The New Knighthood (Barber)

Some friends think that, because I read voraciously, I'm an academic.  It's a notion I don't mind nurturing, though in truth, I'm pretty much an idiot.  I enjoy a variety of subjects, so I'm never bored, but I don't like getting down in the weeds on any topic other than the Bible.  Therefore, I'm not an academic- I just enjoy learning a little bit about a good number of things, and have found reading to be a more valuable, enjoyable, and profitable past time than other pursuits commonly enjoyed by my peers.

Now, on to the subject at hand.  Having just completed a great book on the Crusades, I wanted to learn a bit more about one element featured therein- the Knights Templar.  Some quick research indicated that Malcolm Barber's The New Knighthood was the classic work on the subject.  I had started The New Knighthood before knowing anything about the Crusades, and found myself lost.  So, 10% of the way through it, I put it down to pick up Asbridge's The Crusades.  That went well, and so armed with a new-found knowledge on the time period, I dove (again) in to Barber's book.  Or, rather, I tried to.  Even with my increased understanding, Barber's work is just too academic for me.  It's extremely well-researched and referenced, which is desirable for the doctoral student, but not very readable.  He draws heavily from many sources, and discusses a range of them when discussing a given point, to the extent that it can take him several pages to illustrate basic concepts.  For example, when trying to determine when exactly the Knights Templar were founded, he took up several pages debating between 1119 and 1120, citing examples making the case for each in turn.  "_____ says this, which indicates 1119, but ____ says 1120, and he's closer to the time period, and further _____ says that the order had been around for 9 years in 1129, but he used the French calendar, and blah blah blah . . .<continue for several pages>"  I would have been happy with "The Knights Templar were founded in 1119 or 1120."

In the end, I just couldn't slog through this.  It's not bad- just not meant for the layman.  I've selected another work, by Helen Nicholson, which appears more in line with what I seek.  It would be unfair for me to rate this at all, having read only 10%; I'll just leave you with this: read The New Knighthood if your life's ambition is to become a true expert on the Knights Templar.

The Crusades (Thomas Asbridge)

 Phew!  It took me a month to plow through this one, but there's nothing but goodness here.  In The Crusades, Thomas Asbridge covers the period of about 200 years (1095-1291) when European Christians occupied portions of the Middle East.  I was continuously impressed with the way Asbridge manages to  balance being comprehensive and concise.  He has a knack for giving just enough back-story to an event or person of note so that the reader can comprehend not just what happened but why, without immersing the reader in details.  He provides both Christian and Muslim viewpoints in a way that makes the story flow.  Thus, 200 years of history are covered in just under 700 pages, but it's all meat, with few unnecessary details or digressions.  I came away feeling as though I really understood the crusades after just one book (my previous knowledge on the topic was limited to Sean Connery in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, which is to say I knew nothing).

A common criticism I heard regarding this work is, to me, its strength.  One reviewer commented that Asbridge's approach of showing different perspectives to a given event or person prevented the reader from drawing conclusions, because presenting different views tends to make things complex and messy.  This is true- but it's life.  Asbridge, I feel accurately, portrays the Crusades not as a cut-and-dry, Christian vs. Muslim affair, but a series of events played out over centuries where the participants all had good and bad, but in the end self-serving, motives for participating.  I don't know his religious affiliation- I suspect neither one nor the other- but he manages to cover events without appearing bias towards any one party.  At times, you'd have Muslims fighting Muslims, Christians fighting Christians, both groups at peace for mutual financial benefit, etc.  Asbridge gives us a glimpse in these wars of the complexity that exists in each of us- various motives we have for doing things, both good and self-serving, that can lead to ever-changing alliances and struggles in our daily lives.  Because he approaches events from that angle- that humanity does most things because of our inherent selfishness and desire for gain- the account is easy to follow and understand. 

For those interested, a basic chronology of the Crusades is available here.

If you're interested in the history of the Crusades, read this book.  The BBC produced at least 3 episodes on the Crusades based on this book, which I have yet to see, but if they're half as good as this work, check it out, too.

Rating: A+

Animal Farm (George Orwell)

No British reading list worth its salt would be complete without at least one Orwell work.  I had read, and enjoyed, 1984 many years ago.  This time, I opted for Animal Farm.  Several friends expressed surprise that I hadn't read it in high school.  I may have, but I'm blessed (?) with the ability to completely forget nearly everything I read during that time, so this time around felt like the first time, whether or not it was.

