Book shelf: How the Scots Invented the Modern World, Arthur Herman

If you're not familiar with my reading patterns, I'll read almost anything, but I stick mostly to historical romances , historical fiction, and historical non-fiction (I was a history major, can you tell). For the sake of not appearing redundant I'll save you from my reviews on romance novels, which are really a guilty pleasure anyways.

I just finished How the Scots Invented the Modern World: The True Story of How Western Europe's Poorest Nation Created Our World and Everything in It by Arthur Herman (2001)which attempts to show how even all the ideologies and technologies we hold dear were really the product of a Scotsmen. More than anything this book is an introduction to the who's who of the Scottish enlightenment and has rekindled my interest in David Hume, whose sardonic writings are right up my alley. I think it falls short and proving the the Scots invented the modern world, but does an excellent job of showing how they influenced it. Herman has a compelling argument for how the Scottish Enlightenment once exported to London and America influenced not just politics but also theories of education. He loses the reader; however, when his examples, especially in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries start relying on persons whose only claim to being Scottish is through one or more grandparents.

Overall the book was well written and easy to follow. The footnotes are particularly interesting as Herman interjects some of his own commentary on past events. The conclusions are a must read as they provide a unique insight on the Scotland in the last century. I recommend this book as an introduction to the Scottish Enlightenment and philosophy or to anyone with and interest in Scottish history.

Up Next: Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates by David Cordingly

allen + roth Olena Plymouth rug from Lowes

I've been stalking this rug for sometime at Lowes for my Family Room and was prepared to pay the $450 asking price (8x10) for the hand tufted wool rug, but as chance would have it last night I found it on clearance for $320. Even better, Lowes had a special running where you get a free rug pad ($40 deal) with the purchase of an in stock rug. It was my lucky day and this rug now has a new home. Now I just have to work on getting the new coffee table and I'll be set.

Marchella Demilune Console From Pier 1

I love the classic lines of this french country inspired console table from Pier 1. It has a mahogany top with painted sage green scroll works and the best part: It's on sale for only $179.98. I'm thinking it would look pretty great in my "foyer".The console table with its matching side tables can be found here.

Bloom Fresco High Chair

So even though we don't have a little on on the way or one at home, I'm kind of in love with the concept of this highchair. It reclines, includes a tray or can be pulled up to a table, has a 360 degree swivle seat, height adjustment, and a safety harness. I love that it is not only stylish but can be used for years and for so many different functions. At least that is what I keep telling myself to justify the $400 price tag. The entire collection of stylish and functional baby gear can be found at www.bloombaby.com

Seguro Coffee Table

My newest love is the Seguro Coffee Table from Crate and Barrel. I love the rusticness of the reclaimed wood top combined with the minimalist of the mahogany legs. It'll be perfect in my living room and can be all mine for only $700. I better start saving my pennies.

2008 Turkey Trot

Bright and early Thanksgiving morning, Cody, Stephanie, and Joan were at Mt. Trashmore in Virginia Beach participating in the Turkey Trot 10K.