Abbey Books

Edward Abbey's curmudgeonly persona permeates this collection of essays organized by topic (politics, travel, books and art and nature love). This is one of Abbey's later books, a mish-mash of essays, magazine articles and book prefaces, and it has a disjointed feel.

When Abbey describes a journey, like his description of a houseboat trip on Lake Powell, he is magical. When he decides to be political or critical, when the desert rat Abbey comes to fore, he just comes off as too ranting, too artful, trying to hard to be clever and angry at the same time. This is always Abbey, or, I could argue, any artist, at their worst -- when they become so self conscious of their persona that they have to pander to it to maintain the illusion of it. That's at least how Abbey comes off to me in the rantings in this book.

His article about a trip to San Francisco shines when it describes his visit to Robinson Jeffers house, but could do without the pithy descriptions of his daughter and meeting with the magazine editor.

Read "One Life..." one story at a time. If you don't like one, skip it and move on. There are enough pleasing nuggets to satisfy both avid fan and neophyte alike.

Let me say one thing right up front: Ed Abbey is my favorite author. From the lyrical imagery of "Beyond the Wall" to the alternating landscapes and polemics of "Desert Solitaire" to the introspective fiction of "The Black Sun," Abbey at his best was like no other author. That said, "One Life at a Time, Please" is not my favorite Abbey book. Always a mercurial writer, ("when he was good, he was very, very good, but when he was bad he was awful"), this is a very uneven book. Since it is a collection of essays originally written as lectures, magazine articles, and book forewards, you'd expect a certain amount of variability, but "One Life at a Time, Please" has more highs and lows than a Canyonlands relief map.

Some of the essays are very good--"A Writer's Credo" and "The Future of Sex," for example. Others, like "River of No Return," illustrate his trademark power to breathe extraordinary life into otherwise ordinary adventures. My main complaint is with the collection of essays in the section titled "Politics." In "A Writer's Credo," Abbey eloquently argues that it is the writer's responsibility to be a critic of the society in which he lives, so as to foster positive change in that society. But he seems to forget that to be effective, the writer must also persuade. The vitriolic essays in "Politics" may please existing ecodefenders but are more likely to alienate those important readers who are still undecided. If the result causes people to turn away from environmentalism rather than embrace it, they do more harm than good. Abbey himself seemed to recognize the danger of his ways in the excellent essay, "Mr Krutch."

Would I recommend the book? Absolutely yes. Those already familiar with Abbey will find it an enlightening insight into the enigmatic old misanthrope's personality. New readers will discover an often eloquent leader in 20th century environmentalism. One caution, though. If you've never read Abbey before, save the section titled "Politics" until the end. That way you'll be less likely to fling the book across the room into a roaring fireplace, or if you do, you'll at least have gotten more of your money's worth.

This book of essays gives the reader new to Abbey a brief but coherent representation of his cannon. Among favorites in the book are "Theory of Anarchy" where he outlines a lifestyle and society where the individual is priority; "Lake Powell Houseboat" where Abbey uses the pastoral wonder of the Colorado River to reflect on personal experience; and finally the flag ship essay of the entire collection: "A Writer's Credo." Here Abbey outlines the true purpose of the freelance writer "to oppose injustice, to defy power, and to speak out for the voiceless." All Abbey followers should own this book and all who are interested should buy one

Of all Abbey's non-fiction titles, I liked One Life at A Time best after Desert Solitaire. It's vintage Abbey at his best. You may not agree with his political views in this book of essays. But you'll find his arguments compelling and logical. "Immigration And Other Liberal Taboos" is a classic. So is "The Future of Sex" in which he asks the question, "What is femininity?" Gloria Steinham be damned.

I had great expectations after reading the first essay: Free Speech. I feel like the book went downhill from there. Abbey seems particularly fond of wandering off by himself, but frankly, when he's part of a white-water rafting excursion, I have serious doubts that they would even let him do that. I'm certain now that he's taking considerable "artistic license" in some of these essays. For me the low point was "Writer's Credo". I felt a strong level of insincerity in this piece - How can a writer feel it's his duty to criticize everyone around him without first subjecting himself to the same standards. Frankly, at best, "Credo" is just a justification for Abbey's misanthropic tendencies. At worst, it's a lie.

"Krutch" was just plain boring. "Sex" was somewhat redeeming.

I'm not sure what to say about "Sportsmen" - which as Abbey puts it, is simply excerpts from a printed leaflet. It sure was scary. The question is, with the questions raised about Abbey's honesty of description, and sincerity of purpose, how factual is this piece titled "Sportsmen"? I don't want to believe it, and Abbey spent the whole rest of the book crying wolf. I don't know.

I absolutely love some of Abbey's books. We all love "Desert Solitaire", and the charicatures of "The Monkey Wrench Gang", etc., are wonderful. But this patchwork of rehashed essays seems just like a cheap way to make some extra cash. In summary, a careful read of this bookwill likely expand your image of this writer, but leave you with questions about his veracity. I guess the next book for me will have to be "Confessions". Don't make this your first foray into Abbey's world. You're likely to miss the best.

So successful a project was the original idea from Thieves World that they did more, and a game.

Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn : Spiders of the Purple Mage - Philip José Farmer
Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn : Goddess - David Drake
Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn : The Fruit of Enlibar - Lynn Abbey
Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn : The Dream of the Sorceress - A. E. van Vogt
Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn : Vashanka's Minion - Janet Morris
Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn : Shadow's Pawn - Andrew J. Offutt
Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn : To Guard the Guardians - Robert Lynn Asprin


Rats, arachnids, killer monkeys and even bigger octopedal nasties are a lot to put up with.

3 out of 5


Flaming demon midwifery.

3.5 out of 5


Steel secret.

3 out of 5


Some good advice in the middle of a divine disagreement: "Clearly, a human confronted by a god should not rely on force alone."

3.5 out of 5


Storm God sending is painful.

3.5 out of 5


Stone cold thievery.

2.5 out of 5


A spot of killer killing and slaver slaying can be good for a town.

4 out of 5

The Thieves' World anthologies are an interesting concept in the fantasy realm. Unlike normal anthologies which are put together due to some minor thing - like all featuring cats, or swords, or a purple paint - this anthology series features a fully fledged and thought out corner of a fantasy world called Sanctuary. Sanctuary is a city at the far southern corner of the empire which happens to be where all the less-than-law-abiding citizens of the world tend to congregate. As in all real cities, there are various areas that cater to the various socio-economic classes. There is also a hierarchy of gods and of citizens who all answer to the prince and his chief law enforcers known as Hell-Hounds.

The common theme of this second volume in the series is the Rankan god Vashanka and his exploits within the realm of Sanctuary. As you read the seven stories that are part of this collection, you realize that most all of them revolve around Vashanka and his semi-human emissary. Since each of the stories is written by a different author, it is fascinating to see how the same characters appear and act in the various stories. There are some common themes which are the contributions of Robert Asprin. They are mainly the overall structure and idea of Sanctuary and the character of Hakiem. Additionally, Asprin contributes one of the stories and an epilogue. This epilogue contains the only humorous part of the book as it is a purported Chamber of Commerce brochure advertising the "charms" of Sanctuary. Aside from this epilogue, all the other stories in this volume are grim, bloody, and point out the terrible debasement and hopelessness of a place like Sanctuary.

So, all the stories are dark and grim and are definitely a departure from Asprin's normal fare. As an anthology it clearly works and by having so many famous contributors, the anthology is successful and will probably encompass many more volumes. Should you read it is the question? I found the stories repelling yet compelling at the same time. Clearly these were written by masters in the world of fiction and are therefore hard to put down. The premise and the execution are dark and depressing. So, if you can handle the bleakness, you will enjoy the work. If you are expecting a story along the lines of Skeeve, or the Phules, then you will be mightily surprised.

The first book in this series left me yawning, but "Tales from the Vulgar Unicorn" has convinced me to keep reading. The quality of the tales seemed far better than in the first collection, and they certainly fit well together too. The closing essay was very humurous as well. A contrast to the generally dark tone of stories from Sanctuary.

First and foremost, if you have not yet read Thieve's World, you must in order to understand a lot of what is happening in TFTVU.

That being said, this is a great continuation! I love the fact that we start off with such a vivid story about the purple mage. Masha is introduced here, for the first and last time, but that's okay, she was a strong woman, and one well worth reading about! The effects of this story will also be seen later on in further stories...

In the next story, we learn a little more about the gods and goddesses of Sanctuary. Interesting indeed, but the characters are all pretty much new, and only really belonging to this one chapter.

However, in the following story we are introduced to Illyra again, yipee...and we also learn a little more about the ever powerful god, Vashanka...he is definately a naughtly little god if I ever read about one! Up to no good, for sure! We also learn about his sister Azyuna, and all of this will be very important in chapters to come.

Most importantly, in my eyes, is that we meet up with Hanse again, but not only that, we also meet perhaps the most pivotal character in Tempus. You will love him, you will hate him, but you just cannot turn away from him no matter what. This man will having you thinking, believe me, and if he were real, he would have either your undying love, or your utmost hatred. He is a very specail character, indeed.

This second series was fantastic, and if you loved Thieve's World and want to see what else your favorite people have been up to, please, I urge you to continue on!

If you are interested in twists, turns and some descriptive writing, this book is for you. If you can stomach some things that you normally wouldn't like then you can enter the marvelous world of Santuary.

If you have read only a few of Abbey's books these quotes might not mean anything to you. This is not a story but is just a collection of quotes. Although he likes to make broad generalizations like 'all rebels are good' that is part of what makes Abbey so endearing. He doesn't sugar coat his opinions. I may not agree with all he says but I do respect him for at least putting it out there and not backing down. It also gives a lot of insight into his writing and reveals some specfics that you would have to read every book of his carefully in order to understand. It does make for a great reference and is interesting to see him contradict himself. You could very easily write 'Down the River with Abbey' by using this book and it would have much the same feel as his book concerning Thoreau. A great book for just thumbing through or reading out load to friends on a long car trip.

A great service was provided Edward Abbey fans with the publication of this marvelous little tome. Now we anarchists have a handy source of short bits by Abbey to plaster on our webpages, our mail, and even our car bumpers! Up with nature, down with Empire!

