The History Book Club discussion

Everyone welcome. We will be reading The Histories by Herodotus starting September 4th for almost four months.

We are a small group of dedicated history buffs who came together to read MY EARLY LIFE by Winston Churchill which has been an enjoyable experience. We are on the home stretch now.

We decided to put together a list of books we thought we would like to read; we voted and selected our next four (4) selections and we are beginning to read our top vote getter on September 4th.

Here is a spot to drop in and to say hello; it is also a place to let us know you are interested in participating in reading "the first existing history book in Western Civilization": The Histories by Herodotus.

Please feel free to tell us a little something about yourself; even if it is simply that you will be joining us. If you have been lurking, please let us know that you are out there; we would love to hear from you too.

I will start off:

I am Bentley, group founder and creator of the group, live in the Metro New York City area, originally from New England, have a Boston accent (yes it is true); love Maine and visit it often, love England and visit that often too (many friends and relatives there), have a wonderful dog and family (you noticed who I named first - although I adore my family); my beloved GSP, love skiing (waterski and Alpine; not so much a Nordic person - like more excitement), love hiking, walking events, reading and travel. Oldesq and I kept things going on My Early Life and I guess we will be championing the next selection here on goodreads if all goes as planned. Glad to see old friends again and look forward to successfully completing this next great book and what is called the "first book of history".

All best,

Bentley

I will migrate the intros that were made previously to this site. If you have not introduced yourself in this small group, please do. We would love to get to know you better.

For those of you who have already joined; we have a new member who will has joined us (BCKnowlton). I hope he will jump in and introduce himself further.

However, I am thrilled to tell our small group that he is a professor of History, and is teaching a course currently on Herodotus. He also leads a History Book Group at his local public library where he is a trustee. And the news could not possibly get any better, right? But it does.

BCKnowlton also is a Churchill fan and has taught a course on Churchill's Histories of the World Wars last fall, and this fall he is advising a senior thesis on Churchill.

I am thrilled that he has joined us and I hope he will jump into the discussion soon and introduce himself to all of you.

BC: How did your interest in Churchill begin? I am always asked that question myself and I was wondering what your answer might be; Herodotus is quite an undertaking for us here and your background and familiarity with the subject matter will be of great interest to all of us.

Welcome,

Bentley

Welcome BC! Bentley, it looks as though we've hit paydirt!

You are making me smile Vanessa.

POSTED 08/06/08:

OLDESQ POSTED:

Hello all,

I live in New Jersey and work as an attorney in NYC. I have the most patient spouse in the world and two adult sons - one still in college.

I am interested in the Histories because it is said to be the first true history book- that is, that it was written to document events and people of the time. What I also think we may find interesting to discuss is what is history, what are sources that can be used to document historical events.

Looking forward to a good discussion.

Oldesq

POSTED 08/09/08:

TIMBUKTU POSTED (Vanessa):

I'm a mom and grandmother who's children keep growing and have put me out of a job! One more year and my youngest will be in college. My oldest is 33 and living in Madrid, Spain with her husband and 2 girls. My son and daughter-in-law are both psychiatrists and live a few miles away, in Chicago, with their 3 year old daughter.

I have a BA in psychology and a masters in education. I'm currently enrolled in the Basic Program of Liberal Education at the University of Chicago. Through this program I have been introduced to the Greeks, not much on the Romans yet. There's a real emphasis on Plato although we've read Aristotle as well. This next session we'll be reading Aristotle's Physics, and Lucretius, among others.

Last year we read selections from Herodotus. Not only was he the first historian, he was an anthropologist, geographer, journalist, and brilliant writer. The world he described was so new to me, it was difficult. I kept trying to place the peoples and geography and found it very frustrating... sort of like the Balkans! So I purchased the new annotated version but I've barely had time to look at it. I took a course in Indo-European languages and sure enough, there they all were, the Carians, the Luvians, the Scythians, all the peoples and places from Herodotus. This same teacher promised to offer a class on "When East meets West". This is the most fascinating thing for me, the connections, the contacts and influences. Lo and behold, one of the texts for the course is... Herodotus! So I'm counting on all of you to help get me through.

