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"Originality is nothing but judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another. The instruction we find in books is like fire. We fetch it from our neighbor’s, kindle it at home, communicate it to others, and it becomes the property of all."  Voltaire

      BookSegments is a blog that follows my adventure through my private library.  As it contains about 800 books, the library, which is at home, covers a wide range of subjects, from fine art, to literary studies, to Texas history, to nature, to religion and social studies.  The main focus will be non-fiction and poetry.

     You may ask, "Why don't we just use a Cliff Notes for this purpose?  It gives summaries of each chapter in a book."  Well, to be honest, this blog is to increase my own knowledge- and hopefully yours, dear reader- in a more-wise way, and to give my personal 'take' on each book.  It will also be interesting to see how some readings will affect the notes of future blog post segments.

     My library does not cover a Dewey Decimal reference book of variety.  But it is sufficient enough to provide a critical standpoint for my BookSegment notes.  Enjoy your stay.  It will be a ride- a personal journey- to a colorful intellectual horizon.

"The Meaning of the Cross," by Leslie D Weatherhead

     I keep a handsome three-volume set of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire on my desk.  Perhaps, it is a form of affectation-- my Dad always used that argument-- in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way-- to signify 'the setting out for display, of attractive literature, to share with friends my intellectual veracity.'  Perhaps, that too.  In this particular case, I use the important work as a reminder and conscience of how the United States may be faring, itself.  Perhaps...

     This is a mass market, pocket size paperback book.  There are no special decorative effects on the covers, except for art illustration.

     The Meaning of the Cross was written in 1945 by a Religion professor in England.  He uses non-technical language in attempting to describe an already scholarly field of study.  Indeed, the reading level is high school.  However, he tends to re-state and over define instead of remain concise.

     Professor Weatherhead did successfully explain his own theory, about the role of Christ and his change of his plans leading to his crucifixion.

     Weatherhead, Leslie D.  The Meaning of the Cross.  Nashville, Tennessee: Abingdon Press, 1982.  Print.

 

"A Book of Hours", by Thomas Merton

     Whenever I buy a hardback book, I always take the book sleeve off; and I keep the sleeve in storage in case I want to sell the book later.  Many readers may not realize how attractive a book is under its sleeve-- besides a colored linen over the boards, it often will feature a gilt title and author, gilt on the spine, beveling and other decoration.  A full paste-down map may also be inside both front an back covers.

     The "Book of Hours" is a strong-boarded, small book with olive green linen covering it.  On the front cover it has, in gilt (gold), large, attractive-type "Thomas Merton", a small, elaborate decorative picture and "Book of Hours".  The spine is also in gilt of the author, title and small publisher's mark.  The back cover just has the green linen.  Inside both covers is illustrative art, which same theme greets you on each of the book's chapter title pages and chapter sections.  The pages are a generously thick, warm, cream color.

     Thomas Merton, who lived in America from 1915 to 1968, was a popular writer and Trappist monk.  His broad classical and spiritual learning, and prolific poetry and other writings serve this book well, as it is a compilation, systematized into the form of a week-long prayerbook.

     A psalm excerpt...

"The lakes hidden among the hills are saints,

and the sea too is a saint who praises God

    without interruption

in her majestic dance."

    A reading excerpt...

"A certain depth of disciplined experience is a necessary ground for fruitful action."

     A closing prayer...

"O God, give peace to Your world.  Give strength to the hearts of men.  Raise us up from death to Christ.  Give us to eat His immortality and His glory.  Give us to drink the wine of His Kingdom."

     A graduate of English from Columbia University, Thomas Merton used his talents as a writer, and his liberal reading in both spiritual and secular matters, to gain a broad, faithful following.  The international Merton Institute near his monastery in Kentucky serves as a testament to his popular legacy.

     This book was edited by Kathleen Deignan, with a foreword by James Finley.  It was illustrated by John Giuliani.  It includes bibliographical references.

     Merton, Thomas.  The Book of Hours.  Notre Dame, Indiana: Sorin Books, 2007.  Print.