Woody Allen Books

As a whole, Dante's COMEDY (a title later amended by the Church to DIVINE COMEDY) is arguably the greatest work in the history of World Literature. As an artist, his only competitor might well be Shakespeare. Despite all that, I will confess that the PARADISE is not a terribly easy book to read. INFERNO in particular but also PURGATORY is filled with a host of extraordinary scenes with unquestionable universal appeal. The highpoints of INFERNO have become part of the intellectual furniture of Western literature, not least because one reads it with rapt attention and a sense that one is dealing almost with a contemporary rather than a person writing seven hundred years ago. PURGATORY lacks some of this universal appeal, but nonetheless features a host of marvelous moments and extremely human details.

Unlike INFERNO and PURGATORY, however, PARADISE is rather narrower and specialized in its appeal. It is not merely that it assumes that the reader is a devout Catholic; one must be a devout Catholic of the early 14th century, sharing completely the view of the universe accepted at that time. I think I have an unusually complete understanding of the cosmological views of the late medieval period, but while this meant I was able to read this work with some familiarity of the details, it also guaranteed that much of my interest was merely academic.

There is an expression that "You do not judge Dante; Dante judges you." This is undoubtedly true, but it it definitely true that this final book is going to strain the interest of most readers, even if you know enough about the intellectual worldview behind his work. In fairness to Dante, the work was nearly impossible to pull off. That he managed to do so nonetheless is nothing short of a minor miracle. For one thing, most of what made the many remarkable characters of INFERNO so fascinating was the struggle that existed in their lives. But in PARADISE there is no conflict, no struggle, no "agon." Instead, it is a realm of perfect bliss, with few qualities apart from love, happiness, and praising God through singing and dancing. These are some pretty stiff limitations that any writer would struggle with. That Dante managed something remarkable despite this is fairly amazing.

Also, there is a major theological limitation placed upon the work. At this particular point in the history of Christian thought, the assumption was that after death humans would be without a body (though they would be reunited with their body at the final judgment). So all of the denizens of heaven were disembodied spirits (though Beatrice does seem to possess a body, but that is a detail that we'll pass over). Dante represents all of the souls he meets in heaven as brilliant shapes of light. In fact, everything in heaven is represented as brilliant shapes of light.

C. S. Lewis remarked that PARADISE was the first Sci-Fi novel, and while he intended this hyperbolically, there is nonetheless a great deal of truth in it. Dante's imaginative depiction of the physics of the superlunary realm is a truly enormous achievement. I won't go into all of the details of medieval physics, but given the assumptions of Aristotelian science, the way his body reacts in the heavens is not merely consistent with the science but pretty much necessitated by it. For instance, moving on the assumption that things above the orbit of the moon have an ineluctable attraction to God, whenever Beatrice wants to take Dante from one sphere to another she merely gazes upon the divine beauty and they are transported as quickly as, as Dante puts it, a bolt from a crossbow. It is a wonderful touch, only one among many found in the book.

What I love most about this work, however, is the way that it expands and completes the work as a whole. On one level, the COMEDY is essentially a tour of the entire known cosmos excluding the surface of the earth. He begins by descending into hell, travels all the way down through the circles of hell to the gravitational center of the earth where Satan is encased in ice, and then ascends literally up Satan's legs (which are on the opposite magnetic pole from his torso) to the Southern hemisphere (contrary to popular myth, all educated medievals were perfectly aware that the earth was round), to the base of the seven-storied Mount Purgatory, up it to its top and the Garden of Eden, and from thence to the various spheres of the heavens until he gazes directly upon God. No, PARADISE is not as fascinating to read as INFERNO, but the paradox is that the COMEDY as a whole is far more fascinating than INFERNO on its own. Therefore, anyone who fails to go on from INFERNO to read both PURGATORY and PARADISE is not only going to shortchange themselves: they are going to neglect completing one of the genuine masterpieces in the history of literature.

As with the first two volumes, Mandelbaum's translation is both remarkably faithful to the original and magnificently poetic. There are many excellent translations of this masterpiece, but I would probably recommend Mandelbaum's over any other complete translation to someone desiring to experience this masterpiece in translation.

As with the other two books of the Divine Comedy, Paradiso could be a stand alone work of literature in its own right. The Grande Finale of Dante's massive poem ends with a flourish and upholds the tradition of masterful writing set forth by Inferno and Purgatorio.

