Leo Tolstoy's monumental work, "War and Peace," is not only a sweeping historical novel but also a profound exploration of the philosophy of history. Through its intricate narrative, rich character development, and thought-provoking meditations, Tolstoy delves into questions about the nature of historical events, the role of individuals in shaping history, and the interplay between … Continue reading Philosophy of History in “War and Peace”
Category: Books
Proust against Sainte-Beuve
In the vast landscape of literary criticism, few controversies have captured the imagination of scholars and readers alike as intensely as the clash between Charles-Augustin Sainte-Beuve and Marcel Proust. These two renowned figures, separated by generations but united by their pursuit of understanding literature, engaged in a bitter dispute that fundamentally challenged traditional notions of … Continue reading Proust against Sainte-Beuve
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
"The Art of War," written by the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, is a timeless masterpiece that has influenced military leaders, strategists, and thinkers for over two millennia. Although primarily a treatise on warfare, its profound insights into strategy, leadership, and human nature extend far beyond the battlefield. Sun Tzu's teachings transcend time and … Continue reading The Art of War by Sun Tzu
“Everything is Propaganda: The Mainstream is Fake and Boring” by Stepan Antonov
“Everything is Propaganda” by Stepan Antonov is a thought-provoking exploration of the modern media landscape, journalism, and the challenges posed by the proliferation of fake news. With his expertise as a freelance journalist and author, Antonov delves into the inner workings of mainstream media, social media, the war in Ukraine, and the complex political dynamics … Continue reading “Everything is Propaganda: The Mainstream is Fake and Boring” by Stepan Antonov
East and West Books – Latest releases
Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville: This seminal work by French philosopher and politician Alexis de Tocqueville is an insightful analysis of American democracy and its unique qualities. First published in 1835, the book is a comprehensive study of American society, politics, and culture. Tocqueville’s observations on the principles of democracy, the role of … Continue reading East and West Books – Latest releases
群衆心理 ギュスターヴ・ル・ボン
「群衆」は、ギュスターヴ・ル・ボンによる重要な書籍の一つである。この書籍は、19世紀末に出版された社会心理学の古典的な著作の一つであり、群衆に関する心理学的研究において、その後の多くの研究に影響を与えた。 群衆心理本はこちらから購入できます 本書は、群衆の行動や思考についてのル・ボンの洞察を明らかにしている。彼は、群衆の心理学的特徴を説明するために、さまざまな要因を挙げている。例えば、ル・ボンは、群衆の行動には常に感情的なエネルギーが伴い、理性的な思考はあまり重視されないと主張している。また、群衆には個人的な責任感が欠如しており、個々人が自分自身の行動をコントロールすることが困難であると考えている。 ル・ボンは、群衆の形成と発展に影響を与える要因も明らかにしている。例えば、彼は、同じ目的を持つ個人の集まりが、群衆を形成する要因となることを指摘している。また、彼は、群衆の行動に影響を与えるリーダーシップやマスメディアの役割にも注目している。 「群衆」は、ル・ボンの多くの先駆的な考えを示している。彼は、群衆の心理学的特徴を深く理解し、その影響を説明することで、人々が群衆の中で行動する理由を明確にしている。彼の洞察は、政治家、社会科学者、そして一般の人々にとって有用な情報源となっている。 しかし、本書は、群衆の行動に対する危険性にも注目している。ル・ボンは、群衆の行動が、暴力や排他的な思考、そして理性的な判断力の欠如につながることがあることを指摘している。そのため、彼は、個人が自己の行動をコントロールし、独自の判断力を持っていることの重要性を強調している。 それでも、「群衆」は、群衆の行動や心理についての初期の研究として、そして社会心理学や政治学において重要な文献として評価されている。本書は、群衆に関心を持つ人々にとって、必読の書籍である。 総じて、「群衆」は、社会心理学や政治学における重要な著作であり、現代社会においても有益な洞察を提供している。ル・ボンの考え方には批判的な見方も存在するが、彼の研究成果は、群衆の行動に関する理解を深め、個人の自己制御や独自の判断力の重要性を強調する意義を持っている。
36 books that made the Western Canon
The Western Canon is a collection of literature, philosophy, and other works that have influenced the Western world's culture, values, and ideas. Non-fiction works have played a crucial role in shaping the Western Canon, providing a window into the ideas, events, and people that have shaped our society. Here are 36 non-fiction books that have … Continue reading 36 books that made the Western Canon
Propaganda by Edward Bernays
Edward Bernays’ book “Propaganda” is a groundbreaking work that explores the manipulation of public opinion and the use of propaganda as a tool for shaping social behaviour. First published in 1928, Bernays’ insights and theories on the psychology of mass persuasion remain relevant in today’s modern age, where the dissemination of information and influence has … Continue reading Propaganda by Edward Bernays
The Heartland Theory by Halford Mackinder
The Heartland Theory, proposed by Halford Mackinder in the early 20th century, is a geopolitical concept that has shaped the way we understand the global power dynamics of the Eurasian continent. Mackinder's theory, also known as the "pivot area" theory, suggests that the region at the heart of Eurasia, which he referred to as the … Continue reading The Heartland Theory by Halford Mackinder
The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura
The Book of Tea, written by Kakuzo Okakura, is a literary masterpiece that delves into the rich and intricate world of Japanese tea culture. Originally published in 1906, this classic work provides readers with a profound understanding of tea as more than just a beverage, but as a philosophy, an art form, and a way … Continue reading The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura
How to start your own publishing house
Starting your own publishing house can be a challenging and rewarding venture. It requires passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks. If you are interested in starting your own publishing house, here are some steps you can take to get started. Step 1: Define Your Vision and Goals Before you start a publishing house, … Continue reading How to start your own publishing house
The 10 best books about the East and the West
Here a very subjective list of most interesting books on the East and the West that you can easily find today. For Lust of Knowing: The Orientalists and their Enemies, by Prof. Robert Irwin: A story of Oriental studies The Silk Roads, by Prof. Peter Frankopan, "a new history of the world", like the subtitle … Continue reading The 10 best books about the East and the West
“The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia” by Peter Hopkirk
"The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia" by Peter Hopkirk is a historical non-fiction book that delves into the geopolitical rivalries between the Russian and British empires in the 19th century in Central Asia. The title of the book, "The Great Game," was a term coined by British intelligence officers to describe … Continue reading “The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia” by Peter Hopkirk
“Mutti and the Mannschaft: Germany in the Twenty-First century” by Stefano Di Lorenzo – book review
For the past decade, there has been a consensus that Germany has become the leading force of Europe – and a leading force for good and progress in the world. When Stefano Di Lorenzo, the author of the book “Mutti and the Mannschaft: Germany in the Twenty-First century” (published by East & West Books), first … Continue reading “Mutti and the Mannschaft: Germany in the Twenty-First century” by Stefano Di Lorenzo – book review
“The spectre of a scary Russia is a part of Western culture” – interview with Cambridge Prof. Mark B. Smith
Mark B. Smith is Professor of History at Cambridge, and specializes in the history of the Soviet Union. He runs the blog beyondthekremlin.com. His most recent book is called The Russia Anxiety: And History Can Resolve It and was published by Allen Lane/Penguin in 2019. You can find the book on Amazon here. East & … Continue reading “The spectre of a scary Russia is a part of Western culture” – interview with Cambridge Prof. Mark B. Smith
Timothy Snyder’s “The Road to Unfreedom” – book review
Timothy Snyder’s book “The Road to Unfreedom” is, in many respects, extraordinary. The problem is, it might be so for all the wrong reasons. The central purpose of the book is to sound a warning call to all people in the West, or like the description says: “The past in another country, the old saying goes. … Continue reading Timothy Snyder’s “The Road to Unfreedom” – book review
“I have no idea what the terms East and West mean”, interview with Prof. Peter Frankopan
Peter Frankopan is Professor of Global History at Worcester College, University of Oxford. His latest book is “The New Silk Roads: The Present and Future of the World”, published by Bloomsbury. The New Silk Roads on amazon.com and on amazon.co.uk. East&West: When the Cold War ended, people thought the whole world was going to become … Continue reading “I have no idea what the terms East and West mean”, interview with Prof. Peter Frankopan
Book review: “Collusion: How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win The White House”
Luke Harding’s latest book “Collusion: how Russia helped Trump win the White House” purports to be the definitive account of Russiagate. For this reason only it makes an interesting read: in the year of “Putin did it” (elected Trump) and omnipresent Russian interference, the book provides an excellent summary of a contemporary conventional wisdom. But … Continue reading Book review: “Collusion: How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win The White House”
Book review: “The Age of Anger” by Pankaj Mishra
I will tell you straight away: for those like me who feel that the nineteenth century is unsurpassed in many things, this last book by the Indian novelist and essayist Pankaj Mishra makes for a great read, especially as a cultural history of ideas. The declared purpose of “The Age of Anger”, which carries the … Continue reading Book review: “The Age of Anger” by Pankaj Mishra
Russia and Turkey: Restless Partners? Interview with Russian expert Ivan Starodubtsev
Ivan Starodubtsev is a well-known Russian political scientist, businessman and expert on Turkey, and has lived and worked in this country for a long time. His name, as a specialist in Turkey, is often found on the pages of the newspaper Moskovsky Komsomolets, and he is a regular guest on the program “From Two to … Continue reading Russia and Turkey: Restless Partners? Interview with Russian expert Ivan Starodubtsev
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