Guides Books

I had heard a lot about this book (all of it good) from friends and decided to order it myself. I enjoyed it, and am now adding my praise to the rest. It's very informative, but also easy to read and humorous. There are pictures and diagrams explaining different things throughout the chapters, and it even gives insight from people other than the authors. I'll be purchasing this as a gift for the upcoming brides I know!

Excellent book that is well written with a sense of humor. This should be required reading for all women interested in enjoying their lives. The authors are non judgemental and professional. Wit and humor cover the topics along with perspectives for partners of women included through out. Wonderful book! Buy one for everywomen you love.

Anyone who is female - or anyone who sleeps with females - needs to read this book. It's written in a clear, friendly, sometimes funny way. It provides a ton of great information and insights. I learned a lot from this book, as I think would anyone. I loved that it is also inclusive of everyone, straight or not. This would also be a great book to give to a girl before she becomes sexually active with a partner. Please do yourself a favor and read this book right now!

As a sex coach and instructor, this book helped me answer a lot of questions for my clients about female orgasm. I also have several friends who have trouble in that area. I made it part of my library along with two other books that have proven invaluable and that I have shared with all my clients and friends: (1) Five Minutes to Orgasm Every Time You Make Love: Female Orgasm Made Simple. This 3-step technique takes the mystique out of female orgasm and makes it the natural and simple act it should be. (2) Was that an earthquake? The Sensuous Couple's (Flip Over) Guide to Seismic Oral Sex. This flip over book has tons of information about fellatio on one side, then flip it over and you have just as much information about cunnilingus. A must for couples of any age, sex or experience.

I just received my order of "I <3 Female Orgasm" today, and have been engrossed ever since. The amount of information found in the approximately 300 page book is incredible, as well as incredibly well written. I love the way that when the authors sometimes refer to a certain concept, they will also tell you the page number to get more detail about that concept. They also frequently recommend other books for more information. I also enjoy the wonderful anecdotes and little quotes that are constantly interspersed within the book. I frequently laughed aloud while reading some of the stories. ^_^

This book is an all inclusive book about female sex, not just female orgasm, and is helpful on many levels. If you are the least bit interested in females and sex put together, I definitely recommend this book for you to read and enjoy.

I purchased this expecting some advice on legal issues, but this book is so much more. It talks you through the whole process of producing a film from start to finish, including valuable information on finding investors, attaching stars, behind the scene terminology, production advice, sample legal forms and what do with your film once you've made a cut. All of the advice is indispensable. This is a must have for any independent film producer, especially those new to the industry. It should be taught as a textbook in film schools. The most helpful book on producing I've stumbled upon yet.

I highly recommend this book. As a first time amateur independent film producer, with about 30 film books resting on my shelf, I believe I was constantly thumbing through this one the most during preproduction. This book contains so much useful information and helpful insights, it's almost like having an industry consultant right there with you. Unlike other books, there weren't a lot of sections where they seemed to rush on to the next chapter without exploring the present topic in some depth.

If it's not already, this book will soon become the industry standard for substantive knowledge of the film business for independent filmmakers. Deal points, standard contract provisions, the often technical and confusing jargon, and the historical context for many industry practices are all covered here in comprehensive yet concise fashion. Topics of interest that are covered in depth include standard talent and producer agreements, developing a screen play, financing, and digital distribution. The book was a tremendous asset to me when I had to help an independent filmmaker comply with complicated federal securities laws in order to raise $200,000. Highly recommended.

jeffbrownlegal@gmail.com

It was a book with that gave you a good background on how film production works from a legal perspective. So you should read it if that is your concern. The authors are lawyers, not producers.

This book is a serious but very readable approach to educating filmmakers on the maze of legal hoops that must be jumped through in order to create a film. Indispensable resource to have.

This is a great reference guide for those involved in industrial automation. If you have not installed or maintained an Industrial Ethernet installation yet, you will soon and this guide is a perfect overview to get you started as, well as a handy reference for the "expert". This book has already helped me solve one "real world" problem and has become part of my commissioning/troubleshooting kit.

Industrial Ethernet is the hot topic in industrial automation domain. In P.R.China, the research of it started just a few years ago. The book is very good guideline for all the researchers and engineers to research industrial ethernet.
I do value this book.

