Matters Literary

September 2002


Second Chances, by Susan Shwartz
Susan Shwartz has written a book that will force some litereary critics to reassess their enmity toward science fiction as a genre. Second Chances is a fine book and already is familiar to many as Conrad's Lord Jim. What makes this such a challenge to those who dislike sci-fi is that fact that the story of man's struggle for redemption translates beautifully into a space-faring future.Click here for more.

What Went Wrong, by Bernard Lewis
The question Professor Lewis asks has been plaguing the Islamic World for a few centuries. In a nutshell, how has a civilization gone from being the leader and world beater that Islam was a thousand years ago, to what it is now, a place that produces only oil and political extremism. Click here to read our view.

When I Was a Young Man, by Bob Kerrey
Politician's memoirs are often self-serving, and more so if written before they retire. Senator Bob Kerrey's tome about his life thus far defies this rule, and offers insight into the man's character. For those who care about the personality of the candidate, this work is a significant one for the 2004 presidential race. Click here to read more.