Living History Books

This book tells it like it is. Its so good I bought it twice!!

Virginia Nicholson's "Among the Bohemians" is an evocative account of the revolt against Victorian and Edwardian values engaged in by the artists and writers of the early 20th Century. The freedom from the constraints of convention that these bohemians fought for was won at a price - and the price was usually poverty, disease and, more often than not, a squalid and disquieting end.

Given the desperate nature of their lives, and their sometimes shocking deaths, the amazing thing is that the book is a fun read. Nicholson is an engaging prose stylist who knows how to pluck out that little detail that will interest her reader. It's not enough, for example, to point out that the artist Eric Gill engaged in incestuous relations with his daughters - he also refused to wear underwear. Dylan Thomas preferred to steal shirts from friends and acquaintances rather than launder the ones he had. The painter Augustus John leapt on just about every female in sight, and went about in his younger days like a bedraggled gypsy.

There are some omissions. I would have liked Nicholson to have included George Gissing's "The Private Papers of Henry Ryecroft," simply because it includes so much of the essence of what these people thought and felt, and not to mention Quentin Crisp, the author of "The Naked Civil Servant," is a definite loss to the book.

"Among the Bohemians" is a bit too British and Bloomsbury-centric (understandable enough, given that Nicholson's grandmother was Vanessa Bell and her great-aunt Virginia Woolf), and the Americans who came over to Europe between the wars are practically ignored, but given the limits of what she's chosen to work with, it's a splendid job.

Like it or not, though, we live in the world that the rebels that Nicholson describes brought about. Our attitudes about just about everything are a lot more free-spirited and a lot less censorious than they would have been a century ago, and we owe those people who paid the price of their rebellion for the social freedoms that too many of us take for granted. That's reason enough, I think, to read this book.

Among the Bohemians is a fascinating and thorough excursion through the colorful streets, homes and cafes of bohemian England during the early 20th Century. Virginia Nicholson, who is related to both the painter Vanessa Bell (often mentioned in this book) and the writer Virginia Woolf, handles the subject in a rather scholarly manner, covering a range of topics chapter by chapter. This organized approach may seem out of tune with the book's subject, but it works well here, allowing the reader to meet the same cast of characters from different vantage points. Like a naturalist studying the behavior of animals in the wild, Nicholson examines almost every conceivable aspect of bohemian life. Using memoirs from that era, we learn all about the homes, love lives, dress, eating habits, parties and child-rearing practices of these flamboyant characters.

Some writers (e.g. Herbert Gold) have successfully examined Bohemia from the inside, using a poetic and meandering voice, but Nicholson prefers the more sociological/ anthropological method. The fact that she is writing about a past era also makes a certain distance inevitable. Despite this methodical approach, Nicholson is not detached from her subject in a coldly objective way. She is clearly sympathetic and admiring of the people she describes. Indeed, she credits bohemians with creating much of the freedom we take for granted today. As she states in the introduction, Nicholson does not confine her study to famous people, though the well known (e.g. Dylan Thomas, Carrington, Robert Graves), are certainly not neglected. As an American, I had always associated Bohemia with places like Paris (which, Nicholson confirms, has always been the Bohemian capital), Greenwich Village and North Beach, but never England. This book filled in some rather large gaps in my knowledge, illustrating the very significant role played by bohemian Brits.

Nicholson has a genuine appreciation for the bohemian spirit, and acknowledges the sacrifices made by many obscure artists, poets and others existing (often marginally) at society's fringes. For some, the idealistic decision to forsake conventional society for a life dedicated to art, romance, poetry or perhaps a vaguer idea such as beauty or authenticity was never rewarded with any kind of material success. Was there any compensation for those living such marginal lives? Nicholson makes the case that for many, a life dedicated to art, romance and freedom is its own reward. For those who embody the bohemian spirit, material comforts and security are not worth the price of suppressing one's creativity and individuality. Bohemia during this era was a radical negation of the conservative Victorian values that were dominant. Similar to the Beatniks of the 1950s and the hippies of the 60s, but to an even greater extent, these early rebels in many ways charted the course for what was to become the modern world. Nicholson presents them as revolutionaries who helped to create a freer and more creative world for everyone. Many of these people lived in abject poverty, and at those days there were few resources to help those who became destitute. There were virtually no government social programs, and relatives were seldom in a position (and often unwilling) to help those who fell between the cracks. The decision to "drop out" of mainstream society had potentially far more dire consequences than for, say, the mostly middle class hippies of the 60s who operated with a safety net of affluent parents, free or very inexpensive education and a growing economy (arguably, we may now be moving back towards a harsher economic climate similar to the Victorian times, at least for those outside the mainstream).

