Up next for reading. Growing up, I was fascinated by maps.

Really enjoyed this. As its name suggests, the book consists of multiple, separate essays rather than a single narrative. They cover a variety of topics, such as commentary on other authors and personal stories. Throughout, Orwell doesn't shy away from commenting on issues and providing needed insight. High recommend.

Trying to read, but can be difficult at times.
#TuxedoCats #catsandbooks #readingcats

Next up for reading. I got this book a while ago, since I knew very little about these emperors, especially compared to more well-known ones like Augustus and Constantine I.

"It is not that anyone imagines the law to be just. Everyone knows that there is one law for the rich and another for the poor. But no one accepts the implications of this, everyone takes it for granted that the law, such as it is, will be respected, and feels a sense of outrage when it is not."
-George Orwell, "A Collection of Essays"

Tried to get the library a little more organized. Seems like a constant struggle.

"In our time, political speech and writing are largely the defence of the indefensible...Thus political language has to consist largely of euphemism, question-begging and sheer cloudy vagueness."
-George Orwell, "A Collection of Essays"

"If you hate violence and don't believe in politics, the only major remedy remaining is education. Perhaps society is past praying for, but there is always hope for the individual human being, if you can catch them young enough."
-George Orwell, "A Collection of Essays"

Definitely enjoyed this book. The author did a good job with examining the history, politics, and culture of ancient Athens. The book also examines Sparta to a lesser degree, as well as the relation between Athens and other city-states. Overall, it can serve as a good starting point for anyone interested in learning about Athens.

Next up for reading

Theodora resting by the library
#TuxedoCats #catsandbooks #readingcats

"Another innovation of Cleisthenes was ostracism. The ecclesia voted once a year, if there was demand, on the exile for ten years of a leading politician. Citizens could propose anyone they wished. There was no question of punishment for criminality, rather a desire, in Plutarch's phrase, to 'humble and cut back oppressive prestige and power.'"
-Anthony Everitt, "The Rise of Athens"

Decent read. The author had an engaging enough writing style. HE largely covers from the 4th Crusade until about 1500, focusing mainly on military and economic aspects of the city. While certainly interesting, a minor complaint is it would have been interesting to see some earlier and later time periods covered. Also, politics are covered, but largely only related to the military and economic side of things. Overall, still a good intro to Venice.

Next up for reading.

"Haste, fear of being labeled a coward, and personal emotions such as anger and hatred should never be permitted to adversely influence state and command decision making."
-Sun Tzu, "Art of War"

My local library was having a used book sale today. I stopped by to browse, and ended up buying a few books.
I've bought a good amount of books from library book sales over the years. I've felt they served multiple good functions - help support the local library, purchase some books at a good price, and help serve as a way of passing on books.

I thought this was a good read. It provided a good overview of the Pacific Theater of WW2. While the U.S. and Japan were the primary focus, other countries involved (such as Australia and Britain) were included as well. Besides major battles and campaigns, other topics include some political aspects, as well as some personal dynamics, like the rivalry between the army and navy. Definitely recommend.

Next up for reading.
#Venice #Italy #History

"To love one person with a private love is poor and miserable: to love all is glorious."
-Thomas Traherne, "Centuries of Meditations"

Irene and Theodora resting in between reading.
#TuxedoCats #catsandbooks #readingcats

"It is a strange thing that men will be such enemies to themselves. Wisdom is the principal thing, yet all neglect her. Wherefore get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her and she shalt promote thee, she shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thy head an ornament of grace, a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee."
-Thomas Traherne, "Centuries of Meditations"

"And then they will fool the voters once more, and all the powers of plunder and corruption will be swept into office again! But whatever they may do when they get in, there is one thing they will not do, and that will be the thing for which they were elected!"
-Upton Sinclair, "The Jungle"

Definitely a solid read. While the messaging and themes can definitely be on the nose, Sinclair does an excellent job with portraying both the unhealthy practices of the meat packing industry at the time and the struggles of lower class workers.

Next up for reading.

"Jurgis had come there, and thought he was going to make himself useful, and rise and become a skilled man; but he would soon find out his error - for nobody rose in Packingtwon by doing good work. You could lay that down for a rule - if you met a man who was rising in Packingtown, you met a knave."
-Upton Sinclair, "The Jungle"

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.