John S. Major Bücher

With a foreword by Simon Schama, one of the world’s foremost historians, and with 9000 chronological quotations arranged in 90 thematic chapters, this huge treasury is bursting with historical gems. The verbal banquet comes courtesy of such diverse figures as Herodotus, Charlemagne, Dante, Shakespeare, Thomas More, Marie Antoinette, Napoleon, Harriet Tubman, Rasputin, Lenin, Nehru, Al Capone, Churchill, Charles Lindbergh, Mao, Gloria Steinem, Susan Sontag, and hundreds more. These aren’t quick one-liners, but richly detailed and generous excerpts from speeches, documents, literature, and other sources. Every continent and every major civilization receives representation and enlightening commentary, with topics ranging from the toppling of nations to the changes in science. All the quotations have annotations, with details about sources.

This collection seamlessly weaves ancient and contemporary poetry, offering a delightful array of surprises. Instead of familiar excerpts from Dante's Commedia, readers will find selections by poets like Shelley and Nemerov. The editors sought versions that stand alone as poems, commissioning new translations when necessary, as seen in Louis Simpson's revitalization of Hugo's "Expiation." This work reveals lesser-known poets from the English-speaking world, such as Marceline Desbordes-Valmore and Andreas Gryphius, showcasing their brilliance alongside more recognized figures. The anthology emphasizes the ephemeral nature of life and art, with poignant lines reflecting on existence and mortality. Unique anonymous masterpieces, like "The Vigil of Venus" and "The Old Woman of Beare," are presented in elegant English, inviting readers to appreciate their beauty. While readers may debate the selections of their favorite poets, this engagement adds to the enjoyment. The anthology is perfect for those away from their libraries, allowing for immersive exploration of poetry's vast landscape. With its opulent offerings and diverse voices, this collection promises to captivate and inspire.

Cuando lees un clásico no ves nada en el libro que no hayas visto antes: ves cosas en ti mismo que no habías visto antes. El concepto de Un plan de lectura para toda la vida es sencillo y revolucionario: en el mundo en que vivimos tenemos un tiempo finito para leer por lo que es vital que seleccionemos con acierto los libros en que lo invertimos. Un plan de lectura para toda la vida es la mejor selección disponible de todo lo que vale la pena leer. No importa la edad que el lector tenga al empezar a seguir este plan ni el tiempo de que dispongamos para leer. Está pensado para lectores de todas las edades que sientan curiosidad por expandir sus horizontes y avanzar por el sendero de la gran literatura. Fadiman y Major ofrecen datos curiosos y en ocasiones desconocidos sobre cada libro o autor avivando así el interés del lector por acercarse a las obras que comentan. Este libro es a la vez una celebración de la literatura y una invitación a la lectura.