This book should only truly be read upon completing Inferno and Purgatorio as many of the asides and relationships were first developed there. Allen Mandelbaum does a wonderful job of translating the poem but of also providing the reader with numerous notes and explanations on certain phrases or objects within the Cantos. This version is by far the easiest and most complete and can be enjoyed by both the casual and experienced reader.

Paradiso is another good book in the Divine Comedy trilogy. However most people never get past Inferno. The first two are good, and Paradiso most definetly holds up to its counterparts. I would also like to add that Allen Mandelbaum does an excellent job translating the Divine Comedy, as well as the Aeneid of Virgil. Paradiso, translated by Mandelbaum is easy to read, and very poetic. I am sure it is just how Dante himself would have written it, had he written the Divine Comedy in english.

Paradiso is inherently dull. The very nature of heaven makes it so. Not only is there no flesh, there is no conflict and there isn't even any change. With the stuff of drama absent and only bliss to look upon, what is there to say? Or rather, what is there to listen to?
In this case, as the story of our poet recedes and as Virgil is replaced by the ethereal Beatrice, the substance of the poem becomes the poetry. That is, the voice of Dante becomes paramount. If you read this in Italian, that's reward enough. I would guess that Paradiso is the canticle most often quoted in the original language.
In English however, this is tough sledding. The wily Ciardi didn't quite pull it off and all the earlier translations are hopeless. Then along comes Mandelbaum. The language is elevated without being unreachable. It is still not a volume that's impossible to put down, but it is a volume that you have to pick up again and again.

Lynn Hoffman, author of bang BANG: A Novel

Allen Hibbard's Paul Bowles, Magic and Morocco is a moving and unique memoir that exhibits both scholarly admiration and homage to his friend Paul Bowles. Hibbard sets the stage by creating an interesting genealogy of writers prior to Bowles (for example Washington Irving (1829), Pierre Loti (1889), and Henri Matisse (1912), just to mention a few) to demonstrate that many writers often seek exotic places to nurture their imagination, which may result in very magical and exotic narratives. The memoir shifts to an intimate look of Bowles's life, which highlights Hibbard's own personal tale of how he is attracted to the exotic allure and magic of Morocco and the Middle East. Hibbard recounts his own acquaintance and experience with Moroccan and Arabic cultures, and his meeting of the Mage of Morocco --Paul Bowles. Moving forward into the time and space after Bowles death, Hibbard talks to his friend's spirit in a letter, which is emotionally stirring and well done.

Regardless of your experience with reading Paul Bowles, I personally recommend this book. The genealogy provides an easy to read and entertaining overview of several notable writers. In addition, the book presents a very interesting sample of magic and myths in North Africa. The movement through time and space that spans from the early writers, through the life of Paul Bowles, and ends with a letter to Bowles's spirit is beautifully done. The book's narrative, like its intriguing cover, is guaranteed to cast a magical spell on whoever reads it.

Convoluted title to the review, convoluted subject: Paul Bowles. Mr. Hibbard is "hooked" on Bowles and suffers from some of his grandiosity, but, overall, this is an interesting read. The first few chapters annoyed me because Hibbard quotes a lot from books I've already read and, at times, the book reads like an undergraduate term paper. Still, you have to give him an "A" as he draws in many references in his analysis (Ph.D. stuff).

What I really like about his analysis is that, though Mr. Hibbard may not know good fiction (and hence bad fiction) when he sees it, he is not afraid to portray Mr. Bowles as the sadistic little twit that he, in part, was. Hibbard's hyperbolic language aside, he effectively shows how Bowles' lifelong sadistic tendencies found fertile soil in the bizarre, superstitious world of Morocco, where Bowles became his own little evil dictator of sorts. Especially cruel was his luring of the innocent Alfred Chester from New York and then playing with him like a captured mouse. (Chester actually overdosed on drugs in Israel a few years later, his fragile psychology having been "finished off" by Bowles' manipulations.) Both charming and maniacal, Bowles cast a large, creepy shadow. Mr. Hibbard peers out knowingly at us from behind it.

But, the picture of Bowles and Mr. Hibbard at the back of the book has to go. Hibbard looks like Saturday Night Live's Will Ferrell (after some really bad acid.) Bowles grins self-satisfactorily behind his Carlo Ponti sunglasses and you have to wonder, what has he done to the poor boy? Then, there is this crazy picture of some Viennese guy (the illustrator) who looks like a cross between Santa Claus and a rabbi. The only illustration in my edition is the unsettling one on the cover, which qualifies as "outsider" (insane) art. The illustrator apparently has some avant-garde theater thing going in Prinzenhof (sic?).