Yirong Yang

This is a great book. Like the size - perfect for job site references. It always gets passed around! The material is well presented. Perry does an excellent job of providing "need-to-know" information in an extremely easy to follow format. I would strongly recommend this pocket guide to automation and control engineers and technicians. Buy this book - I guarantee it will find a spot in your tool pouch!

I must Thank and congratulate Perry for coming up with such a nice Guide. He has made a wonderful contribution to help everybody with his 'complete' work on Industrial Ethernet.

Two years back I had handed over around 25 SCADA projects to respective maintenance teams. I wish I could include this guide in the 'Hand-Over list' to the guys who are responsible to keep the huge plants running 24x7. As of now, I am going to call them up personally and recommend this work.

While discussing the advantages of this book, Somebody argued that all this information and much more is already available on the internet, provided some body cares to search.
I replied to him in a one liner: 'When you need to put off fire, you dont start digging a well to fetch water'.
This book is THE source you can depend on, when you need it.

The text is pretty lucid, and the result is that the jargon terms appear natural to a reader. I strongly recommend this book to anybody who deals with Industrial Ethernet in any way.

Perfect Work! A must have!

This book has become one of the few reference guides I keep in my toolbox. Being a former computer network technician (now PLC programmer and technical support) who is very familiar with ethernet, I can say this book contains vast amounts of information organized in a very logical fashion. It's written so even without a PC background a reader can understand everything clearly. There are examples and many tips to follow. It's well worth every penny.

This is a good place to start before getting a tattoo. We get a lot of people in our shop who just come in and basically point at something in a book. It's nice to know some history and symbolism before you place it on yourself for good. The author has good insights and a few illustrations. This is not a picture book.

This book is fun and easy to read. I would recommend anyone who has infinite questions about getting a tattoo to read this book first. It contains rich information on about everything tattoo related. Did this book definitely help me make a decision? Oh yah!

I was a bit skeptical at a book with this type of format and approach but it was amazingly well done. It covered many of the questions I knew to ask and didn't know what the best answer was as well as the questions and answers I had yet to even consider. A very very useful guide to the entire process behind getting a tattoo and one I'd recommend to everyone who wants to feel fully informed before making such a permanent decision.

Very informative and easy to read book. Her advice matched my own tattoo experience exactly. I had a great tattoo experience but wish I had read her book before making my first tattoo appointment.

Honestly, for people like me, who have thought about a tattoo for years, not seriusly enough to do it, but not with so little importance that the idea is forgoten fast, this is a great start. If you have had many doubts about tattoos in general, this is a good start, and an interesting reading anyway.

Jewish Meditation: A Practical Guide by Aryeh Kaplan is the best book I have read so far on this topic. It is extremely interesting, inspiring, and easy to understand and has a wealth of information. I liked the fact that the author warns his readers about certain methods of meditation that are not for beginners while at the same time gives clarity about the various types of meditations that are safe with guidelines how to practice them. There are also a lot of extremely interesting facts about Judaism that I was happy to learn. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in meditation from a Jewish perspective and gaining some basic knowledge about Kabbalah.

Even though this book focuses on Jewish meditation and the Quabalah, the book can be read and used by anyone, either practically by following the exercises or simply to enrich their knowledge of meditation intellectually.

Some readers may avoid the book thinking that it would only be worthwhile to a follower of a Jewish tradition, a pity, since the book has much to offer everyone interested in meditating.

For those interested in a more in-depth treatment of Jewish Meditation and the Quabalah Aryeh Kaplan's other book 'Meditation and Kabbalah' goes into further detail.

Rabbi Kaplan's book is a great and very practical place to start the experience of "walking with God" or devekut while praying or meditating. His book is particularly helpful in understanding that there are multiple techniques available to use in meditation and the spiritual quest. Sometimes we are more familiar with techniques from other cultures, such as Zen chanting, the whirling dervishes of Sufism and the body oriented techniques of Tai Chi.

Rabbi Kaplan points out techniques that have been used by Jews in the past. Not all of the methods are strictly Jewish per se. A particularly invaluable discussion that he begins relates to the portions of the prayer service and how to utilize them in a meditative manner. This definitely helps make prayer a more spiritual experience and reinvigorates the words with the true spiritual intent of their original authors.

Aryeh Kaplan was a rare individual. A Jewish scholar taken from us too early. If you get the chance take a look at his biography. This is one of his better books and the best book on Jewish meditation. Nothing comes close. Oddly enough, it is also a book that I think would have great appeal to anyone who is not Jewish or perhaps not even that relegious. This book has a lot of pleasant surprises. Enjoy and learn.

