Oman Books

WHILE I WON'T OFFER MUCH NEW TO PREVIOUS REVIEWS, I JUST HAD TO
COMMENT. THIS BOOK IS SAID BY SOME TO BE FICTION BUT IT HAS BOTH
PICTURES OF THOSE MURDERED AND AN EXTENSIVE INDEX. I AGREE IT IS
HARD TO BELIEVE BUT IF TRUE, AS I BELIEVE, IT IS THE MOST
EXTRAORDINARY STORY ONE CAN IMAGINE. I TOO COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. THERE ARE SO MANY INTERESTING CHARACTERS AND LOCATIONS AND THE BOOK IS SO WELL WRITTEN AND "CONSTRUCTED/DESIGNED," IT IS
SIMPLY AMAZING. I WON'T SAY MORE - GET IT, READ IT AND I THINK YOU WILL AGREE THAT IT WAS WELL WORTH IT. IF NOT, WRITE A REVIEW AND LET THOSE OF US WHO FEEL DIFFERENT KNOW WHY.

Sir Ranulph Twistleton Wickham Fiennes BT, OBE (and holder of the Polar Medal with Bar!) is undoubtedly the greatest living British explorer. He also served as an officer with the Special Air Service Regiment in the early seventies at a time when I was attached to that Regiment as a corporal in the Pay Office. We met briefly then and again in the late eighties when I was involved with Operation Raleigh. Though "Ran" - as he introduced himself on the latter occasion, has no reason to recall either meeting, I will always remember this man as someone with great presence who has come to symbolise great things and great achievements. In many ways he is the most British of men.

In his book "The Feather Men," the reader is left wondering whether or not it is a work of fact or fiction. It is an enthralling and exciting read and I am surprised it has not yet been made into a film.

Throughout the world there are certain "standards." For example, people might refer to a specific make of car, as that country's equivalent of a Rolls Royce. This is because Rolls Royce has become the standard for excellence in the making of cars. Similarly, when describing the world's Special Forces, they often refer to certain elite organisations as that country's equivalent of the SAS.

I had the privilege of serving with the SAS over 30 years ago but was never SAS trained. Ran Fiennes was and, therefore, knows what he is talking about. That is why you will be left wondering.

Altogether and excellent book.

NM
British Army Major (retired).

A few words on The Feather Men,I bought the book on an off chance and it was so gripping that I could not put it down.For a factual story it makes even the most far fetched fiction look run of the mill stuff.People like Ranulph Fiennes are truly a cut above the rest,a must read for any one who is interested in special services operations.

A few words on The Feather Men,I bought the book on an off chance and it was so gripping that I could not put it down.For a factual story it makes even the most far fetched fiction look run of the mill stuff.People like Ranulph Fiennes are truly a cut above the rest,a must read for any one who is interested in special services operations.

Could not simply place the book down. Had me gripped from start to finish. Quite a lot to take in with various names being slung around the place early on but if you bare with this and keep concentrating it is greatly rewarded.
I had the pleasure to ask Sir Ranulph Fiennes whether the book was fact or fiction, he said that was up to the reader to decide and he would not say or comment.
great book, great man.

The way we pray is a personal reflection of who we are. I love how this book honors and explains diverse methods of prayer. There is no one correct way to pray. It would be dreadfully boring if there were only one correct way to do it. It makes sense to me that we could even use different methods of praying for different circumstances in our lives. This book gives lots of examples of how to connect with our God and our spirituality. I think it comes down to recognizing what resonates deeply within us. Our creativity is a blessing, a gift given to us by God. -Shouldn't we use our gifts to give honor and glory and thanks back to God?

I loved reading this book. It stirred me, reading about the different ways that people connect to God. In the chapter 'Ceremonial Costumes' it asks why some are drawn to costume or ceremonial clothing as a form of worship, and I loved the answer: 'Perhaps because it is a means of tangibly breaking out of everyday routine to mark, through texture and color, an entrance into sacred space.'

At the beginning of the 'Centering Prayer' chapter, there is a quote by Thomas Keating that says: 'We may think of prayer as thoughts or feelings expressed in words, but this is only one expression. Deep prayer is the laying aside of thoughts. It is the opening of mind and heart and body and feelings-our whole being-to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond word, thoughts and emotions.'

