Catholic Church, a travelogue for France and Italy, and amusing anecdotes about extracurricular characters. In this way he presages the modernism of many twentieth century authors. <p> The second is that he does not restrict his text to English words; he intersperses Greek, Latin, and French passages where he likes, and on occasion he does not even use words at all, but symbols and glyphs to express certain concepts. A cross appears in the print when a character crosses himself; a characters death is memorialized by a black page; a blank page is provided for the reader to draw (mentally or physically) his own vision of the voluptuous Widow Wadman, who has a romantic eye for Toby; long rows of asterisks and dashes are used for things that are better left unsaid. At one point Sterne even draws squiggly lines to illustrate the sinuosity of his narrative, celebrating his own whimsy. <p> Tristram Shandy was published in nine volumes over the last nine years of Sternes life, and whether these were all he had intended is debatable because the narrative is implied to have neither a beginning nor an end; it seems very much like a work in progress. As such, by modern literary standards it may not be considered a novel, but in the sense of its unconventionality, its supply of so many bemusing surprises for the reader to discover, it is as literal an example of the term novel as there is.
Symposium - The Original Classic Edition
Fascinating ancient treatise on the nature of Love: in many pieces of ancient Roman and Greek literature you will come away greatly surprised at how these 2000 to 3000-year old cultures were so similar to ours in many ways. Well, Platos dialogue The Symposium both re-affirms and counters these past impressions. <p> The Symposium investigates the nature of romantic Love. What is it? From where does it arise? What is the aim of Love? What does it accomplish? <p> On the one hand, this dialogue asks questions that people today still cant really answer. Modern readers should be able to relate very well to these aspects of the dialogue. It should be noted that most of the viewpoints and opinions presented through several speeches in the dialogue make some sort of sense, but only when Love is thought of as a sentient being that can influence a persons thoughts and actions. Most of us today have been schooled in science and dont perceive Love as a separate entity but rather as a mental condition springing from somewhere in the brain. But overall, the speeches are easy to relate to in the sense of scrutinizing the fundamental nature of Love. <p> However, where The Symposium evinces stark differences with modern culture is with respect to homo-eroticism. So many references are made to homosexuality (including one embarassingly revealing anecdote by Alcibiades about his lover Socrates) that if we consider Platos work to be representative of the time, then we have to believe that many, if not most, highly educated men in ancient Athens were essentially homosexuals whose relations with their wives were limited to providing for them and fathering children by them. The most convincing support for this is in Aristophanes and Alcibiades speeches. <p> The finale to Agathons eulogy on Love immediately struck me as remarkable and incredibly well worded, so much so that I had to read it again to admire the use of language. And then imagine my astonishment when a couple paragraphs later Socrates says about Agathons speech: The rest was not quite so amazing, but who could fail to be struck by the beauty of language and phrasing at the end? <p> A must read for fans of classics! Its short too, so a fast read.
Anne of the Island - The Original Classic Edition
More Than A Book – The Continuing Adventures of a Friend: Anne of the Island is no less wonderful than the books preceeding it or following it. Like all the books, it has a blend of humour and poignancy; joy and sorrow. The key drawcards of the Anne books are the characters. They are lovable, good, kind, wholesome folk who make you care about them and want to know what happens next. Incredibly vivid characters, it was no exaggeration to say that Anne was my childhood best friend – she was as real to me as any person I knew. <p> The cast includes all kinds of interesting guests including the wonderful Miss Patty and Maria with their china dogs, Miss Ada and her cushions, Mrs Skinner and her romance (Jog along, black mare)… the list goes on. Best of all, our old friends are back – Anne, Gilbert, Pricilla, Diana, Davy and Dora, Marilla and Mrs Lynde, Charlie Sloane, and all those we knew and loved in earlier books. There are also some fabulous new additions to the circle of friends – Stella, Aunt Jimsie and the irrepressible Philippa Gordon. <p> Anne of the Island takes us away from Avonlea to Kingsport, where Anne is attending Redmond College. This new setting doesnt mean that we miss out on Green Gables altogether, as Anne does return home for vactions, but it does give one a sense of moving on. Never again will Anne be a child living under Marillas roof – she is an adult, and in this book she is beginning to break away from Green Gables in preparation for the next chapter in her life. Many of the events in this book shape Anne for the rest of her life, and it is an important book for those wishing to read the whole series. <p> L.M. Montgomery kept Anne consistant throughout the entire series, and there are few authors who have done so successfully. While Anne does grow and mature throughout, she is always the Anne we knew and loved.
