Works Books

This is a collection of essays about the first twelve rulers to bear the name Caesar. It is the definitive collection of eyewitness stories about the early emperors as they were seen by their contemporaries.

The rulers covered by this book include Julius Caesar, his adopted son Augustus and his descendents, the warlords who contended for power in the "Year of Four Caesars" after Nero was overthrown, and the Flavians.

In other words, the full list of twelve is:

Julius Caesar
Augustus
Tiberius
Gaius Caligula
Claudius
Nero
Galba
Otho
Vitellius
Vespasian
Titus
Domitian.

If you want to understand the early Roman Empire, you need to read this book. If you are a budding novelist and want to write about the early Empire, you need to read this book.

Robert Graves, author of "I Claudius" and "Claudius the God" translated this version: not surprisingly many of the snippets of gossip and fascinating little stories from Suetonius find their way into his novels. They also find their way into every good novel about first century Rome that I have ever read, absolutely without exception.

You should not take for granted that every word of Suetonius's account is accurate. For example, he supports the story that Nero set fire to the city of Rome, and then sang an aria as he watched the city burn. (This is story is often misquoted as Nero having fiddled while Rome burned - an impossibility since the violin had not been invented.)

Some modern historians have made a strong case that this was a clever libel spread by Nero's contemporary opponents, that Nero was actually away from the city when the fire broke out and hurried back to Rome to personally lead the fire-fighting efforts.

If they are right it does not cast doubt on Suetonius's integrity as a reporter of what was said about the emperor, because there is no dispute that the story of Nero singing while Rome burned was widely believed at the time. As the saying goes, "Si non e vero, e ben trovato" - if it's not true, it's well invented. Aspects of the story certainly seem in character with many of Nero's other proclivities including his love of art, enormous vanity, and complete ruthlessness. However, it illustrates that Suetonius does seem to have a propensity to repeat every snippet of gossip he heard about the early emperors, with rather less selectivity and critical judgement than the other great ancient historians, Herodotus and Thucydides.

However, for this very reason, though perhaps he is a whisker behind Herodotus and Thucydides as a historian, Suetonius is far and away the most entertaining of the three.

The translation by Graves is very easy to read. This is one of the most important, fascinating, and informative works of ancient history which was ever written.

That question can be solved by me by choosing the former simply because of what survives of his work and here it is: The Twelve Caesars. Tacitus is the other great Roman historian but what survives of his two masterpieces: The Annals and The Histories, is not as comprehensive as what is found in The Twelve Caesars.

The Twelve Caesars is definatley my favorite historical work of the Roman Empire. In it, Suetonious goes over the actions and character of not only the entire Julio-Claudian dynasty but the Flavian as well, making The Twelve Caesars cover roughly 138 years.

This is probably the best historical account of the emperors of the Roman Empire and is the best introduction to other works such as the great works of Tacitus.

lunatics that ruled Rome in the first century, & told very well in the audio cassette format. As history it is not much but as biography it is informative & entertaining. Apparently the mores & standards of decency were much diiferent than they are today. Most of these 12 Caesars did not not rule very long but they impacted the Empire probably for a long time after. I'd like to read more about the individuals that followed Domitian & before Julius thus supplementing other well known works such as the Fall of the Roman Empire. This book however, is a good start.

Suetonius grew up in the years following Nero's reign and wrote these histories while he was the secretary of the emperor Hadrian in the early second century A.D. His book covers the successive reigns of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian.

The stories focus on the emperors themselves more than the events which took place under their reigns and, although there's certainly some truth to those emperors, many of Suetonius' facts are anecdotal stories and rumors. Suetonius has therefore been called one of the first tabloid writers. Nevertheless, his biographies are rather concise and systematic; touching upon the physical attributes of the ruler, his background, the good deeds (if any) in his reign and then, of course, the bad deeds.

Robert Graves' translation is superb and carries the jovial mood of the writings quite well. I can't help but be amused at some of the stories Suetonius recites on Nero and Caligula as they are definitely two of the most eccentric emperors (to put it lightly)that ever ruled the Principate. For example, when Nero first inaugurated his new gigantic Golden House with a mile-long corridor and a 130' statue of himself at the entrance, he was said to have exclaimed, "At last! I can live like a human being!"