There are many prayer practices presented in the book and I loved reading about them and thinking about them. At the end of each chapter, there is a small section of suggestions for beginning the exploration, which gives you some things to think on or activities to try.

~Namaste~

I apoligize in advance for giving this book three stars, but in my collection it's a three, this is only because I prefer books with a little more meat. However, as a resource tool, and an introductory book, this is a great book. Oman Shannon covers over 50 different prayer practices, and covers them in a way that make them easy to understand and she offers suggestions at the end of each chapter on how to incorporate them into your daily life. This allows a person to start thinking about how prayer can be adapted into your own life.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a great introduction to prayer practices, or a great personal reference tool for thier academic or personal conquests.

Maggie Oman Shannon does such a great job of making devotion through prayer seen alluring, rewarding and even fun. I enjoyed learning about all the differnt methods of praying that I have heard about before but knew little about. Finding out about prayer bowls, tea ceromonies and prayer dancing was very interesting. Maggie shares many ways that whatever way of prayer we are interested in can become accessible to use immediately.

I enjoyed as the quotes from different traditions included and
learning about different cultures. The Way We Pray does a great job of giving the reader so many different ways to be spiritual that they can never get bored and always have more paths to explore. What an inspirational book.

Yes, this book is about prayer. It is a guidebook for the spiritual person to integrate methods from many different traditions and beliefs into their spiritual development.

Several aspects of this book that really makes it especially rich include the large variety of cross cultural practices including activities and ritual which you might not have necessarily thought of before as "prayer".

Oman Shannon reminds the reader that prayer practice is best moved beyond the realm of our "juice draining" early religious training and into the world of sacred intention so that we can truly encounter the divine.

Each chapter outlines another prayer practice and includes a feature called "Suggestions for beginning the exploration." This tool is especially helpful as it continues the integration process.... I mean learning about these practices is interesting AND actually using them takes them to the next level.

I found the sections on "Chants", "Milagros", "Mastermind Groups" and "Forgiveness Practices" to be among the most beneficial... although I am sure as different scenarios appear in my life, different chapters will be applied and utilized.

Prayer may take many forms and be for an infinite variety of reasons. In The Way We Pray: Prayer Practices From Around the World, Maggie Oman Shannon provides a "compendium of prayer practices with enough context to acknowledge the cultural traditions behind them, while offering an invitation for further exploration."

Oman Shannon is a spiritual director, and founder of The New Story, an organization that helps people discover the deeper purpose to their lives. She's also a writer and editor, with a previous anthology of healing prayers to her credit.

Although many of us think of being on our knees with hands folded in front of us as the way to pray, practices as diverse as fasting, haiku, meditation, storytelling, and visual arts can all be a way of prayer. Oman Shannon quotes Catherine of Siena with the thought that "everything you do can be a prayer." What you physically do is of less importance than your sacred intentions. She says that prayer can become the "enfolding fabric in which we live our lives, and everything we do has the potential to be prayerful."

She describes over fifty ways of offering prayer. Each description details how that practice developed and how it has been used throughout time. Then Oman Shannon provides suggestions of how each method can be used in contemporary times, for contemporary difficulties. Each description is finished with a section containing several suggestions as to how individuals can explore that particular means of prayer to determine if it's something they can use.

An extensive resource section is provided to assist readers who want to investigate a particular practice in more depth.

Alan Jones, Dean of Grace Cathedral, has this to say in the Foreword: "The Way We Pray offers us a treasury of integrating spiritual practices [and] they all have the power to open us up to a deeper and more generous reality." Readers will find the Oman Shannon has provided an invaluable resource for discovering the power of prayer in the way best suited to meet their needs.

I don't usually write reviews but this book of prayers taken from around the world and throughout history is so beautiful and powerfully moving that I had to write to recommend it. Well worth the money - I plan to buy more to give as presents.

I read this book every day. It has enriched my spiritual life tremendously. Now I give it to friends and family. We all have places in our lives and selves that need to be healed-- this book speaks to many of those different dimensions.

Not only will the beautiful cover of this collection edited by Maggie Oman inspire you but the contents, a selection for each day of the year, will offer comfort, peace, and hope no matter what might be taking place in your life. There are entries written by an African-Ameican Abolitionists in 1863, one by Mary Baker Eddy in that same century, another by the Dalai Lama in our own day and yet another by Marianne Williamson. The entries are so good I find myself using the book each morning and then turning back to it throughout the day. I highly recommend it!

