Shadow Books

Ellen Feld brings us the delightful story of an intrepid foal named Shadow, who has fantasies of life beyond her pasture fence. This wonderful adventure comes alive with illustrations by the talented Jeanne Mellin. Both author and artist have a terrific way of enticing a reader, not to mention capturing the inimitable spirit of the Morgan horse. Two hoofs up!

My daughter loves these books and looks forward to each new edition. Any young lady would be happy to receive a copy. The books descriptions are so vivid, one can place themselves right into the story.

Author Ellen Feld and artist Jeanne Mellin present Shadow The Curious Morgan Horse, the latest in an award-wining series of children's books. Shadow The Curious Morgan Horse is a picturebook with warm color illustrations and a fair amount of text, especially suited for young horse lovers who are almost ready to make the transition to chapter books. When Shadow's curiosity leads her to explore the woods beyond her pasture, she encounters a wonderful variety of forest animals, but what is she to do when she becomes lost? A new canine friend saves the day in this gentle adventure recommended for young horse lovers.

Once again, author Ellen Feld relates a wonderful story. My grandchildren are 6 and 8, have their own horse, and were totally enthralled with the little Morgan foal "Shadow" and her escapades. The writing is large and easy for young readers to read and the illustrations are colorful and eye catching. A must have for every child in this age group!

D.Boies

My grandchildren love this book. The illustrations are beautiful, the story wonderful. This is a great book for parents (or grandparents) to read to 4- 6 year old children, and it's also a great read for 7 and 8 year olds on their own. Short sentences and paragraphs hold the children's attention, and the story is delightful. A great buy!

It is a pleasure to review this book as I went to Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY with the author, Julie Daube back in 1986. She a very tallented writer and her book, "The Shadows of Babylon", is an errie tale of Good and Evil. Set against the backdrop of a terrorist attack on New York City (Did she have a Crystal Ball while writting this?) And the only thing stopping the total destruction of the United States is the constitution itself! Will justice be served? Only if you get the chance to read this intriguing book! You won't want to put it down!! Way to go, Julie!!

The worst part about this book was that I couldn't put it down. The characters were so realistic they practically jumped out at me, especially Matt and Gina. I found myself relating so perfectly to Matt that I experienced his problems as if they were mine. I LOVE that in a book! On top of that it was frighteningly realistic. It was scary because I really think this is where America is heading, and I saw things in the novel that are already happening! It's definitely a must-read for anyone concerned about our future and it will REALLY make you think.

With the political intrigue of Tom Clancy and excitement of Left Behind, Julie Daube paints a viable picture of government intrusion into the private lives of American citizens. September 11 has opened the door to the evolution of "Big Brother" into this country. The struggle between the desire to maintain the freedoms we enjoy in America juxtaposed with the fear of terrorism has left its citizens at odds with what is the best way to protect homeland security. The Shadows of Babylon comes frighteningly close to what present-day media reports. The only question is, will Daube's fictional portrayal of political power become reality sooner than later? I couldn't put it down!

The Shadows of Babylon has realistic characters living in frighteningly realistic settings. Is the government taking over the personal lives of the characters? Is this set in the future or is it happening today? The action is non-stop and holds the reader until the end. If you like Frank Peretti's writing or the Left Behind series, you will certainly enjoy The Shadows of Babylon.

The Shadows of Babylon is a must-read for those who want to know where we're heading with political-correctness and anti-fundamentalist propaganda. This book keeps you wondering what happens next and keeps you interested in the characters throughout. It's a blend of Frank Peretti and the Left Behind series.

Like the author's previous 1995 publication "Rumors of Existence," "Shadows of Existence" is just as informative and exciting to read. Anyone with a lifetime fascination of the animal kingdom, and new discoveries of species will enjoy this book. Makes one wonder what creatures are just waiting to be discovered next. Covers every spectrum of the world of zoology, and provides a critique of other books. One disappointment though, the author offers very little hope or belief in the whole Sasquatch/Bigfoot phenomenon, even omitting what I consider one of the top 5 works on the subject from his extensive review section; the John Green classic "Sasquatch: The Apes Among Us."

Matt Bille's first volume of cryptozoological lore Rumors of Existence (1995), confined itself to surveys of newly discovered or rediscovered species, and to those creatures that were presumed extinct, despite persistent modern sightings. This sequel, 11 years in the making, is a more ambitious work, as it includes not only new chapters on animals from the foregoing categories, but also separate sections on classic mystery animals (such as Bigfoot, Nessie, and other aquatic monsters) and lesser-known cryptids, such as the puma-sized yarri of Australia.

Bille's straightforward and informative text is enhanced by 40-odd illustrations from artist Bill Rebsamen, rightly dubbed "the John Audubon of cryptozoology." Aside from providing full sources for the entries in his text, Bille also provides a 50-page listing of books and articles he referenced when writing this book.

This book is highly recommended for crypto-beginners and veteran aficionados alike for its comprehensive coverage and accessible style.
Mysteries Magazine

Matt Bille has surpassed himself in this sequel to Rumors of Existence, adding accessible treatment of some classic cryptids to his coverage of more new and rediscovered animals (those wrongly thought to be extinct). Any reader interested in cryptozoology, whether an armchair "buff" or active field researcher, will find Bille's latest worthwhile. Don't miss it!