The Twelve Caesars is the first classical book I ever read, and it fascinated me to no end. I'd recommend this is a starter book for anyone interested in the History of Political Power. Gore Vidal reviewed this book years ago, and he wrote an excellent piece about it--the nature of power, the perversions it causes, and the absurd humanity of it All. Hopefully there won't be another Tiberius as President of the USA (we only have our cheap Clintonius) but it's fun to wonder what may become of our American Empire. Please, please buy this book.

Brilliantly put together coffee table book - i recommend this to U2 fans - fantastic collection of photography- great variety covering each band member and even some family photos- loads of unseen photos - great idea with the hand written notes .... worth every cent

This book have new photographs that not has been seen about U2, and they have very good quality. This is not another book about U2, in my point this is a essential book for fans of U2.

Gorgeous pictures! Must have for true fanatic fans. A little pricey for the casual or average fan unless you have a crush on one of the band members. Anton's handwritten comments are a wonderful touch. They make you feel like you're part of the family. Definitely worth the money to me.

The iconic photos in this book are an essential addition to any U2 fans collection. It's great to see other shots taken in the same session as the well known images that have graced the magazines and album covers over the years. Best of all are the explanations behind the shots and the honesty that comes across from the photographer and the band.

No words can describe the beauty, quality and detailed work of this book; you can really tell the dedication Anton Corbijn put into it, as well as his loyalty to the band through all these years. It's not only a masterpiece describing through pictures and notes the history of the greatest rock band in the world, but also a must have for any major U2 fan. It's personalized album type format makes it a wonderful experience both to read and look, and the quality and art work of all the pictures is out of this world; it's almost like you grow closer to the band! I loved it and can't get enough of it!! It's worth every cent. Really!!

The Blessed Life by Robert Morris is an awesome book - Our church just finished watching the DVD series and had many requests for the book and workbook. I highly recommend them all to everyone

This book explains how God owns it all and how we are to tithe as our obligation to Him. It is when we give above the tithe that we really change. Our hearts are right with God and blessings flow to us. You can NOT out give God. This is the only test that God says for us to test Him on.

I learned more in this short book than I have in years of going to church. I now have a generous heart and my relationship to God is strengthened.

i'm an advocate of Morris' book. in fact, our organization bought this book for all of our staff. it's the best "blessed" book i've read b/c it's less about how to get and more about obedience and responsibility with what you have. it also came at a time in ministry when i was having a difficult conversation with a couple from church who didn't understand the principle of the "tithe." morris gives the best biblical summary of understanding the "tithe." every church leader and every Christian should read this book!

Mr Morris, paints a simple clear picture on living a blessed life inside God's Word, His will and His heart. Some have criticised the tithe aspects of the book, but I trust that these people will eventually read their Bibles and understand what is required of them, by God. Mr Morris' book draws a clear distinction between the truth and deviant teachings such as the prosperity gospel, which appears to be very popular, and even the "poverty gospel". As such it provides a healthy, balanced view in achieving an extraordianry life in God. I am in the process of applying Mr Morris' advice, but my trust is not in his book - rather in God's grace - therefore I know I will not be dissappointed.

"Guaranteed Financial Results" was not a good way to start right from the subtitle. Morris makes a valid scriptural point--we need to handle our money like stewards, not owners. Sure enough, and when God leads us to go beyond tithing to "give til it hurts" we need to listen. No problem there. I felt convicted that we should go beyond tithing.

But God doesn't guarantee "financial results" He promises blessings. Big difference. Several times Morris says he doesn't use himself as an example because he is proud of being such a daring giver, but it sure seems that way to me.

Another problem with the book is his repeated reference to the Lord speaking directly to him and telling him, "give away this car to that person" (and why the car fixation?). He does use scripture in this book to make his points, but he makes as many references to personal revelation to himself, which he seems to raise to the level of scripture. Not so good.

Thought it would have more written by Frank McCourt. Even though, I still appreciate great photographs, especially having to do with 9/11.

