Lunatics follows Philip Horkman, a pet store owner and soccer referee, and Jeffrey Peckerman, a forensic plumber, as their lives intersect at a soccer game, leading to a series of chaotic and humorous events. The story escalates into a wild adventure involving police chases, international intrigue, and even a presidential campaign. The book is a satire that blends humor with absurdity.
Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence[2][4][5].
Ovid's "Ars Amatoria" (The Art of Love) is a collection of three books offering instruction on the art of seduction and love. The poems explore various techniques for attracting and winning over lovers, covering topics such as courtship, conversation, and physical intimacy. Ovid's work is known for its wit, humor, and frankness in discussing sexual matters. It provides a glimpse into the social customs and attitudes towards love and relationships in ancient Rome. The poems are considered a significant contribution to Roman literature and continue to be studied for their insights into human relationships and the dynamics of seduction.
Peter Brown's *The Body and Society* explores the practice of permanent sexual renunciation—continence, celibacy, and lifelong virginity—among early Christians. The book examines how theological views on sexuality and the body influenced relationships within Christian communities, discussing prominent figures like Tertullian, Origen, and Augustine. It provides a comprehensive analysis of early Christian perspectives on the body and sexuality, highlighting the diversity of views and their impact on society.
In 'Demons and the Making of the Monk', David Brakke examines the role of demons in shaping the identity of early Christian monks, particularly in fourth- and fifth-century Egypt. The book delves into how monastic authors imagined monks as fighters against demons, exploring themes of gender and racial stereotyping in these encounters. Brakke draws on various sources, including biographies of monks and monastic literature, to craft a nuanced picture of spiritual combat in early monasticism.
Jack Miles's "God: A Biography" offers a unique and insightful exploration of the Hebrew Bible's portrayal of God. Miles masterfully weaves together narrative and analysis, tracing the evolution of God's character and role throughout the biblical text. He examines the complexities of God's relationship with humanity, highlighting the shifting perspectives and interpretations across different periods. The book is both scholarly and accessible, engaging readers with its compelling narrative and thought-provoking insights. Miles's work challenges traditional understandings of God, prompting readers to reconsider their own beliefs and interpretations.
The Bank of Japan has ended its grand experiment in unconventional monetary policy—how did it work, and what happens now that it has concluded? Ahead of Florida’s presidential primary our correspondent pays a visit, examining the state’s hard swing to the right (10:17). And the next in our Economist Reads series: why God seems to care so much about sex (19:09).
Please take a moment to respond to our listener survey.
Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Podcast transcripts are available upon request at podcasts@economist.com. We are committed to improving accessibility even further and are exploring new ways to expand our podcast-transcript offering.
The Intelligence from The Economist 
