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Post by cato on Jan 5, 2020 19:30:32 GMT
As a new year resolution I have decided to read more old books. Books that are venerable and that have stood the test of time . I am also economising on book buying , one of my better vices , and plan to read books I have previously bought but never actually gotten around to read.
The first book I finished in 2020 is Mgr.Bensons The Lord of the World. This dystopian book has been recommended by the two last popes. (The pair discussing it might make a sequel to the recent movie)
It is a powerful book about the collapse of Christianity and the return of Christ at the end of time. I have read it before but I didn't recall much of it to be honest. Benson wrote this in 1907 and is an interesting prophet predicting a strange form of air travel, euthanasia, a powerful bomb that can destroy whole cities, an ecumenical council which drives many out of the Church etc. Communications are basic - the main way of communicating internationally is still by Morse code in the 1990s.
I was moved by a scene were one character availed of euthanasia. I have never read a scene like it anywhere else. Similarly there is the scene at the very end when ...... well that would be spoiling things! I would be interested in other people's views on this novel.
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Post by assisi on Jan 7, 2020 19:14:52 GMT
As a new year resolution I have decided to read more old books. Books that are venerable and that have stood the test of time . I am also economising on book buying , one of my better vices , and plan to read books I have previously bought but never actually gotten around to read. The first book I finished in 2020 is Mgr.Bensons The Lord of the World. This dystopian book has been recommended by the two last popes. (The pair discussing it might make a sequel to the recent movie) It is a powerful book about the collapse of Christianity and the return of Christ at the end of time. I have read it before but I didn't recall much of it to be honest. Benson wrote this in 1907 and is an interesting prophet predicting a strange form of air travel, euthanasia, a powerful bomb that can destroy whole cities, an ecumenical council which drives many out of the Church etc. Communications are basic - the main way of communicating internationally is still by Morse code in the 1990s. I was moved by a scene were one character availed of euthanasia. I have never read a scene like it anywhere else. Similarly there is the scene at the very end when ...... well that would be spoiling things! I would be interested in other people's views on this novel. I enjoyed the book. I do remember the euthanasia scene which was very poignant. I was also struck by the character of Felsenburgh, the vague man of whom little is known and who is rarely seen. A distant ethereal figure whose presence bewitches almost everyone. It was not how I thought an anti-Christ figure would be portrayed, but I think it was more effective and convincing that way, as opposed to a raving Hitler type character. Seduction by charm and promises rather than threat. |
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Post by Séamus on Jan 8, 2020 9:07:54 GMT
As a new year resolution I have decided to read more old books. Books that are venerable and that have stood the test of time . I am also economising on book buying , one of my better vices , and plan to read books I have previously bought but never actually gotten around to read. The first book I finished in 2020 is Mgr.Bensons The Lord of the World. This dystopian book has been recommended by the two last popes. (The pair discussing it might make a sequel to the recent movie) It is a powerful book about the collapse of Christianity and the return of Christ at the end of time. I have read it before but I didn't recall much of it to be honest. Benson wrote this in 1907 and is an interesting prophet predicting a strange form of air travel, euthanasia, a powerful bomb that can destroy whole cities, an ecumenical council which drives many out of the Church etc. Communications are basic - the main way of communicating internationally is still by Morse code in the 1990s. I was moved by a scene were one character availed of euthanasia. I have never read a scene like it anywhere else. Similarly there is the scene at the very end when ...... well that would be spoiling things! I would be interested in other people's views on this novel. I enjoyed the book. I do remember the euthanasia scene which was very poignant. I was also struck by the character of Felsenburgh, the vague man of whom little is known and who is rarely seen. A distant ethereal figure whose presence bewitches almost everyone. It was not how I thought an anti-Christ figure would be portrayed, but I think it was more effective and convincing that way, as opposed to a raving Hitler type character. Seduction by charm and promises rather than threat. I recall giving a thought about the novel somewhere here before,but one point of interest is Benson's reverential view of Catholicism itself- while the majority of people may fall away and an apostate priest leads an establishment paganism,the official magisterium and Vatican itself,as well as the leaders of the major religious orders stay flawlessly Catholic in the midst of material dispossession. Christian