Author: Peter Hargreaves

“Metaphysics is what exists beyond the objective; there is something metaphysical about the eel; living at the intersection between knowledge and faith”. Eels present a metaphor for the questions, “Who am I? Where do I come from? Where am I going?” The Eel Question arises as the eel is ”uncommonly difficult to observe, due to … Continue reading The Gospel of the Eels by Patrik Svensson (2019) translated by Agnes Broome (2020) Assessment 9 out of 10

“The sufferance of evil has endured only in consequence of being removed out of site” Wilberforce Emancipation can happen “if comparable with the safety of the colonies and with a fair and equitable consideration of the interests of private property” Canning “To excite exaggerated expectations in those who are the objects of benevolence would be … Continue reading Review: The Interest; How the British Establishment Resisted the Abolition of Slavery by Michael Taylor (2020) Assessment 8 out of 10

Despite its length (650 pages plus notes, plates & index), this is a very concise and readable book, which you sail through at a rate of knots.  Mediterranean History is divided into five periods by times of disruption when there was significant change, the late Bronze Age Collapse, the end of the Roman Empire in … Continue reading Review:The Great Sea; A Human History of the Mediterranean by David Abulafia (2011) Assessment 9 out of 10

It was generally thought a very good book, which stimulated debate, Wendy noting that if you are looking to be titillated, this wasn’t the book for you. Ruth highlighted the lack of chronology and timeline. She and Peter both thought Dabhhiwola in writing on the 18th Century media revolution, went beyond his subject of attitudes … Continue reading Discussion of The Origins of Sex by Faramerz Dabhoiwala