John Hughes Books

Unbelievably inspiring. I challenge you to compare his reading with any one else's or your own in your head. He makes it alive. Not perfect, mind you. You'll find yourself suggesting to him in certain spots that he missed the meaning by putting some emphasis or other on the wrong words. Nevertheless, you know you couldn't do better overall. A real treasure.

Great for a long drive or while driving cross town in Manhattan. You can debate the issues of suffering with Milton in your head.

Sure do wish it were the whole work.

First off, let me say that we're not talking here about the famous Qi gong instructor named John Milton. We're talking about the famous 17th-century English poet who wrote _Paradise Lost_ and _Paradise Regained_, two of the most wonderfully overlong Christian poems in the history of Western literature.

Your English teacher will tell you that _Paradise Lost_ "narrates the story of Adam and Eve's disobedience, explains how and why it happened, and places the story within the larger context of Satan's rebellion and Jesus' resurrection." And you know that can't be far wrong, because SparkNotes says the exact same thing.

But the main reason everyone should read Milton's grand epic is that it contains certain secrets about prayer.

In PL, Milton reminds us how important it is, when we pray, to be absolutely specific. The Lord has a strange, often disturbing, sense of humour (PL, books I-XII). If you leave Him wiggle room, He will answer your prayer in a way you never intended, and then say it was your own damned fault, because your prayer contained seven types of ambiguity.

John Milton writes from experience. Example: Almost every time a good-looking woman passed within view of John Milton, he suffered an involuntary erection. Daniel of the Old Testament might well have suffered such a condition without complaining, but John Milton found it onerous. John was both a Puritan and a student of Saint Augustine. He was not happy when he suffered an erection, he hated it, and he especially resented the women who made that thing happen to him.

In a Latin letter to his friend, George Wither, John Milton reports that, in his youth, he would sometimes see a pretty woman even in his dreams at night, and suffer, not just an erection, but the whole nine yards, up to and including a nocturnal emission; which he trained himself to handle according to Scripture, thereby to purify himself (Deut. 23:10); but sometimes he was unable to wait that long before he handled it, which filled his soul full of Puritan remorse and self-reproach.

At age 33, the poet took to wife a 16-year-old lolita named Mary Powell; and you may already have guessed the reason why, which is that she gave him an erection -- more accurately, she gave him "one damned erection after another," without remission. (Giving John Milton an erection was not the girl's conscious intent, but it just happened to him, every time they met.) And since Christian marriage is Saint Paul's only approved method whereby to deal with that kind of torment, John Milton (being an honourable man) thought it best to marry the girl (1 Cor. 7:9).

Frailty, thy name is woman! After two years of marriage - after just two years of witnessing those insufferable erections that could not be beaten down, or at least, not for long - the poet's young Puritan bride ran away and skipped back home to live with her mother, Mrs. Anne Powell, who likewise gave John an erection; which is why John Milton resented his mother-in-law as well as his estranged wife.

Those were the hardest years of the poet's life - nothing but a daily struggle against involuntary erections, yet here he was, trapped in a loveless marriage to a barely pubescent teenager who lived with her entirely-too-attractive mother. Which is partly why John Milton wrote those four revolutionary Christian pamphlets, correcting Moses' and Jesus' hardline policy on divorce (Mark 10:11-12).

In his Latin correspondence, some of which is preserved in the Bodleian Library, John Milton reports that he was fine when alone in his study, or when hobnobbing with Parliamentarians, or even when having a hasty pudding, or a figgy one, over at the Inns of Court; but let just one good-looker cross his path, showing good ankle between the hem of her dress and the top of her shoe, and it was boing! - instant erection, just like a spring-loaded mechanical device; causing John to exclaim bitterly, "Oh, God, please, not again! Save me from this penal fire!"

It even happened to him once when Oliver Cromwell's wife, Elizabeth Bourchier Cromwell, bent over to pick up a handkerchief that had fallen to the floor. On that occasion there was a lamentable accident ("an hard mishap" [verbatim quote]) with John's ordinarily modest codpiece - an incident so humiliating that John never even wrote a poem about it, although he did apologise, profusely, to Oliver Cromwell, and to Mrs. Cromwell, who saw the whole thing, and then fainted. (John at the time was employed as Cromwell's Latin secretary.)

By the way: It was modesty, not arrogance, that moved John Milton, after that embarrassing incident, to wear a baggy codpiece, with plenty of wiggle room.

Which brings me back to the beginning, when I was explaining why you should give the Lord no wiggle room when you pray: John Milton took his problem to the Lord in prayer, stating in his journal, "Father, I pray Thee, let me not suffer a stiffe joynt when I see a beautifull woman."

And here's how the Lord answered that prayer, in 1651: He struck John Milton blind.