Many books are written about that subject, but this is simply one of the best.
It's well researched, and covers most of the latest finds of new and rediscovered animals in more then 60 chapter's. The fantastic thing about the book is the fact, that you learn, you dont have to dream about animals like Bigfoot or Nessie, the world is still full of other more realistic discoverys, like many large new mammals found in Vietnam/Cambodia for example. The sea still holds large numbers of undiscovered cetaceans, large parts of New Guinea are still unexplored by Naturalists etc.
The book makes a fascinating read and has a very reasonable price.
It also includes some nice color art of animals discovered.
If you have a deeper interest in some of the described animals, at the end of the book, you can find a list with Internet-Sites, about most of the new animals discovered, where you can read more or see the photographs.
Since the publication of the book, allready new discoverys where done, for example by the CI Expedition to the Foya Mountains in New Guinea.
That gives me hope, that another book of Matthew Bille will follow in the future, with more fascinating disoverys.

In 1995 the book Rumors of Existence was published by Hancock House. Within the pages of this book, biological and zoological plethora was presented. Matt Bille, within his "Rumors" book, evaluated new discoveries, supposed extinct and mysteries animals with an even and balanced keel.

While books dealing with mystery animals appear every year. They have a primary focus on one specific animal or "cryptid". The tendency of these books is to be either on, or about, Bigfoot or Lake Monsters (to use the generalized terms), While the presentation of evidence is through eyewitness reviews, video or picture analysis or behavioral or morphological comparisons. While this makes for good reading, and baseline bibliographical or historical background, the core of an investigative method is missed.

What Matt Bille has done on the other hand, is review a larger percentage of mystery animals, but with a context that connects to actual discoveries. We are not talking about proof positive of a "Bigfoot" body, or the dead body of "Nessie". We are looking instead at the presentation of newly discovered species, rediscovered species, and animals unknown to science currently. They intertwine together, demonstrating the complexity of zoological classifications and behavior within the realm of biology, anthropology and associated disciplines.

In Shadows of Existence, Matt Bille has extended the initial concept from his first book, and fleshed it out to a larger degree, a review once more of our mysteries planet, but also a resource and correlation for researchers to continue from. Answers are not provided, supposition is minimized, and the evidentiary items are presented in a fluid and readable manner. Matt has done the foot work, and provided the everyday man the information in a manner that is not condescending or overly simplified manner. A difficult balance of language and information, that in and of itself can be admired as a writer's specific style.

Matt Bille does touch on the classic mystery animals, such as Bigfoot and "Lake Monsters". Any at the close of each section therein, offers a tidbit of thought for the reader:

"Is there anything real for these searchers to find? As so often happens in cryptozoology, the answer may still be, "we don't know."

"It is, in my opinion, very unlikely there is a breeding population of huge apes living unknown to science on the North American continent. I'm not denigrating the witnesses, many of whom are unquestionably sincere. I just feel it's more likely the sincere ones are mistaken than it is that sasquatch exits."

"I genuinely wish to be found wrong in this judgment. I hope sasquatch really is out there somewhere, watching with puzzlement and perhaps even amusement as we humans blunder around looking for him."

While looking at the main-stream "mystery animals" is one inclusion, it is not the primary focus of the book. This is quickly identifiable, as only a small section is attributed to "The Classic Mystery Animals", and it is for this reason Matt Bille's books are more important. His delving into mystery whales, cats, bears, seals and squirrels, to name but a few, demonstrate that the world is not fully established in a zoological manner and that mainstream science still looks and finds animals across the globe.

In few books in the mainstream can one read of unusual sightings by researchers in deep sea submersables like the Deepstar 4000 or Alvin. Prehistoric tree discoveries, like the Wollemia nobilis. Or the chronicling of the mysteries of an as yet described species of beaked whale Mesoplodon Species A.

Yes some of the content is a continuation of Matt Bille's 1995 book Rumors of Existence. But, after a decade Shadows of Existence fleshes out additional information, new discoveries, new resources and a fresh look at the world of zoology and biology.

We need every so often to be reminded that our world is still full of wonder and discovery. We need to be reminded that mystery animals and cryptozoology do not need to be isolated to classic creatures, but encompass the zoological gamut. And, if for no other reason, Matt Bille's book harbors a reminder that even if mystery animals do not exist, there are innumerable discoveries to be made that perhaps could not be done if one does not search.


Craig Heinselman
Editor CRYPTO
Peterborough, NH

Great series! I'm surprised that there are not more reviews. Although, it might be because of the cover art. They have been horrible and not even accurate. Regardless, the story lines are fabulous. Basically, there are vampires, and when they give into the blood lust and take that first bite of human blood, they can't help but kill their victims, thus turning them into killers. Yet there are those who are prevented from ever taking that first bite. This lucky ones feed on sheep blood mixed with milk. Disgusting, even to them, but it provides them with the sustenance that prevents them from being killers. A group of these non-killing vampires hunt the killers to make their city a safer place.

