Recent Reading (Non-fiction) Volume 1

Submitted by bertie on Fri, 08/06/2004 - 01:12
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  • FROM DAWN TO DECADENCE Jacques Barzun - A one volume education in the last 500 years of Western culture. Tends, perhaps, to over-emphasize France's contribution. Very highly recommended.
  • SCIENCE: A HISTORY 1543-2001 John Gribbin - Long on biographical details and short on actual science. I was disappointed.
  • A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING Bill Bryson - A very impressive book on science by a writer much better known for his travel books. Deliciously readable and full of fascinating little-known facts. Read this instead of the Gribbin.
  • EVIL IN MODERN THOUGHT: AN ALTERNATIVE HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY Susan Neiman - Modern philosophy (that is, philosophy since the 17th century) interpreted as a response to the problem of evil. The problem of evil is how to account for the apparent reality and frequency of the various sorts of evil, whether or not you believe in a good God. Intense and engrossing.
  • CORRUPTING THE YOUTH: A HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHY IN AUSTRALIA James Franklin
  • HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY Bertrand Russell
Author Comments: 

I don't know why I didn't start this list years ago.