Rabbi Kaplan, did not live long enough in his short life, to enable all of his knowledge to be shared with us all. But during those short years of his life, he was a most prolific writer. He was an Orthodox Jew who was able to straddle and live in both the secular and Orthodox Jewish worlds with relative ease. He was on the "Who is Who" in Physics, as well as, being a respected Rabbi and teacher for many in the Orthodox Jewish community.

He was the first, who brought the ideas of Kabbalah, which had been "hidden" as secret teachings between specific Rabbis and their pupils over the centuries. to the non-initiated, with a prose and style of writing which made the ideas crystal clear and relevant in our world and in our time.

This short book is a very concise practical guidebook to Jewish Meditation practices. Highly recommended!

I just finished this book and highly recommend it. I just couldn't put it down - Cheryl has such a wonderful, delicious way with words as she draws you into her world growing up with her lovely handicapped brother. Her family and experiences are so richly portrayed that you almost feel yourself a part of the events she describes and you can't help but tear up in places and laugh out loud in others, just as though you were there. This book is unexpectedly touching and funny as well as instructive and informative for those of us seeking to know more about the spiritual realm that surrounds us and personal psychic development. Don't miss this one!!

I really enjoyed her book. I felt like I knew her brother when I was done. A few tears were dropped also!

I have read many books by and about mediums - this is definitely in my Top 3! Cheryl is an excellent writer, and I've had the privilege of having some readings from her, so I know she's an amazing medium, too. Her love for her brother Johnny, and his for her, is a story that will touch many of your emotional "hot buttons" - I found myself laughing many times, crying at others, and doing a lot of contemplation about my relationship with my own family...I have cerebral palsy, and this helped me understand from a sibling's perspective of what it's like to grow up with a family member who experiences a disability - very enlightening.

I highly recommend Johnny Angel Is My Brother. It's a great read!

Geri Jewell
www.gerijewell.com

this is a wonderful book wrote to understand a psychic with a true gift, it is sad and happy at the same time,will make you wonder, another great spiritual book which makes absolute sense she has the ability to set down her point of view,is the calling of your true self elizabeth anne bell, both have a rare spiritual insight

When reading this book I found I was taking the journey with the author through her storytelling. I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed everything shared in her candid descriptions. Ms Booth is a talented writer who captures your heart with her compassionate expression of human nature. I found myself in many pages and my emotions surfaced often with heartfelt sincerity delivered throughout the pages. Its a must read from cover to cover to grasp all the enligtenment given so freely to open our hearts and minds to a new thought. To help us see ourselves for who we are and what our purpose is in life. Its a beautiful read and I hope anyone who reads this review gives themself the joy of getting a copy to read themselves. You won't be disappointed. Its truly an adventure worth taking.

I had been praying to be able to hear the Holy Spirit clearly in me so I could be guided in my daily life. This book is the answer to that prayer. It is a simply written but profound book that is very practical. There are several exercises one can do to learn to hear His voice and they work! The Holy Spirit is not some abstract idea it turns out! He is actually there as my own personal guide. It has given my life a wonderful new dimension and peace. So what are you waiting for?

DavidPaul and Candace Doyle bring humanity an unprecedented enlightening spiritual book, with the message of "hearing God's voice" at all times. There is one quote from this book that I would like to share with you.
"Hearing God's voice is your most natural ability and it serves you unconditionally. God's voice has one purpose and that is to restore you to the truth of who you are, and it will do that in whatever ways you seek."

"The Journey That Never Was" will lift you to your Divine truth, your God essence, and the book reads with such pure unconditional love, you will be uplifted on all levels in the most positive of ways. This book is a definite MUST READ, it is a profound beacon for humanity.

Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and Know Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Wholeness, Radiance & Supreme Confidence

Davidpaul & Candace Doyle have found something - a way to contact our inner guide so that we may live a more authentic and loving life. This book has been one of the most spiritually enlightening books I've read since A Course in Miracles. Davidpaul & Candace seem like very humble individuals spreading a true message of how to connect with God. Thank you Doyles!

