Julius Bailey

So, I'd just like to expound on the awesomeness that is this book. The writing style is what first struck me about it; it's lyrical to the point of being archaic (the first chapter kept giving me Beowulf flashbacks) which is not something often attempted, much less attempted with any success. Somehow, however, in this book it just works. Where the style could have seemed high-handed, it results instead in a deep sense of respect and tenderness; and the epic unfolds vividly through the eyes of characters who are very real and very human.
Brandegan in particular comes to mind here; unlike other fantasy mentor characters who seem to exist merely to scold everyone else's stupidity, Brandegan doesn't lord his superior experience and abilities over his fellow-travelers, something I really appreciated. He's not a perfect hero, either--we're given glimpses into his struggles and motivations. He's not always right. And because we're allowed to see his weaknesses, the times when his nobility shines forth in its full glory are so much more satisfying.
Despite its depth (or perhaps because of it?) Strife of the Mighty is also an extremely fun read, with epic fights between men and monsters (there are some really cool monsters), a vivid landscape of myth and magic, and heroism on every level from escaping the prisons of petty tyrants to defending entire kingdoms.
Ultimately, it's an adventure story, inspiring and enjoyable, that deserves to be read and re-read and read aloud. (I have plans of reading it to my neice and nephew once they're old enough for such amazingness)
Really loved this book, and would strongly recommend it to anyone :)… (altro)

Bailey’s book does what many would believe to be an impossible task: discuss hip-hop from a philosophical perspective. People often equate hip-hop with hypermasculine, materialistic rap music, and fail to see any intellectual content. However, Bailey uses this book to effectively show the reader that this is not the case. In his first Rumination, he discusses the origins and development of hip-hop as a culture, providing a great deal of interesting and informative background information, of which those who are not submerged in the world of hip-hop are likely unaware. Throughout his book, Bailey brings up trends in hip-hop music that many critical listeners find hard to stomach, and explains their philosophical purpose, drawing on the theories of many different philosophers in the process. For example, in Rumination 2 he discusses the tradition of battle rap and the constant “I’m-the-best-there-is” theme found in many songs, but does so from Nietzschian and Hegelian perspectives. This book does a great job of shedding light on various elements of hip-hop and demonstrating to the reader how it is much more than just a thoughtless, commercial enterprise, as it may sometimes appear to those whose only experience with hip-hop is whatever makes it onto the top 40 charts. The content in this book is thought provoking and intriguing, offering a unique perspective on hip-hop that we don’t often come across anywhere else. At times, the material can be fairly difficult to comprehend, especially for those unfamiliar with postmodern philosophy and philosophers. However, Bailey does include a substantial notes section at the back of the book in which he elaborates on some concepts or provides sources for further reading. This book would be a great companion to philosophy courses that want to explore modern applications of ideas. It can be a great tool in the classroom, where many students may fail to see relevance in the curriculum. By using hip-hop as a framework for intellectual and philosophical discussion, this book allows for meaningful conversation between professors, students, and anyone curious to find deeper meaning in the lyrics of hip-hop artists.… (altro)

Within a set of Ruminations, Julius Bailey informs readers of the many elements of Hip Hop, making it clear that Hip Hop is more than just a genre of music, it is a culture. Bailey ties the many aspects of Hip Hop in with various philosophical concepts allowing readers to understand that there is much more to this culture than what meets the eye. Within the book, many examples from within this culture are provided as a way to help readers understand philosophical concepts and theories, while also sharing the deep conversations and representations that often take place within the various elements of Hip Hop. Bailey’s arguments allowed me to see Hip Hop in a new form, understanding it at an entirely new level and being aware of the struggles and angst which Hip Hop was built off of and how it has evolved over time. The book also allowed me to gain a new perspective on philosophical ideals from those of Neitszche, Hegel, Sartre, Plato and more, and apply those ideals to various discussions. Ultimately, I would recommend this book to anyone with an appreciation for Hip Hop as a culture or anyone interested in, or looking to learn more about, philosophical ideas. I would also recommend this book to teachers or professors in the philosophical field as an interesting read that may also be beneficial to students’ understanding of this topic. However, I would take caution to the fact that some of the vocabulary used may be difficult for those not fully educated in philosophical concepts and ideas. With that being said, the style in which this book was written promotes much critical thought and further research, allowing for it to be used as an educational apparatus.… (altro)