Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 15, 1995 TAG: 9501160090
SECTION: BOOK PAGE: F-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: REVIEWED BY MARIAN COURTNEY
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
What bibliophile could resist a title like "Cleopatra's Nose"?
Daniel J. Boorstin chose it from Pascal's speculation that had Cleopatra's nose been shorter, historical ramifications may have had far reaching consequences. Seemingly insignificant details have had major effects on events; unintended results of human endeavors will always have more influence than expected.
A collection of essays, Boorstin's work nudges readers into thinking about topics they might never have pondered. For example, in the first chapter Boorstin writes, "Perhaps our modern discoverer is not a discoverer at all but rather a quester, in an age of negative discovery, where achievements are measured not in the finality of answers, but in the fertility of questions."
One of the most intriguing discussions encompasses what Boorstin has termed "the machine kingdom." He notes the irreversibility of inventions, with new machines generating even more new machines. Paradoxically, greater technology tends to engender more needs rather than making things simpler. For instance, more personal vehicles have increased rather than decreased the need for public transportation, and the greater availability of public transportation has not in turn decreased the demand for cars.
The final chapter is a glimpse into the author's background. This memoir-like postscript is the most human, most touching part of the scholarly work, yet it seems tacked on, as if the author wanted to publish it but didn't know where to put it. In another distraction from the book's main emphasis, Boorstin occasionally interrupts the discussion to give the reader word backgrounds and definitions. The use of footnotes would have been a more effective way to include the information.
The book's most troubling aspect, though, is the author's pervasive use of sexist language, despite the input of a woman editor. Page 24 alone, for example, contains 13 examples of sexist language. Why not use such inclusive words and terms as "people," "human beings" and "work force" rather than "men," "mankind" and "manpower"?
Clearly, Boorstin does not understand the exclusionary and belittling effect inherent in that language. The alienating effect on readers appears not to concern him, as evidenced by this sarcastic remark from Chapter 5: "To respect female sensitivities, must the once respectable university group called a `seminar' be rechristened an 'ovular'?" It's disheartening that a highly educated, Pulitzer Prize-winning author just doesn't get it.
Readers of the book would be led to believe that all writers, artists and scientific contributors in any capacity were and are men. They would also assume that housework is the sole domain of women. The author cites a book that states the workload for the middle class American housewife has changed rather than been reduced by technology. "And the prospects for the housewife are not unique," he writes. One would have be living in a cocoon to believe that home care is of concern to women alone. Many men own and take care of houses, and two working parents is the norm in many households.
Clearly, Boorstin is a knowledgeable scholar, as evidenced by his historical references and unique ideas. "Cleopatra's Nose" will no doubt be appreciated in historical circles and academia. Those who believe in human equality, however, may find the book flawed.
Marian Courtney lives in Charlottesville.
by CNB