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The Melendy family has moved from New York City. It's summertime and their father is in Washington on important business. The loveable housekeeper Cuffy must leave to care for her cousin who has suffered a fall. Since Willy (also employed by the Melendy family) is in residence, Cuffy decides to leave the children on their own.

As in the previous two books in the Melendy series, there are adventures enough to last a lifetime. Some are fun and others are darker, sadder and more dangerous.

The children meet Mark Herron. He's a lonely orphan who has a nasty guardian in Oren Meeker. Then there's the wonderful story of Mr. Titus and the 12-pound catfish, an illegal whiskey still, a house fire that results in death, the despicable DeLaceys, the resolve of the children to make sure the canning of the victory garden is done and the house is spotless by the time Cuffy returns home, and a surprise involving Mark and the Melendys. There are obstacles to overcome and everyone pitches in to see that the story has a happy ending.

Then There Were Five is nostalgia at its best. The time is World War II and life is difficult, but the Melendys love each other, care for their neighbors and work hard keeping up their home while Father and Cuffy are gone-and manage to have adventures at the same time. I'll read this novel again and again.

Armchair Interviews says: The entire Melendy series is a must read. Start with The Saturdays. You'll want to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

I read the Melendy books at around the age the rest of you did--but that was 55 years ago. At the age of 65, I'm about to order the Quartet to read them again. I just saw on someone's blog a photograph of a beautiful light-green moth chrysalis with golden flecks that looks like a jade earring. I'd never seen such a chrysalis, either "live" or in a photo, but I recognized it instantly as the one Mona discovers by the brook (forget which book now). I was swept by a wave of nostalgia and came right to Amazon to order the books, and that warm feeling was only intensified as I read the reviews mentioning readers' favorite bits, almost all of which I remember. I can hardly wait to read again the wonderful description of Fafner the dragon at the Met, and the chaotic scenes of Randy and Mona in the throes of preserving summer produce, complete with exploding jars of tomatoes.

I can't imagine why I haven't gotten hold of these utterly magical books that were such a blessing in my childhood to reread long since, but better late than never.

"Then There Were Five" in the third book in the Melendy Quartet, and picks up immediately where "The Four-Story Mistake" left off. We meet the Melendy children again on a hot June afternoon, when they are building a dam across the brook on their property to make it deep enough to swim in. It's a team effort and everybody is pulling their weight. It's typical of this family; they play and share alike.

But unlike the first two Melendy books, which were more or less a series of unrelated adventures, "Then There Were Five has a plot running all through it. World War II is on everybody's mind. Father is away in Washington for most of the book, working at a government job "so secret I have to guard against talking to myself". The four Melendy children are left in the care of Cuffy, their housekeeper, and Willy Sloper, their handyman. The war has everyone involved. Cuffy is growing a Victory Garden. Oliver is adding to the family diet by fishing every day in the brook (Rush has chub coming out of his ears), and Rush and Randy start on an ambitious scrap drive. And its on their scrap drive in the countryside that they meet a person who will become a part of their lives forever.

Chased off one farm by an evil drunk named Oren Meeker, Rush and Randy meet his young cousin Mark Herron, thirteen years old, orphaned at an early age and living with Oren because he has no other family. Oren is cruel and abusive; we learn that on the infrequent occasions Mark has been allowed to attend school, he has shown up with black eyes and an empty lunchbox. But he's managed to survive despite his depressing home; he's bright, friendly, hardworking and resourceful. Randy and Rush take to him right off the bat. If only there were some way they could help him.

Parallel to Mark's story there are plenty of amusing sidelights such as Oliver's obsession with creepy-crawly things, Mona's impulsive decision to can everything in the vegetable garden while Cuffy is off visiting a sick cousin, and a family picnic where Oliver manages to fall down a well. But the story of meeting and rescuing Mark is central to the book, and lends the book much of its undertone, which is darker and more mature than the first two Melendy books. Enright shows her young readers that not all families are happy like the Melendy family; some families are unhappy, abusive and cruel. The Melendy children realize how fortunate they are not only to not have a family like Mark's, but also to be able to share what they have.

Although the book spans only one summer, the Melendy children do a lot of growing up in three and a half months. They prove themselves to be resourceful and resilient, remarkably able to look out for themselves and each other with only occasional adult supervision while Father is away in Washington and Cuffy is off attending a family emergency. We realize how lucky Mark is to become part of this vibrant family. We almost wish we could be part of it as well.

Judy Lind

The third Melendy novel has a darker undertone than the preceding two, with the introduction of Mark Herron, a lonely orphan befriended by Rush and Randy, and his guardian-cousin, the fearsome Oren Meeker. There are thrills and heart-clutchers a-plenty--Rush and Mark spying on an illegal whiskey still, a vividly described house fire--but they're nicely leavened by the lighter incidents like the character of Mr. Jasper Titus, rural gourmand, and the resolve of Mona and Randy to undertake the canning of the family's victory-garden produce. And in the end everything comes out right, as it should in a juvenile. This is the book to which Enright was leading up with the previous two, and perhaps the best she wrote. The whole trilogy would make a splendid miniseries on TV (is any executive reading this? I'll even do the script!).

I agree with those who say that this is the best book out of the four. It's definitely the most complex, and has the most character development. Mark, who was an abused child long before that became a catch-phrase, is sketched out wonderfully. Oren's sister, who he mentioned early on, must have been a good influence on him, because he's resilient, kind and intelligent, despite what he has to put up with from Oren. I agree with Rush when he said the Melendys were the lucky ones, to get Mark for a brother!

Although I did think Rush was pretty rude, barging in every day while the girls were canning, and demanding to be fed immediately! Did he think that just because Mona and Randy didn't have a five-course meal ready and waiting, that they were going to let the guys starve? And it's not like they'd been doing nothing! God bless Mr. Titus for helping them out!

My favorite bits were when Rush and Mark spy on Oren and his pals at the still---that was real adult talk, but still appropriate for a kids' book: not easy to bring off---and the auction and fair. I loved when the Delacey brothers showed up and bid on the boar. "The three of them should be very happy together"---good one, Willy!

