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It's a Don's Life

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( 346 ratings, 27 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In It's a Don's Life, Professor Mary Beard offers an engaging glimpse into the world of academia with warmth and wit. Through a collection of essays, she shares her experiences as a classicist, discussing the nuances of university life and the broader world beyond. The book combines scholarly insight with humorous observations, providing a light-hearted yet thoughtful look at her personal and professional adventures.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this if you're intrigued by life within academia or have a passion for ancient history mixed with a clever, witty style. Professor Mary Beard offers an insightful look into the Cambridge academic world, blending her expertise in Classics with engaging reflections and humorous anecdotes.

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Britain's best known classicist speaks her mind on the ancient, and modern, worlds.

Britain's best known classicist speaks her mind on the ancient, and modern, worlds. A wide-ranging selection from her 'best hit' blog.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Mary Beard's by now famous blog It's a Don's Life has been running on the Times Literary Supplement website for nearly three years. In it, she has made her name as a wickedly subversive commentator on the world in which we live.

Her central themes are the classics, universities, and teaching - and much else besides. What are academics for? Who was the first African Roman emperor? Looting, ancient and modern. Are modern exams easier? Keep Lesbos for the Lesbians. Did St Valentine exist? What made the Romans laugh?

That is just a small taste of this selection (and some of the choicer responses) which will inform, occasionally provoke, and cannot fail to entertain.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

It's a Don's Life by Professor Mary Beard is widely praised for its wit, humour, and insightful commentary on academic life. Critics highlight Beard's ability to blend learning with humour, making complex subjects accessible and enjoyable. The book's engaging style is marked by its brevity and eclecticism, offering sharp observations and a humorous take on various aspects of academia. Reviewers frequently note Beard's knack for controversy and her skill in communicating historical insights with a light, inviting touch.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781846682513

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 November 2009

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 206g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Mary Beard is a professor of classics at Newnham College, Cambridge, and the classics editor of the TLS. Her books include the acclaimed and best-selling Pompeii, The Roman Triumph and The Parthenon (in the Wonders of the World series of which she is general editor).

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  • Pompeii
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