History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series)

Average customer rating:

Natural Magic 2
Connect with the Elements !
`Earth, Air, Fire and Water' is a continuation of Scott's widely successful `Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic/1983'
not as good as "Earth Power" but still good
Great buy

Earth, Air, Fire & Water: More Techniques of Natural Magic (Llewellyn's Practical Magick Series)
Scott Cunningham
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0875421318

Book Description

Selling over 200,000 copies, Earth, Air, Fire & Water features more than 75 spells, rituals, and ceremonies. Cunningham reveals the secrets of the four magical elements, in addition to the fifth one: spirit. He explores their basic nature and the types of rituals associated with each element. Herbs, stones, metals, musical instruments, colors, seasons, direction, and symbols corresponding with each element are also discussed. This bestselling guide to natural magic also introduces the basics of magic-concepts, techniques, and tools-to those who are new to the practice.

New cover New interior design New edit

Customer Reviews:

Natural Magic 2.......2007-08-31

This book was easy to understand and read. Gave good information of what Natural Magic is and was very imformative.

Connect with the Elements !.......2007-08-28

I adore Scott Cunningham's work, and EAF&W is no exception. Although I love EARTH POWER as well, I like that EAF&W has more techniques and really helps the reader to understand how natural things are affected, and in turn, affect the elements. I love Cunningham's ability to show the reader that magic doesn't really need 50 candles and some expensive oil to be magic - all we have to do is remember our Earth and work with her - directly...that's what real magic is about.

`Earth, Air, Fire and Water' is a continuation of Scott's widely successful `Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic/1983'.......2007-05-31

`More techniques of Natural Magic

A water-smoothed stone
The wind
A candle's flame
A pool of water.

These are the age-old tools of natural magic.
Born of the Earth, possessing inner power, they await only our touch and intention to bring them to life.
The four Elements are the ancient powerhouses of magic. Using their energies, we can transform ourselves, our lives and our worlds.
Tap into the marvellous powers of the natural world with these rites, spells and simple rituals that you can do easily and with a minimum of equipment.

Includes more than 75 spells, rituals and ceremonies
Provides detailed instructions for designing your own magical spells
Instills a sense of wonder concerning our planet and our lives
Promotes a natural, positive practice that anyone can successfully perform.'

`Earth for money and employment
Air for intelligence and travel
Fire for protection and courage
Water for love and healing'

Elemental magic exists to serve those of us in need. Through life-affirming, loving rituals, we can create wondrous transformations.
The power is resident in ourselves and within the Earth. Magic is a natural, positive practice that anyone can successfully perform.

Few tools are required, and these are familiar: stones, candles, bowls of water and plants, and the powers of your mind.
Natural magic carries within its practice an innate sense of wonder and respect for nature as manifested in the Earth and the Elements.

`Earth, Air, Fire and Water' is a continuation of Scott's widely successful `Earth Power: Techniques of Natural Magic`.
Readers of `Earth Power' wanted more: more rites, spells and simple rituals that they could do with a minimum of equipment.....
Here, then, is more............
Come. Join us and discover the wonders that exist within Earth, Air, Fire and Water!'

In paperback format, from `Llewellyn Publications`, USA:-
223 pages, split over 3 main parts:-

(1) Basics of Magic

This is Magic
Magical Techniques
Tools of Magic
The Elements
Preparatory rituals

(2) Elemental Magic

Earth Power
Air Power
Fire Power
Water Power

(3) Natural Magic

Stone Magic
Magnet Magic
Candle Magic
Star Magic
Snow Magic
Ice Magic
Mirror Magic
Wishing Well Magic
Sea Magic
Creating your own Rituals

with a preface, an `after-word`, appendices, glossary and a concise index.
Interspersed with charming black and white illustrations, written in the usual Scott Cunningham style, packed with information and hints/tips:-

`Safe methods of leaving candles burning in your absence (while preventing the possibility of accidental fires):

Place the candle and its holder in a large, metal pot (such as a cauldron).
Burn the candle in the bathtub (Many, many natural magicians do this).
Burn seven-day candles (which are housed in glass jars).
Burn candles in an indoor fireplace.

