Image Books

I am writing this review on the day Joe Rosenthal died. Joe Rosenthal was the photographer who took one of the most famous photos of all time, the picture of the Marines raising the flag on Mt. Suribachi in the Pacific island of Iwo Jima where one of the war's key and most bloodly battles was fought in 1945. Afterwards there was a controvery and accusations that he had staged this. This present book provides overwhelming evidence of the falsity of the claim. It also provides a detailed recounting of the story of the battle of Iwo Jima.
Rosenthal who was by all accounts a modest man said , once 'What difference does it make who took the photograph? I took it. But what is important is that the Marines took Iwo Jima.' Six thousand Americans lost their lives in that battle.
In this book Tedd Thomey who was a Marine wounded in the battle of Iwo Jima, tells the story of the two ' raisings of the flag' He also tells of the military photographer William Genaust whose photographs and words corroborated Rosenthal's claim that the photo was not staged.
The photo itself is of course a legenday one. I remember seeing it as a child and being struck by it without really knowing why. The effort, the leaning forward of the Marines, the struggle, the aspiration, the flag blowing in the wind, all seemed to express together a picture of American patriotic dedication and greatness, and something too about the human spirit in fighting for what it really believes in.
Rosenthal, again , was a modest man, and according to Thomey, a great patriot. In an instant he gave America a picture of one of its finest moments, and truest meanings.

In the interests of full disclosure I must confess that Tedd Thomey is an old pal. But never mind about that. Tedd would be the first to agree that I must not allow sentiment to compromise my opinions. So let me be brutally honest here: Immortal Images is a brilliant and unique and moving book, the capstone to the author's long and colorful career. Uncovering the--sometimes startling, always intriguing--hidden history behind the iconic photos of the flag-raising at the battle of Iwo Jima, Thomey is part reporter, part private eye, part crusader and part soldier with the insider's viewpoint only a veteran of battle could have brought to the page. How wonderful to find that at this late date, fifty-plus years after the events in question took place, great new books on WWII are still being created by men who actually experienced and survived and won that long-ago conflict. Read it. Know what it was like. This is history you can taste brought to you by a man who was there.

If you have ever wondered who Joe Rosenthal was, read this book. If you wish to know about the photographers who took the images of the Flag Raisings on Iwo Jima, then read this book. If you have ever wondered about what is the true story of the Iwo Jima Flag Raisings by the US Marines on Mount Suribachi, read this book. If you have ever wanted to learn about why there could have been so much controversy surrounding the Iwo Jima Flag Raisings in February, 1945, read this book. Tedd Thomey has put an exhorbitant amount of research and details, some never before known, in the story of two photographers, who by chance, happened to be in the same place at the same time, capturing one of the most famous and widely reproduced images of all time. The book covers a wide range of stories on the people, places, graphic battlefield portrayals surrounding the Joe Rosenthal, Lou Lowery photographs and Bill Genaust 16mm filming of the event. I highly recommend this book for any World War II, Marine Corp, Photojournalism or history lover. Great human drama.

A superbly written book which refutes the minsinformation (both intentional and untentional) surrounding the two flag raisings atop Suribachi Yama on Iwo Jima. The facts are so well proven and documented, the reader will be left with no doubt as to the true course of events.

The author vividly recounts the negative effects these fallacious facts wrought on the men and families of those participating in this historic event.

Although Tedd Thomey was wounded and evacuated on D Day, February 19, 1945, he successfuly recreated much of the 36 day battle. This reader, also, a member of the First Battalion, 28th Marines, found himself completely spellbound as Thomey's narration traveled from the foot of Suribachi north to Hill 362A, over Nishi Ridge into the Badlands, and finally to Bloody Gorge.

Only a true journalist with a passion for the truth could have written this book.

In Our Image: God's First Creatures is a wonderful book for children of all ages and religions. I have read it several times to my daughter preschool class as well as to my son's religious school and grammar school classes. Ms. Sohn Swartz makes the story of the first creatures fun, informative and enlightening for children and parents alike.