POSTED 07/12/08:

BOOKMAGIC POSTED (Debbook):

Hi, my name is Deb and I hail from Rochester NY, the disputed birthplace of Winston Churchill's mother Jennie Jerome. I live with my 2 black labs and I am a case worker with a non-profit orgainization that works w/ people with HIV/AIDS. Most of my freetime is spent reading. When I'm not reading books, I am buying books I heard good things about My Early Life and was intrigued by the connection to my hometown. I am only about 70 pages in, but I am really enjoying it. I had no idea that WSC was such a good writer. I have been enjoying reading the posts on this board and I appreciate all the hard work that must go into being moderators for these threads. Many thanks!

This is a spot to drop in and to say hello; it is also a place to let us know you are interested in participating in reading "the first history book in Western Civilization": The Histories by Herodotus or that you may want to join us for other upcoming selections.

Please feel free to tell us a little something about yourself. I tried to bring over the intros from the other site that we had posted for those posters who are here; we haven't heard from BC or DebbieM yet; Debbie M may still be somewhere on a sailboat in British Columbia.

I probably let the cat out of the bag when I introduced BC; but I was so excited about the possiblilty of having someone who actually had taught Herodotus before that you will have to forgive me for my excitement.

As folks join, it would be nice to say anything you feel comfortable saying about yourself; we are a small group and being small it is nice to know who else is out there.

I know that Oldesq and I are delighted to be able to have a discussion on Herodotus here.

Bentley

I teach History at Stonehill College, and have a background in English and Classics as well (I am teaching Latin this year at Stonehill as well as History). The Herodotus course I am teaching is an Introduction-to-History sort of course for college freshmen. What better text to teach than the first History in our tradition?

As Bentley mentioned, I lead a History Book Group at my local public library. My primary interest as a history teacher is in helping to form readers of history. I would like for my students, in years to come, to be readers of history as you are.

Bentley has asked about my interest in Churchill. The background in English that I brought to my study of history has made me particularly interested in history that is well written. Macaulay and Gibbon are two more of favorite historians.

Hello BC,

Welcome. It sounds like you have quite an interesting assignment at Stonehill. Having attended a Latin High School heavily steeped in the Classics (I had four years of Latin, plus two other languages prior to even graduating HS). I find my Latin education still useful today.

For my first degree, I did not study any additional Latin or Greek, but did continue my other language study. A lot of people say why study Latin; it is a dead language; of course, those folks who actually do study Latin know the reasons why you should.

I love what you stated was your primary interest as a history teacher; that is a great objective. I believe that Macaulay and Gibbon are also on our recommended reading list which we have put together with input from our contributors (books they have recommended and would like to read).

This is a great site for you; you can see what adults are challenged with as they read Herodotus for the first time and what their questions might be.

I agree with you about Churchill; he was such a prolific writer and brilliant speech writer and statesman.

I think that all of us certainly will benefit from your input and we are glad to have you.

Bentley

BC, you are in the right place! And we are so lucky to have you here.

Thanks for the friendly welcome; I look forward to participating in the discussion of The Histories

BCK

I was born in a Boston hospital and raised on the Southeast MA seacoast 20 miles west of Cape Cod. My family 'tree' comes from Maine, and I can never get enough of the scenery up there, especially the coast. I work as an Executive Assistant/Jill-Of-All-Trades for a non-profit in Manhattan, and had this job and been in residence in southern Westchester County for 21 years, after various years in Boston, central Maine, and western South Carolina.
I have junior year college credits from 3 colleges I worked at, via the employee benefit of free tuition. I majored in English, and was starting a minor in history. I am a frustrated amateur meteorologist (consider the cable Weather Channel the greatest channel invention ever, with the History Channels a close second), and always wanted to have that my primary major, but was and still am greatly higher-math-challenged, which is fatal for this math/physics/chemistry-loaded major.
I've always been a bookworm, and libraries are a passion of mine; I can get lost in them forever. My history interest has developed slowly over the years, once I got out of the school 'push' of just memorizing dates. Living through a lot of history and hearing about relatives' lives, i.e. during the Depression and/or WW2, has over the years sparked research to learn more about a topic/area of interest. So the History Club was and is perfect for me, especially in the varied areas we are exploring. My job (at a Jewish non-profit) also has drawn me into research in that area, too; i.e. the Holocaust via meeting and working with offspring of survivors, and several survivors.

