Queen The Books

This book is truely fantastic. This book outlines the three gospels side by side so you can easily compare them. The book gives indepth explanations that are easy to read and understand. A good book for the person studying Theology or doing a church project, or just for your personal development.

Studying the Synoptic Gospels serves as an introduction to the study of source criticism, form criticism, and redaction criticism of the Gospels. It is not intended to be a primer on exegesis or general hermeneutics of the Gospels, but to teach how they were formed, what components were involved in their construction, and how the distinctive theologies of the evangelists can be determined.

Stein writes his book serving "as an introduction and a work manual" (13) and it sufficiently accomplishes both. The work is comprised of three major divisions: (1) The Literary Relationship of the Synoptic Gospels, (2) The Preliterary History of the Gospel Traditions, and (3) The Inscripturation of the Gospel Traditions. The first section, which is nearly half the book, deals with literary or source criticism. It seeks to answer the questions posed by the Synoptic Problem. What is the literary relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke? Which Gospel was written first? Which Gospels are dependent upon other Gospels? Et cetera. Ultimately, he argues that there is interdependence within the gospel tradition (chapter 1), that Mark was written first (chapter 2), and that Matthew and Luke independently used Q (chapter 3). Though there are some problems with this paradigm (chapter 4), the solution to the Synoptic Problem is best found in the two-source theory (chapter 5). He also discusses the value of source criticism (chapter 6).

The second major division deals primarily with form criticism. Stein first addresses the rise and presuppositions of form criticism (chapter 7), then the general reliability of the transmission of oral traditions (chapter 8), as well as discussing the value of form criticism.

The third and final section covers redaction criticism. Here the author elaborates on the rise of redaction criticism (chapter 10), its method and practice (chapter 11), and its value (chapter 13).

Stein addresses the order in which one should perform source criticism, form criticism, and redaction criticism, but notes that there is not a clear-cut order because they all interrelate at different points (243-244).

There are a number of factors that make Stein's work very helpful to the student. The back of the book contains a glossary with over forty frequently used terms like, "ipsissima verba," "pericope" and "Sitz im Leben." But the glossary plays only a minor role. There are also many figures and charts. The charts depict the synoptic parallels in a helpful line-by-line comparison, which makes it easier to compare the texts. Not only do the charts exist for visual aid, but they are intended to be used as an exercise for the students to do hands-on work with the parallel passages following Stein's color-coded methodology (29-30). The table of contents is also neatly formatted, outlining both major and minor sections for reference. Additionally, at the end of nearly every chapter is a conclusion or summary of the discussion designed to solidify the material (46-47, 94-96, 119-123, 141-142, 152, 169,193-194, 216-221, and 279).

One aspect of this book that can be viewed both positively and negatively is the fact that it is based on the English text of the Gospels rather than the Greek. The obvious advantage is that is accessible to a larger audience. Students who are not trained in the Greek can utilize this as a textbook. Since Stein uses the Revised Standard Version (RSV), the more literal nature RSV makes the parallel passages easier to compare. It was a smart move for the author to retain the RSV rather than use the more popular updated versions such as the NIV and NRSV that are less literal (and thus harder for synoptic comparisons). Yet how useful is such a book like this to people who have not studied Greek? Obviously one cannot truly engage in such matters as redaction criticism without a good grasp of the Greek text. Yet Stein does refer to Greek words every now and then when he deems it necessary to make specific claims about the text. Nevertheless, I think that the English text is appropriate because Stein is not seeking to train redaction critics, but to get students' feet wet in the disciplines of these criticisms. Ultimately, the English text is helpful because it helps the reader quickly move through the text to get the big picture of what is happening. After one reads Stein's book and is interested in the various disciplines of Gospel study they can study the Greek text of the Gospels for themselves. After all, this book is merely an introduction to such matters.

There are several theories that take a stab at solving the Synoptic Problem that the author does not address. This should be understood as an advantage. The book does not intend to describe a thorough history of the Synoptic Problem and reference to the countless solutions would only bog down the reader. He does deal in greater detail with the Griesbach hypothesis and the two-source hypothesis (to which he subscribes). More interaction with the Farrer theory would have been a welcome addition to this book with its recent advocates like Mark Goodacre (yet even this second edition is already five years old). Stein also writes in a non-technical manner and includes a healthy dose of redundancy, both of which contribute to accessibility of the work.

