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elcilor's reviews
76 reviews
The Making of the Middle Sea: A History of the Mediterranean from the Beginning to the Emergence of the Classical World by Cyprian Broodbank
The Making of the Middle Sea is a beautiful and highly comprehensive book that covers the history of the Mediterranean region up to approximately 500 BC. The book particularly underscores that even before 500 BC, or even 1500 BC, a great deal of trade and production was taking place. Civilization has a long prelude. The book featured many complex sentences with words that, as a non-native English speaker, I sometimes wasn't very familiar with; fortunately, my Kindle provided assistance. It was a pleasure to read.
A History of Ancient Egypt: From the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid by John Romer
This book doesn't read quickly and easily, but I still finished it relatively quickly for my standards. This is because of the interesting information it contains, which keeps you wanting to read on.
In 3000 BCE, Egypt was more or less still in the Stone Age, while little over 300 years later, the Step Pyramid was designed by Imhotep. Before reading this book, I was planning to read a biography about this architect, but after reading this book, I've decided against it. There is very little truly known about the main characters in this story, including Imhotep. Mostly titles and tomb monuments have been preserved, very few complete sentences with anecdotal information.
Because so little is known about this time, archaeology forms an important source of knowledge. And the archaeology deviates from the image we have of the early dynasties. While many people assume that there was a lot of war before the unification of Egypt, few excavated bodies show traces of warfare. This despite the fact that Narmer (the first king) and many other kings after him are depicted with war maces, about to smash the head of the enemy. Another contradiction to that fact is that the bodies of the courtiers of the first dynasty, buried with the first kings, do show signs of violence: because the king had to be buried all at once and liked to take members of his court with him to the afterlife, these people were sacrificed to serve the king. Fortunately, this practice was no longer applied from the third dynasty onwards. Instead of that ever larger tomb monuments (including the pyramids) were built.
This book clearly shows that society in Egypt became increasingly complex from the Naqada culture onwards. I found the beginning difficult to get through at times, but as the story progressed, it became more and more compelling. Especially the last part is engrossing, where the pyramids of Sneferu and Khufu are discussed among other things. The author surely shows his erudition about the subject. I look forward to parts 2 and 3!
In 3000 BCE, Egypt was more or less still in the Stone Age, while little over 300 years later, the Step Pyramid was designed by Imhotep. Before reading this book, I was planning to read a biography about this architect, but after reading this book, I've decided against it. There is very little truly known about the main characters in this story, including Imhotep. Mostly titles and tomb monuments have been preserved, very few complete sentences with anecdotal information.
Because so little is known about this time, archaeology forms an important source of knowledge. And the archaeology deviates from the image we have of the early dynasties. While many people assume that there was a lot of war before the unification of Egypt, few excavated bodies show traces of warfare. This despite the fact that Narmer (the first king) and many other kings after him are depicted with war maces, about to smash the head of the enemy. Another contradiction to that fact is that the bodies of the courtiers of the first dynasty, buried with the first kings, do show signs of violence: because the king had to be buried all at once and liked to take members of his court with him to the afterlife, these people were sacrificed to serve the king. Fortunately, this practice was no longer applied from the third dynasty onwards. Instead of that ever larger tomb monuments (including the pyramids) were built.
This book clearly shows that society in Egypt became increasingly complex from the Naqada culture onwards. I found the beginning difficult to get through at times, but as the story progressed, it became more and more compelling. Especially the last part is engrossing, where the pyramids of Sneferu and Khufu are discussed among other things. The author surely shows his erudition about the subject. I look forward to parts 2 and 3!
Wij zijn ons brein: van baarmoeder tot Alzheimer by Dick Swaab
It read like a breeze. Interesting and sobering, about what we can do, but especially what we often can't. I largely agree with the author that the brain determines a hundred percent of our actions, but I personally still don't rule out life after death.
The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt: The History of a Civilisation from 3000 BC to Cleopatra by Toby Wilkinson
Despite the fact that the book spans over 500 pages, it reads quickly. Approximately 3000 years of history are covered. Egypt was most powerful in the third millennium BCE when their foreign rivals were not yet strong enough to pose a real threat. During this time, the most beautiful pyramids were built, such as the Step Pyramid of Imhotep or the Pyramid of Giza. In later millennia, many Egyptian leaders attempted to emulate the examples of their illustrious predecessors, but this was an unfair struggle: the power of their foreign competitors rose and demanded much more attention than before. Egypt lost, albeit with ups and downs, bit by bit, more and more power. The Hyksos, Nubians, Libyans, Assyrians, and Persians were sometimes succeeded after centuries and sometimes shorter periods by home rule. From the last conquest by the Persians in 342 BCE, it took a staggering 23 centuries before Egypt was once again led by a 'real' Egyptian. Yet, Cleopatra was also seen by many as a true Egyptian: although she mainly had Greek roots, she learned the language and customs of Egypt and went down in history as one of the most famous Egyptians ever.
In addition to all the warfare, Wilkinson covers many aspects of Egypt: religion, trade, corruption, prominent figures, the lives of ordinary Egyptians, the worship of many species of animals, and the many iconic construction and infrastructure projects. This book is excellently written and never gets boring.
In addition to all the warfare, Wilkinson covers many aspects of Egypt: religion, trade, corruption, prominent figures, the lives of ordinary Egyptians, the worship of many species of animals, and the many iconic construction and infrastructure projects. This book is excellently written and never gets boring.
Metalworking Through History: An Encyclopedia by Ana M. Lopez
In my opinion, mining and metalworking are underrepresented themes in the historiography of humanity. Especially on the topic of mining, there are hardly any affordable books available that offer a global historical perspective.
