The Swerve

出版者:W. W. Norton & Company

作者:Stephen Greenblatt

页数:368

出版时间:2011-9-26

价格:USD 26.95

装帧:Hardcover

isbn号码:9780393064476

具体描述

Winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Non-Fiction

Winner of the 2011 National Book Award for Non-Fiction One of the world's most celebrated scholars, Stephen Greenblatt has crafted both an innovative work of history and a thrilling story of discovery, in which one manuscript, plucked from a thousand years of neglect, changed the course of human thought and made possible the world as we know it.

Nearly six hundred years ago, a short, genial, cannily alert man in his late thirties took a very old manuscript off a library shelf, saw with excitement what he had discovered, and ordered that it be copied. That book was the last surviving manuscript of an ancient Roman philosophical epic, On the Nature of Things , by Lucretius—a beautiful poem of the most dangerous ideas: that the universe functioned without the aid of gods, that religious fear was damaging to human life, and that matter was made up of very small particles in eternal motion, colliding and swerving in new directions.

The copying and translation of this ancient book-the greatest discovery of the greatest book-hunter of his age-fueled the Renaissance, inspiring artists such as Botticelli and thinkers such as Giordano Bruno; shaped the thought of Galileo and Freud, Darwin and Einstein; and had a revolutionary influence on writers such as Montaigne and Shakespeare and even Thomas Jefferson. 16 pages full-color illustrations

读后感

1417年的一个寒冷冬日里，一名“瘦小、和善、机警、年近40的男人”走进一家修道院的图书馆，从藏书室的书架上，“取下一本陈旧的手稿，一边翻阅一边为自己的发现而欣喜，紧接着他把手稿全部复制了一份。” “这就是瞬间的全部了，这就足够了。” 这个男人名叫波焦·布拉乔利尼...  

一本关于公元前一世纪古罗马哲学家卢克莱修的拉丁文长诗《物性论》的书。2013年竟然就出了中文译本，不过竟然没有多少人记录读过这本书。 作者Greenblatt是美国现代语言委员会主席，书的节奏很慢，颇多有趣的展开和旁述，看英文原版的话倒可流连于他优美的文笔，看中文版反倒...  

1417年的一个寒冷冬日里，一名“瘦小、和善、机警、年近40的男人”走进一家修道院的图书馆，从藏书室的书架上，“取下一本陈旧的手稿，一边翻阅一边为自己的发现而欣喜，紧接着他把手稿全部复制了一份。” “这就是瞬间的全部了，这就足够了。” 这个男人名叫波焦·布拉乔利尼...  

1417年的一个寒冷冬日里，一名“瘦小、和善、机警、年近40的男人”走进一家修道院的图书馆，从藏书室的书架上，“取下一本陈旧的手稿，一边翻阅一边为自己的发现而欣喜，紧接着他把手稿全部复制了一份。” “这就是瞬间的全部了，这就足够了。” 这个男人名叫波焦·布拉乔利尼...  

一本关于公元前一世纪古罗马哲学家卢克莱修的拉丁文长诗《物性论》的书。2013年竟然就出了中文译本，不过竟然没有多少人记录读过这本书。 作者Greenblatt是美国现代语言委员会主席，书的节奏很慢，颇多有趣的展开和旁述，看英文原版的话倒可流连于他优美的文笔，看中文版反倒...  

用户评价

The title "The Swerve" inherently carries a sense of intentionality, a conscious decision to deviate, and reading this book has been an extraordinary exploration of that very idea, not just as a concept, but as a fundamental force shaping our world. The author has meticulously crafted an argument that is as compelling as it is thought-provoking. The book unfolds not in a linear, predictable fashion, but rather in a series of interconnected discoveries, each one building upon the last to reveal a larger, more intricate picture. I was particularly struck by the author’s ability to illuminate the significance of seemingly minor occurrences, demonstrating how these can act as pivotal "swerves," redirecting the course of history and thought. This is not a book to be skimmed; it demands careful consideration and rewards it generously with moments of profound clarity. The prose is sophisticated yet accessible, allowing the reader to grapple with challenging ideas without feeling overwhelmed. What makes "The Swerve" truly exceptional is its capacity to transform the reader's understanding of causation and consequence, highlighting the often-unseen dynamics that drive progress and change. It’s a book that has left an indelible mark on my intellectual landscape, offering a fresh perspective on the complex dance between determinism and volition.