Throughout Studying the Synoptic Gospels, Stein generally writes with a pragmatic approach. He does not get so caught up with the theoretical that he loses touch with real world matters when approaching the issues. Along this vein, he also questions the limits to which some have taken Q: "In light of the hypothetical nature of the Q source, the wisdom of various attempts to do redaction-critical work on the theology of the Q document or on the Q community must be questioned" (121).

He acknowledges that it is "impossible to know what was going through the mind of Luke when he wrote and why he might have omitted this or that account from his Gospel" (112). He similarly states: "We can never reconstruct with certainty the mental activity of the Evangelist when he wrote his Gospel" (147). This is an important point since so much of source criticism is based on the intentions of the Gospel writers, especially Matthew and Luke.

On the other hand, there are times when biases come to the forefront of the text. When discussing the Griesbach hypothesis Stein emphatically states that it is impossible for Mark and Luke to have changed Matthew's text ("Why do you ask me about what is good?") to Mark's ("Why do you call me good?") (146-147). This seems strange in light of his earlier comment that it is impossible to know the mind of the Evangelist.

In the end, the book stands out as a fine introduction to such matters. The book's order is nicely organized, and the student is not lost--even though there are some difficult concepts to grasp. Ultimately, Stein encourages the students and reminds them of the importance of such pursuits with quotes like the following: "Thus for many scholars, especially in the nineteenth century, the solution to the Synoptic Problem was a prerequisite for a proper study of the life of Jesus" (154).

Dr. Stein has provided an excellent source for the study of the synoptic gospels. He writes in an easy-to-understand manner while still providing a great amount of detail. There are several useful charts and diagrams, and the parallel synoptic passages are written in neat, vertical columns for easy cross referencing.

The first section of this book discusses the literary relationship of the synoptic gospels. After establishing the clear literary dependence between the synoptics, Stein provides a very compelling argument for the priority of Mark and its subsequent utilization as a source for Matthew's and Luke's gospels. Those unfamiliar with Markan priority will learn a great deal from this section. The existence of Q as a written work is the next topic tackled. Objections to Markan priority and the existence of Q are handled well.

The second section covers form criticism and the oral transmission of the gospel materials prior to their use in written form. This area will again be very informative to those new to the topic. In the final section, Dr. Stein discusses redaction criticism and its applicability to hermeneutics. Stein comes from a conservative theological background, so I'm sure some conservative readers may be questioning whether or not critical scholarship is of any use. Clearly the author believes that it is, and I would agree. As for the issue of biblical authority, Stein believes that although Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source, and also that they altered their source in some cases, Matthew and Luke provide an inspired interpretation of Mark in those parallel passages where one writer differs from another.

This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in studying the relationship between the synoptic gospels. I know I'll be referring to it for a long time.

Stein, perhaps as well as anyone in the field, shows a mastery of the critical issues surrounding the gospels. The breadth of the topics he hits - Markan priority and source criticism, form criticism, redactional patterns - somehow manages to achieve depth.

Readers will find his parallel text layouts helpful. His readings are stretching at times (e.g. he believes that Matthew redacts Jesus' teaching on the lost sheep to be a parable for the church, which gives us an example of inspired hermeneutics).

The second edition is almost identical to the first. While a couple minor mistakes still slip through, this should be seen as a first-rate resource for the teacher, pastor, and student.

Great book!! another Bible for me for great design and detail for young designers .

All of the books on historical fashion published by the Victoria & Albert Museum are beautiful, and this is no exception. I saw this exhibition while I was in London this summer and I was pleasantly surprised at liking the book because I always assumed that publications wouldn't be able to measure up to seeing the garments in person. Instead I found that the book gives me a chance to appreciate each beautiful garment at my leisure, and read the history about Queen Maud (which gives a context and feeling of `realness' to the clothing). The book features Edwardian coronation gowns (literally, Maud wore one for the coronation of Edward VII, her father), sportswear (riding gowns etc.), and dresses and suits through the late 30's all beautifully photographed and described.