At first, John thought that his blindness was a punishment for his own bad behaviour - which is how that whole thing got going, in Anglo-American Christianity, about how, if you are a boy who does what John Milton used to do, it could make you go blind. But God revealed to John, by means of a dream, that his blindness was actually an answer to his own prayers ¬- because the poet had said, "Father, let me not suffer a stiff joint when I see a beautiful woman."

John Milton then said, "Lord, that is not what I meant, at all" - but it was too late to change the outcome, because the prayer was already answered.

The erections that John Milton suffered in the years 1651-1674, and there were many, even after the Lord answered his prayer, were not from seeing a beautiful woman, it was actually because John had a condition that modern physicians call PSAS ("Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome"). So the chronic "stiffe joynt" problem was not really the women's fault, and it never was; but John Milton never knew that. Even when he wrote Paradise Lost (by dictation, from 1652-1667), John was still under the impression that women, seen or unseen, were to blame for his condition; which is why he makes all of those snide remarks in blank verse about your mother, Eve, in Books IV-V and IX-X of Paradise Lost. Because whenever he pictured Eve in his mind's eye, it was boing! - the same old problem. And there would come no more blank verse to his head for the next twenty minutes or so, until things settled down. John Milton hated that.

But it all turned out for the best: if God had not answered John Milton's prayer in that unusual way, by blinding him, Paradise Lost might never have been completed, and sold to the publisher, Sam Simmons, in 1667, for £5 - which was a tidy sum for a religious poem during the decadent Restoration era.

It was while writing the early books of Paradise Lost that John was introduced to Katherine, a ship captain's daughter, a fat woman whom he had never seen (because he was blind); whom he nonetheless married in 1656, but not for the same old reason as before: John asked fat Kate to marry him (a.) because he needed secretarial assistance with Paradise Lost, and (b.) because Katherine did not have the same pernicious effect on him as Mary Powell and her mother Anne had done. John could dictate blank verse to Kate all night long without feeling so much as a tingle down there.

Kate's surname was Woodcock. Beelzebub made a little joke about that: he said, "The Lord finally gave John Milton just what he always wanted."

- L.

My review is of the library binding edition released by Buccaneer Books. It is a very plain and small volume which is wonderfully bound. It contains nothing but the poem itself (including the prose arguments) with the original spelling and punctuation. That means no notes, commentary, or introduction, so if you're looking for lots of in-text help, this isn't what you want. The Fowler, Hughes, or Norton editions are all laden with helpful material like that. But if you just want to experience Milton's masterpiece alone, this is a lovely edition. I found that the book could be purchased much more cheaply if I ordered directly from the publisher's website.

Milton in Paradise Lost unfurls a morning star banner heralding the cosmic story of the fall of angels and men in language eminently civil. I am sure that Homer and Dante were Milton's schoolmasters yet Milton almost exceeds them in the slendid language and poetry of this epic creation. Philip Pullman said "No one, not even Shakespeare, surpasses Milton in his command of the sound, the music, the weight and taste and texture of English words". This is a poem of majesty and sublime lyricism as in Milton's description of Mulciber falling:
"from Morn
To Noon he fell, from Noon to dewy Eve,
A Summer's day; and with the setting Sun
Dropt from the Zenith like a falling Star".
Each book of Paradise Lost is introduced with an argument, or summary. These arguments were written by Milton and added because early readers had requested a guide to the poem. Milton's purpose in this masterpiece is to tell about the fall of man and justify God's ways to man. When the angels battle in heaven at one point they pull up mountains and hills and throw them at each other: "So Hills amid the Air encounterd Hills Hurl'd to and fro with jaculation dire, That under ground, they fought in dismal shade." After their coup attempt in heaven Satan and the other rebel angels are lying stunned on a lake of fire. Satan rises from the lake and makes his way to the shore. He calls the other angels to do the same, and they assemble by and above the lake. Satan tells them that all is not lost and tries to cheer his followers. Led by Mammon and Mulciber, the fallen angels build their capital and palace Pandemonium. They decide to get at God through his new creation and Satan sets off on this mission. In reading Paradise Lost the poem reads the reader while being read. What I mean is that Milton lets his readers go awry in their affections and he corrects and instructs those misreadings as well as anticipates them. In this way the poem becomes a live text with meaning apprehended through the interplay between the peruser of the poem and the text itself. Milton allows the reader to subjectively question the justice of the current religious paradigm and then leads them back to the perspicacity of deity. Ultimately Paradise Lost is Milton's paean to a vast pattern in the universe, the disruption of that pattern by rebels, and the weaving of those rebellion threads back into an ever more beautiful tapestry.

As someone in the business of helping others and teaching how to survive life and business, after reading the book I realize maybe I do not follow directions as well as I should. I consider this an instruction book for other consultants and coaches to help balance their life and business. This book was packed with excellent information and was a "one plane trip read". Those that travel know what I mean.
Highly recommended read for anyone that has the energy, passion and commitment to reach their own level of success. Also a must for storing on your desk for easy reference..

