You’d think that I’d be snapping up all sorts of journalistic ethics books as I’m preparing for my paper submission for the Virginia Humanities Conference, but I can’t be stopped.
Just in case you want to see what I’ve finished reading over the past few weeks, here’s a list:
Ornament of the World by Maria Rosa Menocal: Great book on medieval Spain and the introduction of Islamic thought into Western culture. Highly recommended.
Forty Ways to Look at JFK by Gretchen Rubin: Most folks who read this blog regularly know that JFK is my favorite president, so picking up this book was an easy buy. Interesting read too: reads much like the alternative history books such as What If?, but ultimately it provides forty differing views on Kennedy the man.
In Praise of Empires by Deepak Lal: First Britain, now the United States. If the United States is not willing to assume the mantle of empire, then who else? India? China? UCLA Professor Deepak Lal asks the consequences of what will happen as America answers the questions and implications of the Pax Americana. I’m going to have to pick this book up a second time and read it (I read it superficially the first time), but read it again I will.
Introduction to Phenomenology by Dermot Moran: I finally finished this book after many months next to my bedpost. Whew!
Heroes by Lucy Hughes-Hallett: Not terribly impressed with this book for one reason or another. I expected a lot more, but then again this book was on the NYT Bestsellers list.
The Future of Ideas by Lawrence Lessig: An oldie but a goodie, this deals with the questions and implications of how an information society can either be complimented by government, or restricted by government control by both Democrats and Republicans. Lessig has warnings for both, and while this book was published at the turn of the millenium, it has proven to be chillingly prophetic. Thankfully, the Internet has grown much more quickly than anyone’s ability to contain it. Long may it last.
Holy Madness by Adam Zamoyski: I picked up this relatively new book in Downtown Fredericksburg for $20. This has to be the best book I have read in a long time. Zamoyski covers the era of revolutionaries and patriots from the American Revolution to the Franco-Prussian War. I can’t speak highly enough about this work; a tour-de-force the period rightly deserves.
Restorer of the World by John F. White: An old Roman prophecy read that Rome’s power would stall after 1,000 years. The prophecy did not count on Aurelian, whom after several conquests stemming both rivals and barbarians was bestowed the title “Restorer of the World” by a grateful Roman Empire. A thesis paper turned book, and slightly expensive, but worthwhile for anyone interested in the Roman era.
Handy Farm Devices by Rolfe Cobleigh: If the world ever goes to pot, I’ll be ready with this early 20th century manual on handy farm tools. Hey, it was a cheap little book, and written in the style of the time period such as “A Massachusetts man used this handy configuation to turn these two pieces of wood into a useful cutting block saving hours of time,” or “A Kentucky farmer used his old barrels to create this little crib for his newborn daughter,” — things one might think about and write down, but never really implement. Mildly entertaining.
A Briefer History of Time by Stephen Hawking: This time, with pictures! Something I’d definitely use when teaching a Philosophy of Science class.
I could go on to the books I am currently reading, but for another day.