Theodora guarding the library.
#TuxedoCats #catsandbooks #readingcats

"All men see the same objects, but do not equally understand them. Intelligence is the tongue that discerns and tastes them, Knowledge is the Light of Heaven, Love is the Wisdom and Glory of God, Life extended to all objects is the sense that enjoys them. So that Knowledge, Life, and Love are the very means of all enjoyment, which above all things we must seek for and labour after."
-Thomas Traherne, "Centuries of Meditations"

"Jurgis too had a little of this sense of pride. Had he not just gotten a job, and become a sharer in all this activity, a cog in this marvelous machine?"
-Upton Sinclair, "The Jungle"

I'd place this somewhere between "pick" and "so-so." It's a decent read, and provides a good overview of the Teutonic Knights. Some parts, such as the structure of the order, where interesting. However, the style of writing didn't quite draw me in. Still would recommend if you're looking for an introduction to the Teutonic Knights.

Up next for reading.

"I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others."
Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"

Some books I got the other day.

Irene interested in reading as well.
#readingcats #catsandbooks #TuxedoCats

"Caesar: 'The Ides of March are come.'
"Soothsayer: 'Ay, Caesar; but not gone.'"
-William Shakespeare, "Julius Caesar," Act III, Scene 1

"Love is the true means by which the world is enjoyed: Our love to others, and others' love to us. We ought therefore above all things to get acquainted with the nature of Love. For Love is the root and foundation of nature: Love is the Soul of Life and Crown of rewards. If we cannot be satisfied with the nature of Love we can never be satisfied at all."
Thomas Traherne, "Centuries of Meditations"

I found this very interesting. McPherson did an excellent job at providing a good overview of the political, social, economic, and other factors that led to the Civil War. He also did a good job providing a broad overview of the Civil War, as well as the different dynamics working in both the Union and Confederacy. Definitely worth reading.

Next up for reading.
#middleages #medievalhistory

"Love is so noble that it enjoyeth others' enjoyments, delighteth in giving all unto its object, and in seeing all given to its object."
-Thomas Traherne, "Centuries of Meditations"

Today was my last day at my job. Among many other things, I received this as a gift.

While I've collected most of my books due to loving history and information, I must admit, there's several I've gotten due to nostalgia.

"So all considerations of humanity were swept away by their rage and fury; or was this, rather, a demonstration that no wild beast is more savage than man when his passions are armed with power?"
Plutarch, "Fall of the Roman Republic"

I thought this to be interesting. While I have learned about most of the covered material before, it was interesting seeing how an ancient author wrote on it. It was also interesting seeing Plutarch's commentary on certain issues. Main downside is that this contains half of Plutarch's "Parallel Lives" where he compares a Greek figure with a Roman, then does a summary of the two. As a result, it can be slightly difficult to follow the summaries.

Next up for reading. At around 870 pages, it's likely going to take a while to get through.
#civilwar

"As he left the forum he said to those who were with him: 'It is certainly sordid to do the wrong thing, and anyone can do the right thing when there is no danger attached; what distinguishes the good man from others is that when danger is involved he still does right."
-Plutarch, "Fall of the Roman Republic"

At the school I work at, students can earn "money" for making good choices. Among other things, it can be used towards a monthly raffle. While the raffle prize varies month to month, giant stuffed animals are some of the common prizes. Usually the stuffed animal is given some sort of name. This month is Herman the Whale.

"A city, like a ship, can gain stability from opposed forces which together prevent it rocking one way or the other; but now these forces were united into one and there was nothing to stop the movement of violent party interest from overthrowing everything."
-Plutarch, "Fall of the Roman Republic"

"The ordinary mind will see in his plight an example of the fickleness of fortune, but to the wise it will seem rather an example of reckless ambition. Because of this he was not content to be first and greatest among many millions; simply from the fact that two men were judged superior to him, he concluded that he had nothing at all."
-Plutarch, "Fall of the Roman Republic"

Irene seeing what to read next.
#TuxedoCats #readingcats #catsandbooks

"However, I should have to write another essay altogether to determine the point whether this is a real change and revolution in a man's nature, brought about by fortune, or whether it is rather the case that when a man is in power the evil that has been latent in him reveals itself openly."
-Plutarch, "Fall of the Roman Republic"

I found this to be both an interesting and tough read. With some of the material covered, I had at least a vague awareness of. With others, I was able to learn a good amount. I can't say I agree with every single point in the book, but I did find it very educational and thought-provoking.

