Frank Wynne

The Map and the Territory Michel Houellebecq Date of publication: 2010 Publisher: Vintage Duration: 291 pages Winner of the 2010 Prix Goncourt - - - Observing the world of art and celebrity under the Houellebecq microscope - the result is: 'The Map and the Territory'; a collaborative journey of the world of quirks, ills and utter nonchalance through the eyes of artist Jed Martin. Not forgetting the inflated fortunes and the weariness of reinvention and the cuckoo need to make sense of visual exploration - all for the sake of art. Oh, and Michel Houellebecq, the author who wrote 'Atomised' features as a character. - - - 'The world is weary of me, and I am weary of it.' - Charles d'Orléans So far the twenty-first century as gone to plan in my view, no surprises have alarmingly ascended like a pheasant catapulting from verge to verge - indeed, their melodramatic squark shatters a tranquil walk. What is it about prize winning authors and squarking, sorry walking? I've read nearing a handful of Houellebecq novels and you can be sure to expect a meander somewhere - more than once, deep in contemplative mode - drifting along an endearing nostalgia I almost long for. I've thought about Houellebecq's intense nostalgia for at least ten minutes... nope, I'm not at that stage whereby nostalgia envelopes me - y'know, It's not due to my lack of age, memory or shoddy dalliances; oh no, I put it down to the invisible big thumb of 'you must do, or else' - indeed, I'm under the proverbial…

The concert that I will be critiquing is the late Amy Winehouse, Live at Shepherds Bush Empire in London, England. On May 29th 2007, solo artist, Amy Winehouse performed along with her backing band, a soul group called The Dap-Kings. I chose to view this concert because Amy is my all-time favorite jazz/ soul singer. Amy performed songs from her masterpiece album "Back To Black" and a few songs from her debut album, "Frank". The Dap-Kings, male only band, consists of Dale Davis on the bass, Zalon…

Alfred the Great, the famous Saxon King during the late 800s is the main character in G.K. Chesterton’s The Ballad of the White Horse. History tells us that Alfred is the one responsible for protecting England’s Christian religion from Danish pagans in England. Alfred lost much of his authoritative power as a result of the successful attacks from Danish tribes. Reacting quickly, Alfred constructs an army by asking three of his closest friends, better known as chiefs, to each assemble an…

Charlemagne reformed Europe for the better. He was a real force in the European empire; his people idolized him during his reign. He really innovated the empire. Charlemagne united the Germanic tribes because he forced them to convert to Christian (R) (P), he had a good relationship with foreign dignitaries (P). Finally, he created a one rule set.(P) (S) Charlemagne forced the Avars to accept Baptism. For example the document shows,”Charlemagne's armies would force the Avars to accept…

Charlemagne is considered as “the father of Europe.” During the years that Charlemagne ruled, he made many contributions for the future of medieval Europe. “Charlemagne was a determined and decisive man, intelligent and inquisitive. A fierce warrior, he was also a wise patron of learning and a resolute statesman.” (Spielvogel 215). Although Charlemagne corrupted the system of government to where we would maintain power, Charlemagne made many contributions for the success of medieval Europe. The…

After he would conquer a region, he would require the defeated Saxons to convert to Christianity, and be baptised. When the war finally ended, the terms Charlemagne laid out for and accepted by the Saxons included, “...namely that they would reject the worship of demons, abandon their ancestral [pagan] rites, take up the Christian faith and the sacraments of religion, and unite with the Franks in order to form a single…

Joan of Arc A simple, small farm girl made a great difference when possibly saving the French from the English command. She is an inspiration who would lead the French to many victories. This inspiration is knows as Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc a girl living in a small town had enormous dreams of forever fighting for her country. Joan wanted to show to the world that even if you didn’t know how to read, write, and have no background with the military you can still be able to do amazing things. Joan…

Charles Martel was born on August 23, 686 AD, Herstal, Belgium. He was a merciless warlike ruler who went by as Charles the Hammer. He got his nickname from his victory at Poitiers in 732. Charles was Mayor of the Palace of the kingdom of the Franks. Some facts about him: He rewarded his followers, but crushed his opponents. He gifted his followers by providing land from defeated opponents and from the church. He was considered a generous donator to monasteries, but he greatly doubted bishops…

Charlemagne’s reign is a key piece of medieval history that shows how he founded the Holy Roman Empire and changed many key aspects in Medieval Europe such as cultural and political reforms. In the preface for Life of Charlemagne, written by his administrator and long-time friend Einhard, Einhard gives several reasons for writing this biography. The questions posed is what are the reasons for writing this detailed biography? What do they say about Einhard’s sense of himself, and the time he…

In 771 it is stated that Charlemagne’s brother became ill and passed away, and Charlemagne was “unanimously elected,” (p.27) which says to me that he had found favor among those who had elected him. I believe that he was a good leader at the time of his existence, considering times were much different. He was relentless and pushed tirelessly forward until he was satisfied; such as the battle he fought with King Desiderius in which Charlemagne “exhausted the King, and forced him to surrender at…