"The Walking Dead" and Pagan Values

In 'They Thought They Were Free,' Milton Sanford Mayer explores the lives of ten ordinary Germans during the Nazi regime, revealing how decent people became complicit in atrocities. The book examines the mechanisms of persuasion, conformity, and denial that allowed fascism to entwine itself with the German populace, serving as a timeless warning about the fragility of freedom and the dangers of complacency.

Written in the early 50s BC, *On the Nature of Things* is a six-book poem that delves into the principles of Epicurean philosophy. It explores the atomic system, the nature of the mind and spirit, sensation and thought, and various celestial and terrestrial phenomena. The poem aims to show that everything in nature can be explained by natural laws without divine intervention, thereby promoting a life of tranquility and happiness. Lucretius argues against the fear of death and the gods, emphasizing that the universe operates according to physical principles guided by chance rather than divine will.

In 'The Old Boys: The Decline and Rise of the Public School', David Turner provides a detailed examination of the historical trajectory of public schools. The book delves into stories of schoolboy revolts, eccentric heads, corruption, and financial crises, offering insights into how these institutions have maintained their influence despite challenges. Turner's work also considers the broader implications of public schools on social structures and power dynamics.

Lonesome Dove is a classic Western novel that follows the journey of two former Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call, as they embark on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The novel is renowned for its vivid descriptions of the American West, its exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the decline of the Old West, and its well-developed characters. It is the third book in the Lonesome Dove series and is widely regarded as McMurtry's magnum opus.

In 'Lord of the Flies', William Golding tells the story of a group of British schoolboys who are stranded on a deserted island after their plane crashes. The novel follows their attempts to govern themselves and the gradual descent into chaos and savagery. The story is an allegory that explores themes of human nature, morality, leadership, and the fragility of civilization. Key characters include Ralph, who represents order and democracy; Jack, who symbolizes power and violence; and Piggy, the voice of reason. The novel highlights the tension between the desire for civilization and the primal savagery that lies beneath the surface of human society.

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Main Street is a satirical novel by Sinclair Lewis, published in 1920. It tells the story of Carol Milford Kennicott, a progressive young woman who marries a small-town doctor and moves to Gopher Prairie, Minnesota. The novel explores Carol's attempts to reform the town and her conflicts with its conservative residents. Through her experiences, Lewis critiques the conformity and provincialism of small-town America during the early 20th century.