I have to admit that my current re-interest in ancient history was sparked by the movie Troy. I quickly discovered that this movie has a lot of inaccuracies, and researching the true story has led me to explore further. Reading Histories brings this to the real starting point.

Thank you for joining us Virginia; I have to say "ditto" to the comments from Oldesq; a very interesting bio.

I hope you enjoy yourself here; we will very much enjoy your being with us. I also have to agree with you about the Maine coast.

Bentley

Welcome Virginia. Seems we have a lot of Boston/New Yorkers here. I know what you mean about getting more interested in history as time goes on. The older I get the more I'm considered a "primary source" by my kids!

Folks,

FYI: Jared has joined the group from Ithaca, New York.

Bentley

Welcome Jared! Glad to have you.

Just as an FYI: Stuart Finlay has joined the group. Stuart posted before on the previous site.

Bentley

Welcome Stuart. So glad to have you.

Jared, do you have anything to do with Cornell?

We have a new member named Rachel. Rachel when you get a chance please introduce yourself to our small group. Thx and welcome.

Bentley

We have another new member named Jenn. Jenn when you get a chance please introduce yourself to the group. Thx and welcome.

Welcome Jenn and Rachel. Can't wait to hear your ideas!

Hi Bentley,

Thank you for allowing me to join the group.

Hello everyone,

I am a South Carolina native currently (for the last 20 years) living "abroad" in New England. I am a Graphic Designer by degree and a User Interface Designer by trade. Some like to think that UI design is a fancy word for web site designer...I assure you, it is something much larger.

My interest in history had been practically non-existent during my secondary school years, primarily due to instructors teaching from the book with no real discussion, writing notes on a board, and feeling absolutely no passion for what they taught. It was singularly frustrating never getting past the American Revolution or the American Civil War.

It wasn't until college that I met my soul mate who was an avid student of history. When he spoke, it was like you were there. From Hopplites to George Washington's expense accounts, he gave life and depth to people who had only been pictured on amphora or just a portrait hanging in a museum. He was also a ACW re-enactor, but we found we had joint passions, horses and XVe century Western Europe - Burgundy to be specific.

For the past 10 years we've volunteered as historical interpreters and have been entertaining and educating the museum. Through interactive presentations and replica objects, we discuss with the public medieval military and material culture while combating various Hollywood and other misconceptions about the Middle Ages and try to expand the world view beyond the Anglo-centric. "Yes, Virgina, there was a medieval Europe and the Renaissance began much sooner than 16th century England."

I'm currently researching Medieval horses, horsemanship, and equipment. This has lead me down the path of learning a smattering of other languages in order to read and understand saddlers' guild ordinances or treatise on horsemanship such as King Eduarte I of Portugal's "Bem Cavalgar" as well as other activities such as historic western martial arts, hunting, and medicine (veterinary). I like to look at what else was happening in a time period that I'm reading about to give a broader picture and to try to understand how and why things happened the way they did.

I found this group and was interested in it in large part because it was non-fiction history. I've found an online translation of HERODOTUS and will try to follow along.

Looking forward to participating. Sorry if I rambled.

Jenn

No rambling at all! So interesting! How wonderful to find your soul-mate and to share so much. We're glad to have you and look forward to learning about all you've done.

Hello Jenn,

Welcome..now New England isn't so bad; that is where I started out. But I love how you put it; a South Carolinian living abroad (smile).

Very interesting. We are happy to have you here and there are many on line translations of Herodotus and it is one of those books that you can find readily in most libraries too.

Bentley

Thanks all.

New England is fine and we're entering my favorite time of the year. The sugar maples in my area are just starting to really get that little lick of pink and yellow or vibrant green.

I married a Massachusetts fella. So we're one of the original "odd couples"; 13th gen Yankee, 12th gen Old South or maybe it's 15th and 13th now.