It is therefore interesting to watch some videos about how mining and metalworking began. Examples include the popular YouTube channels Primitive Skills and Primitive Technology, which have videos about the extraction and processing of copper and iron.
Fortunately, the book "Metalworking through History" filled a gap for me regarding what metalsmiths do after metals are extracted from the earth. This work covers the prehistory to the so-called Studio Movement of the 20th and 21st centuries. There is also a focus on different geographical regions such as Japan, Pre-Columbian America, and Africa.
The biggest focus, as expected, is on the Western world. Particularly in specialized art themes, there were often names mentioned that meant nothing to me as a layman. Still, it is nice to see that there is still a living blacksmith community today with many interesting themes. Google was also helpful for many topics that provided me with insufficient clarification from the text alone. Although there are beautiful photos included in this book, I think there could have been even more.
"Metalworking Through History" has increased my appreciation for human civilization. Our entire civilization is built from what can be found in the earth. The discovery of metals, probably once begun as an unintentional byproduct of pottery, has led to colossi like the Burj Khalifa and beautiful metal objects, from art to cutlery to weapons.
The history of these objects is described by Ana M. Lopez, a metalsmith and expert professor. I do not aspire to a future life as a blacksmith. But this successful work has broadened my worldview and made me more aware of the marvelous materials around us, which can be ingeniously shaped, mixed, and adapted in a variety of old and modern ways in a manner that delights us as consumers.
It is therefore interesting to watch some videos about how mining and metalworking began. Examples include the popular YouTube channels Primitive Skills and Primitive Technology, which have videos about the extraction and processing of copper and iron.
Fortunately, the book "Metalworking through History" filled a gap for me regarding what metalsmiths do after metals are extracted from the earth. This work covers the prehistory to the so-called Studio Movement of the 20th and 21st centuries. There is also a focus on different geographical regions such as Japan, Pre-Columbian America, and Africa.
The biggest focus, as expected, is on the Western world. Particularly in specialized art themes, there were often names mentioned that meant nothing to me as a layman. Still, it is nice to see that there is still a living blacksmith community today with many interesting themes. Google was also helpful for many topics that provided me with insufficient clarification from the text alone. Although there are beautiful photos included in this book, I think there could have been even more.
"Metalworking Through History" has increased my appreciation for human civilization. Our entire civilization is built from what can be found in the earth. The discovery of metals, probably once begun as an unintentional byproduct of pottery, has led to colossi like the Burj Khalifa and beautiful metal objects, from art to cutlery to weapons.
The history of these objects is described by Ana M. Lopez, a metalsmith and expert professor. I do not aspire to a future life as a blacksmith. But this successful work has broadened my worldview and made me more aware of the marvelous materials around us, which can be ingeniously shaped, mixed, and adapted in a variety of old and modern ways in a manner that delights us as consumers.
An Introduction to Physical Geography and the Environment by Joseph Holden
My appreciation for our planet has grown with this book. I find it beautiful to see how intelligently physical geographers approach various complex problems. It's a pity that the general public has so little knowledge about the environment and is very stubborn and selfish when it comes to climate and a cleaner living environment, but these criticisms can be much less applied to physical geographers. Of course, there is still a lack of respect for animals, even among most geographers, but they are certainly skilled when it comes to earthly processes, oceans, and biodiversity.
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
A beautiful book with complex yet fascinating subject matter. I had to read chapter 5 twice, after which I understood it a bit better. I'm glad to have read it.
Psychology by Peter O. Gray
I found it a very interesting read, and it provided me with a good overview of the field of psychology around the year 2005. The nature-nurture debate is especially interesting. I believe the analogy of the rectangle is quite apt for the topic of behavior. Sometimes human beings are more influenced by nature, sometimes more by nurture, but you need both sides of the imaginary rectangle of nature and nurture for it to be a rectangle (and for behavior to exist at all).
One downside is the unethical treatment of animals in psychological research.
One downside is the unethical treatment of animals in psychological research.
Dieren van de wereld by Jamie Ambrose
A beautifully designed book that introduced me to animals I often didn't even know existed. I'm also glad that organizations like the WWF are committed to the conservation of animals and nature. While there were many cute animals with breathtaking colors and the like, nature is also a harsh place where the principle of 'Survival of the Fittest' applies. I am so grateful to be a human, especially one in a wealthy country with good amenities. I am absolutely privileged and very thankful for that. This book helps me realize that. Additionally, the book puts my vegan lifestyle into perspective to some extent. Many animals prey on each other daily and have to fight to survive. On the other hand, I remain a committed vegan. It's better for the most vulnerable animals on the planet, such as chickens, fish in tanks, pigs, and other domesticated animals that I believe don't experience a shred of joy in life. Although nature can be cruel, this injustice is beyond measure. Additionally, a vegan lifestyle is good for my health and the environment.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
Guns, Germs & Steel serves as a perfect antidote to racist thoughts. It emphasizes that we differ nation by nation primarily due to our geographical surroundings and our institutions. The book mainly focused on geographical differences: the availability of plant and animal species for domestication, arable land for agriculture, climate, and geographical bottlenecks or catalysts (north-south orientation vs. west-east orientation and isolated islands vs. large continents).
Our institutions, in turn, have been shaped by both senseless coincidences and by geographical disparities. Furthermore, the book underscores the significance of embracing technological innovation and its long-term consequences in terms of demographic changes. A splendid book!
Our institutions, in turn, have been shaped by both senseless coincidences and by geographical disparities. Furthermore, the book underscores the significance of embracing technological innovation and its long-term consequences in terms of demographic changes. A splendid book!