Sunday 31 May 2015

"A Little History Of The World" By E.H. Gombrich, Illustrations By Clifford Harper (YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS New Haven And London 2008, originally published in German by Steyrermühl-Verlag, Vienna 1936) - Part 3



E.H. Gombrich became one of the best known art historians of the 20th century with his multi-million selling book "The Story Of Art"(1950) which is still in print today. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Gombrich  It's huge success over-shadowed Gombrich's earlier work until the author decided to revise "A Little History Of The World" towards the end of his life and it was published in English for the first time in 2005. The exquisite illustrations by Clifford Harper were the perfect choice for it,  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford_Harper



Tuesday 26 May 2015

"A Little History Of The World" By E.H. Gombrich, Illustrations By Clifford Harper (YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS New Haven And London 2008, originally published in German by Steyrermühl-Verlag, Vienna 1936) - Part 2



This is a book that everyone should read! It was written with children and young adults in mind but it offers such a perceptive and rounded description of events and beliefs through thousands of years of human history that it will enrich anybody's knowledge and understanding of the past. In fact, it goes beyond a mere account of facts - it gives an insight into the human psyche, the eternal battle for power, control and domination among mankind and the tragedy of war. Despite its huge popularity both in Germany and internationally, the book was soon banned by the Nazi regime for being too "pacifist", forcing the writer Ernst Gombrich (1909-2001) to flee Germany for Great Britain in 1939.





Thursday 7 May 2015

"UK General Election 2015 " Comment By Harris...



So sick of hearing these guys telling us how great their ideas are, for months now - well, that part of the show is over now! Personally, I don't think they can do anything other than parroting what their PR teams and other "advisers" dictate. In any case, I wouldn't trust any of them to cut my front lawn let alone do anything that requires a bit more initiative and common sense, like running a country.  It's depressing to think that out of a country of 65 million people and of such rich diversity and talent, we only get to choose a leader out of this bunch of unimaginative, uninspiring and nondescript men! Could we not just say no, we don't like any of them, none of the above? Or would that be too extreme for our sophisticated and gentile democracy? So, a dedication to all the clever men that CAN bring prosperity and joy for all - a dance of CANCAN...