Wednesday, April 29, 2009

A Helpful Resource

The web now hosts a huge number of reference works on just about any topic, so The Dictionary of the History of Ideas might not be the most amazing thing one can find online. But it is useful, so you might want to bookmark it for future use, even if your use of it is sporadic.

Take, for example, "The Faust Theme". It isn't as much fun as thumbing through a big, heavy book, but it can be useful for filling in gaps in one's learning.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Faust Resources

The figure of Faust is one of the most potent of the modern age. The number of movies, operas, novels, even comic books made from the Faust narrative is astonishing, and it makes one wonder why the Faustian set-up has been so compelling. As a way of gaining some insight into the many dimensions of Faust--especially in the dramatic forms given by Marlowe and Goethe-- this page of faust resources should be helpful to just about anyone.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Looking to join us next fall?

The Center is still taking applications for students for the fall. Please contact our director John Hodges at 901/229-9409, or by email at jmvhvi@bellsouth.net to set up an appointment to discuss details. We will offer lectures, one-on-one tutorials, group discussions, a schedule of attendence at plays, concerts, films, and other cultural activities, as well as travel. Come join us for a year's study of our rich intellectual and spiritual heritage.

Friday, April 3, 2009



Here are some pictures from our trip to Chartres -- statues of the disciples on the south portal, our crew at the north portal. Approaching Chartres from the NW.






The three Graces - 18th century depiction of the ancient Greek subject.

Here are some pictures from our recent trip to Paris and London. The students are seated across from Buckingham Palace watching the changing of the Guard. There is a statue in the Louvre of Blaise Pascal contemplating a geometric figure, and below you see our students in front of the British Houses of Parliament.