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Sto caricando le informazioni... Are We Rome?: The Fall of an Empire and the Fate of Americadi Cullen Murphy
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Iscriviti per consentire a LibraryThing di scoprire se ti piacerà questo libro. Attualmente non vi sono conversazioni su questo libro. This book isn't terribly accurate in any important way - as history or prophecy. I'm glad I got it on sale. ( ) A readable, entertaining look at the parallels between ancient Rome and the U.S., Are We Rome? showcases Murphy's extensive knowledge of his subject. His allusions and quotations are far-reaching and reveal a lifetime spent reading about his subject. He is very good on the idea that both the Romans and those in the beltway think of themselves as anointed; he is also very good on the fixers who secure political favors for a fee. He is less engaging when he discusses the borders of the empire and the U.S., which is more of an argument for completely open borders using Rome as a launching-off point. (It's not even a bad argument--what's irksome is that he channel-surfs into another mode.) But it's his book and he can argue what he pleases. Some reviewers complain that the book sets up six key comparisons between the U.S. and Rome and then backs out at the end, when Murphy answers the question of his title with a ten-page "Sort of." But these complaints seem off-base. I didn't read this to really learn the answer to the question; I read it to learn more about ancient Rome, and I did. America's top parlor game, is America mimicking the Roman Empire in its rise and fall? And we in the decline? The author makes many good points but you can take heart in his final conclusion. Despite corruption, slavery, military dominance, and inequities of all types, Romans were ultimately fatalistic in their role. Americans, in contrast, despite similar inequities, corruption, and isolationism, have always looked to the future with hope and expectation. As the author makes clear, there is no room for complacency. Excellent analysis and insight touching on many relevant issues you won't even have considered in contemplating the issue. Looks really promising, is very easy and enjoyable to read and seems excellently researched, is concise rather than wordy - but I just had to give up because I just don't know enough classical history. It would have taken me forever to get through it, researching all the references, and I'm too old for that s***. However, I do highly recommend it for people who come at it already interested in politics and with some background in history. Maybe a one-question-quiz will determine if you qualify: Have you ever heard of some dude named Alaric, or if not do you understand the Wikipedia article when you look him up? In the introductory chapter, Murphy pretty much says the book title is a pointless question that he won't answer but goes on to write a very interesting and insightful compare and contrast about the Roman Empire and Modern America and the history of both that is a thoroughly entertaining read. It was full of facts but not overloaded and has a light enough touch to not feel like a dry history lecture. He clearly knows his subject and finds Rome endlessly fasinating and made me feel that way too. nessuna recensione | aggiungi una recensione
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The rise and fall of ancient Rome has been on American minds from the beginning of our Republic. Depending on who's doing the talking, the history of Rome serves either as a triumphal call to action, or a dire warming of imminent collapse. Esteemed editor and author Murphy ventures past the pundits' rhetoric to draw nuanced lessons about how we might avoid Rome's demise. Working on a canvas that extends far beyond the issue of an overstretched military, Murphy reveals a wide array of similarities between the two empires: the blinding, insular culture of our capitals; the debilitating effect of corruption; the paradoxical issue of borders; and the weakening of the body politic through various forms of "privatization." Most pressingly, he argues that we most resemble Rome in the burgeoning corruption of our government and in our arrogant ignorance of the world outside--two things that are in our power to change.--From publisher description. Non sono state trovate descrizioni di biblioteche |
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Google Books — Sto caricando le informazioni... GeneriSistema Decimale Melvil (DDC)970.01History and Geography North America North America North America -1599Classificazione LCVotoMedia:
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