Best, most readable introduction ot the historical development of Islam that I have read. His training in writing really shows, because he can describe theology as a story.

It’s 80 years (and counting) of the New Yorker. it would take nearly that long to read. Heaven….

quite an enjoyable read. his conclusions in the final chapter about the place of the KJV are a bit of an overstretch, I would say.

enjoyable, and it’s still by my bedside, but apprently not captivating enough to finish yet.

I’ll stick with Larry McMurtry, I guess.

(added)
I went back to reading it again recently when my non-fiction diet got rather high.

Brilliant. Treats his reader with utter respect and an entire lack of condescension.

I loved its predecessor (I, Claudius) and am quite looking forward to it.

Krakauer’s a compelling writer, and he’s turned his talents to something harder to write about than his last two books (which were also great).
The Mormons intrigue me, mostly because they are heterodox Christians. I.e., they do not believe in the orthodox doctrines of the faith that one would generally subscribe to in order to be called “Christian.” They’re essentially theological gnostics, and Gnosticism was declard heretical in Christianity in the fourth century. Also, Mormon social structure fascinates me. They’re wonderfully anti-individualist and communitarian in a very particular way. And I’ve just been plain interested in the Mormons since doing a lot of research on them for a professor in college.

I’m sure the LDS hierarchy was none too happy about the book, but it seems fairly even handed to me. Krakauer’s generally pretty good about being fair to his subjects and trying to enter their worldview, even if he doesn’t “approve” of it.

For the dissertation.

For the dissertation.

I love Thucydides, and I’ve been waiting for this telling of T’s tale to come out in paper.

Kagan’s a great stylist, in addition to knowing his stuff. I’m loving this one so far, and I think I’ll use it in writing lectures on Thucydides.