Review 30: The Tiber and the Potomac: Rome, America, and Empires of Trust (Thomas F. Madden)

This is a comparison of America and Rome as "empires of trust." Sometimes the comparisons are dubious, sometimes they are compelling. I fear the differences between America and Rome are not sufficiently addressed. Still, when comparisons are cogent, the conclusions are illuminating.

Review 29: Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation (John Ehle)

I like the style, which is 'affected Cherokee.' I also appreciate the focus on cultural practices of Cherokee. The most startling revelation for me: my ancestors were not a group of innocents unstained by western influence. 

This was a people in the grips of superstition and paganism. Romantic notions of native americans doesn't fit the evidence. But, as one with native ancestry, I can still say there is much here to be thankful for in my ancestry. The image of God is on display in some touching ways.

Review 28: Churchill (Paul Johnson)

Wonderful portrait of Churchill which includes personal anecdotes. The personal anecdotes add color to the already well traveled landscape of the life of Churchill.

Review 27: Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone (Martin Dugard)

 I read the abridged version. This chronicles the respective journey's of Livingston and Stanley as Stanley gets closer and closer to Livingston. A nice feature is that with every chapter heading it tells you how far Stanley is from Livingston at that particular time.

This is a book about both men, but more about how they both persevered to their historic meeting. There are many lessons here on perseverance. Also fascinating are the looks into pagan africa, and the slave trade (which Livingston detested). The slave trade seems to have been run chiefly by muslims and africans. Why don't people talk more about how the muslims had such a vital role in the slave trade?

A sad note -- though comforting as realism -- is the reference to the moral failures of Livingston. I don't know if they are true, but if they are, he is indeed "like Solomon.."

Review 27: The Essential Lewis And Clark

Very good if you just want to hit the highlights of their trip. At times the details are prosaic, but there is always a fascinating quality to even the most day-to-day tasks. Especially good is Clark's recollection on his life, and how he desires to live for 'the good of mankind.' Also good is a glimpse into paganism among native americans. Not quite the idyllic world of peace envisioned by James Cameron in Avatar.

One sad note is the liscentiousness that was allowed in the party.

Review 26: Animal Farm (George Orwell)

A chilling allegory -- a warning about human nature, about utopias, about the false optimism of communism. 

"The body of our most charismatic leader may contain the soul of our most feared despot."

Review 25: The Three Musketeers (Alexander Dumas)

The Three Musketeers is disappointing. Adultery and quick-tempered quarrels over silly honor are the main topics of the book. Adultery and silly dueling are glorified. Here is a false picture of masculinity posing as true. The true man is a 'one woman man' who does not defraud another man via chasing his wife. The true man is slow to anger, not quick-tempered -- he fights not for silly honor, but for real good. A true man is humble, which is something lacking in the character's drawn here.