Category: Uncategorized

Tracey reviewed the reviews. Unusually there were two books to review, “The Book of Eels” and “the Gospel of Eels”. She had read both. The choice between the two eel books was an accident. Leonard had intended to read The Book of Eels, but ended up ordering The Gospel of Eels. Both books were well … Continue reading Discussion of “The Book of Eels” by Tom Fort and “The Gospel of Eels” by Patrik Svensson

“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

The Reviews fell into groups. Peter, Ruth, Tracey and Chantal all rated it 8 or 9 out of 10. All were members of the Canoe Club and all had their own reasons for liking it, having travelled &/or paddled in some of the locations described, and interests in landscape & jurisdictional history and islands. All … Continue reading Discussion: The Frayed Atlantic Edge; a Historian’s Journey from Shetland to the Channel by David Gange (2019)

A work of reflection, in which the Chinese-American master, Yi-Fu Tuan, looks back on his life. He considers how ideas in, and the idea of, China and the United States have affected territory and landscape. In China there was both cosmos and hearth. Chinese élites looked down on the peasantry who were attached to their … Continue reading Review: Cosmos and Hearth, a Cosmopolite’s Viewpoint by Yi-Fu Tuan (1996) Assessment 10 out of 10

The Book was generally well received, although some took to Nietzsche more than others. Wendy said she found it easier to read after first reading “Nietzsche – A Very Short Introduction” by Michael Tanner on N’s philosophy, then returning to the Biography. She also found N misogynist, his constant change of genres frustrating, indicative of … Continue reading Discussion: I am Dynamite; a Life of Frederich Nietzsche by Sue Prideaux (2018)

An extended study in political and cultural history Cycling across the harsh and beautiful wilderness which is Namibia and the northern Cape Province of South Africa, you occasionally come across a well-maintained dorp, or small town. The remaining Afrikaner population found there, while very much in the minority, are tough, humorous and welcoming. These people … Continue reading Review: the Afrikaners; Biography of a People by Hermann Gilliomee (2003 expanded 2010) Assessment 9 out of 10