Among the Bohemians is a very readable, informative and enjoyable look at bohemians, who are always among the most interesting and creative members of any society.

For someone interested in the 1st. quarter of the past century's artistic and creative environment in Paris - this is a book not to be missed. In spite it's novelistic approach, it resembles the life almost every artist, painter, writer, etc. lived in those days.
I have a special interest, in the development of artistic evolution - particularly painting - of those days, and reading this book gave me an overall insight of what the 'bohemian' life was exposed to - and intelectually/socially influenced by, rather than a merely account of their somewhat called 'eccentric' lifes.
As an avid reader in the matter, I could also mention "Women of the Left Bank", "Bohemians in Paris", "Bohemians of the Latin Quarter", "Kiki's Paris: Artists and Lovers 1900-30", and books written by Gertrude Stein, to broaden the perspective of the early twentieth century's artistic generation.

This book is a truly historical and sociologic analysis of the early 20th century movement known as Bohemianism. This movement and the individuals who comprised it are a frequently misrepresented group, and shallower attempts have been made to identify the impetus and driving force behind it and/or reproduce one's own simulacrum overnight. This book, unlike such endeavors, is clearly well-researched, thoughtful and well-articulated.

The reminder that the reader gets from this book is that if not for the artistic aspect that made these individuals remarkable and noteworthy, they would have been ordinary people who were living in or on the brink of poverty, and the reason that modern society remembers or cares is because of redemptive writing or art: something which is rather left out of the retrospective equation when we think of Bohemianism from a present-day point of view. Time, coupled with the artistic aspect, has twisted this somewhat into a romantic image. At the time, however, the "starving artists" themselves were not seeking a name for their lifestyle or trying to package their look or sensibility. They were muddling through quandries related to their work and linked to money issues: the idea of "I am an artist, therefore i despise wealth" (p.25), yet on the same page, "How I loathe poverty!" This paradox -- the clutching of the very chains that bind them -- is one of the analyses that really makes the book work. Other aspects of the lifestyle that are examined include concepts of value, aesthetics, sexuality and taste.

Perhaps the most fascinating investigation involves the evolution of the Bohemian world, which just can't be reproduced with an after-the-fact "how-to". This exploration is the genuine article: the history of an era as it evolved, versus an exaggerated mock-up after the fact (you don't have to look far to find an example of the latter).

This can all be distilled down into one quote, from Arthur Ransome: "A Man does not set out saying 'I am a Bohemian'..."; this is the fundamental difference between the thoughtful and intelligent research of this work and the comparatively parodic, pop-culture leanings of other sources on the subject. If you're looking for something of substance on the subject, here it is.

In "Dwellings," Linda Hogan, whose last name is a type of home, showcases her uniquely feminist, naturalist, Native American perspective in a series of first-person narratives. Each addresses some aspect of our innate connection to the natural kingdom, either as an exploiter of it or a victim, like in fire and decay.

Hogan says caves are feminine, womb-like, and have the power to give visions and inspiration to those who dwell in them.

"We are welcome here. I love this inner earth, its murmuring heartbeat, the language of what will consume us. Above is the beautiful earth that we have come from. Below is heat, stone, fire. I am within the healing of nature, held in earth's hand."

Hogan's incisive, yet lilting prose yields nuggets of loamy golden-ness. The copy I read was dog-eared and underlined by its owner.

received book in timely manner and in great condition as expected.

Linda Hogan, a Chickasaw novelist, essayist, and poet, writes some of the most beautiful prose of any living Americxan writer. When she writes nature essays, as in this collection, her style is not that of the journalist (like, say, John McPhee) or even the activist (Rick Bass). Instead, her words are imbued with beauty and wisdom and spirituality. While I hesitate to use the term "Native American writer" to describe Hogan because I believe any such terminology to be limiting, in her case it is necessary because her Chickasaw background informs so much of her work. The plains of Oklahoma, snakes, dreams, a suspicion of technology, and bats all feature prominently in her writing. Hogan doesn't always deal well with the specifics of ecology--she suggests, for example, that wolves never predate on livestock, which of course is an oversimplification of lupine behavior--but she writes extremely well about the importance of human beings seeking a spiritual connection with the natural world. I highly recommend this book, particularly to anyone wishing to teach high school students about the spirituality of nature.

