Books matching: thematic essays
18 result(s)
- #1
'London: The Biography' by Peter Ackroyd is a massive exploration of the city of London throughout its history. The book is not a traditional chronological history but rather a collection of thematic essays covering various aspects of the city, such as language, street life, and the rise of the coffee house. Ackroyd's writing style creates a living portrait of London, drawing readers into the depths of the city's past and present, making it feel like a living, breathing entity.
Ackroyd's approach to the book is described as thematic rather than linear, with each chapter focusing on a specific topic related to London's history. The book is filled with interesting tidbits and facts about the city, providing a comprehensive look at how London evolved over the centuries. Despite its length and non-traditional structure, readers find themselves engrossed in Ackroyd's narrative, learning more about London than from most other books, and gaining a new critical perspective on the city.
If you were to touch the plinth upon which the equestrian statue of King Charles I is placed, at Charing Cross, your fingers might rest upon the projecting fossils of sea lilies, starfish or sea urchi... This book is a memoir by Elvis Costello, detailing his journey as a musician and songwriter. It focuses on his development as an artist, his collaborations with other musicians, and the influence of his father, who was also a musician. The book provides insights into Costello's creative process, his relationships with fellow musicians, and his reflections on his own music career.
- #3
'The Edge of the World' by Michael Pye is a collection of vignettes, mini essays, and factoids exploring the cultural history of the North Sea region and its influence on Europe. The book covers a broad time span from late antiquity to the 17th century, delving into subjects like Viking fashion, dairy farming's impact on Dutch culture, and the development of science and technology. Through a thematic approach, Pye reveals how the North Sea civilizations shaped Western civilization, challenging traditional Mediterranean-centric views of history.
The Roman army on manoeuvres: first century CE, on the North Sea coast, roughly where Belgium now stops and the Netherlands starts. Plinius Secundus was one of the commanders, and when he came to writ... Lawrence Wright's 'The Terror Years: From al-Qaeda to the Islamic State' is a detailed narrative that delves into the evolution of Islamist terror from the 1950s to ISIL. The book provides historical information about organizations like Al Qaeda and ISIS, offering compelling stories of ordinary people affected by terrorism. Wright weaves together various stories, from the Muslim Brotherhood to the tactical evolution of terrorist attacks, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities in the Middle East.
- #5
'Yes Please' by Amy Poehler is a memoir that delves into the life and career of the author, from her humble beginnings to her success in the comedy industry. Poehler shares stories about her childhood, her experiences with improv groups, her time at SNL, and the creation of Parks and Recreation. The book touches on various topics such as friendship, connections, struggles with depression and divorce, and the impact of technology on our lives. Poehler's writing style is described as funny, honest, and revealing, providing insights into her personal life with a mix of humor and sincerity.
My parents would later point to these two small moments and tell me that was when they knew I would be a performer. Honestly, I don’t think I had a burning desire to act at that young age. Back then, ... - #6
'Seiobo There Below' by Laszlo Krasznahorkai, translated by Ottilie Mulzet, is a collection of 17 chapters or pieces, each focusing on an artist or an act of creation related to Seiobo, a Taoist deity symbolizing bliss. is known for its intricate writing style, with long sentences that captivate and challenge readers, often drawing comparisons to the works of Borges and Kafka. The narrative structure of the book combines macro and micro elements, creating a fractal-like pattern that delves into the essence of art and creation. The translator's skill in maintaining the complexity and beauty of Krasznahorkai's prose in English is also highlighted as a remarkable feat.
Everything around it moves, as if just this one time and one time only, as if the message of Heraclitus has arrived here through some deep current, from the distance of an entire universe, in spite of... - #7
'Venice: Pure City' by Peter Ackroyd is a thematic exploration of the city of Venice, focusing on its history, culture, and unique character. The book is organized into reflections on various subjects, offering insights into the past, present, and problems of the city. Ackroyd's writing style is described as thoughtful, introspective, and engaging, providing a vivid and entertaining account of Venice's development over the centuries.
They voyaged into the remote and secluded waters. They came in flat-bottomed boats, moving over the shallows. They were exiles, far from their own cities or farms, fleeing from the marauding tribes of... - #8
'The Lessons of History' by Will and Ariel Durant is a thought-provoking exploration of various aspects of history, including biology, race, character, morals, religion, economics, socialism, government, war, and growth and decay. The authors distill insights gained from years of study into a collection of short essays that provide a broad overview of historical events and their implications for the present day. The writing style is concise, insightful, and at times almost poetic, offering readers a unique perspective on the forces that have shaped human civilization.
As his studies come to a close the historian faces the challenge: Of what use have your studies been? Have you found in your work only the amusement of recounting the rise and fall of nations and idea... 'The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction' by Neil Gaiman is a collection of speeches, essays, and introductions spanning over 25 years. It delves into Gaiman's love for literature, libraries, and storytelling, while also exploring his opinions on various writers, musicians, and artists. The writing style is described as intellectual, witty, and provocative, with Gaiman revealing his passion for the craft through his pieces.
Gaiman's nonfiction work in this book provides insights into his experiences, influences, and beliefs, showcasing his curiosity and passion for books, stories, and life. The collection covers a wide range of topics, from the importance of libraries and reading to personal anecdotes, book recommendations, and reflections on current events. Readers get a glimpse into Gaiman's world, his relationships with other authors, and his unique perspective on literature and creativity.
It’s important for people to tell you what side they are on and why, and whether they might be biased. A declaration of member’s interests, of a sort. So, I am going to be talking to you about reading...- #10
Salman Rushdie's 'Languages of Truth: Essays 2003-2020' is a collection of 38 essays that cover a wide range of subjects, with a focus on arts including literature, films, stage, painting, and photography. Rushdie provides insights on society around the world, with special emphasis on his native India. The essays delve into historical anecdotes, literature, art of storytelling, language, politics, freedom of expression, and imagination. The book showcases Rushdie's erudite word skills and his ability to blend imagination and reality with sharp observations and liberal perspectives.
The essays in this collection offer a journey through the world of literature, art, and storytelling, bringing alive the magical power of the creative mind. Rushdie's distinctive voice shines through as he discusses the pertinence of classics, shares personal engagements with deceased friends, and provides insightful analyses of various subjects. The book provides a glimpse into the mind of the author, his motivations, influences, and intentions in his work, making connections between narratives that have shaped his writing style and beliefs.