Dr. Joel Freeman has granted unprecedented access to some of the best kept entrepreneurial secrets. His candor, honesty and humility are woven into the fabric of each page. Dr. Freeman's genuine love for people shines through, as he opens his own archive of personal experiences to assist those that are brave enough to start their own enterprise. I encourage every budding business owner to utilize this book as an instrument of change for business and for life.

Damon Denson
Former Professional Athlete
DamonDenson.com

Wow!! What a tremendous resource. An entrepreneur's bible: the greatest investment you could make in yourself.

Roy E. Chitwood, CSP, CSE
President
Max Sacks International
[...]

I am a professional life and business coach for young adults in life transitions. I also operate the Young Adult Crisis Hotline for young adults transitioning in various stages of life. I have used this book to coach young adults through the mountain passes of life's difficult transitions. I also have been using this book in various ways to teach practical entrepreneurship to individuals who want to start their own businesses or who are self-employed as a professional life Coach. It is practical and has easy to follow steps that empower people to know how to work not only hard but smart.

Personally, this book has radically revolutionized the non-profit I founded and operate daily. I took the book apart section by section. Practically applied numerous chapters to the non-profit's marketing and promotional department. We have grown in one year from a local crisis hotline to a national crisis hotline for young adult in difficult life transitions who have life controlling problems. Before using If Nobody Loves You Create the Demand we averaged only six calls a month, now we have sometimes a thousand calls a month nationally, write daily articles on our blog, and still applying learned principles from this book. We operate our non-profit on a shoestring budget and the steps that this book suggested we applied vigorously in promoting our purpose. It was and continues to be a of jolt great wisdom for our organization and the clients that we recommend weekly to read the book for personal growth and development. We are looking forward to the upcoming workbook that will be released soon.

Thank you for contributing to the many young adults who comment "If Nobody Loves You Create the Demand: is amazing road map of entrepreneurship."

[...]

Thanks,
Teddy Awad
Certified Mental Health Professional
Young Adult Crisis Hotline
[...]

This is not just another mediocre motivational book with grandiose theories, but this is one of the most practical books I have ever read for entrepreneurs. Although I have been in business for years, this book is still very helpful to me. Many of the ideas in this book can be put to use immediately, and I have already started applying some of the things I have read. From a business and marketing standpoint, this book is a great tool for the new entrepreneur or for the more experienced person in business. In the book, Joel Freeman is very generous in sharing many of the practical secrets to success he has learned over the years, so the reader gets a wealth of knowledge.

I bought this as a prize for my piano students. My son was disappointed to see it go, so I'm going to buy another for my studio. Very fun and interesting facts about composers - great for getting students interested in learning about them.

A pleasure to read this book. I listen to a classical music station which includes interesting facts about the musicians' private lives. One day a guest mentioned that she knew where the host was obtaining these interesting facts. So it is a secret no longer; it's this book. Lives of the Musicians is light reading with approx. 2 pages of facts per musician, so it is not an in-depth look at their private lives; however put it on your "Fun" reading list. It is a highly amusing book and a great source of dinner conversation. Also Check out Lives of the Artists:Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neigbors Thought)

My daughter has been studying piano for two years and she is fascinated by the people who score the compositions she learns to play. In school she learns about a different composer each month and always wants to know more when she comes home. She also has a love for anything historical. This book was a great addition to our reference collection because it reaches her on several levels. We happened to come across it at the library and, after reading a few entries, we decided we'd like to buy it. Lots of bookstores stocked the paperback edition, but only Amazon had the hardcover in stock. This is the kind of book you really want in hardcover so that young children can more easily flip through the pages and study the humorous illustrations.

The book includes entries on 20 musicians from a wide range of styles, backgrounds, and historical periods. The entries are engaging for adult readers, yet accessible for a younger audience. My daughter is six and was totally engrossed in the stories of Chopin, Mozart, Clara Schumann and others. I know we will come back to this book again and again.

This is a great book! My piano teacher checked it out from the library and loved it so much I had to buy her a copy! The illustrations are adorable and the bio's are so interesting. A lot of interesting stories that really give the great masters a very human quality! I love reading about the musicians that I'm currently playing! If you are into music and want to know just how human they really were this is a great book!

My daughter's piano teacher gave her the assignment to read about Mozart as she started her first Mozart Minuet. My daughter was 7 at the time, and although she was reading at above 3rd grade level, I was shocked to find that there was NOTHING available on the internet or in her school library that give her information on composers at HER level. I finally found "Lives of the Musicians" and have actually purchased the book. It's just that good. She is able to read about each composer (for the most part the language is about her level, although she DOES need help with some of the words), and each section is engaging enough to keep her attention.

This book is a must for anyone with a child that wants or is assigned to learn about the great composers.