This may be for some however I truly recommend going straight to the source. The ACIM does not state things that are contained within this book. In other words, if you are a "Course in Miracles" student, go to that book itself. This book can mislead and some thing sound like they are straight from Kenneth Wapnicks pages when he states things that are not contained within the Course. When you teach ACIM for any length of time, one can usually tell where people are getting their teachings. Many of these are NOT from the Course. Nothing against Ken, he just says some things are in the course that are not.

This author states that the Holy Spirit says there are 6 Billion of Gods children on Earth. The course is all inclusive, and would not single out human beings so this is completely inaccurate. Next, to state that God does not know what is happening and we are here is false. Robert Perry and the book from The Circle of Atonement called "One Course two visions" addresses this point (In mass detail) in regards to Ken Wapnick stating the same thing. Those authors stay true to the Course itself whereas this book veers into territory that may help some but they will ultimately have to relearn and let go of many of its teachings.

I want to say, I am not attempting to discredit these authors, they sound like wonderful people who are doing their best and help spreading the word. But we must be careful about what that word is and if it stays true to the words of Jesus in the Course. I have been a Course teacher/student for 13 years and believe it is highly important for us to get these things right. We have already had much history of what happens when interpretations of spiritual (or other) teachings hit the market.

So do not take my word (Or these authors), go straight to The Course and go to the guide within.

*****
The Journey That Never Was is a story of one couple's experience in learning to hear the voice or God, interspersed with teaching and elucidation about key concepts from "A Course in Miracles", helpful exercises, and more. Although the subtitle is "A guide to hearing God's Voice regardless of one's faith, religion, or personal beliefs", I think this book would be most useful to "A Course in Miracles" (ACIM) students. People on other spiritual paths would no doubt benefit from it, but some of the terminology might be a bit confusing. For example, in ACIM the term "Son of God" not only refers to Jesus, but to each of us as a child of God.

For ACIM students, this is a fascinating and fresh application and elucidation of many key ACIM concepts. The personal story of the authors is very helpful, too, as they are honest and transparent when discussing the ups and downs they've had in trying and eventually learning to hear God's voice.

The chapters on Prayer and Meditation, in particular, are outstanding. They discuss in depth the difference between prayer (which they define as talking to God) and meditation (which they define as listening to God). The book has a focus, too, on achieving what the authors call "Right-Mindedness" (this is also the name of their website), which they see as perceiving reality as what is really true rather than in the ways we have projected it to be true. The exercises are truly helpful in learning to discern God's voice.

One reviewer was distressed that this book contains concepts that are not found in ACIM, which is true. It is one couple's interpretation of ACIM, so it contains their own opinions, ideas, and applications. The book purports to be able to guide anyone regardless of "faith, religion, or personal beliefs". It's not intended to be first and foremost a teaching guide to ACIM, so I appreciated the "extra" information---it was sort of like discussing spiritual concepts with friends, mentors, or teachers.

So if you're looking for pure ACIM, this isn't the book for you. If you're just really wanting to hear God's voice more clearly, or have a closer relationship with Spirit and don't care that it is based on ACIM, this would be a wonderful book for you, and I think you would learn a lot. I think that this would be a book that could be appreciated by new students to ACIM or by advanced students of ACIM---both groups would get different things from it. I think that anyone else could find much to like here, too, and to learn from, if they are looking for insight into having a closer spiritual life in relationship to a Higher Power.
*****

At the age of 19, David Oakford overdosed on PCP and had what he refers to as an NDE--near-death experience. While he says he is not a religious person, the experience caused him to see Jesus as a "Master Teacher," and set out to emulate him. Oakford says his NDE put him at "the crossroads of crisis and opportunity" and showed him that "life, death, and rebirth were about the use, abuse and recycling of life force energies." This is heady subject matter, but Oakland tells his story in a way that makes you feel as if you were listening rather than reading.

Candid, fascinating personal account of one man's life changing near death experience. Loved it.

This is a short book, but quite interesting. The author's writing style is casual & enjoyable. There are many parallels between his experience and the experiences related in Michael Newton's books Journey of Souls and Destiny of Souls. The information in this book rings true and provides good food for thought.

David Oakford bravely welcomes each person into the emotional, spiritual and physical hardships of his personal life. Like a painting, he creates a visual image through emotional expression while allowing individuals to relate to his deep and moving experiences.

"Journey through the World of Spirit" is a heart felt story of spiritual movement that tells the tale of life, death and rebirth. It shows us, in a positive and real way, the effects of our actions as well as a grander purpose for all that we chose while on Gaia.

