The first Roman poem I ever read was Catullus' "Odi et amo"--I hate and I love--and it was written for a woman he called Lesbia, identified as Clodia Metella, a woman of patrician family, great beauty, and scandalous reputation. I haven't read a worthy depiction of their story until I bought and read Benita Kane Jaro's "The Key."

Jaro's writing is elegant in its descriptions, beautifully paced; her scenes fire the imagination to recreate ancient Rome, Baiae, the lonely farmhouse where Caelius, Catullus' best friend, is forced to tell the story to Catullus' dying father. He narrates the tale of how Catullus meets and falls in love with Clodia; how their affair inspires his finest work; how her infidelities and a betrayal from an unexpected source isolate and ultimately lead to a situation that, for the brilliant yet tormented poet, becomes unbearable.

The final pages are an odd combination, a slap in the face paired with the quiet touch of forgiveness, as Caelius comes to realize the encompassing nature of love (in all its pain, ugliness and power), and as Catullus comes to see that his love for Clodia is, to her, a trap from which she will do anything to escape. It is exquisitely written, and "The Key" should be better known than it is so far.

Sadly, Jaro's always cinematic Key is Out-of-Print. I went to LSU and the last time this book was checked out was May 1989. I believe there is a professor at LSU who has written extensively about Catullus--I'd assume it was him who checked it out. I saw a fascinating article by Asa Baber about Catullus, proof that Catullus still today exists in the conscious of American culture. And probably without Catullus, the already thinning ranks of Latin classes would certainly be empty. I'm not one to blame anyone, but the elitist attitude of Classics professors certainly has something to do with this.

When you first start researching into the fiction (novels, plays, operas, other sketches) based on the turbulent life of Gaius Valerius Catullus (c. 84--c. 54 BC), who according to the book's cover is "Ancient Rome's Greatest Poet," you find that as much as Catullus has influenced subsequent poets and continually stands as a monument in the scene of poetry, how little his life and work has inspired an equally great sketch--it seems every one has been, as Catullan specialist T.P. Wiseman points out, "somewhat unsuccessful." Many have said that it's very difficult to really understand him, even more difficult to write about him. Benita Kane Jaro opens her book with a quote are difficult to understand, Catullus is nearly impossible." From early on, she sets a tone. Best guesses at every turn, but imaginative and powerful ones. And a story that does not simply transcribe what the poet wrote himself. Jaro brings something to the party here.

The sparse hard evidence presents yet even more problems to an author like Jaro; Christian Patriarch St. Jerome, Essayist and Novelist Apuleius (who mentions Catullus nearly two hundred years after his death) , biographer and historian Suetonius' Vita (lost by the 15th century but some facts come down via other sources), subsequent Latin poets Ovid and Martial's blurbs and before his poetry and the man ascended to godlike status in Roman poetry, as the Augustan poets borrowed heavily from him, especially Virgil, in both style and literary theory. But no one probably cared about Catullus when he died to gather some hard facts that a biographer could well use. Like Jesus Christ, a generation passed before interest in Catullus bloomed.

Benita Jane Jaro not only succeeds but passes this test with flying colors. How did she do it? Well, the first sound choice Jaro made was making the narrative first person, with Marcus Caelius Rufus, friend of Catullus, serving as the narrator; he's nothing less a source of balance and tenderness, even in an atmosphere--1st century Rome BC--that is strange and brutal to a Twentieth century American reader. I find it interesting that Jaro chose Caelius to perform this task, to basically make us understand what Catullus was like, a task that no one, not even the brilliant classicist T.P. Wiseman, has dared proclaim to have undertaken. (Anyone interested in Catullus should read Wiseman's Catullus & His check out Cinna the Poet & Other Roman Essays.)

