H Books

This book is exceptional for the beginning backyard astronomer. I found 25 objects in one weekend alone using this book. I'm up to 95 objects total with no doubt in my mind that the book will allow me to find the remaining 15 objects. In dark skies, the Telrad finder charts work extremely well. Over a dozen times I have literally been able to line up the Telrad finder per the book's illustrations and look into the eyepiece and see the desired target. In light polluted areas, where I do most of my observing and where the Telrad is not quite as useful, the star charts in the book provide just the right detail to find the target by either star hopping with a conventional finder or moving along lines of constant declination or ascension relative to a known star. Well worth the low $20 price tag.

Using this book for over two years, I've found all the Messiers and learnt a whole lot from this book. The book starts off with briefly introducing the pre-requisites to stargazing, and the geometric estimation method for locating the deep-sky using a Telrad. The book also tells the story of Charles Messier, and the origins of the Messier Marathon. He then takes the reader on a tour of all the Messier objects. Since this book has its focus on the Messier Marathon, the sequence of the objects is based on his observing sequence during the Marathon. However, as Harvard points out, this book does not necessarily have to be used during a Marathon and can be used any time to locate any of the Messier objects. The finder charts proved to be extremely useful, and I found this book becoming the book I refer to the most. The advantage is, I don't have to flip through other star maps looking for the Messier objects I'd like to observe. Its all included in this book. Therefore, I used this book more than my star atlas while observing the Messier objects. There is a little bit of inaccuracy with some of the charts. For example, in the chart for finding M75, I found I had to extend a little further than the distance from the mouth of the teapot to the lower corner of its handle away from tau Sag. to get to M75. Perhaps it was my problem of not using a powered finder (only the Telrad), but I had to try 5 times before I was compelled to move my scope little further east and north when the dim glow of M75 slid into view. This situation is actually clearly demonstrated in any star atlas, M75 is definitely a little further than the estimate.(I did very careful measurements on a printout of a few star chart program and Harvard's estimation method got to 0.6 to 1 degree from M75 depending on the angle deviation from the gamma Sag. - tau Sag. line, so I'm guessing some people may have troubles) Nevertheless, this is a VERY minor complaint for Harvard's method is based on estimation. Getting as near to the object as possible with the simplest method is what matters. My suggestion to any similar situation is to use a star atlas beside this book too to help with objects that don't seem to show up on first or second attempt. Furthermore, if the object is not in view, do scan around a little (which Harvard did mention). In a real Messier Marathon, don't panic (as I did =) and keep in mind that the less detailed charts are mainly for estimation. Overall, an exceptional book, beautifully written and educating. A book that deserves to be on the bookshelves of all amateur astronomers!

this book is written with one purpose in mind-to get the reader(observer)through the Messier objects utilizing various, and well explained, star hopping techniques combined with in-scale drawings of the objects within their given constellations. It also has some very useful techniques for ligning up a telrad type instrument, calibrating the finder and eyepiece, as well as providing an observer's log for the objects and the Messier catalog. Great book and more than worth the money. Being an "advanced beginner" I have found its techniques easy to follow leading to some incredibly successful observations of these beautiful objects. I only wish it included the Caldwell Catalog, but that may have diluted its very narrow and detailed focus on the Messier objects. Highly recommended!

After trying run my first Messier marathon with charts that I had prepared myself, I wish I had had this book with me that night. I would have seen alot more. Using this book, I have able to locate many objects that I had not been able to find before with certainty.

This book is excellent resource that I now take along with my telescope to every star party. The charts and object sketches are well oriented to the practicing amateur astronomer. Also covered are telescope calibration, observing techniques, and site selection. The only drawback to this book that I have found so far has been that it is not printed on waterproof paper. So, I had to order another copy to cut up and laminate.

This is an extremely helpful book. I rate it among the very best for helping in your Messier Object search: At the April 2000 Messier marathon, I found 75 objects, and was on schedule to find 105, but I grew too tired to continue. On a recent star party in September, 2000, I found 45 objects before midnight, thanks largely to this book. Buy it while you still can!

