Book Review: The History of the Medieval World

History of the Medieval World by Susan Wise Bauer

Category: Non-fiction

Synopsis: This book takes us “from the conversion of Constantine to the first Crusades”. Okay, I give up, I can’t write a synopsis for a history book.

My Thoughts: This book contains five sections and I have chosen to give my thoughts on each section as I go along and then I have a concluding section tying my thoughts together.

Part One Unity: This part consists of eight chapters, out of these eight five are about the Roman empire, one is about India, one about China and one about a country I think is now China. One of the Roman chapters also has information about Persia. This focus on the Roman Empire is good and understandable, unfortunately it means that the chapters on India and China feel disjointed and disturb the narrative. Despite reading this section in one day I felt confused about which empire was which because I had to go back and check who came before. I know Wise Bauer believes in telling history chronologically and this is a belief I share, however, I think this section would have benefited from either more on China and India or less. Currently these chapters just disturb the narrative flow.

Part Two Fractures: This part also concentrates primarily on the Roman empire with a token chapter for India and one for China. There are also chapters on Persia and Ireland/Britain however these chapters do tie in with the story with regards to Rome so they do not feel as misplaced or awkward as the Asian chapters do. I do realise that there might not be as easy to gain information on these parts of the world as it is to gain information about the European countries but I am still left with a sense of “who cares” about the Asian countries. 

Part Three New Powers: I really enjoyed this section. It was much more varied as far as geography and this made for a more varied read. I particularly enjoyed the history of early Islam as this is something I knew little about but feel is becoming increasingly important to know about. This section was much longer than the previous two. Two specific examples of things that stuck with me in this section: 1)As someone who has lived in Scotland I found the analogy to soccer (football thankyouverymuch) to explain the fanaticisms associated with chariot racing in Constantinople very accessible and, if true, horrific. 2)The chapter on the beginning of Islam (chapter 37) is, to my mind, particularly good at showing the peaceful nature of Islam something that often gets left by the wayside in today’s rhetoric. And how come what started peacefully turned less so.

Part Four States and Kingdoms: This is the longest section in the book and it feels more evenly balanced. Each of the large powers in the world where information is available seem to be present. One thing is abundantly clear, being a king is NOT a good thing. They keep getting killed by their relatives. In addition the Vikings finally arrive on the scene! I have to say I am a bit disappointed in how little they are mentioned. I did enjoy learning more about the origins of Islam and Buddhism. The historical origins of the current conflict between Shi’a and Sunni Muslims was very illuminating.

Part Five Crusades: I find that this section is somewhat misnamed. Only the last few chapters concern the crusades. And even then I feel that it gives a very fleeting view of this part in history. In addition the crusades are only told from the perspective of the Christians. There is very little information about the reactions of the adversaries. This section, again focuses to much on the former Roman and Byzantine empires.

My Concluding Thoughts: What I really like about this book is the accessible language. Wise Bauer does not, like many academics, pepper the text with words that, once you look them up, turn out to mean something really simple. This is something I often find annoying with academics (and I have been a student for more years than I care to admit). The accessibility of the text is one of its clear strengths. That said this is definitely a book you need to study rather than read. You need to have a notebook at hand and keep a personal timeline (there are timelines in the book but for your own reference I suggest making one for yourself when people are mentioned). You need the maps and you need to be able to flip back a forth to different maps to keep people, places and armies apart.

Each chapter has a short summary (two to three indented lines). I am in two minds about these. On the one hand it is helpful to know what the chapter is about. On the other hand I like finding that out for myself. Part of me is left to wonder if the author things she should do my job for me.

Although the book contains several parts about religions other than Christianity but I find that Christianity is the main focus of the book. Although I know that there are reasons for this, much of the politics in Europe were tied to the church at this time I wish that especially the first two sections had been a bit more balanced with regards to Europe-Asia. As a Scandinavian I also wish that there had been more information about the Vikings and not just them sacking Europe.

