Average customer rating:
- The best of the best all in one volume
- Poorly Organized
- Great contents, but
- Finest compilation of the writings of the most brilliant minds over the centuries past ever
- Cost effective when you consider your options...
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Great Books of the Western World (Great books of the Western world)(60 Volumes)
Manufacturer: Encyclopedia Britannica, Incorporated
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ASIN: 0852295316 |
Book Description
Information... Knowledge... Understanding... Wisdom...
From the ancient classics to the masterpieces of the 20th century, the Great Books are all the introduction you`ll ever need to the ideas, stories and discoveries that have shaped modern civilization. This collection of 517 classics in 60 beautifully bound volumes is color-coded into four subject categories: literature, history, philosophy, and science. And since this edition includes works from 20th century authors, it`s the most up-to-date collection of the Great Books ever.
Product Details
Reading and understanding great works by history`s outstanding minds has always been considered the substance of a liberal education. The Great Books of the Western World has been acclaimed as the greatest publishing venture of the 20th Century. The set now consists of 60 volumes, with 517 works by 130 authors spanning 30 centuries, on a total of 37,000 pages containing 29 million words. Among the Great Books` 130 authors, 47 are writers of imaginative literature; 29 are masters of mathematics and/or the natural sciences; 28 are historians or social scientists, and 28 or more are philosophers and/or theologians. (This totals 132 because William James and Alfred North Whitehead have made contributions in both of the latter two subject categories).
Volume Details
Volumes 1 and 2 of this collection is the Syntopicon, a unique two-volume guide (not sold separately) that enables you to investigate a particular idea and compare what different authors have to say about it. The Syntopicon comprises a new kind of reference work -- accomplishing for ideas what the dictionary accomplishes for words and the encyclopaedia accomplishes for facts. Also included is the Great Conversation, featuring fascinating background information, extensive timelines, photos, and quotes from the classic works and their authors.
Special colors on the Great Books` spines guide you quickly to the four subject areas - GREEN: Novels, Short Stories, Plays, and Poetry
Volume 3 Homer
Volume 4 Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripedes, Aristophanes
Volume 12 Virgil
Volume 19 Dante, Chaucer
Volume 22 Rabelais
Volume 24 Shakespeare l
Volume 25 Shakespeare ll
Volume 27 Cervantes
Volume 29 Milton
Volume 31 Molière, Racine
Volume 34 Swift, Voltaire, Diderot
Volume 45 Goethe, Balzac
Volume 46 Austen, George Eliot
Volume 47 Dickens
Volume 48 Melville, Twain
Volume 51 Tolstoy
Volume 52 Dostoevsky, Ibsen
Volume 59 Henry James, Shaw, Conrad, Chekhov, Pirandello, Proust, Cather, Mann, Joyce
Volume 60 Woolf, Kafka, Lawrence, T.S. Eliot, O`Neill, Fitzgerald, Faulkner, Brecht, Hemingway, Orwell, Beckett RED: Philosophy and Religion
Volume 6 Plato
Volume 7 Aristotle l
Volume 8 Aristotle ll
Volume 11 Lucretius, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Plotinus
Volume 16 Augustine
Volume 17 Aquinas l
Volume 18 Aquinas ll
Volume 20 Calvin
Volume 28 Bacon, Descartes, Spinoza
Volume 30 Pascal
Volume 33 Locke, Berkeley, Hume
Volume 39 Kant
Volume 43 Hegel, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche
Volume 55 William James, Bergson, Dewey, Whitehead, Russell, Heidegger, Wittgenstein, Barth BLUE: History, Politics, Economics, and Ethics
Volume 5 Herodotus, Thucydides
Volume 13 Plutarch
Volume 14 Tacitus
Volume 21 Machiavelli, Hobbes
Volume 23 Erasmus, Montaigne
Volume 35 Montesquieu, Rousseau
Volume 36 Adam Smith
Volume 37 Gibbon l
Volume 38 Gibbon ll
Volume 40 J. S. Mill
Volume 41 Boswell
Volume 44 Tocqueville
Volume 50 Marx, Engels
Volume 57 Veblen, Tawney, Keyne
Customer Reviews:
The best of the best all in one volume.......2007-08-18
These books are worth their weight in Gold. You can find most, if not all, of these writings for free on the internet since there is no copyright anymore; however, if you are looking for physical books then this is the way to go. Very well made and if you go to the Britannica website you may a good deal or at least a payment plan for the hefty price.
Poorly Organized.......2007-08-15
I had heard of the Great Books Project some time ago but had never actually had a chance to see these translations until this past semester at my school library. They were located on the top floor right next to the bathroom so I sort stumbled into them by accident one night. After sifting through a few of these I can't say that I was anything other than supremely disapointed. It was a noble attempt on Adler's part but it just didn't pan out for a number of reasons.
