Bernard Books

"The Divine Initiative is an invaluable resource and a major contribution to Lonergan studies... Stebbins has laid out [the] material...with a thoroughness and clarity that will be extraordinarily valuable to many people."

From: Robert Doran, Lonergan Research Institute, University of Toronto

"The care with which Michael Stebbins has exposed Lonergan's method and its results...makes Lonergan's sometimes cryptic remarks accessible to all those who have the stamina to explore these issues, and so leaves both philosophers and theologians without excuse for attending to so demanding a synthesis."

From: The Thomist, 60, 1996, pages 484 - 488

"In my judgement, this book is wonderfully accurate as an account of Lonergan. Stebbins analyzes and synthesizes with great skill. In his treatment of the operations of intellect (in chapter 1), right through to his concluding remarks about Lonergan on actual grace (in the latter half of chapter 8), he is extremely sensitive to details and distinctions that others often overlook or misunderstand. Moreover, he not only explains accurately, he clarifies. He understands the material so thoroughly that he is able to link Lonergan's claim in fresh ways, offer original examples, and thus teach the reader what Lonergan really is getting at. Given the challenging technical character of the material, this is a stellar achievement."

"I deem the book to include features of interest to systematic theologians in general, historians of theology, philosophers of religion, metaphysicians generally, persons interested specifically in Lonergan, and persons interested specifically in Aquinas. I commend it to them all."

From: Method: Journal of Lonergan Studies, Volume 14, Number 1, Spring 1996 Published by the Lonergan Institute at Boston College

Stebbins provides a synthetic interpertation of Lonergan's writings on the doctrine of grace from the late 1930's until about 1950. His chief focus is on the unpublished _De ente supernaturali: Supplementum schematicum_ (1946) and on other writings in so far as they illuminate or enlarge the meaning of that central text. S. generally follows Lonergan's development of theses in _De ente supernaturali_, though with two principal exceptions. Chapter 1 focuses on Lonergan's cognitional theory; this tack is strategically important because Lonergan understands internal actual grace as consisting in conscious acts of understanding and willing. Chapter 3 explicates Lonergan's "theorem of the supernatural"; and this move is critical because Lonergan's theorem provides the explanatory framework for his dynamic understanding of the natural/supernatural relationship as it relates to the analysis of grace. Lonergan's theorem acknowledeges a real distinction between the supernatural and natural orders. But he formualtes the distinction in terms of a vertical finality through which lower-level realities enjoy the potentiality for dynamic sublimation by higher-order realities in such a way that the intelligibility of the lower is maintained , even as it is incorporated into the higher order; e.g., the sublimation of the chemical in beings existing on the biological level does not negate the intelligibility of chemical laws. This applies even to the strictly supernatural instances of vertical finality in which human beings are elevated to a created sharing in the divine nature (sanctifying grace) and the human intellect and will are obedientially, passively receptive to such actualing operations as faith, hope, and love of God. These latter (actual graces) at once transcend the natural capabilities of the intellect and will, wihtout negating the laws to which human intellect and will as such are subject. S. rightly conludes that in his theorem Lonergan transcends two-story-universe explanations of the natural/supernatural distinction which end up extrinsically gluing together the two elements. He likewise eliminates the need for adding a third element, such as Rahner's supernatural existential, which is hypothesized to serve somehow as a link between nature and grace in its sanctifying and actual forms. The leitmotif of S.'s work is the interpretation of Lonergan's understanding of internal actual grace. This grace consists in volitional and intellectual activities of the type that cause the occurence of other acts of will/intellect in the same respective potencies; e.g., the movement of the will to desire growth in the love of God causes the willing of a deepening of one's faith. These activities are principally caused in us immediately by God without any excercise of efficient causality on our part; e.g., we find ourselves _moved_ to desire growth in loving God. These activities are derivatively supernatural insofar as we are both _moved_ and _move_ ourselves to the willing of a means; e.g., we choose the means of praying more as a way of deeping our love. In the latter instance we have an example of actual grace as both operative and cooperative. S.'s exposition strikingly reveals the comprehensive, coherent, compelling power and intellectual beauty of Lonergan's synthesis. S. provides evidence that Lonergan underwent a profound deepening in his own religious experience shortly before he wrote _De ente supernaturali_ (334). This may partly explain his stress in that work onthe _conscious_ nature of internal actual grace. S. adds a a pastoral richness to his study in referring to an observation of Londergan in his later years that for some there exists a profound awareness of the divine power at work in them. Others may need to recall their past and its religous high points and movements towards deeper holiness in order to discern the ongoing work of God's grace in their lives (126). Here Lonergan joins Rahner is stressing the experiential reality of Gos at work in our hearts and minds. In his culminating chapters S. brilliantly displays the power of Lonergan's method in its ability to handle such complex issues as the Molinist/Banezian controversies, divine and human causality, freedom, sin, and God's transcendent providence. Lonergan extensively utilizes metaphysical categories throughout his early works. S. correctly observes that Lonergan's late study of grace in terms of intentionality analysis does not basically negate his earlier metaphysical study. Rather, the two approaches validate one another. S.'s overall work is excellent. Only rarely does he leave the reader hoping for greater clarity, more examples. He provides extensive footnotes and a superb index. The judicious user of these sources will discover overlooked observations in early chapters which clarify subtle discussions is later chapters and vice versa. Even the seasoned Lonerganian will find this study quite challenging; yet for the reader who sticks with it the rewards are immense

