An Incomplete Education

by Judy Jones, William Wilson

Overview

Answering questions about the film industry, this work takes listeners on a tour of English poetry, and gives them a handle on 350 years of opera with incomparable wit, style, clarity, and brevity. Here is all the crucial information on these subjects, distilled to its essence and served up with the consummate flair. Simultaneous release with the Ballantine hardcover reissue.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780525615095
Publisher:	Random House Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/06/2018
Pages:	720
Sales rank:	310,351
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.80(d)

About the Author

Judy Jones is a freelance writer who lives in Princeton, New Jersey. William Wilson was also a freelance writer. Wilson went to Yale and Jones to Smith, but both have maintained that they got their real educations in the process of writing this book. William Wilson died in 1999.

Table of Contents

	Introduction to the Revised Edition	ix
	Introduction	xiii
Chapter 1	American Studies	2
Chapter 2	Art History	62
Chapter 3	Economics	120
Chapter 4	Film	146
Chapter 5	Literature	184
Chapter 6	Music	264
Chapter 7	Philosophy	302
Chapter 8	Political Science	338
Chapter 9	Psychology	416
Chapter 10	Religion	450
Chapter 11	Science	490
Chapter 12	World History	554
	Lexicon	620
	Index	663

Editorial Reviews

The current emphasis on cultural literacy and the first edition's popularity (LJ 6/1/87) induced an update of this fascinating refresher course of core curriculum subjects. Two freelance writers, aided by several contributors, cover in bite-sized portions some "essentials" for an educated person. The treatment of 12 disciplines is au courant, sometimes irreverent and cynical, but substantially reliable, helping the authors achieve their purpose-to provide an entertaining invitation to information that has inspired and/or confused us over the years. While some topics, e.g., American studies and art history, are only slightly revised from the 1987 edition, coverage in science and political science is updated or new. One of the most successful chapters treats in a novel approach the culture, history, and geopolitics of 18 countries. Not strictly for the reference collection, this book can be profitably read by people of widely different age groups who may approach its contents selectively. An excellent layout with numerous photos and illustrations adds to the overall appeal.-Stanley P. Hodge, Ball State Univ. Lib., Muncie, Ind.

Library Journal

"An Incomplete Education" was first published in 1987, but this book has been completely updated, making it tremendously useful. Arranged around college departments, it strives to fill in learning gaps in American studies, art history, economics, film, literature, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, science, and world history. Authors Jones and Wilson reacquaint readers with the essence of complex issues, controversial personalities, and current political trends in a lively, enticing manner. They grab your intellect with flashing wit while discussing topics as wide ranging as "what you need to know if you're dating an Ethiopian" ; Shintoism, "the Hammacher-Schlemmer of Eastern religions" ; and differences between symbiosis, synapse, and synergy. Can't keep those French monarchs straight? Check out the "Louis, Louis" list for insights into the lives and loves of rulers XIII to XVI. Whether you're pondering the relevance of "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari," opera through the ages, or aspects of fauvism, this book is an invaluable reference.

Jennifer Henderson