Maxim Books

Never have we known Schultz to be so prescient as he is in this book from the 1960's. As we yearn for a simpler time when security does not mean taking off your shoes in airports, Schultz gives us simple, cogent heart warming snapshots of life from a simpler time as a reminder of what may yet come.

I got this book, inspired by reading The Red Tent. Although it has writings about people who lived long after that wonderful book, the Desert Fathers and Mothers seem to be descendants of those depicted in the Old Testament.

It starts off with the solitary Andrew (circa 241 - 356 AD), whose wisdom was sought by many ("Who will not lie after the commission of a sin, through the wish to escape notice? As we would not commit carnal sin while we are looking at one another, so if we record our thoughts as though about to tell them to one another, we shall more easily keep ourselves free from vile thoughts through shame. So let what we write take the place of the eyes of our fellow hermits. Then blushing as much as if we had been caught, we may never think of what is unseemly.)

There is the story of Maria and Abraham, niece and uncle. An orphaned Maria grew up in the desert praying and learning Scripture, but was seduced by a monk. She fled to the city where she became a prostitute -- Abraham searched for her for two years, found her and -- well, you can read the story in the book.

Also stories of the Two Wise Women (yes!), a monk named Maria, more stories on monks (Abbas) and chapters with advices on prayer, judging others and the goal of discipline. These read much like little stories, and remind me very much of stories told in Sufi Tales.

Very good book in a very small package!

Of course I might be biased since I'm the Steve Schwartz who compiled this book, but if you really do love language or love ideas, you can't beat The Seven Deadly Sins. Put the book on your coffee table and leaf through it from time to time. You'll always be sure to find a quote that will give you pause or make you laugh and make you pick up the phone to read it to someone you like.

Don't be put off by the harsh title. This is actually a fine book of humorous, pithy quotations about sex, relationships and related topics. It is a very enjoyable read and well organized with a good index. Here are some random samples:

She's the original good time that was had by all. -- Bette Davis

There is one thing I would break up over, and that is if she caught me with another woman. I won't stand for that. -- Steve Martin

I find the three major administrative problems on a campus are sex for the students, athletics for the alumni and parking for the faculty. -- Clark Kerr

This is beautifully put together with fairy art and quotes from Shakespeare's works. A must for art lovers, lovers of fairy art, or the love of Shakespeare's work.

This book was great! The way the poems were put together was marvolous!! I would recommend this book to all ages!

Until quite recently, this wonderful book was lost to the world. Sidney was one of the most eloquent advocates for republicanism and liberty in his or any period of history. This work offers a clear and direct exposition of his political philosophy. Although it is no substitute for his great "Discourses Concerning Government," it is certainly a worthy compliment.

One of the best quotation books I've found in support of one's own inner journey. For those who find their path leading away from the madding crowd. A great gift for Quakers and Buddhists!

This book has wonderful vintage painted illustrations of Christmas scenes in picturesque towns and villages in New England settings. Accompanying the illustrations are quotations done in beautiful calligraphy about Christmas, the holidays, and winter from various authors and literary works. This will be a book to enjoy every Christmas holiday season.

great book for new parents...truly depicts what little boys are made of