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reddoscar's reviews
297 reviews
St George: Knight, Martyr, Patron Saint and Dragonslayer by Giles Morgan
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
Man and Technics: A Contribution to a Philosophy of Life by Oswald Spengler
challenging
dark
informative
fast-paced
5.0
The Populist Delusion by Neema Parvini
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
You might expect a book destroying democracy to be more than 150 pages long or difficult to read, full of topwit words and waffle. Not so. Parvini has written a deft and explosive tome. Not only distilling the ideas of 8 political thinkers along with his own analysis and examples but doing so in clear and concise language. The clarity of the writing makes the Populist Delusion book eminently readable.
Parvini condenses the primary theories of 8 thinkers starting with the elite theorists, Mosca, Pareto, and Michels, followed by the realist, Schmitt, and futurist, de Jouvenel. The final 3 thinkers, Burnham, Francis, and Gottfried focus on the managerial class – those who rule for the elites. With their powers combined the populist delusion is shattered and the real mechanisms of power are laid bare. Namely, an organised minority will always rule over a disorganised majority. That the elite require a political formula, or political theology, in order to rule. An elite cannot rule indefinitely and will be replaced by a counter-elite, eventually. Within an organisation there will always be an oligarchy, in other words a minority will always command the majority. That he who decides is sovereign and politics can be reduced to the friend-enemy distinction. The high will always attempt to unite with the low in order to crush the middle and that the low will be rewarded for doing so. In our current era this is many of the bureaucrats and managers; the managerial elite. This managerial elite are drenched in credentials, i.e. MBAs, while being literally interchangeable with one another. The managers are responsible for propagating the Imperial Faith and dissent will be patholigised.
If at any point, dear reader, you felt a stirring of emotion or declared “bullshit!” on reading the above then I recommend you read the pocket-sized tome for an introduction into power analysis. Much of what I have surmised will be reflex for the NRx, DR, Sensible Centrist veteran and the book instead offers a succinct refresher on the basics. If you wish to read more then the book is absolutely packed with references to the works discussed as well as a mountain of secondary literature.
For the populist, the democracy-believer, this analysis of politics will feel like a cold shower. A horrid shock that leaves you feeling far worse than when you started. A shock that will take time to recover from but fret not, dear reader, there remains a slim vein of hope. The rulers make mistakes, they overplay their hand, they, currently, abhor hard power, dissent grows and with it a counter-elite. Do not expect the circulation of elites to be soon, swift, or smooth. But also, and this is important, don't fedpost and don't touch that which glows.
For 'the voter' who remains a believer in democracy in its current form then I implore you to really examine the Brexit vote, in Great Britain, or Trump, in the USA. Both were seen as great victories, both were spoken of as portents, winds of change, and yet both have been disappointing, both have failed. Brexit was neutered from the beginning with a series of Prime Minister's and governments aiming to mitigate damage rather than maximise potential, but why would they do this? The elites did not want Brexit, it did not conform to their aims. However, the elites cannot simply ignore the masses entirely for in doing so a counter-elite will organise to oust them. So, what do the elites do? Containment. Brexit in name only. Stop reporting on it or only report certain elements. Delegate to the bureaucratic machine, unelected, unaffected by massocracy, in order to achieve their goals. Offer up small victories to the dissenters, “red meat for the gammons” as it were, and go about their day. The biggest misstep with Brexit was the Leave victory crushing any embryonic counter-elite. This originated in a belief in democracy, that the rulers, as neutral levers of power, would simply listen to the people. This is not how power works and even if you, dear reader, think Parvini is wrong it should be self-evident democracy doesn't work either. Plus, if democracy worked it should easily resist the elite theorist critiques.
In all the chapters I found I wanted more, more analysis, more detail, more examples, but it would have been unnecessary. Besides Academic Agent's YouTube channel has all that, along with many other channels, and Substacks, of 'dissident right' thinkers. Not only that but all of the primary books referenced are available either on Amazon (or other booksellers) and most, for free, on Internet Archive (at least for now). The Populist Delusion serves as a primer, much how James Burnham's The Machiavellians did back in 1943, to understanding “the realities of power and how it functions, stripped of all ideological baggage.” (p.3)
The Populist Delusion is an excellent introduction into the realities of power for anyone finding themselves perplexed by current affairs (and historical ones). The true-believers of democracy may struggle but should remember it's important to be open-minded about these things.
If you prefer your elite theory lessons in fictional form read Dune.
Parvini condenses the primary theories of 8 thinkers starting with the elite theorists, Mosca, Pareto, and Michels, followed by the realist, Schmitt, and futurist, de Jouvenel. The final 3 thinkers, Burnham, Francis, and Gottfried focus on the managerial class – those who rule for the elites. With their powers combined the populist delusion is shattered and the real mechanisms of power are laid bare. Namely, an organised minority will always rule over a disorganised majority. That the elite require a political formula, or political theology, in order to rule. An elite cannot rule indefinitely and will be replaced by a counter-elite, eventually. Within an organisation there will always be an oligarchy, in other words a minority will always command the majority. That he who decides is sovereign and politics can be reduced to the friend-enemy distinction. The high will always attempt to unite with the low in order to crush the middle and that the low will be rewarded for doing so. In our current era this is many of the bureaucrats and managers; the managerial elite. This managerial elite are drenched in credentials, i.e. MBAs, while being literally interchangeable with one another. The managers are responsible for propagating the Imperial Faith and dissent will be patholigised.
