An Incomplete Education
3,684 Things You Should Have Learned but Probably Didn't
By: Judy Jones, William Wilson
A completely updated, revised edition of the classic, outfitted with a whole new arsenal of indispensable knowledge on global affairs, popular culture, economic trends, scientific principles, and modern arts. Here’s your chance to brush up on all those subjects you slept through in school, reacquaint yourself with all the facts you once knew (then promptly forgot), catch up on major developments in the world today, and become the Renaissance man or woman you always knew you could be! How do you tell the Balkans from the Caucasus? What’s the difference between fission and fusion? Whigs and Tories? Shiites and Sunnis? Deduction and induction? Why aren’t all Shakespearean comedies necessarily thigh-slappers? What are transcendental numbers and what are they good for? What really happened in Plato’s cave? Is postmodernism dead or just having a bad hair day? And for extra credit, when should you use the adjective continual and when should you use continuous? An Incomplete Education answers these and thousands of other questions with incomparable wit, style, and clarity. American Studies, Art History, Economics, Film, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Science, and World History: Here’s the bottom line on each of these major disciplines, distilled to its essence and served up with consummate flair. In this revised edition you’ll find a vitally expanded treatment of international issues, reflecting the seismic geopolitical upheavals of the past decade, from economic free-fall in South America to Central Africa’s world war, and from violent radicalization in the Muslim world to the crucial trade agreements that are defining globalization for the twenty-first century. And don’t forget to read the section "A Nervous American’s Guide to Living and Loving on Five Continents" before you answer a personal ad in the International Herald Tribune. As delightful as it is illuminating, An Incomplete Education packs ten thousand years of culture into a single superbly readable volume. This is a book to celebrate, to share, to give and receive, to pore over and browse through, and to return to again and again.
AI Overview
Comprehensive Overview of "An Incomplete Education" by Judy Jones and William Wilson
Key Themes:
- Cultural Literacy: The book focuses on filling the gaps in knowledge that many people experience throughout their formal education, emphasizing the importance of cultural literacy. This includes understanding and participating fluently in a given culture, encompassing history, literature, arts, sciences, philosophy, and more.
- Lifelong Learning: The authors encourage readers to continuously seek knowledge in various fields, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
- Global Affairs and Modern Knowledge: The revised edition addresses seismic geopolitical upheavals, including economic free-fall in South America, Central Africa's world war, violent radicalization in the Muslim world, and crucial trade agreements defining globalization for the twenty-first century.
- Essential Disciplines: The book covers a broad array of subjects and themes, including American Studies, Art History, Economics, Film, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Science, and World History.
Plot Summary:
- Structure: The book is divided into chapters corresponding to various disciplines and departments, such as American Studies, Art History, Economics, Film, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, Science, and World History.
- Content: Each chapter provides a concise overview of the respective discipline, aiming to fill specific knowledge gaps. The content ranges from masterpieces and milestones in arts and literature to significant scientific principles and discoveries.
- Tone and Style: The book is known for its wit, style, and clarity, making complex subjects accessible and engaging for readers.
Critical Reception:
- Initial Success: When originally published in 1987, "An Incomplete Education" became a surprise bestseller.
- Revised Edition: The revised edition has been updated with new information on global affairs, popular culture, economic trends, scientific principles, and modern arts, further enhancing its appeal.
- Book Review: The book has been praised for its ability to answer a wide range of questions with wit and clarity. A review notes that it is "a liberal arts education with snark," making it both delightful and illuminating.
Overall, "An Incomplete Education" by Judy Jones and William Wilson is a comprehensive guide to filling educational gaps, promoting cultural literacy, and encouraging lifelong learning. Its engaging style and broad coverage of essential disciplines make it a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge base.