Excellent modelling environment. Flexible, robust, and approved software. Exemplary manual elucidates numerical and hydraulic background

PMWIN is an excellent software for the simulation of groundwater flow and transport. This comprehensive software makes it easy to setup own groundwater problems. It comprises a lot of additional programs and useful tools which help to describe and analyse a problem very clearly. For example, a model for the simulation of single and multi-species transport is included as well as the full version of PEST, the famous code for parameter estimation. Many features facilitate showing and printing of the results. The book contains a lot of elucidations and examples. Some features are still in development but should be released soon, like 3D visualization and geochemical model. Alltogether a very recommandable book and software.

I was using earlier version of pmwin and 3-d visualisation was missing. Therefore I always in preferred to work with Visual Modflow with 3-D explorer and GMS. Now using version 5 of PMWIN with 3-D explorer, I was thrilled. Really it is wounderful and quite simple. I do not find it is less than other counter part Commercial Software. Its 3-D explorer is better than Visual Modflow 3-d explorer.

PMWIN is a robust simulation system capable of modeling groundwater flow and solute transport. It is easy to use and import figures of differing formats. The GUI (graphical user interface) is user friendly. The text presents all the information, graphics and illustrations of the GUI making it easy to understand and use. I highly recommend this program.

To learn the groundwater modeling techniques, the students or the professionals need the suitable software and the textbook which explaines clearly the theory and the used software.The book must explaine the procedures step by step and from start to to the end.But nowadays, if you have not enough money to purchase the commercial modflow based software, it is a pity that you have to learn MODFLOW codes.It was the undesriable things.Hydrogeological modeling means interpretation.But there is no possibility to see visual something among the codes.I created the input and as a result output errors during the simulations with codes at the beginning.There is a good words in computer technology; Gap In Gap Out.It summurizes the best what i meant.Definitely all hydrogeologists have to know all background informations on groundwater modeling techniques and the structure of used softwares. But i think, groundwater modeling is more than a science, it is a art which must have a visual effect.So that I have looked for the best groundwater modeling book and the software since 1991.At the end, i have found, what i have ever looked for. This is this book which combines the latest modeling techniques and the latest modeling software.You can learn the latest modeling techniques written by the leading teaching experts and creators of PMWIN.This 344 pages textbook walks the practising engineers or students through the modeling process from start to finish.You don't need any other additional tool.This book has also the best groundwater modeling and contaminant transport modeling software. Especially it is the best learning asistance with example problems for the students and practising professionals.

With PMWIN ,groundwater modeling has never been so easy.It is more than a pre and post processor of MODFLOW family (88,96 or 2000);it is a great modeling environment in which you can find what you needed. You can also realize your all modeling and contaminant transport dreams with using all MOC3D, MT3D, PHT3D or RT3D family ( it was a dream for me ).

PMWIN is an advanced environment which has a digitizer, field interpolater, field generator and environment for the background images or dxf files.You can import vector or raster based images...create your own georeferenced background maps.You can interpolate your datas by using FIELDinterpolater and export your kriging results just in a minute with field generator.You can find 4 different interpolation methos.The most complex 3D preprocessing, such as surface or layer property routines take max.30 minutes.You can enter your values to cells, either in cell by cell method or in zonal method or using interchange options from the field interpolater program.

The PMWIN has a preference options the simulation can be performed either with MODFLOW 88,96 or 2000.The all datas will be controlled by the PMWIN, if needed you will be directed for the deficit inputs.After the modflow simulation has finished, the RESULTextractor gets your results in a matrix dialog. If you prefer to open your datas in an other application such as SURFER, it is also possible, you can export your matrix result. PMWIN creates two output files; one of them USGS's *.nam file, the other is the PMWIN's *.pm5 file.For example if you have only GE, you can also visualize your modflow code simulation results in GE environment because GE reads the modflows *.nam files.