And I felt so bad for Oliver when he fell down the well! That was a good device, too. For so long, he'd gotten so little attention because he didn't demand any, and look what finally happened. It forced the other kids to realize how much they cared about him, and show it, and they handled it themselves, showing how capable they were. Good for them!

And I also liked when Cuffy was leaving to visit her cousin and had to cram weeks worth of nagging into an hour. "Close the windows whenever it rains! (Duh!) Call me long distance if anything goes wrong! (And that will help, how?) Don't forget to feed the DOGS! (Like they'd let you!)"

Johnson offers a religious and political rationale for inclusion of gays and lesbians in the common life of society.

His key scriptural texts are Genesis 2:18, on the need for a "suitable partner" in human life, and Galatians 3:28, on how one's spiritual identity supercedes the psycho-physical experience of gender. He argues for religious consecration of same-sex unions.

In the political arena, he highlights democratic values where the majority doesn't impose its will on a vulnerable minority, and he regards marriage as a right that should be open to gays and lesbians.

Useful especially were his discussion of the spectrum of attitudes toward same-sex relations early in the book, as well as his coverage of deliberative democracy in the latter part.

While I have read other books making a case for Gay/Lesbian marriage, this was the first that really convinced me. Facing head on many if not all of the Scriptural passages used by opponents of homosexuality to condemn it, the author helps the reader see these passages in a new light amd argues from the whole thrust of the Bible that it should be acceptable and even blessed. He then goes on to point out the severe legal penalties same sex couples face when denied the right to marry and argues for allowing it.

This is the most scholarly and well researched book on the topic of same gender relationships that I have ever read.

Stacy Johnson is a good man and a deep thinker; the church is indebted to him for this book. He avoids polemic on either side of his discussion of the issues of homosexuality in the church.

Stacy's first career was as an attorney, and his closely reasoned examination of the biblical imperatives surrounding these issues speaks to his capacitiy for logical and disciplined research and reasoning.

This book is a gift to all of us who would rather focus on what unites us in the church (Christ's sacrifice for us, the Biblical mandate to feed the hungry, comfort the grieving, bind up wounds and work for justice) than what divides us.

I puzzle over all those who think that this is the one, central issue on which our salvation hinges. Perhaps Stacy's voice can be one that helps the church move beyond these issues to the central call of the Gospel: To Love God with all that we are, and our neighbors as ourselves.

In the grace of God may it be so.

From my vantage point, as a Ph.D. in Church History and on the farthest heterosexual side of Kinsey's spectrum, I regard Johnson's book as far and away the best book yet on the subject. As the sub-title says, he deals with homosexuality from the sides of religion, law, and politics--as a respected theologian on a top-notch theological seminary faculty and also with a degree in law.
He rightly gives most space to the opening section of religion, since here is, and always has been, where the most controversy has been. Respected biblical scholars have always said we must deal with puzzling passages in the context of the rest of the Bible--and yet, with that approach--have wound up on opposite conclusions. Where Johnson outshines all others is that he also studies the much-used biblical texts in the wider context of the cultural surroundings of the biblical authors--their Sitz im Leben. This is especially where he differs so critically from the widely-read work of Gagnon--and accordingly comes out on the opposite side.
The book's succeeding sections on law and politics are equally thoroughly handled, though at less length.
Granted, I had already moved, slowly through decades of study, to come out on Johnson's side of affirmation--although as a very hetero youth I hated the very thought of homosexuality, since I had been molested by a homosexual teacher. But as a church historian I have written a short treatise surveying twelve highly controversial issues through twenty centuries of church history in which the Christian church has changed its mind, showing that the trajectory indicates that homosexuality is the thirteenth big issue on which the Church is now in process of changing its mind. The wheels of church history change slowly--but they do change!
Johnson's book should add to and hasten this sorely-needed change.

I have really enjoyed this book and video. Kalani explains various methods in the book, but it's very helpful to watch him execute them on the DVD. I even like the section of the DVD where he plays various instruments to demonstrate them. Being a very amateur percussionist, I had never thought of some of the techniques he demonstrates.

This book is the best guide on learning drum circle facilitation techniques. Kalani is a master recreational music facilitator, and provides straight forward information on how you too can learn to facilitate a drum circle.

Together in Rhythm is an incredible resource that I use on a regular basis. Kalani's ideas and explanations are truly inspiring. The DVD brings everything to life, and offers excellent footage. This book is a must have!

If you are in music, education and rhythm. And how to share with others. You need to read this book.

The book outlines specifics well, but I think it is important to see from beginning to end, how a drum circle excercise/rhythm is followed through. The video just shows excerpts. Also, no syncopated rhythms were broken down visually or in the book. You have order the next installment to get the drum circle rhythms! The instructor's method is great, but I was left feeling that some crucial beginner elements were missing from this video.

In this book, the 15 Rules of White Magic are explained in detail, each relating to a specific plane, each demanding a definite state of mind in order to obtain sought after results. For instance, Rule I requires Recollection leading the way to Concentration. Rule II demands Response leading to Interaction between the Higher and Lower Self. Rule III is Radiation, which is a Sounding forth, etc. Rules I through VI relate to the Mental Plane, Rules VII through XI to the Astral Plane. Rules XII through XV to the Physical Plane. The whole of man is taken into consideration; the whole of man is at work with White Magic.

I usually buy second hand "new" items. This book was deteriorated. Far away from brand new, just like new and so on descriptions.

