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Whaling
This set of whaling-themed tobacco cards from Ogden’s was released in 1927. It’s a 25 card set with beautiful images of ships, whales, sailors, and equipment. I can’t help but be reminded of Melville’s great chronicle of the sea, and Ahab’s obsessive quest for the solitary leviathan called by sailors Moby Dick. “But as for…
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The Ancient World
I finished reading The Ancient World: A Beginning by T. R. Glover (1935). This is an overview of the history of the ancient world, focused on the Mediterranean region and primarily Greek, Jewish, and Roman culture. It touches lightly upon surrounding areas and peoples, including Asia Minor, Egypt, and Persia. There is a mention here…
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Hiero’s Journey
I just finished reading Hiero’s Journey by Sterling E. Lanier (1973). The tale is set in the distant future, thousands of years after nuclear and biological warfare nearly destroyed humanity. It’s an adventure story of travel, discovery, and conflict and is well-told. Some of the character interactions, especially around gender, I found annoying and trite.…