Oh yes, and the actual book is tiny, possibly shrunk down during one of Mr. Hibbard's Bowlesian experiments. After reading this book, I think I've had my fill of Paul Bowles. Now, I'm looking at getting the anthology of Alfred Chester's work. (It's all Michele Green's fault, you know.)

Paul Bowles, Magic & Morocco by academician, reviewer, essayist, and translator Allen Hibbard addresses the life and work of expatriate author Paul Bowles. An in-depth work of literary criticism that transcends boundaries to explore the occult forces that permeated Bowles' life, the Moroccan mysteries and North African customs, culture, and magic he studied, the mystical influence drugs, sex, and music, and much more. Paul Bowles, Magic & Morocco takes a personal turn as author Hibbard dares to speak to Bowles directly, addressing him from beyond the grave. A college-level analysis, seeking to define unimaginable forces and expressions.

Hibbard's book offers a behind-the-scenes look at Paul Bowles's life and literature, and the author's Bowles-as-magician interpretation will only enhance anything you've ever read by Bowles. Hibbard periodically inserts passages from Bowles's stories and letters to emphasize his points and to show parallels between Paul's reality and fantasy worlds--ultimately showing how the magician fused those two worlds into one. By revealing to readers how Bowles's fiction thrust him into Bowles's real life, Hibbard subtly, artfully becomes a magician himself, walking the same lines between fantasy and reality throughout his friendship with Paul, remembering fictional situations as real ones take place. Although Hibbard's intent wasn't to convince as much as it was to present, I was thoroughly convinced by the end of this book that Bowles was somehow more than mortal. The author demonstrates a broad knowledge of Bowles, his fellow literary friends, his critics, and North Africa in general, yet the book never sounds as if it were written by an academic. Instead, Hibbard's voice is friendly and welcoming, and he seems eager to lead his readers into an exotic world: I was willingly grabbed by the hand and led through Tangier, into Paul's home, to the Moroccan coast to sip mint tea. Rarely is non-fiction as beautifully presented as it is in this book!

It came in good condition. I was disappointed with the shipping costs. I was charged $$$ for a shipment that came in by regular mail under $2.00

The Book Peter Pan is probable my favorite childrens book of all. Peter Pan is about a young boy named, of course, Peter Pan. Peter lives in a place far away called Neverland. In Neverland no one there can get older. The only adults in Neverland happen to be pirates, and although Peter is just a boy all of the pirates are scared of him because he is the only person who can fly. The book is jam packed with adventure, Peter even has a friend fairy. Peter Pan also has friends called the lost boys. This book is a definate must get book for your child. I recommend this book to all ages, because every kid needs Peter Pan

If kids like Peter Pan, then this is a book for them. With illustrations and the vocabulary the kids can understand, this book provides an easy way for the kids to understand the story. It is a must for any children's book collection.

A wonderful version of this classic Walt Disney story! With beautiful illustrations, it is the perfect addition to your book collection for your children.

"142 Insider Marketing Secrets" pretty much sums up what's inside this great book. Although small (175 pages) it provides very detailed and specific recommendations.

Not all of the 142 secrets are earth-shattering, but there's more than 100 valuable ideas. The four authors compliment each other nicely. If I were to advise them before publishing I would have wanted only to read Bernard Zick's recommendations because he's such a whiz on marketing in this area. But surprisingly, I found the other authors to add significantly to the focus of the book as they had to face how to market themselves in their specialties.

This is a book that you will want to review at least annually, perhaps as you plan the next years activities. There are many unusual techniques or ideas in this book that I had not seen elsewhere.

