M. Brian Burchette

Another "Masterful" History by Robert Caro

Revisado: 08-15-17

Robert Caro's latest volume of "The Years of Lyndon Johnson" reads much like its' three predecessors; Caro's masterful ability to tell a story, his meticulous research, and his larger-than-life portraits of Johnson (as well as the figures around him) makes "The Passage of Power" a worthy companion to the series.
As a continuation on Caro's study of "power", this volume is aptly named. It begins with the powerful Majority Leader's still-born 1960 campaign for the Democratic nomination for President, including the machinations that led to his surprise inclusion as Kennedy's running mate.
It continues with the sudden loss of that power, detailing the political isolation of Johnson's Vice Presidency.
Increasingly estranged from the President, with the resignation of his former protege threatening to expose his corruption while Senate Leader, it seems even to Johnson that his "future is behind him." That is until November 22, 1963.
Vividly re-telling the shocking assassination of JFK, this volume reaches a climax describing how Johnson assumed the Presidency, and how he managed not only to quickly grasp the power of that office, but how he expanded it.
Just as in previous volumes, Caro weaves telling portraits of those around Johnson into his grand narrative. Given the volume of history that has already been written about the lives and personalities of Robert and Jack Kennedy, Caro does an admirable job in portraying them. Although they lack the originality that infused his chapters on Coke Stevenson in "Means of Ascent", nonetheless, his portrait of the Kennedy brothers allows their charisma and pathos to shine through.

Just as in Caro's previous volumes, Grover Gardner delivers an excellent performance. No where does his performance distract from the story; and Gardner clearly feels comfortably in voicing what is often the elegant and dramatic prose of the author.

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Classic Michael Lewis...witty, entertaining, and illuminating

Revisado: 06-15-15

Boomerang is a collection of loosely connected essays skipping around the globe, examining the financial crises of various markets/nations/societies.

The author, Michael Lewis is perhaps the most insightful and entertaining chronicler of current financial trends and this book is no exception.

The plight of Iceland, Ireland, various municipal governments, and (of course) Greece figure prominently in Boomerang.

The section concerning Greece is especially entertaining...and disturbing.

As of the date of this review, the Greek government is on the brink of default.

After re-reading Lewis' account of his journey to Athens as well as his highly entertaining visit to the Vatopadi Monastery, it's hard to see a default and "Grexit" as anything but inevitable.

Boomerang is highly recommended to Michael Lewis fans, those interested in financial markets, and anyone who appreciates a talented writer and gifted story teller.

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Dated but still contains lots of "Wisdom"

Revisado: 06-15-15

A collection of essays by famous and successful investors, this book is a cursory but nonetheless interesting look into the thought processes and investing philosophies of Wall Street Legends.

Some essays are stronger than others (I wouldn't recommend using hem line lengths as a barometer of market health), and a few concern topics that may be of less interest to the average investor (though the principles of trading commodity futures are widely applicable).

I'd recommend this book as a supplement to any investor's library shelf, but the scattershot nature of the format prevent it from being anything more. For beginning investors and those seeking to expand their financial intelligence it should also be a great jumping off point to read more of the various authors in depth.

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Wonderful Introduction to Medieval History

Revisado: 06-15-15

The fall of the Western Roman Empire, the birth and rapid spread of Islam, the rise and fall of the Carolingians - just a few of the world-changing events wonderfully told in Professor Daileader's lectures of "The Early Middle Ages."

Professor Daileader lectures are well-structured, easy to follow, and often funny.

You may recognize his voice as he was a contributor to the History Channel's documentaries on Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire and The Dark Ages. Although he repeats an anecdote about the Frankish dynast Clovis and his "lonely" desire to spend time with any surviving relatives, it's a witty one that deserves repeating.

Analogous to an entry-level college survey course, Daileader is able to cover a lot of ground, but unfortunately doesn't have the time to go into great depth. The focus of the courses' attention remains on Western Continental Europe. I would have enjoyed a bit more time on Anglo-Saxon England...but that's nitpicking.

In particular, the lectures that deal with the collapse of the western empire, and the various barbarian successor states were personal favorites.

One aspect I love about the Great Courses in general are those "aha" moments when an event, or concept come into focus for the first time. Daileader's description of the evolution of Latin into the various Romance languages was just such a moment for me.

All in all a wonderful series of lectures that should appeal to history lovers and the intellectually curious alike!

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The Best Course I've heard yet.

Revisado: 01-01-15

The Teaching Company and the Great Courses offer a number of series that cover the classical era and Rome specifically.

This is the best of those courses that I've listened to.

This series concentrates on Rome's relationship to various barbarian people's.

Because Rome's dealings with barbarian people's was so extensive, however, this series of lectures can also be seen as a linear history of Roman political and military influence.

From the Battle of Alia in the 4th Century BC, to the Battle of Chalons in the 5th Century AD, Professor Harl describes the various peoples, civilizations, and cultures that Rome encountered in her long history, as well as how those people's and cultures influenced Rome.

Professor Harl is a wonderful lecturer. He's entertaining, informative, and the lectures are well organized.

My favorite lecturers of history are able to bring historical figures and events to life in a way that written sources and contemporary biographies cannot.

Since purchasing this, Professor Harl has become one of those lecturers.

If you enjoy classical history or you are curious about the time period, I highly recommend this lecture series.

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Fantastic, but too short.

Revisado: 01-01-15

I highly recommend this course as a broad introduction to the subject matter.

Focusing exclusively on the ancient civilizations of the Near East, professor Harl manages to cover a lot of ground in just a small number lectures.

The course begins with Sumer and the early city states of Mesopotamia. continues with Egypt, the Hittites, Minoan & Mycenaean Greeks, the Phoenicians, Hebrews, Assyrians, and concludes with the Persian Empire of the Achaemenids.

One drawback of moving so quickly is there isn't enough time to go into greater detail.

This is just a quick survey, but it is delivered by a wonderfully entertaining and informative lecturer.

Professor Harl is enjoyable to listen to, and this is the 3rd course of his I've purchased (from the Great Courses Series).

His lectures are organized, and his familiarity with the subject matter is especially impressive considering his background is classical Roman history.

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