Like most protestants the term "doctor of the church" meant little to me. If anything it may have referred to those ministers in the church who had conferred upon them an honorary doctory of divinity degree. As the years went by I encountered the term in one of my college religion classes but its origins were never explained to me until the advent of this book.

Bernard McGinn profiles the lives of thirty-three men and women who shaped Christianity not by academic degrees but through their sermons, teachings, exemplary lives and leadership. These illuminating teachers were the "Doctors of the Church." In his introduction the evolution of the term is explained. In Latin christianity it was a generic term denoting all who gave instruction in the faith. As the church began to institutionalize and doctrinal disputes arose ,the term and the functions of such persons became more critical. Thus the institutional church gave a person the authoritative title of "doctor" however it was understood that the Holy Spirit was the guiding principal in that person's teachings.

The text is divided into three time periods in which these doctors emerged;Patristic, Medieval and Modern. A brief bography is given on each subject and the particular teaching that they expoused. In the Patristic period we find doctors who are acceptable in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Othodox traditions. At the close of his text the author speculates about the future of the doctors of the church. Will protestants be included? What about more laity, women and those who are married? What importance will they have for the future of Christianity as a whole? I highly recommend this book for those interested in church history, the individual doctors and the impact that these thinkers had on all aspects of Christianity. For the general reader it is an accessible document and will give you a greater appreciation of the church's history and growth through its teachers.

This is the first choice in the first month of our new parish-wide book club that meets only in our church bulletin: St. Martha Parish-Wide Bulletin Book Club, a project of FACE/Foundations in Adult Catholic Education. If you belong to St. Martha's or read this review, you're in the club! No pressure. No meetings. We won't mind if you list this membership on your resume.
The Doctors of the Church are recognized as authoritative teachers who pass on spiritual wisdom. McGinn reminds that "Doctrina in Latin signifies the act of teaching, instructing, or training of any kind, so a doctor is a person who teaches...." (P.4) We posited that our book club should begin with a firm selection. We set about asking which Christian or Roman Catholic book, besides the Bible, would be best for our new beginning. We concluded that we should begin with our Church's most distinguished faculty. While these thirty-three are not our Master Teacher, each has been from over two thousand years of Christian authors and teachers elevated by The Church to doctor ecclesia. Whom better to start our book club school year than teachers?
There are other offerrings published on the subject of Doctors of the Church, but McGinn's authority as an historical theologian and position as Naomi Shenstone Donnelley Professor of historical theology at the Divinity School of the University of Chicago that brings such brilliance and richness to this book. From the preface he brings the reader into the 2000 year traditions of Roman Catholicism through a descriptive architectural tour of St. Peter's Basilica as a metaphor for this historical richness. His ability as scholar and teacher bring us in Part One to an understanding of what a Doctor of the Church is and how that definition evolved. If Truth is elegant, McGinn is perfecting it!
This book provides a very challenging several days read/study, or could be used as a contemporary burst-read-before-bed by reading a single life at a time, usually no more than three pages. Each life could also be read slowly for the spiritual challenge each doctor's writings inspire in the contemplative. As if this weren't enough, McGinn adds three appendices that are concise and useful reviews: Dictionary of Heresies (2 pages), Ecumenical Councils (2 pages), and Use of Doctors in Recent Church Teaching (2 pages).
Reading this book is like taking a survey course in Church philosophical underpinnings, without the lengthy term papers and thick tombs. This book is not only in paperback, but is few more than 200 pages!
Finding a selection to appeal to busy adults in 2500 families in a Roman Catholic parish in the mid-West was certainly made easier by McGinn. We're very excited to have a selection that will allow all levels of readers to delve into two thousand years of doctrine in a meaningful way. This is a perfect selection for September back to work and school with Roman Catholicism's most distinguished faculty, our doctores ecclesiae.

There is a rare and distinguished title in the church, little used and even less understood--that of Doctor of the Church. To date, only 33 men and women have been accorded the honour of being a Doctor of the Church, and among these are some of the most influential figures of Christianity (most of Christianity as a whole, and not just specifically Roman Catholicism). They include the likes of Augustine, John Chrysostom, Aquinas, and Teresa of Avila.

