They look so cool, but my dad said his college roommate bought the physical set but never read any of it. I guess greatness ≠ interesting, although I was kinda hoping it would. I'm now a little discouraged.
You ≠ you dad's college roommate.Granted, it would be a waste of money to purchase and never read. So would you have the discipline to read these books on a screen? Would you want to read enough of them to justify purchasing a bundle instead of purchasing the individual books that interest you? If you answer yes, buy the set, if no, then spend your money on something you will use.
I keep thinking about getting this, not so much to sit and read, but for references, and quotes. And the pre-pub price is less than a used hardcover set.
There is a reading guide available here.
My sister bought and read the physical set.
I've have read most of them over the last "undisclosed" years, and thanks to the "World Wide Web" most can be researched via Google, so having to reach for one on the shelf to get a quote isn't necessary. But having them in Logos, with the quick search, would be a benefit. It's really just a matter of justifying the cost...
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It just occurred to me that I've comeupon a ironic moment in my life.
The main reason I'm thinking about thisresource (as well as one of the main reasons I use Logos) is theability to have what I need in one program, and not have to leave thesoftware to do research or something else.
Which seems to be in direct contrast toLogos' position on turning on the spell checker in L4 “Logos hasnot wanted to build all the functions of a word processor, of whichthere are many good ones, into the Notes function.”
I would love to see enough orders move this set into production. There are some books that I would try to read in their entirety, but I would mostly use them for references and quotes as someone else stated above. For me it is definitely worth the cost.
They do seem to have moved into production.
I signed up for these the first day or so and was surprised to see that they did not moved quickly into production. I expect to read some of these and be glad to have the rest 'in case.' Even at the new pre-pub price they are a pretty good bargain.
Granted, it would be a waste of money to purchase and never read. So would you have the discipline to read these books on a screen?
That might be the one thing that would stop me. I'm not very disciplined, which means I should probably invest in Disciplines of a Godly Man first! And/or pray to God—yeah, that would probably work better.
There are a lot of Bibles across America that just gather dust on the shelf too. Just because your Dad's roommate had no interest in the Harvard Classics doesn't mean the content is dry, boring or worthless. Maybe they had a Magnavox Pong video console in their dorm room. They were so much cooler than reading you know.
So would you have the discipline to read these books on a screen?
If tablet PCs and Apples continue to develop and be refined, I think reading books like this do become more and more of an option. At least that is what I am hoping!!!
So would you have the discipline to read these books on a screen? If tablet PCs and Apples continue to develop and be refined, I think reading books like this do become more and more of an option. At least that is what I am hoping!!!
The problem that I have with reading on a PC is that I keep thinking that I should be working on something when I'm at a keyboard. Bible studies to do, emails come in, banking to get caught up on, forums to read and reply to, etc...
I wonder if a Tablet would lend itself to reading, knowing that all these distraction can still be accomplished on one?
I'm not sure how to answer this. However, the link that Bob posted recently on the Sports Illustrated Demo is a possible glimpse into the future. http://michaelhyatt.com/2009/12/the-end-of-book-publishing-as-we-know-it.html
Quoting Bob "People will be reading more than ever"
I hope this is true, I miss the day when you could go to work and talk to others about what everyone read in the paper last night.
I still wonder about a machine that can do too much, keeping people form accomplishing a simple thing like reading. This I feel is where a device like the Kindle shines, all you do with it is read, no worries about an icon popping up and telling you that you have an email / call / message. Or thinking about that sermon (or anything) that needs finishing, only a few finger presses away.
There is one thing to be sure of, as Logos proves, change is coming...
I think this is on the presupposition that by removing delivery barriers, people will read more. I think they will read more, but your point is well taken, is it quality and focused reading?
A number of my friends do not read books any more. Yet, if I look at their lifestyles, they spend hours in front of the computer. They are reading blogs, websites, etc. Even when they do this, they are being distracted. How many people do you know have at least six ways to receive communications? (email accounts, IM, micro blogging, social media, etc) I read an article recently that people are actually more on information overload than ever and don't know it, simply because they don't just have one email account anymore where they can gauge the amount of communications coming at them.
You are completely correct, change is coming...