I'm not one of these diversity crackpots and I personally think schools that use this collection (albeit losely) as a foundation for their curriculum (St. John's in Annapolis particularly) are vastly more rigorous, comprehensive, and rewarding than those of practically every other American University. Four years of science, three of mathematics, three of intensive Greek and French, weekly seminars in Western Literature and Philosophy. It's no wonder that this environment produces among the highest acceptance rates into top professional and graduate programs in the country.
However, as I mentioned before these schools use Adler's collection as more of a suggestion than anything else mostly because this hodgepodge of some 37,000 poorly translated and at times even obsolete pages of loseleaf paper couldn't possibly offer the coherence required of a college program.
To be fair though this was not Adler's intention with this collection. Still, one is left wondering what exactly Adler's intention was with all of this. One would assume that the intention was to get these books into as many homes and minds as possible. That's a great idea in principle but if folks aren't interest in reading these books individually what would lead you to believe that assembling them in one giant mass makes them more intriguing? Certainly he couldn't have done this to make the books more affordable ($1000+)...oh dear God, I believe he did.
I found the translations to be cumbersome, utterly oblivious to the language of the author's time and location, and unnecessarily small in size. Oh and the paper is of extremely low quality as well at least in the series I read out of.
These are all problems but what I find most unfortunate is the lack of coherence to the whole thing. First off, WHERE are the history books? Aside from the two big Greeks there are absolutely none to be found in the entire collection. Tens of thousands of pages with no history whatsoever to put any of into context for the young reader who I'll assume is the target audience of this collection.
Secondly, I support the attempt to expose the general public to the beauty of mathematics and especially science. But seriously, is there any point in adding something like Newton's Principia to this collection other than to show off? Really, what percentage of the population can make sense of a book like that? Cambridge prints short introductory texts to dozens of subjects in the sciences that are more relavent to that 99.99% of the population that doesn't have an advanced degree in Physics of Mathematics. Next.
Third, if you're selecting works based on influence then how do people like Kierkegaard, Marx and Nietzsche only get one of work apeice included whereas folks like Chaucer, Pascal and Ibsen get numerous selections? How can it be that Pascal has had more influence than a man whose philosophy spawned worldwide panic, violence and revolution for most of the 20th Century?
Finally, if you're going to try and produce a comprehensive collection of the Greatest the Western World has produced why not select each authors most notable contributions to that legacy. Nobody remembers Thomas Mann for "Death and Venice." Nobody remembers Joyce for "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man."
But then again I could be wrong. Regardless, I am still going to give this book 4 stars for fighting the good fight against relativism, multiculturalism and the general degeneration of the human race.
Great contents, but.......2006-09-01
Bid a new set from ebay and it arrived in two boxes. It has great contents, but:
1) The books are small in dimension, so print is small and not easy to read.
2) The paper is thin.
3) Need more pictures.
4) Some volumes are quite thin. It will be better either adding more contents, or combine volumes to make the whole set more manageable.
5) The set is listed at $1,195, which translates to about $20 per volume. Judging from the quality of the book, printing quality should be no more than $5 per volume. They should reduce price to make it more accessible.
Finest compilation of the writings of the most brilliant minds over the centuries past ever.......2006-08-17
These books were first published in 1952. Only 500 sets were published that year, a Private Library Collection it was called, and sold for $500.00 per set. My father was one of the original purchasers, and he passed them down to me when he died. (It's still even in its original custom made bookcase!)
This entire set contains the writings of the most brilliant minds over the centuries past, carefully compiled by the publishers, with a ten-year reading plan that will give the reader the most valuable of all gifts: knowledge. A must-read for any true scholar!
Cost effective when you consider your options..........2006-03-14
Regardless of minor squabbling over what should and shouldn't be included, this is a very good collection of western works. I'd call it great in fact, when you consider the amount you'd have to pay to purchase all these seperate, not to mention all the wading you'd do through some not-so-necessary reads.
Insert the rest of a 'look how big my words can be' and 'I read this while still in the womb' review here. I'm not feeling up to the pomp.
Book Description
A complete education in classical music, written with verve and wit. No music lover can pick up this one-volume compendium without becoming a more knowledgeable, discerning listener. • The
sonata form revealed, and why it's been deeply satisfying for three centuries. • What to listen for in
Brahms, a self-described Classicist who was one of music's great innovators
. • Pizzicato, fioritura, parlando, glissando. • The transformative power of
Toscanini–who earned more conducting the New York Philharmonic than his contemporary Babe Ruth made with the Yankees. • And throughout, more than 2,000 recommended recordings.