If you have GE (it is an optional, low cost 3D visualization tool.It is the cheapest, the best and the easiest tool in the industry).I have tried the all other visulalzation tools, GE is the best, GE is the simple.If you wonder about the prices, it app.250 USD.The most complex and troublous datas will be shown so clearly in 2 minutes.PMWIN and GE or some other add on modules work seamlessly and perfect.The author and the programmer Prof.Wen-Hsing CHAING had thought everything.I have examined PMWIN with the most complex problems,the program has never stooped or the operating system has never collapsed.The PMWIN 5.1.7 permits 250.000 cells but with MF2K add on modules it can be reached up 640.000 cells. Again no problem, no colapse in system.If your operating system is stable, it works so unique.

If you are an unexperienced modeler or beginner,it is not problem.After one or two day with this book; definitely you will become more familiar.It is so simple that the visualization processes take just 2 minutes...you can create your own animations and import your animation scenes in many digital formats such as *.BMP, *.GIF and modify there and present.

With some additional add on modules which have been created again by the Authors of the book, you can merge with other modeling tools such as RT3D or PHT3D.I have contacted to Prof.wen-Hsing CHAING and learned that there will be a lot of add on modules...one of them is the surface water/groundwater interaction modules.I have also learned that GE will be used for the presentation of the surface waters and the meteorological datas.It means, PMWIN will be the best software in this industry.Many of the commercial modflow processors are still using Modflow 96. The MODFLOW 2000, PEST-ASP and the late version of the UCODE had been added in April 2001 to PMWIN.And it works without any problem since April 2001. I have contacted and got more additional information about the PMWIN and the book. I am gratefull to Prof.Kinzelbach and Prof.Wen-Hsiang CHAING who has written 3D GROUNDWATER MODELING WITH PMWIN and created,developed the PMWIN, GE and MODFLOW 2000 add on modules.I have found the best software and the best TEXTBOOK.This book is really excellent and can be advised both to the students,practical engineers and advanced groundwater modelers, as a compherensive guide to modeling and complete the exercises to refresh their knowledges.And also... Especially for the professors , this book will be an excellent primary text for a university course, or as asupplement to an existing curriculum.

Dipl.-Ing.Cengiz DOGANGoeNueL (B.Sc & M.Eng in Hydrogeological Enginnerig)

Very impressed with the work that Dr. Aubury has done with his therapy work with the help of animals especially dogs. Interesting and fun to read his life's work. This book is an inspiration to do therapy work using animals.
Thank you Dr. Aubury for your work in therapy and sharing what you have learn that helps you and patients.

I'll never look at a golden the same way again! Not a pet, but a family member with unique contributions to make! What a beautifully written, flowing account of how lives can be enhanced and made truly better with the wisdom of animals.

What a great insight into the world of animal assisted therapy! You get a genuine sense of the love and compassion Dr. Fine has not only for his animals, but also for his patients. His animals are lucky to have him!

What an inspiring book! Dr. Fine delights the readers with stories that demonstrate the compassion and intuition of animals in a therapeutic alliance with people in pain. The healing and growth that occurs as a result of the collaboration between Dr. Fine and his 'assistants' serve as a reminder to us all of the powerful positive impact of our four legged friends.

Afternoons With Puppy leaves you feeling uplifted! Fine allows the readers to get a glimpse into how he incorporates the animals in his therepy. The stories in the book are truly heart wrenching. As I read the book you could see how important a role animals can play in our lives. So many lessons can be learned from them (which Fine helps us understand). The book is well written and should be read by all pet lovers!

I really appreciated this book. Lucas is a fantastic writer. His style is appealing and identifiable with the age group of the audience. I purchased this book at the end of high school, and am just now reading it (recent college graduate). Though it is written more for teenagers I found it highly applicable to where I am in life.

I really appreciated the organization. Lucus uses Biblical references throughout the whole novel to support his views, which are clearly written and explained. I also appreciated the Discussion Questions section at the end of each chapter. I haven't honestly created answers for each one yet, but I plan on doing that when I'm in each stage of life. (Singleness, dating, more serious, considering marriage, etc.) I really appreciated and found extremely encouraging the section on singleness. I find in my church an assumption that everyone is to get married, and Lucus does a fantastic job of encouraging the reader that singleness is not wrong and even Biblical. He makes a great argument and really shows that marriage and singleness are two equal ways of life. There were times in a few of the chapters that I felt overwhelmed in the sense of "finding a spouse that good is impossible," but I know (because I see it in other relationships around me) that it is not impossible.

