Rhode Island Books

In the midst of writing his five volume magnum opus The Christian Tradition, noted Church historian Jaroslav Pelikan was invited by the National Endowment for the humanities to deliver the Jefferson Lectures for 1983. The strange juxtaposition of having the noted custodian of tradition deliver lectures named after a famous opponent of tradition was not lost on Pelikan who incorporated this tension in his presentation. The result of those four lectures is compiled in The Vindication of Tradition and gives a clear exposition of the role tradition plays in Western culture - even when it has been explicitly denied.

The four lectures cover different aspects of tradition: rediscovery of tradition, recovery of tradition, tradition as history, and tradition as heritage. Pelikan surveys the insights historical research has given us to the development of tradition and makes clear the fracture with the past that has resulted in its modern rejection.

Pelikan at one point makes a statement designed to shock both those who reject and those who adhere to tradition without proper reflection. Classifying any acceptance of tradition for tradition's sake as "traditionalism", he bluntly states: "Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living." It is his best known quote, and deservedly so. In one sentence, he has crystallized both the strengths and weaknesses of traditional movements. As a vehicle to explore deeper truths, it is an essential component of the culture. As an end in itself, it is little more than an albatross. When men like Luther, Jefferson, or Emerson rejected tradition as a source of knowledge, they were really rejecting a stifling traditionalism that had taken hold of their cultural environment. Any living tradition embodies the best of its cultural heritage. Dead traditionalism holds its culture hostage.

These lectures are a brilliant apologia for the role of tradition in society. Although here it is considered in a more general cultural context and not the specific case of the Tradition of the Church, the principles also apply to the Church and examples are explored. For any Christian trying to understand how knowledge is handed down through tradition, The Vindication of Tradition is indispensable.

It was with a mixture of sadness and joy that I received the news last week that Dr. Pelikan had passed away from cancer. Being the father of modern theological history, Pelikan won his readers over with a direct, if not often dry, style that nonetheless gave strong opinions. The main thrust of his writing is contained in this little gem of a book, namely, that we have to understand the meaning and value of tradition if we are to understand our present context and our future course of action. And it is with a hope in this tradition of the Church that I wish Dr. Pelikan rest in the presence of the Fathers and "may his memory be eternal," now that his own voice has been added to the democracy of the dead.

Chesterton, in his book Orthodoxy, stated that tradtion is the democracy of the dead. Pelikan comes to a similar conclusion when he writes that it is the living faith of the dead. Giving your ancestors a vote is something that modern culture, as well as in academia no less, finds a bit untrustworthy. After all, is not progress, that dogma of the modern era, the antithesis of tradition? Not quite, writes Pelikan. Only within the context of a tradtion that has as its hallmark the ability to both hold the person within its embrace while at the same time pointing beyond itself can true progress be both understood as such and achieved, connected to the past and yet living within the potential of new growth. The modern error, and that of so many of the greatest heresies, is that it fails to maintain a connection with the whole. This is the modern iconoclastic temptation- to break the image of the past in the hopes of inventing it anew. It is destined to fall short.

Theologically, for Pelikan, his whole notion of tradition reflects the view of one of his own mentors, Georges Florovsky. For Florovsky, the tradition is nothing less than the life of the Holy Spirit in the Church (see his "Bible, Church and Tradition"). To rebel against tradition properly understood is akin to reinventing the theological wheel, which is the tendancy in Zwinglian American Protestantism.

A fantastic read. You will find it as a key to the underlying stream of thought in all of Pelikan's works.

That is what proper tradition is, according to Jaroslav Pelikan, and I agree! In many circles, especially evangelical ones, tradition gets a bad rap. Pelikan lays out in easy prose the reasons why tradition is not only proper, but necessary!

It is important to note that the discussion in the book is not focused necessarily on religious tradition, and can be applied to many areas of life. One could successfully argue that many of the problems in today's society is a breakdown in respect for tradition - and it is tradition that binds us with the past and preserves our heritage for the future.

As Pelikan points out, tradition need not be dead in fact, tradition ties us to the beliefs of those who have gone before us in a way that cannot be done without it.

In the end, I would call this a philosophy book, not a theology book, and that gives it, I think, a broader audience. All in all, an excellent little book to help anyone understand the importance of tradition in any community.