--What is this title?--
Doctors of the Church have been so named because they have provided critical insight into the life, practice, spirituality and definition of the church at key historical points, and have done so in such as way as to endeavour to teach and otherwise impart this knowledge to others. These are the great teachers of the church, in word and deed.

They are divided into three broad categories. The Patristic Doctors are the notables among the early church fathers, in the post-apostolic age to the close of the early round of church councils. These Patristic Doctors are thirteen in number:

Athanasius of Alexandria
Ephrem the Syrian
Hilary of Poitiers
Cyril of Jerusalem
Basil of Caesarea
Gregory of Nazianzus
Ambrose of Milan
John Chrysostom
Jerome
Augustine of Hippo
Cyril of Alexandria
Peter Chrysologus
Leo the Great

The next subgrouping is the Medieval Doctors:

Gregory the Great
Isador of Seville
Bede the Venerable
John of Damascus
Peter Damian
Anselm of Canterbury
Bernard of Clairvaux
Anthony of Padua
Albert the Great
Bonaventure of Bagnorea
Thomas Aquinas
Catherine of Siena

The next subgrouping is the Modern Doctors:

Teresa of Avila
Peter Canisius
John of the Cross
Robert Bellarmine
Lawrence of Brindisi
Francis de Sales
Alphonsus de Liguori
Theresa of Lisieux

The Patristic Doctors tend to be held in high regard by all denominations, East and West, Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. The Medieval and Modern Doctors are often less regarded outside of Catholic circles, but still have provided spiritual and theological insight that enriches the entirety of Christianity.

It is unclear what authority outside of the Papacy can declare a Doctor of the Church -- this book remains ambiguous on that point, too.

`Although in the last four centuries it is only the Roman popes who have been interested in adding new names to the list of doctors, recent popes have not used their power of nomination to aggrandise the papacy by adding more of their predecessors.... Since 1700, only one pope, Leo I (declared a doctor in 1754), has made the list--and few would disagree with this belated recognition of a teacher revered in both Eastern and Western Christianity. A survey of the new doctors shows that the bishops of Rome have continued to think of 'doctor' as an ecumenical denomination, involving both Eastern and Western Christianity.'

--What is the future of this title?--
The most important aspect of the Doctors of the Church is without a doubt their continuing influence in the development of life, practice, thinking and spirituality of all of Christianity. A renewed interest in those who demonstrated clearly the vocation of teaching in the church bodes well for an increasingly community-driven model of church leadership.

`What is distinctive about the doctors as a group is the model they present of combining the intense love of God and neighbour that defines sanctity with a commitment to the intellectual work of learning, preaching, teaching, and writing.'

Doctors are different from saints in their status and role; these people live as much through their writings as through their veneration and intercessory aspects.

With a concern toward the ecumenical nature of the office doctor ecclesiae, McGinn argues for the inclusion of more Eastern figures, as well as Protestant figures who illuminate truth in their own way -- as Aquinas said, no one figure will ever embody or represent the fullness of truth found in the church as a whole, and that definition of church must be broadened beyond medieval political definitions.

Bernard McGinn has put together a good collection of brief biographies of these important figures.

Modern Christians, much like the ancient Israelites described in the book of Judges, are plagued by a lack of memory. All too often, we forget the lessons handed down to us by generations past.

My search for those lessons is what led me to this book: "The Doctors of the Church : Thirty-Three Men and Women Who Shaped Christianity" by Bernard McGinn

One the great resources I have found for unearthing the wisdom of the past is Paulist Press' wonderful series: "The Classics of Western Spirituality." Having read a few volumes of the series, and having noticed Mr. McGinn's name was listed in my most recent volume as being the General editor, I decided to read something written by him. I found that "The Doctors of the Church" is an excellent introduction to and starting point for the study of the Catholic Church doctors.

The book begins with a chapter about what exactly a doctor of the Church is. It then moves on to discuss how each doctor got to be a doctor. I found these chapters interesting enough...but the prey I was hunting for here I only found in the next (and largest) section of the book.

The second section of the book consists of brief descriptions of the life and teachings of each doctor. This part of the book is ideally suited for those needing an introductory level overview of the doctors. More useful still, each chapter has suggestions for reading works by the doctor as well as McGinn's own bibliography of works about the doctor. This is an awesome way to make it easy to dive into the deep waters of the doctors' teachings.

The final section discusses the significance of the doctors to the Church today as well as where McGinn thinks the Church might turn as far as the naming of doctors in the future. This was again insightful, but less useful for my purposes.