I have used this volume for several years in my personal prayer/meditation practice. I order so many copies because I give it to friends anytime there is a crisis, a health concern or a loss. There are meditation for every religious or philosophical style. ost are beautifully-written and touching. I recommended it highly.
Jane

I've loved this book for years. I didn't do it the daily devotional way the book is set up. I read through it and marked the ones that I found especially helpful and comforting. I turned to those when times are tough

I have given a dozen or so of these books to friends and to pastors. I wrote the dates of my favorites in the fly and encouraged them to add their own to the list.

Nearly everyone has told me how helpful the book has been. It's use of prayers from all religions and over hundreds/thousands of yrs helps us to know that our troubles and feelings are not ours alone but have been experienced by others engaged in this experience we call life.

It is really a wonderful treasure when the times are really tough.
Clarice Bates

I find Nasra's writing a type that promotes amity around the world. Very seldom can an author put words into such an emotional prose. Reading, one can clearly feel the emotions. She ingeniously has put together a Best Seller!!

Nasra's poetry is the result of much human courage in the face of many obstacles. She is a combination of many cultures, and her poetry speaks of the human heart, regardless of nationality or location. The battle against cancer is world-wide, and everyone knows of the loss it brings. Can a woman be more powerful than this? Bringing life and hope to others who are losing theirs? Empowerment of the soul is everyone's job and what a strong global citizen Nasra is to turn personal challenge into hope for so many. Bravo, dear sister, bravo.

The collection of stories are both moving and inspiring. It is comforting to see the strength and courage demonstrated by those affected with this disease and it gives hope to those going through this ordeal. This book gives a real voice to the fight against cancer and the poems reflect the emotions and feelings behind it so beautifully. Great book.

Ms. Al Adawi has proven herself to be a strong voice for women who often are not heard. Breast cancer has become a crusade in America, but all too often lack of education in much of the developing world puts myriad women at risk. Nonetheless, they are valiant in the face of their illness, and make do with the resources that are available. Ms. Al Adawi has spent time in Tanzania, listening to their stories, and has woven their words to create a beautiful book, expressing their bravery. All of the proceeds from this book are donated to these women, given back to help increase breast cancer education and healthcare in Tanzania. If you have a friend or family member who is battling with this illness, this is a truly brilliant gift. Written in Swahili and in English, Ms. Al Adawi's language holds the vibrancy and rhythm of her Zanzibari roots, and her thoughtfulness brings together a world of hope in the face of disaster.

Nasra Al Adawi is not only a big writing talent, but she also has a genuine affection for people with cancer. "Brave Face" is a wonderful, inspirational book that couses tears and brings hope too. Read the book. You won't regret it and you will not forget it soon.

This affordable paperback edition of Volume V of Charles Oman's definitive study of the Peninsular War covers the turning point of the conflict. In early 1812, Napoleon withdrew some of his Imperial troops from occupied Spain for his ill-fated invasion of Russia. The dispersal of the remaining French troops to hold down Spanish insurgents coincided with a buildup of the Anglo-Portuguese Army, enabling Wellington to go over to the offensive with an experienced and well-trained force. The bold seizure of the Spanish frontier fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz opened the way for Wellington's magnificent victory of maneuver over Marshal Marmont's French Army at Salamanca. Although Wellington overreached himself at the siege of Burgos and was forced to retrench on the Portuguese frontier over the winter of 1812-1813, the French had lost the initiative in the Peninsular War for good.

Oman brings out how Napoleon's attempts to run the Peninsular War from Paris and Wellington's superior ability to gather intelligence contributed to French defeats. Oman includes a brief but fascinating account, perhaps particularly relevant for modern readers, of the challenges faced by the British Tory government in supporting a long and expensive campaign to dislodge the French from Spain and Portugal. The Whig Party, in opposition, decried every expense and every casualty in favor of an immediate peace treaty with Napoleon. Such a treaty prior to Napoleon's defeat in Russia would have ceded control of Continental Europe to the French Emperor. The Tory government withstood Whig opposition and internal dissension to perservere against Napoleon, trusting Wellington to fulfill the mission of his command.