Writer Andrei Codrescu, author of The Blood Countess and Messiah, said that "the love triangle" was one necessary ingredient to make great literature, from Le Morte D'Arthur to The Great Gatsby to Stephen King's The Stand. The Catullus-Caelius-Clodia triangle is what great literature is made of, and Caelius' eventual involvement serves to make his narrative all the more relevant, as he is no passive historian with a condescending tone-- and I suppose it is here where the true passion and anguish and tragedy of the story lies. It's amazing, because although Caelius writes in a calm but elegiac manner, most of these

events occur only a short time before Caelius composes his biography of Catullus. Caelius writes his biographical sketch at the request of Catullus' dying father, who gives him a box of all Catullus' remaining earthly belongings, including something which wrenched my heart from its chest, a little toy boat Catullus played with while swimming in Lake Gadara when he was a boy.

The end begins when a poverty-stricken, shunned Clodia is befriended by an ailing Catullus (he is already dying of tuberculosis). They enact a hubby and wife routine--the only thing Catullus desperately wanted but was the one thing he couldn't have--which is eerie and foreboding but oddly touching--something Stanley Kubrick could've captured on film well. But we know it can't last, and it hurts. I suppose things might have been different, but they weren't, even though Catullus would have liked them to have been.

But although Jaro probes the psyche of Catullus via Caelius' fluid prose, you could really say the central character of the story is Clodia Metelli herself; Jaro paints a palpable and erotic portrait of her. Like Catullus, you can simply feel her while reading--her body, her voice, "If you ask for alot, don't be surprised that it costs alot." And it cost both Catullus and Clodia quite a bit.

I am looking forward to reading the book's sequel The Door in the Wall, wherein Caelius,

surrounded by a different cast of characters, records his rise and fall in Roman politics

This book is about the early years of Latvia's independence from the communist domination from Moscow. Latvia is a small country, one of the three Baltic republics that were independent in the inter-war period but where taken over by Soviet forces in June of 1940, after Hitler and Stalin secretly devided Eastern Europe between themselves. Baltic nationalism was probably the strongest of all nationalism within the Soviet Union.

The book opens with a brief historical overview of the Latvian situation, and then proceeds to the nation rebirth. Then the author tackles the problem of establishing democracy in a country with only modest democratic heritage. He round off the book by discussing the economic situation, and the problem of demographics and ethnic relations. The empirical part of the book is a little dated, which is not the author's fault--events change very quickly in that part of the world. But all the same problems remain relevant. In particular, the status of Russians in Latvia and relations with Moscow continue to be the most contentious issues in Latvian politics.

Latvia in Transition, by Juris Dreifelds, is an even-handed and readable treatment of the post-Soviet period in Latvia. Dreifelds asserts that in spite of its stumbling blocks and outright failures on the road to democracy, Latvia-along with Estonia and Lithuania-is a model of successful economic, political, and social transition for its fellow states that once submitted to the aegis of Soviet communism. According to Dreifelds, this transition was made easier by several commonalities shared by the three Baltic nations, but not by other former Soviet republics: 1) they each had the advantage of historical precedent, having experienced two decades of independence between the first and second World Wars; 2) their integration into the USSR was never diplomatically recognized by most Western countries, and therefore their break for independence under the auspices of perestroika was more readily supported by the West and tolerated by the Gorbachev administration; and finally, 3) the ties to Baltic expatriates and their active involvement in the independence movements strengthened the new nations. On the other hand, the so-called "Pribaltika" also faced significant impediments, many of which boiled down to ethnic and ideological rifts which were rooted in the period of Soviet hegemony, and thus it was necessary to evolve rather than merely trying to return to the pre-Soviet status quo. Dreifelds posits that "It is clear that post-communist Latvia is not the country of 1939 altered merely by the normal processes of modernization . . . The obstacles in the way of reforms are formidable. The decades-long discontinuity in the sovereignty of Latvia and its incorporation into the USSR precipitated momentous changes and altered the demographic, economic, political and psychological characteristics of the country." (Dreifelds p. 7)

The tight organization proceeds in a logical manner, starting with a historical overview that is at first brief, for the period from pre-history up to initial independence. Dreifelds then begins to narrow his focus during the independence period, the first Soviet occupation, German occupation, and then incorporation into the USSR. In particular, he devotes much discussion to ethnic issues, and how the various regimes differed in their treatment of different racial minorities. He also underscores how the aftermath of Soviet deportation and the holocaust, along with the importation of Russians laborers to work in Latvian industry, was manifest in the decimation of the ethnic Latvian inhabitants, and how they never regained their majority in the overall populace. All of this background is necessary in order to fully appreciate the events surrounding the reassertion of independence and the impacts to the populace of Latvia, both anticipated and unforseen.

