Yusuf Abu al-Ward

Magisterial

Revisado: 02-07-23

One of the best books on any subject I’ve ever read. Somehow Linklater manages to tell a history of land ownership which not only imparts something of real value in terms of its explanatory power, but does so in a way which is riotously fun. Far from a slog, the book shows that even the most abstract ideas can possess drama and immediacy when framed properly. Although exquisite throughout, the work really hits its stride in the chapters on private property and the classic liberal tradition. Indeed these chapters are rendered with such great clarity that they could serve as an entrée into the classic liberal tradition. Above all, this book manages to do what so many books set out to do but which so few actually achieve. And that is to engender a paradigm shift in the mind of the reader. I can truly say that after reading this book, I will never see the world the same again; I will approach new geographies and time periods by first asking, “who owns the earth?”

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Read the Stephen Mitchell version instead

Revisado: 08-10-21

This version and narration is okay, but the Stephen Mitchell version, read by a gifted narrator, is far more enjoyable. I could find almost no differences in the Mitchell and Davis ‘translations’, but when differences did occur I preferred the Mitchell version. While somewhat interesting, the two supplemental appendices in this version are repetitive to the point of being unlistenable and add next to nothing to the core narrative— for those interested just google “Tablet 12 Gilgamesh” and “Death of Gilgamesh”.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 9 personas

Great intro for non-specialist

Revisado: 07-19-21

I recommend this for anyone who thinks they may have even a fleeting interest in outer space exploration. It provides much more than merely the expected discussion of technology; though it does do that, and does it quite well. But it also includes a historical overview of space exploration, an outline of the policy debate on pro-moon vs. pro-Mars exploration camps, nods to the leading sources in popular works on the subject (Zubrin, Bradbury, etc.), a thorough exploration of on-earth simulation sites, and a discussion of observed and hypothetical health / mental health / sociological issues for pioneers of space travel.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Thrilling historical fiction, unfairly maligned

Revisado: 04-16-20

Despite the negative reviews, I found this to be a very engaging, action-packed read that was also grounded in historical fact. While certainly a departure from the Crichtonian techno-thriller, the discussions of 17th-century technology (cannonry, medicine, cosmetics) will no doubt be familiar to readers of Crichton. The struggle for strategic supremacy between rival captains encompasses not only obvious factors such as weaponry and morale, but also a nuanced and well-developed understanding of environmental factors including reefs, shoals, tides, and weather. It’s worth mentioning that the book is based on a manuscript discovered on Crichton’s computer after his death, which suggests he was not necessarily finished polishing and tweaking the work — and in some places this shows. However, for fans of either Crichton or the pirating genre this work will surely not disappoint.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Not only intriguing, but charming

Revisado: 02-07-20

Aside from providing a compelling investigation into a real-life murder mystery, Midnight Son brings Alaskan village life to life. The casual and expletive-laden narration does nothing to detract from the charm or intellectual rigor of the story, and in fact, imbues it with a form of personal and cultural authenticity. Indeed, the casual tone belies a sophisticated discussion of knowledge, governance, and Nativeness in Alaska.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Less Pulpy than You’d Think

Revisado: 06-15-19

Although I was initially reluctant to consider the Caspak trilogy as a legitimate part of the canon of Lost World adventure-romances, this reading has allayed my doubts. One cannot help but roll one’s eyes at the inevitable “he-man” moments of the text, but the reader does not make them any more pulpily cringey than they already are. In fact, I enjoyed this work much more than the original Tarzan both in terms of both storyline and pace. Perhaps it also bears mentioning that this reader’s recording is far and away the best of the many options available at the time of writing.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Brilliant

Revisado: 06-07-19

I can do naught but echo the praise of previous reviewers. As a longtime Tolkien fan who does not necessarily share the Christian leanings of the author, I was unsure whether this book had anything to offer me. However I was delighted to be proven wrong by this insightful and elegant paean to the power of words and stories. The author addressed several powerful themes which I had not noticed in either my reading of the trilogy or my reading of other analyses. Moreover, the author makes these points pithily in a slim yet wondrous volume. I can’t recommend this hook highly enough.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

I will never get these 9 hours back

Revisado: 05-17-19

Cheesy story read cheesily. I was drawn in by the premise (which is sound), but the story fails to develop it. As the plot aimlessly meanders, one is left reading a middle school drama combined with equal parts Gardener’s Digest and a very surfacey reading of Marx, Foucault, and friends. The phrases “rich man” and “brown skin” appear so frequently it feels you’re reading a rambling young adult manifesto. Likewise, the obvious reversal of gender roles comes off as predictable rather than refreshing. There’s some good queer and class-conscious fairy tales out there — this is not one of them.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Excellent - History Grad Student

Revisado: 05-12-19

This is an excellent and very readable (listenable) introduction to the Crusades, filled with charming anecdotes. The author makes a clear and generally successful attempt to avoid taking sides, though the intricacies of the Frankish side are perhaps rendered with more clarity than in the case of other parties. Whether this is due to the expertise of the author, source material available, or simply the focus of the work is unclear. In any case it is an outstanding work which I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a general, fairly unbiased “what-happened” account of the Crusades.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Brilliant

Revisado: 12-10-18

At first I scoffed at the cost for such a short audiobook, but I assure you this brilliant performance of a brilliant text is worth every penny.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona