Balckwell's Books

In this mini-episode of Balckwell’s Books, I discuss one of my favourite non-fiction writers, Lewis Mumford. In his book Technics & Civilization, Mumford attempts to explain the progress of technology from the 10th century to the 20th, focusing on the ways that technology has both improved and worsened human life. Specifically, he discusses how the industrial capitalism of the 19th century had disastrous effects on the environment as well as the social conditions of mankind. Witnessing the new advances such as electricity and improved automation that were emerging in his day, Mumford recommends some ideas for modifying our productive and distributive systems so that we can utilize mass production in a way that benefits everyone in the world.

Of course, none of these ended up happening and in many ways we are worse off than before, and so is the environment! But there is still time to learn from this book and incorporate some of its key ideas into how we live our life, and how we might wish to see the world change in the future.

In this episode, I explain how I found out about Lewis Mumford, what I respect most about his perspective, compare him with other writers, and then explain some of the key points of the book, ending with some of the main critiques of capitalist production. And then the show ends abruptly, as I realize I’ve already said everything!

The biography I mention is "Lewis Mumford, A Life" by Donald L. Miller

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit balckwell.substack.com

Balckwell’s Books returns with this, the second episode. This month I discuss Tribulations of a Chinese Man in China by Jules Verne, a strange and exciting novel about China by a 19th-century Frenchman who had never been anywhere near. In the episode, I try to grapple with this bizarre book, and discover what it is that Jules Verne was trying to do with his work.

Next month’s book will be the first volume of A Dream of Red Mansions by Cao Xueqin. While I was working on this month’s episode, I happened across a wonderful-looking edition at the library and had to pick it up, and ended up getting absorbed in this amazing book all over again. Didn’t mean to keep the China theme going but that’s how it worked out. I’ve gotta do what my heart tells me! I’ve got no choice!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit balckwell.substack.com

A mini-episode in which I discuss The Gay Science by Friedrich Nietzsche. Mainly, I wanted to focus on a few particular aspects of Nietzsche’s writing and the ways he presents his ideas, while also discussing a few of the underlying concepts that seem to form the foundation of the book.

You can send me an e-mail at balckwellbooks[at]gmail.com, and visit my website at balckwell.substack.com.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit balckwell.substack.com

Introducing Mini Episodes of Balckwell’s Books, which might not end up being that much shorter, but are at least relatively miniature in terms of how much effort they take to produce. In this one, I talk about CS Lewis’ novella The Great Divorce. I discuss the cruelty of its satire and some of my issues with its haughty attitude, but also a few aspects I appreciated about the world it presents.

You can find my writing at balckwell.substack.com.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit balckwell.substack.com

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Balckwell's Books, a literature program in which I talk about literature. In this first episode I take an in-depth look at the major characters of War & Peace, and discuss Tolstoy's view of history.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit balckwell.substack.com