Spirituality too often dismisses animals and the blessing they are too us. We are taught they are just there for us to use and to eat. I think children are hurt when they are taught that their animals cannot get into heaven, or that they have no souls. This book does not touch on those issues in particular, but it does show God talking to the animals, loving and honoring them, and allowing them to give suggestions for the qualities that humans could have. This book is endorsed by the leaders of the Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths, so it is a safe gift. Humans are given a challenge toward the end of the book to treat animals in such a way that they need never to be afraid of us. The artwork in this book is exceptionally nice.

In Our Image, God's First Creatures, is simply beautiful, and beautiful in its simplicity. What a lovely story to read to children and what delightful pictures accompany it! In this fanciful tale, God asks all of nature and the creatures of the earth to each offer a gift to humankind. We see all creation, including the sun, moon and stars, becoming involved to offer their gifts. Young children will love the ideas voiced or called, chirped, snapped or drawled by the various animals. This could lead to a conversation about even more gifts from more creatures, or a talk about humane treatment of our animal friends. It is pleasing to know that this book is nondenominational and nonsectarian. I highly recommend In Our Image as a perfect book to share with a child.

This book would make a great gift for parents of young children. I used it to help answer the age old question asked by every child, "where did we come from?" The illustrations and the story were captivating to both my children. I highly recommend this book!!

These books will uplift you and make you believe in comics again.

If you are reading this review then you must be familiar with Invincible and already know that this truly is the best super hero comic on the market. This story arc contains plenty of twists to keep the reader intrigue and introduces plot developments that will be critical to future story lines. If you havent read Invincible yet pick up the two Ultimate Collection hard covers and see what you are missing by not reading this great title.

This is a magnificent trade paperback collecting issues 25 - 30 of Robert Kirkman's Invincible, with a few extras included, such as pencil sketches of selected panels and splash pages, along with commentary by the author and artist. In these collected issues we see Mark Grayson flying off into space to save a race of insect-like aliens from extermination. This leads to Mark being reunited with a certain someone who was last seen flying off into space after beating Mark into a bloody pulp. Eventually the Viltrumites arrive, and what follows is the bloodiest (and best) super-brawl I 've seen in ages. Sure, the action's there, but what makes Incincible so appealing to a wide variety of readers is also the non-stop drama that Kirkman specializes in (see Walking Dead if you don't believe me). While Mark is off saving a planet, his family and friends deal with his absence and a few menaces plaguing the earth to boot. Character development is strong and Mark's girlfriend Amber is being fleshed out by Kirkman as more scenes are being devoted to her and how she deals with her life as the girlfriend of a superhero. Kirkman also introduces an interesting new element into the story in the form of a little 'surprise' from Mark's dad, but I don't want to ruin anything for you. Read the book and find out. It's a humdinger!

This is the only comic book I collect when it is published as trade paperbacks. They are worth the wait. Image and the team of Kirkman/Ottley are great. Lots of twists and turns in this title. The art is crisp and the writing stellar. Kudos to all involved!!

"iPhoto 4: The Missing Manual" is an update of the 2003 book, "iPhoto2" and, like the original, is another in the well-respected O'Reilly Media "Missing Manual" series. "iPhoto4" covers the latest Apple iPhoto software while also providing basic instruction in near-professional quality digital photography.

Derrick Story and the Mac community's favorite writer, David Pogue, continue as authors. Besides covering the latest and newest features of iPhoto 4 like its Control Bar, speed enhancements, Star Ratings, Smart Albums, and more, this latest edition of the book continues providing practical guidance on selecting and using the latest consumer-level digital cameras and equipment. The emphasis is on providing information and guidance to move beyond mere snapshooting. It does take something more to become able to make quality images, both in acquiring the image in the camera and processing it afterwards. And, of course, having quality images is not of much use unless one knows how to store, display, and distribute them to friends and family.

In five parts covering digital cameras and photography subject items, iPhoto basics, creating and producing photo projects, advanced iPhoto tips, and troubleshooting, the authors provide all the guidance an amateur or advanced amateur needs for shooting, editing, and sharing digital photo resources.

New sections of the book include how to upgrade from iPhoto2 to 4, how to maintain and upgrade photo libraries and a special section on camera-phone photography.