For New York City firefighters, "September 11, 2001" is a reminder of the dark, hollow place that their brothers once filled. 341 firefighters lost in a single day -- half the total number lost in all the years prior to that date. This volume of photographs eloquently memorializes the lost by recording the images of the firehouses from which they served their community. The images, taken not long after 9/11, show the firehouses bedecked by mounds of flowers, photos of the lost, images of the things they left behind and banners proclaiming to never forget.

Even without the sense of loss, the book would have been fascinating. The firehouses are in all shapes, sizes and ages, from tiny, one-engine 19th-century brick filigreed music boxes to post-modern buildings that could be anything -- college student center, post office or shopping center. But the reminders of that day of darkness are what give the images an emotional punch -- oversized American flags fluttering in afternoon breezes; the list of names snaking across the bottom of the pages; the empty boots and racks of empty coats that grimly recall our minds to those who will no longer return.

"Brothers" contains some text -- short and eloquent testimonials written by former Mayor Giuliani, novelist Frank McCourt, satirist Tony Hendra and others. But these are deliberately placed second to the images that remind us of the brave men who face fire every day, advancing into an elemental reality that our very nature prompts us to flee, men who on an obscenely-blue-skied day in 2001, courageously entered towers from which they would never return.

A beautiful, near-wordless and moving elegy to the human American spirit that no enemy can destroy.

Simple and to the point, yet poingint and touching, this book shows like no other how the world's greatest fire department dealt with the aftermath of tragedy.

Outstanding It shows the amazing grief and resolve of New York and its firefighters. It is is visual history of the Sept.11 attacks and their aftermath

As you are reading though the tribute to the fallen, you see thenamesof each of the lost Firefighters scrolled across the bottom of the pages. Each page left me more and more with a sense of loss. I did not lose anyone that fateful day, yet, we all lost. The words you read are quite moving, the pictures mean more than the words and poems. Yet i am most moved by the names of those precious and brave firefighters name across the pages from the front cover to the back cover.

Wodehouse is perhaps the best antidote I know for depression. His novels are literally unreal, for Bertie inhabits a world of leisure, servants, and privilege, an Edenic world where even the threat of pain, suffering, and mortality have no place, and Jeeves is always there as a deus ex machina. But ultimately we return to Wodehouse (again and again!) because of the language--quite simply, the man cannot write a bad sentence.

I am a big P.G. Wodehouse fan. This series of books is especially fun as each book is easily read and enjoyed. The print size is perfect. Great nighttime reading to relieve the stresses of the modern world.

What can I say that hasn't already been said about the inimitable P.G. Wodehouse???

Carry On, Jeeves is a great starter book for those who are intimidated with the amount of J&W books available (or rather, don't know where to begin). The first story in this book is about the first day Bertie Wooster met his personal gentleman (or valet, if you prefer), Jeeves. The stories easily stand on their own; with the exception of characters being mentioned or being part of the plot, the book is not a novel you have to read front to back. Consider it a literary sitcom, where new scenarios and conflicts arise with each story you read.

My favourite bit about reading Carry On, Jeeves was the last story of the book, where it takes a refreshing twist and is narrated by Mr. Jeeves rather than Bertie Wooster. It was great reading from Jeeves's perspective.

Lots of chuckles throughout and a few hardy laughs. Overall a perfect read.

Carry On, Jeeves is another classic from P.G. Wodehouse. It follows in the same kind of humorous hiliarious vein of his other books that involve Berty Wooster and his Man Servant Jeeves. This is a book that should not be missed. In fact,
all of P.G. Wodehouse's books involving Jeeves and Berty Wooster
should be thoroughly enjoyed by every one.

This volume of ten stories originally hails from 1925. I read them in the 1999- 2000 Penguin paperback edition. While many readers like the covers by Ionicus on earlier Penguin paperbacks, these recent editions with covers by David Hitch are my favorites. They are very well done, reasonably priced and just the right size, which is to say, perfect for the novice or seasoned Wodehouse reader. The stories are also among the absolute tops in the Wooster/ Jeeves canon, and give the back stories that Bertie meditatively refers to in so many of the later books.