Log on and listen. Created with Naxos, the world's largest classical music label, the book includes a unique Web site featuring more than 500 examples cited in the text. Look up
barcarolle. First read about its swaying 6/8 meter and Venetian origins; then log on to the music Web site and hear it performed in Act IV of Offenbach's
Les contes d'Hoffmann. If that whets your curiosity about Offenbach, click to hear the cancan in his
La vie parisienne. All online samples are marked by an icon in the text.
Customer Reviews:
A delightful experience for any classical music lover........2007-06-24
"The NPR Listener's Encyclopedia of Classical Music" is a delightful combination reference book and video game for all classical music buffs. Besides its nearly 1,000 pages of listings, from Claudio Abbado to Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, the book gives you access to a page on the Naxos Music website which allows you to listen to more than 500 musical selections online. I just signed on to the page for the first time, and listened to the very first listed selection--John Adams' "Shaker Loops." I look forward to hours of fun with this wonderful new toy! I appreciate the breadth and depth of knowledge author Ted Libbey brings to the project, as well as his inclusion of favorites of mine who aren't necessarily well-known to today's listening public, such as the Danish tenor Aksel Schiotz. In his introduction, Libbey notes he tried to avoid the gaps and errors in such standard reference works as Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians, and adds, "Doubtless there will be errors still, and for these I accept full responsibility." Alas, I have already caught him in two. The first is the listing of Beethoven's birthday as December 17, 1770, when even "Peanuts'" Schroeder and Lucy know that Beethoven was born on December 16. Of course, that could have been a printer's or proofreader's error, but the second mistake is more serious--when Libbey states that Vladimir Horowitz withdrew from the concert stage in 1953 in a severe depression over the suicide of his only daughter. Actually, Horowitz's daughter, Sonia, did not commit suicide until the 1970s (which caused Horowitz a second bout of severe depression); I'm not sure exactly what caused Horowitz's 1953 breakdown, but I had always understood that an addiction to prescription drugs was at least partly to blame. Nevertheless, these are minor caveats to an otherwise enjoyable and informative volume. Any classical music lover with computer access would be happy to own it.
A handy reference.......2007-06-13
Don't get this if you are looking for an overview of music history, this is a reference book--exactly as advertised.
It comes with a login to naxos.com that allows you to listen to literally hundreds of hours of music from the naxos library for free! This is a tremendous value.
I was most impressed by the sheer amount of information--not just the historic information, even my favorite 20th and 21st century composers were given a fair amount of coverage.
NPR is better.......2007-06-10
Couldn't choose between the NPR ecyclopedia and the Vantage Guide so bought both. The NPR book is younger, more detailed, more information on a wider variety of artists and composers and in my opinion ; much better.
NPR LIstener's Enclyclopedia of Classical Music.......2007-06-08
Even for the true classic music afficiando, this is a helpful compendium of names and selections to use when purchasing albums or for general hands on reference.
The NPR Listener's Encyclopedia of Classical Music.......2007-01-17
What I like about The NPR Listener's Encyclopedia of Classical Music is that it's small enough to fit on my home bookshelf but concise and comprehensive enough to have the information on music terms, biographical sketches of famous composers and performers--from antiquity to present.
Another plus about this book is that at the end of each biographical entry, there is a list of recommended recordings by the artist. It is a handy ready-reference book for both public and academic libraries; it is also a great gift idea for old-time classical music lovers as well as for people who begin to develop interest in classical music. For its size and price, it can be added to any home-music collection.
One small minus point, Joshua Bell is in there, but his "Romance of the Violin"--my favorite CD-- is not listed.
Book Description
2004 COVR AWARD-WINNER!
From "Aarab Zereq" to "Zos Kia Cultus," this is the most up-to-date, comprehensive guide to the history, philosophies, and personalities of Western occultism.
Written by an occult scholar and practitioner with the assistance of hundreds of experts in the field, this volume presents the latest in scholarly research and points out errors in previous writings-revealing truths much more interesting and dramatic than the fictional histories that obscured them.
The New Encyclopedia of the Occult is an invaluable reference guide to magic, alchemy, astrology, divination, Tarot, palmistry, and geomancy; magical orders such as the Golden Dawn and Rosicrucians; important occultists; and religions and spiritual traditions associated with occultism such as Wicca, Thelema, Theosophy, and the modern Pagan movement.
Customer Reviews:
Good list of titles. But articles biased, cover title is arrogant, and certain articles can incite hate between occult groups........2007-07-07
It is very useful to have a comprehensive list of occult subjects in one place, as in this encyclopedia. But it should be called ``A' New Encyclopedia of the Occult', not ``The' New Encyclopaedia of the Occult'. Different occult groups have different ideas about the subjects discussed. So it is biased to present one perspective on a subject as `the' perspective.
