A study in scarlet By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A study in scarlet By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
… The science of deduction 
A study in a scarlet is a suspense/thriller novel set in 19th century London. The novel begins through the perspective of Dr. Watson who is the narrator in the first and the last parts of the novel. The protagonist is Mr. Sherlock Holmes who uses his deductions to draw conjectures in different cases and claims to be able to go from the result to the arguments.

It is difficult to be a fair judge of this work since what was cunning in forensics in the 19th century is no more startling now. At some point of time it might look to the reader that the author is forcing arguments on him to make the story look definitive. Hence the arguments drawn and the conclusions did not seem very much novel. This must be taken with a pinch of salt, as it might also be the case that the detective stories we see now were ,to a great extent, inspired by the tales of Sherlock Holmes and hence the source of inspiration itself seems a cliché. That is all that I can say about the story.The Character development of this work is quite laudable. The reticent, clever, and petulant nature of Sherlock Holmes is quite subtly presented at times if not incongruously mentioned in the description itself. The writing style is fairly easy to get used to, more so if the reader has read some other British novels. The way this story is presented is also quite unique and, as I conjecture, daring for an author of 19th century. While this book did not strike me as an out-an-out winner, it sure is worth reading considering that its reputation precedes its name.

My Man Jeeves Review

My Man Jeeves By P.G Wodehouse
…“Burglars never shoot,” said Bill. Which was comforting provided the burglars knew it. 

This book is a collection of humorous short stories by P.G Wodehouse based on life of the protagonist Mr. Wooster and his valet Mr. Jeeves. The stories are mostly unrelated but sill loosely connected and similar theme based.

The best thing about this book is that its humor is unbidden, for the readers, as well as I suspect the author himself. It does not stand in the league of Leacock’s effortless wit, but it is sure to make you laugh. The language is British dialectical with words like “chummy”, “rummy” and “Johnny” sliced between every two sentences. Flow of thoughts is fairly easy to grasp. The reader does not feel any stress while turning the pages. Some stories are fairly predictable, some partially predictable. It is recommended that the reader does not try to jump to the ending but enjoy the dialogues and hidden satire. The culture of New York has been brought in not so close parallels with Britain. What I mean to say is that the book is sort of a farce based in and, at times, on New York. I feel the author could have put more variety of material in this book. Some of the stories will seem too similar for their own good. However, a few are so mischievous that they are sure to make you pat yourself for buying this book. It is recommended for everyone who wants to have a good laugh in his or her idle days.

Proposed Roads to Freedom Review

Proposed Roads to Freedom- By Bertrand Russell
…The intensity of faith has diminished as the number of believers has increased 
Bertrand Russell is a brilliant man. I can’t reiterate the previous sentence enough to exhibit the magnitude of this belief about him that I have developed not through the wont of a young man to find a role model but through experience. I have now read at least four of his works and cannot resort to nitpicking this time. What remains to be read is his autobiography. To be perfectly honest, I’m saving it for the days I lose hope in the society, or think human existence meaningless. It will become my saving grace then; for no person has influenced me as much as Bertrand Russell.

The clarity of thoughts with which Bertrand Russell expresses his opinions is a veritable harbinger of high fidelity to logic. The way he bases his arguments on suppositions that he never forgets to convey to the reader renders all his works very concrete. His thoughts on matters of economy and society are not beads of a diamond necklace but impalpable steps of strong mathematical induction. This work is just the same: It discusses anarchy, socialism, and syndicalism in a great detail in an attempt to find the best road to freedom. Bertrand Russell not only demonstrates the flaws of each of these systems but also suggests ways to eliminate these flaws. The work culminates with a beautiful picture of a near-perfect society where all- artists, scientists and workers will flourish. I recommend this book to all who want to have a happily ever after.

The Future Of Science Review

The Future Of Science By Bertrand Russell
..the man who acts from pure selfishness does less damage than the man who is actuated by “public spirit.” 

The best part of any Bertrand Russell book is the conclusion he draws from his prognostications and theories. It is almost always what a reader has in mind in after reading the whole text. This gives the reader, a certain confidence in the interpretation of Bertrand Russell. This confidence may well in the end induce him to act for the good of the society. The future of science is no exception. Some of conclusions that Bertrand Russell has drawn are so motivating and convincing that the society may learn from them even now.

This book outlines what Bertrand Russell thinks may happen in future. Some of his predictions, astonishingly, actually stand true today though they could have been seen as incredible or even inept at that time. All those excited about psychology have been admonished by him not to think themselves as the better judge of what is “good” for the society. For example, if short nose is considered to be beautiful today, it may as well be the ugliest thing in the future. However growth may be seen in eugenics in the future, the question of morality will forever blind human beings to the realization of its principles. Bertrand Russell also makes a strong case of winning the world by brute force and then turning into a world power rather than separate national entities. All in all, this book is a brilliant read and recommended for all those who want to be inspired by true men of Science.