RaveThe Sunday Times (UK)The book transpires to be neither a grave-to-cradle nor a cradle-to-grave biography of Fabritius, but rather a lyrical contemplation of his life’s work, the culture of the Dutch Golden Age and Cumming’s memories of her father ... Suspense over the fates of her father and Fabritius is withheld in favour of a more dreamlike exploration of what made both men feel alive, beginning with their ability to see. Imagery of the eye pervades the book, which is, in contrast to its title, quietly meditative ... I was distracted by the occasional fey sentiment...but this is nitpicking over a book that often borders on the sublime in its sentiment and beauty. The reproductions of paintings throughout make it physically, too, a thing of splendour.
Edith Hall
PositiveThe Literary ReviewA practical and enjoyable guide to Aristotle’s philosophy as a recipe for contentment in the modern world ... It can be quite a leap between old and new ... It’s surprising how comfortably Aristotle’s philosophy fits with voguish concepts such as mindfulness and self-love ... Greek philosophy can sometimes get lost in translation, but Hall is excellent at explaining what lies behind words such as ‘vice’ and ‘virtue’...She is also sensitive to the difficulties of living according to the precepts of a philosopher who believed that women possessed less intellectual potential than men ... moves seamlessly from issuing practical advice drawn from Aristotle’s writings to analysing his principal ideas, weaving in some surprising material along the way.
