If you haven't tried this geography test, do so. It comes recommended by Tim Burke, Kevin Levin, and David Noon, so you know it's gotta be good; and I'm not telling you my scores!

Richard Byrne,"History Journal Editors Ponder How to Deal with Plagiarism," CHE, 7 January (subscriber only); and Scott Jaschik,"Confronting – and Not Confronting – Plagiarism," IHE, 7 January, treat an issue about which our journal editors have reached no concensus.

Max Rodenbeck,"The Early Days," NYT, 6 January, reviews Hugh Kennedy's The Great Arab Conquests: How the Spread of Islam Changed the World We Live In.

David J. Garrow,"Early Warriors in the Fight for Racial Equality," NYT, 4 January, reviews Glenda Gilmore's Defying Dixie: The Radical Roots of Civil Rights, 1919-1950. Garrow's criticisms of Gilmore's book ought to be taken very seriously.

Sean Wilentz,"The Delusional Style in American Punditry," TNR, 19 December, has been challenged by Cass Sunstein's"A Mere Smear," TNR, 28 December; and David A. Bell's"Experience and Instincts," Open University, 2 January. Hat tip.

Another Damned Medievalist - 1/8/2008

Aargh! Can't get through level 11