France

Reading PragueDiary of a Monk

24 novels recommended by book-loving monks - a quick look at recommended works at each level from introductory to advanced!

In this article, we will introduce novels that we highly recommend for each level of readers, from beginners to advanced readers.

Basically, the books introduced here are all great books that I recommend with confidence. All of them are extremely interesting works, so please take a look at the linked pages for the books that interest you, regardless of whether they are categorized as introductory or advanced.
The Industrial Revolution and British and European Society

A. Warner, "Victorian London and Sherlock Holmes in Photographs" - A recommended book to learn the secrets of Holmes' popularity and historical background!

This book explains everything about Sherlock Holmes and why he became so popular. The book is easy to read and visualize as it is explained with many photos and documents.

I originally picked up this book to learn about the historical background of Marx's life, and as I had hoped, it was also very useful in learning about the social situation in late Victorian England.

I would highly recommend this work!
Travels in Rome" - Charms of the Theater City of Rome and Pilgrimage to Bernini

(5) The Colosseum, a symbol of ancient Rome, and Goethe Andersen: The Romanticism that Fascinated Men of Letters

The Colosseum is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Rome, but it is still an interesting place. Not only the overwhelming visual effect of its gigantic appearance, but also the historical background is very interesting.

Although excavation and preservation have made it what it is today, the Colosseum was actually a grassy idyll until the late 19th century.

And as I gazed at the Colosseum, I could not help but be overwhelmed by Goethe's titanic figure. The Colosseum reminded me of Goethe's greatness. Goethe, Goethe, Goethe! You are still a fearsome superhuman! I can only bow down to you.
Travels in Rome" - Charms of the Theater City of Rome and Pilgrimage to Bernini

(2) Introducing Piazza di Spagna in Rome, where the great writers stayed! (3) Be fascinated by the fountain of Bernini's masterpiece "Barcaccia"!

This article will introduce Piazza di Spagna, familiar from "Roman Holiday".

This place, like the Porta del Popolo and Piazza del Popolo, was also very significant to Goethe, Stendhal, and other great writers of the 18th and 19th centuries.

This place is always crowded with tourists. This is still the best place to feel the atmosphere of the cosmopolitan city of Rome.
Travels in Rome" - Charms of the Theater City of Rome and Pilgrimage to Bernini

(1) Gateway of Rome, Porta del Popolo and Piazza del Popolo - A stroke of the eye that instantly draws the traveler in! What is the true essence of Rome as a theater city!

The memorable first installment of my Rome travelogue is the Gate of Popolo and Piazza del Popolo, the gateway to Rome.

I also came to the Porta del Popolo by subway from Termini station.

Goethe and Stendhal passed through here. Dostoevsky and Mendelssohn, two of my favorites, would have passed through here.

For me, Rome is the city of Bernini and the city that Goethe praised. The beginning is the key to everything. It was a very encouraging first day for my future stay in Rome.
FlorenceThe Italian Renaissance and the Revolution of Knowledge

Basilica di Santa Croce, Florence - Visit the tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo

At the end of 2022, I traveled to Europe. I have been updating this blog with a travelogue titled "Dostoevsky, My Fateful Journey with My Wife: Travels in Western Europe of Madness and Love" about my experiences. I also visited Florence on that trip.

In this article, we will introduce the Basilica of Santa Croce, one of the most impressive cathedrals in Florence.

In this cathedral are the graves of eminent figures. I came to this cathedral to visit the graves of these great men. I visited the tombs of Michelangelo and Machiavelli with a strong desire to visit their graves.
Dostoevsky and His Wife's Fateful Journey: Travels in Western Europe of Madness and Love

(16) Dostoevsky's days in Geneva - Start of writing "The Idiot" and birth of the famous manager, Madame Anna

Geneva is located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Dostoevsky stayed in this city famous for Rousseau and Voltaire.

The two of them survived the hell of Baden-Baden. Their relationship has clearly changed. It is clearly different from that of Mr. and Mrs. Dostoevsky at the beginning of their departure. Having endured days of hardship, a strong bond was formed between the two of them.

In this article, we would like to introduce some unintentionally heartwarming episodes of their friendship. We hope that many people will be able to learn more about their friendly relationship.
The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire, the Vatican, and Roman Catholicism

"Civil Engineering Technology of the Ancient Roman Army: Illustrations of the Building Techniques of Streets, Waterways, Canals, etc." - Recommended to learn about the amazing building techniques of the Roman Empire!

This work provides an insight into the marvelous architectural techniques of the ancient Roman period. As the title suggests, there are many illustrations in this work, making it easy to visualize and understand.

It is recommended to learn how the marvelous buildings of Rome were created and the human system that was responsible for them. Why not pick up a copy?
Shakespeare, a treasure trove of masterpieces

Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" Synopsis and Thoughts - That Forstaffe as a cue! A great performance by the witty wives!

この作品は『ヘンリー四世』で大活躍したフォルスタッフが時を越えて再登場した物語です。

そして今作はシェイクスピアが唯一同時代を描いた作品としても有名です。

この作品を読んでいて感じたのは、気楽さです。何も考えずに楽しめる安心感があります。重苦しい戦争、政治、陰謀、哲学、悲劇とは無縁の軽やかさがあり、フォルスタッフの人気ぶりを感じられる愉快な作品です。ぜひ手に取ってみてはいかがでしょうか。
Shakespeare, a treasure trove of masterpieces

Shakespeare's "Henry V" Synopsis and Comments - Henry V, the renamed Prince Hal, attempts to conquer France! Historical drama about the Hundred Years War between Britain and France

『ヘンリー四世』で放蕩息子として頼りない姿を見せていたハル王子ですが、前作の終盤で父ヘンリー四世から王冠を受け継ぎ、立派な王になることを誓いました。そのハル王子改めヘンリー五世がどのような王になったかが今作『ヘンリー五世』で語られます。

この作品はイギリスで特に人気で、その理由がライバルフランスとの戦いの勝利による「国威高揚」というのが興味深いです。