AaronAardvark1940
Tulsa City-County Library
AaronAardvark1940's Completed Shelf
Filter your results by...
ConquestConquest, BookMontezuma, Cortés, and the Fall of Old Mexico
by Thomas, HughBook - 1994Book, 1994
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Mar 24, 2024
Added Mar 13, 2024
Comment:
The Double was referenced in Klein's Doppelganger and is worth the read. This study of personality degeneration was ahead of its time. The social structure and working conditions made me think of Das Schloss or Vor dem Gericht, but Kafka was born after Dostoevsky's death.
This volume contains two of Dostoevsky;s works, The Double being a very early work and The Gambler from a much later period of his life. His characters seem to be victims of predestination and one keeps hoping that something will turn things around, while knowing that will not happen. I found his stereotyping of various ethnic groups interesting, especially as to his dissection of Russian class structure. There is no way I will put a rating on these works.The Double was referenced in Klein's Doppelganger and is worth the read. This study of personality degeneration was ahead of its time. The social structure and working conditions made me think of Das Schloss or Vor dem Gericht, but Kafka was born…
Some Assembly RequiredSome Assembly Required, BookDecoding Four Billion Years of Life, From Ancient Fossils to DNA
by Shubin, NeilBook - 2020Book, 2020
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Mar 13, 2024
Comment:
This book is built around Darwin’s answer to critics of his theory. One important criticism was that natural selection could not account for all the changes that were necessary to derive new species. That is, the numerous differences between reptiles and birds, for instance, required that all the transitions needed, such as feathers, light bones, wings, et al could not have simply appeared one day. Darwin stated that the gradation of characters was accompanied “by a change of function.”
Shubin then embarks on a journey from the simplest organisms through to some of the most complex, describing the changes of function in each. He names the scientists who have addressed these issues over the last several centuries, giving concrete examples of their work and discoveries. The topics of genome, chromosome and gene are covered with respect to the changes they can create and how they occur.
There is a discussion of the origin of chloroplasts and organelles in a chapter titled “Mergers and Acquisitions.” Yes, there is a bit of tongue in cheek labeling in this book. I think it makes for a lot of fun and easy reading. The orderly manner in which he presents his argument is very helpful.This book is built around Darwin’s answer to critics of his theory. One important criticism was that natural selection could not account for all the changes that were necessary to derive new species. That is, the numerous differences between…
How Fascism WorksHow Fascism Works, BookThe Politics of Us and Them
by Stanley, JasonBook - 2018Book, 2018
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Feb 23, 2024
Comment:
There seem to be many definitions of fascism, some overlapping and some contradictory. Stanley submits his own interpretation of fascism in the Introduction. He discusses various aspects of it and attempts to identify certain characteristics or symptoms of incipient fascism. He does not label it right or left, partly because there are politicians at both ends of the political spectrum who display the characteristics he lists. Ten chapters follow, each devoted to one of these telltale aspects of fascism.
The first chapter is devoted to what he calls the Mythic Past. This is a time in a group’s past that is held up as the group’s highest point, its most illustrious triumph or its time of greatest achievement. The group may be a nation, but it may be a community of faith or almost any other set of people that self-identify. For Serbia, this defining moment was the Battle of Kosovo, as many may recall from the recent difficulty with Albania. That battle was fought in 1389! Oddly enough, when Steve Bannon was questioned about the period he believed represented America’s greatness, as in MAGA, his response was the 1930s.
Skipping all the way to Chapter 10, Stanley discusses the value put on work, particularly as to who works and who does not. I found this interesting, because here in Oklahoma we have a person in the Governor’s office to whom I refer as CEO. Chapter 10 is one of the longer sections of the book and my comment should be taken in no way as a spoiler.
Finally, the Epilog speaks briefly about normalization. The idea here is that as things change, we have a tendency to adjust our sense of what is normal. Where Germany had been a democratic state (I hesitate to say liberal), as it moved toward autocracy and fascism, very few people could accept that the well-being of all citizens was threatened. Even those Jews who could see what was coming could not convince their coreligionists that dramatic events were in the offing.
