Missive #816 Published 20 Oct 2026
In spite of what the book promo claims I did not like this book as much as the travel books that Twain wrote. As I understand the differences in this book he has used Juvenalian satire whereas in his travel books he used Horatian satire. As the promo says it is one of the first works to feature time travel and it is one of Twain's most unique.
Missive #815 Published 19 Oct 2026
This book was first published in France in 2007 and was translated by George Miller for its 2010 English release by Bloomsbury. This was de Vigan’s first novel to be translated into English, there are a few more that I will try to find and read when time permits.
Missive #814 Published 18 Oct 2026
Continuing The Federalist Papers
Federalist No. 84
Certain General and Miscellaneous Objections
to the Constitution Considered and Answered
Author: Alexander Hamilton
To the People of the State of New York:
Missive #813 Published 17 Oct 2026
This is a book written by a historian that was able to write it without any academic styling. It is not an easy read but far easier than if written by an academic. I'll be reading volume two when I can get around to it.
Missive #812 Published 16 Oct 2026
161. Nasruddin’s Tears
Nasruddin’s wife had just given birth, but the baby was restless. She rocked the baby, sang to him, doing everything she could to lull the infant to sleep, but nothing seemed to work.
“I’ll take care of it,” said Nasruddin.
“You don’t know anything about babies!” his wife replied.
“But I know how to put people to sleep,” said Nasruddin. “My pupils often fall asleep during my lectures. I’ll try lecturing first, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll give him this boring book to read.” Nasruddin took a book down off the shelf. “It puts me to sleep every time!”
Missive #811 Published 12 Oct 2026
The author's previous books have been entertaining, this one I found to be very boring.
Missive #810 Published 11 Oct 2026
Continuing The Anti-Federalist Papers
Federal Farmer XVII
by Federal Farmer
Missive #809 Published 10 Oct 2026
This is a relatively short book and would have been even shorter if the joint authors had not used all the material from the references. It is written by two academics, why does it take two, for other academics written in an academic style. I don't recommend it.
Missive #808 Published 9 Oct 2026
160. Nasruddin’s Tears
The imam of Nasruddin’s village was delivering a sermon about the prophets, extolling their excellent qualities and illustrious deeds.
As the imam was speaking, Nasruddin began to weep loudly.
“Behold this man’s sincere devotion!” the imam exclaimed. “My sermon has moved him to tears.”
“It’s true,” said Nasruddin, sobbing. “This morning, I woke up to discover that my favorite goat had suddenly passed away, and it broke my heart. As I watch your beard wagging back and forth as you speak, it makes me think of my poor dead goat, and I can’t help but weep these tears of sorrow.”
Missive #807 Published 8 Oct 2026
This is a selection of seven very discrete tales, of which three are actually short novels, which this leading Japanese contemporary has written over the past fifty years. Tanizaki is a very special writer whose tapered touch often fingers and sometimes claws special areas of experience.