In Shadows on the Soul, Black takes us on a different view in that she centers the book around a killer, Gabriel. Gabriel is a VERY strong killer because he was born a vampire. Other vampires that have met him, know him for being sadistic creep. Yet, apparently that is all a front. I don't want to give anything away, but I do want to say that Gabriel is a very sexy, lovable character that will be worth your time reading about. I'm definitely looking forward to the next in this series.

Planted by her creator in the home of his father, Jezebel knows the time will come when Gabriel will reappear. Gabriel, a born vampire feared by even the toughest of Guardians, is filled with rage at his father and isn't above using his fledgling to kill him once and for all. Gabriel isn't prepared for how Jezebel causes cracks in his rage and softens the coldness he's held on to for hundreds of years. Connected in ways neither are unprepared for, Jezebel and Gabriel discover a weakness will become their greatest strength when an enemy from his past comes haunting.

Philadelphia is where a family reunion will bring death, betrayals and an upcoming battle that even the toughest of Guardians may not be prepared for when the oldest of vampires converge upon the city with revenge and death in mind.

In a book that is overflowing with exhilaration, vampire family drama and layers of lies and secrets, Shadows on the Soul is a perfect addition to this series about a group of vampire guardians who use their powers to protect humans against the vamps that would harm them. Having read the predecessor to this tale I'm surprised and impressed how Jenna Black turned someone I basically hated into someone I could empathize with. A lot of people have hidden scars, and while some of us choose to bury them, some find other outlets for their grief. Gabriel isn't the sweetest of heroes, but considering Jezebel and he came from similar backgrounds overflowing with pain and disappointment, these two made a perfect couple. I found the rare connection between Gabriel and Jezebel to be fascinating to say the least, because it made Gabriel honest at times when I think he could have easily lost control of his barely controlled rage.

Jenna Black has perfected the art form of adding just the right edge of violence to an intricate plot that makes me wonder what else will happen to this group of guardians who are one wrong deed away from being killers themselves. I look forward to seeing this series continue because there is an older vampire group in the picture now that I'm sure will create more bloodshed in a city that continues to be a war ground for good against evil.

Indy
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I enjoyed this third book in the Guardian series. Gabriel is a Killer vampire, he feeds from humans but only the scumbags. Jez is his fledgling, a tortured soul with a bad past. She had a junkie for a mother and was infected with HIV because her mother used her needles and she is treated like a leper by her grandmother. Gabriel and Jez made a good pair. The author fleshed out Gabriels character very well in this book, and kept him true to his bad boy ways. Of course, love conquers all and he redeems himself in the end. This was a good book. I enjoyed the characters, Gabriel, Jez, and Eli, the leader of the Guardians. We learn a great deal more about Eli's character and it was truly fascinating. We also get a more in depth look at Drake and I assume he will have his own story. This was well worth reading.

How many books have, as their hero, a mass-murdering sadistic psychopath? How many books have, as their heroine, a former HIV-positive wild child? In that respect "Shadows On The Soul" is very different with Killer vampire Gabriel the hero and new vampire Jezebel the heroine. Gabriel made Jezebel a vampire after she was gang-raped by a lot of other vampires in a previous book but, in making his first fledgling, he set himself on an entirely new course.

Gabriel is angry with his father Eli, leader of the Guardians (a group of vampires who don't drink human blood and who try to dispatch vampires that do). Clearly Gabriel is one of the Killers that the Guardians need to dispose of and yet Gabriel knows that his father has hardly had an innocent life. When Gabriel decides to travel to Philadelphia to kill his father, Eli, and takes Jezebel with him, he finds things not exactly working out as he expected. Particularly as his mother Camille, in league with the evil Bartolomeo di Cesare, and along with a powerful born vampire Brigitte, is also after Eli and has a special method of disabling Eli that might just work.

In the first scene of the book we are with Gabriel as he kills a woman by drinking her blood. However, right at this first part of the story, it becomes clear there's more to Gabriel's sadistic psychopathic murdering than meets the eye. He doesn't choose his victims at random and he has some strange other attributes, such as being unable to see children hurt without trying to get revenge on those who hurt them. As the story unfolds and Jezebel and Gabriel find themselves linked in terms of emotions - they can feel what the other is feeling - Jezebel begins to learn more about Gabriel's true nature and whether, underneath the scary exterior, there's more to him than the others realise.

In some ways I felt the book copped out a little in terms of its bold start. As it becomes clear that our mass-murdering sadistic psychopath isn't those things but that there are reasons for everything he does and that he doesn't actually like the sadism, it's just something he's been told, we begin to discover that Gabriel is almost one of the goodies. The author continues to drip-feed us information on Eli and his history and his apparent omnipotence and his great goodness are continuing to be chipped away. Drake, the only Killer within the Guardians, is getting so disillusioned by all that he learns and the end of this book sets him up as the hero of the next one, starting in a different city. So the bold and strong start is rather filtered down by the time the book ends and our shocking hero and heroine seem significantly less shocking.

