An Introduction to Literary Madness
Today, I was delighted to learn that three new books had arrived in the post from Amazon and I thought that, what better way to introduce myself than to introduce the books I purchased.
Of course, it seemed a slight moment of madness but here I am, writing away.
Before you decide to judge me for the books I purchased and damn me to hell for the blasphemy that it contains, let me introduce myself as a young author who is interested in language, law and philosophy. (If only I had a job that involved all three, I tell myself!)
I’ve often written posts on matters relating to philosophy and recent posts included a transcript on love and another on the emotional continuum, a term created between a friend and I.
Onto the books, I hear you cry! (I know they are more interesting than I am!)
The first book is one I have wanted for quite some time. You may know it. The Trial and Death of Socrates. I bought the Dover Thrift edition which is unabridged and contains the four dialogues.
You may think me a morbid man to read a book that is all about someone’s death but this is much more than just a book on death. It combines two different subjects; morality and existence.
It is written as though it were a script between actors and, to say the least, it is a delight to sift through some of the stylistic features of the book, although it has been modernised.
Second! This was a book that was recommended to me. I thought I’d buy it simply for its value to my extensive collection. Beyond Good and Evil: A Prelude to the Future of Philosophy.
Now there’s a title you won’t forget.
This is a famous book which has become something of a classic amongst literary circles, not only because of its philosophical value but also its linguistic value. It contains within it some of the key features of late nineteenth century writing.
The third book is one that I’m not certain about. In fact, I don’t think I even know what it is about. It’s called the Nicomachean Ethics and it was produced by a successor of Aristole.
According to Wikipedia (the source of all goodly knowledge, I’ll have you know!), this book continues lectures from Aristotle about all sorts of matters and begins with the subject of happiness.
Of course, I’m yet to even touch the books, let alone read them.
I’m afraid someone will see me reading the book and start discussing it with me, only to disappoint them by suggesting that I hadn’t, in fact, a clue what the said person was talking about.
Regardless of all that, it just goes to show what is known as literary madness. In all honesty, I don’t think I’ll ever quite know what these books are about.