Oman's command of his subject in volume V is masterful. His narrative is mature and confident. While the focus is on the operational level of war, Oman provides descriptive and ocassionally thrilling vignettes of the critical battles. The footnotes provide much additional context.

This volume and series are highly recommended to serious students of the Napoleonic Wars. The casual reader without background of the conflict may find this volume a very challenging read.

Volume V of Charles Oman's definitive study of the Peninsular War covers the turning point of the conflict in the Iberian Peninsula. In early 1812, Napoleon withdrew some of his Imperial troops from Spain for his ill-fated invasion of Russia. The dispersal of the remaining French troops to hold down Spanish insurgents coincided with a buildup of the Anglo-Portuguese Army, enabling Wellington to go over to the offensive with an experienced and well-trained force. The bold seizure of the Spanish frontier fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz opened the way for Wellington's magnificent victory of maneuver over Marshal Marmont's French army at Salamanca. Although Wellington overreached himself at the siege of Burgos and was forced to retrench on the Portuguese frontier over the winter of 1812-1813, the French had lost the initiative in the Peninsular War for good. Oman brings out how Napoleon's attempts to run the Peninsular War from Paris and Wellington's superior ability to gather intelligence contributed to French defeats. Oman includes a brief but fascinating account, perhaps particularly relevant for modern readers, of the challenges faced by the British Tory government in supporting a long and expensive campaign to dislodge the French from the Iberian Peninsula. The Whig Party, in opposition, decried every expense and every casualty in favor of an immediate peace treaty with Napoleon. Such a treaty prior to Napoleon's defeat in Russia would have ceded control of Continental Europe to the French Emperor. The Tory government withstood Whig opposition and internal dissension to persevere against Napoleon, trusting Wellington to fulfill the mission of his command. Oman's command of his subject is masterful; his narrative is mature and confident. While the focus is on the operational level of war, Oman provides descriptive and ocassionally thrilling vignettes of the critical battles. The footnotes provide much additional context. This volume and series are highly recommended to serious students of the Napoleonic Wars. The casual reader without background of the conflict may find this volume a very challenging read.

Sir Charles Oman's comprehensive seven volume history of the Peninsular War is the yardstick by which any other history of this theatre must be measured. It is exhaustive in detail and in breadth of coverage. If it happened, it is in one of these volumes. Napoleon may have considered Spain a side show, but as results turned out it was a bleeding ulcer. French losses here, combined with the 1812 campaign, placed a strain on the Empire which could not be overcome by even the best generalship. Any true student of the Napoleonic Wars should find these books and read them. They are essential to a complete understanding of the conflict.

Sir Charles Oman's comprehensive seven volume history of the Peninsular War is the yardstick by which any other history of this theatre must be measured. It is exhaustive in detail and in breadth of coverage. If it happened, it is in one of these volumes. Napoleon may have considered Spain a side show, but as results turned out it was a bleeding ulcer. French losses here, combined with the 1812 campaign, placed a strain on the Empire which could not be overcome by even the best generalship. Any true student of the Napoleonic Wars should find these books and read them. They are essential to a complete understanding of the conflict.

This wonderfully affordable paperback edition makes available Volume V of Charles Oman's definitive history of the Peninsular War, which covers the turning point of the war. In early 1812, Napoleon withdrew some of his Imperial troops from Spain for the ill-fated invasion of Russia. The dispersal of the remaining French forces to hold down Spanish insurgents coincided with a buildup of the Anglo-Portuguese Army, enabling Wellington to go over to the offensive with his experienced and well-trained force.

The bold seizure of the Spanish frontier fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz opended the way for Wellington's magnificent victory of maneuver over Marshal Marmont's French Army at Salamanca. Wellington would later overreach himself at the siege of Burgos and be forced to retrench on the Portuguese frontier over the winter of 1812-1813. However, the French had lost the initiative in the Peninsular War for good.

Oman includes a brief but fascinating account, perhaps particularly relevant for modern readers, of the challenges faced by the British Tory government in waging an expensive six year campaign to dislodge the French from the Iberian Peninsula. The British Whig Party, in opposition, decried every expense and casualty in favor of an immediate peace treaty with Napoleon. The effect of such a treaty prior to Napoleon's defeat in Russia would have been to concede control of Continental Europe to the French Emperor. The British Ministry withstood both Whig opposition and internal Tory dissension to persevere against Napoleon and to trust Wellington to fulfill the mission of his command in Spain.