Jezebel's role in this story, as the heroine, is quite understated. She's not really a woman of action, more of emotion, and as we learn about her appalling history it becomes apparent why she might be attracted to Gabriel - an attraction to someone who has suffered and who understands, perhaps. I was a little surprised that the Guardians seemed to forgive her for being a spy on several occasions but overall she did come across as a sweet and nice girl in rather over her head with Gabriel the monster.

The pacing of this book was rather better than "Secrets In The Shadows", the previous book in this series, as more events took place and much more attention was paid to the characters which made the book more satisfying. This was a good read which provided some interesting food for thought although perhaps not utilised as fully as it could have been.

[...]

While Gabriel is not going to earn his wings anytime soon, with Jezebel's help he definitely has a shot at regaining his soul. Jenna Black did a wonderful job in Secrets in the Shadows (The Guardians of the Night, Book 2) of creating an immensely powerful, evil and seeming sadistic villain in Gabriel. She does an equally wonderful job of exposing the truths about Gabriel that he himself doesn't realize and taking him through an amazing transition in Shadows on the Soul.

The catalyst for Gabriel's change is Jezebel. Jezebel is the brutalized victim that Gabriel "turned" at the end of the last book and Gabriel intends no more than to use Jez to infiltrate his father Eli's Guardians and gather information to set a trap to kill Eli. Little does he expect to find a kindred spirit in this wisecracking slip of a girl. After all what could a former goth chic, have in common with a powerful 500 year old born vamp. Beneath that badder than bad exterior Eli is a mess, small wonder as his father once tried to kill him and his mother now is more than eager to finish the job. Gabriel's bond with Jez as maker to fledgling has the unexpected side effect of her being able to sense the feelings that he himself denies having. Having suffered emotional abuse from the grandmother who raised her after Jez's addict mother died, the grandmother that thought Jez was the devil's spawn, Jez recognizes Gabriel's coping mechanism. Understanding his pain, she uses the connection of their bond to crack the walls around Gabriel's soul and helps him to see himself beyond the monster image he cultivated to avoid any further rejection.

While Jez is attempting Gabriel's psychological redemption, Gabriel's mother is out for revenge against both Gabriel and Eli, both of whom she blames for all the misfortune in her life. Camille was the vamp master that Gabriel dethroned in the last book. This time she brings powerful backup and an old enemy of Gabriel's. They capture and torture Gabriel and fully intend to kill him once they've finished using him as bait to trap Eli. Jez is only a fledgling, but she will do whatever it takes to help save Gabriel even if it means sacrificing herself, so that not only will he live but he will know that at last there is someone who loves him unconditionally. She's going to need the powerful Eli to help rescue Gabriel, but can she trust Eli to save the son she thinks Eli secretly still loves. What if she's wrong?

This is the third Guardian's of the Night book and Jenna Black's vampire paranormal romance series just keep getting better. In order to truly appreciate Shadows on the Soul, you need to at least read the Secret in the Shadows so that you can truly hate Gabriel before you grow to love him here.

Here is a bold and well-documented argument that the Abe Lincoln-Ann Rutledge romance was real and not the stuff of legend or outright fabrication. Walsh presents testimony from numerous persons who knew Lincoln and Rutledge. Although I don't accept every source Walsh uses, I find the cumulative impact of his research to be persuasive.

This was an excellent book regarding the story of Lincoln and Ann Rutledge! Logical and concise--well worth the read! And I like the fact it doesn't bash Mary Todd Lincoln. The two relationships were at different times with different Lincolns---apples and oranges!

The Abraham Lincoln/Ann Rutledge romance is once again being debated among historians; any who want to get to the source of the legend would do well to start here.
Walsh does not write histories, so much as stories about how history is written. He takes small but important moments in American history - Lincoln's fabled "Almanac murder trial," or the hanging of British spy Major Andre during the Revolutionary War - and methodically peels away the layers of revisionist history to give us an unvarnished look at the event through the eyes of those who experienced it. At the same time, he lets us see how layer upon layer of scholarly interpretation can muddy the waters of our past to the point that the truth is all but invisible. In "The Shadows Rise," he meticulously traces how Lincoln's chief 19th-century biographer, William Herndon, first heard eyewitness accounts that, while living in New Salem, young Lincoln fell in love with, and became engaged to, a lovely, bright and popular woman named Ann Rutledge. Tracing all existing accounts of former New Salemites, he puts together a convincing and warmly human portrait of Lincoln's first love, and of her tragic death. In all, more than 20 people who knew Lincoln and Rutledge in New Salem (the entire population of which was only around 100) testified the two were in love and engaged, but historians - often basing their opinions on other historians' analysis, rather than first-hand understanding of eyewitness testimony - have hotly debated the story since Herndon first went public with it shortly after Lincoln's death in 1865. The book succeeds in revealing a tender and telling chapter in young Lincoln's life, and in introducing us to a charming young woman it is difficult not to fall a little in love with yourself. Perhaps most importantly, it also shows how much confusion historians can cause when they spend too much time talking to each other, and not enough time listening to the real voices of the past. This is a marvelously readable book, equal parts history and detective story, that will have history buffs thinking about the past in some new and important ways.