This is a fine beginners guide to identifying the tracks you might find while hiking in New England, whether you're in an urban area or on a wilderness hike. While not comprehensive, you will find the more common animals from your environment -- 34 mammals (including mice, squirrels, rabbits, snakes, skunks, frogs and toads, fox, coyote, porcupine, raccoon, deer, moose and bear) and 9 birds (including grouse, crow, duck, owl, heron and eagle).

The book begins with a preface of enouragement followed by an introduction on how to use the book and where/how to look for tracks, continues with 2-page species entries, and concludes with a short suggested reading list and an index.

Entries are ordered roughly by size, and a 5-inch ruler is printed on the back cover. Each entry has a couple of descriptive paragraphs on the lefthand page and b&w line drawings of typical tracks on the right.

This little book is surprisingly informative and quite compact -- a perfect introductory book for kids or adults who are interested in the wildlife around them.

I use this book everytime I go hikin

This guidebook provides great restaurant reviews and hordes of information about the city. It may lack information about surrounding New England but for the short or long trip to Providence, this book will serve all of your needs. For the person interested in Brown University, this is ideal, providing info about student activities. With Providence coming out of its shell and this the only guidebook I could find, I highly recommend it.

There's nothing like a guide that gives you interesting info that other guides don't: helpful restaurant reviews and guides to ethnic (and non-ethnic) neighborhoods, parking info, funny comments about our favorite city and its mayor, and general how-to-survive-in-Providence tidbits. Especially good for prospective Brown students. The bible for Brown students regarding restaurants, transportation, and everything else. If you are going to Providence for anything (to live, to visit) buy this book. It;s fun just to read, too... a great way to procrastinate.

Even though this is a postcard book, you won't want to part with the postcards, and keep it as a memento and a reminder at Block Island's incredible beauty, serenity, and uniqueness.

...So when it's January...and I'm sitting at O'Hare Airport...and it's snowing like crazy...and flights are iffy...I can at least PRETEND that it's a balmy August afternoon in "Bermuda-of-the-North." Malcom Greenaway's photos are stunning.

Another Mary Kruger story that fits like a favorite slipper! Her writing makes one feel "comfortable" and interested and, with great writing ease pulls you into the world of her story as though you lived through it yourself. Her story of suspense glides you through its pages and there's no disappointment with her story-telling or how the story reaches it's finale. This woman is a gifted writer! More, please!

Another maid has been found laying dead on the cliff walk. Or is she, maid that is.

A repeat murderer must be at work. Maids have been dying. However, Detective Matt Devlin realizes that while the battered woman lying along the cliff walk is wearing maid's uniform she has hands much too soft and unblemished to be that of a maid. Before long Devlin is thrown together with one of the well-to-do inhabitants of the 'cottages' to work toward the solving of this puzzling mystery.

Brooke Cassidy and Devlin had been childhood friends during the years before the death of her working class parents to a carriage accident and Brooke's subsequent leaving of Newport, Rhode Island for a very different life in New York City. Now Brooke is back and living as the ward of her affluent relatives, the Olmsteads.

When all the clues begin pointing to Uncle Henry as the murderer, Matt has no choice but to arrest him. Brooke's `damn the torpedoes full steam ahead' tenacity coupled with Matt's superior, thought plodding, investigative ability do uncover the true killer. Their discovery comes too late to prevent the death of another but not before another woman falls prey to the mad man.

What an interesting tale is to be found on the pages of Death on The Cliff Walk .
Set in 1895 Death on The Cliff Walk is a suspense filled historical novel. This is a gripping tale filled with intriguing well developed characters, credible dialogue and plenty of uncertainty. Duplicity abounds as the pair works toward solving the conundrum. Brooke as the bemused amateur sleuth is a sensible young woman who knows that she cannot simply live the life of the idle rich as her wealthy relatives want her to do. Rather she is determined to help solve the case. I've known people like this peppy girl!

Matt Devlin is the perfect quiet, introspective foil to Brooke's headstrong determination. Kruger's Brooke Cassidy is reminiscent of Brenda Bolden's Bird Series' Alex Masters. Both girls are determined, impatient and intent upon finding answers, right now. It is their willingness to rush forward despite all odds that often brings Cassidy and Masters both face to face with real, personal problems in addition to the one they were trying to solve.

