Saint The Books

Cultures of Devotion, Graziano's most recent book, articulates the balances of belief, hope and bargaining between the people of Spanish America and their saints. Graziano's keen and thorough sense of academic investigation is evident throughout the book, as is his humor, curiosity, and willingness to interface with beliefs "jeopardized if reason elbows in with its complications." Graziano's photographs complement the text, as does his website, www.culturesofdevotion.com. The relationship between the people, their folk saints and the Catholic Church seems to somewhat parallel the influences of Christian faith on Traditional Native American belief and the contemporary responses of the Native American people. Overall, the book is an interesting and informative read for anyone interested in intersections of culture, faith, and reality.

I bought this book after hearing Graziano speak, and I'm really glad I did. In many places it reads like a novel; in others the insights into folk devotion are incredible. The website, [...], is amazing too. Highly recommended.

Great scholarship and a great read don't often go together, but they do in this book. Graziano shows how a folk-saint cult emerges, and why has value for its devotees. The reader steps into alternative understandings of life, and explores the intimate world of Latin Americans with anthropological depth and without theoretical trappings.

The popularity of a folk saint rests on his or her reputation for miracles, according to the extensive site research done by the author. Devotees petition their chosen saint with explicit contracts- if you do X for me I promise to do Y for you. The supplications are wide-ranging and universal: health, wealth, love, revenge. Much social conversation revolves around offerings and strategies reputed to prompt hoped-for miracles. Intermediaries are often involved, but they rarely dominate the devotion. Worship is flexible and open to individual impulses. Graziano suggests that this is why folk saints are popular despite disapproval from the Catholic institutions whose images and rituals the devotions draw on.

The creativity of these worshippers and the deprivations that motivate them make for a penetrating and moving look at humanity.

i believe this to be one of the most beautiful and important monographs ever published. beautifully produced. printed on thick heavy stock. slipcased. one of the volumes is a text-free artists' book which presents friedman's quirky work beautifully. the artist's books and catalogues tend to sell out (as do his artworks) so buy this while you can. really magnificent.

If you are a fan of Tom Friedman's work, this two volume set is the best publication that has been published to date...covering all of his work through 2002. The slipcase is really unique, made of a textured cardboard, and the volumes themselves are beautifully printed and organized...with an abundance of information about Friedman's work and exhibition history.

The first volume is actually an artist book, put together by Friedman himself. It contains very little text, no critical text at all, and is composed of photos, sketches, and other "scrap book" type elements as a sort of record of the artist's progress. The volume is not useful to those not familiar with Friedman, but will give a rare insight into the process and mind of the artist...

The second colume is the gem of the set, and almost three times the length of the first. It contains documentation of the majority of Friedman's pieces, critical essays, interviews, and other texts. Most useful, is a very in depth exhibition history which lets the reader know what works were exhibited in a given show, with installation photos from major exhibitions...allowing one to see the various combinations that sculptures have been arranged in. This book is basically a much more in depth and better produced version of the "Contemporary Artist" volume by Phaidon, and fills in many of the gaps left from that more general survey.

Prada is setting a new standard for exhibition catalogs, and with each one I pick up, I remember how a good catalog can enrich one's appreciation of an artist beyond belief. It also can substitute for a given show one cannot see in person, if produced as well and with such great care as the Prada catalogs have been over the past few years.

I ordered the Tom Friedman two volume set after reading through the Phaidon Contemporary Artist Series book on Friedman multiple times. Having researched Friedman and seen him speak in the past year I can honestly say this beautiful book contains the most indepth writings on the artist to date. The second volume of the book was compiled by the artist and is a wonderful compolation of his personal photographs, sketch book pages and works of art.

This is a sweet little trumpet voice in the great symphony of Zion! Two missionaries of unquestioned character assassinate the characters of religious people who don't believe just as they do! Get the pre-2003 release and relish the Church's reasoned defense of a racist priesthood! Just darling! Get it for your missionary's 'farewell' today! A reasoned defense of the Church's Stalinesque historical revisionism! Can you spell 'revisionism'?

A wonderful little book that skewers anti-Mormons ("A-Ms") like a luau pig. Particularly enjoyable is the fact that the book is presented in counter-punch format, in which missionaries simply respond to realistic attacks by the A-Ms. It was FARMS before there was a FARMS.

The Day of Defense is a great response to many of the distorted, bogus and just plain dumb arguments made against the Church.

My mother had a copy of this book some 40 years ago - it makes for very interesting reading. She recently passed away in October and her copy is very faded. I am ordering it for 'nostalgia' sake. She loved this book!

