In an age of religious fundamentalist violence around the world; it is heartening to read poet and cultural historian William Irwin’s Thompson’s contention that a new form of post-religious spirituality is emerging in our planetary civilization; one that is more appropriate to our new electronic and globally interconnected noetic polities. This little book is a Vade Mecum of the cultural evolutionary news to keep in one’s pocket to read along with the day’s emotionally manipulative political news.Thompson shows us that; like a dying star in supernova; the explosion of religious violence is a sign of medieval religions’ death and not their rebirth. The brilliant thirteenth-century Renaissance that gave us the Gothic Cathedrals and the Convivencia of Christian; Jews; and Muslims in southern Spain was followed by the Black Death and the Inquisition; but the Italian Renaissance still took off in fifteenth-century Florence; as Giotto was followed by Fra Angelico and the syncretic school of Chartres was followed by Cosimo di Medici’s Florentine Academy. The Big Picture that the poet and cultural historian can provide enables us to participate in the larger processes of cultural transformation at work in our world.
#4126987 in Books Da Capo Press 1999-12-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .67 x 6.05 x 9.01l; #File Name: 1580970257304 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. An Objective Up to Date Complete History of the LBHBy Daniel HurleyWayne Sarf has researched all the master historians in the past and present to provide a fascinating well written history and objective book on the LBH and Sioux Campaign. The book tells the complete history of the campaign from its inception to its finale; Custer's and the Sioux's as a free people. Sarf quotes both the participants concerning their actions in the campaign as well as perspectives of major historians. He also offers his own views based on the historical record and logic. An important example is his evidence and commentary concerning General Terry's June 26th rendezvouz which is pure fiction and self serving. As Sarf well proves; Custer acted judiciously and appropriately based on the information; circumstances and the expectations provided to him in synch with all the military commanders . Unfortunately for him; the circumstances changed once he was committed to the attack. Wonderful perspectives including side bars on the military participants; weapons and Native Americans. Also includes a readers guide for additional reading including critiques and some cheeky comments.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Little Big horn CampaignBy Out of all the Little Big Horn Books I have read; I enjoyed this one the Most. I have read it 3 or 4 times. Excellent layout and content.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Gordon hackettVery good outline of this fascinating campaign.