Generally speaking, candles shouldn't be burned during outdoor rituals and never in a forest.'

`One Spell on a Candle'
It's best to use each candle for only one magical ritual.
Say you've been burning a blue candle to promote peace. When that spell's done, you've still got half a candle left. Should you re-charge the taper and burn it to, say, promote psychic awareness?
Nope. One spell to a candle, please. I usually let the candles burn out anyway, so I don't have stubs lying around.'

From the Glossary:-
`Witchcraft
The craft of the Witch. This is magic, especially magic that utilises `Personal Power' in conjunction with `Earth Power'.
From this definition, Witchcraft isn't a religion.
However, many followers of the religion of Wicca interchangeably use both terms to describe their religion.'

From `Star Magic':-

RELEASING

This ritual is designed to use the energy of the stars to absorb negativity. Use it to help make a clean break from negative habits, misplaced emotions, and other wonderfully human problems.

Sit outside
Attune with your `Star of Power'. (explained in previous section)
Visualise your problem. Visualise yourself wallowing in it, feeding it energy so that it is self-sustaining.
Hold out your arms before you. Cup your hands together. Push this visualisation out of your arms into your hands. Break all connections with that which is to be released.
See the problem and its causes sitting within your palms.
Say something like the following:-

Blazing stars;
Fiery stars;
What was mine
Is now yours.

With a strong, certain gesture, separate your hands, fling your arms to the sky and release the negativity to the stars. PUSH it from your body.
Send it wildly spinning up into the heavens, where the energy of the stars will cleanse and transform it.
Repeat as needed.'

not as good as "Earth Power" but still good.......2007-03-23

while I consider myself a christian and not pagan, some would argue that I practice some so-called pagan arts. For centuries my ancestors have practiced a sort of combination, if you will, of Catholic and native traditions. anyway, long story short ~ I like this book and while it doesn't really have any traditions my family would have practiced and mostly focuses on Old World (European) rites/traditions, I still find it interesting. it's not nearly as good as "Earth power" but a good read anyway. take it from me, Scott Cunningham is the perfect author for non-wiccans/pagans looking for good books on invoking the earth: nothing that offends unlike many others on the genre.

Great buy.......2007-03-15

I've owned this book for quite some time, and I use it as a reference guide for both daily household spells and specific issues. It's very well written; I can see Cunningham in my mind's eye while reading this. He really put his heart and soul into these books.

This was the first of his books that I bought. When I was a bit younger and first getting interested in Magic, I was ploughing through a pile of "New Age" books, and came across this. Even though it's an extension of one of his other books, it doesn't have to be read like that. He refers back to it a couple of times, but it's really a guide, and ought to be used as thus.

I highly recommend it. Whether you're beginning or just want to brush up on some other spells, this guide is beautiful.

Harmonic Experience: Tonal Harmony from Its Natural Origins to Its Modern Expression

Average customer rating:

Life Changing Perspective on Music
What a fantastic experiential approach to learning harmony!
Harmonic Experience changed my life!
a text book must-have
ear and mind opener

Harmonic Experience: Tonal Harmony from Its Natural Origins to Its Modern Expression
W. A. Mathieu
Manufacturer: Inner Traditions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0892815604
Release Date: 1997-08-01

Book Description

An exploration of musical harmony from its ancient fundamentals to its most complex modern progressions, addressing how and why it resonates emotionally and spiritually in the individual.

W. A. Mathieu, an accomplished author and recording artist, presents a way of learning music that reconnects modern-day musicians with the source from which music was originally generated. As the author states, "The rules of music--including counterpoint and harmony--were not formed in our brains but in the resonance chambers of our bodies." His theory of music reconciles the ancient harmonic system of just intonation with the modern system of twelve-tone temperament. Saying that the way we think music is far from the way we do music, Mathieu explains why certain combinations of sounds are experienced by the listener as harmonious. His prose often resembles the rhythms and cadences of music itself, and his many musical examples allow readers to discover their own musical responses.