I worked for Hughes during the time of the event described as his "kidnapping." At the time, the entire Staff on Romaine street was in a major uproar, ostensibly because of a "falling out" between Hughes and Noah Detrich. However, the behavior of some members of the staff subsequent to this event have convinced me that a great degree of truth is contained in Gemstone.

I just recieved this book some days ago and I just cannot put it down (well you know what I mean). It is VERY well constructed, and previous knowledge of the "Gemstone Files" and connected theories (I see them as truths) need not be a requirement for this reading. This is in NO way to undermind/understate this superb book. I have shown it to people who know little or nothing of the Onassis-Kennedy connection conspiracy, how even just reading the introduction sparked intrest in some of the most non-believers I know (or have talked to about these subjects). This is a true 5 star book... If any of the subject matter makes you wonder, question or as I said just spark some interest. Get this book! Other popular books on the Gemstone Files are also worthy reading... The full Gemstone Files will be released soon, and all the skeptics that still believe that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone will be in for a BIG surprise. The Kennedys were right on, dismantle the CIA, crack down on mob activity (well infused within the CIA) and get the United States of America back on a rightous track. Something we are suffering from since the "cold-war" and the "arms-race"...to today with the Bush (let's kill more people and lie to the American public) USA I feel so ashamed to be a part of. But I am only a man, a civilian, who feels he deserves to know the truth like the rest of the America and the world should. I am not a patriot at all (at least not in the right-wing way), I do love the USA and our country. This is why these books that reveal how corrupt our government is, and globally connected to other countries for well, POWER SUPREME are SO important. The couragious people who revealed these hidden truths, are primarily dead and from "suspicious circumstances" are no conincidence... Read for yourself. Be Aware, beware and be a "true" American. Big Brother is upon us and growing day by day. Project Seek is a great starting point for those seeking to piece the "Global Puzzle" together...piece by piece it will come out.

Peace everyone and I wish it was as simple as that...

Gerald A. Carroll spent years researching the Gemstone File history, and produced the best volume of documentation and analysis yet available. Well written and great reading, reads like an excellent mystery story but it's all true.

Gerald Carroll did a marvelous job of seeking out the truth behind the "Skeleton Key to the Gemstone File." With several hundred pages from Bruce Porter Roberts' original Gemstone papers published in "The Gemstone File - A Memoir", "Project Seek" is still an excellent, well-written and well-researched supplement for people who want to understand more about what has happened to our world over the last 50 years.

This thick new volume on the famous Gemstone Files is complete with additional research and photos. An extremely valuable book that looks into the roles of Howard Hughes, (Aristotle) Onassis, World War II conspiracies and the Kennedy assassinations in the light of a mysterious document known as the "Gemstone File."

I first read this one about fifteen years ago and I was very impressed. There's always the risk when you revisit childhood favourites - you might find them utterly daft. Not this one! While the book is somewhat naive - it's a book for kids, after all - it was still quite charming.

After an apocalypse of sorts, group of people locked themselves in Arc One, trying to maintain knowledge through the dark ages. The society has become a rigid class society: lords on top, workers in the middle, slaves on the bottom with soldiers controlling them.

Main character Tomi is a son of a lord, part of the ruling elite. When he comes of age, he's given proper access to the information databases. Unfortunately there's a slave rebellion, which ends up with Tomi being tossed out of the Arc. What a strange world he finds outside!

It's a lovely, positive story. I'd recommend this to kids that are into science fiction without a doubt - and also to adults, looking for a quick and pleasant read. (Review based on the Finnish translation.)

I've re-read several times and I love reading evey word or punciation mark of it. The twists in the plot makes the classic sci-fi story oine an unbelievable read. It the kind of book that lingers in your head and mentailly forces me to write a sequal to "The Dream Catcher" and "Devil on my Back" with my mind; using he brillantly made characters in different situations with different characters. it's immense! I wish Monica Hughes could could develop a series of these Ark stories!

Gratefully Written by,

Caroline D.

Devil on my back- Simply outstanding!, June 22, 2005
A Kid's Review
I've re-read several times and I love reading every word or punciation mark of it. The twists in the plot make the classic sci-fi story line an unbelievable read. It the kind of book that lingers in your head and mentally forces me to write a sequel to "The Dream Catcher" and "Devil on my Back" with my mind; using her brilliantly made characters in different situations with different characters. It's immense! I wish Monica Hughes could develop a series of these Ark stories!

Gratefully Written by,

Caroline D.

this book was a really well written book. i am just starting to read her books and they are really interesting. i read the isis series and i recomend that to anyone who likes science fiction. i can't wait to read the seqiul to this book!

I haven't read this book before but i'm looking forward to reading it. The summary on the back is very incisive and informative. I'm in my first year of high school and i had to choose a book to write an essay on. I chose this book for it's good title and summary! I really hope i enjoy reading this book!

