Showing posts with label classic mythology and literature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label classic mythology and literature. Show all posts

A Sallust Reader: Selections from Bellum Catilinae and Bellum Iugurthinum, and Historiae (Latin Readers) Review

A Sallust Reader:  Selections from Bellum Catilinae and Bellum Iugurthinum, and Historiae (Latin Readers)
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From her opening line in the preface to the end of the book, Pagan confidently and competently outfits her readers and guides them through the dazzling world of that brilliant artist-historian, Sallust. Pagan's words come from the heart and ring out. "...I am amazed at the clarity..." "...the brilliance of his language..." "...one is struck by the frightfully honest content..." - well, I had no choice - compelled by Pagan's overpowering enthusiasm and respect for Sallust I had to see for myself just what all the excitement is about.

I find I love Sallust and I love this book! Sallust's style, subject matter, and his sense of virtus and morality combine to create a compelling, dramatic narrative. He lived through the events he wrote about. He was a tribune and had a seat in the senate. Sallust was an "outside-insider" - that is, he had a seat in the senate but was not from a noble family. He deeply loved the Republic and knew he was watching it die. As I read about the debates in the senate I was struck by how familiar the arguments were - we are still hearing some of them today. Anyone interested in today's politics should read Sallust.
"A Sallust Reader" features selections from "Bellum Catilinae," "Bellum Iugurthinum," and "Historiae." It begins with a concise, useful introduction. I must confess I often skip through the introduction to a book, but this one flows so well and steps along so lively, it is a great read! Pagan has picked up Sallust's "Brevitas" and made good use of it. It is also very accessible. Pagan's comments are to-the-point, succinct, easily understood, and engaging. She not only easily guides readers through complex grammatical sentence structure, she makes it an adventure. The selections Pagan has taken from Sallust and woven together with her commentary make for a fast-paced, gripping narrative. Her comments are refreshingly balanced in this day of political agendas, informative, interesting, and bespeak a professional steeped in her discipline and in love with Sallust. This book is a "must have" for anyone beginning to explore the writings of Sallust.


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This reader aims to introduce advanced Latin students to the works of Sallust, unique among Roman historians for several reasons. Because he uses standard vocabulary and uncomplicated syntax, Sallust is an accessible author at this level. Unlike other Roman historians whose subject matter was a distant past, Sallust writes about events that occurred in his lifetime. His roller-coaster career afforded him a unique opportunity to critique the inner mechanisms of contemporary Roman politics from the vantage of an outsider.
Complete with introduction, text, commentary, vocabulary, and bibliography, this volume contains selections (556 lines) from the Bellum Catilinae, the Bellum Iugurthinum, and the Historiae. Selections include character sketches, conspiracy and its betrayal, ethnography, a political speech, and a description of a lavish banquet. Students are prepared for an eventual reading of the monographs in their entirety and become acquainted with the fragmentary Historiae. This reader teaches the rudiments of Latin prose by reinforcing transferable skills that can be applied to other prose authors. While attention is given to Sallusts distinctive style, emphasis is placed on general structures so that students achieve comprehension and appreciation of Latin prose as a distinct-and majestic-art form in its own right.
Special Features
* Introduction to Sallusts life, work, and style * Latin text selections (556 lines) from Sallusts Bellum Catilinae (232 lines: 3.3-4.2; 4.3-5.8, 15; 22-25; 27.2-29; 40-41; 53-54), the Bellum Iugurthinum (304 lines: 6-7; 17-19; 84-86), and Historiae (20 lines: 2.70) * Grammatical and historical commentary printed at the back of the book
For over 30 years Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers has produced the highest quality Latin and ancient Greek books. From Dr. Seuss books in Latin to Plato's Apology, Bolchazy-Carducci's titles help readers learn about ancient Rome and Greece; the Latin and ancient Greek languages are alive and well with titles like Cicero's De Amicitia and Kaegi's Greek Grammar. We also feature a line of contemporary eastern European and WWII books.
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The Villas of Pliny from Antiquity to Posterity Review

The Villas of Pliny from Antiquity to Posterity
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Rarely, perhaps once in a generation, does an enterprising scholar step forth with a truly novel research idea and the capacity to see it through. Du Prey''s Villas of Pliny is just this: an utterly fascinating, deliciously composed, and copiously illustrated treatment of a neglected theme in architectural history. Although it is the author's object to document the perennial allure for post-medieval architects of Pliny the Younger's literary picture of villa life in ancient Rome, the book's overall theme could be equally understood as the enduring architectural potency of one man's idea of 'the good life.' Du Prey succeeds triumphantly both in the close compass of the historian's exercise and in broader quality-of-life issues.
The book opens with a leisurely literary examination of Pliny's Como letters and proceeds to articulate the four 'cardinal points' of a villa described in the epistles to Gallus (bk. 2, ep. 17) and Apollinaris (bk. 5, ep. 6). Judiciously, Du Prey furnishes translations of these missives as appendices; the translation upon which he relies is John Boyle's unsurpassed mid-eighteenth century text. After setting forth some of the basic themes that unite various projects across the centuries, the author proceeds through a historical sequence of reconstruction exercises and built designs each determined by a conscious reflection upon Pliny's descriptions of his Laurentine and Tuscan villas. From the Medici's documented interest through various 'ruins and restitutions' and 'emulations,' Du Prey offers the reader an engaging tour through one of the most imaginatively fertile corridors of architectural history.

