Backward Mutters

  • Lewis: Out of the Silent Planet

    Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis My rating: 4 of 5 stars I’ve read the ‘excursionary’ Space Trilogy numerous times since 1992. Only recently have I been clued into the influence of the medieval cosmology which Lewis loved so much. In the past I enjoyed the book on…

  • Dante’s Purgatorio

    The Divine Comedy: Purgatory by Dante AlighieriMy rating: 4 of 5 stars The translation into rhyming verse is no doubt a daunting task. It does make the poetry more esoteric, and most likely more difficult to read and comprehend. Dorothy Sayer’s commentary, however, is gold. The book is worth reading…

  • Why is Christmas December 25?

    Today is Annunciation Day. You can read the account of Gabriel’s announcement to Mary in Luke 1:26 and following. Additionally, Biblical Archeology Review posted a helpful explanation as to why the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated on December 25. Many have, sadly, bought into the quasi DaVinci Codesque conspiracy theories that…

  • Why is Christmas December 25?

    Today is Annunciation Day. You can read the account of Gabriel’s announcement to Mary in Luke 1:26 and following. Additionally, Biblical Archeology Review posted a helpful explanation as to why the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated on December 25. Many have, sadly, bought into the quasi DaVinci Codesque conspiracy theories that…

  • In the Year 3019 or 1419 S.R.

    Today is Annunciation Day [see: Luke 1:26f]. It is also the day in which the Great Ring fell, along with Gollum, into the fires of Orodruin. In Appendix B of the Lord of the Rings, Tolkein writes, “After the fall of the Dark Tower and the passing of Sauron the Shadow was lifted…