An interesting book.There seem to be many definitions of fascism, some overlapping and some contradictory. Stanley submits his own interpretation of fascism in the Introduction. He discusses various aspects of it and attempts to identify certain characteristics or…
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Feb 23, 2024
Comment:
An expansive treatment of Achilles as told by Patroclus. Miller develops a backstory, filling in the human aspects of the relationship between the two men. Of course, Achilles is half-god and there are no “facts” about him. Why choose Patroclus as the narrator? Perhaps because as a decidedly secondary character in stories told by the Greeks, he is like a preliminary sketch whose colors and shapes can be manipulated, and is more amenable to her story-telling. Miller’s admiration for Odysseus shines through and one can’t help but wonder what she might have done with his story if it hadn’t been so extensively mined already.
Well written, if a bit romantic, and definitely a fun read.An expansive treatment of Achilles as told by Patroclus. Miller develops a backstory, filling in the human aspects of the relationship between the two men. Of course, Achilles is half-god and there are no “facts” about him. Why choose Patroclus as…
Shoot the piano playerShoot the piano player, DVD
DVD - 2005 | FrenchDVD, 2005. Language: French
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Feb 22, 2024
Comment:
I first saw this film in 1960 or 1961 in Troy, NY. Images from that viewing come back to me from time to time and I decided to watch it again. Although many films of that era were b/w, and while my recollections were devoid of color, I was mildly surprised to see b/w. But Truffaut’s genius did not need technicolor to make a great film. Aznavour channels Meursault and Truffaut inserts a few comic moments into an otherwise dark film, even to the extent of japing common cinematic practice. I laughed out loud at one comment in the first bedroom scene. This is one of very few films I have watched more than once. I am not a cinephile, so my opinion of this movie will probably not influence any serious students of the art, but I recommend it anyway.I first saw this film in 1960 or 1961 in Troy, NY. Images from that viewing come back to me from time to time and I decided to watch it again. Although many films of that era were b/w, and while my recollections were devoid of color, I was mildly…
The Hundred Years' War on PalestineThe Hundred Years' War on Palestine, BookA History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017
by Khalidi, RashidBook - 2020Book, 2020
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Feb 16, 2024
Comment:
In 1895, Herzl wrote, “We must expropriate gently the private property on the estates assigned to us. We shall try to spirit the penniless population across the border by procuring employment for it in the transit countries, while denying it employment in our country. The property owners will come over to our side. Both the process of expropriation and the removal of the poor must be carried out discreetly and circumspectly.”
Great Britain, under the Mandate, used its colonial power to establish the movement of Jews into an area that had been preponderantly Arab, building the power of the Jewish colony and supplying its militias. Although the Palestinians had chafed under British rule, things did not improve for them after Jewish terrorists bombed the King David hotel, killing close to 100 people, accelerating Britain’s desire to unload this problem area. There is no point in listing the devastation caused by the various Jewish (now Israeli) terror groups in places like Deir Yassin
Fast forward to the incursion into Lebanon in 1982. Israel tried to assassinate Arafat at a location they supposed him to be, leveling an apartment building and killing close to 100 civilians, but no Arafat. The office of Menachem Begin issued a statement; “Israel was no longer refraining from attacking guerilla targets in civilian areas.” That Lebanese adventure resulted in a ratio of between 30 and 40 people killed for every Israeli lost. Some of the dead were certainly PLO, but many of the dead were not even Palestinians. After the Hamas massacre on October 7th, the response from Israel could have been predicted to exceed in “proportionality” that seen in 1982.
Khalidi is well aware that much of the grief of Palestine has been brought upon it by disunity in its own ranks and the incapacity of its negotiators to understand the forces arrayed against them. He traces much of this to local infighting and to 400 years of dealing with the balky Ottoman bureaucracy. Coupling these failings with Israel’s promotion of division, such as their supporting the growth of Hamas as a counterweight to the PLO and the Palestinian Authority, sows the ground for continuing animosity.