The moniker "The Swerve" itself suggests a departure, a deviation from the expected path, and this book certainly delivers on that promise, though not in a simplistic or superficial manner. The author navigates a complex landscape of ideas with remarkable dexterity, guiding the reader through a series of intellectual turns that are both illuminating and, at times, profoundly unsettling. I found myself constantly questioning my own assumptions as I delved deeper into the text. The book is not a passive read; it's an active engagement with challenging concepts and intricate arguments. The way the author connects disparate historical threads and philosophical strands is nothing short of brilliant, revealing hidden patterns and unexpected causalities. Each "swerve" within the narrative feels earned, a logical, albeit surprising, consequence of the preceding exploration. I particularly appreciated the depth of research and the meticulous attention to detail that underpins the author's assertions. It’s a work that encourages a critical and nuanced understanding of how change occurs, highlighting the often-overlooked catalysts and the profound impact they can have. The book has left me with a lingering sense of wonder, a heightened awareness of the myriad ways in which our world, and our understanding of it, can be irrevocably altered by a well-timed, or perhaps an unforeseen, swerve.

Upon seeing the title "The Swerve," I was drawn to its implication of a decisive turn, a redirection that implies a departure from a predetermined course. This book has fulfilled and exceeded that initial promise, offering a journey that is both intellectually rigorous and profoundly engaging. The author has an exceptional ability to synthesize vast amounts of information, presenting complex arguments in a manner that is both accessible and deeply persuasive. The structure of the book itself emulates the concept of a "swerve," with ideas unfolding in unexpected sequences that consistently challenge the reader's preconceptions. It's a book that compels you to think critically, to question the established narratives, and to appreciate the nuanced ways in which change occurs. I found myself repeatedly returning to certain passages, savoring the insights they offered and contemplating their broader implications. The author's masterful use of language brings historical events and abstract concepts to life, making the reading experience a truly immersive one. "The Swerve" is more than just a book; it's an invitation to see the world through a different lens, one that acknowledges the power of unexpected turns and the profound impact they can have on the unfolding of human history and thought.

《The Swerve》这个书名，让我第一时间联想到的是那种出乎意料的、戏剧性的改变，一种突然的、颠覆性的事件。我带着这种预设的心态去阅读，并惊讶地发现，作者确实没有辜负我这份期待，但他又将这种“Swerve”的概念延展到了一个更加广阔和深刻的维度。书中的叙事，并非线性铺陈，而是充满了迂回和闪转，如同在迷宫中探索，每一次看似的死胡同，实则隐藏着通往另一条道路的契机。作者的笔触细腻且富有力量，他能够将宏观的历史事件与微观的个人命运巧妙地融合，展现出“Swerve”在不同尺度上的作用。我尤其被书中对某些被忽视的细节的挖掘所打动，这些细节，在作者的笔下，却成为了引发重大转变的关键。阅读这本书，仿佛是在参与一场智力游戏，你需要跟随作者的思路，去揭示那些隐藏在时间长河中的暗流。有时，我会因为作者的某些论断而感到震惊，因为它们与我长期以来接受的观点截然不同。然而，正是这种挑战，让我更加深入地思考，更加批判性地审视。我发现自己不仅在阅读文字，更是在与作者的思想进行一场激烈的碰撞。这本书，就像一颗投入平静湖面的石子，激起了层层涟漪，让我开始重新审视自己对“变化”和“偶然”的理解。