This is an excellent volume and value for beginner to advanced amateur digital photographers.

Pogue does it again by explaining each feature in language that is easy to understand and pleasant to read. He doesn't rely on humor nearly as much as in the Dummies series (which he used to contribute to regularly). In the Missing Manual series he takes a slightly more serious approach (but his humor shows through quite often) and makes regular people like us able to do all the tricks of the pros.

Derrick Story does it again. This book is great and his other book, Digital Photography Hacks is also excellent. Of course, they are both valuable for different reasons, though this book starts by covering many of the same topics as Digital Photography Hacks by spending the first three chapters on how to take better shots. Bad photos make for a bad iPhoto library of course, so the advice is appreciated.

The bulk of the book is in explaining all of the features of iPhoto. Long term iPhoto users will probably not find any surprises here. It's a missing manual, so it covers the basics, and it does it well. For more advanced topics, like managing multiple iPhoto libraries, or making use of Applescript, there is some coverage at the end but not much.

Definitely a good buy for anyone just starting, or relatively unfamiliar with iPhoto and who is looking to use the application extensively to manage large numbers of photos. Probably also worth a look even if you are familiar with iPhoto.

You have a Mac, you have iPhoto 4, and you have a digital camera. This book will help you get the most out of all three. I was pleased to find a wide variety of hints, tips and advice covering all skill levels. My favorite tip was how to view the invisible PDF that is submitted to the Photo Book printer. If you plan on publishing a Photo Book, this tip alone pays for the price of the book in peace of mind.

The book is divided into four sections: how to take pictures, editing your pictures in iPhoto, sharing your pictures with iPhoto, and finally "iPhoto Stunts".

The first section has little to do with iPhoto and more to do with helping you do everything you can to get the best pictures possible before loading them into iPhoto. There wasn't anything really new here that you wouldn't find in any decent book on how to take good pictures, but it is handy to have it all in one book... You don't need an extra book on the basic rules to taking good pictures.

The next section describes the iPhoto library, where it keeps the files, what happens when you crop, retouch, enhance, or use the other simple editing tools. It notes that iPhoto is not for serious photo editing and points out a few other products that would be better suited for advanced editing. The step-by-step descriptions for each of the editing tools included with iPhoto are very easy to understand and follow.

The following section describes the many ways iPhoto helps you share your pictures. Among them are printing pictures, sending them to Apple for printing, creating a slideshow, publishing to a personal web site or to your .Mac account, creating a Photo Book, creating a Quicktime movie or an iDVD slideshow. There are plenty of screenshots and information for each of these, so you won't get lost between each step.

The last section is comprised of tips and tricks to satisfy your inner-geek; how to export pictures to your PDA, how to get pictures from your cameraphone, and several AppleScript tricks. There are also excellent tips on how to burn a CD or DVD to share with your family and friends running Windows. There is also an appendix that covers each iPhoto menu option individually and a troubleshooting section on common problems.

A very well done book - it really is "The book that should have been in the box".

Every book written by T. D. Jakes guides and positions the Christian for a life of Glory with God. The Word teaches that God has planned something better for us. Pastor Jakes is a poistioning with Jesus pastor. He always says the way life is and this book is a transformation book of teaching trustfullness, and the changing of feeling and fear to the love of God who loves all of us so much.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3HZALK0XYDX76

Good book about how God wants to heal us Spirit, Soul and Body. God wants us to totally trust Him with our lives.

In "it's time to Reveal what God longs to Heal" J. D. Jakes challenges the reader to be open and totally honest exposing an authentic self. I appreciated Jakes vulnerability as he reveals his personal struggles in an effort to help the reader experience God's loving touch. He writes with compassion and gentleness as he delivers the message of man's sinfulness, God's love and his forgiveness.

I particularly found the chapters dealing with friendships and relationships insightful and helpful. Accepting imperfections, experiencing the bonding of friendship, surviving crash relationships, and understanding emotional feelings are subjects address in these chapters. I was reminded again of the importance of self affirmation and becoming a person of purpose.

Conflict, the process of transformation, and a look at the church all prepare the reader for the final poignant chapters centered on the Lord's Supper and the sacrifice of prayer.

