I was bad. I bought a book today. Technically, I bought two. One was a birthday present, however. The other one I bought...I haven't decided if I'm going to keep it and put it in my "new" category, in case Pride, Prejudice and Zombies doesn't come through by the time I'm ready for it.
Our New Nation
It has really been interesting to see how time has changed how we view history. Textbooks like this today have more history to cover, so they can't really go into much depth, despite there being more information readily available. Journals being found and all that jazz.
Whenever I read general history books, it's always been interesting to see what gets revealed about Mormonism. A lot of the ones that I read during my schooling talked about Joseph Smith and some of the trials they went through on their way to Nauvoo. They also lumped the Mormon Trail into the unit with the Oregon Trail, mentioning Brigham Young in passing. And that was the end of the coverage of Mormonism. Except for the obligatory discussion on polygamy, which I found amusing more often than not.
This book takes a different spin. Smith didn't even make it into the index. The trials of the early saints discussed were not the persecution that drove them from place to place. Rather, it was the trek across the country and their settling Utah and making it a state. Since there were fewer states in 1948 and less wars to discuss the history of, "Our New Nation" has been able to discuss how many of the states were settled and became states. I don't remember getting that from my history books. Then again, maybe I would have learned this things in school had I been paying attention.
[Quotes]
Anyone know of Cornelius Cox? Starting on page 149, they quote some excerpts from his journal traveling to California during the gold rush.
"There is one young lady with our company, a Miss Wayland from western Texas. She is about sixteen and quite a pretty girl. I have claimed kinship with her mother, whose maiden name was Cox. But she refuses to acknowledge me unless I will shave, which is a condition I cannot comply with."
p. 163 explains, perhaps, why history can be so hard to understand.
"The long continued story which history tells is divided into many short stories. Often these short stories tell about happenings which were going on at the same time."
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"Sense and Sensibility"
I won't comment on the plot or writing in general, since there have been plenty of Austen critics who are much more qualified to do such, but allow me to say that I do understand why Emma Thompson made Sir John a widow, even though his wife provides an ample parallel in the relationship between family. That, and his wife is (by her nature) a rather minor character.
[Quotes]
I'll quote by chapter, since there are probably as many versions as there are chapters.
Chapter 4
Elinor discussing her opinion of Edward with Marianne.
"...I have seen a great deal of him, have studied his sentiments, and heard his opinions on subjects of literature and taste; and, upon the whole, I venture to pronounce that his mind is well informed, his enjoyment of books exceeding great, his imagination lively, his observation just and correct, and his taste delicate and pure. His abilities in every respect improve as much upon acquaintance as his manners and person. At first sight, his address is certainly not striking; and his person can hardly be called handsome, till the expression of his eyes, which are uncommonly good, and teh general sweetness of his countenance is perceived. At present, I know him so well, that I think him really handsome; or, at least, almost so."
Less wordy: She finds him pretty on the outside because she thinks he's pretty on the inside.
Chapter 15, nearing the end
Elinor discussing Marianne's possible engagement to Willoughby with their mother.
Mrs. Dashwood: "I have not wanted syllables where actions have spoken so plainly....Have we not perfectly understood each other? Has not my consent been daily asked by his looks, his manner, his attentive and affectionate respect?"
Elinor: "I confess...that every circumstance except one is in favour of their engagement, but that one is the total silence of both on the subject, and with me it almost outweighs every other."
Chapter 18
Marianne and Edward, discussing art and beauty.
Edward: "Remember, I have no knowldge in the picturesque, and I shall offend you by my ignorance and want of taste, if we come to particulars."
Chapter 19
Good advice
"You are are in a melancholy humour, and facny that anyone unlike yourself must be happy. But remember that the pain of parting from friends will be felt by everybody at times, whatever be their education or state. Know your own happiness."
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