Book Notes: Self-Reliance and Other Essays" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Self-Reliance and Other Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Goodreads' star system is annoying. Having 5 as "it was amazing" might as well read "it was totally awesome" or "literally the best" or some other idiotic way of dumbing down that which should not be dumbed down. All such contemporary things are rather pedestrian. Nevertheless, there is not really anywhere else to capture my readings, so here it is for now. Emerson's essays are like reading a religious text: every sentence has something that works just for you (or, more accurately, me). It is profound, yet moribund, exciting yet prosaic in its antiquity, biased in its bigotry, yet soundly rational and calm and erudite all at once. This is not a work to read once. Indeed, it will need to be read several times at different levels of maturity or experience. There is little doubt that Emerson is right up there with the likes of Rousseau, but due to timing or otherwise, he doesn't quite sit on the same bench as the masters. Regrettably, this is due to marketing rather than merit, but so too is most of history. How else might one find such gems as Emerson? My dogs loved it so much, they ate the front cover. It was the only book they have ever touched.



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Book Notes: "Early Impressionism and the French State" by Jane Mayo Roos

Early Impressionism and the French State by Jane Mayo Roos

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This work makes a great deal of sense once the history of the period is put into perspective. I found myself discovering more about European history (when coupled with some reading on the Bolshevik revolution of October 1917 and Lenin's view of the Paris Commune), especially Courbet's role in the Paris Commune I found fascinating. This was not an easy read as the material was so unfamiliar (aside from an interest in Impressionism more broadly) but it is worthy of a second read if one is so inclined. Very much an academic book for academics, but no pulled punches and plenty of depth in both notes, references and analysis, this work was well worth the effort.



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Book Notes: "Revolutionary Russia, 1891-1991: A History" by Orlando Figes

Revolutionary Russia, 1891-1991: A History by Orlando Figes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was a rather easy read and was useful to fill a great deal of gaps in my knowledge. At the same time, the period after World War II seems to receive less attention than the period up until immediately after Stalin's death,so it is far from a complete history. Nonetheless, for an airport read, it was certainly time well spent.



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