John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX

Power Marketing for Consultants: 142 Insider Marketing Secrets Used by the Nation's Top Consultants, by Marjorie Brody, Allen D'Angelo, Bill Kerley, and Bernard Zick unveil the power marketing secrets that justify why top consultants are making four times as such money as average consultants and have more time to enjoy their own lives. The authors of Power Marketing for Consultants: 142 Insider Marketing Secrets Used by the Nation's Top Consultants (Power Marketing for Consultants) are all highly successful consultants who enjoy what they do and are highly respected in the consulting arena. Brody, D'Angelo, et al. have taken thousands of working hours over the last twenty-five years and clearly stated their marketing and consulting philosophy in their book. The authors' research has shown that there is a large group of consultants on the lower end of the success curve and those who fall among the nation's most successful consultants. Successful consultants are storyteller, magicians, and highly successful in their area of expertise. The "magic" that successful consultants seem to perform is a result of well organized and highly tactical "power marketing." Power Marketing for Consultants is organized into three major marketing topic areas: Power Marketing Strategies, Power Marketing Tactics, and Power Marketing Maxims. Within the three topic areas each one of the authors highlighted their own marketing issues and practices. Just as the title implies there are 142 tips or suggestions in the book; they serve as their own chapters within the three major marketing themes. It is easy reading and is very direct, nothing is held back. When comparing Power Marketing for Consultants to Peter Block's book Flawless Consulting, Second Edition I believe Brody, D'Angelo, et al's work to be more organized and targeted towards a more professional audience. The target audience reached by Brody, D'Angelo, et. al. are young professionals or those who trying to gain further success and insight in their own consulting career. Robert B. Cialdini, author of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, noted that, "Power Marketing for Consultants provides a rich source of valuable experience and insights for enhancing the consulting process." The authors of Power Marketing for Consultants have many of the same goals as Cialdini, they are result driven and have determined the only real challenge in life is getting people to comply with you. Getting compliance can be done several different ways, however, Brody, D'Angelo, et. al made several marketing suggestions to help consultants establish and maintain both valuable and beneficial relationships. In the "Power Marketing Strategies-Strengthening Your Foundation," portion of the book there are several helpful suggestions made. For example, writing down your goals, make a marketing log, keeping money in the bank, and obtaining better clients are just a few of the helpful suggestions given. "Power Marketing Tactics: Powering It Up," section made reference to joining professional and community organizations, hiring a public relations professional, getting into cyberspace, networking with non-competitive consultants, serving as a Master of Ceremonies, and writing articles for professional journals. Lastly, Brody, D'Angelo, et. al focuses on "Power Marketing Maxims: For Enduring Success" here they reinforce how important it is to be reliable and responsible, having a good sense humor, and understanding the Law of Cause and Effect. Brody, D'Angelo, Kerey, and Zick have taken their insider knowledge to what has made them successful and laid it out on the table; their work in this book clearly mirrors their success in each of their various areas of expertise. The information available in Power Marketing for Consultants: 142 Insider Marketing Secrets Used by the Nation's Top Consultants, by Marjorie Brody, Allen D'Angelo, Bill Kerley, and Bernard Zick is practical, sustainable, and time tested. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in being respected among the nation's top consultants.

Brody, D'Angelo, et. al, Power Marketing For Consultants: 142 Insider Marketing Secrets Used By The Nation's Top Consultants, Archer-Ellison Publishing Company, Winter Park, FL September,1999

Kelly Hilgers

OK. So you know your stuff. You have the credibility (education) and you have the experience (you have been there). You are ready to solve difficult problems for people. How do you let them know you exist?

In this book, four of the world's top consultants/speakers/motivators share their 142 marketing secrets. Use this inside information to jump-start your consulting business to earn what you are worth--sooner. Read, evaluate and employ each of these advanced marketing ideas.

As a (self-employed) author of 113 books (including revisions and foreign-language editions) and over 500 magazine articles and a consultant to the publishing industry, I recommend this book to anyone who sells their advice. DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com.