If at any point, dear reader, you felt a stirring of emotion or declared “bullshit!” on reading the above then I recommend you read the pocket-sized tome for an introduction into power analysis. Much of what I have surmised will be reflex for the NRx, DR, Sensible Centrist veteran and the book instead offers a succinct refresher on the basics. If you wish to read more then the book is absolutely packed with references to the works discussed as well as a mountain of secondary literature.
For the populist, the democracy-believer, this analysis of politics will feel like a cold shower. A horrid shock that leaves you feeling far worse than when you started. A shock that will take time to recover from but fret not, dear reader, there remains a slim vein of hope. The rulers make mistakes, they overplay their hand, they, currently, abhor hard power, dissent grows and with it a counter-elite. Do not expect the circulation of elites to be soon, swift, or smooth. But also, and this is important, don't fedpost and don't touch that which glows.
For 'the voter' who remains a believer in democracy in its current form then I implore you to really examine the Brexit vote, in Great Britain, or Trump, in the USA. Both were seen as great victories, both were spoken of as portents, winds of change, and yet both have been disappointing, both have failed. Brexit was neutered from the beginning with a series of Prime Minister's and governments aiming to mitigate damage rather than maximise potential, but why would they do this? The elites did not want Brexit, it did not conform to their aims. However, the elites cannot simply ignore the masses entirely for in doing so a counter-elite will organise to oust them. So, what do the elites do? Containment. Brexit in name only. Stop reporting on it or only report certain elements. Delegate to the bureaucratic machine, unelected, unaffected by massocracy, in order to achieve their goals. Offer up small victories to the dissenters, “red meat for the gammons” as it were, and go about their day. The biggest misstep with Brexit was the Leave victory crushing any embryonic counter-elite. This originated in a belief in democracy, that the rulers, as neutral levers of power, would simply listen to the people. This is not how power works and even if you, dear reader, think Parvini is wrong it should be self-evident democracy doesn't work either. Plus, if democracy worked it should easily resist the elite theorist critiques.
In all the chapters I found I wanted more, more analysis, more detail, more examples, but it would have been unnecessary. Besides Academic Agent's YouTube channel has all that, along with many other channels, and Substacks, of 'dissident right' thinkers. Not only that but all of the primary books referenced are available either on Amazon (or other booksellers) and most, for free, on Internet Archive (at least for now). The Populist Delusion serves as a primer, much how James Burnham's The Machiavellians did back in 1943, to understanding “the realities of power and how it functions, stripped of all ideological baggage.” (p.3)
The Populist Delusion is an excellent introduction into the realities of power for anyone finding themselves perplexed by current affairs (and historical ones). The true-believers of democracy may struggle but should remember it's important to be open-minded about these things.
If you prefer your elite theory lessons in fictional form read Dune.
Heroes of Chaos by
Second is the treatment of those in his command and care as the Sanguozhi describes Dun as a righteous man who “carried soil on his back like the peasants” when there was a drought and he blockaded a river for new fields to be planted on the riverbed. It also says “he was a prudent man to himself and generous to others,” though also “righteous but violent.” (All of this can be found here [LINK: https://kongming.net/novel/sgz/xiahoudun.php]. As can many other officer biographies from a range of sources.) Little of this fits with the character we see in Pinson Wu’s Three Kingdom Chronicles and for fans of Xiahou Dun it is hard to swallow the complete shift in natures. This is not uncommon for adaptations to Three Kingdoms era history, Chan Mou’s Ravages of Time features radically different interpretations of characters and events.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Review of Heroes of Chaos (Three Kingdoms Chronicles #2) by Baptiste Pinson Wu
eARC kindly provided by author. Release date 15th March 2023.
Heroes of Chaos is a fast paced adventure through ancient China. Baptiste Pinson Wu has written a sequel that flows naturally from the first book without a hitch. He has once again managed to weave history and fiction together in a satisfying way. Heroes of Chaos errs on the casual side of historical fiction with regards characterisation and dialogue but retains all of the chaos of the Three Kingdoms era.
Everything regarding worldbuilding from my review of Yellow Sky Revolt applies to this book and I won’t be rehashing that.
Recommended listening while reading: Red Cliff soundtrack, [LINK: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC73C36A0BF31C17E]
Plot
In a short prologue Liao Hua discusses the events of Yellow Sky Revolt, book one, with Chen Shou before continuing his life’s story. Heroes of Chaos opens hard with the famous duel between Lü Bu and the Three Brothers, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. BPW’s writing shines here and made a duel that occurred almost 2000 years ago seem like it could have turned out differently. An excellent first chapter that pulls you in and sets the tone for the rest of the book. Fast paced and full of action.
