Bishop Books

Now to start off I have to state that I am a huge reader of fantasy. So this novel really didn't live up to my expectations. In fact I had a little trouble finishing it. (Though that could be do to the fact that it had been a busy week, and I wanted something fresh.)

The writing was well done, and the story went a long smoothly. The world was well envisioned. You knew what was going on, no big surprises. So the novel was easy reading from start to end. I still enjoyed it even though the novel never really enthralled me.

What I do have to say is that the characters lacked. The main character never really seemed strong willed or anything the way the book tries to make here seem outrageously wild. The evil villain lacked something. I've read novels where the villain really wasn't evil, just seemed like it because of the circumstances. This villain wasn't that. I felt Bishop wanted to drive the fear into you. I felt driven to tears of boredom. All the other characters where explained, none of them seemed real.

**** Personally if you're a huge fantasy reader stay away from the book. If you don't read much fantasy, I wouldn't suggest this book as an introduction into this great genre. The characters are not fleshed out and the plot had no surprises. Read the book for good writing and a comfortable-lazy read. Even if you love horses (like myself), it's not enough to carry you through this book.

I read this book earlier this spring and thought, this is a great horse story! The characters were interesting and the plot had enough mystery to keep you wondering what is going to happen next. There were wonderful details--you almost felt like you were riding the winged horse way above the ground... At the end, you knew another book has to be coming soon. I even contacted the author to ring my praises on this story and she told me it is part one of a trilogy (Horsemistress) which she has nearly finished writing. Second story, Airs and Graces, will be out in December. Third one next year. Best one I have read since the Dark Horse Series of five books written by Mary H. Herbert back in the early 90's. Get those if you can find them in used book stores. You won't be disappointed if you like this book.

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys horses. It is reminiscent of all the horse tales I read as a child mixed with my fairy tales. At first glance the story is similar to other books like Mercedas Lackey's "Arrows of the Queen" which is about a poor farm girl unknowingly bonding with a special horse and winding up in an special Academy. However, the world and politics are very different and new.

I can't help wonder if the author got the idea of the title from Mary Stewarts mystery tale titled "Airs Above the Ground" which features the Lippizaner's.

I would like to mention that one reviewer stated that some scenes are not appropriate for young readers. Based on the fairy tales that I read which frequently had some blood and suffering in them with very different endings then the Disnified versions most kids know, most young readers (ages 7 and up) will take the scenes in stride or even skip over them without fully understanding them. After all how many of us have our kids read the Bible - even the kids version that I got at age 6 is filled with murder, torture, the destruction of two cities and the entire planet.

Most kids under age 10 will probably not enjoy it more from a reading and interest level rather than an 'appropriateness' test.

I haven't read anything by Toby Bishop before, but I'm going to start now. I picked up this book because of the intriguing cover of a flying horse. At first glance, this is an impossible premise, but Toby Bishop gives these horses spirit and believability. I lost myself in the world of the Academy, wishing I could go there, train and ride one of these fabulous horses. This book is the reason I read fantasy: to go somewhere strange, intriguing and welcoming (though it has some dark moment, beware.) If you liked the Tremereire novels, you know what I mean about a world where animals bonded with humans comprise a fascinating emotional link. I'm looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.

This book clearly should have been a YA novel, as the storyline will appeal the most to girls ages ~12-16. Unfortunately there is mature content (off-stage SM). More unfortunately, it is really not important to the storyline, and could have been left out. Too bad, because this could have been a cute little YA novel.

I have a few gripes with the novel from an equestrian standpoint. For the sake of her plot, the author has speed-aged the flying horses so that they can be ridden while flying at 18 mos (pg.154). Presumably (you would think, wouldn't you?) these horses have had significant training on the ground before you do anything quite so crazy...so...these horses are being ridden when they are one year old?
In RL, not even racehorse trainers work their horses that young. They start around 18mos, with very light riders, learning the basics. The consequences of working a horse hard before 4 is that it often breaks down. Hence the short working lifespans of racehorses and western futurity horses. If $$$ is important (or you're an impatient idiot) you start them early. If the horse is important, you wait until at least 2-1/2, when most of their growth is done & the growth plates in the knees have fused.
So...my beef. Unless the winged horses in question mature at TWICE the speed of a normal horse - there is no way they should be flying around with riders at 18 mo. Furthermore, I would love to know how these amateur teenage girls, with minimal riding instruction (there is a heck of a lot more to it than 'walk, trot, canter, STOP') can train these horses in a matter of months. I hate to see authors, even ones operating in la-la fantasyland, suggesting that anybody can ride a horse, anybody can train a horse, its easy, no one will get hurt, no need to wait for the horse to grow up just hop up baby!!!

