I recently finished reading Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli's The Prince, and in the back of the edition I have were a few other shorter writings of Machiavelli, and one that particularly piqued my interest was The Life of Castruccio Castracani of Lucca. In this story, Machiavelli gives us an embellished (and often fictional) account of the life of Castruccio … Continue reading Machiavellian Chuck Norris "facts"
Category: Republic of Letters
Reflections on writers, books, and the long conversation of ideas that connects thinkers across centuries. Named for the early modern “Republic of Letters,” this category explores authors, literary traditions, and the intellectual exchanges that shape culture and history.
Downton Abbey and the Curse of King Tut
Downton Abbey and the Curse of King Tut: By Roger LuckhurstYou must surely have been tempted on occasion to curse Julian Fellowes, if not for the script of Young Victoria, then for the creation of Downton Abbey, that death star of good old-fashioned aristocratic virtue and due deference. For a little while, all public debate … Continue reading Downton Abbey and the Curse of King Tut
The Libraries, Studies, and Writing Rooms of 15 Famous Men
Another great post from the Art of Manliness. I've only visited George Washington's, but I must say that I was impressed by it's simplicity and functionality.The Libraries, Studies, and Writing Rooms of 15 Famous Men: This post is brought to you by Volvo. What’s this? Just about two years ago, we wrote a post called … Continue reading The Libraries, Studies, and Writing Rooms of 15 Famous Men
A look back on the 400th anniversary year of the King James Bible
From the Oxford University Press blog:A look back on the 400th anniversary year of the King James Bible:By Gordon CampbellThe celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible were in one respect a surprise. As the Archbishop of Canterbury commented at the end of the year, the KJB had not been treated “simply … Continue reading A look back on the 400th anniversary year of the King James Bible