First off, i would not recommend this book for anyone unfamiliar with Alice Bailey's writing. (Or, if you will, the Tibetian she channels.) I remember the first book of hers i read, was TELEPATHY, which helped me learn many of the theosophical definitions and ontological classifications. Another good first read may be GLAMOUR A WORLD PROBLEM. It's not filled with technical terms. Then again, some people may find that reading other theosophists, or perhaps ISIS UNVEILED is the first step. We are each on individual paths. However, if theosophical terminology isnt new to you, and you have a passing aquaintance with Buddhism, Christianity, hermetism and Hinduism, then you may find information in the book that you could use towards your spiritual evolution, and for the group work of your ray type. Like most spiritual reading, this book will give you what you need for wherever you are, while confusing you about those topics you are not either ready or permited to learn. After all, spiritual insight enters the disciple from the Buddhic plane, the plane of spiritual intuition. This book is both KEY and CURTAIN in its method. As is stated elsewhere in a review, Bailey has many "blinds" in her work, to confuse those who's intentions are not pure. A special caution for those who may be WICCANS, or young adolescents looking for love spells, or any kind of "PERSONAL POWER SEEKERS" in general. This is NOT the book for you. Not because the knowledge is too arcane, too advanced or too empowering for those incapable of handling it. This is not some long lost BOOK OF SPELLS, or anything like that. WHITE MAGIC, as Bailey understands it, is the ability to understand the purpose and goal of the Great Masters, and of the Cosmic Christ, and taking a scientific approach to prayer, to materialize the goal on the material plane. I suppose the real magic, is effective prayer. A final note: the difference between WHITE MAGIC, and BLACK MAGIC, is simple, but of utmost importance. The white magician never uses this information for selfish, materialistic reasons, or to obtain sway over the wills of others. If you EVER use magic, hypnosis, drugs, etc, to controll the wills of others, even if your intentions are good, or you think they are, you are practicing BLACK MAGIC. Because FREE WILL, the practice of HARMLESSNESS, and learning to serve the will of THE FATHER IN HEAVEN, (The GREAT WHITE LODGE in SIRIUS) is the real meaning of white magic. I think of much of her work, as esoteric christianity, since she seems to be working in the second ray group, which she has elsewhere indicated to be lead by CHRIST. For those whom this writing is meant for, you will certainly gain some interesting meditation themes, while sensitizing your intuitive buddhic plane. At the very least, you will be exposing yourself to some great stories. "MAY LOVE, LIGHT AND WILL BRING TO EARTH THE PLAN OF GOD."

I was in a busy phase in my life and was suddenly struck down by a freak dancing accident in a music class I was teaching to children in South Korea. I had to have knee surgery and had a long hospital stay. I ordered the book before I went to the hospital. This book stimulated me on every level: spirtuatally, intellectually, linguistically...I could go on and on. It is the book I've been waiting my whole life for. Strangely, I picked up Alice Bailey's work years ago but didn't understand it. But after two years of Raja Yoga and lots of meditation, I can say that I understood almost every word. This book will only speak to you when you're ready. But when you are, it may change you're life and the lives of others.

A Treatise On White Magic by Alice Bailey is a very special book written for those spiritual seekers who have found the spiritual path within themselves and who require specific and general guidance in moving forward. The book is divided into major sections, where each can be seen to deal with a major aspect and stage upon this path. There are sections that deal with the physical, emotional and mental aspects of ourselves and the books hints at how these aspects are and can be spiritualised.

A Treatise on White Magic, like so many of A.A.B's books, is not intended to be informational. On the whole, they are intended to be inspirational. By that I mean that the reader's intuition and spiritual perception is awakened through studying the book's contents.

This book cannot be rated too highly and will be appreciated by those who have a deep interest in all things spiritual, but not necessarily religious, and by those who can appreciate the spiritual and esoteric aspect of everyday life.

I first encountered the book as a boy. I loved it then and I love it know. It's one of the great adventure novels, and it empresses me to this day.

Tros of Samothrace is one of the best books I have ever read. I recommend it with the highest of praise. If I can have a coffin with a book shelf in it, the Tros series and the Lord of the Ring series will be buried with me.

Being as there are already a lot of reviews, I thought I would help out concerning the various editions of Tros - many are mentioned in the other reviews and it's confusing. Are we talking about one book, 3 books, 6 books, etc!

Here's the scoop: (Information is based on my personal experience and Donald Grant's book "Talbot Mundy: Messenger of Destiny".

1. The first editions of "Tros of Samothrace" were single volumes. Appleton-Century produced the 1st American version (1934) and Hutchinson & Co (1934) produced the 1st English versions. Good copies are usually quite expensive and I have never seen one with a dust jacket even though both versions had one.

Tros was also printed in parts in magazines

2. Gnome Press (1958) produced a single volume version. This can be found and is cheaper than the 1st editions and can be found with a dust jacket. Cheaper but not inexpensive.

3. In 1967 Avon Books divided Tros into 6 paperbacks - Helene, Helma, Tros, liafell are 4 of the 6 titles. As single books these are easily found - both in used books stores and on ebay. With diligence you can come up with all 6 titles.

4. In 1976 Zebra paperbacks produced Tros in a series of 3 volumes (essentially combining Avon's 6 books into 3). Tros of Samothrace, Avenging Liafell and The Praetor's Dungeon are the three titles.

5. The picture shown by Amazon is most likely the Appleton-Century hardback 1st edition cover without dustjacket.

6 Finally, there are actually 2 seperate additonal books that are part of the Tros saga. These are "Queen Cleopatra" and "The Purple Pirate". Both were published in various hardback and paperback versions. The easiest and probably cheapest way to find them is as the Zebra paperbacks. Zebra paperbacks published and marketed all 5 paperbacks at the same time in 1976.

"Queen Cleopatra" was actually the first novel that Tros appeared in. "Queen Cleopatra was first published in 1929. Tros has a small but significant role in the book however it's mostly about Cleopatra and Julius Caesar. This book, while written first, can easily be considered to be the 4th Tros book in regards to chronology. The first Tros of Samothrace book has Tros interacting with Caesar during his first two attempts to invade Britain.

"The Purple Pirate" is the 5th book and final book in the Tros saga.

Recommendations: Being as the hardbacks are harder to come by and usually very expensive for a decent copy, I recommend trying to obtain the zebra paperbacks. These are easier to find. Amazon may be able to find them for you. Quite often you can find them on Ebay. Being as most people who have read Tros tend to do so more than once, these paperback copies will usually be reading copies at best. If you haven't read the Tros series yet, buy the Zebra books and see if you like it. Just don't blame me when you love it and have to possess more than just a reading copy.

Personally I possess the avon paperbacks, the zebra paperbacks and a Hutchinson 1st edition with no dust jacket.

I hope this helps.