Oman's command of his subject is masterful; his narrative is mature and confident. While the focus is on the operational level of war, Oman provides descriptive and occasionally thrilling vignettes of the critical battles. The footnotes provide much additional context which will be of interest to the serious student of the Napoleonic Wars. The casual reader without background of the conflict may find this volume a challenging read.

Oman is the definitive tactical and operational description of the British and French campaigns in the Iberian Peninsula during the Napoleonic Wars. It's also among the best descriptions in the English language of the realities of early 19th century ground combat.

My reading was of the original volumes in the 1970s; I'm most pleased that these unmatched references have been re-printed.

This is a reprint of the first of Charles Oman's masterful seven volume History of the Peninsular War, and covers the period from the initiation of hostilities to Moore's retreat to Corunna. Quite simple, this is the definitive English language reference on the Peninsular War, and nobody can call themselves a serious student of this era without having read this series. This first volume was published in 1902, the seventh in 1935, and although there has been mountains written since about the campaigns, the battles, and the soldiers in English, French, and Spanish, this is still the undisputed masterwork, and the standard by which all others are compared.

Virtually all of the political, military, and economic issues related to the campaigns are presented in these volumes. Every major battle is described in minute detail by Oman. He personally travelled to virtually every battlefield in Spain and Portugal to better understand the lay of the land for himself. Even more than in central Europe, the terrain played a critical role in the Peninsula, and Oman made every effort to understand how it affected the outcome. There are detailed orders of battle for all combatants and maps for all battles. The maps are large, color foldout format for the more significant battles. Political events are also described, particularly as they relate to the military sphere.

There are some drawbacks/limitations to all the books in this series. First, there is a HEAVY pro-British bias in outlook in all these books. I got the impression that Oman considered the French to be largely incompetent. These books to not present a balanced view, or even seriously try to explain the French perspective of the campaigns. The Spanish are also presented as largely irrelevant, although most of the fighting was in Spain! Second, there are few details of the guerilla operations. This may be the first war in which guerilla operations (what we would today call fourth generation war) played an important (decisive?) role. Oman doesn't omit discussion of these entirely, but they are certainly downplayed. I think that a more detailed discussion of guerilla leaders, operations, and their relationship with the larger military campaigns would have been a great addition to an already long series. Third, like virtually all English military historians, this is a virtual hagiography of Wellington. Don't let this in anyway prevent you from buying these. This series is certainly not the end all on the subject, but it is still, after 70+ years, the best that has ever been written about it.

The original typeface (from the early 20th century editions) has been preserved in this modern re-publication. This really give the text an authentic feel. Seven volumes of 600+ pages each may seem like a lot of reading, but Oman wrote with a easily readable and absorbing prose. This series is obviously a bit of a time commitment, but I would recommend this to even someone with a passing interest in the epoch. I should mention that I first read this serious about 15 years ago, I decided that I didn't know enough about the Peninsular War and borrowed each volume from the library. I've since bought the reprinted volumes (a complete collection of the original volumes is a wee-bit expensive, if you can find them), and re-read sections regularly. If you can believe it, I felt that even after seven volumes, there were many topics that Oman didn't cover in enough detail (see above)!

In short, if you are a serious student of the Napoleonic Wars, you must read this series of books. You will not regret the money or the time spent. I would give this series 6 stars if I could. Outstanding.

Sir Charles Oman's comprehensive seven volume history of the Peninsular War is the yardstick by which any other history of this theatre must be measured. It is exhaustive in detail and in breadth of coverage. If it happened, it is in one of these volumes. Napoleon may have considered Spain a side show, but as results turned out it was a bleeding ulcer. French losses here, combined with the 1812 campaign, placed a strain on the Empire which could not be overcome by even the best generalship. Any true student of the Napoleonic Wars should find these books and read them. They are essential to a complete understanding of the conflict.

