I am currently reading John O’Farrell’s surprisingly thick history of Britain, and was very taken by this footnote:
The Bible forbade Christians to lend money and so it became the trade of the Jewish diaspora. Modern right-wing Christians citing the Bible’s opposition to homosexuality do not seem to have the same enthusiasm for outlawing the moneylending on which the entire world economy is based.
Hiro // Jun 17, 2008 at 9:35 am
A book I really enjoyed. A witty look at history with some great “caustic” comments.
Skuds // Jun 17, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Ah – long time no hear! A welcome return.
janeskuds // Jun 17, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I read that on our recent Paris trip (I really couldn’t face the idea of about 6 hours of train travel without a good thick book) and spent a lot of time snorting and giggling. Very funny and not afraid to wear his politics on his sleeve. I’m now trying to hand-sell it to every customer I speak to at work. (Although given term is over thats not very many customers….)
Hiro // Jun 18, 2008 at 11:21 am
I always read your site…one of the best I think. I got booted off Maidenbower after going in as pseudenim. I guess I asked one or two many questions of our ‘enry!!
I wonder who “Templeton Peck” is!!
Gert // Jun 21, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I’ve just finished reading that and found it surprisingly informative – that paragraph also stuck with me. I would definitely recommend it, too!
Skuds // Jun 22, 2008 at 11:56 pm
I find the style a bit wearing, but its a good read, and it manages to make history more interesting. I never could put up with all that stuff about kings and queens before.
Hiro // Jun 23, 2008 at 7:12 am
Re Kings and Queens: it show that I probably have more right to the crown than the present incumbent.
50 people were in front of George I (but they were catholic) and good old queen Vic that “English” Queen did did not speak the language when she took over!!!
Skuds // Jun 23, 2008 at 6:25 pm
No spoilers please! I’m only up to Cromwell at the moment.
Hiro // Jun 24, 2008 at 3:09 pm
“No spoilers please! I’m only up to Cromwell at the moment.”
Summed up as a bit of a self centered to55er