Britain had no mandate to establish a state for Palestinians and the UN Charter’s call for the right of self-determination has received only lip service from Israel’s staunchest ally. Those who see the brutality of the ongoing assault on Gaza as an aberration should read this book and understand that it is simply a continuation of Herzl’s dream.In 1895, Herzl wrote, “We must expropriate gently the private property on the estates assigned to us. We shall try to spirit the penniless population across the border by procuring employment for it in the transit countries, while denying it…
On Critical Race TheoryOn Critical Race Theory, BookWhy It Matters & Why You Should Care
by Ray, VictorBook - 2022Book, 2022
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Feb 16, 2024
Comment:
A book jacket quote says, “Regimes ban books when the books explain what is really happening.” This quote sums up the reaction against Critical Race Theory (CRT) and the virulence with which it is attacked. Ray does not attempt to lay out the technical details of CRT, giving a preface and introduction that address his personal view of the theory and what he sees as the major arguments offered against it. He then dissects those arguments. His treatment of “Racial Progress” was of particular interest to me, because I remember the 50s and 60s as a time of both change and of backlash to those changes. As I recall, the argument was that barriers are slowly eroding, so why are people still protesting? This opposition to demonstrations and protest was called gradualism and I suppose the idea was that in another two or three hundred years, everything would be just fine.
This little volume is for anybody who wonders both what CRT is and why there is such a strong reaction against it.A book jacket quote says, “Regimes ban books when the books explain what is really happening.” This quote sums up the reaction against Critical Race Theory (CRT) and the virulence with which it is attacked. Ray does not attempt to lay out the…
How Minds ChangeHow Minds Change, BookThe Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion, and Persuasion
by McRaney, DavidBook - 2022Book, 2022
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Jan 08, 2024
Comment:
The book could just as easily have been titled How To Change Minds, but it turns out that it isn't quite that simple. This is a story of several journeys to similar conclusions. The author discusses how opinions form, how primate cultures function, and how our brains evolved to process opinions of others. Interestingly, he argues that there is little value in presenting facts. Several techniques are covered near the end of the book and the similarities in structure are telling. One of the principles in every model was the word pounded into our heads by Aretha Franklin. Enough said.The book could just as easily have been titled How To Change Minds, but it turns out that it isn't quite that simple. This is a story of several journeys to similar conclusions. The author discusses how opinions form, how primate cultures function,…
Putting Ourselves Back in the EquationPutting Ourselves Back in the Equation, BookWhy Physicists Are Studying Human Consciousness and AI to Unravel the Mysteries of the Universe
by Musser, GeorgeBook - 2023Book, 2023
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Dec 26, 2023
Comment:
The subtitle is quite accurate. This book describes the "hard problems" of both physics and of consciousness and attempts to show links among those problems. Musser traces the history of how philosophers have described these issues and posited solutions over several millennia; and further, how modern philosophers (scientists) have treated these same problems. I find the questions about reality, about whether spacetime and the mind are things, about the nature of consciousness and AI to be deeply puzzling, throwing me into a solipsistic nightmare. A fascinating book...The subtitle is quite accurate. This book describes the "hard problems" of both physics and of consciousness and attempts to show links among those problems. Musser traces the history of how philosophers have described these issues and posited…
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Dec 15, 2023
Comment:
This book was not written for popular consumption. Could wrote my favorite essays in each month’s Natural History magazine and was quite good at telling stories about paleontology, evolution and related topics in a very easy-to-read manner. The title suggests a discussion of recapitulation and he does this, but the real intention seems to be toward a better understanding of human ontogeny. There is a long and deeply technical history of recapitulation theory, its supporters and detractors, over a period of 2000 years. Gould distills much of this down to what he considers to be the basic principles of ontogeny, namely acceleration and retardation. Although this book follows his publication on punctuated equilibrium by about five or six years, there is no direct mention of that theory; only some rather strong hints in the final sections of the book.This book was not written for popular consumption. Could wrote my favorite essays in each month’s Natural History magazine and was quite good at telling stories about paleontology, evolution and related topics in a very easy-to-read manner. The…
The SearchThe Search, BookFinding Meaningful Work in A Post-career World
by Feiler, BruceBook - 2023Book, 2023
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Dec 02, 2023
Comment:
The Search is not any number of things: a guide to finding a job, tips about writing an effective resume’, or how to cultivate contacts. Instead, it talks about the meaning of work, its history and its future. The author has interviewed many people, asking them the six Kipling questions in the past, present and future tenses. This project assesses many aspects of life and brings them to bear on the question of work for each individual participating. It all sounds simple, but I found some of the questions difficult to answer and cannot answer some of them after much thought. The life stories he presents make this book interesting. Indeed, they represent easily 75% of the book, but I suggest reading this work as if one were participating in a therapy session.The Search is not any number of things: a guide to finding a job, tips about writing an effective resume’, or how to cultivate contacts. Instead, it talks about the meaning of work, its history and its future. The author has interviewed many people,…
They KnewThey Knew, BookHow A Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent
by Kendzior, SarahBook - 2022Book, 2022
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Nov 26, 2023
Comment:
Kendzior presents an analysis of “conspiracy theory” that involves defining what is meant by the term and how it is misused by the very people who are involved in real conspiracies. book tells of earlier conspiracies and of earlier conspiracy theories, as well as defining types of theories. An especially interesting chapter goes into detail about “normalcy bias.” The bias is in assuming that things have always been this way. In my view, the misinformation surrounding climate change is one example. When climatologists started pointing out the increase in warming that had occurred over several decades, arguments were made that the differences above normal, although all generally above the mean, were within the range of values above and below that mean. Of course, we no longer hear that argument. I leave it to the reader to figure out who was a conspirator in this disinformation campaign. Surely, if something were wrong, it would be recognized and fixed. The author’s tone sometimes veers to the “I told you so,” with respect to other books and op-ed pieces she has written. but it’s hard to deny her the right to that tone.