Power Marketing for Consultants:142Insider Marketing Secrets Used by the Nation's Top Consultants, by Marjorie Brody, Allen D'Angelo, Bill Kerley, and Bernard Zick unveil the power marketing secrets that justify why top consultants are making four times as such money as average consultants and have more time to enjoy their own lives. The authors of Power Marketing for Consultants: 142 Insider Marketing Secrets Used by the Nation's Top Consultants (Power Marketing for Consultants) are all highly successful consultants who enjoy what they do and are highly respected in the consulting arena. Brody, D'Angelo, et al. have taken thousands of working hours over the last twenty-five years and clearly stated their marketing and consulting philosophy in their book. The authors' research has shown that there is a large group of consultants on the lower end of the success curve and those who fall among the nation's most successful consultants. Successful consultants are storyteller, magicians, and highly successful in their area of expertise. The "magic" that successful consultants seem to perform is a result of well organized and highly tactical "power marketing." Power Marketing for Consultants is organized into three major marketing topic areas: Power Marketing Strategies, Power Marketing Tactics, and Power Marketing Maxims. Within the three topic areas each one of the authors highlighted their own marketing issues and practices. Just as the title implies there are 142 tips or suggestions in the book; they serve as their own chapters within the three major marketing themes. It is easy reading and is very direct, nothing is held back. When comparing Power Marketing for Consultants to Peter Block's book Flawless Consulting, Second Edition I believe Brody, D'Angelo, et al's work to be more organized and targeted towards a more professional audience. The target audience reached by Brody, D'Angelo, et. al. are young professionals or those who trying to gain further success and insight in their own consulting career. Robert B. Cialdini, author of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, noted that, "Power Marketing for Consultants provides a rich source of valuable experience and insights for enhancing the consulting process." The authors of Power Marketing for Consultants have many of the same goals as Cialdini, they are result driven and have determined the only real challenge in life is getting people to comply with you. Getting compliance can be done several different ways, however, Brody, D'Angelo, et. al made several marketing suggestions to help consultants establish and maintain both valuable and beneficial relationships. In the "Power Marketing Strategies-Strengthening Your Foundation," portion of the book there are several helpful suggestions made. For example, writing down your goals, make a marketing log, keeping money in the bank, and obtaining better clients are just a few of the helpful suggestions given. "Power Marketing Tactics: Powering It Up," section made reference to joining professional and community organizations, hiring a public relations professional, getting into cyberspace, networking with non-competitive consultants, serving as a Master of Ceremonies, and writing articles for professional journals. Lastly, Brody, D'Angelo, et. al focuses on "Power Marketing Maxims: For Enduring Success" here they reinforce how important it is to be reliable and responsible, having a good sense humor, and understanding the Law of Cause and Effect. Brody, D'Angelo, Kerey, and Zick have taken their insider knowledge to what has made them successful and laid it out on the table; their work in this book clearly mirrors their success in each of their various areas of expertise. The information available in Power Marketing for Consultants: 142 Insider Marketing Secrets Used by the Nation's Top Consultants, by Marjorie Brody, Allen D'Angelo, Bill Kerley, and Bernard Zick is practical, sustainable, and time tested. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in being respected among the nation's top consultants.

Brody, D'Angelo, et. al, Power Marketing For Consultants: 142 Insider Marketing Secrets Used By The Nation's Top Consultants, Archer-Ellison Publishing Company, Winter Park, FL September,1999

Prostate cancer involves clusters of cells which grow out of control. Biopsies measure the incidence of cancer with minimum risk. Standard therapies are radiation, hormonal and cryosurgery.
As we get older, less testosterone is produced. The reduced
testosterone levels may cause the prostrate to shrink in mass.
Cryosurgery freezes tissue. The current state of prostate surgery
art is on "afud", "prostatecancerfoundation" and "urologyhealth"
coms. This work would be invaluable if you have prostrate problems and it will be necessary to choose an optimal treatment modality.
This volume is well worth the price charged for the information content alone. It is well-researched and the sources are authoritative.

This is an excellent, easy-to-read book that covers all therapies, but it's great contribution is the superb coverage of cryotherapy for prostate cancer, one of the specialties for which co-author Gary Onik, MD is well-known. Though this book will be a fine resource for orienting many patients, I see it as a "must read" book for someone seriously considering cryosurgery. The book covers other therapies in an overview fashion, providing major details; that's an advantage for the new patient as it limits confusion and facilitates rough comparison of therapies, but some patients will probably want more information to narrow the therapy choice and will need other sources to fill-in important details. That's not a criticism, just a comment on the role of this book in educating patients. The book also contains fresh insights, even for those of us patients with a lot of hard-knocks knowledge of the disease. The co-authors have done an excellent of stressing empowerment of patients. Their presentation of therapies from the viewpoint of the patient helps achieve this objective.

The coverage of cryo ranges from advantages, disadvantages and limitations, details of the procedure, selection of a skilled cryo surgeon, promising results for this relatively new technology, side effects, ways of limiting recurrence, and excellent potential as a salvage technique. The book recommends the patient confirm with his doctor that certain techniques will be used, such as slow thawing and prevention of injury to the rectum by injection of saline solution in an intervening space. It notes that a special advantage over other therapies is that all types of prostate cancer cells respond, even aggressive cells (high Gleason scores). It also notes that follow-up data is still limited to about five to seven years, a disadvantage, though data at the outer boundary looks good.

A must read for any man over 40 regardless of whether or not he has prostate cancer. The clarity of information is matched only by the outstanding illustrations.
Clearly one of the most informative and understandable writings of our times. Compassionate in tone and sensative in presentation.