Watch those red herrings. Do not fall into their grip or you may find yourself surprised when you reach the last paragraph of this action packed thriller. Good book for a `lazy afternoon on the porch reading day.'

I hope this is not the only book in which we will find Matt Devlin and Brooke Cassidy working together to solve a perplexing case.

Reviewed by: molly martin

I bought the book on John Milliman and the companion book on Aaron Milliman a few years ago. I refer to them constantly and have provided information to other family members doing Milliman family research. A great compilation of names and information and WELL indexed. If you have a Milliman in your family tree this is the book for you!

Ms. Austin did a supberb job in researching and compiling information on the decendants of the first known Milliman in America. If you are researching the Milliman family line you will be absolutely thrilled to obtain this book. She even included pictures when available. What a treasure!!!! Thank you Ms. Austin!

Rhode Island, accessible to all New England, truly offers quite a bit of exploration. Having done a fair bit of paddling in Northern California, I had yet to find an equivalent on the East coast; Matheson's guide helped fill that gap. As an avid sailor it is hard to pull myself away from the Newport action, but some days I want to appreciate the shores that are so often ignored. Lot's of history as well as beauty in this tiny state, and Discover Rhode Island truly delivers on its title.

I thought that I knew Rhode Island fairly well after going to school there for four years. However, this book introduced me to so many beautiful places that it seems only locals know about. The maps are easy to follow if you want to get away from the Newport crowds and relax in serene surroundings.

I have found 5 sources in this book of my relatives that were founders of East Greenwich, Rhode Island. Bought the book at a Borders in Providence, Rhode Island yesterday.

I visted the sites in the book of the original homes of my ancestor Clement Weaver, Silas Weaver. I talked with one of the owners of the first home built in East Greenwich, and she was really nice.

Then went to Main street and found not just one but two homes of Silas Weaver 30 Main Street is listed in the book, but also further down the road is Silas second home.

Then we went to the original jail on King near the water and found the plaque that was made to honor the original settlers of East Greenwich which had my ancestors on it.

So excited to be finding all this about my family. I then went back the other Clement Weaver home (the second Clement) and talked with the owner and asked him if he happened to know where the Weaver cemetary is and he told me to come around the back and he would show us. It was on his property. Oh my - I struck it rich in family history. We found the graves and all in all I think there is about 39 graves there, but they are covered up and the owner is over time planning on uncovering the area and unearth the headstones. Many are not marked well, and just have initals.

Very pleased with this book. Bought six copies for Christmas. Big hit with everyone.

Great book! A must have for any CT or RI angler. Very well written can't put it down.

Written by outdoorsman Bob Sampson, whose credits include contributing to "On the Water", "The Fisherman", and the "Norwich Bulletin", Fishing Connecticut and Rhode Island: A Guide For Freshwater Anglers is an in-depth guide to catching bass, walleye, trout, pickerel, salmon, catfish, carp, and many other species. Addition chapters also cover filleting and cooking one's catch, preserving a trophy, and fishing with kids. Anecdotes and fishing tips with a personal touch add form a smooth narrative flow for this superb guide for anglers of all skill and experience levels.

Awesome book,best book since Ellery Thompsons Draggermans Haul and Come aboard the Draggers.Kept me on the edge of my seat.I grew up in Stonington Ct ,Grandson of Ernie Biron ,shipwright at the famous Stonington Boat Works,been waiting a long time for a book like this.spent alot of time with fishin folk as a boy in the 60's.always went to Georges in Galilee for my birthday,with my other grandfather who worked as a draggerman. This book is a must read for all that love an era that is fading away .Thanx Sam for sharing your story Christopher S Duncklee ,Maritime artist

This is a fascinating book.

It is a collection of recollections from growing up in the Jerusalem and Galilee, Rhode Island area in the 1940s and 1950s. It is a collection of short stories.

The book recounts lising a ship. Another run over by a large Russian trawler, the dangers of fishing for swordfish, hauling up a torpedo, hauling up a WWII era plane with the crew still in their seats, sighting a German submarine, and so on.

As it is a collection of short stories, it is a great book to also leave out on a nightstand in a guest bedroom for overnight guests to enjoy.

I will make a trip to the Jerusalem and Galilee, RI area soon to see the area.