Canicus

Insulting, Dec 20 2002

I bought this book when the issue started becoming a hot topic just to see what the Bible Code was supposed to be. I was unimpressed then and less impressed now. The author uses Biblical Hebrew to try and prdict the future, and well, because the text did not have vowels, he can make it say just about anything. The only reason to buy this book is for a good laugh, otherwise, don't insult yourself.

Excellent translation and good introduction to the Greeks, Dec 19 2002

This is one of my favorite translations of the Iliad with Fitzgerald's being my other favorite. It will function as a great introduction to the Greeks, and even beyond that, morality.

The book repeatedly contrasts mortal men and those blissful pagan gods. Achilles learns that the war is futile and even learns to have compassion on his most hated enemy's father. Through his story, and the contradistinction between men and gods, we see that our short life span does not give us cause to live it up while we can, but rather, to live as nobly as we can.

One can learn civic duty from Hector. He fights to save hearth and home. Knowing that he most likely will die and the city will most… Read more

American? Read these., Dec 19 2002

Nearly every American has an opinion on how things should be run. However, we need to be familiar with the Founding Fathers' opinions in framing the Constitution, and they were no less conflicting now than then. This book, however, helps to introduce a person to some of the opinions of the Fathers. Coupled with the Anti-Federalist Papers, one can educate himself on the original intentions and interpretations (If they didn't have one interpretation, we cannot). It will also help us see the redemptive elements of out Constitution and political theory that lead to great things such as women's sufferage and the abolition of slavery.

Simply put, this is a must read for an American. If… Read more