The Harvard Classics and Fiction Collection (71 Vols.) more commonly known as “The Five-Foot Shelf,”
Vol. 14: Don Quixote, Part 1, Cervantes
The First Part of the Delightful History of the Most Ingenious Knight, Don Quixote of the Mancha, by Miguel de Cervantes
(Charles W. Eliot chose not to include the second part of Don Quixote in the Harvard Fiction collection)
Could we drum up some support to have LOGOS include the second part?
Also Vol. 16: The Thousand and One Nights
Benefits of the Logos Bible Software Edition (…) Whether you are a (…) seasoned pastor
Please post your sermon using quotes from vol 16
The Harvard Classics and Fiction Collection (71 Vols.)
http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/3661
There are many resources published in Logos that on the surface have no relation to the study of the Bible and the preparation and delivery of sermons.
I was ready to take up your challenge for a useful example of 1001 Arabian Nights in a sermon illustration. My example was to be "The Appointment in Samarra" and I thought it was part of Burton's retelling. It is not. We will have to settle for the benefits of a liberal education unless someone else offers their sermon ideas. [:^)]
Benefits of the Logos Bible Software Edition (…)
I have had Harvard Classics & Fiction on Pre-Pub since 04/18/2008. If it were already in my resources, I could have searched and known immediately "The Appointment" was not one of the tales. [:O] Parents who school their own children could use Harvard Classics to give their children a classical education that surpasses many colleges.
I have had Harvard Classics & Fiction on Pre-Pub since 04/18/2008
It looks like your wait will end at 1,421,280 minutes, on the last day of 2010. [:D]
I have had Harvard Classics & Fiction on Pre-Pub since 04/18/2008 It looks like your wait will end at 1,421,280 minutes, on the last day of 2010.
It looks like your wait will end at 1,421,280 minutes, on the last day of 2010.
Thanks for figuring how long the wait was. I felt every second of it.
It will be nice. I hope everyone else will consider what a good deal the Pre-Pub price is.
Regretfully, I had to opt out...it was either put a working roof on over my computer or books in it. Sadly, I chose the roof.
No doubt a few have read all volumes, but that is rather rare. In fact, most people who buy the physical sets do not read much of it.
They can be picked up very cheaply as a result. I paid $25 for the entire set. Two or three volumes show evidence of being read - one of them read quite a bit.
I bought them a year ago, and I fully intend to read some of it, but haven't had time yet.
You could search for quotes in the Logos version - that is true. That would be a good use. I can't imagine anyone reading the books on a computer, but searching for quotes - yes. Still, you could probably find most of the quotes on google.
Me, I love books and find them nearly impossible to resist. Even if it is unlikely I will ever use them. It's called an addiction, and I have it. However, this set I can resist. At least I can get by with a $25 fix for the book copies.
I really don't get the point of this one. Are there really no commentaries, or other resources which you would use that you could buy with the same money?
"The Importance of LiteratureLiterature gives us insight into the human condition: the commonality of events that occur in our lives; emotions that we all feel; and the things that give our existence meaning. In addition to making us think about human experiences, literature provokes emotional responses in us and can provide catharsis. Literature also gives us a shared vocabulary of stories that we can use as a frame of reference when discussing our own experiences and those of others.Literature provides more mundane benefits, as well. Reading well-written books can help us learn how to write a good story, teach us new vocabulary, and even offer examples of correct spelling and punctuation. Social historians can also learn about everyday life from descriptions of objects, practices, and events in literature. "
~ Alexis Vega-Singer
I'm with you, Michael. That's been my thought about the Harvard Classics all along. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled. Hope I can find a deal like you did.
Literature gives us insight into the human condition
Paul,
You misunderstand me. I do not question the value of literature. I certainly agree wholeheartedly with you on that. I read great literature daily. I love the classics. I say, "Read two old books for every new book that you read."
However, I am not convinced that the computer screen is really the place to read literature. A Kindle or other eBook reader, yes, but not a computer screen. I had rather pick up the book copies of the Harvard Classics for $25 to $50 at an estate sale. There are lots of them available. For me the Harvard Classics would not be a good use of the money I have to buy Logos resources. I would bet there are going to be some resources made available in the 12 Days of Logos that would be a better use of $130 for me. The Logos Harvard Classics may well be great for others. We are all different.
Also, remember the Harvard Classics is but a survey of literature, and some of the selections and omissions - well, they are not so good. This is especially true in the area of fiction. There are other collections that are equally good or better. The Harvard Classics is one turn of the century man's opinion of what was the best of classics.