As Richard Usborne notes in his invaluable guide, Plum Sauce, five of these stories appeared earlier in My Man Jeeves (1919). Two of the stories there told by Reggie Pepper are here transformed into Bertie's ruminations. Carry On Jeeves was the next collection following the ten stories in The Inimitable Jeeves (1923), and Wodehouse was on a roll. Here's Bertie's first engagement to Florence Craye, and his first encounter with her younger brother, Edwin, the Boy Scout, who rapidly renders unsafe house and home. Enter Biffy and Bingo Little, later fixtures in the Wooster ouvre. Here also Bertie pens his oft- mentioned "piece" for his "good aunt" Dahlia Travers, and her struggling paper, Milady's Boudoir. The last story in this collection is somewhat questionably narrated by Jeeves, but Wodehouse fortunately reverted to telling tales in first person Bertie in the later shorts. Some of these tales also found their way into the Jeeves and Wooster TV shows with even more riotous results. All in all, a capital collection.

Nancy Ratey is inspirational and downright practical. It's hard to believe that she has ADHD, but she certainly does. She has a remarkable spirit, as well, to have survived and thrived under her father's rather organized and disciplined eye. Instead of wilting under criticism and a tough standard, she took the advice part of his lectures and tried to always apply it to her actions. Her resilience is remarkable, not unlike the Olmypian swimmer Michael Phelps, who said a little bit of criticism or negative talk on the part of others was something he always managed to turn into the drive to succeed.

Nancy Ratey shares a little of her own life history in this book. I would actually like to learn more. How did she accomplish all, what I call the "heavy mental" work required to graduate from Harvard and also help this institution learn about coaching and the needs of ADHD and LD students?

In her next book, I want her to share her story... Please Nancy? ;-)

Linda Anderson, Master Coach Specializing in ADHD, Past-President of ADDA

As I said, I find an interesting book, written from the gutts and experience, very useful. A pageturner I would say

As a 46 year old adult, I have joked and been joked about most of my life about being ADHD, yet never took the time to be diagnosed. (While I was growing up ADHD was not understood, therefore never considered). I am a business owner, mother and lead a very busy life. I decided to finally to read a book on ADHD and found this one by Nancy Ratey was the one I chose and was able to download it to my Kindle immediately.

I was shocked,relieved, upset and happy all at the same time to look at the list of symptoms to find that I felt I was reading my autobiography. As I was able to read through, I kept thinking the symptom on each title would not fit me....but when reading the descriptions, they did. I have already implemented many of the suggestions made in the book to deal with the challenges I have faced on my life- and they are working for me! It is such a relief to be able to stop beating myself up for what I have been trying to fix by sheer will, constantly frustrated and angry at myself at my failure to do so..to finally see solutions that work. And I loved how she said over and over again. YOU are YOU...not your ADHD. I know I am a good person and could never understand why my actions and words so often were not congruent with who I thought I was. Now it all makes so much sense. I can't thank Nancy enough for taking the time to write this book, assisting people like me, to be more patient with myself as I find strategies and ways to implement them in order to find forgiveness and understanding for myself and from others.

The Disorganized Mind is a God-send for anyone struggling with ADD or ADHD. It is great to know there is someone out there who understands what a person with ADHD goes through and to help that person get a grip on his/her world. Nancy Ratey's book will help anyone with ADHD or ADD organize daily life. I highly recommend this book.It is truly enlightening. Kudos to Nancy Ratey!! Thank you for writing this book!!

Nancy Ratey's book, The Disorganized Mind, is filled with insight, science, strategies, possibilities and compassion. It, fortunately, works as a "read it cover to cover" or a "pick it up anytime, anywhere" book.

Nancy understands the dichotomies with ADD, for example, the concept that people with ADD both need and also rail against structure.

She also gets that each of person is unique, and provides a variety for for each person to have choices. I take margin notes or use a highlighter whenever I read through her book in order to identify what is meaningful in terms of understanding and to remember a specific approach.

I did wonder if an accompanying workbook might help someone clarify and actualize some of her concepts. Perhaps that is yet to come.