这本书的名字，"The Swerve"，本身就带着一种引人入胜的意味，仿佛预示着一次思想的急转弯，一次对既定轨迹的偏离。拿到这本书的那一刻，我脑海中闪过无数的画面：或许是物理学中的引力偏转，或许是命运的不可预测性，又或者是一次历史性的转折点。我期待着它能够像一次锐利的转弯，将我从熟悉的思绪轨道上拉开，带我进入一个未知的、充满启发性的领域。阅读的过程，更像是一场与作者的深度对话，他巧妙地引导着我的注意力，时而指向宏大的历史图景，时而又聚焦于微小的个人选择，每一次的“Swerve”都伴随着一种恍然大悟的喜悦，或是对自身认知的重新审视。这本书不仅仅是信息的堆砌，更是一种情感的共鸣，一种智识的激荡。它让我开始反思，在我的生命轨迹中，有哪些“Swerve”曾经发生过，又有哪些尚未到来。它不是一本轻松的读物，需要投入思考，需要愿意跟随作者一同探索那些模糊地带，那些可能被忽视的细节。但正是这种挑战，让阅读的体验变得更加深刻和有意义。每当我合上书页，闭目沉思，那些关于“Swerve”的意象便会在脑海中回旋，激励我以更加开放的心态去面对生活中的种种不确定性。我可以说，这本书不仅仅是一本书，它更像是一次旅程，一次心灵的拓展。

初翻开《The Swerve》，就被其深邃而略带神秘的书名所吸引，它如同一个静谧的邀请，邀请读者一同探索那些潜藏在表象之下的变动与转折。我带着一种忐忑又期待的心情，踏入了作者精心构建的文本世界。书中的论述，宛如一条蜿蜒的河流，时而舒缓，时而湍急，但始终带着一股强大的引导力，将我的思绪引向一个个意想不到的节点。我惊叹于作者驾驭复杂概念的功力，他能够将看似毫不相关的线索巧妙地编织在一起，形成一幅宏大而精密的图景。每一次的转折，每一次的“Swerve”，都伴随着一种智识上的震颤，让我不得不重新审视那些我曾经习以为常的观念。这种阅读体验，并非一蹴而就的享受，而是一种持续的、需要投入精力的探索。我发现自己在反复咀嚼作者的论述，试图捕捉其背后更深层次的含义。书中的某些论点，甚至让我产生了一些不安，因为它们挑战了我长期以来固有的认知框架。然而，正是这种不安，伴随着一种强烈的求知欲，驱使我继续向前。我想，一本能够引发如此深层思考的书，无疑是具有非凡价值的。它不仅仅提供了信息，更重要的是，它开启了一种新的观察世界的方式，一种对“Swerve”——那些看似偶然却又蕴含必然的转变——的深刻理解。

From the very first glance at the title, "The Swerve," I felt an immediate pull towards its inherent suggestion of a radical shift, a departure from the norm. This book, I can confidently say, lives up to that evocative name and then some. It’s not a book that simply presents information; it’s a book that actively engages your mind, forcing you to reconsider perspectives you might have held for years. The author possesses a rare talent for weaving together seemingly disparate threads of thought, creating a rich tapestry of arguments that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The journey through its pages is akin to navigating a winding path, where each bend reveals a new vista, a new understanding, and often, a surprising revelation. The concept of the "swerve" is not merely a thematic element; it’s woven into the very fabric of the book’s construction, evident in the unexpected connections drawn and the paradigm-shifting insights offered. I found myself frequently pausing, not out of confusion, but out of a desire to fully absorb the implications of a particular point. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that complex ideas are presented with such lucidity, making the reader feel like an active participant in the unfolding of knowledge. This book has undoubtedly broadened my horizons and provided me with a more nuanced understanding of how change, in all its forms, truly operates.