Also, as one man said, the main reason for the existence of the Harvard Classics was "as a way for Collier's Publishing to make money off of free content by selling it as status to people like my great-grandfather."
I guess I still don't get it. But for those of you who do, enjoy the Logos edition of Harvard Classics. I will enjoy the Logos resources I buy, too. And I will read my book copy of the Harvard Classics. If I need to search them, I will have to search the pdf files from Project Gutenberg.
If I need to search them, I will have to search the pdf files from Project Gutenberg.
Actually, bartleby.com has a search interface for the HC that works well. Easier than downloading a bunch of PDFs.
I would have purchased the Harvard classics to have access to them when I'm not online (It's easier to study when not connected to the web). Unfortunately finances say no.
For me the Harvard Classics would not be a good use of the money I have to buy Logos resources. I would bet there are going to be some resources made available in the 12 Days of Logos that would be a better use of $130 for me.
I revisit this question several times a year. (The broader question of comparative purchasing, that is.) While I have no interest at all in golfing, I do not begrudge those who do. I'd rather buy another Logos resource than a set of clubs. But I had to make a hard decision between my guitar collection and a bigger Logos library because I really like both. My wife is happy Logos won out because it is hard to store 28 guitars in a laptop.
If we fragile humans were able to focus on the most important, all the time, and without waver, our libraries, homes and recreation would be a lot less cluttered and a lot more productive. But our Creator knew we are easily distracted and provided a plethora of wholesome activities to facilitate an occasional break to refresh. Going through my daily activities it is easy to get depressed with the shallowness and lack of purpose displayed in society around me. Touching base with intellect and artistry of fellow humans is a great encouragement. Harvard Classics is a way to do that.
Incidentally, the Harvard Classics is valuable to me for it's Judeo-Christian foundation. I also like Britannica's Great Books but realize it is a Humanistic perspective of Western Civilization. Then there is Eastern thought and many aboriginal cultures outside of any box. I have encountered people from many cultures and while I prefer some cultures over others I am happy to know mankind everywhere is thinking, questioning and searching for purpose.
[6] could, not, resist: Some say Logos only exists to make money selling free resources to us as a status symbol. But I much prefer Harvard Classics and similar contents over romance novels, westerns, Sci-Fi and syndicated serials. And I much prefer Logos' offerings over Hollywood.
However, I am not convinced that the computer screen is really the place to read literature.
Once again, my wife is happy I have adopted this skill. I enjoy holding a good book and turning pages. But I store uncounted thousands of books on the tiny hard drive. My physical book collection is shrinking monthly and my house is getting larger! Dr. Eliot offers us a well rounded, yet manageable, collection. It is a good addition to my Logos library. ~~signed, "A guy who never met a bad addition to his Logos library."
You misunderstand me.
Understood [Y]
I am not convinced that the computer screen is really the place to read literature.
Agreed, but there is the ipad/pod/phone.
as a way for Collier's Publishing to make money
I can hear the echos of the salesman now: "You don't want your children to be deprived..."
as a way for Collier's Publishing to make money I can hear the echos of the salesman now: "You don't want your children to be deprived..."
[6] That is an easy one to answer. Just tell them, "Yes, I do want to deprive my children!" [6]
Really tho, When I survey the my list of resource purchases, I can say there have been many good ones, many great ones, and some I forgot I even bought. My hardback library is the same. Certain titles I paid a premium for but now see I don't value them highly anymore. Their content remains the same but my curiosity has moved on.
Whether or not people buy the Harvard Classics, it's release is good news for everyone. It shows there is a reason to hope Barnes Notes may someday be in my Logos library. And with enough sleigh-bells ringing, The Samaritan Pentateuch will find it's way into the Community Pricing program.
fyi: I placed The Harvard Classics & Fiction on my Orders list April 18, 2008.
placed The Harvard Classics & Fiction on my Orders list April 18, 2008.
Matthew,
It will surely be a blessing to you. I admire your skill of reading literature on the computer. I just can't do it. (However, I love my Kindle, and I love paper books. Since I have the paper books, I will be blessed by them too.)
With my budget, to buy one resource is to not buy another. So I have to carefully weigh my Logos options. Sometimes finances force me to go with used paper books for literature.
It is a great collection, no doubt. Thanks for helping me "get it".
However, I love my Kindle
Another consideration: copy and paste the volume you would like to read from Logos into Word, save as PDF, and load on Kindle.
