Extremes: Reflections on Human Behavior

By Arend Jan Dunning

Book Overview

Fourteen essays that chart humanity from the saintly to the monstrous. Extremes convincingly shows, through its bizarre tales-all documented, all true-how unnatural human nature can be. Translated by Johan Theron. A Helen and Kurt Wolff Book

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0151294763
• ISBN13: 9780151294763
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Harcourt
• Length: 207 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Divergent thinker surveys eccentric historical figures

"Extremes" is thought provoking survey of eccentric behavior throughout the ages. "Extremes" is comprised of fourteen chapters divided into four areas: Extremes of the Heart, Extremes of Men and Knives, extremes of Faith, and Extremes of Sense. The general theme seems to be the limitations of modern medicine for explaining extreme forms of human behavior, although any point that Dunning makes is loose and obscure. Clearly, Dunning is an intelligent man with an ardent curiosity for life that extends beyond his training and competencies as a cardiologist. Although his topics are diverse, his manner of relating them is rather predictable. He starts with a specific historical (legendary?) event; often entailing the meeting of two people, then extrapolates into a meandering detailing of developmental events that may have contributed to their extreme behavior. The chapters generally end the same. The reader is provided a tidy summery statement ("The result was a perfect crime, a turning point in the course of the French revolution") that provides closure to the topic but not answers or an explanation for the behavior. The reader is left to make sense of the vignette and find its thread of cohesion with the other tales.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy

I've heard of the poets Verlaine and Rimbaud and know a little about their poetry since I took French, but it was interesting to learn about their furious love affair while young adults. I'd heard about the "Sacred Heart of Jesus" but didn't have any idea where it started. I'd heard about the Castrati but it was interesting to learn details. This book is made up of interesting anecdotes, it's easy to read, and instructive. It's a relaxing read. A good book but not a great book.