Scotty

"Tros of Samothrace" is a massive historical novel, which, together with two sequels, was awkwardly handled by their hardcover publishers, and treated even worse in certain paperback editions. Some care may be needed to get the complete story, in a coherent form; although the new trade paperback appears to solve the main problems for the first of the three.

The "mystifications" were unintentional, but perhaps ironically appropriate, given the author's dubious career in British India and Africa, and also his later occult interests. "Mr. Talbot Mundy" has been the subject of two biographies in recent decades, with more still being uncovered about his real past. A good overview is provided on-line in "Talbot Mundy: Master of Mystical Adventure," by R. T. Gault. (Duane Spurlock has reposted Gault's bibliographic information, and in several cases I have deferred to their dates, rather than sticking with what I had found in older reference works. "Materials Toward a Bibliography of the Works of Talbot Mundy" by Bradford M. Day is available from Project Gutenberg; very good, but not easy to use in its plain-text form.)

"Tros" and some of Mundy's other stories also have striking resemblances to later fantasy and science fiction adventure stories, not surprising given that Robert E. Howard was among Mundy's original readers, and that more recent fans included Marion Zimmer Bradley, who openly acknowledged his direct influence on one of her "Darkover" novels.

The rather mysterious Talbot Mundy (William Lancaster Gribbon 1879-1940), whose yarns about his own (often shady) past may have been the prototype for much of his adventure fiction, seems to have written "Tros of Samothrace" almost as a detour. He had been asked by the publisher Bobbs-Merrill to write a novel about Cleopatra. It seemed to them like a sure-fire bestseller, something to out-do the sales of his popular "King -- of the Khyber Rifles," which they had published in 1916. It would, after all, be on a more sensational topic than his Kipling-esque tales of British soldiers keeping stiff upper lips in India and Afghanistan. (Mundy, who had legally changed his name to his most popular pseudonym while becoming a U.S. citizen in 1916, seems to have either exaggerated the time he spent in India, or else returned there under other names when he was hiding from the law, unhappy wives, etc. But he wrote about it more frequently than Africa, where he had spent considerable time; of course, he had also *served* time there....)

Mundy eventually got around to a Cleopatra novel for Bobbs-Merrill, but not before spinning out the adventures, mostly during Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain, of a supposed minor character in the planned novel. The resulting story of "Tros of Samothrace" ran for a year (Feb. 1925-Feb. 1926) in the then highly-regarded fiction magazine "Adventure."

It was broken into seven separately titled stories, published in nine installments, which gave the magazine a chance to back out, and probably avoided protests from readers about a serial that never seemed to end, but Mundy seems to have had the greater commercial potential of a novel in mind. They consisted of: #1 "Tros of Samothrace" (Feb. 10, 1925); #2 "The Enemy of Rome" (April 10); #3 "Prisoners of War" (June 10); #4 "Hostages to Luck: (Aug. 20); #5 "Admiral of Caesar's Fleet" (Oct. 10); #6 "The Dancing Girl of Gades" (Dec. 10); and, as #7, #8, and #9 the three-part "Messenger of Destiny" (Feb. 10, 20, and 28, 1926)

To my mind, "Tros" is one of the great early twentieth century adventure novels; and the hints of occult powers and secret wisdom add flavor without getting in the way. (Mundy had just then become active in a splinter branch of the Theosophical Society; the same influences are evident in his "Om: The Secret of Ahbor Valley," written the previous year, and much of his later fiction hovers on the edge of fantasy.)

The editor of "Adventure" (Arthur Sullivan Hoffmann) seems to have realized that almost anyone who had struggled in school with Caesar's "Commentaries" ("The Gallic Wars") was sure to smile at the idea of the story as seen from the other side -- or, rather, from a third side. (One Caesar somehow forgot to mention in his dispatches home!) And in those days, having struggled with Caesar was a pretty common experience for middle-class readers, so the subject, if not quite as glamorous as the Serpent of the Nile, was hardly obscure.

Bobbs-Merrill didn't agree, or was put off by the ensuing controversy over Mundy's portrait of Caesar as a budding dictator cultivating his image at the expense of the "barbarians."

According to Mundy, Initiates from the Mysteries of Samothrace ran afoul of Caesar while on a mission to their fellow-mystics in Gaul from their Aegean island sanctuary, and were blackmailed into spying on the mysterious Land of Britain. (A good classical dictionary would confirm the existence of the island of Samothrace and its Mysteries; although hardly Mundy's Theosophical exposition of its beliefs, and wide-ranging connections to other "mystical orders.")

But was even the wily and ruthless Caesar a match for a man like Tros, who scrupulously honored his word? Honored it precisely and literally, that is, without regard for what Caesar, or anyone else, might have intended when he exacted the promise by threatening to kill his prisoners, including Tros' father, Perseus....

The story of Tros and his personal war with Julius Caesar was later extended in another two substantial, but shorter, novels. "Queen Cleopatra" had no magazine publication, but appeared (at last!) directly from Bobbs-Merrill in 1929 (426 pages). Instead of the Antony and Cleopatra story, it deals in part with her escape from Rome after the assassination of Julius Caesar, an obscure episode in which it turns out Tros (of course) had a role. Mundy and Bobbs-Merrill later permanently parted ways (after fifteen years), with the "Tros" stories and the delayed Cleopatra novel apparently among the simmering issues.

His new publisher, Century, soon merged with D. Appleton, further complicating the bibliographic record. "Tros of Samothrace" finally appeared in a revised form from by D. Appleton-Century, with a British edition from Hutchinson, in 1934. "The Purple Pirate," a sequel to "Tros" and "Queen Cleopatra" then appeared as four stories in "Adventure" and immediately thereafter as a book from Appleton-Century (367 pages), also with a British edition, all in 1935

The complete "Tros" alone ran to a whopping 949 pages (960 in the British printing), even without the sequels. It was a work of historical fiction more on the scale of "War and Peace" than anything Bobbs-Merrill had planned, or, with "Gone With the Wind" still in the future (1936), probably considered practical in the American market. "Tros," didn't become a blockbuster bestseller, but it seems to have sold well enough for Appleton-Century to take on one of the sequels.