Kim - The Original Classic Edition
A Best Kept Secret of literature: this is a canonical work that should be read by every school child as a superior example of English literature and the epitomy of the written Enlish language. <p> Kim is a wonderful story of an orphan in India (the part that is now Pakistan) in the late 1800s. Kim is the son of an Irish soldier raised by locals, familiar with the customs and languages of the Hindus and Muslims of the area who gets recruited by the British to spy for them. Kim acts as a guide for a Tibetan Buddhist priest who is on a quest in India, broadening his knowledge of the cultures of his world and giving him an excuse to travel even further. He comes upon his fathers regiment, and the officers of the regiment arrange for Kim to attend a proper British school. Throughout the story, a British spymaster is helping Kim receive an education (both formal and in the skills needed to serve the British rule in India) and arranging for Kim to carry messages and run small but important tasks for him. <p> Throughout the book, the only Indian group that is treated with disrespect is Hindus who have sacrificed their own cultures customs in order to get ahead in the British goverment. Frequently, the low opinion of the British held by the Indians (Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist) is mentioned, and is usually pretty funny. The other European powers that are mention in the book are not treated with respect, but that is understandable in context. <p> Kiplings passion for the land he was raised in and his love for the peoples he was raised with is unmistakable, as is his love/hate relationship with the British government (N.B. he was not knighted in a time when most prominent authors were; he was entirely too candid about the British rule in India and the Crowns treatment of her soldiers). The language of the book is a little hard to follow, between regional loan words and the English of the time, but a patient and persistant reader will find the effort rewarded. <p> A great spy novel, read it for yourself and dont trust the critics who speak based on assumptions rather than knowledge.
Discoverers and Explorers - The Original Classic Edition
A truly wonderful book. One that should be used as a textbook in History in high school. Easily readable, it takes the reader on a voyage of far reaching proportions. <p> What is it that makes this book so pleasurable and instructive? A fresh approach to the evolution of knowledge and science as experienced historically by the pioneers. The exploration in retrospective of the discovery of the concept of time and the clock, the compass, the telescope, the microscope and the evolutionary description of the knowledge that mankind acquired through these instruments and the bold steps of the pioneers that wondered around the seas, the cosmos, the mind, etc.. <p> Why is it that modern culture, the different cultures and science are the way they are ? You will find a lot of answers about how this came to happen in this book. <p> Few indeed will be the readers who do not themselves become discoverers..... This book is one of the most outstanding discoveries that youll make in your quest for knowledge. You must not overlook it.
Deathworld - The Original Classic Edition
Kill or be killed! The trilogy is one of Harrisons best machinegun typewriter books by far. The opening premise of the first novel is that Deathworld is a jungle planet teeming with life that evolves with a speed and ferocity unlike any other planet in the universe. To survive for even a moment on the surface you must be superbly trained and superbly armed and prepared to kill hordes of clever and supremely deadly predators. And then you need to figure out how to get work done in the meanwhile! <p> And obviously, people with the skills needed to survive on Deathworld might find work elsewhere … in sequels perhaps. <p> Terrific non-stop action. Grab this one, its a True Si-Fi Classic. <p> Composed before the PC era of Mr Harrison (when no one dies and all good people, fight for equality and social justice, it concerns the ultimate expression of darwinism on a planatary scale. A race of people whose homeland is literlary evolving to kill them, will of need themselves evolve to become the most leathal race of men in the galaxy.(Ok, so Dune was first!) Sarcasm, wit and action, ballanced with just the right level of homocidal ferver and hair splitting suspence! A true 70s must read! <p> This book is a classic – the main character, Jason dinAlt, is a gambler and a scoundrel, with an ability to influence luck in his favor. Hes recruited to help raise money for the inhabitants of Pyrrus, and has to follow the girl sent to arrange the deal to see the place for himself. <p> I refer to Deathworld and the others in the triology everytime someone asks me to recommend a SF classic. <p> Imagine a planet where the grass has curved, needle sharp tips, you sit on a rock and the lichen tries to get you, all the animals have one thing in common – kill the human invaders. Imagine that to survive you need to attend a pre-school for colonists and your survival skills never extend beyond first grade. This is Deathworld. <p> If you never read another SF, at least read his finest – Deathworld.