Linda Hogan melds wonderful descriptions of the environment with poignant reflections on humans' place in the world and our relation with other beings in nature. Amazing, humbling, inspiring. Chapters on Caves, Wolves, "What holds the water, what holds the light," Bats, Creations, Walking. I highly recommend this book.

This book is amazing in its multitude of ideas about life! Practically every sentence makes an amazing statement that causes you to stop and think. Plus, Hogan is obviously an avid reader for her book is stuffed with other readers, scholars, and scientist's words and thoughts. If you're interested in the mysteries of life, this is a book you can't afford to pass up!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1SDBZBOTBP23D

Good book about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we go through a valley or through a trial the Holy Spirit is there to defend us. Living a Spirit-filled life will help us win our spiritual battles.

This book gave me strenght and help me to understand that I have an helper The Holy Spirit. It's so wonderful and bless to know that Jesus did not leave us alone but he send the comforter. This book will bless anyone who reads it.

I was very disappointed in the content of this book. Too much emphasis is placed on "speaking in tongues". Nowhere in the Word of God does it state that one is not baptized in the Holy Spirit if he/she does not speak in tongues, so the book is misleading in this area.

Also, the frequent references to "spiritual climaxes and orgasms" are blasphemous, vulgar, and completely distasteful. Christ does not use such outlandish comparisons when describing the relationship He has with His children--why does Bishop Jakes feel the need to do so? One has to wonder what could possibly possess him to continuously compare a holy, supernatural relationship with Christ to one that can be shared only by mere mortals.

If any believer is not shocked and disgusted by these comparisons, I would suggest he/she revisit the issue of his/her salvation.

This book will give you a shocking insight into the mind of Bishop T. D. Jakes.

A great book. If you long to be restored, if you are hungry for more of God, this book will help you get to the place where you will say anointing fall on me. May the power of pentecost fill your life as you discover the anointing of God.

"God King" is a very enjoyable and readable historical fiction account of the early reign of Taharka, Pharaoh of Egypt whose dynasty originated in the kingdom of Kush in present-day Sudan. Young Tarharka is one of the many sons of Shabaka, God King of Egypt. He is neither the eldest nor the most accomplished, but the succession falls to him nonetheless. However, there are schemers in Egypt keen to take advantage of a young king's inexperience. Worse, the mighty Assyrian Sennacherib is gathering his power to the north. Only the Hebrew king Hezekiah holds out against the Assyrians.

In Taharka, the unwilling Pharaoh, Joanne Williamson has created a very sympathetic character. He is naive and trusting at first, yet learns to be strong, resourceful, and merciful. The melding of the scant historical record of the time with the Biblical account of King Hezekiah is skillfully done and the reader truly does get a feel for the time and place.

Overall, this book is a good read for young folks (say, 10 and up) and adults as well. I particularly liked the fact that the book was set in a historical period that is not well studied by your typical 12 year old. Hopefully, it will spur some interest in ancient history among the young. The book is also notable because though Taharka is Black, race never becomes an issue as it often so tediously does in more contemporary fiction for young people. For this reason, I almost hesitate to bring up the subject at all. Let it suffice to say that if more fiction were written from this perspective--where a Black main character is portrayed positively and the other characters are good or evil not based on their race but on their actions--race relations in the real world might actually improve.

This was a cool book. It is about an Egyptian prince who was'nt as special as the other princes. But then he becomes a Pharoh and a so called god. But then his brother take's over the kingdom. Then Taharka left for Canaan with his friend Amos. This was no vacation. Because if they were caught they would be killed. He also meets up with two kings, the first king is Sennacherib of Assyria, and the second one is Hezekiah the king of the Jews. He has to chose which of them to join. Later he joins the Jews and King Hezekiah. It was a great story that will thrill you from beginning to end.

An excellent resource for learning ancient history of Egypt, Israel and Assyria in the Old Testament context. My children of primary school age enjoyed this as a read-aloud.
Would be improved with a pronunciation guide.

