Arthur Books

Essayist Arthur Krystal's work has previously appeared in such respected publications as "The American Scholar", "The New Yorker", "The Wall Street Journal", and more. The Half-Life of an American Essayist is a selection of twelve literary essays, written in a conversational tone yet addressing both political and semiotic precepts. Topics range from the growth of the Holocaust industry, to the life of Raymond Chandler, to the history of boxing. "While scholarly books and serious documentaries about the Holocaust are invaluable in learning about what happened and why, a certain kind of excess breeds indifference, and even this essay may be in some measure a form of betrayal. There is a part of me that feels that whatever I say for public consumption somehow cheapens the suffering of those who died and those who survived. If I have any justification for writing this, it is that I promised my father I would present his alternative to the pomp and circumstance of remembrance." An eclectic and thought-provoking assortment, recommended for intellectual and casual readers alike.

Arthur Krystal's second collection of essays, "The Half-Life of an American Essayist," confirms the opinion of his writing that I came to after his first collection "Agitations" appeared. He has an instinctive grasp of the essay as genre and produces some of the very best contemporary examples of that misunderstood category. Now, we all wrote essays in school, some of us have even composed op-ed pieces or, at least, letters to editors. We know one when we see it. We know how to put an essay together, right? What's so intricate and demanding about writing essays? And just where does this sarcastic, name-dropping, self-indulgent, wrong-headed comedian get the right to call himself an "American Essayist?"

We should not react so hastily or give ourselves so much credit. About ten years ago, a contemporary Russian critic (Lidiia Ivanova) told me, "A successful essay should always be based on a paradox." I have kept this in mind for a decade, but the only essays I have read that really measure up to Ivanova's description are Krystal's. (As far as I know, the two have never met). Let's see how this works in Montaigne's essay on cannibals by using a syllogism:

a) Civilized people have refinements and human values.
b) Montaigne's cannibals have refinements and values, many that we lack;
c) The cannibals fall into the category of . . . wait a minute!

Montaigne throws us against the wall of his paradox. Krystal uses paradox effectively in an essay that appears at the beginning of "Agitations," "Closing the Books." Here he announces that he is throwing away his reading glasses, renouncing the reading of artistic fiction and erudite non-fiction, because he no longer reacts as passionately to books as he did in his younger years. Let's look at the syllogistic spine of this essay:

a) Intellectuals and writers always read good books with fervor.
b) Arthur Krystal is an intellectual and writer.
C) Arthur Krystal always . . . ??

He offers himself as an exception, his renunciation of books makes a paradox out of his own identity and career. This essay elicited a flood of angry responses from readers, who saw it as an attack on intellect and creativity, on civilization itself. Krystal carried the mark of Cain, the brand of the heretic. He had left the church. Nobody seemed to get it, to understand that he was manipulating his reader with apparently confessional prose, and that his essay, far from containing an attack on culture, emerges as a poignant elegy on transcience. If the reader thinks beyond the essay, he/she will realize that the renunciation of reading is rhetorical, and that only such an extreme gesture will register his grief over the loss of the intensity that accompanies one's first meetings with the great texts. Instead, readers covered a perceived attack on the humanities with the same abuse that met Rousseau's "Discourse on the Sciences and Arts," and Tolstoy's "What is Art?"

The essay as a genre survives, but just barely. This is unfortunate, for no other genre so successfully separates the clever and literate from the fools. It needs to be revived by readers who know how to read. We must first keep in mind the use of paradox as an eliciting tool and we must remember that the essayist uses personas and masks to manipulate the astute reader beyond the literal content to questioning his/her assumptions. The less astute, those who really believe that Jonathan Swift advocated cannibalism in his "Modest Proposal," will soon begin to call the writer names for having such stupid opinions. In Russia in 1841, Mikhail Lermontov wrote in the preface to the ssecond edition of his novel, "Our [reading] public resembles a provincial who, upon overhearing the conversation of two diplomats belonging to two warring Courts, is convinced that each envoy is betraying his government in the interests of a most tender mutual friendship." Unfortunately, the words describe too many readers in present-day America as well.

