book reviews
Book reviews on the history of tourism, the world's first explorers and the best trips ever taken.
A farewell to arms
A Farewell to Arms is a novel by Ernest Hemingway that was first published in 1929. It tells the story of an American ambulance driver named Frederic Henry and his love affair with an English nurse named Catherine Barkley during World War I in Italy.
By ReadShakurr5 days ago in Wander
Pygmalion
Pygmalion By George Bernard Shaw. On a summer evening in London's Covent Garden, a group of assorted people are gathered together under the portico of St. Paul's Church for protection from the rain. Among the group are Mrs. Eynsford-Hill and her daughter, Clara, who are waiting for the son, Freddy, to return with a cab. When he returns in failure, he is again sent in search of a cab. As he leaves, he collides with a young flower girl with a thick Cockney accent, and he ruins many of her flowers. After he is gone, the mother is interested in how such a "low" creature could know her son's name; she discovers that the flower girl calls everyone either "Freddy" or "Charlie." When an elderly gentleman comes into the shelter, the flower girl notes his distinguished appearance and tries to coax him to buy some flowers. This gentleman, Colonel Pickering, refuses to buy the flowers, but he gives the girl some money. Members of the crowd warn the girl against taking the money because there is a man behind her taking notes of everything she says. When the flower girl (Eliza) loudly proclaims that "I am a good girl, I am," the bystanders begin to protest. The note taker, it turns out, is Professor Henry Higgins, an expert in phonetics. His hobby is identifying everyone's accent and place of birth. He even maintains that he could take this "ragamuffin" of a flower girl and teach her to talk like a duchess in three months. At this time, the elder gentleman identifies himself as Colonel Pickering, the author of a book on Sanskrit, who has come to meet the famous Henry Higgins, to whom he is now talking. The two go off to discuss their mutual interest in phonetics.
By ReadShakurr5 days ago in Wander
The roman literature
"The Aeneid" is a Latin epic poem written by the Roman poet Virgil. It is considered one of the most significant works of Roman literature and is often seen as the Roman counterpart to Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey." Here's a summary and analysis of "The Aeneid":
By ReadShakurr5 days ago in Wander
Road not taken
The Road Not Taken, By Robert Frost •Short Analysis• The Road Not Taken” is one of Robert Frost’s most familiar and most popular poems. It is made up of four stanzas of five lines each, and each line has between eight and ten syllables in a roughly iambic rhythm; the lines in each stanza rhyme in an abaab pattern. The popularity of the poem is largely a result of the simplicity of its symbolism: The speaker must choose between diverging paths in a wood, and he sees that choice as a metaphor for choosing between different directions in life. Nevertheless, for such a seemingly simple poem, it has been subject to very different interpretations of how the speaker feels about his situation and how the reader is to view the speaker. In 1961, Frost himself commented that “The Road Not Taken” is “a tricky poem, very tricky.”
By ReadShakurr5 days ago in Wander
Frankestein
"Frankenstein: The 1818 Text" by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley is a classic novel that has left a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. Written when Mary Shelley was just 19 years old, the novel was published under high expectations due to her notable literary heritage, being the daughter of the political philosopher William Godwin and the writer, philosopher, and feminist Mary Wollstonecraft. The original 1818 text of "Frankenstein" preserves the politically-charged aspects of Shelley's original writing, as well as her unflinching wit and strong female voice. The novel is a haunting tale that delves into themes of creation, ambition, and the consequences of playing god.
By ReadShakurr5 days ago in Wander
Axolotl (Amby stoma Mexicana): A Marvel of Evolution and Regeneration. AI-Generated.
The axolotl, scientifically known as Ambystoma mexicanum, is a fascinating creature that has captured the interest of scientists and enthusiasts alike. Commonly referred to as the "Mexican walking fish," this unique amphibian is not a fish at all but a type of salamander that exhibits neoteny, retaining its larval characteristics throughout its entire life. Native to the lake complex of Xochimilco near Mexico City, the axolotl is a species both enigmatic and remarkable, with distinct features and extraordinary regenerative capabilities.
By KingFree MaN9 days ago in Wander
Ancient India
Ancient India, a land steeped in profound philosophies, vibrant cultures, and groundbreaking innovations, stretches back over 5,000 years. It's a cradle of civilization, where empires rose and fell, leaving behind a rich tapestry woven with diverse languages, religions, and artistic expressions. To delve into this vast and fascinating period, we'll embark on a journey through some of its most defining eras.
By Moharif Yulianto25 days ago in Wander
Top 15 Vacation Spots for Celebrities. AI-Generated.
When it comes to vacations, celebrities have an uncanny knack for picking exclusive and breathtaking locations around the globe. From stunning beaches to luxurious mountain retreats, here’s a glimpse into the top 15 vacation spots where the rich and famous escape the limelight.
By Timothy A Rowlandabout a month ago in Wander
Top 6 Safest Countries for Americans to Visit. AI-Generated.
When planning an international trip, safety is often a top concern for American travelers. Choosing destinations that prioritize security and offer a welcoming atmosphere can make all the difference in ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable vacation. Here, we highlight six of the safest countries for Americans to visit, each renowned for their safety measures and traveler-friendly environments.
By Timothy A Rowlandabout a month ago in Wander