This is a book that has been 50 years overdue. The book effectively destroys the unwarrented attack on Ann Rutledge by Mary Todd Lincoln's defenders. Walsh shows that not a single person in New Salem at the time denied the affair. It was only when the Randalls in the mid-20th century decided to become Mary Todd Lincoln's defence attorneys that there was even a question about Ann Rutledge's affair with Lincoln.

A question that has never been answered is why did it matter? Why did MTL's defenders feel it cast aspertions on MTL if Lincoln was involved with a woman four years before he even met her?

I HAVE BEEN A LINCOLN SCHOLAR ALL MY LIFE AND ALL THE EVIDENCE POINTS OUT THAT ANN WAS ABE'S TRUE LOVE.WHEN SHE DIED ON AUGUST 25,1835 PART OF LINCOLN WENT INTO THE GRAVE WITH ANN.SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL,KIND AND LOVING-THE TYPE OF WOMAN LINCOLN WANTED.I AM SURE THAT HE LOVED MARY,BUT THERE WAS ALWAYS A SPECIAL PLACE IN HIS HEART OF ANN RUTLEDGE.I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!GOD BLESS ANN AND ABE!!!!!!!

I am an orthopedist in Budapest, Hungary. My wife is a neurosurgeon and we are parents of two boys, one of them has a disability.

This great series, the McFadden Family Series opens with the book Stolen Shadows. In the center are two young medical professionals, who take in abandoned boys, many with serious disabilities.

Dr. Lauren McFadden is a very well rounded figure. In addition to being devoted to her professiona nd patients she maintains a healthy marriage and finds the time to nurish and use her musical talent. She is a great inspiration for any doctor in today's rushed consumerist world.

The other characters are also very interesting. Actually the major strength of this novel is the way the characters are written. Another very important part is the well researched medical situations. Ms. King portraits them accurately and in a way that is hardly seen on television or in novels.

I was lent this book by a friend of Mrs. King a few months ago and it started an addiction to her books.

I have congenital muscular dystrophy. Because of muscular dystrophy I spent most of my life in various rehab and special schools. I wish I had Dr. McFadden as my doctor!

The book is very exciting. It is the first novel of Mary King, and because of that there are a few rough edges still, but because the reader will fall in love with the characters and the story it is hardly recognizable. The characters are alive. Very exciting and very real. They are like any of the guys I meet every day.

The situations these characters face are also very real. Marriage and leading a normal life are big quetions in my own life as well. Education is another issue that is addressed in the book.

I would recommend this book for young adults and adults with an open mind and readyness to embrace a different world that is not that different at all.

A friend referred me to this novel, the first of the McFadden series, about two years ago. After building a great resistance towards the romaticised approach to disability issues, I thought it would be another brave cripple story.

Being deaf and dealing with complications from brain tumours I never imagined I would find a book that depicted life with disabilities accuratly and yet it was entertaining.

The characters are captivating, their adventures are very real. Issues that are "normal" in life come up, showing that people with disabilities don't differ from those without.

I've read alot of books growing up but when I picked up "Stolen Shadows" by Mary King, I was unable to set it down. The book will always keep the reader on the edge of their seat wondering whats going to happen next. As a disabled person with Muscular Dystrophy (SMA Type III), The life, feelings, sex issues, and daily things a disabled person encounters is VERY well portrayed. The medical details and procedures that are explained gives the reader a geat visual of whats going on. While reading the book it is like you're right there as Mary King describes every detail and leaves a vivid picture in your mind! I would highly recommend picking up this book, both for the "able bodied" reader to better educate as well as the disabled reader to give hope and let all of us disabed people to know yes there are alternatives and yes you CAN do it!

Stolen Shadows is the first book in a heartwarming trilogy by Mary King. The books tell the story of the McFadden family. Lauren, a doctor and Bryan, her husband and a physical therapist, are dining out one night. They are asked to help with a young boy, found behind the resturaunt, who appears to be having a seizure. The young boy named Adam is deaf and does suffer from a seizure disorder. Lauren and Bryan soon decide to take Adam into their home. Thus begins the amazing journey that opens up their hearts and their home to several unwanted kids with varying disabilities. Lauren and Bryan have the knowledge to care for these kids's physical needs, but more importantly they have the love to care for their emotional needs as well.
Mary King, through personal experience of working with and caring for people who have disabilities and by doing extensive research, portrays a very honest picture of what life is like caring for someone with disabilities. Ms. King doesn't sugar coat the experience, but her story is filled with warmth, caring, and love.
Having worked in a hospital for over 23 years and taken care of patients with various disabilities, it is refreshing to see such an honest portrayal of people living their lives with, or should I say in spite of a disability.

Jon Hayenga

I have loved this book for years. Hugh Nibley was not only a brilliant man, a great scholar, and a dedicated teacher; he also had the gift of being able to cut past all the endless intellectual distractions to focus on what is important. When I first read this book, frankly, I was blown away. There was so much richness about the temple that I did not know. However, more than all that are the essays and talks on what the implications of all this are for the way should live our life here with regard to what comes hereafter.