And the book was fondly remembered by those who read it. Who could forget a character who combined mysticism and heroics, nobility and practicality, exactly as appropriate? So he wouldn't kill a man, but didn't feel it was his responsibility to find out if he could swim before tossing him overboard... And a more than slightly unlikely, but attractive, supporting cast of friendly Theosophical Druids, Victorian-style Ancient Britons ("By Lud of Lunden!"), and proto-Vikings? Or even the rather Hinduized Pythagoreanism that seems to underlie all the talk of Secret Wisdom? By this time, too, Mundy's mostly hostile portrait of Caesar could be seen as a foreshadowing of Fascism.

"Tros" was revived in complete hardcover editions by the science fiction and fantasy publisher Gnome Press in 1958 (along with "The Purple Pirate"), and, most recently by Buccaneer Books in 1995. The new trade paperback edition is welcome. There was another hardcover (I think) reprinting of "The Purple Pirate" from Amereon, in 1991.

Unfortunately, copies of these, especially of "Tros," have to be sorted out from among the fractionalized paperback reprints.

For the mass-market paperback editions present a much more complicated picture.

Perhaps vindicating Bobbs-Merrill's original proposal, "Queen Cleopatra" appeared from Ace in 1962, with a cover Gault describes as "obviously redrawn from a publicity still of Elizabeth Taylor." Beyond the desire to cash in on the publicity, there is no special connection between the book and the motion picture (ultimately released in 1963), let alone the associated scandals; just the use of some of the same historical personages. (Lud, and perhaps fear of lawsuits, be thanked, Burton wasn't added to the cover.)

In 1967, Avon Books put "Tros of Samothrace" into paperback in four volumes, as "Tros: The First Book of Tros of Samothrace" (= #1-2); "Helma: The Second Book..." (= #3-4); "Liafail: The Third Book..." (#5-6); and "Helene: The Fourth Book..." (#7-9). All of them had lovely covers by Douglas Rosa. ("Helma" and "Helene" are two of the women in Tros' life. "Liafail," the Irish "Stone of Destiny," is here the name of a ship. Not the most appropriate name, one would think, besides being from the wrong branch of the Celtic languages, but philology wasn't Mundy's strong point.)

For me the Avon volumes came at just the right time -- I was reading Caesar in Latin, and was amused when Tros gave him a concise, accurate, and completely misleading, report on his adventures in Britain, in exactly Caesar's own compressed style. And was praised for it.

The four volumes were followed by Avon in 1969 with "Queen Cleopatra" and in 1970 with "The Purple Pirate," identified as "Tros of Samothrace #5" and "...#6," respectively, on the uncredited covers (which look to me and others like the work of Jeff Jones, but seem to be attributed by some to Frank Frazetta.) Avon also issued some of Mundy's occult / espionage / adventure stories set in modern India and Tibet, including "Om," at about the same time.

The Avon "Tros" was followed in Britain by a Universal-Tandem four-volume paperback set in 1971, officially based on the 1934 British edition from Hutchinson, but basically a variant of the Avon editions, with the same titles, but new cover art. The two sequels apparently were not included.

"Tros" and its sequels have not fared so well in paperback since. There was another, differently arranged, multi-volume edition from Zebra Books (Kensington Publishing), in 1976-1977, generally regarded as examples of inept book production, badly arranged and riddled with misprints, although the Tom Barber wraparound covers were rather nice. (Gault calls the edition "abysmal.") It was divided into "Lud of Lunden" (stories 1, 2, and half of 3); "Avenging Liafail" (the rest of 3, with 4 and part of 5); and "The Praetor's Dungeon" (the rest of 5, 6, and 7). "The Purple Pirate," and "Queen Cleopatra" were added in 1978, but in reverse order! (And so numbered.) All very confusing, especially when used copies are being listed.

Unfortunately, this makes care in ordering used copies very important. A book listed as "Tros of Samothrace" may be the full edition, or it may be only the first volume of the Avon edition -- or any volume of the Avon, Tandem, or Zebra editions, if someone was a little careless. I have seen volumes of the Avon edition listed as "unabridged," as if they contained the whole text, and not just a quarter of the whole. "Paperback" is a good clue, but "binding unknown" is a problem; length is probably a secure guide, if it is given.

If you can find a full set of the Avon or the Tandem editions of "Tros," I recommend them; and a mixture should be acceptable, and may be necessary if you include "Purple Pirate" and "Queen Cleopatra." The Zebra editions, with their inferior texts, I would consider a fallback for the curious, but may be less expensive.

An affordable copy of any of the hardcover editions would be great!

Do take great care that you are not ordering just one volume of a set, in expectation of the whole. ("Unabridged" has been attached to descriptions of at least two volumes of the Avon paperback, which is certainly misleading, although not really untrue; just a misunderstanding, I think.)

Oh yes -- don't be confused about Mundy's novel "Caesar Dies." It is an unrelated story about the Emperor Commodus, not the Dictator Julius, and Tros isn't involved. (Unless I failed to notice his reincarnation, of course.)

And will someone get around to offering the whole series in uniform hardcovers, or at least trade paperbacks?

Tros is the daring captain of his trireme, and the son of Perseus, an initiate of the mysteries of Samothrace who was murdered by Caesar. Tros fights back by helping to repulse Caesar's invasion of Britain. Bold and crafty, like a true adventurer Tros wants to avoid fighting, but circumstances draw him into it, forcing him to battle the injustice around him. A warrior philosopher and navigator, Tros represents the adventurers and explorers, who value chivalry, honor and freedom, and will outlast Rome. However, Tros is no reckless swashbuckler, mercenary or fortune hunter; his opposition to Caesar is more than revenge. Unlike many of his powerful contemporaries, Tros has a highly developed, almost modern moral sense, and he is labeled a pirate only by his Roman adversaries. Although he makes use of guile, Tros is a man of conscience who is monogamous and loyal, despising the treachery and treason he sees all around him.

Tros of Samothrace is full of delightful, vibrant supporting characters. There are numerous battles and murders, together with incidents of conspiracy and loyalty, as Tros struggles to build his advanced ship, the Liafail, and aid the Britons against Caesar.