My urologist gave me this book he first told me I had cancer. It was good to leave his office with a resource in my hands because my wife and I obviously had a lot of questions. The book answered our questions and explained prostate cancer and its treatment options thoroughly but in an easy to understand way.
When I went back for my second visit after my diagnosis, my doctor and I discussed treatment options. He also answered some questions the book had brought to mind. Four months ago I had a nerve sparing radical prostatectomy, and I've been doing great since. I'd definitely recommend this book to other men with prostate cancer.

Great book! I am a general ophthalmologist and read this book and found it very helpful in my understanding of the various treatments and vitamin therapies for macular degeneration. I then gave a copy to my mother who has severe macular degeneration. She loved the book and found it very useful reading it before her last retina evaluation. I applaud Dr Folk and Wilkinson for their work on this great and hopeful guide for patients with this frustrating disease.

The authors of this book are very knowledgeable on the subject but they have managed to write a book that is not over my head. It has some important information for all ages on how to prolong the life of your eyes. I would recommend this book, not only for those who are already at risk for age related vision loss, but for parents who want to teach thier children good habits now so they will be able to see as clearly, and for as long, as possible.

This book is written for the person who is afraid he or she might have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), for people who already have AMD, and for family and friends of AMD patients. The authors are an ophthalmologist and an optometrist, giving the book points of reference from two similar but distinct disciplines. Dr. Folk covers the mechanisms of AMD and medical treatment while Dr. Wilkinson covers topics about making the best of the vision you have.
The illustrations are clear and help with the understanding of this complex topic. The tone is conversational, making it easily read but never condescending. The type is large enough with lines far enough apart to be easily read by people whose vision is not optimal but is not as large as a large-print text.
I recommend this to any person who might be faced with AMD and has been told they can't do anything about it. Physicians, particularly those who see older patients, may also want to consider using this book as a waiting room book.

This book is well-written and provides current information on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of macular degeneration.

My 10 and 6 year old daughters were glued to this book when we got it. It is full of creative/well designed questions that help you to understand yourself and/or others. It's fun to pull it out on different occasions and see how their responses are compared to the last time. It was also a hit at a slumber party.

I bought this quiz book for my pre-teen daughters and they had the best time answering the questions and quizzing family members, boy or girl. They learned a lot about themselves and had fun doing it. A great book to take on a car trip!

I love this book! I totally love any American Girl book, but this is one of my favorites. I got to know myself a lot better. I like the illustrations. It's very colorful and kooky. Also, by knowing myself better, I can make myself better. For example, I thought I was ready to have a pet. But, I really wasn't, but the book gave me good advice on how I can become ready for a pet. My friends and I used this book at our slumber party. We got to know each other much better! By using this book, you know your fashion style better, if you're a smart money saver, if you're brave enough, or have good manners. I highly recommend this book to any American Girl fans or just any girl who wants to know herself better.

This book was excellent. It really helped me get to know myself better and my friends. Get it!

Having grown up in a house with this book always present on the coffee table I can vouch for the fact that it is a great way to help a child broaden his/her mind and develop a love of reading non-fiction, and of geography. It is the kind of book that every child should have available to stir their blood about the wonders of the world they live in and share.

This book is a timeless treasure trove of information and I find it VERY hard to put down once I start leafing through it. My ten year old daughter's interest in nature and the great outdoors has grown immensley largley due to this volume and how easy it is to read. Kudos to Reader's Digest!

This was written in 1980. Its only shortcoming is, it needs to be twice as big - no, make that 5 times as big. More pictures of every location, longer description. Tell every writer you know: This would be a sure-fire success, simply building on this fine foundation. Note that there are 200 used copies available: people recognize the value of this, and know others will want it too. It's one of those books I believe I need two copies of, just in case something happens to one of them. I've read and re-read it more than any other book I can think of. How is it that no other writer or publisher has figured out that it is fascinating to know about these little-known natural features?

This book is out of print, and that's too bad. It lists over 200 places around the world, most of them natural features, that are truly amazing. Some are large, (Antarctica), some are small and very remote (Rabbitkettle Hot springs in the Northwest Territories.). While North America may have a few more items listed, even Africa has it s share, including many little known waterfalls and mountain ranges. I was a geography major in college, and I was stunned at how many of the overseas phenomena I had never even heard of before. The book is a continuing voyage of discovery.

The descriptions of each feature are factually excellent and well written. The photographs are all in color and excellent.
The maps supplied, in some, but not all, instances are clear and well drafted.