Overall, a lot of the points mentioned in this book are "common sense" or what you may have been taught at home or church. However, Lucus organizes them in such a way to help the reader create a focus. To see the points in an organized manner and to approach finding (or not finding) a spouse in an organized, rational, and most importantly Biblical manner.

I enjoyed reading this as it had a different approach on the subject of marriage than most other books. The author first challenges the reader to live up to specific standards before even beginning to date/court. It certainly convicted me to work on areas in my life before beginning any relationship. The author presents a lot of lists throughout: reasons to get married, people you should avoid, etc. I found the most insightful was reasons not to get married, which talked honestly about unhealthy (and ultimately stupid) reasons for getting married. My only reservation is that this book is definitely written for teens, not so much for someone in their 20s like myself. I occasionally found myself bored with the cheesy relationship scenarios, but if you're a younger teen, this book offers good biblical advice about preparing yourself for marriage.

I just really appreciated the not-Joshua-Harris-approach to dating. It's a more realistic and Biblical approach to the subject. Starting with just making good friendships, Lucas gives great strategies and "lists" to how to find a good relationship period, whether that be romantic or simply friendship. I HIGHLY recommend this book. It also comes with discussion questions for you to ask yourself, your relationship, your parents and your pastor.

This book is awesome! I read it twice in one month... pick it up!

"Am I the one?" is the best book I read so far about dating and relationships. Most of the books I have read in the past were somewhat skewed towards female readers, but I can say, I was very satisfied. After all, who wants to settle for a mediocre marriage? I have passed the book on to friends and I have been receiving raving reviews. The Biblical references were both profound and refreshing.

We give "Angelina and the Princess" 5 stars. The ballet students have been asked to dance for Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Mouseland. Mr.Lightfoot, the director of the famous Royal Ballet Company, was coming to help Angelina's dance teacher, Miss Lilly, choose the best ballerinas for the special performance. On the morning of the tryouts Angelina woke up feeling terrible. Her mother said she could not go to ballet school that day. You will enjoy reading this book to see if Angelina does get chosen to dance for the Princess.

beautifully illustated, heartwarming childrens stories. Even though the Angelina stories are geared towards girls, my little boy, at 8, enjoyed these as well, especially when mom read to him. These are good stories to read to your child at bedtime.

The artwork is detailed and delightful to look at-you'll see new things each time you look, and children love that that every scene is filled with many little mice.

This Angelina story deals with doing your best-even if you're not picked to lead. Each book is filled with wonderful life lessons told in a gentle, non preachy way.

I highly recommend this series for any child.
5 stars!

When Angelina Ballerina finds out that her ballet school will be putting on a performance for the Princess of Mouseland, she couldn't be more excited. She stays up all night practicing and practicing, only to wake up feeling sick, and unable to dance. However, she does try, and ends up with only a chorus part in the performance. Disappointed, she vows never to attend ballet school again, until her Mother tells her to be happy with the part that she has. Agreeing, Angelina Ballerina goes back to ballet school only to save the day once again.

ANGELINA AND THE PRINCESS is an adorable addition to the ANGELINA BALLERINA book series. As always, Helen Craig's illustrations are breathtaking, and will capture the heart's of all readers, young and old, as will the wonderful, moral-building story by Katharine Holabird. A must-have for all.

Erika Sorocco

In this sequel to Angelina Ballerina, Angelina learns that her ballet school is to put on a performance for the Princess of Mouseland. Angelina is crushed, though, when she gets sick in time for the tryouts. Forced to settle for a supporting role, she takes her mother's advice and determines to do her best at the part she is given. This is the story of Angelina's triumph!

Once again the unbeatable duo of Katharine Holabird (author) and Helen Craig (illustrator) combine to create a supremely lovable book. My ten-year-old daughter tore through this book, thoroughly enjoying the story. Yes, it wasn't a challenge to her reading ability, but she loved the story, and I appreciate any book that keeps her reading! Both my daughter and I highly recommend this book.

