2025 Mid-Year Reading Review

The Histories by Herodotus is a foundational work in Western historical literature. It chronicles the Greco-Persian Wars (499–479 BCE) and provides a comprehensive background on the rise and organization of the Persian Empire. The work is divided into nine books, each named after one of the Muses. Herodotus describes the conflicts between the Greeks and Persians, including key battles such as Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, Plataea, and Mycale. He also delves into the cultural, ethnographical, geographical, and historiographical aspects of the civilizations involved, offering a rich tapestry of historical and mythological narratives. Despite some criticisms for including legendary accounts, much of Herodotus's work has been validated by modern historians and archaeologists.

Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story is an autobiography that delves into Bono's life, from his early days in Dublin to U2's rise to fame and his extensive work in social justice. The book is structured around 40 U2 songs, each chapter offering insights into his personal struggles, relationships, and faith. Bono candidly discusses his mistakes, successes, and the role of faith in his life, making this memoir both personal and profound.

The novel centers on the life of Dorian Gray, a young man who becomes infatuated with his own beauty and the hedonistic philosophies of Lord Henry Wotton. After wishing that his portrait would age instead of himself, Dorian embarks on a life of sensual excess and moral decay, while his portrait reflects the true state of his soul. The story delves into the duality of human nature, the allure of aestheticism, and the critique of Victorian society, highlighting the devastating effects of evil and debauchery on Dorian's life and those around him.

In 'The Machine', Joe Posnanski chronicles the 1975 season of the Cincinnati Reds, often referred to as the Big Red Machine. The book delves into the larger-than-life personalities of players like Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, and Johnny Bench, as well as other key team members such as Tony Perez, Davey Concepcion, and Ken Griffey Sr. Posnanski explores the team's dominant performance throughout the season and their dramatic World Series against the Boston Red Sox, particularly the epic Game 6. The book humanizes the players and provides insights into their motivations, struggles, and the team's overall dynamic under manager Sparky Anderson.

Published in 1925, 'The Great Gatsby' is a tragic love story, a mystery, and a social commentary on American life during the Jazz Age. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to Long Island and becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy and mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and Gatsby's obsession to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. The story delves into themes of honesty, the temptations of wealth, and the struggle to escape the past, ultimately reflecting on the disintegration of the American Dream.

This book delves into the strategic thinking behind Taylor Swift's meteoric rise, analyzing her business and creative decisions that have made her a global icon. It explores how Swift's strategic genius, including her authentic vision, fan-first approach, creative resilience, artistic independence, musical shapeshifting, and digital innovation, have contributed to her enduring success.

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In this work, Ivan Mortimer Linforth provides a detailed analysis of the play 'Philoctetes' and its central character. The book delves into the literary and historical context of the play, offering insights into the themes, characters, and significance within classical Greek literature.

In 'Free Speech: A Very Short Introduction', Nigel Warburton explores the contentious issues surrounding freedom of speech, from Holocaust denial and pornography to copyright law. The book delves into balancing free speech with the sensitivities of religious and minority groups and how digital technology has impacted the debate.

Aristophanes' "Clouds" is a comedic play that satirizes Socrates and the intellectual movements of his time. The play presents a caricature of Socrates, portraying him as a sophist who teaches young men to argue fallaciously. While not a historically accurate portrayal, "Clouds" offers a glimpse into the public perception of Socrates and the intellectual climate of ancient Athens. The play's humor and satirical elements provide a contrasting perspective to the more serious philosophical works of Plato and Xenophon. It remains a valuable source for understanding the social and intellectual context of Socrates' life.

Written in the 4th century BC, 'Anabasis' by Xenophon details the expedition of the Ten Thousand, an army of Greek mercenaries hired by Cyrus the Younger to help him seize the throne of Persia from his brother, Artaxerxes II. The narrative centers on the themes of leadership, adventure, and the trials faced by the Greek soldiers during their arduous retreat back to Greece following Cyrus's death in battle. The work includes the initial military preparations, the gathering of Greek mercenaries, and the strategic plans for their expedition, as well as the return march from the interior of Babylon to the coast of the Black Sea.

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is a significant literary and theological work that was published in 1611. It was translated by a group of scholars commissioned by King James VI and I to create a unified English translation for the Church of England. The KJV includes 39 books of the Old Testament, 14 books of the Apocrypha, and 27 books of the New Testament. It is noted for its 'majesty of style' and has been a driving force in shaping English culture and the English-speaking world. The translation was based on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament, the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament, and the Septuagint and Vulgate for the Apocrypha. The KJV has undergone several revisions since its initial publication, with the most significant revision occurring in 1769.

Selena Wisnom's "The Library of Ancient Wisdom" unveils the rich history of Mesopotamia, from its gods and monsters to its advancements in science and literature. The book explores the vast collection of clay tablets from Ashurbanipal's library, offering insights into daily life, intellectual pursuits, and the cultural exchange that shaped the ancient world. Wisnom's work sheds light on the surprisingly sophisticated civilization of Mesopotamia, challenging common misconceptions and highlighting its enduring influence. The book uses the surviving texts to reconstruct the daily lives of Mesopotamians, their beliefs, and their contributions to human knowledge. It is a fascinating journey into a lost world that continues to shape our own.

The Analects is a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and his contemporaries. It offers insights into Confucian ethics, politics, and social life. The text emphasizes the importance of moral cultivation, ritual propriety, and the cultivation of virtues like ren (benevolence) and yi (righteousness). It's a foundational text for understanding Confucian thought and its influence on Chinese culture and beyond. The Analects' aphoristic style and focus on practical wisdom have made it a significant work in both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions.