'Wisdom of the Ancients' by Neil Oliver | Forum

tjj Sep 20, 2020 16:21:04

A new book by Neil Oliver Wisdom of the Ancients - life lessons from our distant past
I briefly heard him speaking in an interview earlier today, he specifically mentioned the insidious 'cancel culture' prevalent today before talking about his new book. The opening sentence in the Introduction is "I wrote this book in search of answers -and if not answers then in the hope I would find reassurance and reasons for optimism". I've bought it (what are credit cards for after all) - the first chapter is called Earth and first pages about Callanish.

For me, when the News gets too much, will be going back in time.

thelonious Sep 21, 2020 10:58:39

Replying to tjj

Sounds good. Let us know if you think it's worth a read. I think I've only read his 'A History of Ancient Britain'.

Talking about going back in time - I'm about half way through this one at the moment - it's very good so far

'KINDRED Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art' by Rebecca Wragg Sykes
https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Rebecca-Wragg-Sykes/Kindred--Neanderthal-Life-Love-Death-and-Art/21741289

tjj Dec 2, 2020 20:54:43

Replying to tjj

I hope no one minds me bumping this up ... I first mentioned this book back in September when I did the rare thing of buying it for myself rather than waiting until about now and dropping 'xmas pressie' hints. I have to say I'm very impressed, its not a book you need to read all at once as it consists of twelve chapters each with three stand-alone essays - looking at the imprints humankind has left behind.

The twelve chapters are: Earth, Family, House, Tenants, Memory, Hunting, Reaching, Heroes, Stories, Echoes, Loss, Sacrifice.

I'm actually only up to Hunting at present as I'm reading other things as well. I do recommend this book - Neil Oliver is unsentimental and immensely knowledgeable.