Okay, rant over. If you can't resist the flying horse on the cover (heck, I couldn't), read the book. It has some cute parts. More importantly, it has flying horses. If you're getting it for your horse-crazy daughter, you might want to read it first. Let's just say the whips hit more than horse-flesh.

PS, to those who think I'm too harsh. This book may have entertained you - in fact, no doubt it has entertained lots of people. For those who like this sort of book - Mercedes Lackey fans, maybe? - it's probably worth a try. But if you're looking for a really good new fantasy to try, a book with interesting, complex characters, and a world that let's you suspend disbelief...well, this wouldn't be my first suggestion. Sorry Ms. Bishop.

I purchased this book to use in my classroom with my students as we read along. Great use of voices for the characters & a good rate of speed. Also a good transition between chapters.

Its ok i mean it doesn't really make sense i don't get it.Well i haven't finished reading it but mabey it will get better hopefully!

I have just finished reading Miracles on Maple Hill. I thought it was really good. But I don't know what is the part that makes it interesting.
This is a book that may not interest you, but you may enjoy it.

This is a somewhat interesting piece with "back-to-the-farm" as its basis, written and set in the post-WW II period. Think: "Field of Dreams" but instead of baseball, maple trees and maple syrup is the common thread ("If you tap them, they will come"?). Also, the book addresses adult subjects such as psychological damage from WW II in a very matter-of-fact and appropriate way. However, the book doesn't really deliver anything extraordinary. OK for your 10-year-old girl to read, or to read to her. However, it's not on par with "Little House in the Big Woods" or "The Young Master."

ISBN 0590431455 - This Newbery Award Winner managed to pull off one of the most difficult things in kids' books - possibly in any genre. It is almost completely timeless. Ignoring the copyright date, there is almost nothing in it that sets it in a particular timeframe. Because the setting is nature and a back-to-the-land ideal, the story could be set after almost any war - and because we're in a war right now, it could easily be set in the present. Sorensen mentions "the war" without ever mentioning Hitler, Germany or WWII. The only "give away" is when Joe refers to 4 dollars as a lot of money - but even that, since Joe's a kid, doesn't do any harm to the timelessness of Miracles.

Marly's father is back from the war. A former POW, Dale is suffering from mood swings and depression and seems to be tired all the time. Lee, Marly's mother, worries a lot. She also talks a lot about Maple Hill, where she spent her summers as a child. They still own a house there and, as the story begins, the family is on the way there. Lee has been in touch with the neighbors, the Chris family, who have opened the house and done what they could to make it welcoming. The plan is for Dale to remain behind while Lee shuttles the kids, Marly and her brother Joe, back and forth, visiting Maple Hill on weekends. They will spend the whole summer there, as well. Hopefully this will help Dale, who isn't very social, to recover from the horrors of the war.

The house is run down and overrun with mice when they arrive and the family sets about restoring order. Mr. Chris and his wife, Chrissie, are good neighbors and good friends - as much to the kids as to the parents. They've arrived during sugaring season and right away get to see how maple sap becomes syrup, with Mr. Chris teaching them. Mr. Chris teaches Joe and Marly much about the beauty of the country around them. Marly has, from the start, hoped for miracles here, mostly of the sort that will heal her family, and Mr. Chris reinforces that hope by promising her a miracle a week. He shows her the beauty of each season, in the little things. The kids also meet Harry, something of a recluse, who smells like the goats he keeps, and they learn a lot from him as well.

