Why Europe and not Asia?
Why Europe Grew Rich and Asia Did Not: Global Economic Divergence, 1600–1850, by Boston College Associate Professor of History Prasannan Parthasarathi, offers a new answer to the question of why Europe industrialized from the late 18th century, but Asia did not. He shows that in the 17th and 18th centuries, the advanced regions of Europe and Asia were more alike than different, with sophisticated, growing economies; and that their divergence can be attributed to different competitive and ecological pressures that produced varied state policies and economic outcomes. His account breaks with the conventional view that divergence occurred because Europe possessed superior markets, rationality, science or institutions. His rereading of global economic development ranges from India, Japan and China to Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire, and from the textile and coal industries to the roles of science, technology and the state.
Move!
Catharine Utzschneider, who teaches in the Woods College of Advancing Studies, has published MOVE! How Women Can Achieve Athletic Goals At Any Age. According to the publisher: “Designed for women from non-exercisers to elite athletes…MOVE!’s unique process of goal setting and assessment…will help you overcome your doubts, balance your hectic schedule and life commitments and gain more control and freedom in your life.” A number of athletes and coaches from BC are featured in the book.
BC: A to Z
In his latest work, Boston College A to Z: The Spirit of the Heights (Linden Lane Press), University Historian and prolific author Thomas H. O’Connor shares a treasure trove of stories, legends and memories. He invites readers to look anew at BC, “an exceptional place where amusing things happen, where important events are taken seriously, where the best of the future has been combined with the best of the past, and where memories of Linden Lane, Gasson Tower, the Golden Eagle, and the sound of the bells chiming the hours of the day are among recollections, large and small, that give this University a very special place in our hearts.”
Legal thriller Black Diamond
Black Diamond, a legal thriller set in Boston against the backdrop of the high-stakes horse racing world, is the third novel by Boston College Law School alumnus John F. Dobbyn ’65. It centers on two lawyers who agree to defend a jockey accused of murdering a fellow jockey during a race at Suffolk Downs, but find themselves in the middle of a violent conflict between Boston’s Irish mafia and remnants of the terrorist branch of the Irish Republican Army. New York Times best-selling author Lisa Scottoline lauds the thriller: “…Black Diamond takes you on a non-stop ride that keeps you gripping the wheel.” For more information on Dobbyn, a Boston native, and his books, visit www.johndobbyn.com
Greek gods
Renowned classics scholar Mary Lefkowitz will present “Why We Can’t Understand Greek Drama: Some Theological and Practical Considerations” on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. in Devlin Hall, room 101. Lefkowitz is the author of Greek Gods, Human Lives. Sponsor: Lowell Humanities Lecture Series
Thinkers on language
Fifty Key Thinkers on Language and Linguistics, by BC Professor of Linguistics Margaret Thomas, explores how 50 of the most influential figures in the field have asked and responded to classic questions about the language. What was the first language, and where did it come from? Do all languages have properties in common? What is the relationship of language to thought? The book offers an introduction to thinkers—including include Aristotle, Samuel Johnson, Friedrich Max Müller, Ferdinand de Saussure, Joseph H. Greenberg and Noam Chomsky—who have had a significant impact on the subject of language. To see an interview with Thomas, visit the BC Libraries’ website.
Posted in Boston College Authors
Tagged linguistics, Slavic and Eastern Languages Dept
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Finding Christmas through a misfit sock
The Misfit Sock, a family tradition-turned-storybook by BC alumna Karen Kiefer, tells the tale of a sock which has lost its match during the laundry cycle. The sock is instantly labeled a “misfit” and thrown into a misfit laundry pile. The forgotten sock loses all hope until it meets the magnificent spirit of Christmas. It finds meaning and purpose when it is magically transformed into a gratitude sock for Santa, his elves and reindeer. Families can start their own Misfit Sock tradition with The Misfit Sock Gift Set, which includes an illustrated storybook, a misfit sock with a hanging ribbon, and prayer cards or wish cards. According to Kiefer: “In addition to the story, young children can enjoy their very own one-of-a-kind misfit sock to love, hang on the mantel and fill with daily misfit sock prayer cards, leading up until Christmas…Santa enjoys the gratitude offerings and reads all of the child’s prayers, knowing enough to leave the sock behind for the child so the tradition can continue. It is a great way for children to reflect on the Advent themes of love, hope, joy, inspiration and gratitude through the transformative plight of a lonely misfit sock.” For more information, visit www.themisfitsock.com.
The joy of the saints
In his new book, Between Heaven and Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life, television commentator and author Rev. James Martin, SJ, shows how the saints used humor in their spiritual journeys, how laughter is an element of healthy spirituality and how joy is the inevitable result of faith. He will be on campus Dec. 1 to speak at Robsham Theater about his book. NOTE: The event has already reached its seating capacity.
Posted in Guest Authors
Tagged Alumni event, Church in the 21st Century Center, saints
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