The next couple of chapters delve into the "Latvian national rebirth" in the last half of the 1980s and the subsequent reestablishment of independent sovereignty in the early 1990s. In particular, Dreifelds talks about the role of folk-culture and environmental concerns in the "awakening" that nurtured the latent Latvian nationalism until it reached its full flower in the election of the Latvian Supreme Council in May of 1990, and then the election of the Fifth Saeima in 1993. Of particular note is his attention to the ramifications that this nationalism had on the non-Latvians living in Latvia and the resulting ethnic tensions that rose and fell and then rose again during the first few years of independence. These tensions permeated both the Saeima and the general public.

In fact, the theme of ethnic dichotomy between Latvians and Russians is the underlying current throughout the book, and it drives the coverage in the final chapters of the topics of economic reform, demographics and the establishment of a Latvian national identity. Going back to Dreifelds' initial statement that Latvia's incorporation into the USSR "precipitated changes that profoundly affected the characteristics of the country"-the transformation of the populace from an overwhelming majority of Latvians, to almost equal parts Latvian and Russian, with smaller groups of other ethnic minorities, continues to dramatically affect the way that democracy has unfolded in Latvia. The evidence he presents is compelling and convincing. The examples range from the political arena and the power struggles between Latvian nationalist fractions against Russian fractions and their uneasy coalitions, to the economic issues of privatization and employment and entrepreneurship, to the cultural concerns of determining a national language and the ensuing friction between Latvians and Russians because of the Russians' unwillingness to embrace their official tongue. One of his main contentions about racial dynamics is that all ethnic groups in Latvia perceive themselves as minorities.

Finally, the book concluded with a brief examination of some of the problems that Latvia will continue to face as it wrestles to establish a workable government, constitution and economy, and thus gain international respect. Of greatest concern, according to Dreifelds, is the need for Latvia to be constantly vigilant against its large neighbor to the east, and to develop a strong support network in the West of economic, and if necessary, military backing should Russia become aggressive and once again seek to encompass its former Baltic holdings.

This was an enjoyable and informative read. I discerned only a few deficiencies worthy of comment. On a minor note, a glossary of terms, a map of the Baltic region, and a more extensive index would have added greatly to the usability of the book, especially for readers uninitiated in Baltic geography, culture, history and politics. I couldn't help wishing that this book had been written even five years later, and been able to span through the end of the 1990s, discussing more about economic development and cultural issues after the honeymoon glow of independence had completely worn off. Just the same, this book is excellent for students and other readers wishing to gain a focused understanding of Latvian independence and its political, economic and social implications during the brief period from the late 1980s through the mid 1990s, and it provides as well a thoughtful discussion of the lasting effects of Stalinism and communism on modern Latvia.

I bought this book for my History course and its absolutely Great ! All the main points have been neatly written on the side, which makes reading very easy. If you are purchasing this book, you may also want to buy the Study guide which comes along with it.

This book lets you know all the concepts just by reading it through. I bought it for the history class and this is by far the best book i've ever read in the classes.

This highly readable book is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in the roots of the dissident movement in communist Czechoslovakia. Tucker describes the philosophical heritage of key members of Charter 77 with amazing clarity. He also does a great job of explaining the political and historical context of their thoughts.