His words are no less than pure poetry. His goal to share his story not only supersedes his lessons of wisdom, but also inspires us, in such a way, to change the negative patterns in our life.

Journey Through the World of Spirit
God, Gaia, and Guardian Angels
By David L. Oakford

Interesting read. I was fascinated by this man's depiction of otherworldly realms outside this world. Sometimes I felt it was a bit farfetched, but I kept reading because I was compelled to find out what happened next. Interspersed were bits of humor, keeping the reading light. Who would have nicknamed an angel "Bob"?

I found this in a used bookstore in 1989. I'd never thought much about nutrition before then; I ate what I liked, and my young metabolism burned it off fast. After reading this well-written and engrossing work, however, I realized how closely linked behavior and happiness are to what I ingest, and started eating more whole wheat bread and less sugar and processed foods. A few months later I saw a film of the inside of a factory farm, and then a hamburger at my local greasy spoon told me in mid-bite that I was ingesting the pain and fear and artificial chemicals of the many concentration camp cows that went into my burger. I went vegetarian halfway through that burger, and have remained so for 18 years. A few years later I cut out the chemicals almost completely by choosing organic food. Once you get used to tasting real food devoid of artificial crap, it's almost impossible to go back.
I am in perfect health and have not been to a doctor since 1989. I ran a marathon a few years back with no training, and finished in a little over four hours. I climb mountains while living on nuts and dried fruit (so much for vegetarians not having any energy, and for needing animal protein). Mainly I've learned that unless I'm active and eating real food, I'm not really happy. But it takes effort to avoid the fake food that is everywhere in our plastic world full of Mickey D and Taco Smell. The poison they put in our food is a crime, and in my opinion is directly linked to the massive surges in cancer and other diseases in the last 60 years, and the dumbing down that lets the warlords screw and kill us, year in and year out.
Davis was among the very first to point out that the post-war factory food trends were not healthy, and denatured the food that we need to be wise. But, if you trace agri-business carefully, and research companies like Monsanto (google Linda Fisher Monsanto and watch the revolving door in action), you will see that keeping people stupid and docile and easily led is precisely the goal of our largest food conglomerates, who are owned by the same folks who run our many wars, and who get government welfare by the trillions.
Davis saw this coming, and showed us how to fight it in our own lives. She was right. I and millions of others are living proof that simply by eating better and exercising frequently you can elminate the need to deal with doctors, and their constant pill-pushing.
Happiness is everyone's birthright, but we need to claim it for ourselves. The easiest way to start is to get healthy, and this book is a perfect beginner's overview of how we truly are what we eat.

My originals were so worn from use, highlighting, and notes, I had to buy new ones. I started with these on my quest for nutritional knowledge around 1970. I've read many nutrition books since and I still recommend these first, and almost exclusively, to anyone who wants answers about their poor, mistreated bodies and why they misbehave so, and what, if anything might be done to help or fix the problems. She's always come through. I wish she were alive today.
I suggest keeping a copy of "Let's Get Well" and "Let's Eat Right To Keep Fit" as staples in the bookcase in every home. Read them and devour them and apply them. They're incredible. Also, with "Let's Cook it Right" I experienced the most delicious roast I had ever cooked, just knowing the science behind the meat and the heat.Literally cut with a fork, so tender! The woman's knowledge never failed to amaze me.

Back in the late 1960's, a good friend gave me a copy of Let's Eat Right to Keep Fit. After absorbing the message that book delivered, I became a truehearted fan of Adelle Davis. She showed us so much research had been conducted confirming the need and uses of vitamins, minerals, and other nutritionals. Long before the 1990's it was known folic acid is needed during the first few weeks of gestation to prevent spina bifida. Pre-eclampsia is still treated with magnesium sulfate, but to avoid developing that condition, Adele Davis prescribed the supplements an expectant mother needs. How did she know about these? She perused so many documents and researched studies, much of which occurred in the early 20th century.
Some have said her writings are outdated and newer research refutes some of her findings, but the broad picture is she opened the public's eyes about nutrition's role. She told us there have been people curious enough to pursue Vitamin A's impact on skin health, cold fish oil and its role in cardiovascular disease, tryptophan, serotonin, lithium, and the B-complex benefitting the central nervous system and the brain.
Adelle Davis planted the seeds. Are we wise enough to pick the fruit?
Ibid.