After Ed's passing, there were many holes, despite the prolific nature of the self proclaimed bastard. This small book offers a wonderful insight into the man behind the Monkey Wrench. Through his journals, poems and other unpublished work, another ray of desert sunlight falls upon Ed's hulking form. We miss you Abbey, but this eases the emptiness a little

This is not Abbey's grand work nor was it intended to be. This is a small collection of one-liners and pithy observations of a highly talented, self-admitted misanthrope. "Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell" is a prime example.

Abbey was a truck riding good ole boy and was about as politically correct as a punch to the head. His backpack was not designed by Gucci and his boots were mostly army surplus but he spent a life time outdoors, not behind a desk finding fault. His writings, his actions and his public appearances brought more awareness of nature and its plight to the public than did the combined number of his critics by a factor of 1000.

Borne just before the depression, he did not see all wild game as Bambi or Thumper but, as a child, watched as his father hunted for the table. Abbey may not be for everyone, but, by the same token, neither is Mr. Rogers.

Edward Abbey is quite possibly the most overrated author of the 20th Century. For proof, look no further then this little book of pseudo-wisdom. You'll have the pleasure of watching as Ed spouts tiresome untruths (all government is bad, all science is bad, all rebels are good, etc.) with the petulant attitude that he is the very first person in history to say them all, and that it makes him great. Environmentalists who think that Abbey was some kind of hero might be shocked by the elitist arrogance of this "man of the people" (he thanks nuclear physicists for inventing the atomic bomb) or by right-wing moronics worthy of the most brainless militiaman ("the rifle and handgun are 'equalizers'--the weapons of a democracy"). Abbey even puts the s-word in print and brags about it as if he were the first person on the planet to do it. If you are an environmentalist (like me) and you want inspiration, read Emerson, read John Muir, even read Wendell Berry--but skip Edward Abbey.

This was one of the first books I bought when I decided that I needed some reference books. I still turn to it regularly, especially for the pattern designs in the back. This book provides a good overall reference and covers the basics that everyone should know, especially a beginner. I don't know if I would want to teach myself to knit from this book, although it does cover the very basics. I especially appreciate the breadth of the book and the pattern reference which is a good starter reference, rather than buying a second book. My first knitting book was the Leisure Arts "Learn to Knit" booklet and this book would make a good companion to that for a complete beginner. For the price I think it is one of the best overall references for a beginning or relatively inexperienced knitter. For a more advanced knitter, or one who is adventuresome, I recommend Montse Stanley's "Knitter's Handbook" although that does not have a stitch pattern guide.

I bought this book many years ago when it was first published, but only recently have begun to appreciate it. After a hiatus from knitting, lasting nearly 20 years, I have taken it up again. I have bought some of the newer references to review the more advanced stitches and techniques, many of which I'd completely forgotten, but I have found this book, originally published in 1971, to be more complete and clear than any of the newer books I have. The text is good in explaining the techniques, and the illustrations are outstanding! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it contains none of the glossy, color illustrations or projects that characterize the newer references and which most of us have come to expect. As noted in another review, this is a no-frills reference; but the information is solid, and I'm sure I will be consulting this book often.

I am a recent born-again knitter, having started again after 35 years of never touching a knitting needle! I forgot everything I had ever learned. Once I re-learned how to cast on, I found this to be a good reference book for the rest of the basics.

Abbey begins with all kinds of needles, regular and "special needs", then proceeds to the extra equipment like counters, stitich holders, ring markers, etc.

The next chapter covers all types of yarns, man-made and wools that include vicuna, cashmere, and alpaca. Also included is a description of how yarns are made and the history of yarn.

A really valuable section was the part on abbreviations since every pattern uses them extensively.

All basic techniques are covered: casting on, yarn over, increasing and decreasing, casting off, cross-overs, measuring, assembling and finishing.

The illustrations are good if no-nonsense, but I am glad I have a friendly knitting/yarn store nearby to demonstrate for me!

I was fascinated with the large section about knitting with ribbons, but I have a long way to go before I am proficient enough to do this gorgeous technique.

The final section was devoted to a huge variety of pattern stitches which I may someday be able to do--with lots of practice.

First, a warning. This book has absolutely no frills. No patterns, no color pictures, just a lot of good kntting advice. Also, since it was written in the 70s, some of the knitting techniques are given different names than what a modern knitter is used to. For all this, the book is a wonderful addition to a knitter's library.

It is a book of a "knitter's knitter", I agree that it is not for a total beginner. The basics are rushed through in favor of more advanced techniques. There is a wonderful section on ribbon knitting and a very well researched chapter on various yarns, their origins and history.

Most of all, there is a section on knitting terms translated from other languages. Included are British terms, French, German and Swedish. This is a great help when dealing with the great number of wonderful knitting patterns available from other countries. (The very poular German magazine Rebecca, for example, though it comes with a translation booklet. Then again, if you ever lose it...) I consider this section a very valuable source.

Last of all, there are many fascinating stitch patterns to be tried, two handed fair isle knitting explained (though other books explain this technique too) and tips on argyle knitting.