Although some of this material will be familiar to reader's of James S. Ackerman's recent study , Du Prey's fidelity to the literary exigencies of his topic keeps him from wandering back to familiar stylistic comparisons with survey material. In fact, it is Du Prey's tenacity in seeking out new imagery that keeps one eagerly turning the pages to digest the projects of Francesco Lazzari, William Newton, Stanislas Potocki, Friedrich August Krubsacius, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Louis-Pierre Haudebourt, Jules-Fr'd'ric Bouchet, and Hubert Stier. Not only has Du Prey expanded our understanding of historically well-established figures like Palladio and F'libien, he has also tilled the fields of relatively obscure talents to great advantage. The author dedicates the majority of one closing chapter to detailed discussions of several designs for a 1982 exhibition and colloquium in Paris; this amounts to a sustained essay in architectural criticism, and many readers will agree that, compared to his historical labors, this section constitutes the least successful portion of the book. Nevertheless, one hopes this study will generate an increased awareness of the significance of the Pliny theme and that other treatments ' such as Constantin Lipsius's 1889 project in the archive of Dresden's Academy of Fine Arts ' will find their way into future editions.

The opportunity to survey such a rich thematic vein as Pliny's legacy invites one to make new connections and associations. One such thought isThe Villas of Pliny should be regarded as a signal contribution to a growing awareness that, in terms of the History of Ideas, the overall continuity of much of nineteenth century art and architectural theory with what has been called the 'Renaissance'Baroque system' is more in evidence than ever before. In other words, while generations of scholars have tended to locate the formal sources of 'modernity' in the late-eighteenth century , the strands linking nineteenth-century ideas about art and creativity to much earlier periods are increasingly difficult to deny. Although such a perspective tends to attenuate the rupture of the 'High Modernism' of the 1920s, the conceptual lineaments of historicism are perhaps better served.

Regardless of the book's manifold historiographic value, its significance as a stirring, unforgettable read is impossible to deny.

[This review originally appeared in The New Criterion.]

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Pierre de la Ruffinière du Prey traces the influence of Pliny the Younger as a continuous theme throughout the history of architecture. First he looks at what Pliny considered to be the essential qualities of a villa. He then discusses the many buildings Pliny inspired: from the Renaissance estates of the Medici, to papal summer residences near Rome, to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and the home of former Canadian prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Equally important to du Prey's study are the many designs by architects past and present that remain on paper. These imaginary restitutions of Pliny's villas, each representative of its own epoch, trace in microcosm the evolution of the classical tradition in domestic architecture. In analyzing each project, du Prey illuminates the work of such great masters as Michelozzo, Raphael, Palladio, and Schinkel, as well as such well-known modern architects as Léon Krier, Jean-Pierre Adam, and Thomas Gordon Smith.

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Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Review

Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
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Hamilton's mythology deserves its place with Bulfinch's mythology as one of the primary anthologies of classical mythology. Although the book covers Greek/Roman myths thoroughly, the Norse myths are touched upon only briefly, which is why I have given the book four stars rather than five. Nonetheless, the quality of the book is excellent, and it is useful as a volume to be read for entertainment, and as a classroom primer (I myself have taught a Mythology class using it as the primary textbook). Hamilton's retellings are engaging, and her scholasticism is evident throughout--a small example is her use of the less popular Roman names for the primary gods (Jupiter, Juno, Mars, etc.) when they are found in myths of Roman origin. Hamilton also includes information at the beginning of most chapters about the source of the myth and its author, which is very helpful. She synthesizes the longer myths, such as the Trojan War (found in the Iliad) and the quest for the golden fleece in such a way as to highlight their major events and give the reader a flavor of their content. Overall, I have not encountered a better survey of classical mythology in one volume. Incidentally, if the reader desires more information on the Norse Myths, I recommend Kevin Crossley-Holland's Norse Myths, which is also an excellent volume.