With regard the authority of Scripture, most Christians would agree that the Bible is our authority in some sense. But in exactly what sense does the Bible claim to be our authority? I think evangelical Christianity is in serious trouble in that matter. In fact, it is facing big challenges for keeping Biblical faith. Some present-day evangelicals do not believe more in the Bible. The Scripture becomes just a very important thing, but not more a sufficient an inerrant Word of God. In their opinion, we have other sources to learn about God and his will for the Church today. So, if you are considering that questions into your heart, I would like to recommend you to read this book and The Compromised Church (from the same general Editor).

Horton and others clearly delineate the dangers which face the Church of Jesus Christ, and if you're looking for fluff or easy reading, here, find another book like Max Lucado. This is meaty reading and worthy of the purchase. Highly recommended.

Some of the conservative church's greatest ambassadors deliver a great message in this book. Some very godly and inteligent men deliver a warning to the church of the future. The books basic theme is that the church must be circumspect so that it does not drift away from biblical dependence. The present day church has come to depend on so many sources for their theological understanding when ultimately scripture should be the only recognized voice. This book defends the traditional evangelical faith while giving and understanding of obvious needs of reform. Readers of this book will become acutely aware of the problems and solutions of the modern godly church.

Whenever one writes a book of this type you almost wish that its message would be heard and changes made to prevent it from coming to pass. That was my reaction when I first read this book while in Bible college. Now removed several years from that setting I can personally see the message from this book coming to pass before my very eyes.

The pragmatic age has dawned. We now have churches for every individual needs. Sound doctrine has been replaced by pop psychology and business data. Elders today listen more to the business gurus than to the Holy Spirit in the pages of Scripture. In fact, to stand firm upon the Word of God is now viewed as a fundamentalist, dogmatic, or even (as one former elder told me when he resigned from our church) "hard nosed." Pastors now resemble CEO's more than they resemble Jesus. As Leonard Ravenhill so put it, "We have many Degree's today with no heat. The early Church had much heat with no Degree's."

Thankfully many of the men in this book are standing against the tide of secular, man-centered teachings that are hitting the Church. Nearly everyone of these men have written books, articles, or preached sermons against the tide of the world invading the Church and the Church not becoming like Jesus Christ meant for us to be. May God have mercy on us in these last days!

In my humble opinion, everybody who dares call themselves evangelical, and this term is used widely today, should read this book and take its warnings and suggestions to heart. So many churches would call themselves evangelical today, but would not be able to give a proper definition for the term, or the history behind it. Read this book and you will get to see what it means to be evangelical!

One of the most SUPERB all-around transactions I've had on Amazon.com -- super fleet shipment; clean copy in excellent condition; no fuss or follow-ups on order whatsoever. Straightforward and hassle-free -- everything expected and more from an on-line transaction. TERRIFIC!

Coming from someone who was so frugal that my choice of major in college was influenced by the fact I could find most required reading for a dual degree in philosophy and English literature in the library rather than pay my hard earned money for books that were not worthy.... this is my strongest possible recommendation: This was one of the few texts I actually shelled out money for in college without regret and would even purchase AGAIN! ( My copy was destoryed by Hurricane Isabel) I have fond memories of studying Milton, and when he seemed at his most confusing the notes in this text were wonderfully clear.

This is the best collection of Milton works available that I know of: sturdy, with thick white pages offering ample room for note taking, numerous footnotes, rare works such as Christian Doctrine (which is extremely interesting)and writings from people who knew Milton. Nothing more needs be said. The price, $40 something, is insanely cheap if you consider how much you're paying per work - probably comes out to a couple dollars each.

A lifetime of Milton resides between the durable covers of this book, inexhaustible hours with one of the greatest writers of the English language. Truly, this is one of the most enjoyable books I own.

This is still the most extensive, best-annotated, one-volume Milton set available. As the blurb above indicates, Hughes presents all the poems and prose in chronological sequence, so it is easy to trace the great poet's increasing facility, and later mastery, in both areas. We start with Milton, the fifteen-year-old student, translating Psalms from the Hebrew as well as passages from the love poems of Ovid and Properius. We then follow him to Cambridge, where he really starts assimilating all his classical studies, first fashioning imitative Latin elegies followed by his first poems of native genius, "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity," "On Shakespeare," "L'Allegro and Il Penseroso."

Hughe's edition is invaluable as a tool for students, scholars, or general readers. The notes never get in the way of the text, but will lead the reader to relevant sources should he/she desire to learn more about a given allusion or want more background. If the reader is patient, and actually reads all the material that comes before "Paradise Lost", he/she will be rewarded with a richer understanding of Milton's magnum opus. Please be advised that if you have made it that far, don't stop there. "Paradise Regained" and "Sampson Agonistes" are powerful examples of epic poetry as well. I personally feel that "Paradise Regained" has had almost as large an impact on modern fiction in particular (Dostoevsky and Flaubert are prime examples)as has "Paradise Lost."