The book is full of good information and you simply can't go wrong. Every knitter needs a good general reference book (or ten!) and this one is certainly going to be on my shelf.

"We shook hands once, but I never knew him personally, and I have mixed feelings about that. I would have liked to argue with him over cheap cigars and good tequila by a blazing river campfire under a sky full of stars. But then, this would have been a different book, more of a personal memoir." James Bishop, Jr. Despite misgivings of not knowing Edward Abbey personally, Bishop has written a superb book on the legend of desert anarchist Cactus Ed. It is a well-researched, no-holds-barred, truthful expose of the mind, musings and legacy of an outrageous, outspoken man who was devoted to preserving the American Southwest wilderness for himself and a select few who would truly understand, preserve and love it unequivocally. Bishop, a polished and professional writer of many years with Newsweek, leaves no saguaro thorn or blossom untouched in his thorough and objective rendering of the subjects life, personality, writings and still living legacy. Often labeled the "Thoreau of the American West," the talented and tenacious Abbey was the promoter of ecodefense and ecosabotage; advocating anarchy to prevent the government and tourist industry from ruining the wilderness. In his twenty-one published books, the most popular being "The Monkey Wrench Gang" and "Desert Solitaire", Abbey shows to have been a determined, cantankerous, frustrated and angry, yet unique and colorful persona. Many detested him; especially those who were to receive financial gain from developing, paving or civilizing the west for tourism or the development of power plants at the cost of damning nature, pun intended. Abbey, certainly a master wordsmith as well, expounds a continuous theme: a surly hatred of progress and dogmatic devotion to wilderness preservation. If the admirable and perplexing Abbey could be summed up in one word, it would have to be curmudgeon; applying his wrath and logic at will depending upon mood and provocation, yet one with a delight of stirring motions within others and then impishly standing back to watch the results. Abbey's theme and writing niche was discovered early in life; the constant rebellion to progress, pomp and formality were seemingly intentional. Despite his denial and distaste for finances, both theme and writing paid well. "Love of wilderness" Abbey wrote in Desert Solitaire, "is an expression of loyalty to the earth which bore us and sustains us, the only home we will ever know, the only paradise we ever need --- if we only have eyes to see." In his constant struggle to protect the environment from the government, developers and ourselves, Abbey's The Monkey Wrench Gang implies his fictional delight in openly seeking to enrage others to the point of "monkey wrenching" the governments Glen Canyon Dam Project by damaging equipment or floating dynamite-filled boats to the dam while the ribbon cutting ceremony was taking place. As long as no one got hurt and he, admittedly the one who didn't have the courage to pull the plug or press the handle setting off the dynamite, it was fine with him. So open was Abbey in his determination of stopping progress that the FBI had agents assigned to watch and report on him for most of his adult life. Alas, the struggle of Abbey and his devotees to prevent what many called necessary "growth and progress" was as futile as those who in present day blame Columbus for the genocide of native Americans and eventual take over of two entire continents by Europeans and others. It was and is, inevitable. If Columbus didn't do it, someone else would have. The environs of Abbey's Southeast Utah stomping grounds of the 1950s, resembles little of what it is today, and, regretfully, nothing of what "growth and progress" will deem its state and existence a hundred years from now. We come, we see and, for environments demise, we conquer. Anyone interested in understanding more of Edward Abbey, need only read Desert Solitaire, written in 1968 from essays he wrote in the mid-50s while working as an isolated National Parks employee in Arches National Monument near Moab, Utah. "This is the most beautiful place on earth." Abbey wrote, yet he ended his employment there after two seasons due to the monument becoming "developed and improved so well that I had to leave." The reader seeking complete insight of the unique and complex Edward Abbey should read Epitaph of a Desert Anarchist. "Any writer who is dead and still raises hackles must have done his work properly," eulogized fellow writer and friend Chuck Bowden. Abbey and Bishop have both done their work well.

I am sorry that the money was spent to give this book to me as a gift. It is not well researched and not well written. If you have bought everything that Abbey wrote, read it all, bought everything else, read them all, gone back and read at least Desert Solitare and Down the River again, then have to be able to say "I've read everything by and about Abbey"; well then you might, but only might, consider this book. Even then try to borrow it. In fact, I'll send you mine if I haven't tossed it. I have been an Abbey fan for years, not always agreeing but always admiring the point of view. This book was truely not worth my time, I am somewhat amazed that three other people thought it was. Oh well, just as you can say this about me I'll say it about them, there's no accounting for taste.

What a wonderful book! Reading it was like sitting with the author and talking about Ed Abbey over a couple of beers. Bishop's style is so smooth and relaxing. He could give a lesson to all current biographers: we don't need to know everytime the subject had tea with someone or tied his tie over the course of 800 pages! It was just the right mix of disscussion of his life and his books. The last chapter, "Farewell..." was very moving. Edward Abbey was a man I would have loved to have known personally because he was so interesting and caustic, and especially because I don't always agree with him, which makes an interesting mix. I have read 2 novels and 1 book of essays of Abbey's and look forward to reading everything else he has written. A real nice job by the author.

