The Virtues Of Limits | David McPherson

Set in 19th-century Russia, 'The Brothers Karamazov' is a novel that delves into the lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on the three brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their complex relationships with their father, Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov. The novel is a murder mystery, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of erotic rivalry, faith, doubt, and reason. It examines the human psyche, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in a world fraught with suffering and uncertainty. The story revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich and the subsequent trial of Dmitri, accused of the crime, while exploring deeper themes of Russian life, social and spiritual striving, and the clash between faith and reason.

This translation of Aristotle's *Eudemian Ethics*, part of the New Hackett Aristotle series, is notable for its consistency and accuracy. It provides Anglophone readers with a faithful and readable version of Aristotle’s work. The book, along with the *Nicomachean Ethics*, explores Aristotle’s ethical theory, discussing concepts such as *eudaimonia* (happiness), *aretê* (virtue), and the character traits necessary for a well-lived life. The translation includes a thoughtful introduction, copious notes, and a detailed Index of Terms to guide readers through key discussions.

Bleak House, published in 1852-1853, is a novel by Charles Dickens that revolves around the Jarndyce family and their entanglement in the interminable lawsuit of Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The story highlights the inefficiencies and injustices of the English Court of Chancery, as well as themes of family secrets, blackmail, murder, and social critique. The novel follows Esther Summerson, who becomes the guardian of two other wards, Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, and their lives as they navigate the complexities of the lawsuit and personal secrets, particularly those surrounding Lady Dedlock and her past. The novel is known for its vivid portrayal of Victorian England and its critique of various social and legal institutions of the time.

In this classic work, Heschel argues that Judaism is a religion of time rather than space, and that the Sabbath is central to this concept. He describes the Sabbath as an 'architecture of holiness' in time, a day that offers a taste of the Kingdom of God and a repudiation of the materialistic and frenetic aspects of modern life. Heschel emphasizes the importance of observing the Sabbath as a command rather than a license, highlighting its role in declaring allegiance to God and in fostering a sense of inner liberty and spiritual communion.

The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.