Arthur Books

Most of the books on the Arthur legends are steeped in battle glory and mythical images, though Bergers imagery is good, what you'll take away from Arthur Rex is the emotions.Berger has a tremendous way of making you feel for characters while being able to see their funny side at the same time. They feel like real people who happened to live extraordinary lives nearly a thousand years ago. It's not all Arthur and Lancelot either, you'll get to know Gawaiyne and Gareth. the stor about Tristram and Isolde with melt the iciest of hearts. This book is a treat for anyone who loves Arthurian stories or satires. With vicious wit and strong characterization, how could you go wrong?

Berger has selected and arranged a great many of the tales of the Round Table in a particularly harmonious and agreeable book--all the most beloved knights and the bravest quests and the noblest love affairs are here included. He writes with a high-tongued humor that revitalizes the telling of the familiar stories; through a beautifully (and mildly) archaic style and voice, he manages to wed a modern sense of metaphysics and ethics (moral and political) to the age-old celebration of chivalry, adventure, and love. A wonderful read, masterfully crafted and deliciously entertaining.

One of the best King Arthur stories. Definately the funniest. I don't know what else to say. Just read this book.

The irreverent Thomas Berger, author of Little Big Man as well as Arthur Rex, takes on the Arthurian legends and tells them as they ought to have been lived. Setting aside the facts of history that stubbornly refuse to conform to the superiority of legend, Berger gives us 5th century Britain landscaped with towering castles, peopled with knights clad in full plate armor of a thousand years hence, and filled to brimming with villains, heroes, worthy quests, and enough glory, sadness and good cheer to burst the covers of five novels this size. Every one of the popular legends is here, along with a few new ones. Tristan and Isolde fill a chapter, as does Sir Gwain and the Green Knight. The tortured, heroic Lancelot and his faithless queen factor into the novel, as does the evil Mordred, the scheming Morgan Le Fey, and the wise, time-traveling Merlin. This is great stuff, people, and easily my all-time favorite of any of the tales of Camelot and its residents I've ever read!

A large book filled to the brim with words to learn. The layout is enjoyable to look at, with a large 2-page spread scene surrounded on the border with smaller related images - all labelled. The scenes show Arthur and his family at school, at the grocery store, at work, at play, reading, during the seasons, at the mall, at Grandpa Dave's farm, when Arthur grows up, etc. My 2 year old loves Arthur and loves looking at this book. There are so many words! Such a helpful, educational, and entertaining book.

My daughter loves to point at the pictures and say the words that goes with them. The words are put into familiar settings (home, grocery store etc.) She learns new words and enjoys recognizing the ones she already knows.

This book holds the attention of my 1 1/2 yr old for a half hour or more! Do I really need to say any more? She loves to point to the pictures and have me read the names. The best thing about the book is that I expect to use it for a few years. As she grows, the book has more to offer - ABC's, 123's, puzzles and plenty to spark the imagination.

My one year old LOVES this book. I'm sure it's ideal for older children just learning to read, but she really enjoys pointing to things and having me name them for her. Every object and animal you can think of is pictured in the book. There is not really a story, but each page has a "theme" and related pictures and words. We love it! And she is constantly learning new words as a result.

Christopher Bruce's encyclopaedic work is a magnificent compendium of all of the major 6th to 19th century Arthurian sources.

As a publisher of books and games based on the original Arthurian sources, I have turned to this book not as my 'Bible', but as a sort of 'Bible Concordance'. Which stories can I find Percival (or his many alternative names) occurring in?

I found this book to be worth ten, if not a hundred times its cover price in terms of compiling years of research into a single treasury of Arthurian knowledge.

I was amazed to discover how young this first time author is. He has produced a profoundly complete and thoroughly researched scholarly work that is a "must read" for any student of the Aurthurian Legends. Mr. Bruce has researched even the most obscure references and stories of Arthur and the other characters associated with the legend. Thank you for your excellent work.