James P. Bishop, Jr. has created a vivid and real picture of a great man who was as human as the rest of us. I most enjoyed how Abbey's contrariness has been captured. After reading this book, not only do I feel I've come to know of Abbey in some small way, it has given me a greater appreciation for the American Southwest and the need to speak out against government intervention. Written with frank truth and compassion ... a rare combination.

Ostensibly, this book covers the subject of creating web-based educational courseware thoroughly; however, it is mostly geared towards university distance learning (including hypbrid uses), which I found of limited use to those in military or corporate training development. The basis of the information, where each chapter is written by a different author, ranges from tenets based on primary research, to those based on extrapolation from text and CBI research, to "common practice" and personal experience (but written as though the truth). Very little information is based on primary research for web-based instructional design (including interface issues), although each chapter has a long bibiography. Also, this is one of the worst-edited books I've read in a long time, though the first chapter is the killer. If you're new to the subject of distance learning and you're in K-12 or higher education, it may be useful to you. Else...is there "else"? I'm still searching.

Like many of the other books on this subject, it is a collection of articles which vary considerably in their usefulness. Many of the articles begin with a rather basic summary of the depth of the changes that the internet and new learning technologies are bringing to education. If you've purchased or borrowed this book, my guess is that you're already aware of this and are looking for interesting ideas and some pointers to directions that are likely to be fruitful and interesting.
For me, the following chapters fulfilled those criteria

· Conditions for Web-based Learning with real events, Theo J Basstiaens and Rob L. Martens, Open University of the Netherlands
· Preparing tomorrow's teachers to Use web-based education, Lowther, Jones & Plants University of Memphis
· Using Situated Learning as a Design Strategy for Web- based Learning, Oliver and Herrington, Edith Cowan University

Ostensibly, this book covers the subject of creating web-based educational courseware thoroughly; however, it is mostly geared towards university distance learning (including hypbrid uses), which I found of limited use to those in military or corporate training development. The basis of the information, where each chapter is written by a different author, ranges from tenets based on primary research, to those based on extrapolation from text and CBI research, to "common practice" and personal experience (but written as though the truth). Very little information is based on primary research for web-based instructional design (including interface issues), although each chapter has a long bibiography. Also, this is one of the worst-edited books I've read in a long time, though the first chapter is the killer. If you're new to the subject of distance learning and you're in K-12 or higher education, it may be useful to you. Else...is there "else"? I'm still searching.

As a faculty trainer and instructional designer, I have had the opportunity to read many volumes dealing with the instructional design process and Web-based courses. This volumn is simply the best I have read. There is not a single chapter that I did not get domething from. I will begin teaching a certificate program in Web-based course design and implementation in the Spring and this book will the text for the first course.

I have had the opportunity to critique several hundred Web-based courses over the last three years. The vast majority are flawed from an instructional desing standpoint. This book should be required reading for all persons designing Web-based courses as, if followed, the percentage of courses that are designed and implemented correctly would increase dramatically.

I cannot recommend this volume too highly. In addition to being well written, the references (many on the Web) are great.

Jim

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was a Roman Catholic monk who frequently wrote on religious topics. This particular book, however, is quite scattered. The format is a collection of essays and articles with no seeming link, paper to paper. Some of the better essays are: "Classic Chinese Thought" "From Pilgrimage to Crusade" "The Jesuits in China" "Pleasant Hill"

Merton states his goal in these terms, "All these studies are united by one central concern: to understand various ways in which men of different traditions have conceived the meaning and method of the 'way' which leads to the highest levels of religious or of metaphysical awareness."

Some of his essays (notably "The English Mystics," and, "Russian Mystics,") are so detailed (and obtuse) that I understood little of what he was talking about. I wondered at this point what Merton's intended audience was... Obviously, someone who has a fairly solid working knowledge of monasticism and mysticism. However, the detail he goes into quickly becomes difficult (and even boring) for the uninitiated.

"Classic Chinese Thought," is an exposition of ancient Chinese thought and is definitely the most clear and accessible piece in the whole book, in my opinion. "From Pilgrimage to Crusade," traces the original idea of being a pilgrim (i.e. an act of penance for serious sins) to the frankly military enterprise which captured Jerusalem in 1099 A.D. "The Jesuits in China," was also a very interesting study in missions; the Jesuits did not import their European heritage initially when they came to China. They slowly became Chinese (inasmuch as this is possible for Westerners) and thus were better able to conduct evangelism. Though this essay was somewhat unorthodox in some areas, I found it to be new perspective on missions. "Pleasant Hill," describes an American group known as Shakers (they were something of a cross between Mennonites and Pentecostals); they existed from the American Revolution to about 1850. They really personified the idea of the Protestant work ethic and I found the group very interesting. It is unfortunate that the Industrial Revolution (which made their hand made goods obsolete, to oversimplify) and their celibacy (they lived in isolated communities and refused to marry and have children; so unless new people joined the order, it was only a matter of time before it collapsed) slowly eliminated them.