Eventually, the family decides to stay at Maple Hill together, with the book ending a year later, during sugaring season. This time, however, rather than being the somewhat lost newcomers, relying on others to teach them about everything new to them here, they find themselves in a position to repay some of what they've been given by their new friends. Harry is injured and alone, with no place to stay and, worst of all, Mr. Chris is in the hospital with heart problems just as the greatest sugaring year in the history of Pennsylvania begins. His entire crop is at risk just when he and his family are faced with medical bills. Marly, Joe, Lee and Dale have to help him! It's a lot of work - has the family healed enough to work together and get the job done? Can they really do this, for the neighbors who have been so kind to them?

A wonderful story of healing, caring and helping each other and so much beautifully described detail about the plants and animals they encounter! Dale's speech near the end, about men in the POW camp who were either willing to help each other or who were only worried about themselves, neatly tied together his experience in the war with their year on Maple Hill and showed how far he had come. I recommend this book for just about everyone - adults can appreciate it as much as, it not more than, kids.

If you are ready to elevate your writing, then you need to get this book. Mr. Bishop breaks down every aspect of the writing process and provides examples that trigger many oh-now-I-get-it moments. Only for the serious.

This book has tips on everything a want to be writer could ever need to know. I always keep it with me when I sit down to write, and if I run into a problem I look it up. Not only does it explain, it gives examples so you really understand it.

I read this book when I first started writing, and it gave me many DO and DON'T suggestions. The author gives the reader short sections on each subject he thinks is important. I like that, but I wish the book had a better organization, so when I go back to read a certain passage, I'd know where to find it.
BUT, it is STILL one of my favorite books.

"Dare to Be A Great Writer: 329 Keys to Powerful Fiction" is a well-titled book, but not much else. Though Bishop does offer decent advice, the lack of any coherent organization of the book's content seems to outweigh the occasional good nugget of info the reader might come across.

I can't think of any justification for Bishop neglecting to organize his thoughts into relevant chapters. Perhaps it's simply that Bishop doesn't have enough advice about any one topic to necessitate an entire chapter, but it would have been nice if he'd tried. Instead, the reader is encouraged to look up something in the index and then read it.

Though this is an original approach to writing a "how to" book of writing, it just didn't work for me. It causes the book operate as more of a "dictionary" of writing advice and nobody I know will sit down and read a dictionary for more than a few minutes.

That being said, there IS some decent advice in here. Bishop touches on a lot of areas that many writing books don't address such as guarding your writing time, the pros and cons of writers groups, as well as how to demand more money from a publisher. You'll ocassionally come across something very interesting that you might not have heard before.

If you can deal with the random organization, this book might work for you. But I've owned and read other books that are much better than this one at describing how to write good fiction.

DARE TO BE A GREAT WRITER, by Leonard Bishop, was one of the first "how-to" books I read when I first started writing novels, and it's still one of my favorites. Much like Robert Masello's Robert's Rules of Writing, this is a collection of writing tips presented in no particular order. Because of the format, I wouldn't recommend either as the first "how-to" book for a novice. But the scrambled format works well for me when I'm looking for a "writing tip of the day" or a quick read during TV commercials. Many of the ideas offer practical help; others provide thought-provoking insight. You don't have to agree with every "key" to enjoy this one.

In "The Four Witnesses," author Rob Bennett lets the early Christian church speak for itself through the writings of the Apostolic Fathers - Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr and Ireneus of Lyons, the first and second generations in the Church subsequent to the Apostles - to see where the Church's journey begins in history. Included with these writings are epitaphs from Christian tombs, doctrinal statements, Bible commentary, and sermons which together provide an accurate portrait of the character, teachings, and practices of the very earliest Christians.

Like many other Evangelical Christians who converted to Roman Catholicism, Bennett eventually began to study these Church fathers and made painful discovery that Christianity of history was not Protestantism...the early church was Catholic. "I looked for something at least similar to the distinctives and practices of my own church and found only Catholicism."

Bennett's first witness, Clement of Rome, was a follower of St. Paul and a contemporary of St. John. In his letter to the Corinthians, Clement demonstrates the first exercise of the Roman primacy after St Peter's death. The Letter also underlined that the Church's structure was sacramental and not political. With regard to community leaders, Clement clearly explains the doctrine of Apostolic Succession (Tradition). The norms that regulate it derive ultimately from God himself. The Father sent Jesus Christ, who in turn sent the Apostles. They then sent the first heads of communities and established that they would be succeeded by other worthy men.