Beautiful book. Beautiful images. I wanted MORE images but that's just me.
Cool to see some other designers works besides the greats like Dior and Balenciaga. There are a few outfits that really take my breath away. If it had more images I would have given it 5 stars! but it really is a 5 star book for most people.

This book is excellent for costuming ideas. It has large, sharp pictures that show the details on the dresses beautifully.

Michael Jecks is a very, very accomplished writer. He brings the Edward and Isabella period to brilliand life. I recommend everyone who has interest in mistery and medieval history to read his books as soon as possible and, just like me, to crave for the next installment of the series

This is the first book in the series that fails to deliver on an enjoyable mystery. The author almost apologizes for the radical change in his crafting of this story. Mr. Jecks does a wonderful job of weaving his character into the historical backdrop of the English-French conflict and provides a solid story line to follow. It is however not his typical work that builds details and characters to a climax of understanding who the culprit is. I would recommend it as a good read for someone who is like the time period of the setting, as the story touches on many of the little known facts of the events, just not a good mystery.

I can only apologize to Michael Jecks for not having written a review before now. Although I had the long wait, it arrived earlier than originally expected. I pledged to wait and finish the book that I was reading at the time by an excellent author. But, the flesh is weak and before I knew it, I was carefully taking the dust jacket off the precious tomb and finding it most difficult to put down despite a set back in health. Jecks has been good, no excellent before now. Then he wrote outside of his "home ground" and one or two nay sayers where there to chide him for leaving home as it were. I could not agree! He grew and his character development grew apace. Now Jecks has proven to me that he can weave a great story in a most complex web while one enjoys every minute of reading not just the "who done it," but absorb the historical period at the same time. I will leave it at that because I don't plan on telling the story. But, Jecks, you had best get the next one on the shelves soon. I am also glad to see that the book stores are keeping his older works on the shelves as never before that I have seen in this part of the U.S. I certainly hope that British readers appreciate what they have in this author and give him credit. The book is good enough that I over looked the few typos that I don't credit the author with, but his publisher should take greater care for Jecks. I am looking forward to the release of his friend, Bernard Knight's, latest work. I hope for earlier than expected release here.

First, I'll admit to two of my biases: I have enjoyed all of Michael Jecks' books, and I love medieval mysteries in general. And I hate the fact that these are sold as being "Knights Templar" mysteries, because that is hardly their main focus.

That being said, this book is more Templar-oriented than most, and Jecks is as scrupulous about history as always. I also love the fact that the title is in some ways a potentially misleading riddle.

For those who are used to seeing Jecks' characters in the English countryside, this novel, which is set mostly in France, will be new and different. I applaud Jecks for branching out geographically, while keeping the characters with whom I was comfortable. It is another book that teaches a lot of history painlessly while amusing us with interesting characters and a good mystery.

I seem to be the only person who has gone to SAS to actually have read this book. It was really good, pretty bleak, but I loved it.

All SAS students should read this book to get some insight into JWO!

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I can honestly say that I have not read J-Wo's book yet, but I will for sure because it's gotta be totally good. i am also going to purchase: This Book is for All Kids but Especially My Sister Libby. libby died- by jack simon who is also known as breakfastclub and is dairyman88's boyfriend.
Anyways good luck reading this book. i totally recommend it just becuase J-Wo is the author.

Although i have yet to read this book- J. Works (J-wo) is the coolest man ever. GO J-WO!

I thoroughly enjoyed R. Sachs's work. He draws on his rich knowledge of classic Jewish sources and secular philosophy to craft a beautifully written work that is both insightful and thought-provoking.

I think this book should be required reading for all those in our government who are looking for and working toward a peaceful solution to the war in Iraq. Rabbi Sachs draws on his deep understanding of the Torah and of human nature in discussing the basics of a religious perspective on the seemingly irreconcilable problems of relationships in the middle east. He has moved beyond the political, geographical, religious discussion of the issues which create enmity and sets our thoughts on basic theological components which we must consider if we are serious about healing our divisions. He takes us deep into our own hearts and challenges us to heal our own hearts first.

