bearshorty (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bearshorty) wrote2009-10-14 11:06 pm
bearshorty) wrote2009-10-14 11:06 pm
26 Tishrei/14 October, 2009
Nice and snarky comment by Constance Bouchard in the review of William Aird’s biography of Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy, c.1050-1134: “[the book] is clearly written and thoroughly documented, with the footnotes at the bottom of the page where they belong, even though it is somewhat surprising to see so many medieval sources cited in modern translation rather than in editions of the Latin.” (Speculum 84, 1010)
It is astounding how large a number of Speculum book reviews are language, literature and textual examinations compared to history. Medieval studies seem to move away from history a bit. I don’t know if it is a good or a bad thing.
Today I went for a nice walk and it really felt like October and autumn. The air was crisp and chilly but not too cold and the Halloween decorations were up. The house not far from me that always had the most awesome decorations did not decorate yet, I hope they will soon. But it was a perfect October weather and it reminded me how much I love October. Of course, it will be cold and rainy tomorrow.
Leviticus WTF moment of the day: chapters 21 to 25 cover more rules for priests, sacrifices and various holidays. Nothing too unsavory except perhaps the stoning of the blasphemer (although aliens and native-born are accorded the same rights, at least). Priests can’t marry a prostitute and must burn a daughter if she becomes a prostitute. God also discriminates disabled people because any disability would prevent one becoming a priest. Good thing there are no priests anymore, God might be sued. It is also nice that only outsiders can be made slaves! Why do fundamentalists not quote these parts of the Bible! Every fifty years there is also a property reset. That must have been fun. Hey, that was my land twenty years ago when I sold it to you; I’ll have it back now, thanks.
It is astounding how large a number of Speculum book reviews are language, literature and textual examinations compared to history. Medieval studies seem to move away from history a bit. I don’t know if it is a good or a bad thing.
Today I went for a nice walk and it really felt like October and autumn. The air was crisp and chilly but not too cold and the Halloween decorations were up. The house not far from me that always had the most awesome decorations did not decorate yet, I hope they will soon. But it was a perfect October weather and it reminded me how much I love October. Of course, it will be cold and rainy tomorrow.
Leviticus WTF moment of the day: chapters 21 to 25 cover more rules for priests, sacrifices and various holidays. Nothing too unsavory except perhaps the stoning of the blasphemer (although aliens and native-born are accorded the same rights, at least). Priests can’t marry a prostitute and must burn a daughter if she becomes a prostitute. God also discriminates disabled people because any disability would prevent one becoming a priest. Good thing there are no priests anymore, God might be sued. It is also nice that only outsiders can be made slaves! Why do fundamentalists not quote these parts of the Bible! Every fifty years there is also a property reset. That must have been fun. Hey, that was my land twenty years ago when I sold it to you; I’ll have it back now, thanks.