In my estimation, this book gives little hope for the future. Kendzior tells us to fight for the truth, but AI and the conspiracy of power already in place make that seem quite difficult.Kendzior presents an analysis of “conspiracy theory” that involves defining what is meant by the term and how it is misused by the very people who are involved in real conspiracies. book tells of earlier conspiracies and of earlier conspiracy…
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Nov 26, 2023
Comment:
Roth tells a story that is real/unreal. He describes facts, while explaining that they are (or may be) fictional. It is a story of his Jewishness and of how that relates to any duty he should feel towards Israel. His Chapter 4 (Jewish Mischief) is a very difficult discussion of that topic, generalizing it to all Jews. He focuses on the Ashkenazim, addressing those in Israel and their interest in maintaining the Leon Uris/Sal Mineo version of history in the area. He also looks at those in the Diaspora and considering that the culture of the Ashkenazim is European, wonders what the nature of Europe would be if a significant number were to return. All of this relates to power, as it may be seen between Jews inside and outside of Israel and between Jews and non-Jews inside Israel and the Occupied Territories (his terminology).
Although the storyline is continuous throughout the book, the topics mentioned above permeate every aspect of the tale. The book is fiction, but Roth was genuinely concerned about these issues when he wrote 35 years ago. His warnings about the dangers inherent in Israel’s policies seem to be bearing some fruit now, decades after publication.
The problems Roth addresses are exacerbated today by American media’s inability to distinguish between antisemitism and anti-Zionism. He offers his interpretation of “Erez Israel.”
As to “facts,” do not ignore his “Notes to the Reader,” particularly the last sentence.Roth tells a story that is real/unreal. He describes facts, while explaining that they are (or may be) fictional. It is a story of his Jewishness and of how that relates to any duty he should feel towards Israel. His Chapter 4 (Jewish Mischief)…
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Oct 30, 2023
Comment:
Although this book starts out talking about Naomi Wolf, who Naomi Klein describes as her doppelganger, Wolf is really just a starting point for the development of a much broader theory. It would be presumptuous of me to attempt to reduce her ideas to an outline, but various chapters in the book had a strong effect on me. She mentions her own Shock Doctrine frequently and her text reminds me in places of Perelman’s “Invention of Capitalism” and even Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart.” Doppelganger has caused me to add at least four titles to my “For Later” list.
Her concern over the intermingling of disparate concerns into various conspiracy theories leads her to a concept other authors (Callison and Slobodian) call “diagonalism.” This idea joins ideas on the political right end of one topic with ideas on the political left of another topic, using connections that are not there in fact, but that relate to each through a usually hidden and irrational subtext. This topic leads directly into the next chapter that discusses the phenomenon of Steve Bannon, who has perfected this diagonalist approach. It is amazing to think that Bannon makes money by selling mis- and dis-information. Apparently, anything can be monetized, and America believes in capitalism, even the destructive type characterized by hucksters.
