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Rating: 
Summary: A Renaissance book by a Renaissance man.
Review: "Telemachus" is about the adventures of a demigod, who, assuming mortal guise, interacts with the key historical figures and event of the period from approximately the Renaissance to the French Revolution. I loved this book! It is very witty and engaging. Every sentence is masterfully crafted. Many memorable original expressions vividly convey the story. It was a joy to read! The content is devoted to exploring and expounding upon the immutable nature of man and how very predictably it expresses itself in all forms of social organization from religion to politics. The author advances this theses in a very compelling and entertaining fashion as he dissects the essential elements of the papal successions, Reformation, the squabbles of the Italian city states, the resistance to the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, and the French Revolution. Military and naval events of the period, including the defense of Malta and the crushing defeat of the Turkish Navy is elegantly described with many fascinating details. The author's love of architecture is manifested in the description of the settings for many of the events he discusses. Palladio villas, the Florence Basilica, and the fortifications at Malta are just a few examples of many architectural treasures that come to life in exquisite detail. Innumerable major historical figures of the time appear in intimate portraits including the most prominent popes, Savanorola, Luther, the de Medici, Borgias, Macchiavello, the Turkish Sultans, and Robespierre. Indeed, the author marshals a veritable deMille "Cast of Thousands" and skillfully marches them in orderly step to the conclusion that the nature of man ultimately prevails over all abstractions. I highly recommend this book to all who are interested in history, philosophy, political theory, religion, and, most of all, to those who relish good writing and enjoy interesting stories well told. Victor R. Hrehorovich Manhasset, New York
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