The saga is a vast, sweeping, spectacular panorama, full of detail, with its principal setting in Britain, although the final part of the saga, takes Tros directly into Rome itself, from the Vestal Virgins to the Arena. It is told in an energetic, dynamic style, full of dash and gusto, that still conveys both the feeling of the time and the authenticity of the characters as history and fiction blend naturally. Mundy reverses the traditional reverential, historicized language, using narration and dialogue that partake equally of a modern idiom, by endowing his characters with contemporary motivations and moods.

Although a hero, Tros is aware of his limitations, wise enough to be influenced by the esoteric religious thought of Samothrace, but not wise enough to qualify for initiation, lacking his father's ability to follow his vision without diversion. Mundy dwells on a more occult form of religion, the mysteries. Mundy asserts that both the Samothracians and the Druids had their foundation in the same ancient wisdom from which theosophy arose, the same mother religion from which all others are derived. This concept provides moral grounding as well as facilitating the narrative.

Caesar and Tros are drawn as the antithesis of each other, spiritual opposites; Tros represents the waning influence of the ancient mysteries, which Mundy proclaimed "were based on the theory of universal brotherhood." Caesar represents militarism and treachery, and understands, according to Tros, "that where the wisdom dwells, freedom persists and grows again . . . ."

As I outline in my book, Talbot Mundy, Philosopher of Adventure, Mundy was living at the Point Loma theosophical community at the time of composing Tros of Samothrace. This helped to inspire the unconventional approach to history Mundy took with his heretical and unflattering portrait of Caesar in his novels.

Mundy believed that Caesar's materialism and lack of spiritual awareness had adversely affected all of the subsequent cultural institutions that had come to idolize him. The implications for the foundations of modern Western civilization was recognized by readers of Adventure. Mundy explained, "The purpose of the Roman empire was to make life comfortable for the Romans and to keep other people out of mischief [and it] was conducted on principles diametrically opposite to those taught by all the world's really great philosophers." He blames Rome for imperialism and its destructive impact. He notes that England similarly justified its rule of India by making the land apparently incapable of self-government, then trying to ease the resentment of conquest by offering defeated peoples a place within the empire. "Here, today, is the net result of Roman theories--war, mistrust, rancor, suspicion, hatred, misgovernment, and a world not half so civilized as China was two thousand years ago."

Although the Tros stories were very popular, they were the most controversial Mundy ever wrote, and many readers in the 1920s were shocked by his defiance of tradition and anti-classical views. There was a storm of protest during the serialization of the initial Tros stories, lasting almost a year, and a vast correspondence in Adventure debated the merits of Mundy's case until enough letters were printed to be considered for publication themselves in book form; it was the largest such confrontation ever in any pulp. Readers and contributors included not only subscribers but authors and professors, and the debate was widely followed by a literary community that respected Adventure as falling outside the purview of "mere pulps."

Eventually a consensus formed, cautiously siding with Mundy. The Tros series was able to be critically acclaimed because it combined adventure with the unusual twist of a distinctly revisionist spirit--permitting the tales to be respectable within the intellectual community as well as enjoyable diversion.

When Tros of Samothrace appeared in book form in 1934 it acquired another sort of timeliness not evident during its original serialization. Mundy's theme of liberty subverted by those who would increase their own power had a topical resonance beyond history in the 1930s. Contemporary readers saw in Tros's battle against Caesar's designs of conquering the world an analogy for the contemporary increase in militarism and the necessity to fight the steadily growing threat of fascism. Mundy was aware of this relevance; in his foreword to the British edition of Tros of Samothrace in 1934 he noted that both Lenin and Hitler were following in Caesar's footsteps by trying to destroy through propaganda the old belief in spiritual values.

The Tros of Samothrace 'all inclusive' edition has all the great adventure and philosohy mix that made the stories wonderful the first time I read them many years ago. My only complaint is that the descriptions and reviews didn't make it clear (At least to me) that the 'Queen Cleopatra' book of the Tros series is NOT included in this volume. Still in all am glad all these stories are now in one volume.

In this beautifully designed and bound volume of photos, Steven Underhill reveals his love of two young gods with radiant physiognomies - Bruce and Seth the twins. The volume shows them in playful and intimate moments in pictures full of erotic energy photographed over a long period. A great work by a master of his craft that gives the viewer a wonderful image of an inseparable bond.

'Californian photographer Steven Underhill presents two young gods with radiant physiques - Bruce and Seth the Twins. Playful and intimate moments in pictures full of eroticism. A great work by a master of his craft who gives the viewer a wonderful image of an innocent and inseparable bond.'

I left a few things out of my first review below, I wanted to say there is no frontal nudity in the book of The Twins, Seth and Bruce Hall. I found that more intriguing, left something to the imagination! :-) There are some great nude shots of them from behind! :-) There are also a lot of great pictures of them frolicking around outdoors in their underwear doing a variety of activities! Believe me, if you have not bought the book, you will do yourself a favor by doing so! I don't think any two guy's like Bruce and Seth fill out a pair of white briefs like they do! :-) I have two favorite pictures in the book, one they are holding hands, and the other they are sleeping in bed together in their underwear looking real peaceful, and happy together! :-) I think it shows the true bonding there is between twins, and the book has exceptional photography! BUY IT! :-)

A photographic feast for the eyes, the emotions, and one's libido! The twins are adorable!

This is a really great book, and I would highly recommend it to all! The book has stunning photography, a pair of two beautiful twins, doing a variety of activities, with great scenery! I do think this book is better than "Double Take-The Brewer Twins," Bruce and Seth Hall(the twins in this wonderful book)are in my opinion better looking, and more natural! I hope we hear more from Bruce and Seth! The book has somewhat of a maybe unintended homoerotic look and feel to it, which I find very intriguing! I have bought two copies, one I have opened, and the other I have kept sealed-I think this is a really great book! BUY IT! :-)

I knew Joy Stocke and Fran Metzman -- who both published my last book of poetry -- were writing a novel. But I had NO IDEA what to expect. Naturally, since they are both witty and smart and eclectic, they have written a witty and smart and eclectic book, and it's GREAT, guys!! I read it straight through, finished it last night at 5AM. Your characters jumped into my brain immediately and became people to me; I cared about their crises and comic disasters. This book could be called LOVE AND WORK, for its intelligent, sensitive -- and humorous -- exploration of both topics. Think of Marge Piercy's problem novels grafted to some hip, hilarious contemporary TV series with a cadre of outrageous and memorable characters and each line of dialog so funny it takes your breath away,like a punch in the stomach, but a GOOD, IRONIC PUNCH, that's UGLY COOKIES. I see an UGLY COOKIES sequel -- another book, a T-shirt, a TV series, a Hollywood movie, a calendar, a cook-book, AND a cookie chain franchise that will instantly rival Famous Amos and Mrs. What's-Her-Name-I've already forgotten. Hey, Fran and Joy, Tradmark and Brand-Name it quick!! Hop on it!! UGLY IS BEAUTIFUL!!