This is the first of a seven volume history of the Peninsular War in Spain and Portugal between the forces of Napoleonic France and Great Britain, Portugal, and Spain. Oman's account, although dated, is still the definitive account of this long conflict. This first volume recounts the background to the French invasion, the French conquest of Portugal and Spain, and the results, which included insurrection in Spain and British intervention in Portugal. Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington, makes his initial appearance in the war at the head of a small British expeditionary force which ultimately displaces the French from Portugal. A larger figure in this first volume is Sir John Moore, who took over leadership of the British expeditionary force and led the ill-fated campaign in Spain. Oman does a superb job capturing the complexities of the conflict at the strategic and operational levels of war. In particular, Oman does an excellent job laying out the conflicts within Spanish ranks which seriously hamstrung their resistance to French occupation. His tactical narrative is adequate; those fascinated by the cut and thrust of battle narratives will do better with other authors. This first volume provides much necessary but sometimes tedious background to the War; although Oman's interest in the British intervention is obvious, he is evenhanded in covering events in Spain. Those undertaking the whole series will find that Oman's writing quality improves with each succeeding volume. This volume is highly recommended to the serious student of the Napoleonic Wars and of the history of the British Army. Possession of a good map of the Iberian Peninsula will supplement the smaller maps included in the text.

I am ashamed to say, after studying the Napoleonic Wars for quite some time, this is my first reading of this excellent volume. It is an exhaustive, authoritative account of the Peninsular War that is without peer in English. Oman spent years researching and writing this multi-volume epic, and it is invaluable both as a reference and a research tool on its own. The only way you will find like information is by going into the archives yourself.

Oman does somewhat over simplify 'column versus line' in his study, but the detail, and the sweep of these campaigns that he so meaningfully tells more than make up for that.

This book, and the series it introduces, are highly recommended for any and all enthusiasts and historians, and it has an honored place on my bookshelf. The price may be somewhat steep, but it is definitely worth it.

This reissue has an invaluable introduction by Col John Elting, the noted authority on the period, which is helpful in understanding how and why Oman wrote the series. This book, and the series, is a definite keeper and is without peer for the study of these critical campaigns.

By directly comparing great principles from the scriptures of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, "One God, Shared Hope" shows that these religions have shared goals of peace among nations and cultures. In turbulent times, this message of unity is indeed welcome, and should be shared with family and friends.

The book is unique and valuable on another level, as well. The principles expressed are the basis for personal spiritual growth and well-being. We can never have enough inspiration in this direction. A quiet reading of this book can do wonders for the soul.

This book affirms the truth of oneness by comparing holy scripture texts on different Universal Truths. Comparison is made between the Talmud, the Koran and the Bible. Specific texts are notated for further study, if desired.

The book's division into three parts; principles concerning god, principles concerning others, and principles concerning self, make it easy to pick up and use as needed. For example, Principles Concerning Self includes the threads: Cultivate wisdom, Practice self-control, Develop your character, Remain humble, Admit your mistakes, and Be a peacemaker.

Another extraordinary aspect of the book is the final section: "resources for further study." Included is a list of books, magazines, software, organizations, websites and scripture references useful in further study for comparision of religions.

I definately recommend this little gem of a book for devotional use and reference! It is so affirming to realize the similarities between major beliefs and each of the holy scripture texts. Wow!

As a person researching and forming new opinions around my sprititual beliefs this book came into my life at a time when I needed it most. As an adult who walked away from all forms of organized religion I recently began to feel that something was missing.

"One God, Shared Hope" reminded me that Faith is the key I was missing. The common principles relating to God, Others, and Self embrace the fact that we are all here to honor and love one another and live a life of Faith filled freedom.

We are a descendants of a shared vision. Reading this book allowed me to see the commonality that exists in the World relating to our morals and values.

For me, a novice to World Religions, this book is an easy read that allows the reader to grasp the knowledge being imparted in a manner that can be taken in right to the Soul. Even if I were more experienced the ease with which this book represents the themes makes it is a treasure find that I will share with friends and family and highly recommend to people I encounter.

"One God, Shared Hope" invites us to share a thoughtful, from the heart conversation about what it means to be a person of faith, and how that meaning resonates and echoes among Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The desire to do good, to know and love God, to be faithful and to flow love from our hearts for all of God's creation is universal.

The more we think we are different, the more we are really the same. The similarities in the scriptures of our faiths vividly affirm how alike we really are.