A temple is the House of the Lord and God uses it to teach, enrich, and endow the lives of his children. Brother Nibley is right that the temple is a scale model of the universe. It shows not only our place and purpose, but sets us on the correct path through teaching, covenants, and ordinances. Temples make eternity understandable and unite all ages of time in one eternal present with our Father. In this book we not only see what was restored with the Church through revelation, the author also shows us echoes (not sources) of the true teachings in ancient and pagan temples and ceremonies.

There are a wide range of essays on various aspects of the theme of the temple and the cosmos (the everything). In one of them, Brother Nibley even talks about science fiction and the gospel! It is full of interesting illustrations.

Hugh Nibley enriched my own appreciation of the temple through the essays and talks collected in this wonderful book. If you are interested in what he had to say on this important gospel topic, I recommend it to you. The author makes so many great points of so many details that are easy to miss that you will never be able to look at the temple the same way again. And opening your vision to seeing the world anew is what a great teacher does.

I'm no scholar, but I foind this book to be very readable and extremely stimulating. Nibley's thought is astounding. While a couple of his statements on science are now a tad dated, the thought itself is as sound as ever. The coverage of the essays in this volume is astounding--you name it. Nibley's thought is very helpful to all who wish to supplement faith with intellect

Nibley's work on Temples, ancient and modern, are incredible. Many of the articles in this book were previously unpublished works. Others are from firesides and addresses at BYU and other places. All are generally aimed towards the LDS audience.

Scholars have, in the last 10 years, expanded on many of Nibley's proposed ideas. Scholars, LDS and non-LDS, have found similar conclusions as Nibley has proposed and have expanded on them (as one example on Nibley's "One Eternal Round" see Mircea Eliade "The Myth of the Eternal Return" (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1954) for more on "parallelism" see John M. Lundquist's "The Temple: Meetingplace of Heaven and Earth" and it's respective bibliography). Many students of temples of the ancient world would find few qualms with the conclusions expressed by Hugh Nibley as they relate to the temple.

This book is mostly directed toward the LDS audience. Despite this it may be informative to the beginning non-LDS student of the temple (especially as seen by the LDS mind). Other books may be suggested but many of the conlcusions would be the same.

This book is amazing. Nibley's grasp of the subject matter is truly astounding. While it is true that Nibley is a mormon apologist, this work is not skewed like many of his other works. This is his best effort. Whether you are mormon or not this book brings up a lot of intersting similarities with almost every ancient religion and their temple type. Zoroastrian fire temples being the most notable exception. a pure joy to read.

Nibley does not go into depth concerning mormon temple ceremonies but many of the things he discuss will still be easily understood by the non-mormon reader. In addition, a large portion of the book is devoted to the actual structure of the temple as a microcosm of the universe. Also of note is his discusion of sacred vestments through the ages.

Often the scholarly become so involved in proving their thesis that they lose sight of where they are going. In other words they can't see the forest for the trees! Such is the case with Nibley's Temple and Cosmos. Although very informative and well documented, in his zeal to justify the existence of Mormon temples by showing many amazing similarities to temples and temple rituals of the past, he fails to notice that nearly all of his examples are from pagan cultures. Nibley proves well that the origin of Mormon temples is paganism. While the Mormon Church claims its origins stem from ancient Hebrew culture, any real evidence supporting such a claim is conspicuously absent from Nibley's book. ...Go figure!

Like so many things in life, such as cars, buildings or even computers, books can become a piece of art when they're beautifully designed. And this is one of the best looking books I've ever seen.

The feel of it (it's a softcover), the look of it, the typeface. It's almost perfect. I really love holding this book in my hand and feel the weight of it. And the colors and the typeface are rich and inviting. Once you see the book in front of you and hold it, you cannot NOT be interested in knowing more about it. It really attracts one's attention. That's why I give it 5 big stars. Whoever designed this book deserves an award.

As for the content of the book, the less said the better.

this has the feel of someone who is in a prison, not knowing when his life will be cut short. so in the meantime everything he's learned up to this point, and everything he believes to be true, is shared to you, dear reader.

the scope of the book is large, there were many things i read here that was new to me, which is great, because in this realm of reading, it's easy to read the same thing said differently by many authors.

most of this will be news to you, or things you haven't thought of in a certain angle.

while it's only partially sourced, we have to take his word of his credentials. and when the things you read go on a limb (like alot of the great david icke's works), you just have to go with him and judge on your own.

very informative book, needed in every revisionist's collection (conspiracy theory is a silly term, too much stuff is true)

This book is probably one of the best you can find if you want to know the TRUTH behind the history of the world, religion, true knowledge, media, extraterrestrials, mind-control, and who really controls the world. DO NOT read this book if you are not an open minded reader and/or someone seeking big picture possibilities that are not normally given through mainstream media or mainstream education (public schools, colleges, etc.). This is one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it. I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND anyone interested in this book to check out any books written by David Icke and/or check out infowars.com which is 100% documented research by activist Alex Jones. Also check out Behold A Pale Horse by William Cooper who is now dead (murdered by our government). Check out information on the web about the Bohemian Grove, Skulls and Bones, the Illuminati, the New World Order..... The list goes on and on. Take what you want, make what you want, and believe what you want, but by all means please do the research for yourself and whithout a doubt, you will see the universe completely differently. Also, if you haven't a clue as to what I'm babbling about, this stuff is probably not for you, but don't take my word for it, just check it out. Soon this knowledge might be your only chance at physical, mental and spiritual freedom. HELP RELEASE THE BLANKET THAT HAS COVERED THE EYES SOCIETY FOR CENTURIES.