My kids--ages 8 and 6--listened with rapt attention and begged for more. The story was not just fun but helped draw a picture in my children's minds of what life was like at the time and placed other historical facts in context. We were sad when it ended! Though the book is probably written for older readers (10 and up), I recommend it as a read-aloud for children as young as early elementary, if they are able to listen attentively to a long story line. We had a great experience with this and other historical fiction by Joanne Williamson.

God King is a wonderfully exciting and educational book. I and both my two children (a boy,12 and a girl, 10) enjoyed the plot-line. We have enjoyed several of Joanne Williamson's novels and have never been disappointed. Sometimes the history of the Old Testament can get a little dry, but Williamson really brought it to life. My children and I came away with a better context and knowledge of the times of Hezekiah and the culture of the Israelites.

Michael W. Smiths is a man that has created some of the best worship songs ever. In his book Its Time to be Bold Michael shows where and when he got the inspiration for many of his songs. In his Bold book he shares many times he had struggles and how good things from his God came from these struggles; including a countless number of his worship songs. The first chapter starts off with a great depiction of Michael¡¦s hectic concerts and how God total showed up for him, blowing his expectations away. These first opening paragraphs grab the readers¡¦ attention drawing them in to this eventful book.
In this book I loved the way that Michael W. Smith takes the worst situation, like his daughter being lost, and turns it around into something to praise God about then relates it to a persons¡¦ walk with God. I also love the fact that from this book you get a look into a worship leader¡¦s life; questions like: ¡§how do worship leaders get the words to write and praise God?¡¨ always came to mind, this book give a huge glimpse of that. I totally think that this book was awesome and I do not have any dislikes about reading it! Good Book ƒº

When I first picked up this book, I expected it to be a "sugar coated" writing by one more musical artist, trying to wax eloquant, when actually doing little more than delivering a half-hearted self-gloification piece. Not so with M.Smith's book. Granted, his true talent is better captured in both his songwriting and his vioce, the book never the less delivers a well thought out message. It is clear from the book, Michael dearly loves those he sings for. His inspiration comes from God, his reward is evidenced in his acknowledging the impact his songs have had on others. While M.Smith writes about the impact, he also reminds us how music can both bring us closer to God and to strengthen our relationship with Him. M.Smith takes us beyond the comfort of being a mere listener of music, he wants us to see music as a way of advancing the Gospel but also as a ministry unto itself.

The book was about how to live your Christian life, and had many good pointers. It is good for Christians and non-Christians alike. I enjoyed this book because it helped me out in this difficult world we live in. Smith is an excellent Christian pop artist and the title is from one of his songs. He wants Christians to be bold in their life, and be able to stand up for what is right. It is important to hang out with Christian friends. I recommend this book for anybody who's remotely interested in strengthening their Christian values.

This book has many spritual messages for young and old alike. Based on some of Michael's own life experiences, he gives incredible first impressions about his experiences and touches the heart of the reader. You too will find it "It's Time To Be Bold" to stand up to face the challenges that life seems to present. Some of his experiences are near the same things I went through and can relate to. He really spoke what was on his heart and touches the reader.

It's Time to Be Bold is an excellent read for anyone who wants to believe in and preach the Bible, but feels it is irrevelant to today. Through personal stories of his own and those of his fans, Michael W. Smith creates word pictures never thought of before. You will see church as the best hang-out on earth and the Bible as awesome as any romance or action novel. The bottom line: Smith is real. He realizes that young Christians need to evangelize more than ever in today's society and that with a few basic rules you can do it. This is a must read and, believe it or not, even more inspiring than many of his songs!

When I read Ed Hamilton's Legends of the Chelsea Hotel, I found myself getting more and more impatient by the day, in the same way I sometimes get impatient listening to a child telling a long story about his day with much excitement while I am "busy" getting through bad traffic. Look, buddy, I have no time for this and what is the point here, I would like to ask him. Ed seems to have such patience that few of us have these days for the details and mundane, insane dramas of life in general, and of the lives of New York city's strangers of no "social significance" in particular, like that of the dead exterminator's wife. Although the book drops many names of celebrities, I felt that he loved the NY transients and/or unknown artists he met at the Chelsea Hotel equally or even more than these cultural historic figures who shared the experiences of the unique lodging. The former souls seemed to have a way to dearly affect and disturb the author into drinking as well as prolific expression of the English language and profanity, not mentioning inspiring him into similar questionable behaviors. His stories seemed to aim at making readers either cringe in disgust (at his perverse enjoyment), or making us consider about embracing these extremely unpleasurable aspects of life as Mad TV-like jokes, or both. His style of writing also reminded me of George Grosz who was known for his "ferocious social satire" and "vitriolic social criticism" of his time and the modern urban life in his caricature art. Like the gentrification of the hotel itself, the author seemed to question our way of wallpapering over the real signs of life and muffling the real sounds of suffering modern souls symbolized by the diverse New Yorker population.