Blake said that Milton was of Satan's party without knowing it. Actually Milton's prose does open up some interesting possibilities in that sphere. In "Areopagitica" he advocates for the necessity of evil. He was, as history has amply recorded, hardly a defender of central authority. He was emphatic about individual liberty and wouldn't be dictated to by Pope or King.

There are several short early biographies of the poet at the end of the book. All paint a portrait of an idiosyncratic genius who suffered numerous setbacks both physical and political, particularly in his last decades. He was an extraordinarily brave man, who has taken some heat from Virginia Woolf and later feminists for his "ill use" of his daughters, who, the line goes, he kept in ignorance and near slavery so that they could aid him as ameneunses after he went blind. If such detractors had actually done any wide reading on the subject (Shawcrosse is an excellent source) they would not have made such charges. Though not what could be described as a "loving father," Milton certainly never inveighed against his daughters to remain "indentured" to him, nor did he subvert any marriage plans they arranged (none were forced into "arranged marriages" either, though the practice was still common in that era). He didn't tutor them in the Languages he asked them to transcribe, per se. But this begs the question, if they were'nt taught Latin, Greek and Hebrew, how would they have been able to act as scribes in those languages in the first place?

I'm sorry to see that this volume is now almost $100. In this day of large trade paperbacks, perhaps a more affordable edition will be forthcoming.

Others have suggested the Norton is the edition for college students. I disagree. The Hughes edition is definitely worth the money. The notes are the best -- in reading criticism on Milton, there's usually plenty of references to Mr. Hughes's notations themselves. This is the standard, accepted text. This is the complete poems, with his Latin and Italian poetry appearing ajacent to an English translation. There's a generous selection of Milton's prose, too.

Spend the wad and buy the book. If you're reading this, then you're a bibliophile, no doubt. For the rest of your life wouldn't you prefer to have the best edition of Milton on your shelf, or will you be satisified with a $9 Signet Classic? (I tossed mine.)

Check out the Dore Illustrations for PL, too.

BTW, after reading Areopagitica, I believe that everything Jeffereson said was a debt to Milton.

Mostly biographical and great pictures with some very subtle commentaries on Kashmir Shaivism and tantra.

This book is a breath of fresh air in today's world of yoga and spirituality. It is unusual to read from a teacher who has not only gained intellectual understanding of a particular system, but has also experienced the reality of its practices.

The first chapter 'Fifteen Verses of Wisdom' went straight over my head, which shows I still lack understanding in this area. The chapter 'Talks on Practice' reveals the mechanics of meditation according to the system of Kashmir Shaivism. I found it clear and insightful. This was balanced by the chapter 'Talks on Discipline' which shows that Lakshmanjoo has the integrity to give clear guidelines to the spiritual aspirant on how one should conduct oneself on the spiritual path.

Finally in his last chapter 'The Secret Knowledge of Kundalini' Swami Lakshmanjoo gives real insight into the mechanics of the mysterious subject of kundalini. To date I have found other material on this subject to be rather nebulous and mere fantasy, based in the vivid imaginations of so called gurus and well read authors. Swami Lakshmanjoo takes this mysterious subject out of the category of fantasy and clearly defines how kundalini functions. His intimate description of the various modes of rising of kundalini, based on his own experience are truly fascinating.

This book is a revelation for the earnest seeker on the spiritual path.

Can hardly believe I wrote this review 6 years ago (it is now 24 Feb 2008).

Having delved deeply into the subject of Kundalini, I still find nothing to match Swami Lakshmanjoo's explanations on this mysterious subject. In my continued research I have found that almost all writings on Kundalini are based on what is known as the "Shat Chakra Nirupana," which elaborates on the six chakras in the subtle body. Everywhere you will find illustrations showing the chakra positions along the vertical axis of the spine and the various petals that emanate from each chakra.

After reading the last chapter in "Self Realization" I wondered why Lakshmanjoo made no reference to these commonly recognized lotus petals that surround the charkas. I found the answer in his earlier book "Kashmir Shaivism, the Secret Supreme", in the form of a small footnote which says: "in Kashmir Shaivism the lotus petals are neither experienced nor recognized."

This explains why Lakshmanjoo only talks about the chakras spinning with great velocity and power as the energy of kundalini rises from one chakra to another. Obvious isn't it, since the word chakra actually means wheel.

In this book Lakshmanjoo also explains the difference between prana kundalini, cit kundalini and para kundalini; subjects unique to Kashmir Shaivism. Based on his own personal experience, Lakshmanjoo elaborates with great clarity, leaving the reader convinced of his total authority on this subject.