monarchs living as refugees in Rome stay faithful also;no 'royals for zero population or carbon-emitting cattle'. Can one imagine a post-1960s work leaving the hierarchy so unscathed? Pope Francis could fire the imagination in a completely different direction also. Perhaps he would be happy in a tent in the Holy Land with only the Blessed Sacrament but the Vatican would hardly be bombed under his conciliatory papacy. The people of Ireland are mentioned as being impossible to secularise except by dispersion,siege-of-Jerusalem style. Compare to today's reality of a legal abortion taking place in Rotunda Hospital daily. And there IS definately much in the novel that was visionary also,but one thing I'd question is why an antichrist would need to appear at all when things were already leaning the relevant direction anyway,or why a neo-pagan religion was even necessary?,perhaps the irreligious vacuum does need filling. I had a friend who was finding much interest last year in The Omen series,which started so well with Gregory Peck,but bombed RiseOfSkywalker-style with Tyrone/NewZealand actor Sam Neill playing a lacklustre adult antichrist who seems more King Herod than deified Ceasar. But,of course,if today's Hollywood looked too much into it,they'd realise how much of a virtual mark-of-the-beast they're already standing for. |
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Post by Maolsheachlann on Jan 8, 2020 11:35:40 GMT
I enjoyed the book. I do remember the euthanasia scene which was very poignant. I was also struck by the character of Felsenburgh, the vague man of whom little is known and who is rarely seen. A distant ethereal figure whose presence bewitches almost everyone. It was not how I thought an anti-Christ figure would be portrayed, but I think it was more effective and convincing that way, as opposed to a raving Hitler type character. Seduction by charm and promises rather than threat. I recall giving a thought about the novel somewhere here before,but one point of interest is Benson's reverential view of Catholicism itself- while the majority of people may fall away and an apostate priest leads an establishment paganism,the official magisterium and Vatican itself,as well as the leaders of the major religious orders stay flawlessly Catholic in the midst of material dispossession. Christian monarchs living as refugees in Rome stay faithful also;no 'royals for zero population or carbon-emitting cattle'. Can one imagine a post-1960s work leaving the hierarchy so unscathed? Pope Francis could fire the imagination in a completely different direction also. Perhaps he would be happy in a tent in the Holy Land with only the Blessed Sacrament but the Vatican would hardly be bombed under his conciliatory papacy. The people of Ireland are mentioned as being impossible to secularise except by dispersion,siege-of-Jerusalem style. Compare to today's reality of a legal abortion taking place in Rotunda Hospital daily. And there IS definately much in the novel that was visionary also,but one thing I'd question is why an antichrist would need to appear at all when things were already leaning the relevant direction anyway,or why a neo-pagan religion was even necessary?,perhaps the irreligious vacuum does need filling. I had a friend who was finding much interest last year in The Omen series,which started so well with Gregory Peck,but bombed RiseOfSkywalker-style with Tyrone/NewZealand actor Sam Neill playing a lacklustre adult antichrist who seems more King Herod than deified Ceasar. But,of course,if today's Hollywood looked too much into it,they'd realise how much of a virtual mark-of-the-beast they're already standing for. I'm not sure I agree with you about Omen III. I thought the Anti-Christ in that film was a very original portrayal of the concept; a suave, philosophical, Bible-quoting intellectual. The end is very poor, though. |
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Post by Tomas on Jan 9, 2020 15:01:14 GMT
As a new year resolution I have decided to read more old books. Books that are venerable and that have stood the test of time . I am also economising on book buying , one of my better vices , and plan to read books I have previously bought but never actually gotten around to read. The first book I finished in 2020 is Mgr.Bensons The Lord of the World. This dystopian book has been recommended by the two last popes. (The pair discussing it might make a sequel to the recent movie) It is a powerful book about the collapse of Christianity and the return of Christ at the end of time. I have read it before but I didn't recall much of it to be honest. Benson wrote this in 1907 and is an interesting prophet predicting a strange form of air travel, euthanasia, a powerful bomb that can destroy whole cities, an ecumenical council which drives many out of the Church etc. Communications are basic - the main way of communicating internationally is still by Morse code in the 1990s. I was moved by a scene were one character availed of euthanasia. I have never read a scene like it anywhere else. Similarly there is the scene at the very end when ...... well that would be spoiling things! I would be interested in other people's views on this novel. I enjoyed the book. I do remember the euthanasia scene which was very poignant. I was also struck by the character of Felsenburgh, the vague man of whom little is known and who is rarely seen. A distant ethereal figure whose presence bewitches almost everyone. It was not how I thought an anti-Christ figure would be portrayed, but I think it was more effective and convincing that way, as opposed to a raving Hitler type character. Seduction by charm and promises rather than threat. Perhaps more likely than not that such a person would act from behind and disguised in false charm and promises rather than appearing with raw threats. |