Merton's pluralism is very problematic, to say the least. He takes those oft quoted words from Vatican II, "The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions," and stretches them. I personally hold that the Holy Spirit is active in other (i.e. non-Christian) religions to prepare them for Christian evangelism, I still maintain that salvation is only to be found in Christ (i.e. John 14:6. Acts 4:12. 1 Timothy 2:5). Merton castigates his fellow Catholics for dismissing Eastern Religions; I agree that to properly to show the insufficiency of non-Christian religions, one must have some knowledge of them

To end on a positive note, I think Merton does an admirable attempt to provide something of a definition for that ever-illusive way of the East, Zen Buddhism. At one point, he describes Zen Buddhism as the religious existentialism of the East; this is one of the briefest definitions I have yet come across.

Overall, I would *not* recommend this book.

This book consists of a number of essays written at different times, and though the range of topics seem quite varied at first (which isn't necessarily a bad thing--we call it the "spice of life" after all), a little thought will show the unifying theme to be the contemplative traditions within the world religions, principally Buddhism and Christianity. It is also apparent that several of the essays were originally book reviews, but Merton's incredible writing style and deep spirituality transform this usually cut-and-dried format into an art in itself.

It was also salutary to see a Catholic actually take Vatican II's directions on other religious traditions seriously, instead of rationalizing this away in favor of one's own arrogant sense of religious superiority (which bears a family resemblance to the pride of Satan). Even more salutary to see a Catholic able to do so with a firm, solid, secure sense of his own religious identity and spiritual tradition (there is no mishmash of "all religions are the same" here).

Since the essays were originaly written in the 1960's, some of the characterizations of Zen Buddhism are a bit dated, which isn't Merton's fault but the reader should still be alert to this fact. His discussions on this subject also owe much to D.T. Suzuki's eccentric, unorthodox formulations of Zen and so end up a bit skewed in spots, and Suzuki may also be a baneful influence in Merton's uncharacteristic use of cliched stereotypes of "the Eastern Mind" and "the Western Mind"--as seen especially in the essay "The Zen Koan". Still, overall Merton's presentation of Zen is reliable and "sympathetically objective" (as he puts it) and his own monastic experience doubtlessly gives him a realistic grounding when approaching the subject.

Although this book is a collection of essays over a range of subjects, and therefore not a continuous work, it is a very valuable work for understanding Chinese religion, Zen, and European mysticism (the main topics it addresses). The essays are classicaly Merton, although they are written in a more academic style -- and perhaps this is why the book has drawn criticism from the other reviewers. In other words, this book is less for learning about prayer and contemplation for one's own daily practice, and more for delving a bit deeper into some of the technical and historical aspects of Zen and Christian mysticism. For those interested in the latter, however, Merton does a very good job. His understanding of Zen is remarkable for someone who did not engage in it firsthand and who (I assume) learned about it primarily from reading while he was in the monastery. The first essay (with the same title as the book) gives a very interesting and understandable account of the break between the Northern and Southern schools, and the Zen of Hui-neng vs. the Zen of Hsen-hsiu.

So, although this book may not be for everyone, it is still a very fine work and will be very beneficial for many readers.

Thomas Merton researched this book thoroughly by pouring through obscure and not-so-obscure texts in many classifications and countries. The book is a tracing of the development of each of the religions throughout their known records, with comparisons to major ideologies. English and Russian Mystics are delved into, as well as religion in China, early Buddhism, the Tao and the Jesuit's presence there. Christianity's high points are scanned. Monasticism is explored in both Protestantism and Zen Buddhism. Although it reads like a PhD. dissertation, Mystics and Zen Masters comes to some valuable conclusions about the evolution and the future to come of some of our world religions.

Abbey the Cavi is the same loveable little pup we first met in Abbey the Cavi in Miami Beach, but Abbey the Cavi and Friends makes for a significantly different reading experience from Abbey's first little adventure. Gone are the lush color illustrations on every page (although, as you can see, the front cover is perfectly enchanting), replaced with cute black and white drawings interspersed throughout. While Lisa Balaam told Abbey's debut story by means of cute rhyming verses, her lyrical contributions are now extras accompanying Steve Balaam's narrative. With these changes, Abbey the Cavi caters to ages 9-12 rather than the youngest of readers - although I think the book pretty much straddles the fence between the two.

This particular day in the life of Abbey the Cavi starts out like any other, watching the sun rise with Percy the somewhat clumsy pelican, enjoying breakfast with her humans, Mr. and Mrs. B, and strolling down to the local bakery for a baguette (which she will happily share with a friend). Walking past the "the Boardwalk Boys" (three wildcats) is always a little dangerous, and a shortcut through some tall grass proves to be a little rattling, but Abbey makes out all right, meeting up with other helpful friends (Carlos the Crab, Danny the Dolphin, and Sandy the Seagull) as she begins to make her way home. On the way, though, she sees Luca, one of her larger canine friends, and his human John and decides to go with them to watch the cruise ships sail out of the port. That is when the day takes a big turn, ultimately putting Abbey in danger.

Many a lesson is incorporated into Abbey's adventure, such as the meaning of friendship and the importance of working together to solve problems. Children will also see why you shouldn't judge someone else by appearance alone - if Abbey did that, she would never have made some of her very best friends. A less subtle message is the importance of listening to authority figures - if Abbey, having been warned that a storm was coming later, had gone on home rather than accompanying Luca and John to the pier, she would never have run into the trouble she ultimately finds herself in. In the same vein, had she not given into the wishes of her friends to do something she was unsure about, she would have stayed high and dry.