For those interested in Kashmir Shaivism in general, and Kundalini in particular, I highly recommend this book, and the earlier one: "Kashmir Shaivism the Secret Supreme" which has two chapters on Kundalini.

This book took me to the heart of Kashmir Shaivism. It covered concepts and included both practice and experience. The authors have also provided transliterated sanskrit verses for those who are interested. This is a good begining for any one intending a study of Kashmir Shaivism.

One of those books you devour in one sitting! Too cool for words. A kind of quick overview of Shaivite philosophy and practice. An excellent beginning for those wishing to start the Shaivite path.

It is the first book of kashmir philosophy which covers all the aspects of the title.It is the complete informative book about pre-history age of kashmir.

In the first Sutra there is contained the seed and the tree of life itself ... the Sage says, THIS is what you really are ... Universal Independent Consciousness, ever free and ever new, arising here and now as the essence, one timeless ocean of Peace.

The translation offered in this book of the first and second Sutras is the clearest evocation of the inexpressible isness AND the pointer to what is that which the source of "bondage" or suffering; after 18 years of study of Kashmir Shaivism I find this translation and commentary to be the simplest and easiest to imbibe of all.

In the first Sutra the Sage points out, What we are (and what everything IS) is Universal Consciousness. In the second he declares, in essence, false knowledge is bondage. This false knowledge consists in identification as a separate entity rather than Consciousness itself. To ponder these two simple pointers can bring the end of suffering in a timeless moment of direct Seeing outside time. In this there is Perfect Peace... and it is forever yours once cognized!

To begin to truly understand what we are, and just as important what we are not, this book is an excellent primer and may indeed be the only book needed for the collapse of the false identification that is the core of suffering. Highly recommended.

With Only Love, Charlie Hayes (nee Ishan), author of Perfect Peace: An Introduction To Your Natural State

Once again Swami Lakshmanjoo illustrates his mastery over the little known subject of Kashmir Shaivism. As a direct master of the oral tradition he translates the Sutras and explains Kshemaraja's commentary with ease and sophistication.

Fifteen hundred years ago Lord Shiva appeared in a dream to his devotee Vasugupta. He inspired him to go to a certain place where He would reveal a great secret. Vasugupta trekked to the designated spot and found a huge rock by the side of a small stream at the base of Mahadeva Mountain. By his mere touch the rock miraculously turned revealing the inscribed Sutras on its underside. The rock exists even today, and the Shiva Sutras have long been considered to be Lord Shiva's gift to mankind in this era known as Kali Yuga.

Swami Lakshmanjoo is a master of the oral tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. He breathes life into its teachings in a way that only one who has experienced its reality can do. At an earlier date Lakshmanjoo taught these Shiva Sutras to Lillian Silburn, and Jaideva Singh. Here we have his last translation based on the original audio recordings, minimally edited by John Hughes. Like his previous books "Secret Supreme" and "Self Realization in Kashmir Shaivism" this book reads like the spoken word. It is as if Lakshmanjoo breathes through these pages and instills the essence of Kashmir Shaivism into the reader.

Divided into three chapters ("Awakenings") Lakshmanjoo explains the significance of the Sutras in relation to the advanced, mediocre and ordinary aspirants. For the serious students the original Sanskrit text is appended. It contains numerous corrections as indicated by Lakshmanjoo.

The first pages contain a translation of the Sutras only, followed by a brief "Introduction" to the text by John Hughes. This book is a must for the serious student of Kashmir Shaivism as it covers many aspects of the philosophical system know as Trika.

As with all Kashmir Shiva literature the knowledge is Self revealing. It is the present writers experience that this book "Shiva Sutras, The Supreme Awakening," expands exponentially with each reading.

This is a book for a person who is interested in Kashmir Shavism. Swami Laxmanjoo Raina was the last known master of Kashmir Shavism and this book is a glimpse into an ancient thought and an amazing view of the world around us.

For readers seeking self-knowledge, elightenment or, as was the case with me, sobriety, consider the Vedas -- of which this book is just an extension. With their first written samples being dated about 4,000 years ago -- while Moses walked the streets of Egypt, the foundation of the Shiva Sutras were being written for the first time in India. Arguably, this collection of short translated Sanskrit sayings focus on consiousness and its role in reality. A book that can be opened at any time, anywhere, for finding just the right way to think about what's bothering or troubling you. Shiva is one of many names for God and Sutras means 'Thread'. I learned about this book from Deepak Chopra, who I have to say is one of the Rishis -- back in the flesh. If you have the Gita and Mahabarta around your house, add this one -- it will add back in ways you can't imagine.