Overall, I found "The Doctors of the Church" to be an excellent book. I glad I read it; and now, I recommend it to you.

well, what is to happen when the "ultimate player", who has arranged an impossible game of snakes and ladders by which to try the worth of the object of his seduction is the first one to commit the mistake that gives it all away???
naturally enough, in such a case, she has no option but to call for all cards to be now put on the table - signs and gestures cannot continue to be after this unexpected turn of events: that the creator of the trap has been the first one to go and call the King when the roof was just "not" falling. so what is he to do after this has happened? was the posibility of "his" failing in his books?
as to her, she is only sure that nothing can continue to be quite as it was and also it is somehow a shame that now there is just nothing more to hope for, nothing more to upset the monotony of life all of a sudden. she knew that she would not have failed, but she had simply not expected that he would just rush to do wrong at the very first trial of trust...!!

This is the most famous depiction of the ancient legend of Don Juan, the unrepentant and bold sinner from Spain. A masterwork of Romanticism, "Don Juan" tells the story of Juan Tenorio, a worldly man whose only interest in life is to seduce as many women as he can. He makes a bet with his friend Luis Mejía, to see who is more fortunate with women. Don Juan wins, but his father writes him off from his testament. After that, Don Juan rapes Luis' fiancée. All this gives him, of course, a bad reputation, so the father of his beloved Ines forbids him to marry her. Events unfold then at a rapid pace, amidst duels, murders, illegitimate seductions and tragedy, including the apparition of ghosts. But more than just a cloak-and-dagger play, this work is a fascinating elaboration on the central myths of sin and repentance; of trespassing and divine forgiving; of the redeeming possibilities of true love, as distinguished from the sins of the flesh which lead to hell. In the Spanish world, it is the play that is staged every year, by the beginning of November when Day of the Dead is celebrated. It is a sum-up of the Romantic myth and, as all classical works, it admits different interpretations, from the literal to the philosophical. And it's a lot of fun too.

This book tells of the fascinating story of Don Juan Tenorio, the ultimate player. Don Juan is to players what William Shakespear is to poets. This story is told with a masterful wit, and has an incredibly exciting plot. This book, like so many others, is one of those that many people know, but few have read. This book is well worth the money spent on it.

Don Juan Tenorio is the ultimate player. He is to players what William Shakespear is to poets. This is a fascinating story which talk about Don Juan, a young man that is out to seduce as many women as he can. Not only that, but he is probably the most succesful player ever known to man! find out what happens to him in this classic story full to the brim of adventure and excitement.

A very good quality and well finished book. Very adecuate format to appreciatte the photographs. I missed a couple of famous photographs, but I knew others. I recommend this book for a serious collectionists.

This is truly a wonderful book. Boubat truly had a sensitive eye. The images are gentle, perceptive, rich and completely satisfying. There is a depth to them that draws one back to look again and again. Although evocative of a time, they are also timeless. I love it.

For size, variety, and quality, this is the best collection of black-and-white photographs I have seen to date. I give it seven stars.

There are many that should be poster-size and, were I situated to do it, would be framed and hanging on my walls right now. Some photographic artists "have the eye," and Msr. Boubat was one of them. He left us a life's work of sensitivity to beauty and meaning that touches those capable of receiving his marvelous gifts.

His work spanned half a century and much of the world, including photographs taken in Nepal, India, Iraq, Iran, Japan, China, France, Portugal, and other countries. His techniques range from the natural eye to the more grainy, and a few finessed the photographic process altogether by his placing natural objects (flowers) directly on film and letting the image impress itself.

His discerning eye shares with us moments of children, the natural design of the world, family and pairs of people, and portraits of persons known to and loved by him.

There is nothing else to add, for his work must be viewed to be appreciated.

I discovered a book with photos of Edouard Boubat in 1973 for the first time, and I have ferreted about everywhere since then to get more insights into his opinion of photography. I did not discover only French, Belgian, Dutch web pages but also Spanish, Italian, German -- even Chinese or such from Iran. I am happy now to hold in my hand comfortably collected 300 photographs of Edouard Boubat (thanks to the work of his son Bernard), which before were accessible only sprinkled. Next to the portraits of Lella (his Muse) I found a lot of other pictures, which have influenced me up to the own lifestyle: The Breton fisherman with his cats at the simple at noon meal (1961, Saint Quai-Portrieux), the farmer's woman with the goose in her arms, which she wants to sell on the market, Belgian nuns 1954, the seagulls of the Seine-bridges, which rush surprisingly into the observer's direction like jet fighters, a modern hang-glider flying from the dunes down to the sea, that Hindu family being like from the last century at Poona, India, the female nude with the big sunflower in front of the face in a romantic spring in Sweden (1967), the proud colored fisherman in Ghana, shouldered a freshly caught tunafish (1960), the little girl with the home-made dress from autumn leaves (1947), Baby suckling mothers in Bethlehem (1957), the "Lost Generation" at a Hyde park music festival 1970, those timelessly beautiful unknown lady, ironing her laundry, 1974 in Paris, men at a billiard table, workers in Brazil or China, children, catching snowflakes with the mouth, the poodle, reading a newspaper in a Parisian café 1953, and that cat, commercialized often as a poster, in front of the sheet of music ... Hardly an artistic Odyssey is known to me, as productive as this one, moreover so poetically, away from all the modern disturbances, representing an interruption of feeling, showing the rites, the sadnesses, the dignified moments of life...