For example, in the article entitled `Initiation' on p. 242, it says that spiritual, as opposed to physical ritualistic initiation, "has very little to do with the reality of initiation as actually practiced by magical lodge organizations". But this is biased because in certain significant magical lodge organizations, initiation is actually considered to be a spiritual transformation, not a physical ritual. An example is explained in Chapter II of "A Compendium of Occult Laws" by the Rosicrucian Grand Master, Dr. R. S. Clymer, entitled "The Philosophy of Occult Initiation" (1966).
I would also like to pick up on the article "Randolph, Paschal Beverly", beginning on p. 389. This is an extremely offensive article, which can incite hate between occult groups. For example, it says on p. 390, "Unfortunately Randolph's considerable creativity and intelligence were more than overbalanced by his arrogance, egotism, and uncontrolled temper". This is bad history. It is bad because it does not corroborate different primary sources before concluding what Randolph's character was actually like. Arthur Marwick, a professor of History at the Open University, explained that even the most accurate history is only about 80% true. History is a representation of the past. It cannot be considered identical with the past.
Randolph is highly respected by Modern Rosicrucian orders, and his teachings are used by them as the foundation. For example, referring to the preface of "Compendium of Occult Laws", by the Rosicrucian Grand Master Dr. R. S. Clymer, he says, "The second section, "The Philosophy of Occult Initiation", is based almost exclusively upon the secret writings of those versed in Hermetic Science and Alchemical Processes, notably Dr. P.B. Randolph ..."
`The New Encyclopedia of the Occult' even contradicts itself concerning the character of Paschal Beverly Randolph. For example, on p. 390 it says, "[Randolph] ... travelled on the anti-Spiritualist lecture circuit, attacking Spiritualism as earnestly as he had praised it a few years earlier." But as is explained in the article "New Age Movement" in the same Encyclopaedia, page 330, paragraph 2, "...occultists of the Victorian period shook their heads at the excesses and follies of the mesmerist and spiritualist movements ..." So Randolph's actions were in harmony with the Victorian occultism zeitgeist.
Randolph also explained that his intention was not to attack spiritualism. Randolph states, for example, in his book, "Soul, The Soul World," Chapter 8, Paragraph 21, in which he outlines Rosicrucian philosophy, "The sole business of this book is not to controvert any current system of philosophy . . . but to give forth what I know to be the truth." This of course means that Randolph's intention was not to attack spiritualism, but simply to express his Rosicrucian philosophy. When defining one thought system, it is necessary to contrast it against others that are different. This is the way that academic argumentation works. Such argumentation and contrasting does not constitute attacking e.g. explaining how chemistry is not biology is not an attack upon biology by chemistry. Randolph also explains: "much herein given necessarily antagonizes a few of the popular Spiritual theories" ("Soul, The Soul World," Chapter 8, Paragraph 21). Explaining that the Rosicrucian view of the Soul World is hierarchical, necessarily antagonises spiritualism, because it is impossible to describe the soul hierarchy without saying that certain souls are lower in the hierarchy than others. There would be no Masters if there were no apprentices.
Further regarding Randolph's abandonment of the spiritualist worldview. Bryan Magee says in his text `The Great Philosophers' (1987), Oxford, Oxford University Press, p. 66, that the abandonment of one's beliefs that are shown to be flawed in the light of new knowledge is part of what constitutes intellectual advance.
"There is no justice in the world's censorious eyes. They will not wait to learn a man's true character. Though no wrong has been done them, one look - and they hate". - From Medea by Euripides, Lines 18-21 (431 BCE)
Referring to the above reasoning, if you want to know about occultism, do not rely on `The New Encyclopedia of the Occult'. It is safer to corroborate what is written in the articles with other sources, preferably direct (e.g. what occult orders actually say about themselves), primary, and several secondary sources about a particular subject.
Good Reference .......2007-05-13
So I'm pretty new to occult studies. I bought this book due to general interest and to help decode some references made in lyrics by the band TOOL. I would say it is a pretty informative, but like any encyclopedia the topics are addressed in very general terms. However, I've felt completely lost after reading about some topics. This is likely due to my inexperience with the occult. I imagine I would get a great deal more out of the encyclopedia if I had more basic knowledge. This is a good reference for starting primary research into a particular field of occult study. I would recommend it to anyone who has a general interest in occult studies.
Amazing Collection of Information.......2007-03-31
Greer has done an amazing amount of research putting this massive collection together. This is history, definition, and explanation all in one.
The editor needs to be spanked, however.
Even so, the poor editing does not bring this great reference book down from five stars. This book should be read and reread by every pagan, magic worker, and interested individual. Both the scope and depth are incredible.
I'm definitely a J.M. Greer fan, but this work stands out above Greer's typically excellent body of work.
