I’m getting ready to start this after reading an article by the author explaining the geography behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The book has been on my list for awhile, but it was the article that finally compelled me to get a copy. (I might have first learned of this book on this very thread?) I’ve linked the article below. It’s well worth reading!

Why Russia is a Prisoner of Geography

Starting my post-trip reading…Nile cruising like it used to be!

Just finished this. It’s not about a prolific dope smoker for the record. Totally awesome; quite the masterpiece of writing. Think this could seriously appeal to @avo and @jkbarnes.

A Thousand Miles Up The Nile by Amelia Edwards.


Written in the 1870s by an indomitable Victorian lady who went on to become an Egyptologist of repute. Fascinating account of a very early Nile cruise in the golden age of travel.

Just finished this. Life affirming and spirit lifting. A great holiday read. It might make you reassess what happiness and success actually is.

Picked this up in a used bookstore in Portland. Published in 1948! It’s a study of the emergence of what the author calls the first Europe over the 4 centuries from 400 to 800. The description on the jacket hooked me; the preface reeled me in.

Also enjoying a Pilsner as I read.

I was given this as a Father’s Day present, by our youngest daughter and son-in-law (probably selected by son-in-law). Much as I was tempted to start with the carnage of the past 10 years or so, I thought it best to start at the beginning in 1961.

Neil