The Author Kate Sedley was born in Bristol and it is probably no coincidence that the majority of the Roger Chapman books take place in and around the Bristol area. Kate was educated at the Red Maid's School in Westbury-on-Trym. She is married and has a son and a daughter.

Kate Sedley's books about Roger Chapman, the pedlar come murder mystery sleuth are becoming more and more popular and rightly so. They are good entertaining reading with plots and backgrounds that have been well thought out and well researched. They are what I would call light reading (very much like the writing style of Paul Doherty or Bernard Knight, two other well known authors of medieval mysteries). This book is the very first in the series.

This book takes place in 1471. Now the 15th century as a whole was a turbulent period of English history not least because of the longstanding war between the Yorkists and the Lancastrians, a war that spawned the Battle of Towton, near York, in 1461. This was the bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil.

The political situation in 1471 is complex and the war between the Yorkist and Lancastrian sides still rages. Roger the Chapman has only recently given up his Spartan life as a Monk and has taken up a life as a pedlar travelling the roads selling things to the great households and anyone else who has the money to pay for silk, cottons, fine gloves, needles and many other useful items. Roger finds the life a happy one and a pleasant change from the strict day to day habits of a monk. That is until he gets caught up in the strange disappearance of a man . . .

"Death and the Chapman" introduces the reader to a wonderful mystery series featuring an itinerant English peddlar with a nose for solving a mystery. Full of history and details of everyday English life in the late 1400s, this series is a delight for any historical mystery fan. I had previously read and enjoyed four of the later novels in this series before I finally tracked down this very-hard-to-find series debut. As with any series, starting at the beginning gives the reader the best understanding of the characters in the story.

Opening in the spring of 1471, as King Edward IV has just returned to the English throne, we meet 19 year-old Roger the Chapman, who has recently departed from his studies as a novice at the Abbey of Glastonbury, having decided not to take his final vows. Seized with an urge to see the country, young Roger has decided to become a "chapman", or a travelling peddlar. In Roger's first adventure, Roger has a randome meeting with Marjorie Dyer, the housekeeper to Alderman Alfred Weaver of Bristol. Roger then learns of the mysterious disappearance six months earlier, of the Alderman's son, Clement Weaver, while on a visit to London to purchase materials for his sister's wedding dress. When Roger admits that he is ultimately bound for London, he agrees to make inquiries in London to see if he can learn anything about Clement's disappearance.

As Roger makes his way towards London, the reader is treated to details of other towns he visits along the way. Finally Roger reaches Canterbury, on the outskirts of London, where he learns of another mysterious disappearance of Sir Richard Mallory, who also disappeared from the Crossed Hands, the very same inn in London where young Clement was last seen.

When Roger finally reaches London, he meets Martin Trollope of the Crossed Hands inn and begins to make inquiries about the missing men. As a final mystery in the story, Roger also becomes involved in solving the disappearance of the Lady Anne Neville, cousin of the King Edward and beloved of Duke Richard Gloucester. This story line explains how Roger meets the Duke of Gloucester, a recurring character in the subsequent mysteries but a story that is never fully explained.

"Death and the Chapman" is a thoroughly enjoyable story on its own, but one which will be particularly enjoyed by readers of the other installments of this excellent medieval series.

Let's say something about the book with the German title "Die letzte Rast". (The English title "Death of a Chapman" is much better in my opinion!)
A brief description of the story is already on this site so I leave this out.
This book was a christmas present and so I didn't want to read it for a few years. But often the things you don't really want to do are the best ones:
I was soon captured by the story simply because of the colorful description of medieval England together with the possibilty to identify myself completely with the hero Roger Chapman.
This is also due to the a-little-bit-flat description of his character. (Is flat description of advantage in crime stories? Think of Sherlock Holmes!)
The plot is straightforward and very original. In fact, it is guaranteed that it will scare you quite a bit at least if you are on a business trip and have to spend your night in a guesthouse!
It will not be easy for the follow-ups (there are two yet!) to do as good as this one.

Henry Adams should be required reading for all US students. This version of his writings - Library of America series includes all his best writings in a small book. Amazon delivered as agreed.

The Library of America is one of the best organizations. Here at last are both novels, his interesting autobiography, and Mont St Michel all under one roof.

"Democracy" is one of the best political novels of all time and speaking as a denizen of the nation's capital, very little has changed. Esther is attempt deal with the "woman question." Clearly the inspiration of both books is Mrs. Henry Adams. Known as "Voltaire in petticoats" (Henry James), she later tragically took her own life following a period of depression. The death of his wife led to Henry Adams' retirement from public life. This subject is covered in Ernest Samuels' wonderful biography (which I also recommend).