The story is well known to most; on a typical farm, the animals rise up in revolt, throw out the farmer, and set to running the farm themselves.  Expecting new-found prosperity and freedom, they set in place rules to govern themselves, the first being that all animals are equal.  In time, the initial rules seem perverted, and things really don't appear that different from before- in fact, perhaps they're worse- but the animals are fed a steady diet of propaganda, encouraging them to believe they really are better off.  The leaders, the pigs (specifically, one pig named Napoleon), seem to live comfortable lifestyles rather similar to the former 'regime,' but quell any dissent with the pack of dogs the pigs have trained to be enforcers.  The pigs gradually adopt more and more of the old farmer's tendencies, habits, and customs, to the point where they're indistinguishable from the farmer himself.

The book is an obvious take on Orwell's exposure to the communist regime, and the atrocities for which it was responsible.  It was written just after WWII in a time when (surprisingly, to me) the truth about the communists was not yet known, so some people were shocked, and Orwell had a hard time getting it published.  It shows how laws can be bent over time, and propaganda can be created trumpeting imagined prosperity, to suit the needs of leadership.  It also shows the tendency in leadership to become corrupt and self-serving, standing on the backs of a lower class, while hypocritically proclaiming equality for all.  It's well-written and a good cautionary tale.  A very short read, I highly recommend it.  "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

Rating: A

The Happy Return (CS Forester)

Horatio Hornblower, a fictional British naval hero created by C.S. Forester, was featured in 16 stories written between 1937-1967 (they are set between 1794-1848).  The Happy Return (published as Beat to Quarters in the USA) was the first written (though not the first chronologically).  This review contains spoilers.

Set in 1808, here Hornblower captains the frigate Lydia off the west coast of Central America.  His original mission, to harry Spanish dominance in the area by supporting a local warlord set against the Spanish rule, takes an amusing turn when he finds that the warlord has deified himself and now goes by El Supremo.  Horatio reluctantly continues the alliance, turning a captured Spanish warship over to the warlord so El Supremo can continue his personal quest for dominance in the area.  Immediately thereafter, Hornblower receives word that Spain and England have formed an alliance to combat Napoleon in France, and thus he has new orders to track down and destroy the very ship he just turned over.  He does so, at great loss to his own ship.  As an aside, before the great battle, he's compelled to take a woman on board (Lady Barbara, of the powerful Wellesley family) to return her to England, and romantic urgings between the two develop on the journey home- urgings that go unfulfilled, for Hornblower has a wife at home.  The book ends as the two part ways, wondering what the future will hold.

I like this book, and especially the hero.  Hornblower is an introspective and self-critical captain, questioning himself at every turn.  Immensely concerned with how his crew views him, he does many things to look like a good captain and be an example, whether or not he feels it.  He deals with doubt and insecurity while successfully maintaining a seemingly calm, collected demeanor (with the occasional cross attitude or harsh word befitting a ship captain). He makes decisions based on the overall greater good- even if that means swallowing his pride (or his country's) in the face of madmen like El Supremo.  Hornblower's a good leader- but he doesn't think himself to be so.  You see, in turn, his flaws and his victories, as does he.  This sort of hero is unusual in literature, and I found it appealing.  You also see him struggle with his feelings for Lady Barbara, and the fact that he doesn't give in is unusual (and heartening).  All of this is very positive.

There's not much to say against the book, though it is a bit hard to follow at times, with all the references to ship components and routine, which were unfamiliar to me.  It's not "epic," as it tells the tale quickly (in 240 pages), and skips entirely what modern writers spend dozens of pages detailing.  You do learn a lot about nuances of ship life, from the food rationing to battle, to the means of repairing a damaged ship at sea.  I didn't like it enough to read the entire series, but anyone interested in high seas adventure of the 1800s would enjoy this (and each) Hornblower tale.

Rating: A-

The October Resolutions

Largely Irrelevant Background
In college, I was fanatically devoted to fitness.  Six days a week, several times a day, I'd be doing something.  Specifically:

Running: 3 miles (Monday and Wednesday), 1 mile (Thursday), 1 hour-long run (Saturday)
Lifting weights: 3 times per week (Tuesday/Thursday/Friday)
Stretching: after runs, and every evening (except Sunday) for 20 minutes
Dumbbells: every evening (except Sunday)- biceps, triceps, shoulders
Push-ups: 4 sets every day (except Sunday), spread throughout the day
Those things you squeeze to build your forearms: every day (except Sunday)

Needless to say, I was one buff dude.  I routinely received looks of adoration and envy.  It wasn't uncommon to be blown kisses or receive spontaneous marriage proposals*.  Those familiar with my current countenance may be asking, "what happened?"  Time, laziness, children, you name it.  My body rebelled against me after a particularly difficult semester, where I had to slow down the workout pace in favor of academic responsibility.  In that short time frame, my body quickly grew accustomed to sloth, and went into outright rebellion when I attempted to re-institute my former routine.  But, back to the golden years.