The story follows Liao Hua from 190 to 196 on his journey to becoming a professional soldier and finding his place within Cao Cao’s military. Through the wars in Yan and Xu provinces, quelling rebellions in Dong, avenging a death, recruiting a great officer, being imprisoned, and finding a girl, Liao Hua (Chun) does it all. While the first book focussed on Chun travelling with the Yellow Turbans and being too young to act much on his own, we now see him making an impact on the world. He may be ‘a ranker’ in Lord Cao’s army but his bristled nature and sense of self shows he is destined for more, if only someone would see it.
The novel is not 100% historically accurate, how could it be when we know little about the leading man. Some events have been altered in part or totally, some characters have been removed from the narrative and others added in. If you are familiar with the source material and other retellings than you will notice a couple but don’t let BPW’s creative changes deter you from the book and series. He has done an excellent job in crafting a living, breathing, Three Kingdoms. To those unfamiliar with the setting just jump in and have a great time.
Characters
The characters surrounding Liao Chun shift from teachers to comrades for Heroes of Chaos. Chun himself grows from boy to man becoming a soldier and then something more. We continue to see the introduction of big name historical characters, Yu Jin, Yue Jin, Xun Yu, Xu Huang, and more but also minor and fictional ones that are more personable with Liao Chun serving on the frontlines with him. His fellow students from the first book also reappear, namely Cao Ang, Man Chong, and Cao Anmin.
Yu Jin serves as our hard-nosed Captain who trains Liao Chun, and many others, from simpering fools - young and old - into disciplined soldiers. He is loud, foul-mouthed, and wants nothing more than his soldiers to be gods of war. He is a man you will respect but wouldn’t rush to share a cup of baijiu with.
Liao Chun’s immediate tent is made up of a ragtag team comprising:
Cao Anmin, the timid nephew of Lord Cao raised to leadership of the tent but lacking the personality to fulfil the role.
Wu Rang, ‘… could take a jibe from a comrade but would not suffer the foolishness of his superiors,’ aged 46 is nicknamed Grandpa. A veteran to fighting but it would appear never to a captain of Yu Jin’s temperament.
Du Yuan, ex-Yellow Turban who joined Cao Cao’s academy, alongside Chun, as a timid boy but developed into a fearsome warrior, aggressive and skilled.
Jiao Meng, the pampered son of a wealthy merchant, felt nothing but disgust for the life money bought and wishes to make himself into a man.
Bu Lao, or Pox, like the majority of the army is a farmer used to hard labour and unrefined behaviour. His face marked by pox scars.
Together they learn how to be disciplined soldiers, fight their first battles, and become an efficient killing machine on the front lines. Each of Chun’s unit quickly receive nicknames and BPW lays their individual character foundations in a few purposeful strokes of action and dialogue allowing each to develop throughout the story.
Of the established characters from the first book I will only talk of Xiahou Dun. Chun does not like Dun and while he accepts the man is a capable administrator he admonishes him for his lack of military prowess and severe rule keeping. Xiahou Dun’s soldiers complain about ‘the bastard in charge’ who serves punishments for made up mistakes. I don’t mind Pinson Wu taking liberties with the characters or history but with Dun I find it a little much at times. First is the change in how he loses his left eye. According to the Sanguozhi (Records of the Three Kingdoms) Dun loses his eye in a battle against Lü Bu but BPW has him lose it in when taken captive by some lowly peons instead. In Romance it is an arrow shot by Lü Bu’s general Cao Xing while Dun duelled Gao Shun. Xiahou Dun was taken captive by a false surrender trick and later rescued by Han Hao in the Sanguozhi and this has been altered a little to fit better with this story.
I trust BPW has something in the works later in the series for this rivalry of righteousness between Dun and Chun and given how little is known about Liao Hua’s life I do look forward to whatever he has planned out. His characterisation, actions, and responses regarding Xiahou Dun all flow and work well from a story telling perspective even if I dislike it. Though in storytelling some emotional response is better than none and as such BPW has done his job as a writer.
In general characters are well-defined and while some may be a little caricatured all-in-all it fits the tone BPW set in the first book.
Writing
First person perspective lends itself to a freer flow of consciousness style that matches the casual nature of Heroes of Chaos. You are in Liao Chun’s head and the world to him is full of injustice, often directed at him. This ego carries him far and farther still. He is loyal to those around him as much as he is to himself and the writing conveys this well.
It is evident in the writing that BPW is excited by this tale he has woven and that cheer spreads to the reader. Is it perfect? No, there are hiccups. Passages that lack rhythm, clunky sentences with too many commas, and sections that could have been tighter. These missteps do not hinder the story and the feeling and experiences of Chun emanate from the page and carry the reader.
4.5/5
Solid second entry into what is shaping up to be a brilliant series.