Buy and read this book, and buy "Agitations" while you are filling out your order. Among their many other attractions, these pieces provide an education in the way to read essays.

Here's my suggestion, put down that 600 page tome on what's happening behind closed doors at the White House, take a pass on the latest "woe is me" memoir and just sit back and let a smart, funny, and always stimulating conversationalist engage your mind with fresh insights into fascinating topics in impeccable style. It is the rare essayist who combines a cultivated and informed intellect with an enthusiastic and playful wit. Arthur Kyrstal does just that and more in this collection. The essays on Laziness and Sin are absolute gems, and the ones on Beauty, Faces, The Typewriter, and Boxing Writing are all first rate. For me, this is literary entertainment of the highest order--stimulating, surprising, challenging and smart.
When you're done, you can go back to that 600 page political pundit expose, or get Krystals' other essay collection, Agitations, and continue to treat yourself to the kind of reading that reminds you of what great writing is all about.

I met this author tonight at a local holiday event with my 3yo son. AMAZING! He loved the Woolfin character in costume there. I heard she has been offered an opportunity for a series with PBS Kids but must personally raise 5 million dollars to do it. The book is captivating - a wonderful message about self-love, self-acceptance, and the value in celebrating uniqueness. She made-up these stories over 30 years ago for her children and their friends. Years later, a neighbor friend encouraged her to write them down - and WULLAH, it began. It is so inspiring to see a woman following the creative genius of her spirit-work. Check out her website at www.woodfin.cc and BUY THIS BOOK! It is fun, colorful, and moving. And how cool you will feel to have "discovered" her yourself - just before the rest of the world does :)

My 4 year old and her friends loved this book. The colored illustrations hold their attention as well as the active storyline. I hope to see more books like this one. It seems perfect for a cartoon too!

My 4 year old and her friends loved this book. The colored illustrations hold their attention as well as the active storyline. I hope to see more books like this one. It seems perfect for a cartoon too!

Arthur Hadley has lived long and large and this incredible memoir that intertwines his personal and professional endeavors with equal clarity and fascination is a great page-turner. It's rare to find a writer of such grace on topics both personal and political. I highly recommend this book.

"Arthur Hadley is a marvel and this is an exceptional memoir of growing and surviving a seemingly elegant but frozen family" -David Halberstam I saw this quote and after reading this book, I wholeheartedly agree that this book is a "marvel" and "exceptional." I cried at the end (and I never cry). This book is one of those rare ones that truly move the soul. I am buying three extras to give as gifts!

This amazing memoir tells the story of a privileged man's journey from boyhood to manhood. As the reader, I was able to travel to foreign countries, experience war, and the ups and downs of love. The most amazing part of the story is when Arthur meets Jane, his 4th wife and love of his life. Hadley's memoir provides hope and insight. I never realized the great role that chance plays in a person's life. Society tends to depict fortune and misfortune as uncontrollable events. Hadley's memoir emphasizes that taking risks allows a person to have a more fulfilling life. Heads or Tails encourages us to reevaluate our own lives in order to reach our potential. I also loved the photographs of the author and his family included in the middle of the book. I cried at the end of the memoir. Arthur Hadley's story is truly amazing!

The Hound of the Baskervilles was assigned as a high school summer reading selection. We ordered the book on CD, which made the assignment somewhat entertaining and more easily accomplished given the length and tone of the book. The book itself is, of course, a "classic" Sherlock Holmes murder mystery. However, by todays standards, the mystery is rather tame and, in my opinion, the writing style is cumbersome for young people. The CD is delightfuly read/performed and I highly recommend the CD vs. the written text.

Hound of the Baskervilles is read with great excitement by David Ian Davies. He is a master at making the story come alive. The only bad thing about this CD is that once you start listening to it you cant stop.
Great! Well done!

