The first part of this book presents in an organized way his ideas on the various aspects of the Enlightenment, and how they have informed not only modern capitalism, but also communism and also modern forms of extremism based on the remaking of man and society or the rule of pure reason. While I find it a bit shallower than his usual vignette style of presenting and interweaving various threads of ideas, it is presented in a clearer form.
Unfortunately, the last half of the book rambles and rants a bit. He falls into various (delirious) imaginings of the future, and it begins to sound a bit "mullah-ish", ranting with the pointer finger raised etc.
Sunday 31 August 2014
Friday 22 August 2014
The Broken Road - Patrick Leigh Fermor
- subtitled: From the Iron Gates to Mount Athos
The last of Fermor's journal of his walk from Holland to Istanbul.
For me, the least interesting of the three volumes. Written when he was quite old, and never actually finished, it lacks the detail of the other volumes. The Mount Athos section is interesting at first, but becomes repetitive. There is almost nothing on Istanbul - seems he kept no journal when he was there.
Still worth reading over to say you've read them all, but not as enjoyable.
The last of Fermor's journal of his walk from Holland to Istanbul.
For me, the least interesting of the three volumes. Written when he was quite old, and never actually finished, it lacks the detail of the other volumes. The Mount Athos section is interesting at first, but becomes repetitive. There is almost nothing on Istanbul - seems he kept no journal when he was there.
Still worth reading over to say you've read them all, but not as enjoyable.
Monday 18 August 2014
Frederick Law Olmsted Landscapes - Lee Friedlander Photographs
Finally found this book by one of my favourite photographers.
Very nice book - large images, beautifully printed.
Unlike most of his work that I know, you can see his use of different lenses and filters to play with effects and perspective. Most of his other work seems to be fairly straightforward from this point of view.
What I like about his photographs is that they are not easy. As you look, you can think about the structure he was trying to work with, about the trigger for that particular point of view, about his diffused, hidden focus within the picture, about the seeming surface chaos and lack of structure. A metaphor for life...
Interesting to think about the parallels visually, structurally and intentionally between this body of work and the collection of store window photos - refraction of focus, layers hidden behind layers, a surface of chaos over deeper structures.
Find again.
Very nice book - large images, beautifully printed.
Unlike most of his work that I know, you can see his use of different lenses and filters to play with effects and perspective. Most of his other work seems to be fairly straightforward from this point of view.
What I like about his photographs is that they are not easy. As you look, you can think about the structure he was trying to work with, about the trigger for that particular point of view, about his diffused, hidden focus within the picture, about the seeming surface chaos and lack of structure. A metaphor for life...
Interesting to think about the parallels visually, structurally and intentionally between this body of work and the collection of store window photos - refraction of focus, layers hidden behind layers, a surface of chaos over deeper structures.
Find again.
Straw Dogs - John Gray
Subtitle: Thoughts on Humans and Other Animals
Another brilliant social critique by this amazingly well-read author. By shifting out of the view of the privileged place of humankind, Gray finds a point of view that seems to allow him to tunnel through many of the myths that define our modern view of man, society, the world, the point of it all.
Written in short excerpts that seemingly jump from topic to topic, behind it lies a slowly assembled critique, perspective, understanding that is jarringly clear and revolutionary (?)
It is hard to summarize this book. Great for dipping into randomly to read a section or two.
Another brilliant social critique by this amazingly well-read author. By shifting out of the view of the privileged place of humankind, Gray finds a point of view that seems to allow him to tunnel through many of the myths that define our modern view of man, society, the world, the point of it all.
Written in short excerpts that seemingly jump from topic to topic, behind it lies a slowly assembled critique, perspective, understanding that is jarringly clear and revolutionary (?)
It is hard to summarize this book. Great for dipping into randomly to read a section or two.
Songs My Mother Never Taught Me - Selçuk Altun
Another book by Altun with Istanbul at the heart of the book. The main character follows a set of clues which take him to many neighbourhoods in the city to solve the murder of his father. A look at family relations in turkish society?
One character in the book is the author.
Again, entertaining especially if you know Istanbul.
One character in the book is the author.
Again, entertaining especially if you know Istanbul.
The Sultan of Byzantium - Selcuk Altun
Altun is an entertaining author, especially for those who know and love Istanbul. His plots always weave in out of the way locations and monuments of Istanbul, and play with the sights, sounds and sensations of the city.
In this book, he builds his plot around the Byzantine history of the city, and also the Byzantium's presence in the history of other European countries.
His plots are entertaining and highly improbable.
In this book, he builds his plot around the Byzantine history of the city, and also the Byzantium's presence in the history of other European countries.
His plots are entertaining and highly improbable.
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