This book is a combination of what I look for most in a novel: It's a laugh-out-loud riot, but the characters have real soul and face plenty of real-life obstacles as they attract and repel each other in a very believable way. Plus, being from Philly, I really appreciated how the book conveyed the city's spirit.

I picked up this book because I liked the title. Little did I know that I would read the book in one sitting. I loved this book and the characters and their trials and tribulations. Even though they were quirky, they seemed real to me. I could identify with Bridget and her relationship with Carson. The authors didn't gloss over the differences between men and women. Also, it's rare to find a book that deals with senior citizens in such a compassionate way. I will recommend this book to people of all ages. At last, something I can share with my boyfriend and my mother.

This was a wonderful book to take on an overseas business trip. I think the people around me wanted to know waht the chuckles were all about. The title is the best, I don't know if I make ugly cookies 'cuz I only eat the dough.

Ugly Cookies is a hilarious romp through a maze of interconnecting relationships in which lifestyles, belief systems, generational expectations and commitments of career and love are challenged on many levels. The bizarre circumstances in which this is played out in ashrams, boardrooms, warehouses, market places and coffeehouses is humorous, yet the novel has a serious undertone throughout. The power of family influence to nurture or destroy all human relationships is dramatized through three generations.

Everyone knows Asimov was "the man" of Physics and other hard sciences but what makes him stand out to me is that he can communicate in plain english. Lots of people can understand quantum mechanics, very few can explain them in language every man can understand.

This book does just that. I used it as a supplement to all Physics text books in college, when I was unable to catch on to what the book was trying to explain. Asimov has yet to let me down, and though Physics class is long gone, I still refer to and enjoy reading this book.

These three volumes in one are an easy-reading, chatty introduction to the world of physics. Asimov's inclusion of the historical background along with the development of specific concepts contributes to its readability. Asimov also keeps scientific jargon and mathematical equations to a minimum. I can't speculate on the value of "Understanding Physics" to the serious student of physics, but for a dabbler who wants to know more about how things work, or to have a handy reference, it is ideal.

Although I took a full year of physics in college, I learned most of my physics from the three books in the Understanding Physics series by Isaac Asimov. As proof, I offer the fact that I scored a respectable 8 on the physics section of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) that I took before starting the college physics class. My study of physics in preparation for the test began when I purchased and read the three books in the series. When I was in the physics class, I understood all of the ideas; the only part that presented any difficulty was applying calculus to the problems.
Asimov has a knack for writing about science in a way that allows for the rapid and complete learning of the concepts. This book covers the basics of classical physics, as relativity is only mentioned in footnotes. Unlike many other authors, Asimov does not hesitate to use equations in his explanations. I commend him for this, as you cannot learn physics without equations and the temptation to avoid them was no doubt strong. If you want to learn the fundamentals of physics, the three-volume Understanding Physics series by Asimov is the best place to start.

Once you learn how to read deeply (and maybe a few years after freshman physics), this is THE book to read. Asimov has a science-type Ph.D. from Columbia (the Ivy league one) and he is a wonderful story teller. Still, I tried to read this book in high school and it meant nearly nothing to me then. But I tried again in graduate school (after completing ABET ECE degree) and was rewarded. Each and every page gave me just what my mind and heart desired. It was a heavenly experience to have even a synthetic relationship/conversation with Asimov and his mid-20th century Columbia Univeristy physics department. By the way, I'm pretty sure L. Ron Hubard's cult and its followers ripped off MEST (Mass, Energy, Time, and Space) from this book.

Although I took a full year of physics in college, I learned most of my physics from the three books in the Understanding Physics series by Isaac Asimov. As proof, I offer the fact that I scored a respectable 8 on the physics section of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) that I took before starting the college physics class. My study of physics in preparation for the test began when I purchased and read the three books in the series. When I was in the physics class, I understood all of the ideas; the only part that presented any difficulty was applying calculus to the problems.
Asimov has a knack for writing about science in a way that allows for the rapid and complete learning of the concepts. This book covers the basics of the fundamental particles that make up atoms, how they interact with each other and their basic properties. Unlike many other authors, Asimov does not hesitate to use equations in his explanations. I commend him for this, as you cannot learn physics without equations and the temptation to avoid them was no doubt strong. If you want to learn the fundamentals of physics, the three-volume Understanding Physics series by Asimov is the best place to start.

After having to climb through so many books looking for the information I required to understand the issues and response to terrorism I came across Understanding Terrorism by Maniscalco & Christen. What a relief to find a comprehensive, cohesive and no nonsense book.

These authors have done a remarkable job with synthesizing complex data and rendering it into a discussional and informational manner easily comprehended by all emergency planners and responders. The constant reinforcement of "system" play and interoperability as well as a function rather than an agency approach lent great assistance to my team being able to immediately apply the knowledge to the crafting of our contingency response templates.

Great job by the composers, fantastic text for you or your organization!

This book is fantastic. It articulates the issues in a discussional format and make sense of the many confusing topics of terrorism planning and response.

I like the fact that the authors have taken the time to include a very robust reference appendix section. It has proven to be unquestionably my go to book on this subject matter.

In addition to the front matter which is invaluable, I now have to only grab one book to reference the myriad of references, case in point is the streamlined access to federal response plan, MSDS sheets, radiological references etc.

If you are an operator, supervisor, manager, planner or instructor this text is for you!