The Doré Gallery of Bible Illustrations - The Original Classic Edition
Dores Bible Illustrations is a very beautiful and nostalgic trip into Victorian book illustration. I remember these images from a multi- volume Bible for Children that I had as a child. I was parted from those books, but always remembered the images, and what a lasting effect they had on my spirituality, and my internal image of God. I was so happy to be able to buy the Dore Bible Illustrations. I am an artist with a special interest in Victorian imagery, and will treasure this volume. I think any person interested in Victorian art,and Christian iconography will enjoy this book. <p> The Dore Bible Illustrations are magnificent. One looks at them and marvels at their intricasy and sensitivity. Everyone who sees this book asks how to obtain a copy. It is a brilliant and bright look backwards, like a trip to Sunday school. Special care has been taken to bind the book. I highly recommend this book for every person who believes in Christ and I know this is wonderful to read and ponder before bedtime. <p> THE DORE BIBLE ILLUSTRATIONS is the most highly praised and famous series of pencil drawings (turned into fine woodcuts by artisan engravers) crafted by the celebrated French illustrator, Paul Gustave Doré (1833-1883). These illustrations are inspired and memorable containing depictions of popular scenes and personalities as idealized conceptions, poetic and fanciful, from both the Jewish and Christian, biblical traditions. Dorés talent is mystically potent with his dramatic, chariscura renderings of moody heavens and skies; panoramic vistas and landscapes; and grand buildings and interiors, all to frame the engaging, spiritual dramas of salvation history. A moving, gallery stroll for young and old alike.
The Hunchback Of Notre Dame - The Original Classic Edition
Victor Hugo, the French poet and writer, who wished to change how novels were written and read, wrote The Hunchback of Notra-Dame in the beginning of his career. In contrast to Les Miserables, which is his more celebrated work, and was written several decades after the Notra-dame novel, the present piece is not only laced with more humor and romance but also stands out as a piece where the young poet in Hugo pours out a ravishing range of similes. Just for the pure magic of his metaphors and similes that make all his descriptions so poetic, so powerful Notra-Dame is worth reading. <p> The story itself reads like a fanciful movie, an ugly hunchback, Quasimodo is brought up by a Priest Frollo, the archdeacon of Notradame. The hunchback is hence attached like a dog to his master to him. The English title of Hunchback of Notra-dame is a misnomer, for the original is called Notra-dame de Paris, and English title lets us assume that it is the story of Hunchback as hero, while the original title asserts it is story set in Notradame and has charaters who reside in it, or live in its shadows. The Priest Calude Frollo, leaving his pursuit of science and philosophy meanders to a path of unrelenting lust for the gypsy dancer, Esmeralda. A writer, Pierre Grigorne, gets into a set of bizarre circumstances, where a token marriage attaches him to the gypsy. Phoebus, captain of Kings Archers is the object of the affection of Esmeralda herself. <p> Besides these characters, there is a madwoman who lives in confinement, pining for her lost child, who was carried off by gypsies, and hates Esmeralda. There is the goat Djali, who performs tricks with Esmeralda, Jehan who is Claude Frollos irreligious brother, King Louis IV – who interacts with Claude on issues of science, and the most important character, who lurks like an existence all though, is the Notra-Dame itself. The romances criss cross through a series of interesting episodes and drama, and that forms the crux of the story that I wont divulge here. Readers will benefit by discovering surprises and mystery for themselves, in process getting enchanted by a story that has been a popular read for centuries now. <p> What makes this novel a masterpiece, besides the poetic descriptions, is Hugos description of the cathedral of Notra-dame and the city of Paris, and his discussion of how the arrival of printing press signaled an end to the importance as architecture as the expressive art of intellectuals. The views of the author expressed in these pages and pages of delightful reading provide the reader not only with historical and architectural prespective on the buildings in Paris, but also gives us a word image of buildings, roofs, rooms, carvings, modernism, and more. <p> Victor Hugo had great skill in developing characters, and describing their lives over an extended period of time, capturing how situations and people led to certain choices, behavioral changes and thought process of each. His ability of doing this, in a very detached manner, where narrative is like a camera floating into a room, and staying long enough for a distant observer to watch and identify traits of every person present there, makes him a great novelist. The novel, like all classic reads, looks formidable in size, but can be read at a formidable pace, especially after the first half of the novel is over. <p> Besides the merits of the novelist, and the beauty of his wordplay, the story itself is a charming one, and has been brought to screen versions many times. Reading Hugos two major works allows one to get the same keen insight into French society of the respective times, as does Thackeray and Dickens novels for England and Tolstoy in Russia. Reading any of these masters takes time, but trust me, it is worth the patience and the effort. Recommended highly.