Customer Reviews:

Life Changing Perspective on Music.......2007-08-12

Mathieu generously, and eloquently, teaches and inspires the reader to explore the harmonic Deep Structure of the mystery we call Music. Using music theory, philosophy, mathematics, poetry, botany, and his own rich world view, he unearths the underlying relationship between harmony, scale, and rhythm. Starting with the acoustical given of the overtone series, Mathieu builds a coherent system with which the Music student can frame and further delve into the patterned world of Musical phenomena.

What a fantastic experiential approach to learning harmony!.......2007-05-05

I am a musician and have played professionally. Now, I work in the psychology field, but I have a good education in science including physics. I think this qualifies me to speak about the merits of this very fine book.

This book differs from most other musical theory books in that it encourages you to experience how music evolved and harmony grew out of the natural harmonics that occur in strings and other instruments. It gives you the theory and some of the physcis, but must importantly it provides exercises to give you the FELT SENSE of what each concept corresponds to. This is both at the emotional and somatic levels.

This is a very natural way to learn and embody harmony. It makes use of chanting intervals with a string drone or note from an instrument or tuning fork. It teaches you how to listen for harmonics and explains how these harmonics naturally lead to the contruction of certain chords and scales. It is really a "ground up" approach as one reviewer said and an eye opener even for most musicians.

The book encouraged the use of Indian syllables for the musical exercises, which was a bit difficult for me. However, the ideas behind the exercises were great and could be converted to do, re, mi, fa, so, la, di, do. I must confess, however, that at times this was a bit of an annoyance, but totally forgivable given what I took away from this book!

Harmonic Experience changed my life! .......2007-02-16

Harmonic Experience has proven to be as valuable of an education as my four years at a music conservatory. But this is also easily accessible to all musicians, not just professionals! The book is written in clear English and it feels like Mathieu is in the room with you.

I'm delighted to find some insight into some musical contradictions that I frequently think about, but have never reconciled. Harmonic series vs. major and minor tonality? just intonation vs. equal temperament? western harmony vs. eastern music? It's beautiful to see a unified perspective that embraces acoustics, emotion, intuition, knowledge and many musical traditions. My approach to intonation has also changed for the better!

Here is my favorite testimonial:

"Harmonic Experience is the Rosetta stone of music. It turns harmonic theory into a web of "ah hah's"! What has been a tangle of inexplicable concepts is transformed into a repertory of generative experiences. Mathieu puts together what no one has put together before"

-Will Johnson, professor of music, Sonoma State University

a text book must-have.......2000-11-17

This is hands down one of the best books about music I've ever read. This should be circulated in ever high school and college throughout the U.S. and beyond!

ear and mind opener.......1999-08-25

I am so glad to see jzmckay's excellent review of this book, posted here. He said many of the things that I feel about this book.

I have studied music, including theory, for thirty years, and nothing has expanded my understanding (and perception!) of music as much as the information in this book.

I have studied music with the author of this book -- he's a great writer about music and an even better teacher! I know that this work is the result of a lifetime of profound consideration of what is at the very heart of the musical experience, and of why music affects us as it does. W. A. Mathieu's highly intelligent exposition is a great gift to all who wish to deepen their understanding of music.

I would like to express my personal thanks to the author for this book, which has enhanced my sensitivity to music.

Average customer rating:

Thank You!

"User Friendly" Guide to Your Element

An Enjoyable Read.

Good Beginners Guide on the Elements

Elemental Witch: Fire, Air, Water, Earth; Discover Your Natural Affinity
Tammy Sullivan
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Way Of Four Spellbook: Working Magic with the Elements

Elemental Magick: Meditations, Exercises, Spells And Rituals to Help You Connect With Nature

A Witch's Grimoire: Create Your Own Book of Shadows

Way Of Four: Create Elemental Balance in Your Life

Magick & Rituals of the Moon

ASIN: 0738708917

Book Description

Witches and other seekers are often striving to customize and deepen their spiritual practice. One way to revolutionize your path is through the elements: earth, air, fire, and water.

Are you an Earth Witch or an Air Witch? Beginning with how to identify your personal element, the author outlines the specialties and personality quirks of each kind of elemental Witch. A detailed discussion of folklore and associated deities gives depth and color to each element's unique history. The rest of this practical text is dedicated to working magic with a particular element, while maintaining balance with all four. Magical correspondences are provided for each element, in addition to associated crystals, stones, herbs, colors, creatures, and aspects of nature (rivers, trees, caves, wind, lightning, etc.).