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MONSTERS, MORTALS, GODS, AND WARRIORSFor over fifty years readers have chosen this book above all others to discover the thrilling, enchanting, and fascinating world of Western mythology. From Odysseus's adventure-filled journey to the Norse god Odin's effort to postpone the final day of doom, Edith Hamilton's classic collection not only retells these stories with brilliant clarity but shows us how the ancients saw their own place in the world and how their themes echo in our consciousness today. An essential part of every home library, MYTHOLOGY is the definitive volume for anyone who wants to know the key dramas, the primary characters, the triumphs, failures, fears, and hopes first narrated thousands of years ago -- and still spellbinding to this day.

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Readings In Ancient Greek Philosophy: From Thales To Aristotle Review

Readings In Ancient Greek Philosophy: From Thales To Aristotle
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In my reading I frequently come across references to Greek philosophy. When I go to the bookstore, though, I see an entire shelf of books for Plato, and another for Aristotle. Presocratics are separate. How to choose? Fortunately, there is this volume. It is a large collection, filling 890 large pages, from the earliest Greek philosophers to Aristotle. The general breakdown is as follows: 89 pages devoted to the Presocratics and Sophists; 487 devoted to Plato; 277 devoted to Aristotle; 45 pages devoted to suggestions for further reading, concordance and sources for Presocratics, and glossary for Aristotle. The Presocratic selections represent 18 philosophers. Plato selections include the complete Republic and sections of 10 other dialogues. Aristotle selections contain readings from 13 treatises. Informative introductions precede each philosopher, and most individual selections from Plato and Aristotle have their own introductions. Each book of the Repulbic is introduced separately. In addition, footnotes are supplied on various obscure points of history, terminology, and ancient scientific theory. The notes on Timaeus are especially illustrative, giving the reader diagrams of theories. In short, this volume is very user friendly, geared toward the student or non-specialist who wants to know more about this fundamental area of Western culture, and very inclusive. The translations are modern and clear, not some dusted off antiques. A very good choice all around.

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Panentheism: The Other God of the Philosophers--From Plato to the Present Review

Panentheism: The Other God of the Philosophers--From Plato to the Present
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This is easily the finest work to-date concerning panentheism, its philosophical roots (and amazing pedigree, though often missed), and its appropriation into numerous Christian theologies over the past hundred years. I have no doubt that Cooper's work will become a staple volume on the bookshelves of specialists in Theology Proper and that his efforts will be drawn upon for years to come. This is the best addition to my own theological library in a long time. Though Cooper is a theological classicalist (and Reformed), he is entirely fair and thorough with the many works and ideas of the panentheists. Panentheists themselves will find the notable architects and differing versions of the view fairly and thoroughly presented. Toward the end, Cooper offers some concluding, though relatively brief, thoughts concerning why he rejects the panentheistic construct. His diligent work and perspicacious style are to be highly commended. My only regret is that the work was not released while I was engaged in doctoral work concerning 'open theism' and its quasi panentheistic substrata!

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Socrates, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus: From The Great Philosophers, Volume I Review

Socrates, Buddha, Confucius, Jesus: From The Great Philosophers, Volume I
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Aside from being an intelligently written book, I gave this book 5 stars because it made a big impression on me. Jaspers explanation of Confucius made the strength of Confucious's teaching clear. Now I'm very interested in Confucious and am reading more books about him. In that respect, this slim volume changed my life: It brought Confucious to life. What's more, by explaining Confucius's feelings about Taoism, this slim book did more to explain classic Taoism than the 2 books on the Tao I've already read.
Be aware that this book is due to the editing of Hannah Arendt. This means that Jaspers did not put this book out and say "Ta Da, the 4 Greatest!" No, Jaspers wrote a 2 volume book on the great philosophers due to his post War interest in increasing tolerance among men (per the Encyclopedia Britanica). This book does not appear to have any noticable Existentialist influence.
Finally, if you are a fundamentalist Christian, be warned that it is clear from his writing that Jaspers does not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, nor does he believe the Bible is free of error. He is not disrespectful of Jesus nor of Christianity, but do not think that because Jesus is in this book that the book is strongly pro-Jesus.

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Romantic Shakespeare: Quotes from the Bard on Love and Lovers Review

Romantic Shakespeare: Quotes from the Bard on Love and Lovers
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I bought this book mainly because my girlfriend loves it when I quote Shakespeare and I was running a bit dry on material. It has tons of quotes, even from some of his stories (read: not plays) and some of the plays you wouldn't necessarily percieve as being romantic i.e. Othello, King Henry et all.) It also has all of his sonnets. Great buy, but not for those uninterested in love (it's an inspiration thing)

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QUOTES FROM THE BAND ON LOVE AND LOVERSRomantic gentlemen who hope to make their ladies swoon—or ladies wishing to cast a romantic spell—would do well to use the Bard's words of love and passion as found in this lovely gift book filled with passages from Shakespeare's plays as well as many of his sonnets.

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