In the midst of my near-fanatical devotion to physical perfection, I noticed something.  Around January, the gym got a lot busier. Hordes of well-rested, seemingly determined undergrads descended on the gym, my gym, and affected the efficiency of my workout.  I couldn't jump from machine to machine, or from bench to bench, without running into some noticeable neophyte pacing aimlessly, or worse, sitting on a machine and talking to someone**.  Who was this heathen horde?  Who dare disrupt me and other loyal fitness aficionados?  "Resolutioners", that's who.  People who, on holiday break, looked at their morbidly obese, hideously deplorable selves and said "something has to change."  Then, these same people proceeded to gorge themselves in a deliberate attempt to increase their aforementioned deficiencies, because apparently logic dictates it to be so.  "I need to climb a mountain," they say, "so throw me a shovel."  But I digress.

My point is this: there were more people in the gym because of a resolution.  A New Year's Resolution, which many make.  About 60% of Americans do at one point or another, according to this website, of which, in keeping with responsible journalism, I have made no attempt to verify the validity.  It claims, reasonably, that most resolutions focus on self-improvement, money, weight, and relationships.  These categories imply that we waste time and ability, spend too much, eat too much, and treat each other like garbage.*** 

Though the new-found gym throng bothered me, I didn't worry- it never lasted.  One week into the semester, there was a noticeable decline; two-three weeks in, it was back to the normal crowd.  What a relief- it was one of the many times in my life I found myself secretly cheering for my fellow humans to be irresponsible****.  In keeping with my observation, the website above claims that only 8% of people actually achieve their resolution.

What does this reveal about humanity?  Three things, really:
1) we know we need to make changes
2) we choose January as a time to make those changes 
3) most of us revert to our original, knowingly flawed selves after a short time

Why January?  "It's a new year, of course," some of you are saying.  I get that, but why do we wait until a new year?  Isn't that arbitrary?  Yes.  That's why, this year, I'm choosing another arbitrary date, and starting my resolutions in October^.  I get a three month head start on you average people- wallow in your inferiority.

The October Resolutions
1) Eat no store-bought sweets.
The only dessert I can consume is home made, or freshly made, at a home or restaurant.  I'm tired of being mistaken for Jabba the Hutt while out in public.
2) Drink only water.
Exception- I will drink scotch with a certain crowd, if they offer, but only as part of an extremely scientific taste test.  I may also accept an occasional cider if it's forced on me- but not in my house. 
3) Do push-ups every day (except Sunday).
Giving no predetermined number makes this more attainable.
4) Never play video games in the house.
Video games are great, but they waste time.  Instead, I'll spend more time in valuable pursuits, like taking a more active role in discouraging my children from defecating in the living room. I can still play video games on trips, where it provides a welcome alternative to interacting with people.
5) No spending my own money on entertainment.
Note that I can spend other people's money.  The obvious example is gift certificates or, preferably, untraceable cash gifts.  I admit this one will be tough; it will be easier if you, the reader, kindly donate some money to my cause.  Judging by readership statistics^^, if you each donate $500, I should make it through my resolution year (October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013).
6) Don't eat animals that you could reasonably expect to see on safari.
This includes (but is not limited to) monkeys, elephants, hippos, rhinoceroses, and the dreaded Land-Octopus of Zanzibar.
7) Try to determine who's been stalking me at work.
Leaving notes, upturning desktop items, there's no end to the harassment I receive.  I suspect it's because I'm a ginger.  I need to buy a deerstalker hat and pipe for this one, but I'm confident that, once appropriately attired, I can figure it out.
8) Actively protest immutable scientific laws by sending strongly-worded letters to congressmen of districts in which I do not live.
"Dear Senator, I write to you today in utter anguish.  I don't know why you, or anyone, would willingly choose to represent, and hence reside in, Oklahoma, but I do know that I can no longer stand the gravitational forces affecting my property in Pennsylvania.  9.8m/s/s is ridiculous is these difficult times of heightened fiscal restraint.  I demand an immediate reduction to no greater than 6.7m/s/s.  You will not get my vote otherwise.  Sincerely, the Right Honorable Horatio Helvetica III (Mrs.)"
9)  Combat evil by banning Dallas Cowboys paraphernalia.
This is something we all agree needs to happen.  The Cowboys are the scourge of society.  "Freedom and Philadelphia" is my cry.  Who's with me?
10) Stretch every day (except Sunday).
I forgot to mention this in the half-serious section.

A Final Note
There are two ways to live life: by the letter of a law, or the spirit.  My resolutions will be carried out to the latter, meaning, for example, that if I'm held hostage and the only sustenance offered is Land-Octopus, I'll make an exception.

