A Roman Historian
For someone living now, the 17th century seems like a long time ago. Four hundred years have passed; only specialist historians have a good grasp on those who were once…
THE ROSSETTIS: Dreaming with open eyes
Tate Britain is currently hosting an exhibit of the most extraordinary English paintings of the 19th century. It is simply entitled The Rossettis, who were four siblings: Gabriel, Christina, William…
Neville Chamberlain: Birdwatcher
While Neville Chamberlain is most famous for being Prime Minister, and appeasing Hitler, this book makes it clear he was first and foremost a birdwatcher. Just two days before was…
Churchill in Scotland
Winston Churchill is remembered by history for many things, including being the quintessential English politician and statesman. Therefore, it come as surprise to learn that he was actually a Member…
An Astronaut’s Life, by his son
This biography of space shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless is written by his son, of the same name. They are distinguished by Roman numeral. The astronaut is II, and his son…
James Bond, American Style
Before the CIA, there was the OSS: Office of Strategic Services. This fascinating book by Dr. John Lisle tells its story. The book has rightly earned wide praise. Pulitzer prize…
Admiral McRaven: On Education
Four-star Admiral William McRaven was back in a familiar venue. Six years ago, he was interviewed by Mark Updegrove, President of the LBJ Foundation here in Austin. The interview took…
A Demagogue and his Fools
A demagogue is nothing without a mass of fools to support him. Throughout history, the gene pool has offered a ready supply of fools, in sufficient number to undermine even…
The Epicurean Life Revealed: Politics and Security
Even though Epicurus lived more than 2,000 years ago (from 341 to 270 BCE), the philosophy he founded in still misunderstood. Much of this unfortunate state of affairs can be…
DONATELLO in London
Who was the greatest sculptor of the Renaissance? Most would vote for Michelangelo (1475-1564), but solidly in second place must surely be Donatello (1386-1466), who died just 9 years before…