Mr. Bruce has certainly done a wonderful job compiling volumes of information into one comprehensive work. It would be difficult to find a more complete reference. A must-have guide for any Arthurian-lover's library, as well as an interesting book for any reader to peruse.

As an avid Arthurian reader, I am amazed at the completeness of this wonderful reference. Nowhere have I ever seen such a valid and thorough resource. My son has loaned me his copy but I am looking forward to adding one of my own to my library. It is hard to believe that anyone could compile such a great volume so masterfully! Bravo, Mr. Bruce!

This book is handsomely made. The illustrations are lovely, the frontispiece elegant, the pages heavy and the print very dark and readable. The story itself is a work of powerful, simple, and beautiful truth. A very good read aloud and discussion book. The author's handling of the drunken cabman chapter is a wonder of insight and wisdom. What a powerful book of goodness, for child and adult alike.

A beautiful edition of this wonderful and timeless children's classic. Elegantly done, great illustrations, clear readable print. Recommended!

This book reminded me a great deal of "The Little Prince" by Antoine Saint-Exubery, the main difference being that the underlying philosophy here is Christian, as opposed to the Easternish philosophy of the former book. Like "The Little Prince", it speaks quietly and simply of things that are so true we tend to overlook or forget them. Unlike the mentioned book, this one brings in harsher elements, such as poverty and abuse -- and shows how the simple wisdom of a child can overcome them. MacDonald's imagination is wonderful, and some of the dreams and fairy tales in the book almost outshine the "real" story. I love the children who dig for stars. This is one I enjoyed because it is so different, so simple and beautiful, and one I look forward to sharing with my children, should I ever have any.

PS - My sister read an edited, abridged version of this book, one rewritten to make it easier for children, and it was awful. It skipped whole chapters and left out some of the very best parts. I think kids can handle this book, just the way it was written. Stay away from nasty abridgements that are really censorship in disguise!

I love this book. I've read it 3 times, all as an adult. The fragility of life is portrayed in the person of little Diamond, an innocent, sickly child. Though MacDonald is occasionally preachy, (yet on target), he writes a story that will fill you with wonder and sorrow.

I so recommend this book. It is one of my top 5 favorite books of fiction.

There was a time when the Battlecruiser Hood was the largest, fastest and most handsome capital ship in the world. She was also adored by the British public and in many ways came to symbolise everything that was supremely good about the Royal Navy. On 24 May 1941 the Hood was famously sunk by the Bismarck with only three of her crew of 1,419 surviving. It was an act which resulted in Churchill giving the order "Sink the Bismarck" and, of course, they did. More recently, the remains of HMS Hood have been located at great depth in the North Atlantic resulting in renewed interest in the ship itself. Elsewhere, there are websites dedicated to the vessel and a very strong HMS Hood Association attended by those who had previously served on this, the most beautiful of ships. This is an excellent book for all such interested people.

Conway Maritime Press are well known for their "Anatomy of the Ship" series in which they provide the finest technical documentation for specific ships or ship types ever published. "The Battlecruiser Hood" is hard-back measuring 10¼" (wide) x 9¾" with 127 pages of detailed and factual information. This wide format allows the publishers to produce first class detailed line drawings of every aspect of this ship in a size that is easy to see and follow. All the information is there - right down to the last nut and bolt.

Laid down in 1916, Hood was designed and constructed when ships got close to the enemy and fired straight at them. By the time she was completed in 1918, however, battleships were able to lob their shells great distances with alarming accuracy. This new dimension of warfare at sea with shells "falling from the sky" meant that all warships required armour plating on their decks where previously it had only been on the sides. This requirement, coupled with an explanation of the financial restrictions placed upon the Royal Navy during the inter-war years provides the reader with all the reasons why HMS Hood was lost in the way she was.

This informative introduction continues with a service history of the ship followed by a series of "Tables" which include comparisons in battleship and Battlecruiser designs and information on the ship's; trials, dimensions, displacement, stability, armament, fire control, ship's boats and modifications. Next is 13 pages of historic photographs followed by 93 pages of detailed line drawings and more specific technical information.