Overall I found this book to be a fair introduction to this period in time but I would want to read other sources as well.

Disclosure: This is a review of the digital galley copy I got from Peace Hill Press, the author owned publishing company, Thank you Peace Hill Press! By posting a review I have been entered into a prize draw for gift certificates to Peace Hill Press. I will, once the book is published, purchase my own copy (I actually have a pre-order sitting with BookDepository.co.uk) and I was always going to review this book.

Copyright ©2009-2010 Zee from Notes from the North.This post was originally posted by Zee from Notes from the North. It should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Sunday Salon: Assigned Reading

What Caught My Fancy

Right now I am reading quite a few books that have been assigned to me. Books I have not chosen to read. Some of them have been on my TBR pile for years because they are books I feel I should read but that I have not gotten too. These are books that have entered the cultural discourse. Books I feel that as an English teacher it is important to read, so part of me is happy I have been assigned them.

Another part of me feels rather resentful. I don’t like being mandated to read. I especially don’t like being told that you need to finish the book by Tuesday. I like taking my time over books, or at least taking my own time over books. I rarely do well with others telling me what to do. I like guidelines, but not “you have to read X, Y and Z and you have no choice in the matter”. I always feel like I miss things in the books because I am rushed through reading them. I am reading them for a purpose, looking for a particular theme or comparing them to a theory on literature. I don’t get to experience the book on its own merits. I have to appreciate it on someone else’s agenda.

At the same time, I know that from a teaching perspective we must read the same books in order to have a good discussion. I know I should look at the books as if I am reading them for me, but still I can’t.

Does anyone else feel like this? Did you like assigned books in school?

Reading

Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. I’m reading this for my class on lit theory but it also fits the Women Unbound Challenge and the GLBT Challenge.

 

 

The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B Du Bois. This is my pick for this months Harlem Renaissance Tour hosted by The Classic Circuit and also one of my books for the POC Challenge.

 

 

Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb. This is my lighter read. It also works for the Thriller and Suspense Challenge and for the Flashback Challenge (at least for me).

 

 

Reviewed

White Noise by Don DeLillo. This was a book for my lit theory class and in all honesty I had very mixed feelings about it. It got its message across clearly, I’m just not sure I buy the message.

 

Freedom in Exile by The Dalai Lama. I originally read this for the Social Justice Challenge (January: Freedom of Religion) and for the World Religion Challenge, but it also works for the Memorable Memoir Challenge and the POC Challenge. I loved much of what he had to say about religion in our lives and how we should act towards each other. I also appreciated getting to learn more about the history of Tibet. Great read!

Fun Stuff

I won something! Never win anything! But I did win the January competition at the Suspense and Thriller 2010 Challenge!

So thank you very much!! I’m looking forward to the books, none of which I have read!

 

 

 

Copyright ©2010 Zee from Notes from the North.This post was originally posted by Zee from Notes from the North. It should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Social Justice Challenge: Water

This months issue at the Social Justice Challenge is about water and we are asked to answer some water related questions.

1.What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you think of Water as a social justice issue?

My first thoughts are about people in developing countries who have to walk far in order to get clean water. Often this takes several hours and therefore cuts into the time when these people could have been going to school (often it is children who do this task) or working in other jobs. Here in the west we turn on the tap and there it is, water. We all need water to survive but we never think about how we get it.

2. What, if any, exposure have you personally had to a water shortage?

Yes I have. We are not hooked up to the municipal water, instead we have our own well in my village. Occasionally the pump to the well breaks and we are without water. Sometimes for days on end before the right part can be found. This is usually just frustrating because we have to get water from somewhere else and go to friends if we want to shower. However living in a western country it is never dangerous. We do have access to clean water, just not right out of the tap.

3. What potential action steps can you think of that relate to this month’s theme of Water?

I am planning on signing up for this race. The aim is to raise money for different water projects, wells in Sudan, Chad and Kenya as well as purification plants and to raise awareness of the issue.

