Burns Books

References to the essay on miracles by David Hume are frequent in the literature of sceptics about religion. Often one is lead to think that Hume's essay was a masterpiece, unprecedented in Hume's own time and deservedly a classic until our very times.
If you agree and dare to take in a little more historical information and some systematic thought about the issues concerned, this is your book. Burns places Hume's essay in the context of its time. Actually Hume's essay on miracles is a tail-end contribution to a debate about miracles and their evidential value for the christian religion, a debate that continued for decades in eighteenth century England. None of the arguments Hume employs were original and all of them where thoroughly critized before. Of course, old arguments can be reinvented and old criticisms ignored - and that's what Hume did, splendidly. This may sound quite negative, but Burns is not negative about Hume, he's presenting historical facts.
An important feature of this book is that Burns does not only present historical facts, but introduces the reader to the philosophical (epistemological, empiricistic) issues that were at stake in these debates. He shows the close connection between debates on miracles, underlying philosophical convictions and the rise and progress of empirical science.
Since these epistemological issues have proved to be just as alive as the populair praise for Hume's essay on miracles (in fact, this praise often springs from shared epistemological presumptions), this book has more than historical value. It helps you to see through many a modern debate on religion, evidence and science.
My only complaint is that, strangely, the author at times takes side with modern bible critics, while his book as a whole is a convincing attack on one of the main pillars of the modern critical view of the bible, which is, of course, the belief that miracles do not occur or at least that for epistemological reasons one is not allowed to take the biblical miracle stories for what they are: historical, reliable accounts of a miracle.

As a life-long jazz musician and New Orleans culture enthusiast, it was with some trepidation that I approached this book. I have often found similar accounts dissapointing and lacking in evoking the true spirit of the Harold Dejan and the band. However, within pages, I was hooked. British born (though evidently extremely insightful into New Orleans culture) author Burns clearly knows his stuff, and a combination of what is obviously dedicated passion on his part, along with accurate research finally stand to do the subject justice. This book comes highly recommended to anyone wanting a truly personal, alive and evocative account of this great jazz institution.

This is a great book! I'm amazed by the sensitive and humanistic approach taken by the author to describe the lives of these extraordinary women. He manages to make them even more fascinating to me than they were before I began to read his book. And I really like the "spiritual" twist he's put in the biographical elements of these imperial women. I find that very unique and extremely interesting. The book is also graced by the wonderful and lively drawings depicting the imperial women, made by the author himself!

This book displays a great deal of creativity and artistic appeal. I consider it like a real little gem!

Marticia Burns McKinney earned a Bachelor and Masters degree from Emory University. Although Greensleeves is her debut novel, she has written for national and religious publications. She also a contributed pieces to Treasures Of A Woman's Heart and Seasons Of A Woman's Heart.

Set in Tutor England at the time of Queen Elizabeth's reign, Greensleeves is the dual story of historical England as seen through a story woven for the Queen by Jane Grant in an attempt to free her grandson and only living heir from prison after his part in the foiled rebellion by the Earl of Essex, Robert Devereux. Jane is a widow living in poverty who is educated, bright, and desperate. She makes her way into the castle and finds herself sitting before the Queen herself spinning the story of Greensleeves in an attempt to gain the Queen's compassion:

"Was this some sort of game, or was she opening the door for the opportunity I had sought? Perhaps God had given me this chance. Perhaps this was the only chance I would have to make my petition for Thomas. I glanced around the room. All her women were there, silently moving in the background, but clearly listening. If they heard, then so be it. I would lay out my case at once."

Greensleeves is fascinating from several vantage points. First, it tells the story of the Tutor succession accurately and in stark detail. Second, it spins a yarn surrounding one of the most famous songs of all time. It is a mystery of sorts, and it is also a sad tale of lost love. Its Christian leanings are also very interesting, as it lays out a period of history that explains the beginnings of the Church of England; the beginning of the English Empire; the wars between the Catholics and Protestants, and King Henry's life itself.

Ms. McKinney manages to humanize English history through her brilliant tale. Greensleeves is a boon to every English major; is educational for the lay public; and is just plain a wonderful book the reader quickly becomes engrossed in. I couldn't put it down, and I was entertained completely through every page. I didn't want it to end! Bravo.

Shelley J. Glodowski, Reviewer

R. P. Burn is an amazing writer for mathematical textbooks.

This book follows Burn's typical format; therefore, this text is little more than a collection of (very) brief introductions to terminology and concepts, followed by a long list of questions for each chapter. Finally, each chapter has an answer section.

The questions asked typically very short, and at first are very simple and intuitively obvious. As each chapter progresses, however, the questions begin to build from prior questions already answered and express more and more complex concepts.

Typically, by the time a chapter has been completed, the reader will have completed one or more complicated proofs typically found in other texts on the same subject-- small bite by small bite at a time.

Highly recommended

This is an older book that is now considered a classic. Father Faber announces on the first page that "No knowledge in the world can be more interesting to us than to know how we stand with God" (p 1). Yes, but just how do we judge whether we are growing in God's graces or not?

This is a long book, and Faber gives the most exhaustive instructions I have ever read in how to grow spiritually. He covers how we should try to make the most of whatever signs of progress we've made, and then covers what things hold us back from God. He has chapters on spiritual idleness, prayer, temptations, scruples, and how to find a spiritual director.

What I liked most was how he could pounce on every single thing we do wrong. Such as this, "We must also beware of looks, manners...and silence, by which we make others feel we are inwardly censuring them. Nothing is more irritating than this" (p57).

There are also excellent classics on this subject by Teresa of Avila, Frances de Sales, Ignatius of Loyola, and, of course, that all time favorite, "The Imitation of Christ", which is now available in a version for children.

A book of any cardiologist should have it. It is simple, practical, and accurate to evaluate cardiac function. And contrast echocardiography should become a very importnat field in echocardiography.

This book is an excellent field book and reference for identifying the trees of Vermont (and other northeastern states). The authors begin with a description of general characteristics to focus on for tree identification, including leaf outlines, leaf tips, leaf margins, flower parts and shapes, and twig forms. They then include a brief description and model of how to use a key, which they follow with a detailed key for identification of trees in summer. Later in the book, they also provide keys for winter identification, and identification of cut wood or lumber. There is a section of black-and-white photographic plates for identification from bark and a section of drawings from microscopic sections to aid in identification of wood. End material includes a glossary and index.

Individual articles are provided for each common tree in Vermont. The articles include the scientific name, common names, and a page of black-and-white drawings to aid in identification. Each article also provides information about habit (form), leaves, flowers, fruit, winter buds, bark, and wood. The articles close with notes, which are general comments about the tree, its uses and folklore.

The key and drawings are exceptionally clear and easy to use. By providing keys for summer, winter, and wood, the authors have made this a comprehensive reference that can be used year-round.

Ce beau petit livre a 8 pliages de mouchoirs qui enchanteront les petits. Le mouchoir et deux élastiques sont fournis. J'ai longtemps cherché un livre sur le pliages des mouchoirs et franchement je suis ravie!

I have never written a review before so I will keep it short and sweet. This book introduces meditation with no strings attached: no beliefs no religion, just logic. It is the first book on meditation I have read and might as well be the last as I feel I don't need to get more information, I am fullfilled. This book takes you through the processes of meditating and integrating it into everyday life, but it is structured as if the author is coaching you. If you want to know what it is like to really live a life with a fulfillment that can't even be expressed, read this book. It is written by a humble Australian who you should also read about.