I suggest a look at his biography since the subject of Marion Clover Adams is avoided entirely in "The Education of Henry Adams." Henry Adams may not discuss his wife, but he does touch on nearly everything else of importance in his autobiography. "Growing up Adams," life in Europe with Garibaldi's forces, life at the British legation in London during the Civil War are all addressed. The best and probably the most key chapter in the book is the one entitled "The Virgin and Dynamo." Adams uses the 1876 cenntenial fair as a departure to meditate of the impact of the industrial revolution. Adams believed with the growth of technology that man would somehow outgrow the simple humanity of the Middle Ages (it would have been interesting if Adams had lived long enough to meet someone like Carl Jung to see what he would have to say on this subject!). One of the foremost historians (the Library of America has also issued the history of Jefferson and Madison's Administrations, which is a classic), Adams became interested in the Middle Ages and his survey of the two great cathedrals of France Chartes and Mont St. Michel is the final book in the volume. I cannot recommend this book too highly, it is a must for all fans of Henry Adams and those who would like to experience him for the first time.

While Adams novels (Democracy and Esther) may be lightweight, the other two works included in this volume are two of the best non-fiction American books ever. Adams has the kind of intellect that seems capable of encompassing everything. Like Joseph Campbell or Harold Bloom, Adams often leaves the reader in awe of how much he knows and how he is able to make the connections that so clearly illuminate everything he touches upon. This is one of my favorite volumes in the Library of America series, and I know that anyone who appreciates intelligence, wit, and charm in a writer will enjoy reading it.

Este es quizás uno de los Discursos más difíciles de olvidar de todos los dados por el Maestro Saint Germain, ya que devela la manera real, alcanzable y práctica de servir en la purificación de la esfera en que cada uno se encuentra.

Me encantan también los apéndices ya que en uno de ellos se encuentra el único Discurso que se conoce del poderoso Ser Cósmico Zarathustra, además del relato sobre el sacerdocio atlante que nos da aquí el Arcángel Zadkiel.

Mientras más conces a Sain Germain, te das cuenta del gran amor infinito que éste Maestro tiene con la humanidad. Me alegro mucho que toda la obra literal de este Ser este disponible ahora en español y espero que en un futuro no muy lejano sea publicada en otros idiomas por aquellas personas que sientan su amor. Doy gracias a los editores de estos libros por que se que han sentido a Sanit Germain en su corazón.

Esta Enseñanza que el Maestro Saint Germain descargó a través de Geraldine Innocente (publicada en dos tomos) y difundida a través del "Diario del Puente" es cosa inapreciable. Resulta notable cómo estas cosas que en algún momento tenían un barniz de "legendarias" se convierten en materia práctica en manos del buscador de la Luz. Qué bueno que no sea ya más patrimonio únicamente de quienes hablan inglés y tenían acceso a "Diario del Puente" entre 1952 y 1961, material que dejó de estar disponble una vez que desencarnó Geraldine.

Cuando uno se incia en las lecturas de los Maestros Ascencidos, su conocimiento práctico te pone a prueba. Saint Germain en sus libros nos dice tantas cosas buenas y constructivas, que por mi mente pasaba la idea de donde sacará toda esa información.

Después de leer y leer, me sorprendió que los Maestros Ascendidos también tiene Maestros. Asi fue que me interesó este libro, ya que ha Saint Germain lo amo, y ahora al Gran Director Divino también. De tal palo tal astilla... Bendiciones.

En la evolución de la Vida, a veces se piensa que los Maestros Ascendidos han logrado su maestría por su propio vapor. Sin embargo, la Misercordia de Dios provee para todo buscador sincero de la Luz una ayuda Divina que sobrepasa nuestra compresión humana.
En el caso de la Maestría Ascendida es conocido que el Gurú del Maestro Saint Germain es el Gran Director Divino, quien descargara los Discursos contenidos en este fabuloso libro.
Nuestra gran oportunidad, entonces, es entrar en contacto con este Ser para luego, obedeciendo amorosamente Sus indicaciones, ascender a la Casa del Padre tan pronto como sea posible.

Este fue el primer libro que lei de la enseñanza de los Maestros Ascendidos, que me introdujo a pensar y ha tomar una decisión por practicar su enseñanza. Pero despues me di cuenta que este GRAN SER es un SER COSMICO que ayuda la humanidad hace muchos, muchos años.

Ante la soledad espiritual en una etapa de mi vida, este bello SER con su AMOR me dio la alternativa correcta para encontrar el discernimiento ante tanto ruido que habia a mi alrededor.Imaginense el MAESTRO de MAESTRO Saint Germain.