Jake's writing is bold, potent and relative, convicting and powerful. The selected scripture passages under-gird the strong message of healing and of the God given opportunity for a second chance. There is an application for everyone, whether hurting, broken, or seeking a fresh touch from God. This book is for the layman, the pastor, or an inquiring seeker.

I discovered this book through my Aunt Delini from MI. There is a picture in the book we swear is of my grandparents (her parents). Being Italians from MI, currently living in AZ, and having my father Frank grow up in Detroit and attend Nativity Church, which I did as a child, was so nostalgic seeing the pictures and reading the stories. I bought a copy for myself, both of my daughters, a brother and a friend. I was happy to be able to pass down the history to my daughters.My aunts frequented the Cabota Club, Eastern Market EVERY WEEK and memories of sitting on those big front porches brought back a lot of memories for all of us. Those were the good old days!! Jeanette Jacokes

This book was a joy for me. It featured many places from my hometown and brought back wonderful memories. This would be a great gift for anyone of Italian descent who grew up in Detroit.

This is a great pictorial essay of the Italian Immigrant Experience in Detroit. Armando Delicato takes your hand and walks you through the Immigration process. Once settled in Detroit he invites you through the Churches, the Arts, the People, and the Future of Italian/American's in Detroit. The abundance of photographs brings this history to life. I highly recommend this book to anyone with strong roots or interest in the Italian heritage.

This book is for anyone interested in how their cultural heritage enriches their lives. It is a meaningful book regardless of whether you're from Detroit or whether you're Italian.

I must confess to having litle appreciation of the work of Jackson Pollock before reading Donald Wigal's "Pollock: Veiling the Image." This was surely due in large part to my bias in favor of representational art--a bias that endures. But this book has brought me to a genuine appreciation of a major artist. A light went on when I read: "Several artists stress the theme about Abstract Expressionism in theory, but some acted it out less convincingly in their work. Likewise, other artists observe the effect paint has when dripped on to a surface, but none before Pollock developed it into the brilliant visual polyphony he made happen" (94). That phrase, "brilliant visual polyphony," was the light switch. I suddenly realized the kinship between abstract impressionism and music. I would never have demanded that a concerto have an identifiable subject. Thanks to Donald Wigal and to the marvelous reproductions in this book, I now recognize that Pollock is at his best when he is least representational, and that Pollock at his best is brilliant.
It occurs to me that there is a polyphonic quality to Wigal's text that mirrors the subject: There is, within a clear organization, a polyphonic overlay of cultural history, biographical fact, psychological observations, and critical insights, that is ingeniously suited to the complexity of the subject. Here art criticism reaches a high artistic level in its own right, and I find myself personally enriched.
If "Jackson Pollock: Veiling the Image" can do for others what it has done for me, it should be a valuable and enduring contribution to art criticism.

Joseph H. Wessling

Wigal's "Veiling the Image" is a new vision of Pollock -- something completely grand & overarching as nothing else I've read & reinvigorates things for today's minds. It's complex, incredibly interesting, imaginative & makes one desire to re-engage with it's sense of contemporary relevancy & beauty. The text is fascinating & compelling -- actually awesome & totally readable. It examines Harris's film & moves forward to 2005 including interviews about my own yet to be released www.Pollocksquared.com indie feature.

Wigal's incredibly researched all of this not only philosophically but poured it all out in more fresh ways than one can imagine with wonderful fresh vignettes not only about Pollock in great detail but his milieux including Ruth Kligman, DeKooning, Agnes Martin, Frank O'Hara, Larry Rivers, includes references to many artists & critics of today including fractal scientist Richard Taylor. It even explores the market as related to Pollock's prices. The perfect unified one in all book for any Pollock lover or for people who never got it before -- because they will now. Does what other books can't. It looks like publisher Parkstone spared no expense in every aspect of quality control with this wonderful & beautiful production. It makes sense for today's modern audience.

For myself as an artist the vast number of large Pollock reproductions & their clarity of color & sharpness surpass by far the best I've seen of any Pollock's before. They're in a class by themselves. Many images were also completely new to me & very appreciated. Wigal's made it all happen, every aspect, coming totally alive in fresh imaginative ways in dimensions I've never remotely seen explored before.
I'll be exploring it for a long while.