The book is easily read from beginning to end, or better yet, can be used as a starting point for personal meditation upon any one of the twenty "threads" Oman Shannon uses to weave this luminous cloth. There are even threads within the threads. When brought together, the depth of color and texture invites one back again and again, each time something a little bit different allowing itself to be seen.

I've read other books about the unifying themes of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. They seemed over-arching in theme and somewhat abstract. Oman Shannon speaks to me, as one person of faith to another, inspiring and encouraging me along the way, so that I may also inspire and encourage.

And isn't that what it's all about?

My heart literally beats with more lightness and vibrance as I read this enlightening book.

A student of "Oneness" between spiritual traditions, I was delighted to read this new offering. Maggie Oman Shannon introduces scripture selections with artful prose which mirrors and calls forth the scripture and principals in question.

I can see myself suggesting this book to many people who have yet to realize our many "likenesses" between the descendents of Abraham.

In fact, the book reminds me that we are ALL unified... whether our beliefs come from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam or any other faith. Our hearts connect us just as this book connected me so surely with its message.

I am 14 years of age, and thought this book was excellent. Any Versace fan would love this. The book is so bright with beautiful Miami inspired colors, very artistic illustrations, and wonderful pictures of his great creative designs. Though this is only up to his 1994 designs, it shows many of his best of all time. In this book, there are pages of his designs, theater designs,and more. This book is great. You never get bored when either reading the few pages to read, or when you are looking at the pictures and illustrations. It is a must have for the fashion lover, especially for the Gianni fan.

"From the theatrical to the whimsical, Gianni Versace's designs have something for everyone. On these pages, his sketches and finished works of haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, jewelry, and opera and ballet costumes as well as artworks created by and for Versace are interpreted by top photographers such as Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Bruce Weber. The pictures are accompanied by three very different kinds of writing: commentary by Hamish Bowles, Style Editor of American Vogue; a new short story by Isabella Bossi Fedrigotti, an Italian journalist and award-winning novelist; and a text by Lady Julia Trevelyan Oman."

I am 14 years of age, and thought this book was excellent. Any Versace fan would love this. The book is so bright with beautiful Miami inspired colors, very artistic illustrations, and wonderful pictures of his great creative designs. Though this is only up to his 1994 designs, it shows many of his best of all time. In this book, there are pages of his designs, theater designs,and more. This book is great. You never get bored when either reading the few pages to read, or when you are looking at the pictures and illustrations. It is a must have for the fashion lover, especially for the Gianni fan.

Gianni Versace - just the name brings to mind visions of high fashion, haute couture, incredibly beautiful fabrics swishing by on colt-like mannequins with arched eyebrows and the highest cheekbones. Vanitas: Designs is glamour between covers as it presents the designs, ready-to-wear, accessories, jewelry and costumes by Versace.

The almost 300 folio-size, full-page startlingly colorful picturers are accompanied by texts penned by Hamish Bowles, Lady Julia Trevelyan Oman, Andre Leon Talley, and Isabella Bossi Fedrigotti. Quotes by Versace enliven the already quick paced commentary.

The section on embroidery, from buttonholes to ball gowns, features garments decorated with threads of gold and silver, bugle beads, all reflecting Versace's eye for the imaginatively stunning.

Here is a beautiful, bold, sometimes brash collection of some of the most opulent designs in our world of fashion.

- Gail Cooke

This is my favorite book on Gianni Versace! It does an excellent job of showing excellent examples of the beautiful embellishments that make Versace what it is...SPECTACULAR. The art work is beautiful and the full color pictures are why this book is on my cofee table. It sums up Versace's work wonderfully!

Sir Geoffrey's is a great work, worth every minute spent reading it. One gains an understanding of the times, the society, the national and international politics, the economy, the religious issues -- and the fascinating Tudors and their administrators. A wonderful piece of work. Too bad the publisher Routledge packaged this masterpiece in a miserly volume meanly produced by The Guernsey Press. The type, which looks as though plates were made by photocopying some earlier printing, is like the fine print in a sales document -- so miniscule one must squint even in very good light. On many pages the text flows into the narrow gutters so that one must forcibly press the book open to make out what lies next to the binding. Because of the cheapness of the edition, reading it will be slow going for you, unless you do as I did: Force each two-page spread onto the flat bed of a photocopier, set the enlargement at 120%, and copy the text. Once I did that, the reading went smoothly. Shame on you, Routledge and Guernsey Press, for giving us such a fine work in such a shoddy presentation.

