Tag Archives: Herman Melville

Interview: Why Christians Should Read the Great Books

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Dr. J

A recent post here resulted in an invitation to appear on the Research on Religion podcast. Host Tony Gill was intrigued by my applying lessons from Plato to dining at Applebee’s in the 21st century. We recorded the interview last … Continue reading →

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Captain Ahab as a Corrupt Corporate CEO

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Dr. J

Having just completed the reading of Moby Dick last week, I thought I’d comment on an analogy that occurred to me more than once while working my way through it. Captain Ahab is fixated on getting revenge on Moby Dick, … Continue reading →

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Queequeg’s Coffin and the Great Man Theory of History

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Dr. J

It’s Great Books Monday once again, and I’m feeling really motivated this week. I spent some time yesterday looking over what we’re likely to attack in the next few weeks, and it is really great stuff, starting with our selections … Continue reading →

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Breaking Captain Ahab’s Head on an Anvil

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Dr. J

We’ve put it off for too long; it’s time to read some ancient Greek drama. Here are the readings for the upcoming week: Moby Dick by Herman Melville, Ch. 133-Epilogue  (GBWW Vol. 48, pp. 246-260) “Great Men and Their Environment” … Continue reading →

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“Spin Me the Yarn!”

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Dr. J

After yesterday’s summary of our 2011 accomplishments, I hope you’re feeling motivated to press forward. Remember that you can jump in midstream at any time with shorter works and go back to pick up earlier selections as you are able! … Continue reading →

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“Cut Me One From His Small!”

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Dr. J

Here are some observations on last week’s Great Books readings: Moby Dick by Herman Melville, Chapters 55-75: If Ahab’s soliloquy over the dead sperm whale didn’t give you chills, I think there must be something wrong with you. And since … Continue reading →

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Goodbye, Alexander Hamilton

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Dr. J

As we close in on the end of the first year of this Great Books reading program, I’m looking back over the list of works we’ve read and can’t help being impressed. That list will only grow, of course. I’ll … Continue reading →

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Captain Ahab Means Business

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Dr. J

Another Monday, another feeling of accomplishment at what we read in the past week. If you find yourself struggling to find enough time to read, consider picking up audio versions of some of these works and listening to them in … Continue reading →

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Moderns Hate Aristotle

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Dr. J

Reading the Great Books won’t burn off the turkey you ate last week, but it ought to. This week we pass 1,500 pages in Imaginative Literature and 1,300 pages in Philosophy and Theology; that is some hard work, let me … Continue reading →

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Call Me Ishmael

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Dr. J

This week our Great Books reading program will pass the 5,000-page mark. That calls for a celebration! I hereby give you permission to take this Thursday off from work if you’re in the United States. Here are the readings for … Continue reading →

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