This is one of a very small number of esoteric rune books that contain credible researched information about the runes and their history. King is a Heathen and writes with great respect for the Northern traditions. Unlike the majority of New-Age authors, he has gone to the academic sources.

The first half of the book covers the historical information in quite a bit of depth. The second half covers practical techniques of divination and other uses. Although the very last chapters are necessarily speculative, he makes no unfounded claims about historical rune use.

I would recommend this as one of the few books I would give as an introduction to someone interested in learning about the esoteric side of the runes.

Sweyn
The Rune Primer

This book is a really great guide for a person just begining to learn about rune magic and some of the history of the runes. It futher explains the runes and their meaning and how to cast them .

This is one of the better modern books on runes. It's historically accurate and also covers the esoteric uses of runes quite well. I recommend it for beginners, and for those who have already gained a good knowledge of runes.

This is one of the first books about the runes I ever read. I am really pleased to see that it has been re-released, as it was out of print when I first read it. King has a wonderful sense of humour, and provides a strong basis for building upon, in addition to sparking interest in the faith of Asatru and the myths of the North. This is a definate must have for anyone starting on the runic journey.

Very well put together, this book is unique because it arranges the texts by theme rather than chronologically as in most anthologies of Christian mysticism. The depth of the book will really help to reader to become familiar with both the themes and authors of the Christian mystical tradition.
I must add that the notion that Christian mystics teach a unity of all religions and that Christ and the Trinity are just symbols of a deeper reality is an interpretive paradigm of modern scholars that is not reflected in the writings the Christian mystics themselves. They were simply devote Christians who experienced God in a deep and meaningful way.

This is a good introductory text regarding Christian Mysticism. The author is quite knowledgeable and the text is well-edited. This material provides a solid base from which the reader may expand his/her knowledge of the subject matter and put subsequent readings in context.

This book is a fabulous peek into 'Christian Mysticism'. It is inclusive, not divisive. It is 'Christian' mysticism in as much as humanity tailors garments to clothe Truth. For, as humans, we must shape it, if we are to share it. We must make language. Every idea comes through voice. Every picture, form. And despite this limit we place on the limitless, which diminishes it within comprehensibility, flashes of Eternity remain.

Here find vital excepts of writings by Meister Eckart, Nicolas of Cusa, and John of the Cross (to name but three), Gnostic Christians brimming with revelation. Theirs is the symbolism of the Christ, with the tripartite God as description of the unity among all existence. To the mystic, these reflections illustrate sameness.

Together these excerpts form a golden road. Like Ariadne's thread, then, these reasonings can lead us out of the labyrinth.

At last! I've been teaching college courses on philosophy & mysticism for years, and I've always been frustrated by the absence of a good anthology of Christian mysticism. So I've either had to order armfuls of primary texts or settle for mediocre anthologies. But Bernard McGinn, who knows more about Christian mysticism than anyone else, has saved me (and others!). This wonderful collection of Christian mysticism is logically arranged, judiciously selected, and expertly commented on. How wonderful!

Selections are from ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary mystics, and from western as well as orthodox traditions. Fathers of the Desert, the Beguines, Simone Weil, Thomas Merton, Hugh of St. Victor, Symeon, Macarius, Eckhart, John of the Cross, Bernard of Clairvaux: these and many other Christian mystics are excerpted in sections that cover topics such as Biblical Interpretation, Asceticism and Purgation, Inner and Outer Practices, Trinity, Christ, Vision, Deification, and Love and Knowledge. McGinn even concludes with a section that focuses on the social/moral relevance of Christian mysticism, which would be nicely complemented by a reading of Dorothee Soelle's The Silent Cry: Mysticism and Resistance.

McGinn's book is bound to be the definitive collection for years to come. Highly, highly recommended--and highly welcome.

Eyewitness Books are filled with wonderful photographs and pictures. They tell great stories and information about a wide number of nonfiction topics. This book is about Vincent Van Gogh. It covers his life and works right up to his death. The book is written for grades 5 and up. I use them for a teaching tool for ESOL students in a middle school setting. The reading can be tough but great for the more advanced kids. The photographs and pictures help a lot in bringing an understanding about a topic to a student who doesn't understand much English. My homeroom kids love these books too. I highly recommend them to teachers and parents alike.

First of all I must say anything DK Publishing touches turns to gold; and the same goes double to infinity for Vincent. You would not believe the information packed into this 64 page carry anywhere book full of photographs of family and places he lived, amazing sketches, personal belongings, influences, quotes, and over 70 of his most popular and beautiful paintings and so much more! This is for everyone! It does not include "Starry Night" however.