The story of Clement along with the other three witnesses shows that the early Christian Church was a well organized body with rituals and tradition - the same rituals and traditions practiced in today's Roman Catholic Church. And the early Church was not built on beliefs from the bible since the bible did not exist. Scripture was a collection of writings that the early Church, based on the Apostolic Tradition, vouched for, preserved, compiled, and passed down through the ages. The Bible itself was something the world received from this Church.

Rob Bennett has done an admirable job in making these four witnesses more accessible to all who have an interest in early Church history or in the Apostolic Tradition. "Four Witnesses," while well written, is not nighttime reading.

I found myself highlighting to the extent nearly the entire book was in yellow. This is an excellent researched book which offers a clear and understandable picture of our early church fathers. It is recommended for anyone searching for a clear and valid explanation of the early church beyond Scripture.

This book is typical Catholic propaganda. This man was duped into exalting the word of man over the word of God, pretending the word of man is superior to the witnesses of the Christians in the Bible.

Satan won yet another another soul.

This book was so exciting! It read more like a novel or a scene from GLADIATOR. We had just watched the series ROME on HBO (also on DVD now) and it really put the book in perspective for me. I highly recommend this book to Catholics, non-Catholics and hisory buffs.

This book did what it set out to do. I was a little disappointed with the long narrative style, but I understand why Mr. Bennett wrote it that way. I was looking for a litany of quotes to use as ammunition against heretics (is that too "brusk."). I have recommended this book to non-Catholics who are anti-Catholic. The narrative interjected between the citations can be can be frustrating for those who are more "get to-the-point" thinkers. However, it is satisfying once finished because it met the objectives with ample evidence that is an unmovable mountain for the non-Catholics who think they have the pure, unadulterated truth.

The Bishop's Daughter was somewhat predictable, but I couldn't wait to finish it anyway. It really held my interest to the point of being hard to put down. I only with this wasn't the last in the series.

I love reading about the Amish and this is an excellent book. I'm sure you'll love reading it too. I think all books are priced too high though and for that reason I give only three stars!

I enjoy readings all the amish stories! I am married to a man that use to be amish mennenite. And I know alot about the amish. I like christian romance! Well written book Wanda!

Author of When God unfolds the rose,
Peggy Headings

I loved this entire series by Wanda Brunstetter and impatiently await the next installment of this enchanting author. A warm and heartrenching tale of a young women trying to find her own identity in a society that idealizes conformity and crushes individualism. A wonderful-gut read for sure and for certain!

I really took an interest in this series for two reasons. I live around many Mennonite families and the Amish stories and lifestyle has always interested me. Secondly, because I was adopted and I understand the feelings that Jimmy was going thru in looking for his roots, wanting to find his people. All three stories were really well written, but in the third, there was the emotions in dealing with everything that happened in the first two books. Ms. Brunstetter weaves a wonderful story. Many people may not like these books because they feel there is too much death and depressing aspects of it but anyone who knows an Amish or Mennonite family knows that their lives are strife with pain and suffering.

I started as a fan of Beverly Lewis books and as I finished her series I searched for more Amish novels. I was so thrilled to have discovered Wanda Brunstetter, because she weaves a wonderful story that makes you stay up way too late at night to see the ending. I cannot wait to see what wonderful saga she weaves for us next. Wanda, you have thrilled me again!!

This cd series has put me to a new level in life and opened up my mind to the truth. Cd series should be in every household it will take you to the level in the mind where we are suppose to exist at all times.

The lights came on! I understood the power of the way we think but I never understood how to turn it into manifestation.

My negative situations started to change positively after listening to the first and first quarter of the second CDs. I'm on my third listen now and it's starting to get easier to block out the negative thoughts and bring in the positive. I and my sister are seeing everything we had lose (esteem, confidence, patience to businesses, properties) come back to us better than before and easier also.

Since I'm more of an audio/visual learner, I'm going to purchase the book just for the diagrams.

If you're around negative situations or people spouting negativity you need to get this and allow it to penetrate. Your life will change for the better!

This is such an awesome CD set, I have listened to it countless times and I'm still picking up new information. This Idea on The Laws of Thinking is a must to creating and manifesting your desires into your reality. Great work I applaud the author.