This book is really not what I usually read. I don't remember how I stumbled onto it, but I'm so glad I did. I won't give the plot away, but here are a few details. It's a story of two families, two divergent paths of a religion with common roots (told with much respect and dignity for both), a story of love, and the best family story ever. It has lots of humor in it, the characters are memorable and come alive in your mind. If you like authors such as Nicholas Sparks, you'll love this one. It makes you feel good.

Jensen's book is a riveting tale of love between two people with vastly different cultures. For many polygamy is Utah's "dirty little secret" and Jensen brillantly illustrates the secrecy of these offshoot societies and the clash that occurs when their members interact with the mainstream population of Utah. Jensen's characters are wonderfully real and multi-faceted. You cannot help but love the many characters in this book. The story grabs you attention and the book is impossible to put down. This is a wonderful love story for people who believe in the possibility of soul mates.

Janet has written a marvelous book! It grabs your attention from the beginning and keeps you spellbound with the wit and humor as well as the emotion and everyday people in the book. You feel like you know the charachters and can relate to their lives. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone!

This edition of the Bible is one of my favorites. Such a beautiful Text. It is very different to other bibles, and I think it makes things a lot more clearer.
The Bible has been redone from a late 19th century printing. Same pagination, but the type is so clear & crisp. Good quality paper, that you aren't reading both sides of the paper at once, because somebody tried to save money on paper.
A point to bear in mind is that in this edition, the text size is a bit on the small size - fine if your eyesight is ok, but if not, you'll need the larger edition. I use this one to carry around, and the larger one for use at home.

I finally found a complete Catholic pocket-sized Bible after many years of searching. Baronius Press has produced an excellent quality and durably bound portable Bible in this edition. The print is small but that is to be expected in any Bible of this size. The binding is sturdy, stitched, not glued, and I have carried mine in my purse and used it daily and it's holding up well. The Douay Rheims translation, though not as modern as the New American Bible, is not difficult to understand and the notes are solidly orthodox and reliable, with no agenda as one sometimes finds in more recent biblical scholarship. This is overall a very fine quality Bible with a reliable translation, useful notes, durable leather stitched binding, high quality pages, all of the biblical encyclicals, and a perfect size for carrying in a purse or pocket. It is well worth the price and Baronius Press is the best publisher of Catholic bibles. Their quality far surpasses that of any other publisher due to their impressive attention to detail. For anyone looking for a small but complete (Old Testament, including the deutero-canonical books, and New Testament) Catholic Bible in a beautiful, solid translation that is a pleasure to read and/or study, I highly recommend this Bible. I give it an A+!

This is easily the most beautiful pocket Catholic Bible you'll find anywhere anytime soon. Baronius Press always does a great job in printing and binding. The biblical text is that of the 1899 Cardinal Gibbons Douay-Rheims Bible. The Bible contains the encyclicals "Providentissimus Deus" and "Spiritus Paraclitus" and "Divino Afflante Spiritu" which are wonderful to read for their depth of understanding regarding Sacred Scripture and the proper way to read and understand it.

I do have a few minor complaints. The leather cover is stiff. The Bible would be easier to read and carry if it were soft leather covered. The 1899 text is good and solid, but the 1938 D-R Bible published by Douay Bible House in New York is better. And remember, it's a pocket Bible, so the print runs small!

A friend of mine recommended this book to me and after reading this excellent work, I recommend it fully to my fellow Christian Amazonians. The author thoughtfully walks the reader through St John Bosco's dream and applies a systematic interpretation using disciplined approaches. In this journey, the author's dive into the details doesn't detract but rather adds to greater understanding of the role of the Church and the battles the Church faces. In addition, the author also provides very interesting comparisons to other dreams of St John Bosco as well as the Fatima secrets which I found very thought-provoking. I also appreciated the footnotes and the thorough references throughout.

Since the moment when Saint John Bosco unveiled this dream of the great ship to the five hundred youths within his ministry, it caused "no end of wonderment especially regarding the two popes." Today the speculation continues as many look to Pope Benedict XVI with hope that the new springtime in the Church will begin to bud. Author Tim Bartel offers insightful interpretations of the prophetic dream images including the mystery popes, their coinciding death and election, and the peculiar book-weapons. He reveals the specific causes of conflict between the Church and the world today, as well as recommends the devotions chosen by Jesus and Mary for the spiritual battle of this present time and in preparations for an age of peace.

I've been a fan of Saint John Bosco for years and this author's knowledge of facts is spot on. What I was able to get from this book that isn't in the others I've read is a good deal of context. He is excellent at drawing the big picture. The interpretation of both this dream and Fatima blew me away. And it's so well put together with everything so easy to find that I can use it as reference material.