Here are the contents: 1 YOUTH AND FAMILY 2 LIFE IN ENGLAND 3 PREACHING AND POVERTY 4 THE IMAGE OF THE SOWER 5 ETTEN AND THE HAGUE 6 PEASANTS AT WORK 7 A LOVE OF NATURE 8 A MATTER OF FAITH 9 A PEASANT MEAL 10 ARRIVAL IN ANTWERP 11 THE ANTWERP ACADEMY 12 A PARISIAN EXPERIENCE 13 IMAGES OF PARIS 14 THE IMPRESSIONISTS 15 NEW APPROACHES 16 JAPANESE INFLUENCES 17 SUNFLOWERS 18 A STUDY IN YELLOW 19 THE LURE OF THE SOUTH 20 VAN GOGH AND GAUGUIN 21 A HEROIC SELF PORTRAIT 22 THE AFFLICTED ARTIST 23 NATURAL STUDIES 24 COPIES 25 PROVENCAL LANDSCAPE 26 AN ERRATIC RECOVERY 27 A RETURN TO THE NORTH 28 THE FINAL ACT 29 KEY DATES/ VAN GOGH COLLECTIONS 30 GLOSSARY/ WORKS ON EXHIBIT 31 INDEX/ ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

What makes this book so enjoyable is that it has it all. Most books I've seen on Vincent are either loaded with art but the book layout is impossible to read due to lack of organization; or the opposite--books with tons of information but nothing but black and white thumbnail sketches. This book is a gem; extremely colorful plus has some black and white-- but each and every page is fully organized and beautiful to read and look at. Bruce Bernard, you have got to be the most organized man in the universe! WOW!

A must own for anyone and everyone! Especially the beginner to intermediate van Gogh enthusiast, however; the personal belongings, photographs, quotes and succinctness of this book would be well appreciated by the most acumen of Vincent's studiers/admirers.

P.S. I highly recommend this book and any other of the series of Eyewitness books that strike your fancy. I also own book #25 Crystal and Gems. There are 110 different books from everything to Music, Fossils, Reptiles, Invention, Weather, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, Bible Lands, Volcano and Earthquake, Shark; Aztec, Inca and Maya; Castle, Pyramid, Ancient China, Archeology, North American Indian, Ocean, Battle, Witches and Magic-Makers, Space Exploration, Crime Detection, Force and Motion, Chemistry, Time and Space, Astronomy, Earth, Human Body, Medicine, Technology, Electronics, Renaissance, Impressionism, Goya, Manet, Monet, Leonardo & his times, Future, Mythology, Titanic, Football, Hurricane & Tornado, Presidents, Baseball....on and on! Oh I've got to buy a few more I see!

This is an easy to read, summary of his life, with nice pictures and information.

For a smaller book designed to give a high level overview of Van Gogh's life and career as an artist, this book is surprisingly informative and well written. Van Gogh's life is covered in a well researched commentary and there are also sub-sections devoted specifically to "Masterpieces". The graphics are excellent and the analysis clear and concise. In terms of a good, brief overview of Vincent van Gogh, this book is first rate.

The book pictured on this site is the Fourth Edition of Fields Virology. However, the "Book Description" in the "Editiorial Reviews" section on this site is for the Third Edition of Fields Virology. I hesitate to purchase the book because I am unsure which edition you will be shipping. Before I place my order, I want assurance that I will be receiving the Fourth Edition.

My take on this two-volume set is that if you are going to put out as much money as this set costs, you should get a lot for it. This two- volume set is simply the best I have found for MAMMALIAN virology, with a close second being 'Fundamental Virology'. I stress the mammalian virology, as it omits a good bit (if not all) of the plant- associated virii. The basics of all virus structure are in there, regarding plant virii, but beyond that, there is information lacking. Despite this, when purchased as a graduate-level or upper-undergraduate level text or reference guide, there simply is no other text of this scale. There is a lot more text than graphics, but this does not (in my opinion) deter from the value of the text. If I could, I'd give a 4.5 star of 5, only for the lack of plant virii information and my personal desire for more graphics. i will say that the CD-Rom has more than enough graphics to make up for the book's seeming lack of graphics. As a 'financially- burdened' Pathology trainee and Virologist by employment, I will say that this is worth the price and effort to read. Note that it is written to the biologist who has some knowledge, albeit foundational knowledge, of biology.

There is hardly any significant fact about viruses that missed-out in this edition of "Fields Virology". Page after page, this sound all-inclusive reference doles out authoritative information on both viruses and viral syndromes. From taxonomy to etiology, metamorphosis to replication; the analyses of this text is grand. The same applies to its attached CD-ROM. Its practical outlook was intended to benefit both microbiologists and pathologists. Bernard Fields and his colleagues made their mark with this book. It is a great effort.
However, most botanist may not be pleased to know that little attention was paid to plant viruses. Again, many potential buyers may be demoralized by the rather high price that this virology-set demands.