Copyright ©2010 Zee from Notes from the North.This post was originally posted by Zee from Notes from the North. It should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Book Review: Freedom in Exile

Freedom in Exile by The Dalai Lama

Category: Autobiography

Challenge(s): World Religion Challenge, Social Justice Challenge, Memorable Memoir, POC Challenge

My Thoughts: This book is the Dalai Lama’s memoirs, but also a history of Tibet and an overview of Buddhism.

I found this book to be very informative both with regards to the Dalai Lama as a person, his upbringing, education and life in general, the culture of Tibet and of Buddhism. What I loved the most was his view on religion in general. He firmly believes that ALL religion is valid. He is not about to go around converting people to Buddhism, but rather he feels that all religions offer the same basic tenants and that instead of trying to take followers from each other they should work together to make the world a better place. At one point when talking about a meeting with Father Thomas Merton he says:

“Above all, he helped me to realise that every major religion, with its teaching of love and compassion, can produce good human beings” (pg208).

Although I am not a religion person I wish that different religions would spend less time talking about how they are different and more about how they are similar. He goes on to say that he actually believes that because much of religion is grounded in culture it would be better for individuals to stay within the religion of their own culture:

“…I believe that, in general, it is much better for individuals to remain with their own traditions rather than change to one whose culture is basically foreign to them and not part of their daily experience. After all, I have always felt that the aims of all religions are essentially the same: namely to make us better, less selfish and ultimately happier human beings. That is the key, the point to the religious life. It is therefore better, in my opinion, for people to retain their traditional values, including their religion” (pg307)

I found it refreshing to hear a religious leader state the importance of cultural ties to religion and why it might be better to work together towards a goal but within our traditions.

In addition to the religious aspect of the book I found the historical aspects fascinating. History was my favourite subject in high school and we studied a fair bit of modern Chinese history then (post-boxer rebellion) so many of the Chinese that he met and talked to were familiar to me. It was interesting to see a slightly different perspective on Mao and the other leaders of China. I had primarily had a western perspective previously so this was new.

My previous study of this period in history has meant that I am familiar with the basic tenants of Marxism. I do agree with the Dalai Lama in that I can see much good in Marxism but that it has been seriously distorted in the world. I can also see why he feels that Buddhism is compatible with Marxism.  I do wish that he had not assumed quite the familiarity with the tenants that he does, it would have been good if he had included an overview for those who are not as familiar.

In addition to this he also touches upon the problem of being a minority in a country. Many Tibetans live in minority communities around the world (although primarily in India) and the importance of keeping their cultural heritage. He is adamant that the education of children is of primary importance in this and therefore he supports every effort to teach children. As a future teacher I can only agree.

The Dalai Lama comes across as a very humble and admirable man. He is quick to acknowledge his own faults and shortcomings, especially when he was a child, but he also presents a man with a great deal of humour and curiosity. I think, apart from his tolerance for other religions, the aspect of him that I admire the most is his genuine wish to talk and understand as many people as possible. He wants to know what others think. He believes that everyone has a valuable opinion on their life and that that opinion is worth considering. I think that is the most important lesson for me from this book.

I felt that these were the strongest points in the book, the historical and religious aspects of his life. I did find it hard at times to follow along with who was who. Many of the names have their honorific titles in them and they are the same. This is of course my own western bias in not recognising them (had it said Mr. X or Reverend Y I am sure I would not have had the same problem) but this meant that it took me longer to read the book than it normally would. I kept having to flip back and forth, really I should have kept a list. :D

I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is interested in religion, history, religious freedom and the life of a man who shaped much of the discourse regarding religious tolerance around the world.

Copyright ©2010 Zee from Notes from the North.This post was originally posted by Zee from Notes from the North. It should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Weekly Geek 2010-4: Winter Reading

For this week's Weekly Geeks, share with us the books which call out to you during the cold, wintry months. Are there genres which appeal to you most? Why do you think you are drawn to these types of books during winter? Do you have some book recommendations for other readers who are looking for some escape from the blustery weather? Give us some of your favorites and tell us why you recommend them.