This classic work creates amazement to those lucky enough to hear it...One man handles a full stage of characters with style and panache..This is a true Holmes and Watson that makes the great work live like never before-- A must to all lovers of Doyles favorite..

Innovation is not about coming up with great ideas. It's about having the mindset and process in place to bring great ideas to fruition. That's exactly what this book gives you...not just abstract theory, but tangible recommendations for you to implement now. While everyone talks about innovation, this book can actually help your company achieve it.

There are so many good ideas in this book that it's difficult to focus on just one or two, but here's an attempt.

M&A is one way to achieve growth, but somewhere along the way you still have to create something of value--innovative new products or services--if your organization is going to survive. The authors properly emphasize the importance of creating the right mindset and culture.

Without the right attitude toward innovation, the merger or acquisition won't work. In the simplest terms, two wrongs don't make a right:Two un-inspired, un-innovative companies don't become magically transformed by a combination. The authors lay out practical guidelines for making an innovative spirit an essential driving force in an organization's culture.

The authors also show how to create the kinds of large-scale frameworks that larger organizations need and how to lead and manage those frameworks creatively in order to grow the organization productively. In particular they show practical and useful ways to measure, and therefore manage, innovation at both the platform and individual project levels.

And all of this is done with a minimum of jargon and a great wealth of real-world examples and success stories. This book unquestionably is valuable reading for every Fortune 1000 executive--and probably for quite a few other corporate leaders farther down the corporate food chain as well.

This book claims to be mostly for big corporations. I can see why they play that up. But I own a small company and most of the ideas are useful for my situation too. It is especially helpful in showing what to focus on, how to think about innovation in my company, and how to make a program work for me. Considering all the hype and overpromising out there, it's nice to run across something that delivers on its promise and then goes even one better.

Certainly one of the best series of commentaries that I have seen. I have several sets in my PC Study Bible software and have used others in the past, not to mention the others in our church library. This set has impressed me the most. When the new volumes come out, you can be sure they will be at the top of my list.

Whenever I go to the library to do some research for a sermon, I always use the Interpreter's series both old and new... I own a few volumes at home and looking forward to obtaining more... they are a great resource of information... I recommend these volumes to the serious students of the Gospel... If you want more, here it is...

These volumes are the best commentaries I have ever used, they are in depth and easily used by laymen and clergy alike.I would highly recommend them to any serious bible student.Nothing else is close to them.

Book uses unique overlay technique that allows the reader to see what a historical site looks like today as well as what it looked like in its prime. Excellent reference material for pilgrims to the Holy Land. I bought it in Israel and bought three more for friends when I got home.

This handy little spiral-bound book has thick pages and wonderful photographs of historic sites in Israel. It is a virtual tour book of ancient Israel. The plastic graphic overlays for each page lets you see what the same scene might have looked like in ancient times. This is an excellent study help that allows you to visualize the buildings and places in the time of Jesus. The back of each page provides explanations of the historical and religious significance of the site. The rest of the book includes a glossary, a brief synopsis of ancient history, and maps to pull it all together. Though published by Frommer's, I would suggest that this is wonderful study guide for any student of the Bible, not just travelers to the Middle East. From the fortress at Masada to the church at Kursi, this collection gives you a tour of ancient sites and transports you to that world in a way other books cannot.

Trying to picture the past is often diffcult. This book is an outstanding reference and visual aid for anyone touring or studing Israel. Each of the major sites is shown today and with an overlay of it's former glory.

My 2-year-old daughter would listen to this book a dozen times a day, and it's likewise MY favorite book to read aloud. A few weeks ago, I put it away to give it a rest. When I pulled the book out yesterday and started to read it, she gave it a hug and said "I love this book!"

This is a great rhyming book for children, and I found it very fun to read to my son at bedtime. The language is silly, but it has a delightful cadence and rhythm. The illustrations are big and dynamic, with lots of interesting detail. I highly recommend this book for bedtime, or just reading time; its great.