It covers all fields of virology. Perfect and wonderful ! Easy to understand. I really recommend this book to who is involved in biology

If you have an interest in spirituality, but you have avoided what seemed to be the swampy minutiae of the history of Christian doctrine and dogma, this is a great book. The author's definition of mysticism is a little expansive, but the book is well-organized and well-written. Because the discussion focuses on personal experiences relevant to today's reader, the material retains a freshness that is missing in a dry recounting of historical facts and debates. If you have explored Neoplatonism or Gnosticism, this book provides the historical and philosophical context for what you have read. You may get some leads on other interesting books and papers -- the notes and bibliography go on for 140 pages.

This book is clear enough to be read by a lay person like myself, but offers so much scholarly depth that a specialist would find much to learn.

Bernard McGinn, a Professor of Divinity, is probably the best scholar on Christian mysticism around today. His knowledge of the Christian mystics is in depth and extensive (he has for example written a monograph on Eckhart) and this series represents an excellent introduction as well as a scholarly study of Christian mysticism, its forms, its influences, and its effects on Christianity.

Unfortunately McGinn (for understandable constraints of time and space) focuses on the Western rather than Eastern Christian mystical tradition, which is unfortunate, as his great learning would have thrown valuable light on that neglected area. Nevertheless, this series remains essential reading for anyone interested in Christian mysticism and its development.

This book is the first of a multi-volume history of Western Christian mysticism that is sure to be the definitive study in its genre for a long time to come. The book is divided into two parts. The first, entitled "The Historical Roots of Western Mysticism," looks at the primary sources of mysticism in the Jewish, Greek, and Christian traditions. Sacred apocalyptic and ascensional texts, including the chariot vision of Ezekiel (the basis of Merkavah mysticism) are discussed. The significance of the Song of Songs is emphasized. Works from Plato, Philo, Plotinus (his Enneads are a masterpiece of mystical literature), and Proclus are seen as providing significant contributions along with Gnostic and Hermetic sources. When handling the New Testament writings, McGinn is sensitive to his conservative readers and points out that although the apostles Paul and John weren't mystics in the sense that we may speak of Origen and Augustine as mystics, there is certainly a mystical element within Christianity from its beginnings, and Christian scriptures are "certainly susceptible to mystical readings" as he shows. Although early spokesmen for orthodoxy such as Justin, Irenaeus and Clement were all anti-Gnostic, each is seen as contributing to the mystical theology of Church tradition. Origen, called "The Master of Early Christian Thought," is given extended treatment before delving into monastic origins that begin with the father of monks, St. Antony. McGinn explores the thought of Gregory of Nyssa, Macarius the Great, Evagrius Ponticus, and the seminal but controversial Pseudo-Dionysius, whose influence (and apophatic method) has been "more powerful than any other Eastern mystic."

Part II, "The Beginnings of Western Mysticism," concentrates primarily on Augustine although the Early Latin Fathers Ambrose of Milan, Jerome, and John Cassian are discussed. If all this wasn't enough, we are graced with a very valuable appendix that discusses all the major modern contributors to the study of mysticism. The appendix is divided into three sections according to approach: Theological, Philosophical, and Comparativist & Psychological. Names referenced include Schweitzer, Inge, Underhill, Kirk, Butler, Poulain, Merton, James, Von Hugel, Marechal, Maritain, Stace, Otto, Zaehner, Leuba, Jung, Scholem, and Huxley. This book (and series) is absolutely essential reading for those interested in mysticism.

If the so-called School of London is your thing, here is a unique opportunity to watch the grand master at work. Not as good as a video, as possible with Auerbach and Bacon, but you take what you can get with the famously reclusive Freud, who clearly relishes enhancing his own reputation for eccentricity. (Remember the Snowdon photo of a wild-eyed Freud in his youth standing in front of his vintage Rolls Royce while wearing work clothes, like a scene right out of the 'sixties film Blow Up?)

Here we see the work of two photographers, both old friends, who were allowed to capture Freud at work over more than 20 years, as he painted single- and multiple-subject portraits of widely varying sizes, with subjects ranging from The Queen to Leigh Bowery. Most interestingly, this format allows us to see a large number of his paintings at various stages of completion, thus showing his process in a reasonable amount of detail.

Start with a sketch by Cezanne and adapt it to two models, then add a third, to make a contemporary painting. An earlier work starts with a nude model perched somewhat precariously in the cubbyhole high up on the wall. Her portrait on the easel below reveals just how brutal Freud can be in portraying the figure. When we saw the painting at Acquavella Gallery, we wondered if he actually had the model positioned in a nook in the wall. Now we know.

