Melvyn Bragg's book took 12 diverse books and dedicated a chapter to each of them. There was a strong reaction to the book; were these the right ones, why did he miss out this one and include that one, Bragg was saying more about the authors than the books and as a consequence s0me felt the writing lacked a degree of depth producing a shallow representation of the originals.
However as is often the case when there is dissention in the group it produced a very long, lively and spirited discussion leaving us to have to be very patient before reaching the coffee and cake stage of the evening.
Several themes were noted; many of the authors came from wealth backgrounds leaving them to dedicate their entire lives to their passions, several came from a similar time in history and religion was an important aspect of some of the writings and beliefs. The book, even prior to the meeting had stimulated enough interest for further reading to have taken place, adding to the discussion and at times diverting us.
A few of the authors and subjects were more familiar than others. We learnt about the influencial Marie Stopes whose book on Married Love was deemed so controversial that its publication had to be delayed until after ww1 as it was believed it would be so unsettling to both men and women such were her revolutionary ideas. We were reminded of the importance of the Magna Carta beyond the boundaries of this country and that Adam Smith's ideas on free trade and how they would assist the world are still relevant and quoted today. Language and its use in the past and todays world were a big talking point when it came to the King James Bible and Shakespeare. Our modern ways of expressions taking from these mighty tomes. Wilberforce did much throughout his life to abolish the slave trade and we admired his perseverence, despite his failing health to keep presenting his bills to parliament. When the Abolition of Slavery Act was finally passed in 1883, he was 3 days away from this death.
The FA rules were thought to be a controversial inclusion and whilst we felt they were significant we did not accept that they were the only reason why football has become such a global phenomenom. Although having seen, predominently boys play football it is a good thing that someone knows the rules as, mayhem could quite easily breakoutif left entirely to their own devices. Mary Wollstonecraft was a rather controversial figure in many ways but did very strongly believe that education was essential to ensure true freedom for women. There was absolutely no argument with this!
We liked some of the individuals more than others and warmed to Faraday who came from very humble beginnings as did Arkwright whom we liked less. The latter brought employment to many and the factory system of working enable many to find employment but it also saw the shift of people from the country to the towns to find work. Darwin made some marvellous discoveries and wrote of them in The Origin of the Species, but like many of the others mentioned in the book Bragg made little reference to those who had gone before whose research and discoveries probably made it possible for him to be so influential.
This is however true of us all, that we benefit from those that blazed the trail before us.
Much has been left out of the analysis of the book so if the gaps are very