Will I do it?  Who knows- my guess is no, though item 6 looks promising.  In 2000, I made (and kept) a resolution to eat no chocolate, soda, or ice cream for a year.  Ever since, whenever I consume a carbonated beverage, I immediately get the hiccups (seriously), but it was worth it, I swear.  Enough; I'm off to gorge myself on chocolate candy and zebra meat, while I still can.


*it still isn't
**sorry, ladies, but these people were, without exception, female.  If you want to talk, go to Starbucks.  The gym is for grunting only.
***and some believe we're inherently good
****if you think me evil, you're right, but I bet you do it, too, which, in our warped human logic, seems to make the abhorrent acceptable.
^it took a long time to get to my point, didn't it?
^^4, though 3 are probably my mom or a spam robot

Hay-on-Wye (& Arthur's Stone)

Hay-on-Wye- "the town of books."  The description says it all.  Just over the border in Wales, Hay-on-Wye is a wonderful little town with 23 second-hand and antiquarian book shops (not to mention 2 bookbinders).
The town is small- population under 1500- and the bookshops are all within close proximity.  As you'd expect, you can find anything and everything related to books.  You have specialty shops, general shops, strange shops, you name it.  It's amazingly awesome for bibliophiles.  If you're not a book lover, your time would be better spent elsewhere, though it is still a charming town.

Walk in any of the bookshops and you can pick up a town map that shows where each shop is located (along with a brief description of the specialty of each).  On Sunday (when we went), some of the shops are closed, but it's still a worthwhile experience.  I was able to visit 6-7 of the stores (and had to be dragged out of each one); my favorites are:
 - Hay-on-Wye Booksellers (#13 on the map)
- The Addyman Annexe (#15)
- Hay Cinema Bookshop (#21); the largest shop I've ever seen, stocking over 200,000 secondhand books

Outside of Thrift stores, I had never been to secondhand bookshops in the States, and it is a great experience.  It's not just about finding a given title- it's about finding a certain edition of a given title.  To maximize your enjoyment of the day, I recommend writing down a few titles you'd like to buy, then go through the shops looking at the different editions of those titles available in each one.  Prices are generally low, if you don't want the first-edition signed copies, but can vary widely- so check several stores first.

Entering the town

Books!

Hay Castle

The town clocktower

Looked promising, but it was closed :-(

The cinema bookshop- largest I'd ever seen

Note the stone set between the two middle windows- "stone house."  Very helpful- I had mistook it for a bridge.

While you're in the area, check out Arthur's Stone- just 10 miles east of Hay-on-Wye, in England.  It's a neolithic burial chamber.  It's pretty cool, for a pile of rocks.  Like many ancient remains in the area, legend has tied it to Arthur, though Arthur is believed to exist around 500 AD, some 3500 years after the chamber was built, so I'll leave it to the reader to judge the potential accuracy of the claim.

Arthur's Stone

Rating: A

The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde)

The plot of The Picture of Dorian Gray is well known to most- the title character is young and beautiful, and realizes (through conversations with Lord Henry) that said beauty is temporary.  Basil, Dorian's friend, paints a wonderful portrait of him, and Dorian wishes that the painting would age in his stead.  His wish comes true, and as time passes, his beauty remains unblemished; the man in the portrait, however, shows signs of both age and sin.  Eventually, Dorian regrets his situation, and decides to destroy the painting.  When he attempts to do so, instead it is he who perishes, and the painting reverts back to its original form.

Critically, the book is viewed as fantastic and well-loved; I agree, though I had a few problems with it.  The overall theme deals with the place of beauty in life, and its fleeting nature.  Dorian idolizes beauty and feels the bad effects of so doing.  He (unintentionally, perhaps) isolates himself and causes pain in others.  Nothing wrong with that point- it's a good study on the effects of being self-centered in our lives.  My problem is with the myriad of other (minor) themes, most of which are introduced by Lord Henry.  He speaks with great wit and says outrageous things, with the reader (and other characters in the story) uncertain whether or not he's serious.  I found Henry's epigram-a-minute commentary amusing, entertaining, thought-provoking, but occasionally annoying.  It's like anything in life, no matter how good- if you're bombarded with it, you tire of it after a while.  That's my main fault with the novel- stopping to contemplate each witticism would draw the experience out and break the flow of the story, so for the sake of "getting through it" I felt as though I had to glide through without fully exploring each point.  I'm sure there are layers of goodness there that I'm too lazy to unpack and enjoy. 

That said, Wilde clearly has a great wit, and it's an enjoyable, recommended story.

Rating: A-