Welcome to De De Land!!
"Legends of the Chelsea Hotel" is one of rare highly stimulating books published in the past decade.
"Hotel Chelsea" describes how old great American spirit has survived her legends through her history.
Each story is built up in the style of almost a haunting fashion and speaks to you directly voce con dolce.
From Madonna's #822 to Sid Vicious' #100,
Ed Hamilton caresses unique Chelsea rooms with enchanting brushings.
So vividly written, one may often be driven into trans and smell the scent of opium.
And, in trans, one could hit an idea perhaps on the wind from Montana that a former Foreign Minister in the Far East had better send his grandson, in the pine room at a famous Japanese restaurant, to the Annapolis;
or, one might be afraid of once again diluting victory for Democrats with Hillary Clinton against John McCain in upcoming Presidential race.
Stop worrying, just in case, and, simply love Chelsea!
That's all you good people have to do.
Incidentally, Hotel Chelsea's geographical location is in itself still fascinating.
The hotel is located on the 23rd Street in Manhattan, a bit west of the 6th Avenue.
You will be led, along with the Americas Avenue, to our most magnificent miles in either direction - regardless it is to the north or to the south.
It was the legend after all.
It still is.

What are the ten reasons? Never mind. You will watch inside.

This book isn't simply blogs--although the author did co-create [...]here he writes them: http://www.hotelchelseablog.com/. It's also not necessarily a journalist's book or a historian's. Yet I finished feeling culturally literate on outlaws, hustlers, and artists from Sid Vicious to Thomas Wolfe; Edie Sedgwick to Storme DeLarverie (so glad to know about her); Herbert Huncke to Dee Dee Ramone; Stanley Bard (the "illustrious proprietor") to Rene Ricard--as well as many more. I'd personally compare Legends of the Chelsea Hotel to literature on community like V. S. Naipaul's Miguel Street, no matter the differences in scene and tone. That's probably because I knew Ed Hamilton first as a novelist and short-story writer. But I don't want to classify him either--or take away any of the fun of the book (yes, there are zombies and ghosts and descents into madness). What I can say is I couldn't stop reading this inside account--and I especially love the section regarding Patti Smith, where past and present, as well as dream and reality, seem to fuse.

So much has been written, photographed, filmed, composed, documented, sung about the Chelsea Hotel, that the challenge for any passionate fan and creator is to find new ways in which to approach and cover the territory. Ed Hamilton does a terrific job of personalizing the extraordinary history and ambience of the Chelsea, and thereby providing a refreshing, engaging and extremely entertaining perspective, that brings new dimensions to the more well-worn aspects of the hotel's story, while also bringing that story right up to date. Very sadly, it can only be a matter of time now before the spirit and the inhabitants who have made the Chelsea one of the world's most storied cultural institutions gradually dissipate and disappear. Read this book now to get a sense of a very special place before it's gone forever.

This is a good, if somewhat disjointed, memoir of life at the Chelsea Hotel during the last ten years. It is certainly worth buying if you have an interest in the hotel. I stayed there during the 80s, so this is catching up for me. It is also a crime that developers have taken control of the Chelsea and it is now effectively history.

There is misinformation. The author has William Burroughs not only staying at the hotel, but writing Naked Lunch there. It is common knowledge that he wrote the book in Tangier. So, one has to question all the historical information.

But history isn't really the question - it is the vibe of living in the Chelsea, and the author does a good job of describing his experiences. He is not a professional writer, and it shows - the book could have used a good edit (which apparently publishers don't do anymore).

For a good history of the Chelsea in earlier years, read At the Chelsea by Florence Turner (which may be out of print - worth hunting down). Turner is a far better writer, and her memoir shines.

I agree that this book is only a brief introduction into the thoughts of Schauberger but hopefully many people are inspired by this book to move forward into the area of water research in an effort to uncover many more truths about what really makes water healthy.

