Books That Have Made History: Books That Can Change Your Life

By: Rufus J. Fears, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Rufus J. Fears

Why do "Great Books" continue to speak to us hundreds and even thousands of years after they were written? Can they deepen our self-knowledge and wisdom? Are our lives changed in any meaningful way by the experience of reading them?

Tackle these questions and more in these 36 engaging lectures. Beginning with his definition of a Great Book as one that possesses a great theme of enduring importance, noble language that "elevates the soul and ennobles the mind," and a universality that enables it to "speak across the ages," Professor Fears examines a body of work that offers extraordinary wisdom to those willing to receive it.

You'll study dozens of works, from the Aeneid and the book of Job to Othello and 1984 - works that range in time from the 3rd millennium B.C. to the 20th century, and in locale from Mesopotamia and China to Europe and America. Professor Fears approaches each of these works from an entirely different direction, considering philosophical and moral perspectives that superbly complement a purely literary understanding.Grasping these philosophical and moral perspectives is crucial to the education of every thoughtful person. These works that have shaped the minds of great individuals, who, in turn, have shaped events of historic magnitude. You'll study the underlying ideas of each great work to see how these ideas can be put to use in a moral and ethical life."History is our sense of the past," Professor Fears says. "And these Great Books are our links to the great ideas of the past. They educate us to live our lives in a free and responsible way."

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2005 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2005 The Great Courses

STORY-TELLER

Rufus Fears is an excellent story-teller. “Books That Have Made History” is a series of lectures given by Professor Fears that dwells too much on God but delightfully entertains all who are interested in living life well. (Professor Fears died in October of 2012.)

An irony of Fears lecture series about “Books that can Change Your Life” is his most revered historical figures, Confucius, Socrates, and Jesus, never wrote a book. He thematically presents a story that argues these three figures are witnesses to the truth. Fears believes Confucius’s, Socrates’, and Jesus’s truths have been played out and proven over centuries of writings and doings. Those writings and doings are recorded in secular and religious texts that range from Homer, to Plato, to the “Bible”, to the “Koran”, to “The Prince”, to Winston Churchill, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

This is only a smattering of the many books Fears talks about in his lectures. Fundamentally, one takes from Fears lectures, a belief that to live life well one must internalize a moral compass and have courage to follow truth in seeking justice, regardless of its cost to your person or possessions. And finally, one should live life in moderation, neither in excess or deficiency.

Superior listen

Wow! Excellent lectures on literature but also on history and ethics. I learned so much from this man and he has inspired me to search further. I especially appreciated the last few lectures. They really spoke to me. I highly recommend this series.

Outstanding

Educational and entertaining. The author obviously knows his subject and speaks it well. Easy to hear yet informative. Good Audiobook.

A timely dive into some of the greatest books of our time.

Imagine cliff notes for the worlds greatest books in audio format narrated by a captivating and jovial college professor over a glass of wine. This embodies exactly that. Super enjoyable listen, great perspective shifting analysis of great books and a taste of books to add to my reading list. Well worth the listen.

Great clear ideas that can change your life

Great clear ideas that can change your life
This was one of the best audiobooks ever
Thanks

Excellent literary review

Prof, Fears delivers a lively review of the most important literary works in history. His il understanding and explanation is apparent from the beginning of the course, and builds into a cohesive storyline.

Highly recommend to anyone, but especially to young adults as they seek to understand the compulsory reading frequently assigned in school.

I will seek out more courses from Prof. Fears.

Fantastic

The professor and his presentation were exquisite. I will purchase his other course/s without question.

Great philosophical course through the ages

It was a very well thought out lecture series, with differing viewpoints about what is truth, how do we live a moral life and what is the role of government. I enjoyed the explanation of the books I have not read, as well as the insight into the ones with which I am familiar.

Very Thought-Provoking

The late Dr. Fears is probably my favorite Great Courses lecturer. His courses force the listener to think about deep issues and look at topics in new ways. In this course, Dr. Fears describes various life lessons that can be illustrated by reading some of the greatest books ever written. His approach is fantastic, and I truly feel more educated for having listened.

Worth the time!

I graduated from university 30 years ago and this course made me feel like I was in the classroom with one of my favorite professors. A great growing experience!