my mother used this book for us kids when i was growing up, my father's mother used this book throughout her life. the information in this book gave my great grandfather 20 more years after a heart attack from clogged arteries almost killed him & he was facing major surgery & a lifetime on medications. in her time adele was one of the first of a 'new' generation of thinkers to suggest vitamin doses & truly proper nutrition as a way to prevent & cure disease & common ailments. the basics of nutrition never change, but some of the information adele gives in this book has since been changed, updated or even outdated in some cases & revised in some way. many have tried to discount what she was teaching & tried to discredit her. she had some trouble years ago when a child died after the parents misread & misunderstood the suggestions & doses of vitamins she gave to help cure a certain problem. these days this is not a book for the beginner or novice in nutrition & vitamins as medicine, but is for those who already have a decent background in it. this is a good reference book, but you really need to have others on hand that have the more current knowledge & understanding of drug-vitamin-herb interactions, age related doseage restrictions & warnings, counterindications, etc. (jean carper's books on food as medicine are highly recommended by this layperson.) this book should be ONE of several in a reference collection for nutrition, food & vitamins as medicine, & healthy cooking, using each books' information together.

I discovered this WONDERFUL book about 25 years ago. I was tired of going to the doctors and getting more pills. To list my ailments would take too long.

I decided to be responsible for my own health, and picked up this book in hopes of finding an answer. I did! Adele Davis was on the cutting edge of nutrition and it keeps her books fresh as any others printed today.

There are many books that offer help in wellness, but Adele Davis' books are a standard that they can't touch.

Doug Moo offers a great exegetical and expositional commentary with the PNTC series offering on James. Well worth the buy, if you don't have a solid commentary on James. Nothing too crazy, and lots of compelling argumentation for his positions.

I have five critical commentaries on James (Lenski, Bruce, Woods, Martin, and now Moo). This one will more than likely be the primary source for me when I study the book in a critical fashion. He is thorough and that is what I want. If you are a preacher looking for something quick and in summary form, a smaller work might be more useful. For me, as a preacher, if I am in the circumstance where I need something quick I am already in trouble. I like the Pillar Series. Not long ago I read of one's review that was overly critical of the work on the epistles of John - I do not subscribe to that sentiment at all. It is a good series!

If you are looking for an answer to a question raised about the meaning of the book of Phillipians, you could not find a better treatment. This is a wonderful resource and fine treatment of the text. I used it in a series of sermons, and found it very easy to acess and get the gems of the book.

`The Epistle of James' by James B. Adamson, 1976, 227 pages in the series The New International Commentary on the New Testament; `The Letter of James' by Douglas J. Moo, 2000, 271 pages, a volume in the series The Pillar New Testament Commentary; and `James' by Ralph P. Martin, 1988, 240 pages, A volume in the series Word Biblical Commentary are all `full featured' and recent commentaries on the first of the short `catholic' epistles in the New Testament.

I find it amazing how different the material is in these three volumes. After 1800 years of commentary, one would expect a fair amount of uniformity in thinking about this short letter, but there is a remarkable range of differences in emphasis among the three.

Those of you who are familiar with the world of biblical commentary will recognize that all three are part of major series of commentaries. Adamson and Moo belong to series dedicated to the New Testament, while Martin's volume is an offering of a larger series on both Old and New Testaments. And, each volume is organized in a way to match the editorial style of their series. This is most clearly seen in Martin's volume, as his work is organized in virtually the same way as the much larger work on Paul's Epistle to the Romans by the distinguished scholar, James D. G. Dunn. This is no surprise, as Martin is the New Testament editor for his series, the Word Biblical Commentary.

Ranked by scholarly detail, Martin has the most and Adamson has the least, with Moo somewhere in between; but don't take from this that Martin is heavy on the Greek and Adamson has no original Greek. All three are specifically written for the scholar and assume that the reader either knows classical Greek or is willing to slog through all the Greek words and expressions. The irony here is that while Martin is the most heavily scholarly, it may also be the most accessible to the lay or strictly pastoral user, since this series divides scholarly observations into the `Comments' on each paragraph, while more general thoughts are spelled out in straight English in the `Form/Structure/Setting' section and later in the `Explanation' section following the `Comments'. Adamson organizes all his `special' or more technical topics in `Excursus' sections following his main commentary. I found this just a tad distracting, especially when I discovered some mistakes in references to these Excursus sections in the main text.

