Category: books

Book Review: Kennan: A Life Between Worlds

George F. Kennan was one of the most important American diplomats of the 20th century. His telegram―famously tagged as the Long Telegram―sent shortly after the end of World War II was the foundational geopolitical text for what would become known as America’s Containment Policy against the Soviet Union. Frank Costigliola has written a new biography…


Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for Feb. 24–March 3

This week, we feature an ancient guide for the bereft and a riveting history of a crime fighter who battled organized crime and organized racism. Education Inspiring Our Youth to Learn ‘A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-First Century’ By Oliver DeMille This first volume of the Leadership Education Library…


Book Review: Recovering Politics, Civilization, and the Soul: Essays on Pierre Manent and Roger Scruton

Daniel J. Mahoney’s new book, “Recovering Politics, Civilization, and the Soul,” is an analytical study as well as a work of praise for the contributions of two modern conservative philosophers: the French philosopher, Pierre Manent, and the British philosopher, Roger Scruton. These analyses and praises are displayed in essay form from one of the more…


Finding Paradise Through Selflessness: Oscar Wilde’s Short Story ‘The Selfish Giant’

In a very selfish world, it can be difficult to be selfless. Selfishness, though appealing and advantageous in many ways, does not bring joy to ourselves or others around us. Only selflessness brings true joy. In Oscar Wilde’s short story, “The Selfish Giant,” the Giant learns that selfishness creates a cold world, while selflessness makes…


Time, Nature, and Nostalgia in E.B. White’s ‘Once More to the Lake’

Most everyone has experienced nostalgia at some point in their lives, whether it be a longing for friends, family, or some fleeting moment in time that sparks positive reflection and emotion. The reflection and emotions associated with nostalgia, most often positive, shade the details of events into a soft, ruddy glow. This idea is central…


Book Review: ‘How to Grieve: An Ancient Guide to the Lost Art of Consolation’

When it comes to grieving, consolation is often best received from someone who has dealt with grief before. They bring experience (unfortunately, it takes misfortune to receive such experience) and provide wisdom in how to deal with heartache and tragedy. In one of the recent editions from Princeton University Press’s ongoing series, “Ancient Wisdom for…


Book Review: ‘Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success’

Every year, 40 percent of students drop out of college. Of course, the reasons behind this vary from family emergencies, financial constraints, and even the decision that college is not the best route to success. Another reason, though, is that students are often woefully unprepared for the rigors of higher education. Louis E. Newman, the…


Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading for Feb. 17–23

This week, we feature a thrilling World War II novel, a collection of amusing sports stories, and a captivating look at the White House and alcohol. Fiction 2 Tales of Triumphant Journeys ‘The War Librarian’ By Addison Armstrong Two women. Two timeframes. Two different circumstances. Their lives intersect in a brilliantly woven tale of courage,…


Book Review: ‘The Handler: A Nick Reagan Thriller’

Getting your hands on a fast-paced espionage thriller is always a plus, and Jeffrey S. Stephens has delivered just that in his new book, “The Handler.” Set in a post-Afghanistan-withdrawal-debacle world, Stephens has created a new hero in Nicholas Reagan, a CIA agent who faces off against several recognizable enemies of Chinese communist and Islamic…


Book Review: ‘The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill’

Dec. 7, 1941 marks the date in history when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor ushering the United States into World War II. Earlier, in May 1940, Hitler had invaded Holland and Belgium. Poland and Czechoslovakia had already fallen. France would soon follow. England’s newly elected Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, knew that in order to keep Germany…