Objective & Informative.......2007-02-27
I have read numerous books and magazines from the points of view of critical rationalists who speak condescendingly or dismissively of occult subjects; from religious conservatives blindly (and almost always with no correct information) condemning occultism as misguided or evil; and an inexhaustible number of fawning new-agers with illogical and false beliefs about history and religion (who are often as violently judgmental of religious conservatives as the religionists are of them). Written by an educated, logical practitioner, this is the single most objective and broadly informed work I have ever encountered on the subject of the history of western magic and modern occultism. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the subject, most of all to practitioners.
Where did you find that information?.......2007-01-29
Mr. Greer provides us with some of his great expertise on the subject of magic, wizardry, and just about anything having to do with the world of the Occult. It is well laid out and easy to find the information you are looking for on just about any subject you can think of in this genre.
As always, Mr Greer provides us with a fantastic source of information.
Average customer rating:
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Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment (4 vol. set)
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0195104307 |
Book Description
Defining the Enlightenment as the "long eighteenth century," the Encyclopedia focuses on the entire range of philosophic and social changes engendered by the Enlightenment. It extends the conventional geographical boundaries of the Enlightenment, covering not only France, England, Scotland, the Low Countries, Italy, English-speaking North America, the German states, and Hapsburg Austria but also Iberian, Ibero-American, Jewish, Russian, and Eastern European cultures. Nor does the Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment limit itself to major centers like Paris in France and Edinburgh in Scotland, but shares the rich lode of recent scholarship on "secondary" and "provincial" centers such as Berlin and Geneva; Philadelphia and Milan. The Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment brings a similar spirit of inclusion to the new theoretical and methodological approaches that have flowered in the humanities during the past two decades. Including feminist and various post-modernist reassessments alongside more traditional perspectives, the four volumes offer the broadest possible range of current knowledge. Accessibility combined with scholarly rigor make the Encyclopedia the first choice for researching any aspect of the Enlightenment.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent set.......2007-08-05
This encyclopedia is outstanding in all respects: comprehensive range of coverage, highly-competent content and editing, and beautifully produced. It will be useful to scholars and general audiences alike.
Book Description
The most complete guide to the Cowboy State in print. 129 maps, 60 maps of towns and cities, over 1,100 restaurants, over 550 motels, every public and private campground, over 200 guest ranches and resorts, over 130 bed and breakfasts, vacation homes and cabins, over 200 outfitters and guides, airports, more than 270 fisheries, 100s of National Trail points of interest, 49 public golf courses, 100s of museums and historical sites, hot springs, hikes, over 65 scenic drives and side trips, more than 50 ghost towns, downhill and cross country ski areas, gas stops, hundreds of attractions, 1,000s of photographs, weather information for over 60 locations, information on every city and town, 1,000s of things to do, 1,000s of addresses and phone numbers. Complete sections with maps for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Includes free photo CD-ROM of 100s of screensaver sized photos.
Customer Reviews:
Wyoming Why?.......2007-08-23
Bought this book for a recent trip from Boulder, CO to Yellowstone. Thought I would want to find something to look at along the way. There is nothing there.
Ok, almost nothing. There was a nice Thai restaurant in Rawlins, which we found by driving around in Rawlins, but that is pretty much it between the entrance to Grand Teton park and the Colorado border.
The Grand Tetons, Jackson, and Yellowstone are great. The red rock vistas are pretty. But there is nothing worth seeing on the way.
So, if you are visiting those parks in the west, get some books on those, but don't bother with this.
Good Resource for travelers.......2006-11-04
This book is filled with lots of information that will be useful to our many visitors.
The only guide to Wyoming you'll need.......2006-04-11
I shall be visiting Wyoming later this year, and this book (and its accompanying website) has proved to be invaluable in planning my trip. Everything you'll ever need to know about the state is here - maps, accommodation, restaurants, shopping and much more. I particularly like the detailed histories of the various Wyoming towns that are included - not something that you'll find in the usual guide books.
I'd definitely recommend this book to anybody planning to visit Wyoming, and even if you're not planning a visit but are just interested in the state it is still well worth reading.
A Very Helpful Travel Guide.......2006-03-05
This book has all the information you could possibly need if you were travelling to Wyoming and my husband is thrilled we bought it. The maps inside are great, but since we prefer the larger ones, we will get them for free from the Wyoming visitor's bureau. If you're travelling to Wyoming, this is a definite must have and a one-stop source for all your information and travel needs.
ultimate wyoming atlas and travel encyclopedia.......2006-03-03
This book does have a lot of information. I was hoping to find out what each town was like today, not back in the 1800's. I was interested in finding out what each town offered as far as shopping, schools, hospitals, etc... Instead it is more of a history lesson.