Her chapter “Autism and the Anti-vax Prequel” walks us through the myths relating to autism in some depth and shows how the stage was set for the anti-vaccine campaigns pushed by celebrities and certain politicians. While anti-masking folks were also quite active, most of their claims were similarly empty. States like Oklahoma that fought against mask mandates had high rates of Covid deaths (OK #2, FL in the top dozen) over the period covered by the emergency.
Finally, her chapter “The Unshakable Ethnic Double” was fascinating to me. Because it involves Israel, given the current state of affairs in the middle East, I recommend a close read of this chapter for anybody trying to sort out what is happening there now.Although this book starts out talking about Naomi Wolf, who Naomi Klein describes as her doppelganger, Wolf is really just a starting point for the development of a much broader theory. It would be presumptuous of me to attempt to reduce her ideas…
One Person, One VoteOne Person, One Vote, BookA Surprising History of Gerrymandering in America
by Seabrook, NickBook - 2022Book, 2022
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Oct 30, 2023
Comment:
An interesting book. Who knew how many varieties of gerrymanders existed? Or that they have been in America, both red and blue states, not only before those terms came into vogue. but even before there was a US of A?
The author not only categorizes gerrymanders, but gives extensive examples. Some of the histories cover decades, as they morph from one census to the next and as they reflect the parties in control of different legislative bodies in any one state. And yes, I knew that Elbridge Gerry's name was pronounced with a hard "G" despite the modern pronunciation of the "mander" named after him.An interesting book. Who knew how many varieties of gerrymanders existed? Or that they have been in America, both red and blue states, not only before those terms came into vogue. but even before there was a US of A?
The author not only categorizes…
Race ReaderRace Reader, BookA Literary Chronicle of Conflict and Oppression in the Middle of America
Book - 2017Book, 2017
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Sep 28, 2023
Comment:
Although the TCCL lists this as "In-library use only," there is a single copy available for checkout. It is definitely worth the effort. The book is a small anthology of articles dealing with "conflict and oppression." This Land was a Tulsa-based publication issued with some regularity during the decade of the 2010s. Essays cover the 1921Race Massacre, Tulsa history before the Massacre, Oklahoma history from the Trail of Tears forward, and similar issues. Some of the essays are heavy on the facts and heavy on the heart, but several tell stories in an almost lyrical fashion. Rilla Askew's effort is especially telling.
This volume should be required reading in Oklahoma high school history classes.Although the TCCL lists this as "In-library use only," there is a single copy available for checkout. It is definitely worth the effort. The book is a small anthology of articles dealing with "conflict and oppression." This Land was a Tulsa-based…
Newton's Apple and Other Myths About ScienceNewton's Apple and Other Myths About Science, Book
Book - 2015Book, 2015
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Sep 18, 2023
Comment:
An interesting book that caught my eye as I wandered through the shelves, this little book addressed some myths that I didn't know existed. The authors approach science as a process, and as one that evolves. In general, they give short shrift to the notion of solitary great thinkers who arrive at their great ideas without the background of all the work done begore them. For instance, chemistry and astronomy grew out of the many experiments and vast data collection provided by alchemists and astrologers before them. Indeed, it is unclear if a line can be drawn between alchemy and chemistry, or between astrology and astronomy. The best part of this book is the final section, Generalizations. My only criticism is the heavy-handed treatment of those who don't meet the authors' high standards. This is typically applied to those who could be seen as popularizers of science, such as Neil Degrasse Tyson, and one of my favorite writers, Stephen Jay Gould. To borrow a phrase, don't let perfection stand in the way of progress.An interesting book that caught my eye as I wandered through the shelves, this little book addressed some myths that I didn't know existed. The authors approach science as a process, and as one that evolves. In general, they give short shrift to…
Many Things Under A RockMany Things Under A Rock, BookThe Mysteries of Octopuses
by Scheel, DavidBook - 2023Book, 2023
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Sep 09, 2023
Comment:
It would be difficult to improve upon the description offered by the Library. The author relates relationships with people indigenous to the various areas he studied. They relate their mythology about the octopus and reveal their deep knowledge. Fascinating reading!It would be difficult to improve upon the description offered by the Library. The author relates relationships with people indigenous to the various areas he studied. They relate their mythology about the octopus and reveal their deep knowledge.…
The Cat's MeowThe Cat's Meow, BookHow Cats Evolved From the Savanna to your Sofa
by Losos, Jonathan B.Book - 2023Book, 2023
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Aug 26, 2023
Comment:
This book is a great mix of science and story-telling. The author gives us background material in archaeology, biology, genetics, and anything else necessary to help explain the history of large and small cats. His focus is on the housecat, but he talks about all branches of the evolutionary tree leading to our familiar cats. He talks about the various researchers who have studied the topic, giving the scientists some personality, rather than simply presenting their findings. There are stories about cats, including some information about how cats have or may have been treated in various societies. For me, the best aspect of this book is that he doesn't pretend to know everything and clearly identifies hypotheses. Of course, he usually picks a side in any dispute. The description of his personal efforts in this area is interesting, because his particular field of study has nothing to do with felines. Finally, the story is one of the past and present of cats, along with some suggestions as to their possible future.
