American Writers (One Hundred Pages at a Time)

This is part 2 of my review of SOLOMON'S GOLD, part of the BAROQUE CYCLE, by Neal Stephenson. As always it is a fun exploration of the 17th and 18th centuries. In this section, Daniel Waterhouse starts an investigative club.

More of my look at the Robert E. Howard-H. P. Lovecraft letters, focusing on the period from September 1931 to June 1932. We really get into explorations of American regionalism in these letters.

The final volume of Neal Stephenson's BAROQUE CYCLE begins with Daniel Waterhouse's return to England. He learns about the beginning of the Industrial Age and runs errands, while a mystery begins.

Dive into the dramatic journey of Jack Shaftoe as he navigates the Pacific and returns to Europe, revealing the rise of commercial capitalism. Discover the unsung heroes of the Industrial Age, showcasing innovation in maritime technology. The narrative intricately weaves personal stories with geopolitical tensions, highlighting the perilous Manila Galleon trade. Experience the chaos aboard a ship facing scurvy and disaster, leading to themes of greed and survival. Finally, explore deep connections between characters entwined in betrayal, secrecy, and the quest for redemption.

I guess some more of my commentary on the Robert E. Howard and H. P. Lovecraft letters. A bit of a slog but they are certainly worth reading for a glimpse at the ideas of each author about history and folklore.

The podcast dives into the adventures of Jack Shaftoe, who temporarily rules in the Indian Ocean while navigating political struggles. It features a thrilling trial by crocodile and introduces a Jesuit samurai amid feudal Japan's chaos. Personal journeys interweave with historical events, highlighting commerce and identity during the 17th century. Philosophical debates come to life as characters face pivotal challenges, setting the stage for a riveting climax filled with cultural encounters and unexpected twists.

In part four of my review of Neal Stephenson's THE CONFUSION, we see the high point of Eliza's character, as she uses the Nine Years War to destroy an alchemist banker (sort of) villain. It all comes down to the emergence of new banking systems in Western Europe.

Here starts a 9-part series exploring the Lovecraft-Robert E. Howard letters. It will be a nice way to finish up this series. The conversation begins with a discourse on the peopling of the British isles.

This is part three of my review of THE CONFUSION (Book 2 of the BAROQUE CYCLE). In this section, Eliza in France, escapes a trap by marrying a villain, while changes are in the works for the English banking system.

We end out look at Lovecraft's stories with THE CHALLENGE FROM BEYOND, a round-robin tale. Started promising but then Lovecraft hijacks it. Next up, a 9-episode conclusion to this book club focusing on the Howard-Lovecraft letters.