Book 44 - William Doyle "The French Revolution"

William Doyle "The French Revolution : A Very Short Introduction" (Oxford U.P.)




Beginning with a discussion of familiar images of the French Revolution, garnered from Dickens, Baroness Orczy, and Tolstoy, as well as the legends of let them eat cake, and tricolours, Doyle leads the reader to the realization that we are still living with developments and consequences of the French Revolution such as decimalization, and the whole ideology of human rights.

Continuing with a brief survey of the old regime and how it collapsed, Doyle continues to elucidate how the revolution happened: why did the revolutionaries quarrel with the king, the church and the rest of Europe, why this produced Terror, and finally how it accomplished rule by a general. The revolution destroyed the age-old cultural, institutional and social structures in France and beyond. This book looks at how the ancien regime became ancien as well as examining cases in which achievement failed to match ambition. Doyle explores the legacy of the revolution in the form of rationality in public affairs and responsible government, and finishes his examination of the revolution with a discussion of why it has been so controversial.


Also included is a very detailed timeline, a note on the Revolutionary calendar, and a nice selection of suggestions for further reading. As always the Very Short Introductions pack a heavy punch in spite of their small size (this one is just 100 pages).

Book 45 - Michael Inwood "Heidegger : A Very Short Introduction"

Michael Inwood "Heidegger : A Very Short Introduction" (Oxford U.P)





The interest in the German philosopher Heidegger (1889-1976) has been revived of late, Witness the many publications from him and about him appearing in recent years. He is considered by many as the greatest philosopher of the twentieth century , as well as one of the most inaccessible . This book succeeds in presenting a very readable introduction to the important work of Heidegger. That is a great achievement , although this study is a first , succinct yet thorough acquaintance.

The most important themes of Heidegger are addressed are Dasein ; the world; language; truth and care; time , death and consciousness ; temporality, transcendence and freedom; history and world time, and finally, art . The paragraphs about his life and his attitude toward Nazism are poor and not fully fleshed out in my opinion.

I do not think that Heidegger is personally the most fascinating philosopher ,I have others that i feel are greater than him from modern times, but as an introduction it is a good book , and hnece , recommended for those who do not want to tread too far into his ouvre.

Good Morning Readers

Another dull cloudy day feeling more like winter than summer and we are just two days in June. Luckily i did get a b&b place last night for £35 - but cannot do too many of these or i will run out of money.

Yesterday i did my supermarket visit for one of my companies, but looking around the various mystery shopping sites there is not alot around at the moment. I am sure it will pick up but if not i will be looking for a different kind of work. I do have a couple of jewelry stores this month, a mobile phone shop visit, a computer tech visit, but nothing with charity shops, and Lodge have become so quiet as being non existent in my area.

My meet up at the Jobcentre is a quarter to two in the afternoon. So with the above in mind , i am hoping to get my JSA money as soon as possible.

At least today is , s far, dry, and i hope it stays that way too. Brother is coming down for the day tomorrow with a spare laptop for me and bag. Whilst the tablet is fine in many ways some functions are more difficult to do than on a laptop.

Just Wondering Randomly

Do you read a newspaper now? If so, paper or online?

Have you ever ridden a horse?

Do you like musicals, and if so, what is your favourite and why?

Showers

The Quays hostel place offers showers so i am going to take one today after the visit to the DWP. They also looked after my case for a few hours too.

Thursday Musical Selection

Another music post -because i need it - so there!


Sarah Polley - Courage (Away From Her)

I always think of Phoebe after vanquishing Cole on this track.

( More music here )

Enjoy.

A Close Shave

Had my JSA assessment done, signed on and signing on again in two weeks time,the 10th to be precise. Then afterward, i popped into The Quays to have my shower, a clean shave etc. Nab, did i feel better after that.

Just hope i will not have to wait too long for any money from them , although i guess it might be the following week after the next sign on. At least it is done now.