Next up for reading. Returning to ancient Rome.
#Rome #RomanRepublic

Theodora trying to decide what to read next.
#readingcats #catsandbooks #TuxedoCats

The book greatly describes the early stages of the Korean War. A good part of the book focuses on soldiers caught up in the fighting, portraying many of the struggles of war endured. Other parts describe the geopolitics during the lead-up. Several prominent figures, such as MacArthur and Mao, are also examined. Definitely worth reading.

Next up for reading. I got this as a birthday gift a while ago.

Picked up a few books at the bookstore today.

Found this interesting. Some of C.S. Lewis's arguments could be difficult to follow. While I might not agree with every point, I still found the book thought-provoking.

Decent read. It's good as a broad introduction to the history of the Normans. The book covers several different historical events, such as William the Conqueror, the Norman conquest of Sicily, and the 1st Crusade. However, I feel that the author tries to cover too much material in too short of a book. As a result, several events aren't covered in as much detail as they could've been.

Next up for reading.

Got this today at a book sale at a local book store.

I've been working my way through this. Besides the "Narnia" series, it's the first C.S. Lewis book I've read.

"Tragedy, he perceived, belonged to the ancient time, to a time when there was still privacy, love, and friendship, and when the members of a family stood by one another without needing to know the reason."
-George Orwell, "1984"
##GeorgeOrwell #1984

"When you have done a good act and another has received it, why do you look for a third thing besides these, as fools do, either to have the reputation of having done a good act or to obtain a return?"
-Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"

Falling asleep while reading.
#readingcats #catsandbooks #TuxedoCats

My local library was having a used book sale today. Managed to pick uup several books for only $5.

"Men always praise antiquity and fault the present, although not always reasonably, and they are partisans of things past such that not only do they celebrate those ages that they know from what historians have preserved of them, but also those that as old men they recall having seen in their youth."
-Niccolo Machiavelli, "Discourses on Livy"

Informative and well-written. Kaldellis provides a good overview of Byzantine history from the mid-10th century to late 11th century. Topics covered include the reign of Basil II, the Battle of Manzikert, and the lead-up to the 1st Crusade, among others. While mainly focusing on military and political aspects of Byzantium, religion, society and the economy are also touched on.
Definitely worth reading if you're interested in Byzantine history.

Next up for reading.
#medievalhistory

When you're trying to read, but someone wants attention.
#TuxedoCats #readingcats #catsandbooks

"Do not act as if you were going to live ten thousand years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good."
-Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"

This book was both interesting and informative. It provides a good overview of the history of books written by US presidents, although not every single president is examined. Fehrman generally focuses on one president at a time, examining the writing process for most of the books covered.
The book also examines the development of books written by presidents into their modern form.
Overall good read.
#potus #ushistory #booksaboutbooks

Interesting information about becoming emperor.
#Rome #Byzantine

I found this book to be informative and interesting. Kaldellis examines the dynamics of political power in the Byzantine Empire through this book, as well as the idea of "popular consent" and how it affected the use of political power. While a little dry in parts, the book is very informative in its subject matter.
#Byzantine

"Never value anything as profitable that compels you to break your promise, to lose your self-respect, to hate any man, to suspect, to curse, to act the hypocrite, to desire anything that needs walls and curtains..."
-Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"

Formation of the Varangian Guard.
#Byzantine

Reading while listening to music. I don't always have music playing while reading. If I do, I usually like listening to either jazz or classical music.
What do you usually do? Do you like listening to music while reading?
#cats #catsandbooks #readingcats ##TuxedoCats #booksandmusic #readingandmusic