After a decade of growing anti-Semitism, some Jews seem more willing then ever to retreat from the secular and non-Jewish world. Sacks's book is a ringing rebuttal to this view, quoting a variety of Jewish sources. For example, he quotes the Talmud: "for the sake of peace, the poor of the heathens shall be supported as we support the poor of Israel..."

By and large, this is not the sort of book that imparts new information so much as the sort of book that tells us what we already know- a kind of pep-talk for burnt-out, bummed-out Jews. I liked it, but thought it was a bit too long for its message.

This is a beautifully written and inspiring work. It is rich in personal anecdote, story and example. It teaches the essence of Jewish ethics as a way of living in the modern and post- modern world. Rabbi Sacks speaks much in this book about responsibility. He speaks much about the world having gone to far in concentrating on individual development alone, without demanding connection and contribution to family and community. His message is that the Jewish covenant with God is one for recreating the world as better place, for improving the situation for others. He is concerned here with social justice and with righteousness. He believes that the seperation of the ethical from the religious is like separating two different parts of the brain that are meant to work together. He believes the Jewish imperative is to be both holy and good. And also he teaches this means finding a way to make tikkun olam and improve the well- being of all of mankind.
Rabbi Sacks tells us inspiring stories of people who have suffered and somehow managed to in that suffering still give to others. He tells us about many of the people who do goodness and acts of kindness for others modestly. He says that when he as a young person a young Rabbi first began to officiate at funerals he discovered that what relatives wanted said about the person who was gone, was nothing about their wealth power achievement in the world, but rather about their kindness and goodness to others.
His message is that each individual human being can by being good to others help mend the brokenness of the world. It is not that he is naive or believes that all the problems of this world, many of which he discusses in detail in this book can be instantly solved by such goodness. But rather that such goodness and giving to others cannot only help make it better for them, but can be the key to finding and making meaning in one's own life.
This book is a sound sane sensible ethical and moral guide for humanity.
An outstanding work but a teacher who understands that it is better to love than to fear, and better to light a single candle than to suffer in the darkness.

I looked for this book because it was recommended as a 'classic' with an exceptional plot. I was not disappointed, though in these days the murderer would not come across as such a shock as in the past. It is tragedy to see the same thing happens in the real world today with much more blatant intention (sigh !) I was still confused by the ending of the story - I know who the murderer of the murderer was, but 'how' was the poison slipped into the drink ?

I came across this book from another mystery book, which ranks the former as the best. Curiously, I got one and started challenging myself with full attention and judgement. I had to admit I failed.. when I saw Druly Lane finally pushed himself out of the case. Highly recommended.. it's OUT of my expectation, but it's GREAT!!

A bit dated in some ways, but the plot is one of the most ingenious ever concocted, and the story has an emotional edge that stays with it even after two-thirds of a century.

I anticipated, as possibilities, the two alternative conclusions, one proposed by Inspector Thumm and the other by District Attorney Bruno. But both were logically flawed and disproved by Drury Lane. I failed to see the actual solution, but Drury Lane's meticulous analysis clearly demonstrated that the abundant clues pointed to a single answer.

I recently read (and reviewed) Ellery Queen's remarkable "The Tragedy of X" and I immediately went in search of "The Tragedy of Y". The eccentric retired Shakespearean actor, Drury Lane, introduced in X, again assists the New York police department in their investigation of a puzzling series of deaths. The tone is more dark and somber than in X and the mystery even more puzzling. The final twist was unsettling.

The notorious Hatter family in New York had been named the Mad Hatters by an imaginative reporter. The name fit. Given our cultural progress in the last several decades, today this dysfunctional family might have even qualified for a tasteless TV series. The story begins with an apparent suicide of York Hatter, or what at least appears to be the body of York Hatter. From the beginning we have uncertainty.