Elton is the most dangerous of historians -- clear, logical and able to charm with his (sometimes) dry wit.

Although fair due is given to all the monarchs:

Henry VII is capable and prudent;

Henry VIII is less capable, less prudent and in above his head;

Edward VI is selfish and malleable (but he was young);

Mary is sincere and narrow (Here Elton makes one of the few unfair statements in the book. He says, truly enough I expect, that during "Bloody Mary's" reign fewer people were killed for the cause of religion or rebellion than under any other Tudor. This ignores the brevity of her reign and makes no allowance for what might have been if Catholicism had been forcibly reintroduced.);

Elizabeth is truly a great ruler;

...the real hero is Thomas Cromwell who, in engineering Henry's divorce, established England as a state ruled by law.

A wonderful book.

Direct, opinionated, sometimes even combative, Elton delivers a tour de force in historical survey. This book is a highly readable, meticulously researched, and thoroughly engaging review of the period from the beginning of the reign of Henry VII to the death of Elizabeth. As survey of English history during the time of the Tudors, you can't do much better than this book.

The character and accomplishments of each of the rulers stands out as a uniquely individual: Henry VII, the fiscally responsible monarch who established the Tudor claim to the throne and restored the monarchy to solvency; Henry VIII the religiously orthodox ruler who nonetheless broke with Rome and established the Church of England; Edward, the protestant fanatic who (fortunately?) did not live long enough to have much impact; Mary, sincere but of limited ability as a queen; and of course Elizabeth.

Elizabeth's portrait is perhaps the most interesting, since she reigned longest and cast such a huge shadow over the time. The view is a balanced one. Elton is not over-awed by his subject, as so many biogrpahers of Elizabeth seem to be. He acknowledges her political deftness and sure-fire judge of men's ability, without losing sight of her failings and personal weaknesses. Her fiery temper and vainty are not forgotten and not every decision she makes is hailed as correct - nor is she dismissed as being merely "lucky" for her entire 45 year reign, as the occassional critic of Elizabeth seems to imply.

The true hero of the work, however, is none of the monarchs, not even Henry VII whom Elton seems to think quite highly of. It is Thomas Cromwell, who essentially ran the government during the crucial years of Henry VIII's break with Rome. Elton credits him with "revolutionizing" the beauracracy of the country as well as guiding policy for the entire span of his service. Hea rgues that the revolution in Henry VII's time was guided primarily by Cromwell and merely "consolidated" under Elizabeth.

Along the way, other men of ability and position who influnenced the course of history are given time as well. There is the brilliant but ultimately unsuccessful Woolsey, who Elton believes set the stage for the collapse of support for Catholicism in England, William Cecil (later Lord Burghley), who was Elizabeth's chief minister and right hand man throughout most of her reign, and the tragically unstable Essex who was his own worst enemy, to name only a few.

A great introduction or refresher for those interested in learning more about a period that was crucial to the formation of the England that become the world's dominant power.

This collection of e-mails, gives the reader a unique perspective into real life in the Middle East. I read a few each evening, give it a try!

I began writing Mondays in the Middle East from Bahrain in 1999 to relay cultural insights for a Midwestern radio station. I have tried to maintain two key principles during writing:

1. I want to be respectful of the religious beliefs of the Arab people.

2. I want to poke fun at myself and my own culture as much as I might poke fun at Arab culture.

Mondays in the Middle East is intended to open people's minds to more of life in the Middle East than they might otherwise know. It seems that the slant presented by the Western media has every Arab holding an AK-47 and a hand grenade. I want to present some of the real-life situations I've come across that give a different view and I want to do it with a bit of humor for all.

The Middle East in general has become an important region to understand not just because of the Iraq wars, but because Arab people are influencing the Western world like never before. My hope is that this book will give a new perspective of understanding to the Western reader with a healthy dose of light-hearted humor. Enjoy and have fun!

How wonderful to read about the good, fun people and lifestyle differences between the USA & MIDDLE EAST. It is truly a joy to read beyond the war torn life of that area of the world! This delightful book gives us an opportunity to see the likeness of God's people in different cultures. A quick enjoyable read!