Unfortunately there is so much...on the market, evolving around new-age water products, which in-no-way copy Mother Nature as Viktor had stressed. All these people need to purchase this book in order to obtain some form of initial clarity if they are going to be involved in water research or water products of any kind. Living-water; revitalized-water; restructured water; clustered & micro-clustered-water; alkaline water; Pi-water; crystal-water; snowflake-water; cupcake-water; energized-water; polarized-water; magnetized-water; and all the many others that are on the market have obviously never read any of Viktor's work or at least understood it. Let us all use Viktor's work as a basis to change the planet and make this world a better place to live.

Although it occasionally veers into new-age speculation or pseudoscience, this book offers a rare look at truly alternative ideas about water and energy. The description of Schauberger's early work with flumes is enthralling, and the brief exposition of "flow forms" towards the end of the book is valuable. Search "flow forms" in any web search engine to see some of the sites around the world espousing a fascinating technology that unites water pollution control with esthetics.

I have to say - I got very AGGRAVATED by some portions of this book , because it TOTALLY agreed and expanded on my very own frustrations with our retarded "modern" technologies.

I have ALWAYS dreaded NOISE - I haven't done empirical research on this subject, but my gut instinct has led me to run from & truly hate noisy machines. I feel like someone were stabbing me when I am exposed to a Harley Davidson on the road ! The only friends I really have in this matter I think are the ANIMALS - have you ever noticed the DREAD & FEAR with which ANY animal reacts to our machines ( most notably our motors - be they lawnmowers, drilling machines ... ) Even birds totally abhor the NOISE from our aircraft & automobiles .. notice their flight, as from terror, when they are flying over traffic !

Now I see that IMPLOSION is essentially a NOISELESS phenomenon !! And this is the technology that truly supports the LIVING ! My question - FOLKS, WHEN WILL WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE ARE NOT MACHINES ?? AND OUR SPIRITUALITY IS NOT SOME GOD-DEVIL-CRAP but a PHYSICAL manifestation of the higher ????

" They have eyes, but they don't see ..... "

This is a good introduction to the theories and life of Viktor Schauberger, an Austrian naturalist and inventor. Born in 1885, Schauberger started life as a forester who tried to understand and copy Nature. From watching mountain streams he developed unorthodox theories based on vortex movement about water and its use. He started out designing highly efficient log flumes that used water in vortex motion and at its densest temperature of 4 degrees Centigrade. He then proposed cleaning up the Rhine River by rebuilding the natural curves which stimulate vortex motion in the water. He said that this vortex motion in the Earth caused spring water to be more alive than plain water. He believed that plants grew better in this living water and developed laboratory sized egg-shaped water energizers to activate water.

He also developed theories about the harmfulness of iron and steel tools in agriculture and proposed replacing them with copper ones. He designed an egg-shaped composter that was supposed to develop Noble compost which would be much more beneficial in gardens.

Around the Second World War his theories and experiments take a much different direction and he starts talking about Implosion energy as opposed to combustion explosion energy. He starts developing machines that generate more energy than they use and that run on water and air. Out of this research he claims to have developed a domestic power station that generates large outputs of energy from slight streams of running water. Even more fantastic is a flying saucer that used a 1/20 horsepower electric motor as a starter and then ran on the surrounding flow of air. The research on these inventions was destroyed at the end of the war. Schauberger and his son Walter never seem to have been able to find the resources to develop working models again.

Today his theories on vortex motion of water are taught at the Anthroposophical Emerson College in England. His copper farming tools are sold from the school his son Walter started, the Pythagoras Kepler Schule in Austria. His water, forestry, and farming theories have been accepted by Biodynamic Farming communities and may be helpful to organic farmers today.

There are two appendices at the end of the book by New Age science experts on the underlying theories of vortex energy. I find these actually detract from the book rather than help it. A Bibliography also is less than useful. Most of the sources are to obscure journals or original Austrian publications. These types of resources are less than helpful in such an introductory text.

This is an excellent, brief introduction to the thought of Viktor Schauberger, and I hope it inspires works which are more complete. Callum Coates' books reach in this direction, but what is really needed are more people to read these books, synthesize their information, and come up with new and original books which take us further into depth in these areas. This will probably involve synthesizing the work of Schauberger, Grander, Bienveniste, and others.