I like the size and heft of this book; unlike the oversized Abbey the Cavi in Miami Beach, this book is kid-sized. When I was little, I had a bunch of smaller hardcovers like this, and I treasured them. This one also has a place in the front where the child can write his name, so he'll really feel as if this is truly his book. I personally would recommend this book for ages 6 to 10, though. This is the kind of book you share with your child to show him how much fun reading can be. I love Abbey the Cavi, but there's no way she can compete with the likes of Harry Potter among more advanced pre-teen readers.

When 'Abbey the Cavi in Miami Beach (Abbey the Cavi)' was published in January 2006, the first volume of what seems will be an ongoing series, it seemed more interested in being a picture book for the age 4 - 8 set than a meaningful children's storybook. Thankfully that has changed with the publication of the next installment - 'Abbey the Cavi and Friends' - and several directions of change have occurred: the author is now Steven Balaam where previously Lisa Balaam dominated the book with verse, and the size of the book has been significantly reduced as have been the illustrations, gearing the book to the age 9 - 12 range. More story, less rhyme, less illustrations - and perhaps less audience.

While the book continues the adventures of the Miami Beach cute little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and retains most of her friends from the first outing (a seagull, a dolphin, a French baker, and crab, a pelican etc, each with its own characteristics and lessons of friendship), now a Gecko lizard Larry, a snake Sidney and a Collie-Samoyan huge dog Luca have been added and offer yet more adventures about taking chances, safety, bonding, learning new languages and the variety of life experiences that can occur in the period of a day. Steven Balaam's writing style is fluid and he is able to maintain a story that should keep the minds of his intended audience interested.

The book's size and lack of color illustrations and the inclusion of little verses confuse the picture: is this the kind of story that will appeal to the 9 - 12 year olds or is it a story that would better be expanded visually and size-wise to entertain a younger set? Time will tell, but the Balaams do show the willingness to grow and adapt to the fine art history of children's books - and that is a very positive sign for success. Grady Harp, February 07

Abbey the Cavi is a bright and beautiful dog named after Westminster Abbey and the Cavalier King Charles. His dogs were known as "Cavis", and since Abbey's owner was originally from Britain, the name is suitable. Abbey lives in Florida and has many friends. They include cats, other dogs, sea gulls, dolphins, pelicans, crabs and a gecko. There is also an occasional human that Abbey encounters and befriends. Abbey is a cautious, yet adventurous canine and goes on many adventures. In this case it is a dangerous one.
He travels to a place on the ocean front called rockland with his gecko friend Larry and it is storming. The only shelter is a cave that will be filled when the tide rolls in, so they must go out into the storm. Swept out into the ocean, they manage to climb aboard a pallet, but it is being forced out to sea. Fortunately, their friends arrive. Danny the dolphin takes Abbey and Larry on his back and swims towards a cruise ship. Sandy the seagull calls up a flock of gulls and they dive at the crew of the ship until they get their attention. They spot Abbey and lower a lifeboat to rescue her. The story ends with Abbey and Larry on board the ship on their way to a new adventure.
The story is excellent, but there are few illustrations and these are in black and white. The level is such that it is not a book for young children; I would place it at the level of the very late elementary or early middle school child. Segments of verse are interjected in the story, children will like them, but I didn't find them all that appealing. For example, on page 18 there is the verse:

"That one has berries, And that one has cream. Are there any fairies? I think I might be in a dream."

This is a good story that could have been made better with a few more illustrations and less verse. Some illustrations of the same quality as the cover art would have really improved it.

I read this book a couple of years ago (when it was titled "Age of Miracles") and I liked it. I thought the plot was interesting and fresh. Considering some of the plots I've read in historical fiction, that alone would make it worthy. I was happy to see it re-released!

Reviewed by Sondra Fowler for Reader Views (1/07)

Sister Ingrid, left by her father with the nuns of Greyleigh Abbey at the age of six, grew up cloistered away from the world. She was a quiet child, ardent student and lonely. She found acceptance with Sister Pipp and a solace in the healing the sister taught her. It was said Ingrid would be a saint, healing with the power of God but Ingrid found doubt and a crisis of faith in an injured troubadour name Jack. He woke feelings in Ingrid she had never experienced. He challenged everything she had ever known. He was the catalyst to Ingrid's future.

Ingrid is forced on a journey of self-exploration. She shapes new identities, grows in ways she would never have imagined. She could go down in history as a saint, healing injuries and illness with the power of God in her hands. She run away with Jack and start a new life, make life with a husband and a family or she could just run away. Where will Ingrid choose to end her journey?

The world around her is also on a journey -- religion, aristocracy, weakness of the human spirit and frailty of the human body. The church breeds corruption and allows absurdities in the name of God; a good man is challenged by demons of his own making. Ingrid is drawn into this world, the world she was guarded from for so long.

Ingrid's imprint is simply put in this excerpt from the prologue:

"This is the story of a failed saint. Church history records the miracles she performed in 1345, then lapses into silence..."