Book Description
Great Thinkers of the Western World is a concise and authoritative guide to the principal theoretical ideas of the outstanding thinkers in Western history. From Parmenides to Albert Camus, theses men and women have profoundly influenced the development of Western civilization through their theories and revolutionary ideas and by providing intellectual, scientific or spiritual illumination.
Articles on 116 thinkers are arranged chronologically, making it essay for readers to follow and appreciate the development of ideas from the early Greeks through the first half of the twentieth century. Each article provides basic biographical information, a list of the thinker's major works, a summary of his or her principal ideas, an essay explaining the thinker's most significant theories and indicating his or her place in the history of thought and a brief bibliography of further readings.
An absorbing, accessible and highly informative introduction to the greatest minds of Western civilization, Great Thinkers of the Western World improves our understanding of Western thought and how it evolved.
Customer Reviews:
great thinkers but the book seems to have a religious agenda.......2005-04-04
This book might be worth $21, (used price), as the thinker's ideas presented in one place are surely great reference material.
Other book reviews here discuss the content and layout so I will only add a comment about the religious bias it seems to have because one wouldn't expect it since it is neither suggested by the title or mentioned anywhere. I feel like it has a hidden, dishonest agenda of making it look as though the great thinkers thought more highly of religion than they really did.
For example in discussing David Hume, it reads "the charge that he was an atheist seems a gross oversimplification of the quite complex and sophisticated views he held" Well I'm no expert on Hume but he was the ultimate skeptic who neither believed in miracles or God. So while the book admits that his comtemporaries call him an atheist-- but discounts that he was, which I guess also implies that other scholars are simpletons.
It concludes by saying, "one might say that Hume could well have been speaking for himself when at the end of the Dialogues he puts the following words in Philo's mouth:'...The cause or causes of order in the universe probably bear some remote analogy to human intelligence....". But if you look up that quote, they left off the front of it which clearly indicates that Philo doesn't agree with that statement. The sentence starts "If the whole of natural theology, as some people seem to maintain, resolves itself into one simple, though somewhat ambiguous, at least undefined proposition, that the cause... "So he's not saying what the anthology says he is. You can read the Dialogues at http://www.philosophyofreligion.info/dcnr12.html, and decide for yourself how you think Hume felt about religion, but this quote seems telling when philo says "It is certain, from experience, that the smallest grain of natural honesty and benevolence has more effect on men's conduct, than the most pompous views suggested by theological theories and systems." Or this direct Hume quote, "The christian religion not only was at first attended with miracles, but even at this day cannot be believed by any reasonable person without one"(ie. a miracle)" Neither of these quotes make it in the book.
There are many other examples, but I have limited space here. The review of Nietzsche, famous for saying God is dead,seems to put forth a much lower opinion of him than others I have read. So i.e., if they can't discount your atheism--they can always discount your greatness instead? When reading about several thinkers I felt it was unappropriate that they got into a lengthy discussion about their religious views, and each time I also felt a "spin". If a book isn't honest, what is it really worth?
Great Thinkers...Great Minds...Great Book.......2004-04-30
+++++
This book, edited by philosophy professor Dr. Ian McGreal, has articles on almost 120 outstanding thinkers in Western history. These thinkers, arranged chronologically from past to present, include those who were involved in one of the following six fields: (1) philosophy (2) physical science (3) social science (4) psychology (5) religious writing (6) theology. This book begins with a great thinker who lived circa (515 BC to 450 BC) and ends with one who lived from (1913 to 1960).
This book can be thought of as a guide or, for some, an introduction to the works and ideas of some of the most creative and influential thinkers of the Western world. It "cannot make everyone an expert in any of the fields the book covers, but it can...provide a foothold on...the illuminating theories and perspectives that have shaped the modern mind and left their traces in the history of human accomplishments."
How were these great thinkers chosen? The editor explains: "We have tried to include the most original, creative, and influential thinkers...but we have also recognized the importance of representing the diversity of significant Western thought, even though the result may be that some thinkers that deserve to be regarded as great have been left out, while others that might not be universally regarded as 'great' have been included."
At the beginning of the book, there is a list of more than thirty distinguished professors and academics who contributed articles.
At the end of the book, there is a "Thinker Index" that lists the names of these great thinkers in alphabetical order.
The articles for each thinker all have the same standard format consisting of seven parts:
(1) The person's name.
(2) Birth date.
(3) Death date.
(4) A list of the person's major works.
(5) A summary of the person's major ideas.
(6) An essay of four to five pages explaining the thinker's most significant theories and indicating his/her place in the history of thought. These essays are scholarly, lively, perceptive, and a fast read.
(7) A brief biography of further reading if more detailed information is required.
