This biography by Jon Meacham chronicles the life of Abraham Lincoln from his birth on the Kentucky frontier in 1809 to his tragic assassination in 1865. It delves into Lincoln's self-education, his loves, his bouts of depression, his political failures, and his deepening faith. The book highlights Lincoln's persistent conviction that slavery must end and his role in preserving democracy and the Union. Meacham's work interweaves gripping narrative history with a deeper exploration of the complex interplay among morality, politics, and power, drawing parallels between Lincoln's era and contemporary American society[2][3][4].
Published in 1936, 'Gone with the Wind' is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the complexities of human passions during the American Civil War and Reconstruction. The story revolves around Scarlett O’Hara, the spoiled and manipulative daughter of a wealthy plantation owner in Georgia, as she navigates through heartbreak, ambition, and survival. The novel vividly depicts the dramatic changes and social upheaval of the time, featuring a cast of unforgettable characters including Rhett Butler, Melanie Hamilton, and Ashley Wilkes. It is a sweeping narrative filled with intricate character relationships, emotional depth, and a striking commentary on resilience in the face of adversity.
Published in 1968, 'The Pump House Gang' is a collection of essays by Tom Wolfe that explores various subcultures of the 1960s. The book delves into the phenomenon of 'starting your own league,' where individuals, including surfers, motorcyclists, and others, retreat from traditional social hierarchies. Wolfe's writing is characterized by his brilliant style, provocative commentary, and entertaining narrative, making this work a quintessential representation of his journalistic and literary prowess.
In 'Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man', Marshall McLuhan explores how different media forms influence human society and perception. He introduces the concept that 'the medium is the message', suggesting that the characteristics of the medium, rather than its content, are what truly impact society. McLuhan categorizes media into 'hot' and 'cool' types, based on the degree of audience participation required. He also discusses how media extend human senses and alter human consciousness, leading to significant social and psychic consequences. The book is a comprehensive analysis of various media, including print, radio, television, and more, and their effects on human interaction and culture[1][3][4].
Eric Havelock's "Preface to Plato" is a seminal work in classical scholarship that explores the transition from oral to literate culture in ancient Greece. Havelock argues that the shift from an oral tradition, where knowledge was transmitted through poetry and performance, to a literate one, based on written texts, profoundly altered the way people thought and organized their societies. The book examines the impact of this change on various aspects of Greek life, including politics, philosophy, and the development of Western thought. Havelock's analysis emphasizes the role of literacy in shaping individual consciousness and the structure of knowledge itself. His work has had a lasting influence on the study of classical antiquity and the understanding of the relationship between language, culture, and technology.
In this book, Jordan B. Peterson offers twelve profound and practical rules for living a meaningful life. He argues that happiness is a fleeting and unpredictable goal, and instead, people should seek meaning as a defense against the suffering inherent in life. The book is divided into chapters, each representing one of the twelve rules, such as 'Stand up straight with your shoulders back,' 'Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping,' and 'Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).' Peterson draws on examples from his clinical practice, personal life, cutting-edge psychology, philosophy, and ancient myths to provide a guide for personal improvement and coping with adversity.
Marshall McLuhan's "The Mechanical Bride: Folklore of Industrial Man" is an early work that examines the pervasive influence of advertising and mass media on society. McLuhan analyzes advertising techniques and their impact on shaping public perception and consumer behavior. He explores the ways in which advertising utilizes various media forms to create and reinforce cultural narratives. The book's critical perspective highlights the manipulative potential of mass media and its role in shaping individual consciousness. "The Mechanical Bride" is a significant contribution to media studies, offering a prescient analysis of the power dynamics inherent in mass communication.
Marshall McLuhan's "From Cliché to Archetype" delves into the interplay between media, mythology, and the human psyche. McLuhan explores how media technologies shape our understanding of the world and influence our patterns of thought. He examines the role of archetypes, universal symbols and patterns of behavior, in shaping our responses to media messages. The book connects media analysis with Jungian psychology, exploring the ways in which media can trigger deep-seated psychological responses. "From Cliché to Archetype" offers a unique perspective on the relationship between media, culture, and the human unconscious.
David Gornoski sits down with Andrew McLuhan, director of the McLuhan Institute and grandson of Marshall McLuhan. The two discuss the overlaps between Marshall McLuhan and Rene Girard; how Marshall McLuhan rose to fame; the relation between technology and language; pandemic mask-wearing as a theatrical gesture; how changes in technology impact desire; and more. How can we keep ourselves from getting drowned by the world of media technology? How has technology affected our perception of violence?
For more information about Marshall McLuhan and the study of media visit the McLuhan Institute here. Check out David Gornoski's radio shows, podcasts, and films at A Neighbor's Choice here.
David Gornoski 