"Angelina and the Princess" is the first of the Angelina series my daughter and I have, but we plan to get the rest as we love this so much. Angelina is a tiny white mouse who yearns to be feminine and sweet, but is sometimes headstrong and silly--just like most girls I know (including my five-year old daughter!). Angelina has a dance recital coming up and she is pining away for a major role. However, as she's sick on the day of auditions, she doesn't do well and in fact, barely is able to crawl back home and into her worried mother's arms. She knows she did poorly, and her mother admits as much too, which brings me to one of the things I love about this book--there's no sugar-coating the fact that Angelina has gotten herself into a pickle. It's a storybook, and a fantasy at that, but it's realistic enough to keep the edge off the sweetness.

Angelina is counseled by her mother to do her very best. I don't want to give away the ending, but by keeping a cheerful attitude and trying to do her best for the whole dance company, Angelina is amply rewarded. It's a story with a moral, but the moral isn't presented in a sickeningly sweet way.

The illustrations by Helen Craig are truly a treat. Set vaguely in a Victorian England mousedom, they depict tiny cottages with climbing vines, drapey dresses with floral prints, tiaras, bouquets, adorable furniture, and so on. Three cheers to both Helen Craig and author Katharine Holabird for a book which is a joy to read and great fun to peruse just for the illustrations alone!

The math tricks are very cool and easy to understand. This book is awsome for people of all ages.

This book is really nice to read, learn and easy to get the idea for adult and for children.

We got this book from the library to supplement my 5th grade daughter's homeschool math, and I've decided to purchase it. My undergraduate is in Physics, so I've done my share of arithmetic. What is so cool about this book is that it contains every trick I've ever come up with or figured out, plus a whole lot of others that I wish I'd known.

Learning these tricks is so much cooler than using a calculator!

This book is amazing and a must have for every student. It breaks down every mathmatical process in easy and understandable soultions that will leave you saying "Oh yeah I see it now" This was definately a 10 out 0f 10.

It is plainly a superb book, I'm amzaed that the mathematical tricks in this books are so useful in everyday life. It liberates one from growing dependency on calculators. It's a treat now to be able to do complex multiplication & division calculations in ones mind. Regular practise of tricks is a must for max benefits.

This large, high quality book is an exhaustive reference of maps and related commentary regarding the various stages of Armenian history. It is a must have companion for any aspiring Armenologist and a nice coffee table book for all Armenian families.

This is an amazing atlas presenting in-depth covering of the long and turbulent history of Armenia. There are numerous publications on Armenian history, but they either contain plain maps, or plan text. This one not only presents an enormous number of extremely valuable and rare historical maps covering about three thousand years' history, but also presents in a very reader-friendly style unbiased historical facts associated with every single map. More than that, it presents invaluable statistical information, such as the population by regions. It also presents very intriguing architectural data. One of invaluable features of the book is the coverage of the Armenian genocide and the first republic.
This is more than a book - it is a great treasure that anyone interested in history in general and Armenian history in particular MUST have.

A comprehensive collection of cartographic information related to Armenian History and Geography. The acompaning text is also very informative.

Although it is published as an atlas, through both historical and contemporary maps, diagrams and text, Robert Hewsen manages to trace all the important cultural, military, geopolitical and geographic influences and changes within Anatolia and the Caucasian region. For those interested in Armenian, Roman, Persian and Ottoman/Trukish history, it serves as a comprehesive, yet easy source, for both scholar and non-scholar alike.

Robert Hewsen's "Armenia A Historical Atlas" is a true masterpiece. This atlas contains 278 detailed color maps that chronicle Armenian history from antiquity to the present day. The maps are meticulously accurate, very detailed and visually appealing. They also show precise topographic, political, religious, onomastic and historical details. There is a mixture of many regional maps, detailed local maps, city maps and even building plans.

Each map is accompanied by a very detailed overview of the time period and theme covered in the map. The work is a remarkable feat of research, drawing on countless primary and secondary sources in numerous languages.

The real strength of this work is that it chronicles, in both visual and written form, Armenian history from generation to generation over millennia. As such, this book is an invaluable resource for all histories that coincide with Armenian history, especially the regions of regions of Eastern Anatolia, Western Iran and the Caucasus. You will find numerous historical details about Byzantine, Persian, Eastern Christian, Seljuk, Georgian, Ottoman, Russian and Soviet histories not easily found in other historical atlases.