Your world will be much broader and more full once you obtain and read this excellent volume. Don't even try it all at once. Just leisurely peruse a few items each time, and your sense of wonder and beauty will grow each time you do. Very, very highly rated.

This is a book that every Christain should read. It is truely a wonderful read.

Prior to reading, I was familiar with Allen Ross (Holiness to the Lord), but this was the first Ross title I've read. Overall, I think it's a masterful study. I was skeptical on whether it would really be a book for all Christians, "regardless of tradition." Really, there are very few theological biases that enter the book. Ross's central concern is to understand the development of worship in the Bible. He admits that all denominations do things well, and his purpose is not to make one change denominations, etc. I truly think all Christians with appreciate this book, and glean great insights. Ross, himself, is somewhat difficult to pen down. He's Episcopal, but in the past has been Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian. He approaches many issues from a Reformed point of view, but I think Arminian and Catholic readers would get a lot out of this book.

For several years, something has been missing in my life--this book has shown me exactly what that is. Genuine, heart-felt worship. The book is well written. It opens up the entire scripture (along with early church history) and leads the reader right to the feet of Jesus--and thats where I found I needed to be. For the most part, it is instructional, but has many moments which are magnifiicent and which stirred in me that "knowing" that I already know but have forgotten or let grow dim. My thanks to the author for helping me to be reminded.

Many local churches have been torn apart by what has called the "worship wars". Battles between "oldtimers" with their set way of doing things as Baptists (or Methodists or Presbyterians or ...) have always done them against the "young turks" with their marketing surveys and praise choruses over the format of worship with each side determined to have its way. Often the solution is to have different style services that imposes a congregational split along generational and socio-economic lines. Unfortunately, there seems to have been an assumption that the Holy Scriptures have little to say on the issue and it is merely one of style and not substance.

Allen P. Ross, a professor at Beeson Divinity School, goes a long way in demonstrating the fallacies of this line of thinking in his important survey of Biblical worship Recalling the Hope of Glory. Working his way from Genesis to Revelation, Ross sheds light on just how much the Holy Scriptures tell us about worshipping the Lord God. Dividing the book into ten parts, each dealing with a phase of development, Ross outlines how God's plan for worship was progressively revealed just as His plan for our salvation was revealed. From the creation to the last trump, we are being led to our true end in the communion with the living God. It is absurd to think that there has not been revealed some level of understanding that is to assist us in moving us toward that final destination.

Ross begins by discussing the purpose of worship. We cannot understand the purpose of worship, the author contnends, until we see its link with the nature and atributes of God. The knowledge we have of God from the revelation of Him in Holy Scripture (i.e., God is holy, God is omnipresent, God is righteous, etc.) all play a role in our understanding the glory of God. Our response to being confronted with the glory of God is to be fear, adoration, confession, commitment, and finally the participation in ritual acts and religious observances that reflect upon God's glory. The observances of God's people have always centered upon sacrifice, proclamation, praise, prayer, and covenant renewal. Each of the ritual acts can be seen from an intellectual, aesthetic, corporate, and moral sense and each of these views satisfies a need of the human spirit. True worship can thus be seen as the celebration of being in a covenant fellowship with the triune God by means of praise, adoration, commitment, and ritual as we have faith that God's covenant promises will be fulfilled.

Ross then examines how the memory of paradise impacts worship. The construction of the Temple with its different levels of access to God symbolically reconstructs the world before the fall while emphasizing that access to God is no longer direct but requires a mediator. The effect both looks back to paradise but also looks forward to reconcilliation with God through the one true mediator Jesus Christ.

Pointing out how, at the time of Abraham, worship since the time of Noah had deteriorated into fertility cults governed by elite priests, Ross shows how God called Abraham and his descendents back to a true worship of Him. An important part of the worship was a sacrifice accompanied by a proclimation of faith in God at the altar. This proclimation was not only through words but also in ritual acts that demonstrated faith in the promises of God throughout the believer's life.

Ross then turns in successive sections on the details of how sacrifice and praise were integrated into the worship of Israel. The combination of prayer and ritual are not in opposition as commonly believed by many but are complementary in true worship. The author follows the development of Jewish worship from Sinai to the Temple and how the two formed a cohesive plan for the Jewish liturgical celebration.

Even with the establishment of worship ordained by God, the fallen nature of man still led yet again to corruption. The author covers how, on different occasions, Israel fell into pagan idolatry. Even when not turning to pagan beliefs, there was also the hypocrisy of those who claimed to be holy but bore bad fruits as injustice and immorality reigned. In such times, God chose prophets among His people to rebuke them and announce both punishment and eventual redemption.