And detailed it is too; Under the first main heading "General arrangements" we commence with an external profile of the ship followed by a series of detailed line drawings showing every aspect of this ship in cross section - deck by deck and room by room, from aft to bows. Then everything is repeated from above as we work our way down through every level of the ship from the highest part of the superstructure to the keel. These are followed with more specific technical information under such headings as hull construction, machinery, accommodation, superstructure, rig, armament, fire control, fittings, ground tackle, ship's boats and finally aircraft arrangements.

The inclusion of an expanded view of the clip which secured the quarterdeck hatch gives an indication of the attention to detail put into this book and, once again, I congratulate both author and publishers for a job well done.

NM

This was the first book in the 36 books of the Anatomy of the ship series, published by Conway Maritime Press and the Naval Institute Press.

Each book depicts an historical vessel. The Hood was the pride of the Royal Navy, and like the Titanic, unsinkable. Until it was sunk by the by the Bismarck and the Prinz Eugen. Why, because the deck armour was too thin. Anyway, this book was a revolution in detail, published first in 1982. It tells the story of the ship, then has many photos, and as the benchmark for the series has wonderful line drawings of every aspect of the vessel.

A collectors item that is worth hundreds in first edition, but the new revised editions are somewhat more reasonable.

Sensational.

Not a narrative of the Hoods experiences, other than a brief description of her tragic end, but a complete technical description of the entire ship from stem to stern, keel to topmast, with exhaustive detailed drawings taken from her plans. It also lays out her complete mechanical history (refits etc). For naval architects, a great book. For history bufs, a bit less so, although there a some excellent rare pictures of what must arguably have been one of the most handsome ships ever built...

As far as I am concerned, the book is outstanding. The diagrams of the battlecruiser are superb. As a modeler, the book shows clearly, the amount of detail that can be achieved. The profile inside the jacket is cool. For the HMS Hood fan, the book is right up their alley.

Beyond good, this book is important. A book from the voices of parents who have lesbian and/or gay children. We have "heard" plenty from lesbians and gays, pleading for understanding and acceptance, so this book gives the readers a voice from "the other" side.

With frank interviews and conversations, we are let in on the angst, the suffering, the fears and disappointments from parents. It covers many aspects of our lives. Most often, the burning question from parents is "what did I do wrong?" Religion, health, acceptance etc....all the way to "should the neighbours know?

This book is honestly written from the hearts of the writers, parents who have been through all of that and more. We learn of how they cope or didn't. The journeys they have taken and what the effects are with a lesbian/gay in the family unit. A must read, not just for parents, but also for lesbians and gays, and their siblings. And for everyone else too - I recommend this book. It creates understanding, not answers, through the conversations with various people. In all, it is almost like sitting in a crowd and listening in on an interesting discussion or conversation and gleaning knowledge and understanding!!

There is an earlier editon from 1990. Try to get the lastest one, I think 1996/7, with updates on issues like AIDS etc...

Buy or borrow this book, read it again and again. Pass it on. For everyone.

This book is written as a resource for parents. I bought and read it before coming out to my parents. Insightful and careful writing to help you understand what your parents might feel when you tell them. Then give them a copy when you have the big discussion. The authors use loads of real-life examples from many different people and situations to help parents understand and relate.

This book is like having someone hold your hand as you accept the news that someone you love is gay. It is written by parents who share what were their reactions, questions and fears upon learning that their son or daughter is gay. Is is my fault? What will the neighbors think? What will my church think? The book presents parent's own answers to these questions and refers to current outside writing on the subjects addressed. It's "must read" for anyone trying to understand homosexuality, coming-out and how to best understand and love someone who is gay

I told my parents I'm gay this past weekend. It went much better than expected. Friends said that there were books on the market that could help. I checked out Amazon's selection and found _Beyond Acceptance: Parents of Lesbians and Gays Talk About Their Experiences_ to be the extremely helpful in the coming-out-to-your-parents experience. The book was, for me, accurate in "predicting" my parents' reactions, down to the questions they would ask, the emotions they would go through, etc. It was touching, and inspiring as it brings you from the initial coming out event all the way through to parents who have taken action in their communities against homophobia. The book doesn't pretend that all parents will change so drastically, but it shows what's possible.