Please note that the book is not an encyclopedic account of Czech dissident thought. "From Patocka to Havel" in the title might better be phrased "OF Patocka AND Havel," since the work of other Czech dissidents are mentioned mostly in reference to these two men's theories. However, as theoretical background to a complex issue, this book is well worth reading.

This book has been awarded one of two Honorable Mentions for the 2001 Best First Book Prize from the Foundations of Political Theory division of the American Political Science Association. The citation reads as follows:

In The Philosophy and Politics of Czech Dissidence from Patocka to Havel, Aviezer Tucker provides a captivating critical narrative of the Charter 77 movement in Czechoslovakia and of the ideas that inspired it. The result is an informative and provocative case study of the intersection of theory and praxis during a pivotal time in Eastern European politics. Patocka was the pre-eminent Czech philosopher during the thirteen year career of the Charter 77 movement, and his philosophy played a central role in its history. His life and fate, as Tucker observes, parallels that of Socrates in Athens; and Havel's role as a philosopher president presented him with the kind of problems Plato confronted in his reforming mission to Syracuse. Tucker illuminates this important chapter in recent history and provides thoughtful critical commentary on the post-Heideggerian and phenomenological ideas that his subjects brought to life.

This is a good helper to make it through Plato's Republic. However, some of the most important parts (e.g. the abolition of the family and the equality of women) are skipped over. Also, the term paper ideas are not very original... most college students could come up with these ideas on their own. But, it does help if you have trouble interpreting the Socratic dialogs. For the price, it's a good deal.

It has been said that all political theory books are meer footnotes to Plato's masterpiece, the Republic. This is probably true on a descriptive scale. Plato puts forth the basic essentials of any and all forms of government and the men who support it. He laid the groundworks for generations of philosophers, government officials, and nations. However, Plato's idea of the utopian state is rather flawed and impractical. He preaches the dissolustion of private property, sharing of all possesions (including women and children!), censorship, a class system, and rule by philosopher kings. But he also brings forth ideas that were well ahead of their time, such as equal rights for women, monotheist beliefs, free and public education, education techniques, and more. Anyone interested in politics and the nature of society should read this book as a basis for exploration of this wide and interesting field.

Spector does a brilliant job in reading Kafka together with the other members of what he calls as the Prague circle. The book is challenging to read and it requires a certain level of acquintenance with the field and some German perhaps. In any case, it gives you a different perspective to understand the cirisis within the Prague circle to which Kafka is also included. Territory, territorialization, reterritorialization and deterritorialization cna be considered as the key processes one must understand in reading the book. Even though it seems somewhat consfusing from this Spector eloquently argues and proves his thesis.

A well documented and beautifully written book on the jewish writers,known as the prague circle, at the beginning of the twentieth century. It captures their identity struggle in a political and cultural prague. Spector gives his readers a treat by unmasking an enigmatic Kafka. We are able to perhaps know a more tender man behind the desk. We can now imagine how Gregor's creator felt. This alone was worth waiting for.

Though I can say exactly why, but if you've read "Colony of unrequited dreams", then you may like this one. Down east theme, oddball characters.

We had to do this book in my grade 12 english class. Unlike most school books, whcih are often boring and tedious, this one kept us interested and we therefor did good on the tests :)

I recommend it.

Mo Yan well-deserves his reputation among those in the know as one of modern China's most wonderfully wry writers, as this discomfiting yet compelling novel attests.
Republic of Wine's strength is in its evocative, viciously funny descriptions and depictions and in the symbolic social implications they raise. Centered around a fictitious province in China named Liquorland, the novel portrays China's obsession with food and drink and skewers the extremes to which it is taken by the wealthy and the politically connected (which are often one and the same). There is an expression in Chinese "Chi-he-wan-le" literally "Eat-Imbibe-Play-Joy". In ancient China, the landed and the literati had elaborate rituals and cultures surrounding the consumption of delicacies and fine liquor, which were mingled with the higher arts such as poetry composition, calligraphy, painting, and music. The Cultural Revolution attacked such traditions (among other things), and in its aftermath the finer points disappeared, leaving only its cruder translation: gluttony. Many Chinese know of few entertainments besides food and booze. A Chinese banquet is a grandiose affair, aimed at wasting expensive food and flaunting one's wealth. The higher level the revelers, and the bigger the favors the host is trying to earn, the more obscenely wasteful the dishes. Especially in the 1980s, when government corruption peaked, wining and dining was a popular form of bribery that took a chunk out of the Chinese treasury to the tune of billions of dollars per year. Republic of Wine is beautifully biting in its spoofing of this food obsession, which includes a craving for ever more exotic and expensive foods to impress ones guests with, here taken to the frighteningly logical extreme of serving up braised infants. Mo Yan also mocks the farcical attempt of Chinese men to prove their dubious machismo by "bottoms-upping" toast after toast: the last one standing is the "real man".