I highly recommend this atlas to anyone interested in Armenian history or in the history of this region.

Wow! Anyone who is a fan of Chesley's art needs this book. Lots of great biographical info as well. Quality of lithography is top-notch. Expensive but definitely worth it.

If you were about 10 years old in 1950, there was very likely a moment of absolute epiphany in your young life. In my case it occurred in the Junior High library in about 1950. From the shelf I pulled a large dark blue book about 8 by 11 inches in size. Even the end-papers were stunning, color plates of the surfaces of Mercury and Jupiter. But, thumbing through, I actually began to tremble when I got to facing pages 132 and 133! It is safe to say I have never recovered from the sight. I now have two copies of this book, one at home which I purchased in about 1951 and one in my office, which I purchased a few years ago. It was THE CONQUEST OF SPACE, by Chelsey Bonestell and Willy Ley.

Who was this incredible artist, Chelsey Bonestell? Although I collected books illustrated by Bonestell throughout the 1950s and 1960s, I knew little about him personally until I found a trade paperback about him in the late 1970s or early 1980s, which gave a broad overview of his life and work.

The present book is a greatly expanded version of that earlier work, 256 pages versus 133 in the trade paperback. Since that paperback came out, both Chelsey and his wife have died, but I think it is safe to say Chelsey's work is more appreciated than ever. Here you'll learn of his childhood, his work as an architectural renderer and movie matte painter, and his entry into space art at an age when most men are thinking of retirement. Chesley lived to be nearly a hundred, and was able to compare many of his painted visions of other worlds to actual photos taken by astronauts and robots. But none of these photos have the incredible artistic validity of Chelsey's own vision. As many have commented, where Chesley's vision disagrees with reality, it is generally Chesley's vision which is the better.

For several generations, whenever anyone thought of space travel, or explorations of other worlds, it was Chesley Bonestell's vision they recreated in their mind's eye. Few artists have ever had or could ever hope to have such an impact.

Whether you are an old fan or are discovering Bonestell for the first time, this is a rich feast of his art, which ranges from architectural renderings to recreations of long-vanished Spanish missions of California.

"The Art of Chesley Bonestell" is an extremely high quality Science Fiction art collection that comes around once in a decade or two. The last Chesley Bonestell collection of this calibere, "Worlds Beyond: The Art of Chesley Bonestell", was published in 1983. Chesley Bonestell's art goes back to the golden age of Science Fiction of the late 1940's, 1950's and 1960's. His work was displayed on the covers of SF periodical magazines, SF paperback books, and Space Science books of that era. His style is realistic and his work is breathtaking! His concepts of other-worldly-visions are naturally realistic and have a Zen-like feeling of mystery to them. The color plates in this book are of awesome quality. I guarantee this book will increase in price, as the 1983 collection has. The 1983, "Worlds Beyond: The Art of Chesley Bonestell", sells for around $100 or more. Buy this 2001 book, "The Art of Chesley Bonestell" now, because it will only cost MUCH more after it goes out of print.

I bought this book for the space art but found out there are many other excellent paintings to go along with them. Bonestell's art makes you want to be at the places he's painted except for places like New York under nuclear attack and ancient Egypt being bombarded by comets. The space art is incredible. I only wish I could get large prints of some of the pictures to frame them. I'm even considering buying another book and cutting out some of the pictures that are barely large enough to frame.

I am among the hundreds of thousands -- perhaps millions -- of people who owe their lifelong interest in matters of astronomy and space science to a childhood discovery of the art of Chesley Bonestell. I remember vividly pawing through the pages of The Conquest of Space at the age of about ten, my mouth open as I saw the marvels of the universe displayed.

It was thus actually rather nerve-racking when I opened this new book for the first time. Could the reality of his art possibly match my childhood memories? Could all of that vividness and excitement have been magnified in my mind's eye over the succeeding decades? Was I in for a disappointment?

I most certainly was not. If anything, the fabulous art inspired and excited me even more than it had way back then.