Note: While the book draws from the experiences of predominantly caucasian, middle-class families, the parents were from all across the country and from various religious backgrounds, i.e. Jewish, Christian, Catholic, agnostic, etc.

The book covers an amazing array of subjects including: Issues regarding your partner and the difficulties and triumphs in bringing partners into the family, the grandparents and extended family, the church, the sense of loss experienced by parents when their expectations for their gay child changes, the paradox of the general acceptance of married heterosexuals who don't have children versus gay committed, monogamous relationships, the fact gays can lead happy and full lives, gays in the military, about whether gayness is caused by nature or nurture or both, about whether being gay is a mental illness, about the removal of homosexuality from the APA's list of mental illnesses, about the failure of all forms of "treatment," and the list goes on . . .

I also enjoyed and drew wisdom from the Bernstein book, _Straight Parents, Gay Children: Inspiring Families to Live Honestly and With Greater Understanding_, but found _Beyond Acceptance_ to be better organized.

Excellent book shipped quickly in excellent condition. Blessing Your Spirit has created positive changes within myself and marriage, reading it aloud.

This book is a rare spiritual gem. It is a thoroughly Biblical and Christian method of awakening, nurturing and strengthening your "inner man" or your "human spirit." Powerful Scriptural "Blessings" to strengthen your spiritual legitimacy, the peace and joy of the Lord and many other wonderful "Blessings". These are extremely positive "prayers" which will truly Bless your spirit. A whole new concept for the Christian community. We love these and use them everyday. You and your family will be tremendously blessed from this outstanding book of Blessings. Get it!
Pastor Alan

I fell onto this book by accident because of interest in some of Arthur Burk's other teachings. I ordered "Blessing Your Spirit" and with one glance wanted to order it for others. At this time I have given away several boxes of this book. I read these blessings to a number of people each day. Some, I simply read blessings over. The blessings so hit the spirit of each person in such a timely manner. I have done this for over a year, encouraging each person to fine two to five people themselves to read to. What a joyful fulfillment and honor from the Lord it has been to see the effect this Word based book of blessings as it has lifted so many of His precious little ones.

This book is a must for every Christian. Recognizing the important role of our spirit, and having someone we look up to as a spiritual mentor speak blessings directly to our spirit, is reportedly playing a major role in bringing a paradigm shift in effectively overcoming woundedness, deceptive thinking, spiritual baggage and other hindrances in the lives of many Christians. I speak from experience in regard to the impact this book has had on my own life, as well as the life of two of my children (one of which had been out of church for over 20 years). This book provides much-needed understanding of the human spirit and motivates committed Christians to seek additional insight into this important aspect of our being.

Mathews was an officer in the Indian Army during WW II, which accounts for his liberal use of a military vocabulary in these brief and excellent studies. As someone born for battle, Mathews is obsessed (in a good sense) with the absolute and unquestioned victory of Jesus Christ. His insights, therefore, should boost the spirits of even the most down-trodden Christian. The titles of a few of the meditations on spiritual warfare and the power of Christ reveal his clear convictions: "The Soldier of the Cross" "The Soldier's Best Friend" "Our Wrestling" "Rendering the enemy Powerless" "Lions' - Den Loyalty" "Discipline Accepted . . . Mission Accomplished." It's hard to imagine how these brisk, to-the-point, yet warm devotional thoughts could fail to stir up the reader.

Mathews deals with the subject of spiritual warfare from a front liner's viewpoint. He spent significant time on the mission field and learned tremendous spiritual lessons as he participated as a soldier in Christ's army. He shares these insights in short chapters which should be read more than once. Each lesson is relevant for today even though written in years past. Get ready to use your highlighter as you get new understanding on the believer's battle.

This is a magnificent life work. Practical, insightful, sobering, encouraging, masterpiece. 31 short chapters makes for an easy devotional too. HIghly recommended.

