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Thoughts, Ideas, Observations Created by John Bedell |
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Departments Thoughts Ideas Observations Politics Arts History Commonplace Book Florilegium On the Dead China Journal About us  From the Commonplace Book I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation. --Sherlock Holmes |
Recent
Additions The Body in the Mound The editor's newly self-published archaeological mystery, for sale as a kindle download and a print-on-demand paperback. The White Mughals Review of a wonderful book about the British in India around 1800, combining romance with historical rigor in a grand way. A Dance with Dragons Review of the latest installment in George R.R. Martin's epic Song of Ice and Fire, with thoughts on the whole gigantic project. Francis Fukuyama's "The Future of History" Fukuyama once famously proclaimed the end of history. Does he now think history is coming back? Faith, Error, and the Death Penalty The cases of Troy Davis and Cameron Todd Willingham show the grave danger posed by prosecutors, judges, and citizens who refuse to face the possibility that they have been very, very wrong. (September, 2011) |
Editor's Favorites Baal Hamon and the Unitarian List of Suggestions Religion, reason, and sacrifice. Torture and the Truth You can see how little truth will come out of "Enhanced Interrogation" by considering the witch trials of the European Renaissance. Piracy and Life Meditation on 17th-century piracy as resistance to savage inequality, and how it illustrates the profligate madness of life. Night Train to Lisbon Review of a fascinating philosophical novel by Pascal Mercier.  Inside
the Prophet's HatThe editor ponders his own approach to the world in the light of a story about the prophet of the Ghost Dance. Taking Anarchism Seriously Can it be done? I tried. Science Enchants the World Knowing more about the archaeology, geology and biology of a small stream valley only makes it more beautiful. |