The title, "The Swerve," immediately conjures images of a sharp, decisive movement, a breaking away from a set trajectory. My experience reading this book has been a testament to that evocative title. It’s a work that doesn’t shy away from complexity, but rather embraces it, guiding the reader through intricate intellectual landscapes with remarkable skill. The author has a profound understanding of how ideas and events intersect, demonstrating how seemingly small deviations can lead to monumental shifts. The narrative doesn't follow a predictable path; instead, it mirrors its central theme, veering and swerving through different periods and disciplines, revealing connections that are both surprising and illuminating. This dynamic approach kept me thoroughly engrossed, constantly anticipating the next intellectual revelation. It’s a book that requires active participation from the reader, prompting introspection and a re-evaluation of long-held beliefs. The prose is both elegant and impactful, making even the most abstract concepts feel tangible and relevant. "The Swerve" has left me with a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of causality and the often-unseen forces that shape our collective destiny.

When I first encountered the title "The Swerve," I imagined something akin to a sudden jolt, an unexpected detour in a narrative, or perhaps a fundamental shift in perspective. My reading journey with this book has been a fascinating exploration of precisely that – the profound impact of such unexpected turns. The author has masterfully woven together strands of thought that, at first glance, might seem disparate, but which ultimately coalesce into a powerful argument about the nature of change. The narrative doesn't follow a predictable straight line; instead, it mirrors its titular concept, veering and swerving through different historical periods, intellectual movements, and philosophical inquiries. This dynamic structure kept me thoroughly engaged, constantly anticipating the next intellectual pivot. It’s the kind of book that demands your full attention, rewarding the reader with moments of genuine insight that often arrive after a period of deep contemplation. The language is evocative, painting vivid pictures in the mind and making complex ideas accessible without sacrificing their depth. What truly resonates is the author's ability to demonstrate how seemingly minor shifts can cascade into monumental consequences, altering the course of history, thought, and individual lives. It has certainly prompted me to reflect on the 'swerve' moments in my own understanding and experiences, making me appreciate the often-unseen forces that shape our realities.

"The Swerve" beckoned with the promise of a narrative that would veer off the beaten track, and I was not disappointed. This book is a masterclass in revealing the hidden mechanics of transformation, the subtle yet powerful forces that can redirect the course of events, ideas, and even entire civilizations. The author’s prose is both elegant and incisive, capable of dissecting complex subject matter with clarity and precision. I was consistently impressed by the sheer scope of the investigation, which touches upon a remarkable range of disciplines and historical periods. The structure of the book itself mirrors the concept of a "swerve," with chapters and arguments unfolding in a way that is never predictable, always encouraging the reader to pause, reflect, and re-evaluate. It’s the kind of intellectual journey that leaves you feeling both enriched and invigorated. The book doesn't offer easy answers; instead, it poses profound questions that linger long after the final page is turned. The concept of the "swerve" is explored with such depth and nuance that it becomes more than just a literary device; it becomes a lens through which to view the world, revealing the intricate interplay of agency, circumstance, and the unexpected. My engagement with this book has been a profoundly rewarding experience, deepening my appreciation for the dynamic and often surprising nature of change.

看了中文版的

标题和副标题看着很雄伟，其实讲的就是一部古诗手稿如何引发文艺复兴。虎头蛇尾，略扯。

A beautifully crafted book on the intellectual transformation which ignited the fire of the Renaissance over Europe. As an introduction to scholarship and books in late medieval and early modern periods, it is very readable with a small price of scholarly depth in the material swerve.

绝对是近几年看过最好看的书！讲述卢克莱修的物性论如何在十五世纪重新发现。中世纪修道院、文本流传、图书馆的毁灭、伊壁鸠鲁学派、基督教和异教、文艺复兴时的罗马。新历史主义的叙述，娓娓道来，又不失深厚的学术功底。Greenblatt是我新的学术偶像。

我喜欢这本书的视角、叙事和结构，也是很好的写给大众的通俗历史书。但我实在是对“黑暗中世纪”的史观不能完全感到苟同