The Book of Man by William J. Bennett

I like reading original source material. I especially like it when someone else has compiled an interesting collection. Bennett's collection is wonderfully eclectic--representing some of the best stories, poems, essays, letters and myths on the topic of what it means to be a man.

Befitting many of its classic authors, it is a beautifully bound and typeset book. The heavy paper with crinkled edges could make me imagine I'm reading it by a massive stone fireplace 200 years ago. But Bennett's introductions to each writing bring the reader solidly into the 21st century--reinforcing the timelessness of the uplifting messages.