Then turning to the New Testament, Ross shows how Jesus continues the prophetic call to Israel to turn from the hypocrisy of its religious leaders but also now institutes the New Covenant worship. New Testament worship is worship of Christ that is done in Christ as the believers are identified with as His Body. Worship was transformed by Jesus at the Last Supper where He identified His body with the bread of affliction and identified His blood as to be poured out as He pointed to His coming sacrifice on the cross. The institution of the Holy Communion serves is not a mere memorial in the modern Western sense but serves to keep alive the New Covenant promises for the believer.

The author then points out how the New Testament Church would build upon the existing Jewish liturgical tradition with this new ritual. Jewish concepts were reinterpreted through the New Covenant with Christ. All aspects of worship became Christocentric with both Word and Sacrament an indispensible focus of the liturgy.

Ross goes into much detail on the structure of the early Church liturgy, its reliance upon Jewish precedent, and its subsequent development to reflect the new Christian covenant. Many Evangelicals might be surprised and perhaps uneasy by the "Catholic" appearance of early Christian worship. It should be pointed out, however, that all Christian worship until recent centuries followed this basic form. The worship of Israel was always liturgical as was the early Church and all churches that can trace its history from before the Reformation. Among the Churches of the Reformation, the Lutherans, Anglicans, and many Reformed also retained the basic structure of the historic Christian liturgy.

One element that has until recently been downplayed is the eschatological ends of worship. As we come together to thank God and praise Him we should also be reminded of His faithfulness not only in our past and present but also in the future as His plan will be fulfilled. Ross shows how the views of Scripture about the end of days are brought into the liturgy and how elements of true worship point to the coming eschaton. Just as the liturgy and the structure of true woship has always pointed back to paradise, so it also gives us a glimpse of the coming day when we will experience the full presence of God in His glory.

Ross finishes with a list of principles for more glorious worship. These serve to transcend the "worship wars" that too often center on passing styles that are peculiar too a particular generation and places the focus squarely on Christ and how we may proclaim His glory. The implementation of these principles would call for a change among worshippers of the "megachurch" or "emerging church" movements but also among many Evangelicals whose liturgical outlook was formed by earlier "revival" movements that sought emotional experiences at the expense of losing a sense of God's transcendent glory.

Rarely has a book dealt so frankly and honestly with the issue of liturgy and its implications for Evangelical Protestantism. Allen P. Ross has given us a rich and powerful evaluation of the essential elements of true woship that is deeply rooted in the Holy Scriptures and communicates how the true worship of God has developed in response to the progressively revealed state of God's Word. Recalling the Hope of Glory is a challenging work that should be read by anyone concerned with the worship of the God of Glory.

This is an engaging book, and a must read for lovers of the Iberian Horses--especially the Lusitano. Compared to Gonzaga's "History of the Horse Vol 1" this text is probably less historically accurate. However, The Royal Horses of Europe is much easier to read and contains more relevant information about more recent history.

The Royal Horse of Europe is a stunning book dealing with the horse breeds derived from the Iberian Peninsula (i.e. Spain & Portugal). It covers the history of these breeds, including their connection to the Great Warhorse of the Medieval Period. In addition, it presents information on Iberian horse sports, such as the corrida (the mounted bullfight) and the Iberian Schools of Classical Horsemanship. The writing style is accessible, yet does not sacrifice sound scholarship. 50 color photos and 75 black & whites illustrate the text. Note: This excellent book is extremely biased toward Iberian horse breeds. Eulogies are occasionally inserted where I would have preferred logical arguments. This is a minor gripe, however, for a book of such excellent quality. It is worth many rereads

Sylvia Loch does an excellent job of telling the story of the Iberian Horse (what we know as the Andalusian and Lusitano). It is well-written and has beautiful illustrations. One of the things I like the most about this book is that it is well-referenced. You can find out where Ms. Loch found her information on a subject in most instances, and this is a point where most horse books fail miserably. Anyone interested in Andalusians, Lusitanos, or their offshoots (Mustangs, Criollos, Paso Finos, Peruvian Pasos, Lippizaners, etc) will enjoy this book and want a copy for their libraries.

I am breeder of Lusitanos and I found this book very useful.
It has great information about story and carachteristics of Andalusians and Lusitanos.
I absolutely recomend this book for the ones interested in Iberian horses.