The American Revelation

Historian Neil Baldwin wrote this book as what he describes in the book's afterward as "...ten ideal-not the ten ideals-that shaped out country..."

Accordingly, the ideals enumerated and expounded upon concern some important and some lesser known facets of how American came to be. I was hoping for something more like THE ten ideals that shaped America. Somewhat interesting, nonetheless.

Basically the ten chapters concern the idea-formers and less about the idea itself, although room for both is made.




Here's the 10 people mentioned:

John Winthrop
Thomas Paine
Pierre Eugene Du Simitiere
Ralph Waldo Emerson
John L. O'Sullivan
Henry George
Jane Addams
Israel Zangwill
Carter G. Woodson

George C. Marshall

What happens in Western Australia, stays in Western Australia, even after untold eons...

HP Lovecraft's story, "The Shadow Out of Time" concerns the man who suffers from some sort of breakdown, then revives his former self several years later. What he finds is that he now has vivid "memories" of times very past and very future. These thoughts are instilled in his mind to such a degree that it unnerves him. As time passes, he finds an archeological dig in western Australia, the goal of which he is strangely familiar, and thereby joins that endeavor...

Well done again. This concludes my collection of Weird Tales, although many others are available online, so it may not be my last review. As with other Lovecraft tales, this starts out slow and ominous and progresses to suspense and madness.

Matt

The Shadow Over Innsmouth

H.P. Lovecraft spins this tale of horror about a man researching architecture in the greater Arkham area. Local lore indicates nearby Innsmouth has fascinating architecture, but is shrouded in suspicion and alleged nefarious activity. Acting out of curiousity, the protagonist visits this frightful village...

This short work, though not Lovecraft's finest, is certainly compelling and disconcerting.

Matt

At the Mountains of Madness

In what I can only describe as customary H.P. Lovecraft form, At the Mountains of Madness is nothing short of an accomplishment. This story, like so many other lovecraftian tales, starts with learned researchers. Unlike much of the other tales I have read, this does not take place in New England, but rather the scientists are a delegation from Miskatonic University exploring new regions of Antarctica. It is here that the scientists uncover remnants of an ancient society, the likes of which match up closely to the Great Old Ones as described in the Necromicon. Upon some study, havoc breaks out and communication is lost. Search and rescue gives way to curiosity, which in turn leads to more treachery...

What a fantastic story. Highly recommended.

Matt

The Dunwich Horror

HP Lovecraft strikes literary gold again with the tale of The Dunwich Horror. This is about a child that grows remarkably fast in a place shrouded with mystery, and probably wizards. This man-child, or rather a man who is actually aged that of a child breaks seeks an ancient text from several local universities in hopes of summoning evil creatures. After denied, there is a break-in at the local Miskatonic University, and well, you can figure the rest is exciting.

Its good stuff.

Matt

A Call to Communal Living

Recently I discovered a book amongst my tomes I acquired as a college parting gift from Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. A few years removed from that auspicious occasion, I read "Following Jesus in the "Real World": Discipleship for the Postcollege Years," by Richard Lamb. At first I was struck by the clarity in which the author summarized my oft frustration in finding relevance in a sea of unimportant activity. Much truth is said from building wealth and hoarding one's treasures not bringing joy, but rather the joy of Christ si where one's peace best comes from. Earthly treasures are at best, by definition, temporal.

The author cites time and again that followers of Christ are to bunk social norms, particularly western views of individuality and privacy and embrace a radical, communal living, as he has done, despite being married and having children. Pooling resources and sharing bedrooms in an effort to live frugally does carry opportunities to give further resources to others. While the notion carries merit, I suspect this living arrangement is not for everyone. And by everyone, I mean not for me. Perhaps that's my Western culture talking, but I'm sure I could find people who agree that this guy's idea is a little out there. Among those who wouldn't go along with this idea are the author's parents (p 210). If this had been mentioned in passing, I suppose it wouldn't bother me so much as the fact that the author returns again and again to this idea. While a lot of the book offers solid advice on getting involved in a local church and forming community with a small group in a bible study or outreach ministry, this communal living arrangement seems rather hippie-like. I suppose I should just write it off attributing it to him living near San Francisco.

Anyhow, this was a great book. Highly recommended for soon to be college grads or grads that are trying to find their way (me). Take the communal living with a grain of salt though, as with his hang-up on owning one's one VCR. (its a little outdated).

Matt

Tartuffified

I've been reading a Humanities text and within its pages rests a condensed version of Moliere's play, Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme (THE MIDDLE CLASS GENTLEMAN). Its an interesting play about a man who does well in life and falls into the trappings of upper-class life, and much humor ensues. It reminds me of another Moliere play, Tartuffe, I read a few years back. Tartuffe is filled with outlandish scenarios of the day and quite a bit of mirth. I'd recommend either.

Matt