I read this book while I was serving as a missionary in Asia; my experiences paralleled those of the author and his insights helped me a great deal

Mr. VanGundy has written a book which is very helpful if you are looking for a book which is brief, precise and before you start to use any of the systems it is very accessable to look for the right kind of system in any given situation. I simply love the "professor" approach, as the creativeness is at the end all up to you!

Teams who have to create on-demand inevitably find themselves in need of new techniques for getting their mental juices flowing. As the pressure builds, efforts to be "creative" often result in long, unprofitable sessions of mutual angst and long lists of second-rate, derivative ideas. Brain Boosters for Business Advantage: Ticklers, Grab Bags, Blue Skies, and Other Bionic Ideas is creativity guru Arthur VanGundy's playful collection of genuinely fun exercises for massaging the mind. Each of the 101 activities is clearly described and illustrated, with a facilitator's insight into group creative process, and a scholar's devotion to accrediting original sources. Exercises are for both individual and group mindbending, but most are extremely suitable for team brainstorming. VanGundy isn't afraid to let us know which activities are his favorites. Among his favorites, one of mine is called "Balloon, Balloon, Balloon." It has just the right amount of zaniness and physical activity to loosen up mind and body. First, people are asked to write "silly, nonsensical phrases" on slips of paper. Some examples: "worm lips on parade, "rhubarb ink javelins," "rotating cat lemons," and "vibrating elephants in your ear." Next, the slips of paper are rolled up and put into balloons of different colors. Participants tap the balloons around the room for a few minutes, collect one balloon of each color, pop the balloons and use the combined nonsense to create new ideas. For example: "Pen holders built into a chair's arms (from "arms" and "rhubarb ink javelins.") and "A built-in stereo radio in the top of the seat back (from "back" and "vibrating elephants in your ear")." VanGundy is careful to guide the reader through the collection, recommending his favorites, indicating which of his Boosters would be best for which purpose: strategic problems, product and process problems, advertising/marketing problems, and people/human resource problems. He introduces the collection with some hard-earned wisdom about the nature of creativity and group under pressure. His chapter on Creativity Principles is comprehensive, succinct, and worth committing to memory. His one basic rule: "defer all judgment when generating ideas."

Arthur VanGundy is incredibly talented - both in that he can generate fantastic ideas, and, more importantly that he teaches it well. I highly recommend reading every book he has ever written. You will never regret it!

I'm the author of "Thinkertoys (A Handbook of Business Creativity)," ThinkPak (A Brainstorming Card Deck," and "Cracking Creativity (The Secrets of Creative Genius)," and, as such, I, generally read most everything that hits the market. Without hestitation, Andy Van Gundy's book ranks as one of the best. It's an excellent collection of techniques. Perhaps, one of the best on the market.

The book came quickly and was as represented. The book was in good shape and is being much enjoyed for information and reference

This is a complete history of the Britons, which I have been looking for a long time.

The Britons by Christopher A. Snyder (Associate Professor of European history and Chair of the department of History and Politics, Marymount University, Arlington, Virginia) is a fascinating and scholarly historical text about the culture of the Britons, spanning the late Iron Age down to the late Middle Ages. From the influence of Roman rule, to the impact of Christianity, the legend of King Arthur, a sober account of Viking and Norman invasions, and so much more, The Britons is an informed and informative study which is very highly recommended for personal reading lists and academic History collections.

Do you have ancestry from Brittany, Wales, Scotland or England? You might like this informative, well-documented, comfortably-paced book. Even if you are well-versed in the history of these lands, this book gives many insights into how people lived and into the power struggles among early kingdoms (Cornwall, Strathclyde, Dyfed, Wessex, Northumbria ...you name it.) Having ancestry from SW-Scotland, for example, I was not dissappointed in the amount of material devoted to the Strathclyde Britons, including some facts I had not known. Who are the Britons? This book helps you understand what that question means historically, and in present-day context. A first-rate book, I suggest it be read by anyone who has an interest, including those involved in Celtic studies of all kinds.