And there's a lot of that art here -- a real feast of it, superbly reproduced. And I discovered as I kept turning the pages, hands quite literally trembling as I discovered treasure after treasure. Even more excitingly, I found that Bonestell had worked in areas of art I'd never suspected before: fabulous landscapes, stunning sketches ... I have perused many, many art books, but I've never before reacted quite as strongly as to this one.

And it gets better. There's a long, beautifully written and utterly fascinating illustrated biography of Bonestell written by Ron Miller. It's almost as if one's getting two books in one.

An earlier reviewer (who cannot spell "Chesley") talked of this as if it were an expanded version of The Conquest of Space. He was talking through his hat. This is a completely new book covering the entirety of Bonestell's career both visually and textually; it contains a big selection of illustrations from The Conquest of Space (all the best ones), but they form only a small part of the huge and sumptuous collection on display here.

This is a gorgeous book, and an extremely valuable piece of work -- the authors/compilers deserve the highest praise for having brought this treasure to us.

This has to be the best, all inclusive study on "Baptist Heritage" that I have found. While enlightening in areas of Baptist roots, it also does a wonderful job dispelling many of the myths that have crept into the Church as to our beginnings. It is a must for anyone interested in the beginnings of the Baptist Church and the forming of our doctrinal statements of faith.

This book is very well written. McBeth has laid a good foundation if you are interested Baptist History. The only problem I have found is McBeth allows his own personal views to skew what he calls history and what he has decided to include in this book. Rather than giving a full account of what History says about Baptist, McBeth tells most of the story. Other than that, VERY well written and easy to read. Don't be intimidated by the number of pages. McBeth focuses on a few things that you can skip and not miss anything. Hope you enjoy reading this book and will look further into history. McBeth mentions a good book to give you another side of Baptist History; "The Trail Of Blood". It is out of print but you can still find some copies out there. While it also is not exact it gives you another side. Good Luck and God Bless!

Without a doubt, this is the most definitive work on the history of Baptists. McBeth leaves no stone unturned in developing a portrait of a faith tradition born out of persecution and intolerance. A tradition born with an affinity for personal freedom, i.e. competency before God. McBeth's work has aided me greatly in understanding why I am Baptist and what that means. At a time in which many Baptists are struggling with a crisis of identity, this book can serve as a rescue. Don't let the size of the book intimidate you. Think of it as crawling into grandpa's lap and hearing the stories of old. More than the book I appreciate the man behind it. He was one of the greatest teachers I ever studied under, and one of the most genuine professor I ever encountered.

I was required to read this book for a seminary course and instead of being intimidated by the size of the book, I found it to be an extremely enjoyable read on how Baptists have flourished over the years in spite of persecution, church splits, and other challenges.

McBeth traces the origins of Baptists in the early 1600s from England and Holland and chronicles their history up to the late 1900s.

Among the more interesting topics covered include:

1. Baptist beginnings in Europe.
2. Baptist beginnings in America and the part they played in the Great Awakenings.
3. The struggle for religious libery in early America.
4. The split of the Baptists in the 1840s that eventually led to the Southern Baptist Convention.
5. The formation of several types of Baptist groups (Southern, Primitive, Independent, American, National, Landmark, etc.).

Whether you are Baptist or not, after reading this gem you will have a greater appreciation for the Baptist heritage!

Read and enjoy!

Having spent the entirety of his life in Christian service both within and outside Baptist circles, and, as McBeth says, "In a quarter-century of teaching Baptist History...," Dr. McBeth has certainly devoted himself to his work within the Church and the academy. The magnitude of this book is indicative of the scholarship that McBeth has invested in a book of this sorts, yet its size does not overwhelm the reader. If necessary, McBeth uses the extra space to explain the concepts and technical 'jargon' of the oft-misunderstood Baptist theology and history.
Readers of this volume ought to come away with a solid, general understanding of the beginnings of Baptists during the 1600s in England, the spread of the Baptist-Christian flavour to the European continent, as well as to The United States of America. McBeth's handling of Baptist history is balanced between Continental Europe as well as the American context, from which McBeth has invested his life.