A Book of Wonders

In Europe during the Middle Ages, the most learned philosopher and the humblest peasant alike engaged in heated discussion and spectacular speculation on the subject of "Wonders." The sports of Nature-Unicorns, Sea Serpents, Dragons, and Odd Things Falling From the Sky; Signs in the Heavens; Human Prodigies; Dark Days; Auroras & Comets; the deep mysteries of Earth & Heaven-all drew forth peoples' astonishment and earnest questions. Are there not Wonders-and Marvels, Mysteries, Myth, and Magic-in our age as well? Of course there are! But we moderns tend not to be aware of them, and when they make headlines, we tend to dismiss them as fakes or hallucinations. An introduction to a new way of thinking about the Past, this "Brief History of the World" follows a trail of Wonders over the course of the last five centuries. From the extraordinary deeds of Joan of Arc to the mysteries of Aztec sacrifice to the workings of the secret brotherhoods of East and West, you will hear a surprising tale of World Destiny, one that inspires you to seek your own Grail within. Dr. Kevin Dann teaches in the History Department at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.