On Herodotus, my disposable income has largely been spent on acquisition of legal copies of primary documents for my saddle research, so for some things...I must rely on the internet and public domain. (grin)

Response to Jenn:

Well then H is right up your alley because these books are in the library and The Histories is on the internet.

Glad to have you here.

Bentley

Folks, we have a new member named Rob. Rob when you get a chance please introduce yourself to the group.

Thanks and Welcome.

Bentley

Hello everyone.
Thanks for letting me join the group. I'm a native Utahn. I love anything outdoors- hiking, skiing, canyoneering, camping, biking... My big accomplishment of the summer was my 1st Olympic length Triathlon.

Professionally, I work as a nurse in Preventive Cardiology, mostly teaching people how to exercise, eat right, and find motivation to change unhealthy lifestyles. I've worked hard to make sure all our education material is at a 5th grade reading level. Making healthcare understandable to the lay person has been such a focus, you may find that I write in simple, short sentences. :) Our hospital treats a lot of uninsured or underinsured people and I'm also involved in helping these patients find resources or medication assistance programs. Navigating through our healthcare system can be a bear. I also do a lot of community outreach, classes, etc.

My interest in history came during my college career. I always loved science and didn't take the required history courses until I was well into my nursing program. I had an amazing professor who opened my eyes to a whole world I never knew existed. This professor helped me learn to think in a completely different way than I was used to with my science courses. I loved leaving the tedium of science to explore history- such a breath of fresh air at that time in my life. I, of course, took more history courses but am still a beginner. I'm excited to enter the discussion with so many enthusiasts and mentors.

I must admit, I'm a little jealous of all the New Englanders. My sister lived outside of Boston for several years and I took every chance I could to visit her. It's such a beautiful place. I never did get out to see New England in the fall (sigh.)

Anyhow, I'm excited to join the group,

Rachel

You are welcome Rachel. Glad you are here. I used to go to Provo a lot for business and many of our conferences were held at Sundance (Robert Redford's place); I remember Sundance in snow and then I remember it even more in the summer when they had these wonderful outside plays sitting under the most breathtaking views of the stars that I have honestly ever seen.

Congrats on the triathlon (a big accomplishment) and if we have any questions on our hearts or cardiology; you have to be our go to person. It sounds to me like you have a very rewarding career.

Nobody is an expert here; we are all lifelong learners so you and everybody else will fit right in. BC comes the closest to being the expert on Herodotus; and we are glad to have him with us.

New England in the fall is beautiful; but I think Utah is a pretty place too.

Bentley

Folks, please welcome Sarah to our group. Sarah, when you get an opportunity please introduce yourself to the group.

Bentley

Hi everyone -

I was born and raised in Wisconsin and now I live in the closest thing we have to a metropolis, Milwaukee. I travel a lot for work and I have been told that I have a midwestern accent (hopefully not as bad as Fargo.)

I finance commercial real estate for a living. Sounds boring but my group is in charge of "out of market" financing so I travel out out of state frequently (Dallas tomorrow) and get to meet many unique developer types, so it is actually quite interesting.

I read constantly. I love history and am glad to find a group that shares this interest. I have yet to find a friend by chance who is reading Heroduotus in their spare time. I love biographies and a variety of fiction. I can't wait to read your reviews.

Thanks for inviting me, I'm glad I've found this group.

Welcome Rachel! At this moment I am watching the Biggest Loser so I'm seeing your work in action. It sounds as though you're a very well rounded person and it's nice to have people from different parts of the country to talk to. Looking forward to hearing your take on Herodotus.

Finally! Someone from my neck of the woods. I'm in Chicago. Hope you didn't get too much flooding! Glad you've joined us. Isn't it interesting that so many people on this site are travelers? Just like Herodotus!

Welcome Sarah..now tomorrow don't forget to carry your Herodotus with you on your trip like Ryszard Kapuscinski did. We are glad you found us too.

Safe trip and happy reading Herodotus on the plane.

Milwaukee is a nice place and your job sounds very interesting.

