Books Like...

"Purgatorio" in the series "The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri follows the pilgrim Dante as he travels through Purgatory, cleansing himself of the seven deadly sins with the help of his guide, Virgil. The journey involves Dante's moral and intellectual progression towards salvation, aided by his long-lost love, Beatrice. The souls in Purgatory undergo trials that reflect Dante's imaginative and erudite storytelling, leading to a bittersweet reunion with Beatrice at the end.

serves as a window into medieval attitudes and Scholastic thinking, providing insights into the late Middle Ages in Italy on the cusp of the Renaissance. The narrative is structured meticulously, with Dante and Virgil ascending Mount Purgatory over several days, encountering souls oriented towards Heaven who willingly undergo trials for self-improvement, ultimately reaching the Earthly Paradise. Dante's journey involves the erasure of his sins as he grows lighter on his path, culminating in a Scholastic understanding of the allegorical symbols and allusions present in the scenes of Eden.

"Essays" by Michel de Montaigne is a collection of personal reflections and observations that delve into various aspects of life, philosophy, and human nature. The writing style is described as modern, timeless, and deeply relevant, despite being first published in the 16th century. Montaigne's essays cover a wide range of topics, from marriage and education to self-reflection and wisdom, offering readers a glimpse into the author's mind and thinking process. The book is praised for its beautiful translation, insightful observations, and the author's ability to express complex ideas in a readable and engaging manner.

'Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything' by Lydia Kang is a non-fiction book that delves into the bizarre and often gruesome history of quackery throughout the ages. The book is described as a humorous and witty exploration of the outlandish remedies and treatments that people have used in the past, ranging from mercury and bloodletting to more modern practices. Readers found the writing style to be engaging and accessible, with a conversational tone that made the historical content entertaining and informative.

The book is structured in a way that presents various toxic substances and treatments used in history, offering insights into the absurd lengths people went to in attempts to cure ailments. Despite the dark and sometimes disturbing subject matter, the authors manage to infuse the narrative with humor and sarcasm, making it a delightful yet morbid adventure into the world of medical history.

'The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe' by Roger Penrose is a comprehensive exploration of mathematics, physics, and cosmology. The book starts with simple concepts and gradually delves into advanced topics, providing a detailed journey through the complexities of the universe. Penrose's writing style combines informal narrative with dense explanations, making it a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in delving deep into the laws that govern our reality.

'Ethics' by Baruch Spinoza is a monumental work in the history of philosophy, tackling complex subjects such as thought, intelligence, and the concept of 'god'. Spinoza's writing style is described as challenging but rewarding, leaving readers with a greater appreciation for philosophy and humanity's place in the universe. includes a lucid translation and additional texts like the Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect, providing further depth to Spinoza's philosophical ideas.

'On Being Blue' by William H. Gass is a philosophical inquiry that delves into the significance of language and the color blue. The book explores the ways in which words can manipulate thoughts and feelings, particularly focusing on themes of sex, language constraints, and the power of words. Gass's writing style is described as a mix of philosophy, poetry, meditation, and roman a clef, creating a unique and thought-provoking reading experience. The book is a meandering exploration of language, metaphors, and the complexities of human emotions, presented through beautifully crafted sentences and deep meditations.

Gass's book is a lyrical journey through the nuances of the color blue, encompassing a wide range of topics from literature, aesthetics, psychology, and philosophy. The author's acuity for metaphor and linguistic gymnastics is evident throughout the book, creating a rich tapestry of words and ideas. 'On Being Blue' is not a traditional argument but rather a larky performance that dances around the themes of blue and blues, showcasing Gass's prowess in crafting sentences and exploring the depths of language. The book invites readers to ponder the meanings of blue and the impact of language on our perception of the world.

'Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason' by Michel Foucault is a fascinating study that delves into the history and development of contemporary thought on mental illness. Despite being published in 1964, the book is praised for its groundbreaking exploration of the intersections between culture, belief, and society's perception of mental illness. Foucault's writing style, though at times dense and philosophical, is described as accessible and captivating, offering insights into societal perspectives on madness throughout different historical periods. The book provides a detailed examination of the changing relationship between society and madness, shedding light on the evolution of how mental illness has been understood and treated over time.

The author's meticulous approach in analyzing the treatment of the mentally ill throughout history is highlighted as a key aspect of the book. Foucault's narrative skillfully uncovers the societal shifts in the perception of madness, from physical restraint to moral self-restraint, offering a critical perspective on the development of mental health practices. While some readers found the book challenging due to its complex ideas and dense prose, many appreciated Foucault's ability to ground subtle arguments in relatable examples, making the exploration of rationality, madness, and societal norms thought-provoking and engaging.

Readers share mixed opinions on Dante Alighieri's 'Inferno.' Some found the book to be a challenging yet rewarding journey through the nine circles of hell, appreciating the rich allegorical elements and historical insights it provided. Others struggled with the complex language and lack of action, feeling that the book may not appeal to a broader audience due to its dense nature and heavy reliance on footnotes.

'The White Goddess: A Historical Grammar of Poetic Myth' by Robert Graves delves into the mythology contained within ancient Welsh literature, connecting it to a wider European body of mythology. Graves explores the themes of the Battle of Trees and the poetry of a much older oral and bardic tradition, preserved in medieval texts. He presents a thesis on the meaning of these works, linking them to a calendar system and the concept of the White Goddess as the basis of all true poetry. is a complex and dense work, presenting hidden themes in European mythology and discussing the poetic thinking of pagan times.