( this of course, is ignoring the fact that most of the works are readily accessible in PDF already... [:)] )
I had the Harvard Classics in my cart when pre-pub was $99 and later removed it. I put it back a few months ago, prepub at $129 or whatever. I removed it again, just a few weeks ago. I'm not much on reading through books on my computer. Perhaps I'm too distracted with other things. Instead of buying the Harvard Classics, I bought a Kindle 3 for the primary purpose of reading classical literature and public domain theological/devotional works. As has been said above, we have to make choices. Opportunity costs usually come into play.
But Matthew, 28 guitars? [:D] I have two, and my wife says I can play only one at a time! To my wife's certain question if I get a third one I will respond, "But honey, Matthew has 28!" [;)]
Or do you mean you would have 28 guitars were it not for Logos? Don't mess up my response to my wife!
"But honey, Matthew has 28!"
Sorry Bill. You can't use that excuse anymore. I am down to two (or is it three?) The others have gone on to greener pastures:
While I never made it big, many of my guitars have.
I would probably still have all of them hanging on my walls if Logos had not offered a better place to spend my money.
click here
I have two, and my wife says I can play only one at a time!
Generally that is true, unless you can play like my friend Edgar Cruz. Check it out.
Even us poor chaps can buy Logos if we are willing to part with the other stuff. [:D]
Well, good for you, Matthew, even if you did sink my "reasoning."
I am down to two (or is it three?) The others have gone on to greener pastures: one is featured in 30+ Utube videos one is in a movie one is owned by a famous Canadian musician another by a star in Argentina My autographed Queen & Supertramp Strats hang in an English castle. While I never made it big, many of my guitars have.
I am down to two (or is it three?) The others have gone on to greener pastures:
Impressive! You're reminding me of my favorite clip from Spinal Tap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4udCtOLrlcQ
Wow, that's pretty funky!
Generally that is true, unless you can play like my friend Edgar Cruz. Check it out. Wow, that's pretty funky!
It is called a harp guitar. I would say "it is a guitar re-imagined " but that may be a registered trademark of Logos, so I won't say it. [:#] Only thing stranger I've seen is a hurdy gurdy.
back on topic.... Look a little closer at the content of Harvard Classics. Here are some I find worthwhile:
These three alone, from Vol. 44 & 45: Complete Sacred Writings, are worth the most of the Pre-Pub price:
I am afraid a lot of people will miss out and the price will jump significantly upon shipment.
back on topic.... Look a little closer at the content of Harvard Classics. Here are some I find worthwhile: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin The Confessions of St. Augustine The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith The Origin of Species, by Charles Darwin The Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan The Lives of John Donne and George Herbert, by Izaak Walton Aesop’s Fables Household Tales, by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Tales, by Hans Christian Andersen The Divine Comedy, by Dante Alighieri Scientific Papers: Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Geology Voyages and Travels: Ancient and Modern American Historical Documents: 1000-1904 Thoughts, Letters, Minor Works, by Blaise Pascal
Here are some others that I would find worthwhile:
I might be able to help you get to 6! Well the logic worked for me with my wife but she does sing, we met through a gospel band and she does understand the different sounds that I use.
Logic is that I need a variety of tonal options to this end I have:
Did get rid of a few others though and we don't talk about the one that is in the loft... Never got close to 28 though that's impressive Matthew.
I did not sell them to buy Logos stuff though, I have to say that I still love guitars more!
I keep thinking about getting this, not so much to sit and read, but for references, and quotes. And the pre-pub price is less than a used hardcover set. There is a reading guide available here.
Paul, thank you so much for reading guide.
Sad news:
Sad news: Ships Feb 2011 The Harvard Classics and Fiction Collection (71 vols.)
I'm saddened that it is again being postponed, but at the same time relieved that it is being postponed. Hitting right after the Christmas holidays was going to put a strain on the book budget (thank you Logos...haha). When it ships in February, I should be in a better financial position to absorb the cost of these great books.
I never thought I would say this, having waited Soooo long for it, I am happy for the delay in shipping. I had not forseen this wild Christmas sales campaign coming. I can now seriously entertain a few extra purchases I would not have.
(I still see The Zondervan Bible Reference Bundle looming in February. [:S] )
(I still see The Zondervan Bible Reference Bundle looming in February. )
Ted