Bentley

Debbie, you made me laugh. My body may be in Chicago but my head and heart are in Greece. I've seen Mama Mia about 5 times, in large part because it takes place in Greece. I took my friend to see it and she said that she was going to e-mail her daughter the minute she got home, to plan a trip to Greece! I sent my husband to see it and he came home saying "I want to go to Greece". We were there in l972 and, on the day we had to leave I remember asking my husband, "Tell me again, why are we leaving?" It's heaven. And now I have to get to Turkey too. We're thinking about next summer, although I have no idea how we'll afford it, our daughter is starting college in the fall. But life is short and fate is fickle and I just HAVE to find a way!!!

Response to #30:

Hi, Jenn,

I find the "South Carolinian...living abroad in New England" very ironic. I was born in New England, Massachusetts to be exact, and along my life odyssey, I lived in western South Carolina for 6 years. I've been told there is still some southern mixed into my New England Bostonian accent!

Welcome.

Thanks for the push! My husband just turned 60 and has said almost the same words you have about doing it NOW! BTW, I have a list too but I think I'm going to title it "gonna make it happen", I like that a lot because as you say, life can get in the way.

Hi Virginia,

Thanks!

The Greenville/Spartenberg area is my old stomping grounds. Though I lived in Charleston as well.

I've fought mixing New England and Southern accents, though I must admit that some of the local "slang" has peppered my vocabulary; wicked.

A short visit "home" and I find I fall back into the old patterns. I still pronounce my R's. ;) and I can still pick out a fake accent a mile away. People have a hard time placing my accent and typically think I'm from the Midwest...I guess it comes from being an Air Force brat.

Hello Debbie,

Welcome of course. Now here I was thinking that you had packed up the sail boat after the summer vacation and were hard at work back on land. Little did I know you lived on the sail boat. How jealous are all of us. Very!!!! And you get to go skiiing in Sun Valley, Idaho and in your spare time you now ride a Harley.

All of us are of course envious because you are doing what a lot of us wish we had the gumption to do.

We are so excited to have you too. Persian Fires sounds like a great read.

Yes, please catch up with the reading; but as you are reading just post any question or comment you might have; you do not have to wait until you catch up to post. Post as you read; you have plenty of time to catch up...we are going at a leisurely pace in order to not only enjoy the book but the discussion and interactions too.

We are interested to hear and read your comments and are so excited to hear from you.

Bentley

Folks, there will be a new member joining us (Loretta); please welcome her and Loretta could you introduce yourself here whenever you get a chance.

Bentley

Welcome Loretta, so glad to have you join us. Can't wait to hear your take on Herodotus.

Folks, please welcome Jon from Texas who will be joining us. Jon when you get an opportunity could you introduce yourself here.

Bentley

Hello to all! I'm Jon and I'm from Texas; the DFW metroplex in particular. I'm an avid reader with main interests in history, current affairs, biography, and law. Currently, I'm completing degrees in Economics [B.S.:] and Pre-Law [B.A.:] (Graduating Dec. 08).
I found this group while I was browsing this site a few days ago and became interested. I think the study of Herodotus will be fascinating and provide a neat learning experience.
I'm appreciative of the opportunity afforded to me to join this group by Bentley and Oldesq and I look forward to completing this study and learning with you all.
Jon

Jon, welcome..we look forward to learning with you too and are very happy that you are joining us. We look forward to your comments and perspectives on Herodotus and our other featured books.

Bentley

Please welcome Tim who is a new member. Tim, when you get a chance, could you introduce yourself, maybe tell the group about your interests, your interest in history and whether you are in school or a profession and/or anything else that you feel comfortable in sharing. Again welcome.

Bentley

Welcome Tim. Glad you found us and hope you'll share your ideas as much as possible, we need all the help we can get!

Everyone's insight is welcomed Tim; we are glad to have you. Just jump in as you are ready. You can still post to the beginning thread whenever you are ready and then catch up. We will respond to you.

Sounds like you have a lot to contribute. Great.

Bentley

Welcome Tim and Jon.
Jon, looks like you have a real busy senior year with senior econ major plus the pre-law. Good luck to you.
Tim, you are indeed in America's hometown. Do you like it there?