This story was classic Ellery Queen writing as Barnaby Ross. Some events appear a bit fantastical, but never actual fantasy. Y was written in 1932 and we readers today encounter situations that seem odd and dated. The medical practice is old fashioned and the medical science is suspect. A young woman takes a relaxing walk, alone, in a park at 10:30 PM. A servant is paid a remarkably large sum, $75 per week, to work in an uncomfortable situation. A watch has a radium dial. A pair of men's white oxfords is a clue. And Ellery Queen provides us with an occasional vocabulary exercise: chirography, eremitic, invertible, saturnine.

There are two more Drury Lane mysteries - The Tragedy of Z and Drury Lane's Last Case. I don't expect that they will be easy to find, but I am sure that the effort will be worthwhile.

Morris Gleitzman is the best Australian author ever. His books are so realistic in a warped sort of way. Two weeks with the queen is about a boy called colin who is sent to england to stay with his aunt, uncle and cousin. While he is there he tries to find a doctor who can help his brother who is dying of cancer. All Morris Gleitzman's books are really cool. I should know, I've read them all about 3 times. I recommend this book for people between the ages of 9 and 14. Read it today you'll love it!

Colin isn't having a very good year. Sent to visit relatives in England because his brother has been diagnosed with cancer, he hatches a plan to list the help of the Queen of England. He is certain that she can help him find a doctor who will cure his brother. Needless to say, enlisting the help of royalty is a difficult task. It isn't until he has failed to break into Buckingham Palace and begins to haunt the corridors of hospitals looking for someone who can help him find a cure that he gets the help he needs. The "help" does not come from a physician, but from a man he finds sobbing in the street for his friend who is dying of AIDS. In the relationship that forms between this unlikely pair, Colin discovers that being there for his brother is more important than any cure and that Queens are not always royalty.

I must have read TWO WEEKS WITH THE QUEEN about 6 years ago now (I was about 10) and where I might have forgotten details of the plot and the names of some of the characters it's still a book that I remember and love.

It has a strong, charismatic and honest main character (Colin) that's little brother is currently dying of cancer. He is sent away to England, as his parents think it will be less stressful than watching his brother die. Colin resolves to find the Queen's own doctor and cure his little brother. On the way he meets a gay man who's lover is also dying. A strong friendship begins as they each face the worst.

It's a story with relationships, love, death, prejudice, terminal diseases and hope. Told with humour and honesty through the eyes of a young boy just trying to save his brother.

A must read for anyone.

Colin's parents don't know how to explain what's going on with his brother. He was too sick too eat their Christmas dinner, and Colin quickly learns there is a more serious problem. That problem is called cancer, and this Australian family and their doctors can do nothing to save the boy. Colin's parents decide that he would be better off in London, with his Aunt and Uncle where he won't have to see his brother suffer. Colin disagrees, but he knows that if he can get to London, maybe the Queen will send her best doctor to cure his brother. After a couple of thwarted trips to Buckingham Palace and a trip to the finest hospital in London, Colin is feeling a bit useless. No one seems to want to help his brother. Then he meets a new friend,Griff,who helps him to understand the importance of being with the person you love when they are ill. Griff teaches Colin through example, as his partner suffers from cancer and the AIDS virus. Learning about relationships and the importance of supporting those you love helps Colin to accept his brother's forthcoming death. Colin realizes that the way he can most help his brother is by goin home to be by his side till the end.

For some reason, exceptional ghost stories are almost always found in short story form. Neither M.R. James, F. Marion Crawford, nor Sheridan Le Fanu-all contenders for all-time best writer of ghost stories-ever wrote a satisfactory book-length ghost story. Perhaps the strict form of this genre is too difficult to maintain beyond a certain length. Examples of ghost novels that do not disappoint are few, and they include such masterpieces as Richard Matheson's "Hell House," Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House," and Stephen King's "The Shining." Dorothy MacArdle's "The Uninvited" is on a level with these books, and it predated them all. With its classic English setting, generational mystery, and engaging characters, it is the perfect book for curling up by the fireside on a winter's night. And don't miss the terrific 1940s movie version starring Ray Milland.

I will stay away from describing the plot, since that was done well by other reviews posted here. This is a wonderful book, especially if you enjoy British-style country house mysteries, spiced with the supernatural. The writing is superb. Ms. Macardle expertly draws you into the situation with characters that resonate and sparkle with life.