This is a great companion book to Hare's The Genius of Dogs.This book is a great mix of science and story-telling. The author gives us background material in archaeology, biology, genetics, and anything else necessary to help explain the history of large and small cats. His focus is on the housecat, but he…
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Aug 24, 2023
Comment:
One can't help but think of how strong an influence Elijah Muhammad may have had on Ellison. Of course, that influence was not necessarily positive, but it seems to show up in the way Ellison approaches the Invisible Man's enlightenment. The characters in the book often represent important individuals in the community in the early part of the 20th Century and some seem to prefigure others who followed. I'm of an age to remember zoot suits and daddy-o, although they reached my hometown a bit later than they became common in Harlem. A powerful story, full of hope and despair.One can't help but think of how strong an influence Elijah Muhammad may have had on Ellison. Of course, that influence was not necessarily positive, but it seems to show up in the way Ellison approaches the Invisible Man's enlightenment. The…
We Shall RemainWe Shall Remain, DVDAmerica Through Native Eyes
DVD - 2009DVD, 2009
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Jul 30, 2023
Comment:
Excellent. Volume 1 relates the experience of the Wampanoags from the arrival of the Mayflower through the death of "King Philip." I had never realized the length of time between these two events, having compressed that span in my memory. And one must wonder what difference it may have made had the Mohawks not attacked.
Don't let Ryan Walters see this one.
Volume 2 covers the life of Tecumseh. The influence of his brother on the movement was not something that I knew. Another excellent treatment.
Volume 3 tells the story of Geronimo, emphasizing that he was a warrior who was never a chief. This volume also discusses the occupation of Wounded Knee. Having heard one of the principals speak, I thought I knew something about the siege, but this treatment added many specific details.Excellent. Volume 1 relates the experience of the Wampanoags from the arrival of the Mayflower through the death of "King Philip." I had never realized the length of time between these two events, having compressed that span in my memory. And one…
TárTár, DVD
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
Added Jul 28, 2023
Comment:
I enjoyed the musical discussions, especially her handling of various pianists' treatment of Bach, but the story was terribly depressing. Immediately before watching this, I had binged on Succession, the biting critique of laissez-faire capitalism, full of characters one loves to hate. This film did not improve my mood. Any rating would be unfair.I enjoyed the musical discussions, especially her handling of various pianists' treatment of Bach, but the story was terribly depressing. Immediately before watching this, I had binged on Succession, the biting critique of laissez-faire capitalism,…
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Jul 22, 2023
Comment:
There is little that could be added to the summary associated with this book. The twenty or so pages spent explaining brain processes, neurons and the like found me floundering a bit, but the book is marvelous,
Dreyer's EnglishDreyer's English, BookAn Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style
by Dreyer, BenjaminBook - 2019Book, 2019
AaronAardvark1940's rating:
Added Jul 07, 2023
Comment:
Having done proof reading for a number of different purposes over a long period of time, and having edited several newsletters, I found this book very informative. Not only is it full of information, but its author has a great sense of humor. It was somewhat disappointing that Chapter 9 on "Peeves and Crotchets," while identifying some of my pet usage peeves, dismissed many of them as now acceptable, no doubt reflecting my antediluvian perspective.
This book may have been intended to be a help in writing coherently, but it is a fun read. Were I still copyediting, this is a book I would buy and keep close at hand.Having done proof reading for a number of different purposes over a long period of time, and having edited several newsletters, I found this book very informative. Not only is it full of information, but its author has a great sense of humor. It was…
Comment: