Introduction This is the second of two essays on Daniel Boorstin’s The Image: A Guide to Pseudo-Events in America, first published over a half-century ago, in 1962. The first piece, published last month, explained the pseudo-event concept and pointed to its ongoing relevance in a world where Boorstin’s observations have proved prescient. This second article... Continue Reading →
The Reality of Pseudo-Events
Introduction Daniel J. Boorstin, American historian and twelfth Librarian of the Congress of the United States, authored a book in 1961 entitled The Image: Or, What Happened to the American Dream. I read the book in 1992 when the 25th year anniversary edition came out, with the addition of an Afterword by George F. Will,... Continue Reading →
Thanks to Goodreads Community
I would like to thank the Goodreads Community and the four hundred and sixty or so members who participated in my book giveaway program that ended last Saturday. I have sent out signed copies of "Abdication: God Steps Down for Good" to the ten winners. One of these copies went to Perth, Australia, another to... Continue Reading →
Preface to Abdication: God Steps Down for Good
A week ago in this blog the publication of Abdication: God Steps Down for Good was announced, accompanied by the book description that appears on its cover. I am today posting the Preface to the book. It provides a fuller summary of the book, its spirit, and some thoughts on the experience of writing it. I should note that the... Continue Reading →
Abdication: God Steps Down for Good – Provocative New Book
As readers know, I have left this Blog fallow for quite some time while I worked on a book. I am happy to say that the book is completed. It has just been published bf Friesen Press of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The book is entitled: Abdication God Steps Down for Good The book is available... Continue Reading →
Torture Redux
Cullen Murphy's article, Torturer's Apprentice, (The Atlantic, January/February 2012, pp. 72-77) is an exquisitely researched mind popper, and a must read. It turns out that official records of the Inquisition's chief torturers in the 14th century are sufficiently detailed and abundant as to allow a comparison of types and theories of torture between inquisitors then... Continue Reading →