All three authors give us their own translations of the text, and all three agree on where the difficult phrases are to be found. If I were to pick a volume purely on the basis of their translation, I would prefer Adamson, as he seems to give translations that best resolve these difficult sections. But, in all three cases, the authors agree on where the difficulties lie and, in general, the nature of the difficulties.

In the three authors' introductory chapter on the author, themes, and canonical status of the letter, all three agree on the major points. They uniformly agree, for example on the belief that the letter does, in fact, represent the thoughts or writings of James, the brother of Jesus, who was head of the Christian Jews in Jerusalem up to about 62 CE. They also agree that the final form of the letter was rewritten and polished sometime in the early 2nd century, CE. The authors are also uniform in their citing Martin Luther's misunderstanding of James; however, I would give Luther credit for seeing scriptural support of many Roman Catholic doctrines, even if any sound reading of `James' shows that this support is probably stretching James points just a little too far.

On the major themes of the letter, I generally prefer Martin's emphasis on the three topics of `Wisdom', `Perfection', and `The Piety of the Poor' to the other authors' interest in theology and the law. James is clearly spending less times on these typically Pauline topics than he is on lessons for a Christian life.

Among all the other differences, it is most remarkable to see all the differences between how the three authors structure an outline of the short letter. If you didn't know better, you may think they were talking about two different writings. This is just a symptom of the fact that `James' is much less a theological argument a la `Romans' and much more a collection of lessons on prayer, right Christian behavior, and the implications of faith. This is consistent with the fact that the letter has much in common with the Gospels, especially the Gospel of Matthew (See Martin).

One last difference I detect between the three is the fact that Martin makes more connections to modern theology of, for example Dietrich Bonhoffer, while Moo and Adamson have more citations to the great reformers, Calvin and Luther.

If I had to pick only one of these, I would go with Martin's volume in the Word Biblical Commentary series. If I were interested only in pastoral interpretation, I would go with Moo or the article `The Letter of James' by Luke Timothy Johnson in `The New Interpreter's Bible', since both refer heavily to the standard NIV and NRSV translations. If your interest is in a scholarly study of the letter, you will probably want all three.

This is Moo's second commentary on the epistle of James. He wrote his first one in 1985 as part of the Tyndale series. This commentary is the result of fifteen years of reflection on that work. The content of this commentary makes it evident that this is the mature thought of a noted scholar on the letter of James. Those fifteen years left him more convinced "that the heart of the letter is a call to wholehearted commitment to Christ" (x).
Moo provides a lengthy introduction to this epistle (46 pages worth). This introduction includes the history of James in the church, nature and genre, authorship, theology, occasion and date, and structure of James. Concerning authorship, Moo holds that James, the bother of Christ, is the author. He presents arguments against this traditional view and then answers them. The section on the theology of the book is a feature more commentaries would do well to include. He dates the writing of the letter around the middle of the 40s AD. This is important because the date of writing has great implication on the relationship of the letter to Paul's teachings. Moo does not place a ridge structure on the letter. Instead, he finds "several key motifs" which "are often mixed together with other themes in paragraphs that cannot be labeled as neatly as we might like" (45). Denying the assertion of some commentators that the letter has no unifying purpose, Moo argues that the central concern of the letter is spiritual wholeness of the readers (47).
Moo's analysis of the text is insightful. His word studies are well done. He presents a wide range of possible meanings but uses the context to determine which meaning is James's meaning. Moo also does a good job in showing James's relationship with Paul. James is not writing against Paul. James means something different by faith than does Paul. They are addressing different problems.
The format of the commentary is user friendly for the most part. One helpful aspect is that Moo's introductory notes precede the verse by verse exposition of major points and most sub-points. Moo transliterates Greek words making the commentary usable to those who do not have the advantage of knowing Greek. One slight critique concerns the chapter divisions. The chapter divisions of the commentary are based on the chapters of James. This is fine, but the table of contents is broken down by his outline. One would whish the editors would choose a method of division and stay with it. The only other criticism is that Moo's writing style can be difficult at times. These two minor criticisms in no way change the fact that this is a masterpiece. It is short at only 251 pages not counting indexes. Anyone from a layperson to a scholar will benefit from this commentary. This reviewer would recommend it without hesitation (something he does not do often).