As "extra credit" why not share some photos of what the weather looks like outside your home...or where you curl up to read when 'the weather outside is frightening.'

I know that murder mysteries are traditionally considered a summer beach read. But for me nothing says winter as much as curling up under a quilt with a nice cup of tea and a good ‘who done it’.

My favourites are J.D. Robb’s In Death Series and this winter I have also read Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy.

Part of it I think is because the past few winters I have also been reading a lot of classics for grad school and a good murder mystery balances the relatively heavy reading I have to do for class.

As for winter…well right now it is snowing and I am NOT going out into it. But here are some old winter pictures, some from last winter and some from this winter.

We have about double this amount of snow now. There is an apple tree outside my window that looks like a bush not a tree, you can’t see the stem anymore.

Book Review: White Noise

White Noise by Don Delillo

Category: Fiction

Challenges: 2010 Challenge (Shiny & New)

Synopsis: From the back of the book: First published in 1984, White Noise, one of DeLillo’s most highly acclaimed novels, tells the story of Jack Gladney and his wife Babette who are both afraid of death. Jack is head of Hitler studies at the College-on-the-Hill. His colleague Murray runs a seminar on car crashes. Together they ponder the instances of celebrity death, from Elvis to Marilyn to Hitler. Through the brilliant and often very funny dialogue between Jack and Murray, Delillo exposes our common obsession with mortality and delineates Jack and Babette’s touching relationship and their biggest fear—who  will die first?

My Thoughts: This is a postmodern novel and I have a complicated relationship with postmodern literature. On the one hand I can see what he is trying to show. He is trying to show the fragmented nature of the postmodern society and how we all put on different personalities depending on who or where we are. However on a personal note I guess I am not that postmodern in my outlook on life. I will buy that we accentuate different facets of our personalities depending on where we are and who we are with but I still think that we all have things that are fairly unique to us, aspects of our personality that will shine through no matter where we are or who we are with.

White Noise deals specifically with the fear of death that is so prevalent in today’s society. Jack and his wife Babette fear death over all else. Maybe it is my warped personality but I don’t fear death. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to not wake up tomorrow, but at the same time I try to live each day to its fullest. I try to take every opportunity that comes my way because one does not know when things will end. Jack and Babette on the other hand seem to spend a lot of time worrying about death, to the point where Babette takes pills to stop worrying about it. These pills make her distant and forgetful, she is missing out on her children out of fear. To me that is rather sad.

The book does discuss some interesting aspects of what reality really is and how we construct it. I especially enjoyed the the sequence that I presented in my Teaser Tuesday. If we all go do see something that is billed as unique then is it still unique.

I wasn’t to fond of the way the book presents dialogue. I found it difficult to follow along who was speaking when. Many of the characters have a similar ‘voice’, this is part of the books postmodernist structure but it makes it very difficult to follow along in the conversation. I also disliked the family conversations, Jack and Babette and their children seem to talk AT each other not TO each other, or something. It just seems off. 

The novel did make me think, but in all honesty, had I not been assigned it for school I don’t think I would have finished it. Not because I didn’t like it but I got bored. There are large chunks of the book where very little happens. There is a lot of naval gazing and discussion of death. All in all a bit boring.

Copyright ©2010 Zee from Notes from the North.This post was originally posted by Zee from Notes from the North. It should not be reproduced without express written permission.

Teaser Tuesday: White Noise

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“What was the barn like before it was photographed?” he said. “What did it look like, how was it different from other barns, how was it similar to other barns? We can’t answer these questions because we’ve read the signs, seen the people snapping the pictures. We can’t get outside the aura. We’re part of the aura. We’re here, we’re now?”

From White Noise by Don Delillo. I can’t tell you what page because I am reading it on Kindle for PC and it doesn’t have page numbers that I can understand. It is at 4% though.