The story in "Beyond the Abbey Gates," is well written, the characters have dimension and history. You will cheer for Ingrid one moment and be disgusted by her choices the next. The world in which she struggles is vivid. You can see the towns, walk on the dirt roads and feel the rain as it falls on your skin. It is a story well worth reading, I say story here and not book because a story is inviting, enchanting and captivating while a book is merely something you open.

Because there is no information about this book on Amazon I bought it solely based on the cover artwork. It looked historic, probably romantic, and I had wanted to read the authors other work for some time, so this one, with free super saver shipping, popped into my shopping cart.

This is a re-print of the authors other novel, which is called "The age of miracles." The story is about a failed Saint, a nun named Ingrid who is thought to have healing powers in the 1300's. She doesn't really believe it, and when a troubadour named Jack breaks his leg just outside the abbey, she is tempted, not only physically with Jack, but to his way of life in which she does not owe anyone, and does not have to save all sick people.

Ingrid is a classical case of someone with obsessive compulsive disorder (overly devoted to religion, self harming images, compulsive thoughts of pain) in the first hundred pages, but once she leaves the abbey that all changes. In fact, the change in her character is too complete to be believable. She is almost too perfect. People do terrible things to her and all she wonders is what hurt them so badly that they would do it. Jack, on the other hand, has a real distinctive personality, so it balances out.

I'm not sure I ever read a book written the way this one is. I don't know what to call it except very reflective and psychological. There is a lot in this book about the nature of God, and sin and heaven, healing and of course, saints. This book also explores the different kinds of peace a person can feel, and how to truly live a life.

I had kind of a hard time paying attention to this book, even during the really important parts. It is written so oddly, so differently from anything I've ever read that I can only give it three stars. I think I would recommend it though, if you want to read something that would really make you think.

Maggi is loveable, alive, curious, and endearing. I love this story to pieces and have read it dozens of times! The abbey is wonderfully painted in your mind. Characters abound. Going to the abbey is an adventure and learning it's history makes good fun. I agree, as I read a review by a young reader, "I too" wish the story didn't end, I want to know more of their future to come... :)

Twelve-year-old Maggi has her hands full in this English ghost story; everything from insolent louts and anachronistic ectoplasm to malevolent architecture. Having taken over as the Little Missus when her Mam died, she has to deal with a gone-to-seed carpenter father, horrid younger twin brothers, and a lazy floozy of a housekeeper with designs on Dad. Naturally father and daughter jump at the chance to refurbish an old abbey/house in Cheshire for an eager contractor friend, who believes in the Past. But who knows what awaits their arrival in their hopeful innocence for a new life? More than the schoolmarmish secretary for the Marigold Trust...

To be sure the new place has ghosts as well as a sinister conscience. Maggi learns to be kind to the house and respectful of its ancient contents. Soon she starts talking To the house (so it won't consider her an enemy), for she has realized its power of retribution. Aye, this is one abbey that can take care of itself. I hope you are good at reading dialect, for it's quite a challenge for Yankee readers to decipher the meanings of British phrases, not to mention imagine in our mind's ear the sound of Dad's broad Tyneside accent. Nevertheless, this is an interesting read about a young girl's attempts to preserve her family in the face of supernatural forces. Will she ever discover the Abbey's true secret and win its approval? Girls 10-14 will enjoy this book, but be warned: don't mess with old teddy bears!

I just finished reading a couple of Young Adult gothics by John Bellairs, who liked to claim that his imagination got stuck at ten. His books really read like they're written from a child's perspective. Robert Westall writes in the same genre (YA ghost story) and "Ghost Abbey" is told from the perspective of a twelve-year-old girl, but without the whimsy that is Bellairs's hallmark. It's a book written by an adult for children. On the positive side, the story is more complex than, say, Bellairs's "The Vengeance of the Witch-finder." In fact, "Ghost Abbey" reminds me of Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House" more than anything by Bellairs. Westall ends his work on a more positive note, but it's still eerily similar to Jackson's ending.

A young teen-ager, Maggi takes care of her widowed father and her two cub-scout-aged twin brothers. There is also a slovenly housekeeper with the notion of marrying Maggi's father, who has 'kind, lost, blue eyes.' When a letter arrives asking Maggi's father, who is a master builder, to come fix up an old abbey, Maggi at least jumps at the opportunity to get away from the slovenly housekeeper and give her twin brothers a bit of a vacation in Chesire. She talks her father into going, and they all pile into the old Ford Transit van. Due to several mechanical breakdowns, the van doesn't arrive at the abbey until after dark.

Let the spookiness begin! Westall really knows how to build an atmosphere, and although Maggi knows she shouldn't be wandering around in the dark, she absolutely has to find the loo before she can go to sleep.

The author does a great job of combining the details of everyday life in an old abbey---how Maggi's father sets them up so that they can take hot baths; how Maggi manages her household allowance (the family eats lots of chips); how the lady of the Abbey gradually becomes part of the family---but Westall never lets his readers forget where they are or who else might be sharing the abbey with them.

Although "Ghost Abbey" is a very family-oriented story, Westall has also written collections of ghost stories for the adult market (he's especially fond of feline ghost stories).