Review: How to Live Like a Monk: Medieval Wisdom for Modern Life

How to Live Like a Monk: Medieval Wisdom for Modern Life by Danièle Cybulskie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting book, both in the way it is conceived and how it is executed. I was drawn to it because of the connection to Benedictine monasticism, which is a major interest of mine, and it is connected. But it connected primarily through the mediaeval form of Benedictine monasticism which has its strengths and weaknesses. But also it is connected to the more modern self-help and minimalism streams of thought, as it tries to reconcile all the influences into a coherent ways of application.

On the whole, the synthesis works. Cybulskie doesn't idealize the world of mediaeval Benedictine monasticism, so we do see the flaws of those time as well as strengths, which has the effect of humanizing the lifestyle suggestions given. And she make interesting connections to today's spiritual conundra.

This is a pleasant read and worth spending some time with.

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Review: The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium

The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium by Anthony Kaldellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I happened upon this book in my library app, so, of course, had to pick it up because it is a comprehensive book on the Byzantines, no, New Romans as Kaldellis would say. Once I got into it, I realized that this is possibly one of the best comprehensive histories of the Byzantine Empire, so I decided on picking up a copy. Maybe only Byzantinists of a certain generation will get this, but Kaldellis' New Roman Empire, I think, finally displaces Ostrogorsky's History of the Byzantine State as the best single comprehensive history of Byzantium. Like Ostrogorsky, Kaldellis has a grand vision, but that vision, that of an empire preserving the populist appeal of the Roman Republic, varies greatly from its older predecessor. Agree or not, Kaldellis' history makes compelling reading.

Of course, the breadth of this kind of a book is breath-taking. Not only does an author taking on this kind of a project have to have over a thousand years of history, with dozens of sources under control, but Kaldellis considers economic, ,social, ecclesiastical and institutional patterns over this long period. His vision is distinctive and tends to look for popular participation in places that other Byzantists ignore. It doesn't always work, but his central point that the people, especially of Constantinople, had an unusual amount of say in imperial politics, I think, is supported by the ways that various emperors had to continue to keep the populace in mind, even as they balanced forces in dynastic and palace politics. Kaldellis tends to postpone the rise of a military aristocracy into the 12th century and beyond, so this extends the period in which social mobility was still possible and could even lead to the throne as it did for Justin I . He makes an interesting case.

Of course, in a work as extensive as all this, there are blind spots. Kaldellis struggles to take seriously the doctrinal disputes in the Church, so tends to be dismissive about the theological implications behind them, while remaining aware of the political meaning. And I do think he downplays the role of a aristocratic class clustering around various centers- the palace, the civil administration and the army. However, his stress on popular participation needs to be taken seriously because it is clear that the people, especially of Constantinople, could exercise decisive influence in the choice of emperor and even on policy.

This is a superb detailed introduction to the world of the New Roman Empire. It is definitely work reading and, I think, re-reading.

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Review: Indigenous Toronto: Stories That Carry This Place

Indigenous Toronto: Stories That Carry This Place by Denise Bolduc
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think I got this book as a freebie at a professional development, when I first started learning about Indigenous Education. It is a collection of essays relating, certainly not surprisingly, with the experience of Indigenous people in Toronto. The essays within are reflections on the past, present and future of these communities in Toronto and are a really helpful way to learn about Toronto in a new way.

The essays are organized into four sections- the first dealing with the early history of the place with a focus on the land and the agreements entered into by the peoples of the land and European settlers. The second looks at the more recent past of the Indigenous community and continues with a third, which looks at the experienced today. The last looks for future transformation and paths. The articles are really diverse, but give a really good sense of the experience of Indigenous peoples in this city. The stories are funny, touching and engaging. And they give a new dimension to understanding the city in which I live.

This is definitely important reading for all of those who live in Toronto or have connections.

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