This man does not teach sound doctrine according to scripture, and should not be trusted. I've seen sermons he preached, and the were not what scripture says.

be careful which authors you trust...not all are as they say they are

The Laws of Thinking: 20 Secrets to Using the Divine Power of Your Mind to Manifest ProsperityThis book has changed my life forever. Had I had this ensightful knowledge taught to me when I was 21 years of age or younger, there would not have been the same unnecessary struggles that I was lied to about, that said I had to do this, would not have been a part of my forced makeup of lack and defeat... Thank you Bishop E. Bernard Jordan for being the conduit that brought to us this consciousness of God...

The books in the Swan series are taken from a conference for pastors, where Dr. Piper presents these biographies. The biographies are never meant to be exhaustic treatment, but tailored to encourage pastors.

I find these brief biographies to be so wonderful and often whet the appetite for more. One can only be encourage and motivated to do more for the Lord, having bathed the soul in these well-written, tailored sketches.

Incredible. This is the first book of a series of four that Piper wrote to expose this generation to some of the great saints of the past. I started by reading book three, moved to book four, just completed the first and am looking forward to diving into the second book to finish the series. This book was very powerful, enlightening and challenging. As a Reformed believer, I've grown up with a tremendous appreciation of Luther and Calvin, but knew little about the incredible influence of Augustine. As I've matured in my walk and the more I read, the more I see the fruits of Augustine's thoughts in the works of so many great thinkers and writers that followed. Piper's expose on Augustine gave me an even greater appreciation for God's sovereign grace in the life of Augustine and for how God used him like the source lake from which mighty rivers of knowledge and grace have flowed down throughout history.

I think what I enjoyed most about the book is the concept that the central theme that connected these three men was their love for God's Word - they digested it daily, they wrestled with it, they sought to squeeze out every truth that could be known about God Himself from His divine and inspired Word. Their lives were devoted to the study of Scripture and to the accurate and passionate teaching of God's Word to the people. While each lived in tumultuous times, it was amazing to read about how diligent they were with their time and how much they accomplished without any of the modern conveniences that we enjoy today.

I would highly recommend this book and the entire series to all followers of Christ to gain an even greater appreciation for God and how He has used ordinary men throughout history to accomplish extraordinary things. The books are easy to read and relatively short, but are packed with great encouragement for every believer.

Concise but comprehensive might sound like a contradiction but I couldn't think of any other way to describe it. John Piper really introduced me to Jonathan Edwards, and between the two of them I would say that no other author has had as much of an impact upon me in the last few years as these two. Now Piper introduces us to Augustine, Luther, and Calvin also. This is the first book in a series of three and well worth the investment. I read it in my spare time in just 1 week, have the second book ready to go, but regret not purchasing the third at the same time. Piper's strength is not only in presenting one very compelling argument about the triumph of God's grace (or "Sovereign Joy"), but to do it by presenting numerous facets of the work of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin, which are easy to follow and understand, gives an excellent overview of their lives and ministries, and which leaves you wanting to (and feeling confident of being able to) read from the original sources. Every page was a gem. Be warned though, I got about 10 pages into the book then realised my mistake ... I should have read this book with a pencil and note pad in hand! There are so many great quotes from Augustine, Luther, and Calvin, not to mention Piper himself that you'll want to write some of them down to chew over later (or file away for sermon illustrations). This is an easy read and a great introduction the some major figures in church history, not to mention excellent food for the soul. In a day when people are so biblically illiterate as well as ignorant (or contemptible) of church history, this book demonstrates that our impoverishment is foolish and unnecessary. We need more books like this! I would have given it 6 stars if I could, simply on price, readability, and content alone.

As you can see by the book's subtitle, this little book has three biographical pieces on well known historical Christians. Though most Christians know the names of these men, few know any more than that. So this book serves as a useful introduction to their lives and work.

But this book offers more that just a general introduction. These essays were originally conference talks given by the author to an audience of pastors. So there is a specific theme and purpose to them beyond summary historical information. Lessons from the lives of these men are drawn out to inspire and equip a new generation of Christian leaders.

I was personally most inspired by the chapter on Martin Luther. I was greatly convicted to be more diligent in the study of God's word. But all three essays were interesting and provoked personal reflection.

