Jesse Robertson

A Historical Context for the Magna Carta

Revisado: 01-14-25

The vast majority of the book is an historical account of the king whose actions precipitated the drafting of the Magna Carta by the landed nobility. The introduction establishes an expectation that the historical events are necessary to understand the bulk of the text, however, the political, philosophical, legal, and mythical contexts lie outside the scope of this work. Yes, the author accomplishes his task of revealing that the Magna Carta has become a symbol that has been grossly misconstrued to serve an ideological purpose. However the how and why the Magna Carta became that symbol will need to be explored in equal measure by some other author. The introduction and billing for the book create an expectation that we will see how the Magna Carta came to be a symbol that the historical record doesn’t support. That evolution is largely missing or underdeveloped and as a result, my expectations were not met. That said, as a historical account, the book is well crafted and entertaining.

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The Life of Cuneiform Script

Revisado: 09-21-24

The world needed this book. This is by far the best history I have read of the ancient Near East. Much of the content of this book had previously seemed to me to be lost to time. My searches for Sumerian history lead me to Samuel Noah Kramer’s books from several generations ago. Links between the phonetic alphabet and Cuneiform or other languages seldom bridge the academic- general interest gap. Much of the history of the region is too narrowly focused on biblical history and misses the broader context.

Amanda Podany shines the light of day on a random grouping of people whose property deeds or contracts have been buried for three thousand years. From these random and obscure snapshots of inconsequential lives she cobbles together a comprehensive and tightly woven narrative that spans somewhere in the neighborhood of 1500 years.

This history is made spectacular due to Podany’s ability to draw from details of daily lives as wide-ranging as the individual weavers, merchants, priestesses and kings, all prospering from trade in fine textiles. These details breathe life into the dawn of human civilization.

I can’t speak highly enough about this revelatory book and Amanda Podany’s contribution to an underrepresented history.

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There is a reason why Polybius is still read

Revisado: 04-21-24

My interest in reading this classic history was for the firsthand account of the demise of Carthage, the leading city of Phoenicia. I should be disappointed by the short shrift the third Punic War plays in this history. Even the Hannibalic Wars have been embellished beyond the account by Polybius. The fall of Greece and the Hellenic world looms larger in this account, at least in my mind. The events of Rome in its pacifying of Phillip of Macedonia and the accounts of King Antiochus in Syria set the stage for the fall of Greece and the empire of Alexander. The special status given to Achaea also helps to define the complex relationship between Greece and Rome incoherently articulated in many American renditions of ancient history.

Polybius colors his history with his own interpretations and moralizing that I actually appreciate. By comparison, Thucydides seems far more objective or neutral. Perhaps Polybius is a nice blend between the uncritical Herodotus and the highly rationalist perspective of Thucydides. Polybius’ axioms and retorts highlight how immoderation among Greece’s leaders become amplified over the uncritical masses, ultimately resulting in a national tragedy. Polybius’ Histories contain gems of wisdom passed down from one gifted and highly civilized culture to our own. Please read.

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Steinbeck does it again

Revisado: 11-06-23

The Grapes of Wrath is one of my two favorite books. Not all of John Steinbeck’s books resonate with me but I am keeping a list of my favorites. The Moon is Down may not make the list of earth-shattering novels or short stories, although the writing is every bit as good as Cannery Row or the Red Pony. The deftness of Steinbeck’s writing is pure pleasure to observe. It is a short story, but Steinbeck has a way of transforming tales about the folly or vices of man into something immediately familiar and endearing. The narration by George Guidall is equally artful. Guidall’s version of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables is another memorable listen.

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Much to do, much to ponder

Revisado: 10-30-23

For all of the talk about a book that not only has endured the test of time and still continues to inspire people some eighty years after its publication date, far more has been said about the book than the book itself says. What do I have to say about it? Nothing more incisive than what others have said before, but the writing invites a closer read. The Stranger has a light impact if not a profound and far reaching effect, that speaks to the experience of generations of readers.

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Flawless Narration

Revisado: 10-25-23

Constantine Gregory’s performance in narrating this version can’t be beat. I found myself mimicking aloud his pronunciation of the character’s names at random moments when I wasn’t even listening. The tempo and the timber of his voice were dramatic throughout the long middle passages so that during the story’s climax, it was hardly conceivable that the drama could be intensified. If you are trying to choose among audiobook versions, I highly recommend this version.

The book is touted as being one of the all time greats. It may be. Fyodor Dostoevsky does impress me. I was surprised that the book climax comes during the courtroom scene, which could be the first great novel to use the courtroom drama format. In this day and age, the courtroom drama is a bit cliche, however, like the rest of the novel, new insights arise during the closing arguments that showcase the brilliance of Dostoevsky’s writing. He is sharp and insightful. This is the third book of his that I have read and I am inspired to read the remainder of his novels.

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Far better than my college public speaking course

Revisado: 06-01-23

Learn from the greats. Example speeches from MLK Jr., Susan B Anthony, and Ghandi, among many others are expertly dissected by the astute and accomplished Professor John Hale. Don’t just read a book on form and techniques, find the inspiration you need to make your presentations the best they can be. If you’ve gone so far as to read this review, take the next step and download this course.

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A Valuable Account Frequently Overlooked in Western History

Revisado: 03-06-23

This history describes the last stand of Christendom in Asia at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Constantinople’s brilliant legacy could have been teased out at greater length, but the writing is focused on the 60 day siege. It is an action packed re-telling. Had the work put a greater emphasis on the significant loss of the city to Western civilization, the book could have escalated the tension and the drama through the relatively short sequence of events.

For what it does provide, the subject, research, and writing are all excellent. The narration is excellent. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy battle narratives and action or adventure stories as well as historical accounts.

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An Essential American Portrait

Revisado: 02-22-23

Kerouac peers into the soul of America and captures a true snapshot of a mood and a movement that endured for the better part of a century. It is compelling, though not a pretty picture. It is unifying in its treatment of the American landscape and culture. Complex and tragic are the characters, which are brilliantly animated by the narration. The result is a powerfully endearing image despite its deeply flawed protagonists. I don’t know why I waited so long to pick up this title.

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A farcical plot not unlike those of nightmares

Revisado: 01-03-23

This book is not what I expected. More dystopian than nightmarish, but with the levity that grows out of a farcical judicial system that the world has not seen since the days of Hammurabi. It is an anti-rational system that prosecutes its citizenry seemingly without cause and certainty without pressing charges. Was this intended to be an attorney’s utopia?

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