I also wished I could have Nancy on speeddial. Happily, Nancy's kind voice in the book comes through clearly, and I can open the book at any time as a way of "calling her up!"

Bravo, Nancy, thank you, and "talk" with you soon!

Let's see, I ear marked a dozen pages and highlighted about a tenth of the text in the course of reading this book. I enjoyed reading it and can easily identify with Fr. Rohr's perspective. It is not a how to book, but deals with the relevant issues associated with the journey. Below are what I thought were some of the highlights of this book.

Center and Circumference
Pg. 19: We do not find our own center; it finds us. Our own mind will not be able to figure it out. We collapse back into the Truth only when we are naked and free - which is probably not very often. We do not think ourselves into a new way of living. We live ourselves into a new way of thinking. In other words, our journeys, around and through our realities, or circumferences, lead us to the core reality, where we meet both our truest self and our truest God.

Vision and Enchantment
Pg. 51: Religions should be understood as only the fingers that point to the moon, not the moon itself.
Pg. 55: Everything belongs and everything can be received. We don't have to deny, dismiss, defy or ignore. What is, is okay. What is, is the greatest teacher

Ego and Soul
Pg. 80: The contemplative secret is to live in the now.
Pg. 65: The present moment has no competition. It is not judged in comparison to any other. It has never happened before and will not happen again. But when I am in competition, I'm not in love. I can't get to love because I am looking for a new way to dominate.

Don't Push the River
pg. 123: The final stage of the wisdom of faith is what we might call becoming the Holy Fool. Ironically the Holy Fool is one who knows he doesn't know, but doesn't need to either. He is able to leave the full knowledge to God.

Paula D'Arcy puts it, "God comes to us disguised as our life."

Pg. 130: Everything belongs; God uses everything. There are no dead ends. There is no wasted energy. Everything is recycled. Sin history and salvation history are two sides of one coin. When you "get" forgiveness, you get it. We use the phrase "falling in love." I think forgiveness is almost the same thing. It's a mystery we fall into: the mystery is God. God forgives all things for being imperfect, broken and poor. The people who know God well- the mystics, the hermits, those who risk everything to find God - always meet a lover, not a dictator. God is a lover who receives and forgives everything.

Pg. 149: This gift of contemplative prayer is not a way of thinking. It is much more a way of not thinking. It's not a way of talking; it finally moves beyond words into silence. It moves into the mystery that is too deep for words.

I truly believe the title of the book Everything Belongs is the ultimate invitation for every christian. The title is the basis of the mystical union that I truly believe the Lord tried to teach us and the Gospel writers, esp John, and the Book of Revelation, by John of Patmos, proclaimed. They are proclaiming that we are Mystical Beings presently in human form.

This book is nearly perfect. I wore out two highlighters and a pen while reading/studying. Rohr doesn't waste a line; something poingent and worth really examining on every page.
I am fully aware that different books speak to different people at certain times of our lives. If it doesn't work for you, be patient and revisit this one.
Blessings to you,
Josh

In a lifetime of reading and contemplation, I have yet to find a book which leads one on so many paths, all of which are headed toward forming a relationship with God.
I often find that a paragraph may be all that I can read at one time, for it may start me on another unending journey.
I am sure that it is a cliche to suggest that a book is "full of insight." This book, however, is full of material that will drag insight from your soul, though perhaps only at the rate of a few pages each day.

If the idea of a prayer to a "Father-Mother God," a study of New Age enneagrams, or a retreat with nude men jumping over fire pits is in line with your notion of spirituality, then this is your book, as Richard Rohr is notorious for promoting oddities like those just described. But if you're interested in straightforward spiritual direction, you might stick with works by more reliable figures like St. Ignatius Loyola, St. Francis De Sales, or Fr. Thomas Dubay.

Quint captures the passion of our work in healthcare very effectively. HE is a easy to follow step by step read on how to transform an organization into a high performing "culture." The use of story telling keeps you engaged and the principles/tactics are excellent.
The book helps to recommit to purpose and worthwhile work. Thank you Quint!