Customer Reviews:

Thank You!.......2007-10-08

Easily read and absorbed although unfortunately abbreviated. This book was the first one that put a name to my practice and I am forever grateful that this book exists at all.
It is geared toward people who work with the elements but does not really draw any lines as to create some ficticious dogma in order for an amateur to understand. I felt that although it was easily read there was a lot to absorb for someone who has taken the time to explore their own path rather than copy another's. I found this book to be particularly affirming in that regard and did not feel at all inclined to take the authors advice on some things but others I felt were spot on.
I would certainly not suggest this for anyone who is merely exploring but it is most certainly one of the most basic 'advanced' books now on my shelf.
I am now exploring a similar vein with other authors for a more in depth book, but this will certainly remain a favorite.

"User Friendly" Guide to Your Element.......2007-08-31

The title is what caught my eye. We all have an element that attracts us. It is very "user friendly." It has some beginner stuff, but the info is interesting. The author also states that this book is not "the know all, be all" on the subject, which to me was refreshing to see.

The chapters are set up with info on different Gods/Goddesses, herbs, some spells, floor washes and info on creatures. It has a little Santeria, Voodun, Native American, Roman, Celtic, etc.

If you want to find out more about your element, this may be a book worth getting.

An Enjoyable Read........2007-03-01

I really enjoyed reading this book. You can read it fairly quickly and still get a lot of information from it. Although I recommend this book, it unfortunately has a few problems. As with most Llewellyn publications, it could use a good editor. It is, overall, well written, but a few of the sentences are akward. Another problem it shares with the vast majority of llewellyn books is the lack of footnotes. This can be quite frustrating to some of us who would like to verify some of the more outlandish statements. For instance, the author writes that sylphs are "thought to be the offspring of the Sidhe". I have never heard this before and it seems rather unlikely and I would like to know the source of this information.

Another problem with the book is in the Gods of the elements sections. I feel that it relies too heavily on non-western deities. I found the information interesting but not practical as I don't think it is ethical to use the deities of Native American and African peoples because of the crimes European Americans have commited against them. But if you don't feel the same way, of course, this issue won't be a problem for you. There are also a lot of inaccuracies in these sections. Sedna is called a "Native American" goddess, when in fact she is Inuit--whose people live all over the far north, not just america. Another mistake is when the author says that in Ireland "Brighid's snake appearing from its mound" is a cousin of the american groundhog weather prediction traditon. The problem is that this custom is from Scottland, not Ireland--the Emerald Isle seperated form Europe quite early and has no indigenous snakes.

You may accuse me of nit-picking but I do think that it is time for pagan literature to grow up and stop spreading misinformation. If the mythological sections contain so many mistakes how do I have trust in the magical information the book provides?

I feel that this should not be a person's first book on witchcraft because not all the elemental correspondences are the ones that are most widely used. The season correspondences the author lists are very different from the traditonal. To the authors credit she does tell you to use the correspondences that you feel comfortable with.

So while I don't recommend this book to absolute beginners, I do think this book has a lot to offer, especailly in trying to figure out which elements you resonate with. It also provides good ideas for incorporating the elements in your practice. I really did enjoy reading this book, and I hope that one day Llewellyn and other Pagan friendly publishers will start providing better editors for their authors.

Good Beginners Guide on the Elements.......2006-09-20

The practice of the Witch relies on sources of energy for the workings. A good witch can draw upon the elemental energies for her use and knows the properties well and how to use them best.

Ms. Sullivan's book examines closely the properties of each of the four elements and gives a good rounded education in their history, associations and applications.

The book is broken down into each element and then breaks it own further into the path of each element, the magics and then Deity associations. There is lore, spells, recipes and herbal and stone associations.

What is nice about this book is that is does offer information on all four elements, and gives the beginning practitioner a well rounded education. And while you may find you have a preference for one or two elements, this book will give you a good look at working with all four.