This book will not satisfy horror fans who are looking for an 'in your face' type of scare. Rather, the haunting unfolds very gradually, subtly, and is therefore all the more realistic.

If you are a fan of the classic Ray Milland film that was made from this book (The Uninvited, 1944) you are sure to enjoy the novel. Being novel length, the book has more characters than the film did, and also expands on some of the main character's histories and motivations. The Paramount film was a very faithful adaptation of the 'feel' of this novel...it was just necessarily compressed in length, and given a somewhat trite Hollywood closing that ties all the male/female relationships up a little too neatly (this does not happen in the novel).

Curiously, some scenes and even dialogue of the film are literally lifted word-for-word from this novel. The scene in the Tabacco shop, after the Fitzgerald's first purchase the house, comes to mind as the most perfect example.

It is a shame Dorothy Macardle produced so little fiction during her lifetime. I have heard she wrote a handful of short ghost stories but I've yet to track them down.

On a final note: if you enjoy the writing of Barbara Michaels you will love The Uninvited. I was first tipped off to the existance of this vintage novel through a narrative 'aside' which recommended reading The Uninvited in one of the Barbara Michaels books! (I'm not sure which of her novels mentions The Uninvited as a great book, but it might be Shattered Silk).

After writing a review for the movie version in which I recommended that viewers read the book as well, I was disappointed to come here and find that the book is so hard to find that it's making the asking price (understandably) very high. My own hardback copy I ordered some years back, and I also have an old dog-eared, falling apart paperback copy that my mother had (it was one of her favorites also). I have seen it a few times in the past in large and small used book stores, and it's definitely worth a search. Much more atmospheric than the movie, in my opinion (none of the comic relief that Ray Milland brought to the character), and there were so many good side characters that were left out of the movie. In the book Roddy (rather than "Rick") is a theater critic and hopeful author rather than a composer, and a play that he is writing may be relevant to the ghost story. There is a sort of sequel that was written by the same author, "The Unforeseen." While there are other characters and the mystery is not as interesting in the latter, it does let you know what happened to the main characters in "The Uninvited" after that book ended.

Good luck in finding the original titled novel anywhere. Copies are hard to come by in any condition. Mine is "The Literary Guild of America," 1942. Hard Cover. The dust jacket has a picture of a house and a tree over looking a cliff to the see. At first I thought it was taken from the scene in the movie by the same name. However that is the description in the book. There is even an edition that was made for the troops during the war. And not any cheaper is the Bantam Books, 1947 Paperback.

Unless you collect screen plays, be careful as the play is also out in book form.

I first saw the movie (1944) that is good in its own right. Staring Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey. You know it will be different but which one is better. In this case they are quite different and both just as good in different ways.

Roderick Fitzgerald and his sister Pamela are in search of a house and find one with some beach front. After negotiation the price they move in and may have found more then the bargain.

The story is refreshing. However the real worth of the book is the writing style of Dorothy Macardle. I was not prepared with my English to English conversion books. She also writes in the time of the time and uses terms local to the England of the 40's If you like this story then she also wrote "The Unforeseen" equally as good.

The first three books of this series - especially the first one - are quite well written. The writers are clever and have a good sense of telling a story. I enjoyed reading all three of these books, and looked forward to the next.

I would, however, caution someone against starting this series. While books 1 - 3 are well written, 4 - 6 were a huge letdown for me. Even before I finished the series, I was sorry I started it and spent as much time as I did on it. At last when I finished the 6th book, not even the climax was worth it. While the first three books are well written, the series on a whole is rather unimaginative and underdeveloped.

This was actually the first time I bought a box set of anything and I was not disappointed in the least. I loved everything about these books from the characters, setting, and the smooth transition between books. I highly recommend this set to anyone that enjoys fantasy books.

I eagerly await the second set.