The Legacy of Sovereign Joy is Book One of John Piper's series The Swans are Not Silent. Each book of the series (of which there is currently four) collects three of the biographical lectures Piper gave at the annual Bethlehem Conference for Pastors over the past two decades. When Augustine resigned as Bishop of Hippo it was said that the "swan is silent." Piper aims to show that the swans, those in our heritage of Christians throughout the centuries, are in fact not silent.

This book expounds on the lives and thoughts of Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Calvin. It begins with an introduction about "savoring the sovereignty of grace in the lives of flawed saints." Piper explains that each of these men "had this in common: they experienced, and built their lives and ministries on, the reality of God's omnipotent grace." (18) Noting some of the flaws of each of these men, Piper believes that "the glory of God, however dimly, is mirrored in the flawed lives of his faithful servants." (37)

Each chapter is about half biography and half theological survey and averages 34 pages. There is a pattern to each chapter: after a brief introduction John Piper provides a biographical sketch and then brings out a prominent theme from author's theology. For Augustine, the theme is sovereign joy, for Luther it is sacred study, and for Calvin it is the divine majesty of the Word.

After these chapters, Piper concludes with four lessons we can learn from the "flawed saints." "1) Do not be paralyzed by your weaknesses and flaws... 2) In the battle against sin and surrender, learn the secret of sovereign joy... 3) Supernatural change comes from seeing Christ in his sacred Word... 4) Therefore, let us exult the exposition of the truth of the Gospel and herald the glory of Christ for the joy of all peoples." (143-148)

It is evident throughout the book that John Piper has done his homework; quoting often from primary texts and secondary sources. While there may be some over simplification in regard to the theological themes, Piper's points are nonetheless insightful and practical. Each chapter serves as a great introduction to the lives and thoughts of these Christian men. The Legacy of Sovereign Joy provides a stimulating resource for those looking to discover some of the motivating themes of the Reformed tradition.

These tales were collected from virtually every corner of the globe and some go far back into the reaches of antiquity. Bennett and his collaborators did a fine job of finding stories of universal, fairly non-controversial appeal that we can all cite without worrying about the inherent differences in religion or politics that might otherwise divide us. Segregated according to the principles being celebrated (Honesty, Courage, etc.) these fables and true life stories demonstrate virtues of conduct far too often left unstressed in our morally-undermined society.

I had this book when I was a little kid. I honestly think that by reading it, it changed how I viewed things as a child. Partially because of this book, when I was little I had strong feelings about responsiblity, kindness, courage, perserverance, and many of the other subjects illustrated in The Children's Book of Virtues. I loved reading it and the stories affected me greatly.

As a homeschool mother I am always looking for great stories for my almost 7 yo and my 2.5 yo. This book is part of the curriculum for Sonlight and it is fabulous. My daughter's favorite is about two brothers, one who doesn't let his "please" out of his mouth so the "please" jumps into the other brothers' mouth (which makes him say all his "pleases" twice). Eventually though, the "please-less" mouth wants his please back and his "please" is thrilled to be at home and allowed to get some fresh air. The stories are grouped by moral or attribute (compassion, courage, etc.). Both male and female main characters throughout the stories and the poems makes this book appropriate for both boys and girls. I highly, highly recommend this book, no qualms about it.

My children and I just adore this book. What a lovely collection of stories all heavily demonstrating solid virtues that are Biblically rooted, not worldly. My children, ages 5 and 4, request that several stories be read time and time again. This book will grow with us through the years; they are no where near growing out of it.

Bennett compiles the stories and poems in 4 categories: courage/perseverance, responsibility/work/self-discipline, compassion/faith, and honesty/loyalty/friendship. There is a nice selection in each category of 1 paged poems, to several paged stories. There is a solid virtue to be taken from every single work.

I recommend this book highly. Fill those little minds with things that are good, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable. Also recommended by the same author are The Children's Book of Faith and The Children's Book of Heroes. Both also have wonderful collections and wonderful illustrations.

I purchased this book and a few others in the series for my 4 ½ year old. My son is very intelligent for his age, yet some of the stories were a bit long and beyond his attention span and/or understanding. However, I am not disappointment as I am confident that in time, all the stories will be appropriate. I would recommend this book!