Hardwiring Excellence does more than give great tools for healthcare leadership and management it helps save lives. The tools that are shared inspire healthcare workers and leaders to strive to be the best they can be. By extension the information contained in this book helps them to be more efficient which in turn enables those of us who make healthcare our career to focus on our patients. When we are able to do that we are able to focus on safety and ensuring good communication. This saves lives. When I first read this book I was a nursing manager. I came to work the next morning inspired and fired-up to make a difference for my staff and patients. My copy is dog-eared from being read so many times. This is truly a must have book for all in healthcare. Quint Studer "gets it". If you ever have the pleasure of seeing him speak you will never forget the experience.

This book is easy to read and full of strategic ideas that are applicable to any organization. I have even used some of the "Must Haves" in my family and found they improved performance! A great guide to creating a better culture and improving results.

This a must have foundation book for any hospital adminstrator. It has help move our organization to another level in accountability.

The book provides a common sense approach to instilling behaviors which promote positive outcomes in healthcare. As you read through each chapter the author builds the on the content provided from the previous chapter. It certainly demonstrates how you can be instrumental in having a "domino effect" just by being consistent and positive in relationships.

This book was very inspiring,as I would expect, from Billy Graham. Would most definitely recommend this book.

The Journey is an easily readable, comfortable and understandable book. It is filled with a very special man's understanding, appreciation, and love for God and his fellowman. I contains a lot of common sense wisdom gained over a lifetime of serving God. I enjoyed it's insights. Reading it has made me a better person. I have a greater feeling of being loved by God despite all my faults. I also bought the book as gifts for other family members.

In the late autumn of his life, evangelist Billy Graham has given us a wonderful gift.

In clear and compassionate terms, he shares the accumulated wisdom and anecdotes of an extraordinary lifetime, providing guidance and encouragement to make our own lives meaningful and extraordinary. The book is carefully structured in four parts. In "The Journey Begins", he explores the primary questions of life. In "Strength for the Journey", he discusses practical measures to find peace and joy with God, others, and ourselves. "Challenges Along the Way" covers external, internal, and spiritual difficulties; and "Staying the Course" provides guidance and hope in facing issues arising in middle age and beyond.

This, like "Mere Christianity" and other works by C.S. Lewis, is a must-read for anyone seeking truthful answers to life's painful and confusing questions, as well as for Christians looking to deepen their faith. I didn't find a single false word in it and will likely re-read it more than once in the years to come.

And even if there are no years to come, even if my journey should end tonight, I know it ends well. For anyone seeking peace in life's journey, the truths in this book could be invaluable assets. Five shining stars.

Fight The Good FightProbably the last book written by the greatest Preacher of our day. Life truly is a journey and not the destination as Dr. Graham has so aptly declared in his teachings throughout the years.

I was very happy with my selection of the "Journey" and very pleased with the good service I received on the delivery. We are using the book as a guide in a Women's Bible Study at our church and are currently in the 4th Chapter, as we discontinued our study for the Christmas holiday and will resume on Jan. 8, 2008.

This book is an easy read (2 to 3 hours) with deep insights about following your passion. The information is depicted like a story of a mentor and mentee.

Mr. Reid's message is very inspirational and it moved me to take action resulting in profound changes in my life. Mr. Reid "walks his talk" therefore the principals that he teaches automatically has an powerful impact to the reader in the most authentic way. A true masterpiece, pack full of solid teachings that will affect your life in an Incr-e-i-d-ible way!

This book is a quick and easy read that gets down to the basics of what it takes to be successful without the hype. Straight forward and fun to read, The Millionaire Mentor is a must for anyone who is looking for the foundation that all successful individuals have in common.

One of the Best books I have ever read! Teaching you the laws of success in a story format that hits home. A must read for anyone who wants to get to the next level of success.

Don Boyer
Creator of The Power of Mentorship series

I love the fact that the book is a combination of fiction and nonfiction, putting across a great message told as a story. To use a famous sales quote: "Facts tell, Stories sell", and the story in this book really makes sure that the message hits home.
If you love books like "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki and "The One Minute Millionaire" by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert Allen, make sure you get a copy of this great book as well.