Even though this book is over five hundred pages, it's possible to get through it in three to four sittings. What I did was read the summary of major ideas for each thinker. I noted the names of each thinker whose ideas intrigued me. Then I read the corresponding essay of each of these noted thinkers.
This book is also a good reference when you need information fast.
The only problem I had with this book is that there is no indication either in the Table of Contents or in the Thinker Index of what each thinker's field is. For example, a name indicated is "Isaac Newton". Most people know he was a physical scientist. But how about a name like "Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo?" What field was he in? All we know was that he was in one of the six fields indicated above.
Thus, each name listed should have beside it the thinker's field of influence. Therefore, you might have "Isaac Newton (physical scientist)" or "Miguel de Unamuno y Jugo (philosopher)".
Finally, there is a sister book to this one entitled "Great Thinkers of the Eastern World" (1995) also edited by McGreal.
In conclusion, this is an informative book that gives readers pertinent information about influential people of the Western world. If you want to know the story behind these great thinkers, then this is your definitive guide!!
+++++
a 400 lb. bench press for the mind...........2001-09-26
A wide ranging romp through the minds of the philosophers, theologians, physicists, and mathematicians that make up much of Western Thought.
The lives, motivations, major works and ideas of Plato, Martin Luther, Voltaire, Adam Smith, Thomas Paine, Charles Darwin, and over one-hundred more big-brained sorts are covered by 35 equally brainy scholars, in short chapters, averaging about 5 pages apiece; most of the writing here is quite readable, but some were, at least for me, like wading through sludge.
Suggested reading is provided for those who wish to furter their studies of the intellectually-abundant.
For the coffee table only.......2000-10-03
This book was fair but not the type of book you can't put down. The problem is that too many individuals are covered and in too little detail. It reads like a dictionary.
awesome!.......2000-03-09
I took a class based on this book and it was the most influencial class I ever took. This book gives a short overview of 116 philosophers, scientists, and authors works, views and accomplishments. I truely believe the world would be a better place if everyone read this book.
Customer Reviews:
LOTS of mistakes.......2001-09-18
This book is entertaining and well-organized; unfortunately, it's not very accurate. Some of the author's mistakes are due to credulity (it's possible, but not likely, that Butch Cassidy survived his final gunfight in South America; O'Neal reports it as fact); some to partisanship (he's an unabashed Clantonite in the matter of the OK Corral, and thus again reports speculation as fact); and some to ignorance (he doesn't seem to be aware that Florentine Cruz and "Indian Charlie" were probably the same person). The history of the American West is treacherous territory, and nobody can avoid a few mistakes, but Mr. O'Neal seems to make more than his share. I can't recommend this book.
This One is Done Right.......2000-10-22
What a great book for Western gunfighter nerds! O'Neal did his research and presents it in a highly accessible manner. I've had this book for over a decade and I still return to it with a gleam in my eye once or twice a year.
Possibly the best book in my extensive Western library.......2000-07-10
This book is fascinating because it separates truth from fiction. All documented gunfights of the old west are included here (as of the book's writing), & all gunfights that are undocumented are excluded. It's as simple as that. I don't buy the author's premise that if it was a real gunfight, it must have been documented at the time (wouldn't most killers have wanted to keep their killings a secret if at all possible, & wouldn't it be reasonable to assume that a good number of gunfights occurred in deserted, out of the way places where there likely would be no witnesses?). Other than that, this book is an old west fan's bible! It's that good!
Review of Enyclopedia of Western Gunfighters.......2000-01-06
Bill O'Neal's work is not a simple re-hash of old facts. Instead it is a refreshing and factual look at the men who made the frontier into the myth that survives today. The most interesting aspect of the book is that it shows, over and over, how truth often far outshines fiction in its detail and graphic nature. It is apparent in one read that O'Neal has an intimate knowledge of his subject. This book is destined to become a cornerstone of reference libraries for any and all western history aficionados.
An absolute must for all gunfighter enthusiasts........1999-09-19
Bill O'Neal has included information on 255 gunfighters including Jesse James, Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, amongst lesser known 'shootists' with equally sensational feats. It is an excellent source of reference. Where possible dates have been provided for births, deaths and gunfights. He has been careful not to glamorize the gunfighters achievements by concentrating upon hard facts, rather than speculating into more contentious issues. However, it is by no means exhaustive and in some areas could do with updating, in view of recent material surfacing. A good example of this would concern the careers of such characters as Wyatt Earp and Curly Bill Brocius. Nevertheless, a thoroughly enjoyable read, and an excellent acquisition for any personal library on 'Western Gunfighters'.
