Best products from r/HistoryofIdeas

From the book's Amazon description:

> In the first detailed, chapter-by-chapter reading of the Prince in any language, Erica Benner shows that the book is a masterpiece of ironic writing. Machiavelli's style is deliberately ambiguous: he often seems to say one thing, but gives readers clues that point toward a very different message. Beyond its 'Machiavellian' surface, the Prince has a surprisingly moral purpose. It teaches readers how to recognize hidden dangers in political conduct that merely appears great or praiseworthy - and to mistrust promises of easy solutions to political problems.

> This highly engaging new interpretation helps readers to see beyond the Prince's deceptive first appearances. Benner sets out Machiavelli's main ironic techniques at the outset, especially his coded use of words to signal praise or blame. Once readers become familiar with these codes, they will find it easier to grasp the Prince's surreptitiously pro-republican message - and its powerful critique of charismatic one-man rule and imperial politics.

More posts about Machiavelli.

I do philosophy of science policy, and the best book I've found on that is Heather Douglas' Science Policy and the Value Free Ideal. I've heard some fairly hard core policy wonks say it's the only philosophy book they enjoyed reading. It goes over the history of the role of the science advisor in US, and talks about the role values play in science and science policy. It's a fantastic read!

Postcolonialism: An Historical Introduction is perhaps the best book I've read, period--fiction or non-fiction, historical or contemporary. In-depth historical and ideological analysis, written in a way that is absolutely immersive, engrossing, and enjoyable. I have read few non-fiction books that are as much of a page-turner as this one.

The main purpose of the book is to explore the historical and practical roots of modern postcolonial theory. It looks at how various populations, political parties, movements, intellectuals, etc. analyzed and thought about colonialism and imperialism and global political economy through the centuries, focusing mostly on anti-colonial thought (since this is where postcolonial theory came from). As a result, it shines a bright spotlight on the vibrant movements in the Third World that took place throughout the 20th century that pushed for self-determination, nationalism, cultural preservation, and socialism (efforts that more often than not had a large degree of internal tension).

The Origin of Satan by Elaine Pagels and A History of the Devil by Gerald Messadié are both excellent books on the subject. As you may have guessed the Pagels book concentrates on the Judeo-Christian history where the Messadié book covers a wider assortment of religions. He can be a little self-satisfied and smug in parts, but if you can overlook that the material and his writing are excellent. Given Pagels academic background her book is predictably more objective, but not at all dry and very readable. I highly recommend both (and BTW if I lent you my copy of either could you please return? TIA).

Hello!

My book is free from January 17th – Jan 21st, 2015
Thank you and please enjoy!

10 Lost Inventions: That Might Have Changed The World As We Know It

http://www.amazon.com/10-Lost-Inventions-Changed-Bizarre-ebook/dp/B00ROGMS7G

http://www.amazon.co.uk/10-Lost-Inventions-Changed-Bizarre-ebook/dp/B00ROGMS7G


Why do great inventions sometimes pop into existence only to pop out again? Consider if you will …

… an ancient Greek computer that disappeared into the sea …

… an ancient Mesopotamian electric battery that might have been used to literally SHOCK people into religious belief …

… the horrors of napalm wielded by the Byzantine empire …

… a steam-powered Victorian computer that hinted at the possibility of Artificial Intelligence well over a century ago …

… and an 18th-century genius’s plans for voice synthesizers, copying machines, air conditioning, airborne drones, non-polluting internal combustion engines, liquid fuel rockets, and even space travel -- and did he REALLY bring spaghetti to life?

This book tells a dizzying story of inventions lost to time. What would our world have been like if they hadn’t disappeared? You decide!