We see how the oil portraits of subjects such as Lord Fellowes and David Hockney start with oil sketches and go through development to the finished painting. The talented young British artist Tai-Shan Schierenberg, whose portraits of John Mortimer and Lords Sainsbury and Carrington are already in the Tate and the National Portrait Gallery, is one of several artists who paint in a style very similar to Freud's, but close-ups of Freud's smaller portraits show the particuarly intensive reworking which make his work unique. He lays on paint heavily like Auerbach or Kossoff but with his own style, which, in the end, is inimitable.

Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles in full dress uniform makes a glamorous subject. We also see Freud painting a horse and his dog Pluto, and his latest young female admirer. We also see Freud developing the plates for his masterful etchings, some of the best work being done in that medium today.

A 30-page interview by David Dawson and Sebastian Smee is interspersed with the late Bruce Bernard's color photographs and David Dawson provides over 100 additional color photographs of the painter at work. It seems that there is a new monograph on Freud every eighteen months or so; this is one of the few works which focuses on his process.

magnificent view on the painter as painter.

If you are an admirer of Lucian Freud's work, this book should definitely have place in your library. It essentially comprises of 3 parts, opening with a very frank and insightful interview with Freud by Sebastian Smee. Followed by two collections of colour and b&w photographs by Bruce Bernard and David Dawson. They cover all aspects of Freud in the studio - photos of Freud larking around as a Henry Moore sculpture, works in progress (often including the model), finished paintings, his studio, his dogs, horses, foxcub, etching plates and resulting prints, series of WIP paintings showing the stages involved in their creation. Over 120 photos in all, with the vast majority being in colour. Lavishly illustrated.

Smee, Bernard, and Dawson all had/have a close association with Freud and for me that's what makes this book so special. Throughout, Freud is just going about his business which is captured wonderfully by the photos. Bernard wanted to take carefully considered photos but Freud was having none of that, to the point of literally doing headstands. Bernard died in 2000, around the time that Freud was working on his Cezanne piece. Dawson picks up the plot from there, with photo's through to 2006.

For anyone interested in Freud's painting process, either out of curiosity or as an artist, the photo's provide a wealth of information. The adage "A picture is worth a 1000 words" could not be more apt. The Work in Progress photos range from the raw drawing on canvas through to finished pieces. A number of WIP photos also include the model, allowing for comparison between the flesh and the oil. Etching plates and the resulting prints are also shown.

Smee's interview reads like a couple of guys chatting over a pint down the pub. Over his career (and long may it continue!) Freud has met and hung out with numerous famous figures - Picasso, Giacometti, Bacon, Hirst, Auerbach, Bergmann, Balthus, Bowery, Queen Elizabeth II, even gambling with the notorious Kray Twins (1950/60 gangsters from London's east end). The interview is liberally populated with wonderful anecdotes. Freud also talks about the painters through history that he admires - Cezanne, Matisse, Corot, Chardin, Toulouse-Latrec and why. He touches upon living in London and anti-semitism, what led him to paint pictures of his mother, his grandfather Sigmund Freud, being sat at the bar and finding out that someone else was impersonating him - was he upset? Not really, he ended up painting the man's portrait.

For someone who is reknowned for his privacy this book is exceptional. I'm sure Freud had a huge say in how the book would look and its contents. His pride in a job well done is most evident.

If Freud is on your artistic radar, even as the merest blip, then do yourself a favour and own this book. Essential. 10 stars!

Lucian Freud seems to gain in importance as a painter and as provocateur with every exhibition (or even frequent monograph) that appears - an d for good reason. Freud continues the tradition of figure painting, but clearly in his own language. His canvases are dense with detail of both body surface and psychic message. His tendency to find rather physically grotesque models (such as Leigh Bowery) and then paint canvas after canvas of those models, each work revealing even more bizarre statements about the sitter, has made him one of the most interesting painters of our day - and the gentleman is in his eighties!

Infamously reclusive, Freud paints everyday, producing huge canvases and diptychs/triptychs with what appears to be the greatest of ease. But this very fine book allows us to see the artist's struggle with the creative muse by admitting us into the studio, courtesy of interviewers David Dawson and Sebastian Smee and photographers Dawson and Bruce Bernard, a friend and admirer now gone who captured some of the more sophisticated views of the artist at easel and photographic images of the models along side the painted version from Freud's hands, imagination and talent.

Even for those who have collected museum catalogs and other monographs of the work of Lucian Freud these richly reproduced color photographs of Freud's paintings, given the new vantage of moving from the museum wall into the studio of origination with the additional images of the painter at work, constitute a superior art monograph of a current genius. The book is a conversation with a living genius, a painter who is far more interested in the paint and brush than he is with the observer - until now. Highly recommended for art collectors, educators, art students, and for those who remain fascinated with the human figure. Grady Harp, April 07