I was really disturbed while coming to the realisation how much lies have we taken for the truth. This book will open your eyes, definitely recommended.

Ties together many diverse aspects of history, religion, and events into a logical and related common thread. Makes sense of seemingly unrelated happenings that are plausible based on his theories. Good book.

Sail along with Dan and Judi and the Lady in the second book of their life as they charter the best sailboat and motor yacht in the BVI. You can almost smell the briny sea and taste Judi's gourmet meals as page after page unfolds a story of life on the ocean and the people they encounter. After reading Judi's story, I felt a strong bond with her and now know why I admired her so much when chartering. Her books are a pure delight.

The Voyage of The Capricorn Lady is a voyage anyone can take without leaving your living room. From the moment I began reading, I understood that Judi was not only sharing with us a wonderful part of her life, but developing a bittersweet peace within herself as she wrote. She writes simply and beautifully as she takes us on a voyage of success, failure, and success, peppered with the determination and self doubt we all experience. As we come to know Judi and Dan, we can relate to their difficult choices, and we can rejoice in their happiness.

Throughout this journey, we are confident that Dan and Judi's business savvy, and devotion to family and each other will inspire them through their most difficult times.
These books are not only a tribute to a man by his wife, but a true to life experience of living a dream laced with laughter, danger,and above all love...

This is a true story of a man and a woman destined to meet and share a life of adventure, laughter, tragedy and love. From their first lunch together in 1964, to their last embrace in April 2003, Daniel Gilman and Judith Bauer epitomized the term "soul mates".
Book one takes us on their journey from the world of high level real estate, through an abrupt departure on their 40' sail boat Capricorn and finally to the Caribbean. The agony of leaving family and possessions behind is gradually softened by their new lives, new friends and a grand new world.
Through a tapestry of defeats and accomplishments, Judi takes us with her on a cruise through her most cherished years with her "Danny" by her side. We experience their hartache and their hard earned victories. As we sail with them on the Capricorn from island to island to the acquisition of their motor yacht, Capricorn Lady, we eat, swim, dive, and tour their stunningly beautiful yet at times unforgiving part of the world.

Judi's vivid and deeply personal account of their life together leaves the reader with an enticing anticipation for book two. These books are just not for those who shared the experience of a cruise with Dan and Judi. It is for the romantic, the gourmet, and the adventurer in all of us.

In Book 1, we meet Captain Dan and his "Capricorn Lady", Judi. Overcoming unbelievable personal challenges, they continue charting their course on the 71 foot luxury Trumpy Motor yacht. "Capricorn Lady" is a labor of love, and we live each moment with Dan and Judi. Charter guest stories are touching, funny and human nature at its best! Book 2 takes you on many trips around the British Virgins, and you feel like you are also escaping on the "Lady," savouring each adventure with the Gilmans and their guests. Book 2 is an intimate, loving tribute to Captain Dan. Judi has opened her heart and the diary of her life with her beloved husband. Readers will relate to her emotions and cheer her independance. Can hardly wait for Book 3!

The second book in this series is wonderful. It brings back memories of days living in the islands, when the challenges of living were overcome by the joy and energy of Caribbean life. Be sure to have a tissue close at hand when reading this book, as it is not all chuckles, as you read of entertaining charter guests and crew. The book deals with deeper subjects such as family, illness and death, and there is an undercurrent of regret for the things that might have been, but this is overcome by the sheer joy the author, my Mother, felt about her life with her captain. I shared the adventure with "The Capricorn Lady", and loved every minute of it.

This book is a celebration of women and the beauty and power of their indomitable spirits. I often found myself in tears reading the interviews and looking at the art photographs. But these were not tears of sadness. Rather, they were tears that emerged from being moved and touched deeply. They sprung forth from being inspired and having my heart opened, from being sourced by women who rose above the challenge of abuse and domestic violence to find healing. In the book, 40 women-ages nineteen to ninety-five-bared all to express their triumph over trauma. In this daring approach, fine art black and white photography combines with moving interviews to portray the essence of each woman's journey from the violence of abuse to transformation and healing. This is the most hope-filled book you will ever read about abuse and recovery. Begun as a photography exhibit, Out of the Shadows, the subjects are women who have experienced every economic situation from homelessness to the champagne lifestyle; they span many ethnicities; they are the well-known to the obscure-like the "ordinary" 62-year-old farm wife who left her abusive marriage. Each woman helped create her portrait as a personal symbol of healing, often focusing on one aspect of her body she felt was most affected in the healing process. by Alissa Lukara: Author of Riding Grace: A Triumph of the Soul

Women In Shadow And Light: Journeys From Abuse To Healing by author, editor, and photographer Jan Goff-LaFontaine showcases the stories of forty women ranging in age from nineteen to ninety-five who found the courage to overcome personal trauma. Their inspiring stories are beautifully enhanced with sensitive portrait photography that offers a visual glimpse into the essence of these individual women. A unique body of work, Women In Shadow And Light is especially recommended reading for anyone struggling with verbal, physical, or emotional abuse within their own lives, as well as for those who enjoy the blending of photography and text to portray memorable examples of the human condition in our contemporary times.