Bill Rabinovitch
rabinart@aol.com
www.Pollocksquared.com

The author does with words what Pollock did with paint. Don Wigal hurls and drips facts around simple organizational concepts. Comments about an actress' Brooklyn accent sit within a larger skein of Pollock the rebel cowboy. Besides being enjoyable, these slipping-in-from-the-side factoids, they present a continually changing perspective on Pollock. These fresh viewpoints make it easier to understand Pollock as a real person.
It would have been better if the illustrations of Pollock's work were more related to the text. They are very well done, however. You can see the texture of the paint.
Wigal places Pollock, his genius and his personal failings, in the fabric of both his own time and larger questions of science, philosophy, and history. The book sent my head spinning after several pages; it is best read a bit at a time, then savored.

What a delight this book is. Pollock's paintings are presented in their historical and cultural context. The text drew me more and more into Pollock's world, making me eager to look, really look, more and more at the spectacular paintings. In the reading and the looking I felt like I was traveling the path of this unique American artist in his process of self-discovery and artistic expression. This book is a real pleasure! I'm going back to read and look again!

MY PARENTS WERE BORN AND RAISED IN JERSEY CITY AND JUST LOVED THE BOOK. SO MANY NICE PICTURES AND MEMORIES FOR THEM. THEY ORDERED MORE AS GIFTS FOR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS.

This book is full of beautiful photos to remind those who are old enough how nice Jersey City used to be. I guess we can all thank genius Frank Hague for preserving the atmosphere and history of Jersey City...

I WAS LOOKING FOR A BOOK OF PICTURES THAT WERE TAKEN AT THE SAME TIME THAT I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN JERSEY CITY. IT SEEMS THAT EVERY STREET I WALKED AS A CHILD, THE SCHOOLS I ATTENDED, AND THE PLACES I SHOPPED, WERE THERE. IT IS THE CLOSEST THING I HAVE TO A PHOTO ALBUM OF THE CITY IN WHICH I LIVED. IF YOU WANT TO GO BACK IN TIME, THIS BOOK DELIVERS THAT FEELING. I WISH MR.FRENCH WOULD DO ANOTHER AND ANOTHER AND THEN ANOTHER. IT WAS OBVIOUSLY WELL THOUGHT OUT WHEN THE PICTURES WERE ARRANGED AND GROUPED. YOU WILL FIND HE HAS IDENTIFIED THE PHOTO'S VERY WELL USING FEW WORDS.

I thought it was an absolutely wonderful book that you can reread many times and never get bored. I found so many familiar places in the book and it brought back so many wonderful memories.

A powerfull and easy to undersand book on the way to build a Jesus Church and what we can do to serve. It helped my lighthouse to grow even brighter.

The Jesus Principle combines a biblical theology and an ecclesiology that is helpful in defining and establishing the method of operation for the church. Written by Arlington, Texas pastor, Charles Wade, the work refuses to advocate a singular method of being and doing church. Wade weaves a defining tale of the church with interesting self-disclosure and historical quotations that reinforce and illuminate the principles. This book is not touting a singular, myopic, denominational position - it is much more. Nor is it a handbook on how to be a Baptist. Wade concentrates more on the broader spectrum of "the church" as the gathered and dispersed people of God. In reading this book one is reminded of Thomas Oden's excellent theology of the church in Pastoral Theology. Oden has written relevantly to "the church" from a Methodist home base, even as Wade has done so from a Baptist perspective. Any Christian open enough to open this book can learn and grow in their practice of faith. Perhaps the two most helpful expositions in The Jesus Principle are Wade's outlines of "What is the Church?" and "Functions of the Church". He answers the nature of the church question with several descriptive images, including: People of God, Temple of God, Army of God, Bride of Christ, Ark of God and Body of Christ. His basics in the function of the church are foundational elements in any holistic congregation: worship, evangelize, disciple, minister and create fellowship. Ancient rhetorician Qunitillian said the most basic criteria for judging a speech is a good person speaking well. Although The Jesus Principle is not a spoken word, it is clear from the reading, this is a good person writing well. The Jesus Principle is a "must read." Dan Williams, Pastor of Southland Baptist Church, San Angelo, Texas. From Texas Baptist Committed Newsletter, May, 1998.