An understanding of Schauberger is very important for those attempting to reconstruct an Indigenous European Perspective. Schauberger has the elements of a modern water shaman, and his shamanic / intuitive techniques of letting his body float with the water should be closely correlated with what Hans Peter Duerr has to say about "out of body" experience in his tome "Dreamtime". Although Schauberger lived in the 20th Century, his perspective allows us to imagine back what earlier indigenous practitioners may have been like. The Colonial, Imperialist Europe is only one side of the coin of Europe. We must also include the suppressed indigenous, pagan, and green sides. Significantly, the Inquisition represents a watershed in European history where a great deal of the indigenous healers and theorists were wiped out in holocaust proportions. An understanding of Schauberger, coupled with an appreciation of Steiner, Hildegard of Bingen, Hans Peter Duerr, and others, will allow us to reconstruct what a noncolonial, nonimperialist Europe was like.

Understanding water's nature is essential in this regard, for water forms the basis of our understandings of flow. Furthermore, understanding water's energetic qualities will help us understand how it interacts with the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine, for example, would benefit from an accurate and holistic understanding of water's qualities.

In short, this book is an excellent appetizer, but I await the main course ...

Great book! Teaching women that being out of control and under God's control is the only way to live life to it's fullest!

I love Lisa Bevere books and Out of Control & Loving It is one of my favorites. Why? Because Lisa's ministry allows her to be transparent, which means she speaks from her own personal struggles, and shares how the Lord brought her through. In this book she admits how she tried to be in control, but that in losing control (giving it over to God), she actually gained control. Her writing eases the readers fears, lets them know they aren't alone, and gives them a scriptural and practical perspective that is most helpful. I recommend this book as well as the others she's written.

Lisa Bevere is a true Godsend. How marvelous it is to relinquish control over aspects of our lives that we were never meant to handle in the first place. And how maturing is it to realize what we do have control over..our responses...and how that allows us to make the right choices in life. God Bless this woman and her ministry. Trust me, this is not just a book for the Women of God. Everyone should read this!

This book is a powerful, sharp hitting expose' on some of the areas of our human nature that can easily be hidden to others. Lisa is bold in pulling no punches as she details behaviours that we are all prone to and often justify because 'everyone else is doing it'. Lisa highlights many areas specific to our modern situations where we fail to love,honour, fear and serve God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. In doing this we are failing to obey Jesus' first command (Matt 23:37&38). And in failing the first, we cannot obey the second (v.39). Prior to reading this book, I am ashamed to say that it was often the consideration of what others would think of me that determined my speech and actions, not a reverant fear of serving my Creator and Lord

This book helps women specifically to realise the enormity of what it is to serve God in this complete way. It is quite literally the loss of all control, leaving total faith dependance in the Lord and Creator of the Universe. It was not until I read this book that I realised how poorly I was performing in many areas of my life, in comparison to Gods perfect standard. Areas where I may have suspected some sickness if I had cared to heed my very muted conscience, and others where I was totally blind & in darkness. The chapters on fear and gossip were almost mind-blowing, as the depth of information contained within shone much needed light and understanding on how deeply rooted these things are, dictating many of my thoughts, responses, directions.

Many anecdotes throughout the book are evidence of Lisa's personal experience of complete submission to the rule of God in her life. The vulnerable position that this puts her in gives credence to what she is saying, and a definite sense of equal achievability to the reader.

The only areas of reservation I would express are the many narratives of Lisa's personal two-way conversations with God. I do not have as much knowledge as I would like on the subject of unhindered human interaction with God. I do not personally feel confident to say I hear the voice of God giving me specific direction. I do however, acknowledge that God being God may choose to reveal himself in many ways, and I have learnt not to discredit the spiritual experiences of others based upon the fact that I myself may not have had a similar experience. Reading this book has made me want to investigate this further ... is such a clear communitive pathway available to me also as my submission to Gods complete control over my life deepens?

One of the most bluntly honest and helpful books I've ever read.If you want to be set free from stress and worry this is a good book.

I have read this book three times, and each time find something new and wonderful in it. The complexity of the characters and the clarity of place and time make it very engrossing. The main characters remain strong as they evolve, bringing the reader along in their lives. From destitute villages to opulent palaces, Petersburg is entracing, enlightening and one of the best books I have read.

This is perhaps the best book I have ever read. It is a major accomplishment and I'm amazed that it hasn't received tons of literary awards. Hanlon's use of dialogue along with the flow and rhythm of the writing is just outstanding. Never before have I had such a clear sense of living in this historic time. Hopefully this book won't be lost in obscurity. It would make such an incredible movie.

