Archaeology and the Iliad

Archaeology and the Iliad: The Trojan War in Homer and History
by Eric Cline [Compact Disc 939.21 Cli]

Umberto Eco once wrote that humans are more passionate about the truth of their myths and of fiction than they are about the truths of their own history. Never has this played out more popularly than the search for the city of Troy, immortalized in the epic poem of the blind bard Homer. Professor Cline's lectures on the history of The Iliad, Homer, the area around what most consider to be Troy, and the men who sought to find Priam's palace there are lively, informative and delivered with care for the subject. He describes a world vastly more complicated than one that would or could go to war over a beautiful woman (even is she is so beautiful that her face launched 1,279 ships - Professor Cline counted). The lectures bring to life a world that has handed much to our own, and with them come reminders of the fragility of history and humanity. It is well worth seven evenings' listening. -- recommended by Sarah E.J. - (formerly of) Bennett Martin Public Library


[ official Eric Cline web page at George Washington University ]

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The Map That Changed the World

The Map That Changed the World: William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology
by Simon Winchester [Compact Disc 550.92 Win]

Much of what makes up this story of a man of incredible observational and recording skills involves also the story of class conscious scholars who felt themselves slighted at the achievements of a common, though uncommon, man. William Smith was the first person to notice the relationship of layers of rock and stone to each other and, most importantly, the coal that was so desirable and necessary for the Industrial Revolution that had already swept England. His maps fit into a world that was just beginning to hear of evolution and other radical notions, mostly seen as attacks on the religious establishments. Smith's story takes us all over England, from Bath to the poor houses of London. Winchester's book is lively and detailed. The story is fast-paced, though not adventure-filled, as much of this work involved close scrutiny and careful cartography, hardly the stuff of blood-pumping thrills. He does spend what seems a great deal of time talking about the coal industry, but without it, there would be no context for Smith's achievements. This is a delightful book and well narrated. It is another way into the study of a time of enormous technological, social and ideological change. -- recommended by Sarah E.J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[Also available in print format.]

[ official Map That Changed the World page on the official Simon Winchester web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.

Rab ne Bana di Jodi

Rab ne Bana di Jodi
[DVD Rab]

Dancing and singing and late night chats with best friends - for girls only? Not so. Shah Rukh Kahn & Anushka Sharma star in this surprising and unconventional romance. Surinder Sahni is a staid employee of Punjab Power living in his parents' home who falls in love with Tanni, the vivacious 18 year-old daughter of his former mentor. Tragic circumstances bring them together, and Suri finds himself wooing his wife in ways that bring him out of the shell in which he has lived for so long. Suri's best friend, played by Vinay Pathak, encourages his antics and before long even the audience is cheering for more! For fans of Shah Rukh Khan, this movie is a joyous celebration of everything that he is known for. The music is lively, and the number that has an homage to movies of the past is a nice touch. If you are unfamiliar with Hindi movies, this is not a bad place to start. -- recommended by Sarah E.J. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Internet Movie Database entry for this film ] | [ official Rab ne Bana di Jodi web site ]

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New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog individually over the course of the entire month.