In The Jesus Principle, Charles Wade has written a thorough account of how the church can ever more perfectly be made to reflect the character of Christ. I can say from personal experience as a former staff minister of his church that Charles Wade practices what he preaches. His life and his church make you want to cozy up close to learn. This book brings him and the church he serves closer to us all. More important, it brings us closer to the Christ who is the sole authority for all churches. Dr. George Mason, Pastor, Wilshire Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.

The Jesus Principle helps, pastors, staff ministers, and church lay leaders get beyond rhetoric to what is real. It simply, yet eloquently, addresses the question of what the church is and what the church should be doing to fulfill the great commission and the great commandment of our Lord. Among the many books on church growth in circulation, this one is not merely theoretical, but comes from a practitioner who has tested and lived out its proposals. Dr. Russell Dilday, Distinguished Professor of Homiletics, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University.

I believe (humbly) that this is the book you want if you are trying to understand the recent discovery and discussion of the Gospel of Judas.

The Lenten Season provokes reflections upon betrayal, and on the disciple, Judas Iscariot. One of the finest books written by a contemporary theologian is Judas: Images of the Lost Disciple. It is the definitive book for anyone who wants to delve into the rich persona of this archetypal traitor. Written by Kim Paffenroth, this book is a comprehensive portrayal of the canonical Judas, and a splendid examination of the legendary aspects of his history. Paffenroth's fine exegesis on Judas is superior to any of the other commentators I have read. Few theologians delve so carefully into the worrisome aspects of projections, onto Judas -as betrayer-and by Judas-as the one who casts his projection onto Christ. Paffenroth describes the psychic escalation of the dark side of the psyche with singular clarity when he compares Judas with Shakespeare's Othello.

Published in 2001 by WJK Press, this book has not received the attention it merits. Rather than obsess on betrayal as the defining characteristic of Judas' personality, Paffenroth explores the multi-dimensional aspects of both canonical story and legend. By considering Judas as an "obscure object of curiosity, an arch-sinner and object of horror, as villain and object of hatred and derision, and as tragic hero and object of admiration and sympathy," the author finds a means whereby he may present Judas as "the penitent: object of hope and emulation." This is no small task and the exegetical excellence of this book makes it a must read for every pastor during this Lenten Season.

[Rev.] Sandra M. Rushing

This book gives fascinating insights into the stories that have arisen around Judas, the man who handed over his friend, teacher, and Lord to an unjust and humiliating death. The subject calls for a book that will evoke the rich significance of this act and will be generous in its appreciation for the motivations behind it. This is the account Paffenroth has written. He delights in the diversity of interpretations because only an abundance of responses could bring home the reality of Judas.

This is a book about ourselves more than Judas. He is the "cipher" (p. 15) we have used through the ages to tell our stories about good and evil, friendship and betrayal, our highest hopes and our deepest fears. Each chapter begins with careful literary and historical analysis of early reactions to Judas. I found these interesting in themselves. They come to life through examples taken from film and literature. For example, Paffenroth illustrates the significance of Judas's absence in St. Paul's letters by giving a review of the film "Jesus of Montreal," which omits any reference to Judas or a betrayal. Each chapter has its own unexpected gems: in chapter 2, a discussion of Judas in charms and curses; in chapter 3, the use of Judas to promote anti-semitism, in its more insidious as well as more overt forms; in chapter 4, the bizarre legends, based on the story of Oedipus, that embellish many of the medieval saints' lives; and, in chapter 5, the weird legends of Judas's punishments.

These are only a few of the many entertaining and instructive discussions in this book. It is brilliant, funny, scholarly, and poignant. Give yourself a treat and follow Judas through the imaginations of everyone from the gnostics, through Dante and Shakespeare, to Dostoyevsky and Martin Scorsese.