A lot of books on terrorism response have been written by 'experts'; fine folks who understand the theory, but in reality lack the practical experience. This book is NOT one those.

The authors are well organized, show their writing experience, as well as their provider and leadership experience.

The book is a comfortable read, not a scholarly tome that is an alternative to Xanax. Illustrations are good.

If you have a need to plan for medical response to terrorism, this book is an excellent resource to aid in your preparations.

The authors of Understanding Terrorism have done a great job with presenting complex and difficult material in a manner that is easy for all responders to understand.

This book covers all the bases and met all of my expectations. It has become a permanent fixture in my response bag should I need a ready reference. Frankly, this is perhaps the best book on the subject for emergency responders that I have seen to date. A great value for the price!

I was skeptical at first about another book on terrorism. After being disappointed by several other terrorism response books allegedly written for emergency planners and responders, I was very satisfied with Understanding Terrorism and Managing The Consequences.

This book is a breath of fresh air that restores my confidence that responders who have the experience and background of planning for & operating at terrorist events are sharing their expertise & knowledge.

Understanding Terrorism provides you the VITAL information you need to perform your duties as a responder as well as provides security directors & safety managers expanded knowledge on what is expected for their functional areas in times of terrorist events.

The information is provided in a cohesive manner that aids the users with easy comprehension and utility of the material. It also compiles all the needed references under one cover to make your job easier.

The approach the authors have adopted with this book is a big bonus. Frankly I am tired of books that adopt a "shotgun" approach or use theoretical [terminology] to convey the message of safe and effective response strategies; they fail to address the implementation and operational application issues effectively. THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH UNDERSTANDING TERRORISM. This book helped me each step of the way as well as provides me with the benefit of being a "one book" planning and response reference.

Public or private sector emergency managers, responders or security officials, if you are responsible for the emergency response, Understanding Terrorism is the one book you should own, read and use.

The recipes are probably fine but so far I haven't tried them. I have ordered quite a few vegetarian books lately and this is one I was a bit disappointed in. I grew up in NY and do miss deli food!

I grew up with NYC style deli style foods, and this book is great! Most of the recipes are so easy, too!

I tried the Red Pepper "Lox" first, and my whole family loved it!
*Tip: we sprinkled nori granules (flakes of seaweed) on it for a subtle, fishy flavor!

I'm going to be preparing a lot of the salads often (especially the marinated veggie salads, salads with grains added (like bulgur), and the delicious Chick Pea "Tuna" Salad and White Bean "Salmon" Spread! :)

If you love NYC style deli salads/dairy type dishes/vegan cuisine, this is a wonderful cookbook for you, too!

To see the words Vegan and Deli in the same sentence makes you do a double-take. Relax, it's true! Jo Stepaniak has taken the delicious, comforting world of deli foods and managed to make something wholesome and healthy out of it. When I think deli food, healthy doesn't exactly spring to mind. Enter Vegan Deli. This book has THE most amazing span of deli salads I have ever seen. "Cold Mushroom Salad with Cilantro and Cumin", "Fried Pepper and Tomato Salad", and the ever delectable "Caponata". Caponata is a cold Italian eggplant salad...an Italian salsa if you will. It is delicious eaten on its own out of a dish...but my preferred method of eating and presenting Caponata is topping some fresh crusty bread with it! Those are above and beyond the array of potato salads in this book such as "New Potato Salad With Olives and Capers". What first prompted me to buy this book was the "Pickled & Marinated Vegetables" section with it's many recipes such as "Mixed Vegetable Pickles" and "Pickled Eggplant 'Herring'"...Yum! For an amazingly simple dish that's sure to impress, I recommend the "Noodles in Peanut Sauce". I like to serve that with a simple salad and "Asian-Style Dressing". "Better Than Chicken Noodle Soup" is exactly what it's title suggests...my grandma never came close...Sorry Grandma! Another reader had mentioned the "Lemony Lentil Soup With Noodles and Mint" and I have to agree. Lentil soup has always been a favorite of mine, but I had never had it with this minty twist. It is to die for! "Classic Onion Soup" is another favorite. I like to make a batch of this, top with a recipe of Mostarella Cheese (from The Uncheese Cookbook, Jo Stepaniak), place in a tureen and bake. Just like the real thing. I am stuffed just writing about this delicious food, but could always save room for "Hot Apples" or "Ambrosia". Ambrosia is literally "food of the gods" and I must agree...it is simple yet exotic and truly exquisite. Well reader, I hope this review has helped sway you...You won't be disappointed with Vegan Deli!

Vegan Deli is an amazing cookbook! Every recipe that I have ever made from it has been delicious, and absolutely ingenious. Not only am I in awe of the recipes from Vegan Deli, but my guests who have also dined on these recipes have shared the same sentiments. I am continuously asked by friends for the mouthwatering recipes that this book holds. Joanne Stepaniak continues to amaze me every time I bring her recipes to my table.

Some of my favorites so far include the black bean hummus, which has such a rich and wonderful flavor to it, yet it is not loaded with fat. Also the white bean salmon spread is always a party favorite when I bring it to gatherings. The lemony lentil soup literally had my guests moaning with delight. It brings the perfect combination of flavors together-red lentils and lemons. At the same time, Joanne adds a new twist to the lovely mixture by adding mint and noodles to the recipe. It truly is unique and delectable. The luscious cashew sesame bean "cheese" is a delightful spread for bagels. It reminds me slightly of cream cheese, but I find it much tastier than the cream cheese I remember from childhood. I love the tang of the lemon and the rich taste of the cashew butter mixed together with the bitterness of tahini. If I have not raved enough about the previous recipes, then perhaps this one might tempt you. The lentil walnut "chopped liver" is hands down one of the best foods I have ever eaten. It is wonderful on crackers, in sandwiches, or even just straight up with a spoon! It is worth buying the book for this recipe alone.

Not only do the recipes in Vegan Deli taste good, but they are also very healthful, easy to prepare, and light on the checkbook-making this cookbook one you do not want to miss out on having.

You can't go wrong with anything from Joanne Stepaniak. She's the best vegan cook around. This book is excellent for any vegan or someone just looking into it.