Gary Poyssick in Tampa, Florida

I adore this book! One to be read many times. The thoughts, ideas, and philosophies to be held within the heart. Swamiji's presence seems to come right through the text into the reader's heart and mind. This book is for those who wish to deepen their practice to Shaivism. People looking for a real and verifiable experience should read this book after reading "Self Realization In Kashmir Shaivism." Then "The Secret Supreme" and finally this one. Although I suppose you could start with this one too. But I read Swamiji's books in that order and can attest to having a real and verifiable experience with Swami Lakshmanjoo. Although, you can only verify this experience with yourself. I doubt you could verify it to others. It's a kind of subjective knowledge. But the objective is there too. And some wierdo in between subjective and objective as well. I don't know. It's hard to put into words. I think Swami Ji says it best. So, just buy the book. And you'll taste what I'm talking about!

John MacArthur calls us to examine how we, as believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, percieve and live in this world. He gives practical ways to align our thinking and hearts with the truth of the Word rather than with the world. I highly recommend this book to any believer whether a formal leader in the church or not.

It seems in our day that few Christians understand what they believe and even worse most churches fail to communicate sound doctrine and instead choose to build churches based on experience or pragmatic teachings of men (Mark 7:1-13).

This edition from the staff of Master's College and Seminary in Los Angeles, CA gives its readers a biblical worldview. Notice I said "biblical" because this book does a wonderful job of presenting the Bible is the sole authority for faith and practice. Every worldview from politics to feminism is examined in the light of Scripture. Because this book makes the Bible its source for divine truth and authority, the writers avoid their opinions and give us God's view of a world gone mad.

This is a great book and I would encourage all full time servants to purchase this book and seek to understand a biblical worldview not tarnished by politics, money, or sin.

Think Biblically is edited by John MacArthur, who also has contributed four chapters to the book. The other contributors are faculty members of the Masters College. Every person has a weltanschauung we are told in the introduction. A weltanschauung is a personal worldview. This book contrasts the christian worldview from a secular mindset. How should a christian think about and relate to the world in which we live? Think Biblically is very helpful in giving answers to that question on a number of subjects. How should a christian view creation versus evolution,history,education,church and state,science?
An important feature of this book are the insights given to what the implications of not holding a christian worldview can be. On p.79 John MacArthur writes "There is no viable explanation of the universe without God. So many immense and intricate wonders could not exist without a designer. Theres only one possible explanation for it all, and that is a creative power of an all wise God." God has given meaning to everthing that exists, and without God there is no meaning to anything. This is ultimately where evoulutinary philosophy must lead. It is mans attempt to escape moral accountability for his actions from an omnipotent, righteous creator. As the Bible says in Romans 1:22 "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."
What the christian believes about about creation, masculinity and feminity, history, literature will greatly impact how we live and interact with those in our culture. There is no neutral ground . We are affected by our culture whether we realise it or not.
Think Biblically will help to instruct and challenge christians to see if they are reflecting Biblical truth in the postmodern world in which we live. This is an important and relevant book for twenty first century christians.

I'm a college student, and I ordered a bunch of these books for the men's small group that I attend, and all of us can agree that we're learning a lot. John MacArthur and his colleagues do a great job presenting the inerrancy of the Bible, and what negative ramifications there could be if our presuppositions are otherwise. Definitely helps us to understand the Bible and God more.

A really outstanding book exploring the concept and role of the Christian mind throughout history with a challenge to the reader to be not just a hearer of the word, but a doer as well. MacArthur is thoroughly Reformed in his presentation of the Christian worldview laying out the foundation of the Creation-Fall-Redemption model as the framework within which is built the Christian mind. MacArthur begins with presenting the case for the sufficiency and authority of Scripture and continues to remind the reader that developing intellect is not the goal of the Christian worldview - rather, it is bringing all things into focus using the lens of God's revealed Word. MacArthur writes that "the Christian mind should be a repository of God's revealed truth." The rest of Part One of the book presents the foundational truths of the nature of God, the nature of man and man's responsibility to walk in obedience to God's will in his relations to others.

MacArthur then taps the expertise of his faculty at The Master's College in Part Two as each chapter explores some component of a biblical worldview. The chapters cover issues such as understanding the currently postmodern thought, profiling true masculinity and femininity, an in depth examination of the role of worship and music, a contrasting view of psychology with true biblical counseling, a look at the significance of science, the role of Christian education, an honest reflection on history, a biblical worldview of the church in relation to the state, a biblical concept of economics and the importance of literature and the arts in culture from a Christian perspective. Each chapter really could be its own book on the subject, presented from a professor whose expertise is in that particular field of study.

Personally, I enjoyed the book, especially the foundational concepts presented in Part One. MacArthur's Coming to Grips with Sin (chapter 4) was absolutely outstanding and is essential for the Christian to understand that Scripture teaches that sin is the problem with the human dilemma and the only viable solution to the condition of mankind is offered through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Every chapter had something valuable - a nugget of pure gold - but the second half of the book was pretty tough treading. Overall, a very good book that would be an excellent recommendation for any person interested in examining how their faith addresses all facets of life beyond just the issues of religion.