Who is Judas? This would be an interesting question to ask of a Bible study group, a congregation, a class, or even people on the street in an opinion survey. Many answers are likely to arise, but one answer likely to appear frequently would be 'the man who betrayed Jesus'. But what do we really know of this person? Was there even such a person? And was Judas the ultimate betrayer, or the ultimate penitent?

Author Kim Paffenroth gives a wonderful survey of the way in which people have viewed (and constructed) the image of Judas over time. From the very beginnings in the earliest biblical texts of Paul (which, somewhat ironically, never mention the name of Judas, and are even vague about there being one particular person who served in this 'betrayer' role) to images in modern culture ('Jesus Christ Superstar', 'The Greatest Story Ever Told', and even the rock band 'Judas Priest'), Paffenroth gives an interesting and intriguing overview of who Judas was perceived to be, and how these images shifted over time.

Paffenroth in his introduction is quite clear about the limitations of his study - this is not meant to be a comprehensive and exhaustive study of all the ways in which Judas has been portrayed, but rather (given the almost limitless amount of material available) a collection of representative images. Paffenroth writes that two things are true about writing about Judas - each one brings unique traits to the forefront, but as a whole they also tend in a few particular directions generally. The image of Judas both within and outside of Christianity also continues to develop over time, so a final definitive study would in fact be impossible to provide.

This is also not a simple biography of Judas. It does not set out to give biographical sketch and details about who Judas was, which would be nearly impossible because of the limitations of source materials, but Paffenroth also voices his concern over such enterprises as the search for the historical Jesus, both from intentional and methodological issues.

Paffenroth's main directions include Judas as the ultimate sinner, Judas as villain, Judas as a tragic hero, and finally Judas as the figure of penitence and (somewhat ironically, given his major images) hope. Prior to looking at these images, however, Paffenroth looks at the earliest data available on Judas, in Pauline literature (the earliest canonical writing available), the Markan text (most likely the earliest gospel), and the concept of Hakeldama, the Field of Blood, that seems to have its own tradition somewhat independent of the canonical strands. In Pauline literature, the name of Judas is never mentioned, and indeed the idea of a single 'betrayer' is not prominent. Paffenroth prefers the translation of 'handed over' rather than 'betrayed' in the biblical texts for the most part; it also becomes unclear both from Pauline and gospel texts if Jesus isn't seen to bear the majority of this responsibility, since the prophecies Jesus was fulfilling require sacrifice.

Early views of Judas include Lukan texts (which expand on the character of Judas and his ultimate fate), Papias, non-canonical gospels, and Dante - often the focus on the character of evil, and have a fixation on the death and punishment of Judas. Judas was used as an object of terror. Judas also was a hated figure, which surfaces canonically most prominently in John, but then there is also the recurring theory that Judas, not John, was the author of the fourth gospel, and perhaps even the beloved disciple. Judas becomes the archetype for the image of the Jew in anti-semitic terms, and even the name 'Judas' is derivative of the base word for Jew.

However, negative images have not always been the only images. Judas as a revolutionary, as a disappointed or disillusioned follower (who wanted the Messiah to be something other than what Jesus was), or as someone simply damned by fate have also been in circulation for ages. Paffenroth explores many examples of novels, plays and imaginative biographies that look at Judas as obedient even to the point of being hurt himself, as his actions were necessary for the story to progress. In the final chapter, Paffenroth explores hopeful and penitential images of Judas - perhaps his suicide and regret was motivated out of penitential sorrow? Judas is a key figure, in any case - 'Judas and our attitude toward him have become, as profoundly as the incarnation itself, the mysterious and paradoxical foundation of our possible union with God.'

Paffenroth ends with an epilogue in which he gives his own account of who Judas might have been (admitting that in earlier times he might have made the story into an historical novel or even passed it off as a piece of biblical scholarship), rather different and most likely shocking to many, but an intriguing idea of stripping away the supernatural and grandiose and rendering Judas an ordinary person in an extraordinary time.

Paffenroth's text is interesting to follow, accessible to the general reader, and should prove a worthwhile study for those who are interested in digging more deeply not simply into the biblical texts about Judas, but also the broader traditions of why he is considered as he is, and what alternatives there might be from the history of Christian thought.