The body of a woman is beautiful, perhaps more so as she lives life and overcomes the many obstacles waiting to trip her up or tear her down. But what about the body of an abused woman? Is she still beautiful? Can her body be beautiful? Photographer and author Jan Goff-LaFontaine met with forty women, aged 19 to 95, all survivors of abuse. She photographed them in the nude to celebrate their ownership of their bodies after experiencing the victory of surviving abuse.

Women in Shadow and Light is not a book for voyeurs or those seeking a thrill. Instead, it is a deeply moving tribute to womanhood, in particular, to women who have survived abuse. Each woman allowed the part of her body she most associated with her personal experience of abuse to be photographed-only now that body part is seen victoriously.

Completely shot in black and white, the images in this book are not just works of art-they are works of love, celebration, hope, triumph, and acceptance. Their beauty is enhanced as the meaning of the portrait becomes clearer, using a narrative in the subject's own words as well as notes by the author. Some portraits include a post-interview letter from the women speaking about the experience of the photo shoot.

In Jan's own words, "I wanted to make the book a celebration of the strength and beauty of women; a reclaiming of their own joy and a gift of hope to others."

Why choose nude portraiture to offer hope? Jan says, "The question haunting me was: how can we change our perception-and even influence society's concept-of what it means to be a beautiful woman? My vision was to allow each of the women to help create her own portrait in order to see her body in a new way; to see it as beautiful and precious. To see it as a work of art."

I recommend Women in Shadow and Light for all women who are recovering from abuse; for counselors and pastors to share with those seeking affirmation. It is an inspiring tribute to the power of a woman and the beauty that arises out of the ashes of a fire that once threatened to suffocate the essence of God's most stunning creation: woman.

Two quotes from participants in Women in Shadow and Light:

"It's truly a gift to be part of this, and to be able to speak up, knowing that my story of courage can inspire others. Instead of feeling small and damaged, I am brave, I have healed, and I am an example of how others can heal, too."-Cheryl

"I'd like to hold out hope to other women...to let them know they aren't alone; they aren't the only ones these things happened to, and they can survive."-Ellie

Jan Goff-LaFontaine is a photographer and writer who is dedicated to bringing awareness and healing through art. She uses a 35 mm and medium format cameras to focus attention on people, sometimes spending hours to capture a moment. Each sensitive portrait is handcrafted by Jan to offer viewers a glimpse into the essence of her subjects.

There are lots of books thar dwell on the abusive part of domestic abuse--how many women die, how many bruises they get, and how they get hurt. This is certainly important to know, as are the signs of abuse and how to get out of an abusive situation. But WOMEN IN SHADOW AND LIGHT does more than that. It presents women who have survived abuse and are in the process of healing from it. Author Jan Goff-LaFontaine interviewed many women about their lives, focusing on how they got out of their abusive situations, and how they made themselves whole again. Once she finished the interviews, Jan Goff LaFontaine photographed the women, working with her subjects to find poses that they thought best exemplified their healing. The result is a compilation of powerful words and images that hit the reader kapow--right where they should, in the spirit. It's enough to send a person soaring. WOMEN IN SHADOW AND LIGHT is worth getting to know on several levels, first as a metaphor of stepping from shadow to light, second as literal shadow and light in the photographs, and third as a tool we all can use to help each other. If we know someone who has been abused, this book is the ideal gift. If we're wallowing in self pity over some trivial thing that happened to us on the way to work, we can stop to ponder how we'd handle ourselves if we really had a problem. Or if we just want to be inspired by women who got themselves together, we can pick up WOMEN IN SHADOW AND LIGHT.

Abuse and women have gone hand in hand throughout the centuries; the battle for liberty and freedom rages on even now in our modern times. The subject matter of this book is not new, the stories told and the tears shed are not surprising, but what is, is the courage found within these women and the positive reflection their words leave with the reader.
As author Jan Goff-LaFontaine shares the heart of these women with frank interviews, she somehow shatters the wall of secrecy that has been carefully laid, and takes you to the other side of their prison wall where liberty awaits them.
At first I was surprised to see naked pictures of these women, but for them this too was a liberty, a breaking free of abuse and negative impressions of their inner-self; as they shared the parts of their body where healing began.
Abuse in any form is not a pretty picture; the degrading of another human being must never be tolerated. This work, I believe, will give hope to thousands of women to take that first step to freedom.