This is a wonderful book. It is a joy to read over and over. The illustrations are marvelous. I have bought this for many friends.

An extremely enjoyable thought provoking book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down until I was finished. This book acts as a "Forschpice", an appetiser to futher learning. It let's you in the door. It introduces the reader to ideas and concepts, people and heroes throughout Jewish history.

No book can condense Jewish history, ideas and culture into a mere 300 pages, and this book does not pretend to do so. What "Jews, the essence and character of a people", does do is introduce the reader to the Jewish concepts of: "choseness", "outsider" and "factionalism" and how various persona in the Jewish history have played their role within these concepts.

For instance, no one can condense Spinoza to a mere 3-5 pages and think that they've told you all there is to know about Spinoza. What "Jews" does do is introduce the reader to Spinoza, makes one think about Spinoza, where did he fit in th! ! e "Jewish Character". And others. It is the reader's responsibility to continue the journey through further readings and study.

After years of study, whether in Yeshiva or the University, or lifelong readings of Jewish history, philosophy and religion this book has shown me in a wonderful way that there is still much more to learn and much more to do.

Sadly, Arthur Hertzberg is nearing the end of a distinguished career. There are few like him anymore. Jews: The Essence and Character of a People helps us understand why people react to Hertzberg in the way they do. This eye-opening books is his magnum opus. An understanding of Jews and the Jewish people that comes from a lifetime's work is presented here in a way that cannot help but get people to think and, most important, to react.

Thanks also to Aron Hirt-Manheimer, whose skillful editing and probing questions brought out the best in Arthur Hertzberg. Bravo to both of them!

In a talk I gave after my conversion to Judaism, I said I feel like I am a Jew born in a goy's body. Beyond that, it was difficult for me to understand exactly why I converted from Christian fundamentalism to Judaism, much less try to explain it to someone else. "Jews" has helped me to understand my own journey because it gets into the very essence of Judaism. It points out clearly how and why Jews are different. This difference goes all the way back to Abraham. It continues today. I'm sure all Jews won't agree with the aspects of being chosen, factious, and other, but it sums up my own Jewishness. I'm glad the authors took the time to write this important book.

All the books in this series rocked!!! If you like vampire books, it's very likely you'll like these. It's awesome to watch the characters mature over the span of books.

Book 4 of the Nikki and Michael series and the perfect ending. When things finally start to work for Michael and Nikki eerything has to go wrong when an old rival of Michael comes to mess things up. This time its up to Nikki alone to slove this case. A fantastic ending to a very good vampire series.

Nikki Jones is taking her test to enter the Damask Circle, an organization of good supernatural beings sworn to fight evil whenever they find it. She does her best to pass so she can marry her vampire love Michael Kelly. In the room she senses a great evil and through their telepathic link Michael senses her fear. Seline, the leader of the Damask Circle, informs him that an old malevolence has infiltrated the organization with the principle targets being them.

Over a century ago, Michael killed a vampire sorcerer who murdered his lover but what he didn't know was that Emmett Dunlevy had a twin brother just as evil with the same powers. Wylin swore he would bring his brother back to life but to do that he needs to sacrifice Michael and Selene. Michael is kidnapped and Nikki disguised as Selena travels to the ghost town where he is being held. Nikki tries to rescue Michael and destroy Dunlevy but her beloved doesn't remember her and there are all kinds of supernatural traps in town waiting to be sprung. If they can't defeat Dunlevy, they will die and his brother will be resurrected.

Kerri Arthur is one of the best writers of vampire romantic thrillers on the market today. Her latest work has plenty of action and villains that are easy to hate but it is the love between the protagonists that makes this work very special. KISS THE NIGHT GOOD-BYE has the feel of a historical western since everyone in the ghost town believe it is the nineteenth except Nikki and the villain. Readers will really sink their teeth in this memorable and ensorcelling supernatural tale.

Harriet Klausner