173. The Education of a Journalist | Rex Murphy

This collection includes Pater's most famous works such as 'The Renaissance: Studies in Art and Poetry', 'Marius the Epicurean', and 'Appreciations'. It provides a detailed insight into his aesthetic theories and literary critiques, showcasing his influence on Victorian literature and art.

Francis Bacon's Essays, first published in 1597, cover topics such as truth, death, and marriage, showcasing his mastery of rhetorical style and philosophical insight. The essays were expanded in later editions, reflecting Bacon's influence on the development of the essay form and his contributions to philosophical thought.

No information available.

Chronicles of Wasted Time is an autobiographical work by Malcolm Muggeridge, detailing his life journey through various experiences, including his time in the Soviet Union and his role during World War II. The book offers insights into his personal and professional life, showcasing his transition from a socialist to a Christian.

In 'Hydriotaphia, Urne-Buriall,' Sir Thomas Browne explores themes of mortality, memory, and the passage of time, weaving a rich tapestry of reflections on human existence and the significance of ancient relics. The work is characterized by Browne's distinctive, lyrical prose and his fascination with the intersection of history, nature, and human consciousness.

This collection includes major works such as Religio Medici, Pseudodoxia Epidemica, Hydriotaphia, Urn Burial, and The Garden of Cyrus, showcasing Browne's unique blend of scientific curiosity and philosophical insight. The collection also features rare essays, letters, and critical analyses of his contributions to literature.

Matthew Arnold's works include notable poems like 'Dover Beach' and 'The Scholar Gipsy', as well as influential prose works such as 'Culture and Anarchy' and 'Essays in Criticism'. His writings often critiqued Victorian society and emphasized the importance of culture and education.

Vladimir Nabokov was a prolific author known for his complex and innovative literary style. His works include the famous novels 'Lolita' and 'Pale Fire', as well as the memoir 'Speak, Memory'. His writing often explores themes of art, memory, and the human condition.

This volume celebrates Johnson's talent by selecting from his full range of work, including poems like 'London' and 'The Vanity of Human Wishes', essays from 'The Rambler' and 'Idler', and selections from 'A Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland' and 'Rasselas'. It also includes his prefaces to Shakespeare's plays and his famous Dictionary.

Published in 1851, 'Moby-Dick; or, The Whale' is an epic novel that follows the journey of the whaling ship Pequod and its crew, led by the vengeful Captain Ahab. The story is narrated by Ishmael, who recounts the crew's encounters with various ships and the eventual catastrophic confrontation with Moby Dick. The novel explores themes of obsession, good and evil, and the human condition, and is renowned for its detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a ship. Despite initial commercial failure, it is now considered one of the greatest American novels.

In 'The Anxiety of Influence', Harold Bloom presents a theory of poetry that explores how poets are influenced by their precursors and how they strive to create original work despite this influence. Bloom argues that poets must engage in a process of 'poetic misprision', or creative misreading, to carve out their own space in the literary canon. The book is divided into six revisionary ratios, drawing on Freudian psychoanalysis and classical rhetoric.

The Power of the Dog is a sprawling narrative that spans three decades of the U.S. War on Drugs. It follows characters like DEA agent Art Keller, who becomes obsessed with taking down the Barrera family, and Adán Barrera, a powerful drug trafficker. The novel delves into the complexities and brutalities of the drug trade, involving various organizations and governments. Winslow's work is praised for its detailed research and gripping storytelling.

Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.

In this memoir, Yeonmi Park recounts her struggle to survive in North Korea under the oppressive rule of Kim Jong-il. She describes her escape to China at the age of 13, where she and her mother faced severe hardships, including human trafficking. The book details their perilous journey across the Gobi Desert to Mongolia and eventually to South Korea, highlighting the challenges of adjusting to a new life and overcoming years of indoctrination. Park's story is a testament to her resilience and her emergence as a leading human rights activist before her 21st birthday.

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.

In 'The Act of Creation', Arthur Koestler explores the processes of discovery, invention, and creativity across various fields, including humor, science, and the arts. He introduces the concept of 'bisociation', which involves the blending of two previously unrelated matrices of thought to create new insights. The book is divided into two parts, examining both the creative process and its biological and psychological foundations.

Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones. After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism. However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against. The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.