Books matching: personal reflections
100 result(s)
'Under Another Sky: Journeys in Roman Britain' by Charlotte Higgins is a captivating blend of travel narrative, Roman history exploration, and literary musings. The book follows Higgins and her boyfriend as they traverse Roman Britain's sites, delving into the history, artifacts, and people connected to this ancient era. Higgins weaves together stories of eccentric antiquarians, reflections on the impact of Roman presence on Britain's towns and countryside, and personal experiences of visiting monumental sites like Hadrian's Wall and various castles. Her prose is described as clever, clear, and natural, creating a compelling narrative that combines erudition and enthusiasm on every page.
The book also delves into the cultural and historical significance of Britain's Roman past, reflecting on how the Romans shaped the country's architecture, culture, and history. Higgins' exploration is not just a geographical journey but a deep dive into the lasting legacy of Roman influence on Britain, sparking a sense of discovery and enthusiasm for this often overlooked part of British history. Through her engaging writing style and meticulous research, Higgins brings to life the complexities and richness of Roman Britain, making the reader eager to explore the sites and stories she uncovers.
Finis erat orbis ora Gallici litoris, nisi Brittania insula non qualibet amplitudine nomen paene orbis alterius mereretur. (The shore of Gaul was the end of the world, unless the island of Britain, by...- #2
Save:"The Trip to Echo Spring" by Olivia Laing is a biographical exploration of six American writers - Tennessee Williams, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, John Cheever, Raymond Carver, and John Berryman - focusing on their struggles with alcoholism. Laing delves into the connection between alcohol and writing, exploring how these authors used alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to both inspiration and self-destruction in their lives and works. The book combines elements of autobiography with literary criticism, weaving in Laing's own journey across the USA to understand the demons that drove these writers to drink.
Laing's writing style is reflective and introspective, blending personal anecdotes with detailed research on the chosen authors. She navigates through themes of creativity, addiction, and the impact of alcoholism on the writers' lives, offering a nuanced exploration of the complex relationship between art and self-destruction.
HERE’S A THING. IOWA CITY, 1973. Two men in a car, a Ford Falcon convertible that’s seen better days. It’s winter, the kind of cold that hurts bones and lungs, that reddens knuckles, makes noses run. ... - #3
Save:'The Immense Journey' by Loren Eiseley is a collection of natural history essays that explore various concepts related to evolution, anthropology, and man's connection to the natural world. Eiseley's writing style is described as lyrical, philosophical, and spiritual, as he muses on topics such as human origins, evolution, and the mysteries of nature. The book delves into the timeless themes of man's place in nature, the wonders of the world, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Eiseley's essays in 'The Immense Journey' cover a wide range of topics, from primordial ooze to the mysteries of human evolution, all presented in a poetic and thought-provoking manner. The author's deep appreciation for nature, combined with his scientific background, results in a unique blend of science, philosophy, and literature that invites readers to ponder the complexities of life on Earth and their own place within it.
Some lands are flat and grass-covered, and smile so evenly up at the sun that they seem forever youthful, untouched by man or time. Some are torn, ravaged and convulsed like the features of profane ol... In "Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses" by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author beautifully intertwines science and personal reflection to explore the elegantly simple lives of mosses. Kimmerer leads readers through a series of linked personal essays, sharing her experiences as a scientist, mother, and Native American to shed light on the biology and cultural significance of mosses. Through her lyrical prose and unique storytelling, Kimmerer delves into the interconnectedness of mosses with the natural world, inviting readers to learn from these fascinating organisms and indigenous ways of knowing.
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Save:'Levels of Life' by Julian Barnes is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and grief. The book is divided into three parts, with the first two sections delving into the history of ballooning and the story of actress Sarah Bernhardt respectively. These sections are described as interesting and light-hearted, providing a contrast to the devastating third part where Barnes opens up about his personal grief following the death of his wife. The writing style is praised for being beautiful, insightful, and honest, with a seamless transition between the different themes explored in the book.
Colonel Fred Burnaby of the Royal Horse Guards, member of the Council of the Aeronautical Society, took off from the Dover Gasworks on the 23rd of March 1882, and landed halfway between Dieppe and Neu... - #6
Save:"Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion is a collection of essays that provide a captivating insight into the author's experiences and observations, particularly focusing on 1960s California. Didion's writing style is described as lyrical, mysterious, and engaging, requiring careful reading to fully appreciate the imagery she conveys. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from personal reflections on self-respect and keeping a notebook to societal issues such as the cultural milieu of California during that era.
this book is called Slouching Towards Bethlehem because for several years now certain lines from the Yeats poem which appears two pages back have reverberated in my inner ear as if they were surgicall... Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews by James Carroll is a thought-provoking and controversial history that delves into the roots of antisemitism in civilization, particularly focusing on the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and Judaism. The book traces the history of religious warfare between Catholicism and Judaism, highlighting the damaging effects of institutional hostility and the implications of anti-Semitism in the long history of the Western Catholic Church. Through a blend of history, memoir, and theology, Carroll maps the two-thousand-year course of the Church's battle against Judaism, exploring themes of faith, history, and culture.
Constantine's Sword is a dense and engaging book that offers a profound examination of the Church's conflict with Judaism, tracing the arc of the narrative from Christ's crucifixion to the Holocaust and beyond. Carroll's writing is captivating and evocative, weaving together historical research with personal reflections to create a work of singular power and urgency. The book calls for a fundamental rethinking of the deepest questions of Christian faith, urging readers to confront the past and forge a new future based on honesty and reconciliation.
THE CROSS IS MADE of stout beams, an intersection of railroad ties. It stands in a field of weeds that slopes down from the road. The field is abutted on one side by the old theater, where gas caniste..."Broca's Brain: Reflections on the Romance of Science" by Carl Sagan is a collection of essays that touch upon different aspects of science, ranging from the wonders of scientific exploration to debunking pseudoscience and exploring the history of science. The book presents a mix of topics, including the joy of discovering how the world works, skepticism, the current state of astronomy, and reflections on the beauty of the universe. Sagan's writing style is described as informative, readable, and usually awe-inspiring, showcasing his talent for careful logic, elegant argument, and an innate appreciation of the universe.
The book is a series of essays that are both exuberant and cheerful, reflecting on the wonders of scientific exploration while also delving into the serious examination of pseudoscience and credulity. It provides insights into the expansion of the universe, the dangers of pseudoscience, short biographies of scientific figures, and the history of American astronomy. Sagan's writing is known for making complicated topics easy to read and relate to, although some passages may vary in difficulty. Despite some essays being considered a bit dry or long, the book overall offers a fascinating exploration of various scientific topics.
“They were apes only yesterday. Give them time.” “Once an ape—always an ape.”… “No, it will be different.… Come back here in an age or so and you shall see.…” The gods, discussing the Earth, in the mo...- #9
Save:'Ghost Train to the Eastern Star' by Paul Theroux is a travelogue that retraces the author's journey from his previous book 'The Great Railway Bazaar'. The book explores the changes in landscapes, cultures, and the author himself over a span of thirty years. Theroux's writing style is characterized by his observant and sometimes cynical nature, as he delves into the complexities of the places he visits and the people he encounters. The narrative takes the reader on a journey across Europe and Asia, offering insights into the author's reflections on the world's decay, corruption, and the enduring spirit of human connection.
You think of travellers as bold, but our guilty secret is that travel is one of the laziest ways on earth of passing the time. Travel is not merely the business of being bone-idle, but also an elabora... Crow Planet: Essential Wisdom from the Urban Wilderness by Lyanda Lynn Haupt is a reflective and philosophical exploration of nature in urban settings, using crows as a focal point. The book delves into the author's journey of becoming an urban naturalist, intertwining personal anecdotes, observations about crows, and reflections on the human connection to the natural world. Haupt's writing style is described as personal, contemplative, and at times philosophical, offering insights on living authentically, observing nature, and finding ecological peace in a modern, complex world.