Mo's winding, rambling narrative is the book's only shortcoming, which may be deliberate as it flirts with assertions that it was written under the influence. In some ways, the surrealism and sarcasm are overplayed to a degree that makes it difficult to become very involved in the stories. In that regard, it reminds me of the stories of Wang Shuo; the similarity may be partially due to the esteemed Howard Goldblatt, who translated both of Wang's English versions as well as Republic of Wine.

This has been an excellent book. He is by far the best writer in China today and I hope he receives his deserved acclaim from the international literary world one day.

Mo Yan is a great and creative talent...this is an absolutely bizarre book where he displays his profound imagination. He completely condemns the ostentatious consumption of China's corrupt ruling elite and their total, chilling disregard for the lower strata off which they consume. I see the book as a metaphor of the unchecked growth in wealth and power of this elite since the economic reforms.

The main reason I admire Mo Yan is because he is an absolutely fearless writer. He is never afraid to take creative risks; he does so in each book and this gives him a style truly his own. The scatological humor, references to dogs, reptiles, apes and donkeys; through the ugliest specimens of nature he alludes to the human condition. Li Yidou's fight with his wife in the chapter 'Cooking Lesson', where in his eyes she degenerates into an ever more grotesque series of images is a case in point: 'her stumpy little fists, which looked like donkey hooves'; 'like a footless person wearing shoes, she was actually wearing a bra', etc. Hilarious, yet nauseating.

I can't wait for his next novel.

Oh yeah, and the translation by Howard Goldblatt is dead on. Truly excellent, and you can tell he is completely in tune with Mr. Mo's agenda.

This book, was very interesting! It gave wonderful insight into Roman life. Whether you study Roman History, or if you just like to try something new, this is a good book for you to try (even if you dont speak latin).

This volume contains books VI through X of Livy's monumental 120+ volume history of Rome. It covers the time between the sack of the city by the Gauls (c. 396 BCE) and Rome's emergence as the single most powerful state in Italy (c. 293 BCE). Like other Penguin classics, the translation in this volume is just a bit dated and stuffy in tone, but the warmth and vitality of Livy's style shines through nonetheless.

One of the benefits to being interested in ancient Rome in particular is that the Romans were such a literate people, and so taken with their own perceived greatness, that they wrote a great deal, and much of this writing has survived down to our own times. Not only does this provide an invaluable window onto the remote past, it also makes for good reading. Livy (and a number of other Roman era authors) can sound remarkably modern in their sentiments, and even casual readers should be pleasantly surprised by the vigor and readability of Livy's prose.

My continued use of lonely planet guides is indicative of the quality I find. It is an excellent guide for us. We travel by car and lp is a plus for us as we can get to more remote area. It was right on target with the Czech & Slovak Rep guide. We found a wonderful place to visit and stay called Telc with their recommendation. My only criticism is that the binding did not hold up and the book came loose from it. It was difficult to turn pages because of occasional pages becoming loose.

Information ranging from the cheapest bus to get from the airport to the city, to the locations of the finest restaurants in town. More than adequate chapter on Prague, but the book really comes into its element talking about tiny exquisite villages in Slovakia's back of beyond!