I found this book a total thrill from start to finish and was totally gutted when it came to and end. I took myself there and lived the book, which had the most unpredictable story lines and characters you couldn't stop yourself loving or hating. I could almost feel the snow crunching beneath my feet. This novel had everything, i simply could not put it down. I can only hope and pray that one day it will make it to the big screens, it would be magnifcant.

They are a new social class in old Russia: the wealthy industrialists, who inhabit the glittering turn-of-the-century city of Petersburg. Torn between their loyalty to the Czar and their own peasant roots, they are about to ignite a revolution that will change the world forever...

At the center of the tumult is Alexei Kalinin, a self-made railroad tycoon who is fighting to overthrow the monoarchy. Alexei is in love with Anna Orlov, a gifted young pianist whose connection to Alexei will thrust her into the bloody events as they unfold. Alexei's pacifist nephew Misha escapes his abusive father only to land in the middle of the violence. And Misha's tutor, the proud and sensuous Irina Rantzau, renounces her aristocratic background to stand up for her revolutionary ideas.

Powerful passions catapult all four into a strange new world, where the sweep of history will force them to make grave choices-for their country and for themselves.

from back of book.

I found Petersburg to be a real pageturner. I was completely hooked by the plot, couldn't figure out what was coming next, fell totally in love with the characters whom I found breathtakinly real! I felt as if I was really in turn of the century Russia and as an afficionado of Russian history, I was impressed with the historical accuracy of the major events. The love stories were passionate and moving and the scenes of revolution bounced off the page. If you like historical fiction, this is a real winner.

I think "Son of Charlemagne" was very interesting. Before reading the book, I didn't think that well of Charlemagne, but after reading this book, my opinion changed. This book develops the life of Charlemagne through the eyes of his son, Carl. The plot was well developed, but on the negative side, the continuing change in area was confusing. The constant change from city to city was confusing, especially when I would go a few days without reading it. There was also many main characters, and so it was hard to remember who was who. I still enjoyed it, however, because it taught history, (which i don't particularly like), in a novel setting, so it was more fun to read. I have already recommended this book to someone else. And I would recommend it to you, too, if you would like to learn more about French medeivel history. Just be prepared for some confusion, unless you can easily hold a bunch of information in your head!!

Haley Houchens
(age 13)

My sons and I enjoyed this book. It is about Charlemagne, but written from the perspective of his eldest son, so it keeps their interest. This booked sparked us looking into Charlemagne in more detail, from the history books, so it was great.

We enjoyed this story of Charlemagne told by viewing the life of one of his sons, Carl. While not intensely detailed in regards to his historical battles, though they are referenced (and one particularly brutal event is covered intensely), it gives more of an insider view with the focus on his family life. That was very interesting! This incredible world leader was a devoted family man who desired for his children to travel with him whenever possible. He humbly sought a better education for himself, his children and his subjects. This focus led to the Carolingian Renaissance. While Charles the Great certainly had flaws, those too were inspiring examples. These multifacted qualities resulted in his rise from King of the Franks to coronation as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Son of Charlemagne was written very personally, a tender glimpse into the real life struggles of a political giant.

This telling of the life of Charlemagne was clearly intended for younger readers, but I must tell you, I enjoyed it very much anyway. Told through the eyes of Carl, his second son, the story of Charlemagne is brought to life in a vivid and personal way. The tale focuses mainly on the private lives of the great King and his family, mentioning most of the great battles and campaigns only in passing. It makes plain Charlemagne's love for his family, even though the demands of rule often forced him into difficult--and sometimes brutal--decisions.

I particularly liked how the author was able to convey historical detail about the time period in an interesting way without being overly didactic. The book introduces the young reader to a variety of historical personages (like Alcuin and Pope Hadrian) and ancient peoples (like the Saxons and Avars). The book makes clear Charlemagne's attachment to learning and his devotion to the Catholic Church and the Papacy in particular.

Personally, I would have preferred a little more action and detail on Charlemagne's military accomplishments, but I suppose that's a man thing. If you like historical novels with a Catholic flair like this one, I would also recommend Belisarius: The First Shall Be Last

I really enjoyed reading Son of Charlemagne for history. I learned more facts about Charlemagne in this book than in a regular study on him. It is a great book to read in your spare time. This book is told by his son Carl's point of view.