Book Description
Symbols--Encyclopedia of Western Signs and Ideograms contains approximately 2,500 Western signs. In 1,600 articles their histories, uses, and meanings are thoroughly discussed. The signs range from ideograms carved in mammoth teeth by Cro-Magnon men to modern corporate logos and subway graffiti. A unique system for classifying signs according to graphic structure lets the reader look up the meaning of any sign in seconds. A comprehensive Word Index and a large number of cross-references throughout the book make it equally easy to find signs that are related to each other. In addition, the Appendices contain discussions on especially interesting aspects of ideograms, including the historical development of signs and meanings, ancient American ideograms, the signs of the alchemists and much more. This book serves both as a resource for professionals and a general reference tool for anyone interested in our graphic cultural heritage.
Customer Reviews:
Very useful.......2005-10-13
This book is a visually rich resource, providing the reader with 2,500 graphically clear drawings of signs in black and white, alongside with Carl G. Liungman's explanations of their origin and uses. Browsing the pages is rewarding for the artist looking for inspiration. There is plenty of it -- the book contains some 1,600 articles, and an additional 100 pages with essays on ubiquitous/especially interesting signs or sign systems (such as the Mystical Pentagram, or the signs of the Alchemists).
The explanations are usually to the point, although I find that Liungman occasionally strays too far away from the subject at hand. The sections about the astrological systems of signs are particularly abundant in information, and would have gained from being more carefully edited. The selection of signs, however, is excellent; it even includes modern ideograms from the Internet age, such as the At sign.
Symbols -- Encyclopedia of Western Signs and Ideograms really excels when it comes to searching for signs that the reader does not yet know the name of. Using a taxonomy scheme of his own, Liungman has classified the signs into 54 distinctive groups. The reader can navigate to any of the groups simply by describing the sign in terms of "Crossing lines/Not crossing lines", "Single-axis symmetric/Asymmetric" and so on. A quick glance at the right group overview page is all it takes to find the right match.
This book is highly recommended.
Customer Reviews:
Comparative Cultural Numerology Mysteries Encyclopedia.......2007-05-14
Western and Eastern Mysteries (Key of It All) Comparative Cultural Numerology Mysteries Encyclopedia will connect those who are still searching for the complete comparative "opus," which is the backbone of the numerology mysteries.
Chapter 13 of the English Language numerology, in the "Western Mysteries," is the door through which one can enter, to complete the key through which universal understanding and connection can be earned. Through translating (words) tongues into the English language alphabet words, and further, into their simple English numbers, the inner eye expands its understanding.
The serious numbers student, through the simple numbers method, mentioned in Chapter 13, of Western Mysteries, can further verify their own destiny through their name and birthdate numbers, by further understanding that there is a nine-year cycle for each letter of one's name. Each nine-year name-alphabet letter number will be the individual "law of attraction," by attracting to one experiences.
Hulse confirmed his experiences through "alphabet numbers." Which you can do as well. The secret for positive experiences is to use positive words and their numerological correlation.
Further, within the 9-year cycle, Each person has "tri-mester numbers," which can be verified through the numerology of names, addresses, and experiences correlating in a particular period with synchonistic numbers.
As Hulse has stated in "Western Mysteries," the English language and its simple numbers from 1-9, allows the serious student to develop the inner eye to verify and see how it is that the macro and micro metaphysics connect with the physics of macro and micro experiences.
Both Western and Eastern Mysteries (The Key to It All), provides the connection the earnest student of numbers wisdom has earned.
oustanding work.......2006-12-29
I've got both the "Eastern" and "Western" mysteries and while I won't pretend to understand half of what was written in each, both are outstanding reference books that one can grasp even if one doesn't have much knowledge of the occult.
I found it useful for looking up symbols and seeing more similarities between cultures than I had previously thought.
An Excellent Reference Book.......2003-04-04
This is an excellent book, both for reading and as a resource. Hulse gives an incredible amount of information in an easy to understand format. This book is invaluable in helping to understand the connections between various cultures and their methods.
Incredible Value!!.......2002-02-09
This book and its companion: "The Eastern Mysteries" provide a wonderful compendium of cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary information. They make it possible to understand the deep connections between all peoples of the world.
Totally Indispensible.......2001-10-15
Definitely a "must-have," whether novice or expert.
Average customer rating:
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Antisemitism: A Historical Encyclopedia of Prejudice and Persecution (Two Vol. Set)
Richard Levy
Manufacturer: ABC-CLIO
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1851094393
Release Date: 2005-05-24 |
Books:
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- Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Man, The Image & The World: A Retrospective
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- Hollywood Babylon: The Legendary Underground Classic of Hollywood's Darkest and Best Kept Secrets
- Hollywood Rhapsody: The Story of Movie Music, 1900-1975
- I Heard That Song Before: A Novel
- In the Bleak Midwinter
- Independent Feature Film Production: A Complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution
- Indigo Slam: An Elvis Cole Novel
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