Rabow-Edling released this book in 2025 for the 200th anniversary of the Decembrist Revolt. My knowledge about this event was limited to the page or two that would be covered in Russian history books that spanned centuries. I got this book from the library and looked forward to learning more.
She began by writing about the current view of the Decembrists in Russia today and how their ideals are antithetical to the current ruling class. The Decembrists were members of the aristocracy. They had lands and titles. They also fought in the Napoleonic wars. They traveled across Europe and saw the differences between those countries and their own. Russia still practiced serfdom.
These men longed for liberty. Rabow-Edling writes about how they believed in heroic sacrifice. She also notes several times how the Decembrists were unique because they acted against their own self interest. They were wealthy, well educated, and had a bright future. Yet they were disillusioned with the Russian government. They had read from the great thinkers like Grotius, Pufendorf, and Locke and wanted to see Russia embrace liberty.
They hoped that Tzar Alexander I would usher in reforms. He at first seemed open to the idea. However reforms never materialized and the Decembrists formed secret societies where they dreamed of liberty. Two competing ideas for constitutional reform were developing. One in St. Petersburg and the other in the Ukraine. Documents were written explaining the reforms that they wanted implemented. Eventually they decided that when the Tzar died they would revolt.
They figured they would have years or decades to plan. Alexander I was in his mid forties. Then he unexpectedly died in Taganrog. The Decembrist decided to act even though they were not fully prepared. Rabow-Edling describes the revolt in St. Petersburg and the secondary revolt in Ukraine a few weeks later. Then she spends the remainder of the book on the trials and exile of some of the Decembrists.
I would give this book 5 stars for the subject matter but 3 stars for the writing. It seems abrupt at times. A chapter will end when it feels like there is more information to convey. It almost feels like the author was writing to meet a deadline and as a result sacrificed some content to make sure it happened. Overall I give this book 4 stars.
Great literature should do more than entertain us. It should provide a roadmap to improving our lives.
In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens introduced readers to Sydney Carton, one of literature's most compelling and deeply flawed characters. Dickens also gives him an unusual title: the Jackal.
His struggles raise questions that remain relevant today.
Are we defined by our past mistakes? Can we overcome our weaknesses? What separates the people we are from the people we could become?
Lessons From the Jackal is a 25-day character study exploring these questions through Sydney Carton’s life, decisions, relationships, and personal development.
This is not a traditional course on A Tale of Two Cities. Our reading assignments will focus specifically on Carton, with sufficient background provided to understand his story. No previous knowledge of the novel is necessary.
Each day will feature selected readings, historical comparisons, reflection questions, discussions, and practical challenges ...
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Printer, writer, inventor, scientist, and diplomat.
One of the most accomplished Americans of the eighteenth century. Benjamin Franklin received relatively little formal schooling. His family could not afford to provide him with an extensive education, and he began working at a young age.
Yet Franklin developed a lifelong commitment to learning. He read extensively, practiced his writing, studied scientific questions, and deliberately worked to improve his personal habits.
Over time, he became a successful printer, influential writer, inventor, scientist, and statesman.
By 1780, the year of today's fictional courtroom proceedings, Franklin was serving as an American diplomat in France, helping secure support for the American Revolution. Franklin's achievements raise an interesting question.
How much of his success resulted from natural intelligence, and how much resulted from his willingness to cultivate his abilities?
Now consider Sydney Carton.
We have seen ...