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Post by Séamus on Jan 10, 2020 2:58:18 GMT
I recall giving a thought about the novel somewhere here before,but one point of interest is Benson's reverential view of Catholicism itself- while the majority of people may fall away and an apostate priest leads an establishment paganism,the official magisterium and Vatican itself,as well as the leaders of the major religious orders stay flawlessly Catholic in the midst of material dispossession. Christian monarchs living as refugees in Rome stay faithful also;no 'royals for zero population or carbon-emitting cattle'. Can one imagine a post-1960s work leaving the hierarchy so unscathed? Pope Francis could fire the imagination in a completely different direction also. Perhaps he would be happy in a tent in the Holy Land with only the Blessed Sacrament but the Vatican would hardly be bombed under his conciliatory papacy. The people of Ireland are mentioned as being impossible to secularise except by dispersion,siege-of-Jerusalem style. Compare to today's reality of a legal abortion taking place in Rotunda Hospital daily. And there IS definately much in the novel that was visionary also,but one thing I'd question is why an antichrist would need to appear at all when things were already leaning the relevant direction anyway,or why a neo-pagan religion was even necessary?,perhaps the irreligious vacuum does need filling. I had a friend who was finding much interest last year in The Omen series,which started so well with Gregory Peck,but bombed RiseOfSkywalker-style with Tyrone/NewZealand actor Sam Neill playing a lacklustre adult antichrist who seems more King Herod than deified Ceasar. But,of course,if today's Hollywood looked too much into it,they'd realise how much of a virtual mark-of-the-beast they're already standing for. I'm not sure I agree with you about Omen III. I thought the Anti-Christ in that film was a very original portrayal of the concept; a suave, philosophical, Bible-quoting intellectual. The end is very poor, though. I was referring less to Neill's acting than to the storyline, with an antichrist who's less interested in corrupting the Earth's people than preventing a second presence of Christ in the world, which isn't the traditional concept. His earthly position in the film concerns mostly Britain and the US, which during the Cold War Regan/Thatcher era may have made more sense than in 2020 when globalism would see him in a vastly more powerful position. |
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Post by Séamus on Jan 10, 2020 5:23:55 GMT
I'm not sure I agree with you about Omen III. I thought the Anti-Christ in that film was a very original portrayal of the concept; a suave, philosophical, Bible-quoting intellectual. The end is very poor, though. I was referring less to Neill's acting than to the storyline, with an antichrist who's less interested in corrupting the Earth's people than preventing a second presence of Christ in the world, which isn't the traditional concept. His earthly position in the film concerns mostly Britain and the US, which during the Cold War Regan/Thatcher era may have made more sense than in 2020 when globalism would see him in a vastly more powerful position. One thing that stays intact in Lord Of The World is Catholic singing- to the very last seconds of the end of time Tantum Ergo is sung in full. Perhaps that reflects reality- benediction is largely intact today compared to liturgical music,although I'm sure,somewhere in the world there's benediction going on to guitar strumming and 'God loves the moon,and loves racoons...' I didn't mention that my impeccably Christian friend also took a liking to the original 'hail antichrist' Omen soundtrack....he finds it soothing to fall asleep to. As a addendum to this:the 85th birthday of Elvis Presley,like most celebrations of the singer,passes over the hymn-singing that the superstar did. A footnote to his winning a 1975 Grammy for How Great Thou Art is that a defeated 'nominee' was Sr Janet Mead's rock&waa-waa version of the Lord's Prayer. Unusually,the South Australian member of MacAuley's congregation persevered quietly in her vocation despite being the country's first recording to reach a million American sales (& #4 on Billboard) (smoke that in your pipe Kylie !) (The same Grammy ceremony awarded Best Instrumental to the tubular bell number of Exorsist film- strange times!) |
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Post by Tomas on Jan 22, 2020 17:08:02 GMT
True happiness! Received by post yesterday, 1st edition of a biography on St. John Berchmans by renowned hagiographer Hippolyte Delehaye S.J. translated to English and published by Benziger Brothers very nearly a hundred years ago. (Saint in question first presented to me by courtesy of Mr. Maolsheachlann O Cellaigh in his bok Inspiration from the Saints!)
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Post by Maolsheachlann on Jan 22, 2020 17:26:55 GMT
True happiness! Received by post yesterday, 1st edition of a biography on St. John Berchmans by renowned hagiographer Hippolyte Delehaye S.J. translated to English and published by Benziger Brothers very nearly a hundred years ago. (Saint in question first presented to me by courtesy of Mr. Maolsheachlann O Cellaigh in his bok Inspiration from the Saints!) I'm honoured to have played a role in introducing you to a saint! And it's nice when someone uses the word "hagiographer" in the correct context! |
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Post by Tomas on Jan 22, 2020 18:14:27 GMT
True happiness! Received by post yesterday, 1st edition of a biography on St. John Berchmans by renowned hagiographer Hippolyte Delehaye S.J. translated to English and published by Benziger Brothers very nearly a hundred years ago. (Saint in question first presented to me by courtesy of Mr. Maolsheachlann O Cellaigh in his bok Inspiration from the Saints!) I'm honoured to have played a role in introducing you to a saint! And it's nice when someone uses the word "hagiographer" in the correct context! In the same package came also no less trove than another 1st edition by the legendary Fr. McNabb, the Irish dominican priest held in highest esteem by G.K. Chesterton and many more! Things like this can be found, not seldom at budget price, at St. Philip´s book shop in Oxford, or to be precise in my case from its voluminous website. |
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Post by Tomas on Apr 14, 2020 15:06:01 GMT
As this antiquarian book shop continues to have so many fine items on offer I´d like to share the link to its website here: www.stphilipsbooks.co.uk/ Among the many "news" (old news in a wholly unambiguous good sense) in the new spring catalogue is for instance St. Bede´s commentary on the seven catholic epistles, one in a long line of Cistercian Studies series from the 1980s. At a reasonable £24 that particular finding was not for my own purse yet would still have been worth it. Maybe there are various bargains around the £10 price range to find instead? Another Irish-connected title was a real rarity from C.S. Lewis, signed by the author etc. But that appear to have been the most exclusive and expensive book in the entire catalogue! |
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Post by cato on Apr 15, 2020 15:06:49 GMT
As this antiquarian book shop continues to have so many fine items on offer I´d like to share the link to its website here: www.stphilipsbooks.co.uk/ Among the many "news" (old news in a wholly unambiguous good sense) in the new spring catalogue is for instance St. Bede´s commentary on the seven catholic epistles, one in a long line of Cistercian Studies series from the 1980s. At a reasonable £24 that particular finding was not for my own purse yet would still have been worth it. Maybe there are various bargains around the £10 price range to find instead? Another Irish-connected title was a real rarity from C.S. Lewis, signed by the author etc. But that appear to have been the most exclusive and expensive book in the entire catalogue! That shop looks like a goldmine for bibliophiles. I picked up an out of print book I had been looking for some time at a reasonable price today. I deliberately limited myself to one book as I can get carried away buying books. The book was the former property of a deceased Anglican bishop too! The book was on Purgatory. I 'll remember him in my prayers. |
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Post by Tomas on Apr 15, 2020 15:12:49 GMT
As this antiquarian book shop continues to have so many fine items on offer I´d like to share the link to its website here: www.stphilipsbooks.co.uk/ Among the many "news" (old news in a wholly unambiguous good sense) in the new spring catalogue is for instance St. Bede´s commentary on the seven catholic epistles, one in a long line of Cistercian Studies series from the 1980s. At a reasonable £24 that particular finding was not for my own purse yet would still have been worth it. Maybe there are various bargains around the £10 price range to find instead? Another Irish-connected title was a real rarity from C.S. Lewis, signed by the author etc. But that appear to have been the most exclusive and expensive book in the entire catalogue! That shop looks like a goldmine for bibliophiles. I picked up an out of print book I had been looking for some time at a reasonable price today. I deliberately limited myself to one book as I can get carried away buying books. The book was the former property of a deceased Anglican bishop too! The book was on Purgatory. I 'll remember him in my prayers. I´m still buying more than being able to read straight on, building up a little library for eventual days of freedom in the future (probably utopian! freedom from wage slavery in favour of better time to read). |
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Post by Tomas on Aug 9, 2023 11:18:49 GMT
Enjoying The Wind in the Willows this summer! Wanting the book to last long, taking it in chapter by chapter with some few days or weeks in between. It´s such a lovely thing. The Badger episode and the Dulce Domum following, in the middle of the book, are among the very best in a very delightful story.
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