I bought this gift set for myself. The books themselves are page-turners.
the boxes are cool. great as a gift or for yourself. enjoy reading

...you'll become fully engrossed in this compelling series. The series follows the journey of a group of drow from Menzoberranzan on the quest to discover the fate of Lloth, the Spider Queen. The party is comprised of high priestess Quenthel Baenre, sister to now matron mother Triel Baenre, Jeggred the draegloth and son of Triel, Pharaun Mizzrym, mage and apprentice to Archmage Gromph Baenre, Rhyld Argith, Pharaun's "trusted friend", Faeryl Zayvirr of Ched Nasad and her slave Drisinil, and the scout Valas Hune. (I think that's everyone) As the story progresses, other story lines weave into the grand web.

Each book is written by a different author which I thought at first was going to affect the atmosphere of the series. Let's face it not many people can really capture the duplicitous and intriguing nature of drow. Each author's style is really what makes the series prominent and memorable. Each book was unique both from point of view and style. For example one book was told exclusively from Pharaun's point of view while another was from multiple points of view. Another cool aspect of the series was that the reading level was vastly superior to RA Salvatore's books. I love a book (in this case books) that makes me find the definition of a word while I'm reading and expands my vocabulary.

Another selling point is the authors are much more vivid and slightly graphic than RA Salvatore, but not overly so. Just enough to compel you say "wow what a way to go, very cool," then turn the page. Lastly and simply these books are a must read because they involve drow while not involving Drizzt!

The young border lord was named Thomas Kerr of Smailholm, later of Ferniehirst.

As always, Nigel Tranter portrays Scotland's history in a way that entertains light readers, but is in depth enough for serious history buffs. I have read several of his books - the best being the James V Trilogy - and I am always ready for more!

This is historical fiction at its best. A marvelously written book, it captures the essence of a most intriguing part of Scottish history. The narrative is peppered with three dimensional, historical figures, brought vividly to life by a master storyteller, and the progression of historical events is well crafted, keeping the reader turning the pages.

This is the story of Thomas Kerr, a young, Scottish border lord, who from the time he first met Mary, Queen of Scots, became her most devoted and loyal subject. It was to be a life long devotion. It is through his eyes that the reader sees the events and intrigues surrounding Mary's tragic and tumultuous reign unfold, a young ruler beleagured on all sides by the coldly implacable ambitions of the men surrounding her. The reader sees Scottish history in the making from the time of Mary's return to Scottish shores at the age of eighteen, after a fifteen year sojourn in France, until the time of her ignominious departure for England seven years later.

The paths of Thomas and Mary were to cross many times throughout those turbulent years of her reign, as men's ambitions would seek to wreak havoc. Thomas Kerr could always be counted upon to provide whatever service would be of assistance to Mary, as well as whatever protection was at his disposal to keep her, as well as her devoted ladies-in-waiting, safe. In the end, however, even he, her most loyal subject, could not stem the tide of the inevitable tragedy that was to befall Mary, some of which was of her own making. His last sight of her was when he bid goodbye to her, as she sailed away from her native Scotland to England, hoping to find safe harbor and help from the wily Queen Elizabeth I.

This novel is so steeped in Scottish history and rich detail, so as to leave the reader with a distinct feeling for the past about which the author has written. If one is a lover of historical fiction, with a penchant for Mary, Queen of Scots, then one will really enjoy this book.

With few exceptions (Cecelia Holland, Dumas Pere, and Robert Graves, for example) historical novels tend toward the gothic or didactic. WARDEN OF THE QUEEN'S MARCH was the first Tranter I read, and it moved me to run out and buy everything of his I could find in print.

Tranter's novel tells the story of Mary Queen of Scots' reign from the point of view of a young Border lord, Thomas Ferniehill of Smailholm (or "Smellum" as the Queen calls him), who is passionately devoted to the Queen and is involved in several key junctures of her tragic reign. I believe that very few of the characters have been invented for the sake of narrative, and Tranter's depictions of James Stewart, Earl of Moray, and of the preacher John Knox are articularly memorable.

The book covers the entire reign up to the start of Mary's captivity in England. Darnley, Bothwell, Rizzio, the "Four Marys," Kircaldy, and all the greats (as well as the infamous) of Scotland during that troubled time make their appearance. And the character of Ferniehill makes an admirable filter for all the high melodrama of the times.