This is a nice book, easy to read and understand and provides the basics for anyone looking at the practice of witchcraft using the four elements as focus. boudica

The Elements of Law, Natural and Politic: Part I: Human Nature; Part II: De Corpore Politico with Three Lives (The World Classics)

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Hobbes for starters
The First Modern Political Philosopher

The Elements of Law, Natural and Politic: Part I: Human Nature; Part II: De Corpore Politico with Three Lives (The World Classics)
Thomas Hobbes
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0192831216

Book Description

Thomas Hobbes' timeless account of the human condition, first developed in The Elements of Law (1640), which comprises Human Nature and De Corpore Politico, is a direct product of the intellectual and political strife of the seventeenth century. His analysis of the war between the individual
and the group lays out the essential strands of his moral and political philosophy later made famous in Leviathan. This first ever complete paperback edition of Human Nature and De Corpore Politico is also supplemented by chapters from Hobbes' later work De Corpore and "The Three Lives," never
before published together in English.

Customer Reviews:

Hobbes for starters.......2007-08-23

This book is quite brilliant, and I would recommend this before Leviathan to most people that would want to get to know Hobbes' writing. It's a "lighter" text all over as far as I'm concerned, and it still gets most of it's points across in a great manner. The two books are also very similar, and for me, having read Leviathan beforehand, this was much of the same, only a little easier to read, as the translater has removed the capitalization etc that made the version I read of Leviathan a little archaic.

Think what you want of Hobbes suggestions, I can fully understand why many shrink from his authoritative prescriptions, but read him nevertheless, because the foundations of his writing is incredibly fascinating and fun to read, and that part (About human nature etc.) should be interesting regardless of political views, contrary to his politics.

The First Modern Political Philosopher.......2006-08-09

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) wrote "Leviathan" in 1651, it was his most important philosophical work. I think you should know something of Hobbes to understand how his thinking was influenced by his experiences. He was born 2 months prematurely on the day the Spanish Armada approaches the English coast. His mother's fear of invasion caused the premature birth. Hobbes remarked late in life, "his mother brought forth twins-myself and fear." Fear seems to be Hobbes life long companion and the key passion in his political system, which uses human passions as its foundation. He was a child prodigy reading Latin and Greek at the age of six years old. At fifteen, he entered Oxford University and hated his educational experience there. He thought the curriculum was too immersed in the ancient Greek philosophers like Aristotle. He called them "erroneous doctrines," and throughout his life he railed against English universities for there stodgy curriculum.

At the age of 22, he graduates and takes a job to tutor the son of the Earl of Devonshire. It gives him the opportunity to travel throughout Europe where he meets with Galileo in Florence and Descartes in Paris. Descartes calls Hobbes the greatest political philosopher of his day. During the British civil war, Hobbes flees to Paris because he is a well-known monarchist sympathizer. In 1651, he publishes his monumental work "Leviathan." He returns to England, submits to Cromwell's government, and withdraws from politics. He is on friendly terms with Charles II when the Stuart's are restored to the throne.

Hobbes philosophy is "materialistic"; he is greatly influenced by Galileo's mechanistic approach to science, and Euclidian geometry. His ambition was to explain all phenomena, man, and government with mathematical precision. In "Leviathan," he explains human conduct is a product of human passions. The most dominant passions are fear of violent death and desire for power, both are manifestations of man's most basic impulse, "self preservation." Hobbes asserts that the basic impulse is the right of the individual; he calls it a "natural right." All men process this natural right equally. This theory leads Hobbes to believe man's natural state to be one of constant conflict with each other. This leads him to write the following quote he is most known for: "men's lives are solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short." So as not to have to live in constant state of fear or conflict, men make a contract for protection with the state. Hobbes believes that the best state is one led by a single sovereign whose power must be unrestricted with all three branches of government devolving to him. A single sovereign who has absolute power and cannot be replaced by the people.

His political writing had immediate influence in the world and influences other philosophers like Spinoza, Hutcheson, Locke, and Hume. Hobbes is the first man to write about political philosophy in such methodical terms. He is an excellent writer and his theories are easy to understand by the laymen. As a graduate student of political philosophy, I recommend if you have an interest in politics, philosophy, or government then you must start with reading Hobbes "Leviathan."

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