While I appreciate the author's attempt to use allegory to encourage and assist parents in teaching that purity is important to their children, the author does not appear to have the theological skill of Lewis in writing allegory without unintentionally muddying the theological waters.

The representation of Christ as Aslan by CS Lewis is of a different nature than the angle of the Lantern that I see in the story line. In no way did Lewis ever compromise the nature of Christ. If in some way the Lantern is representing Christ, then He certainly doesn't need our protection - it's the opposite, we require His protection. If the Lantern is representing purity, then that is not something to be served...but something that serves us. (See the quotes I have pasted below pulled directly from the book "The Squire and the Scroll").

There is quite of bit of theological muddiness here - it's not as simple as if the Lantern represented Christ...which it can't, because we cannot have Christ stolen from us if we are believers. We dod not have to rescue Christ from the Dragon's lair, for Christ put all things under His feet. He is the victor. So if the Lantern represents Christ (as in a line quote below the Lantern shows the way), then what exactly is going on here? If we are talking about the Lantern representing Purity (which can and should be guarded), we have other issues.... Christ brings peace and joy, not being good. Christ should be honored as opposed to a quality (purity - see again the quoted lines below). The Pharisees honored "being good" (legalism) and were completely missing the mark. The story also talks about *obeying* the Lantern. If the Lantern is Christ, fine, He is honored by obeying the Scroll (Bible); however, if the Lantern is not Christ, but is Purity...then we are honoring "being good," which again, is like the Pharisees. (And in the story line, the characters are rescuing the Lantern which is then to be honored and served. Hmmmm).

So...is the Lantern representing Christ? If so, it's not being done as Lewis did with Aslan - instead, it becomes a idol with a tenuous hold on things that can easily be captured away (as in Old Testament idols). If it represents Purity, then is the idea of "being good brings peace and joy, shows the way, etc" the idea we want to bring across? Are we wanting to say that "acts of righteousness" will show the way?

Some quotes from the story:

It was this good man's charge to guard the Lantern of Purest Light, the lamp that brought peace and joy to his kingdom.

His kind parents were not people of great position, but they had clean hearts and honored the Lantern of Purest Light as the people of the kingdom did.
And the boy promised to honor his parents and the Lantern by living his life by the five truths in the scroll
.
and he honored the Lantern by obedience to the scroll in all that he did. The words of the scroll had seen him through many a temptation. But the knight did not remember the words of the scroll.
"For the Lantern and the scroll!" shouted the squire, and he plunged the sword into the dragon's body.

And when the travelers came to the tunnel, it was open, and the Lantern showed the way

"Because of his bravery and his devotion to the Lantern and to the scroll, he will have my daughter for a wife and rule my kingdom one day. For who better would guard the Lantern of Purest Light than one with a heart kept pure?"

A shout went up from the people, for they were in agreement with their king.
Beyond knighting the young squire, the king instituted a new order of protectors; the Knights of the Lantern. The knight who had trained the young squire became its captain. These men dedicated themselves to the words of the scroll and to the defense of the Lantern

And when the two were gifted with a son, the knight taught him from the scroll so that he would one day be ready to defend the kingdom and the Lantern.

Alittle yeast leavens the whole lump. I just can't help worrying about the murkiness of this, especially when teaching impressionable children is involved.

I bought this online hoping that it was well written and had a good point. What a pleasant surprise, it is wonderful! I love how it the book progresses without feeling like something has been left out. The Squire is tempted but yields to the scroll (God's Word), since we are scripture training from Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman, it shows how God's Word can and will help you keep your focus on what is important. What a gem!

Great book encouraging boys to be chivalrous and pure. Should be on the shelf of every young family.

I purchased this book for my 3 year old nephew. I read through it and it seems a bit old for him. The recommended age is 8 so I wasn't surprised. However I do think he will enjoy the story and his mom can explain things to him as she reads it to him. I have the "Princess and the Kiss" for my 4 year old daughter and she enjoys it very much.

AS a mother of 3 boys ages 2.5- 5 years old this is great book. They consistenly ask for it to be read at least twice a day. Filled with knights, dragons and a king, this keeps their interest yet gives them clear idea that being virtuous is that which should be rewarded. Great book, highly reccommend. My boys are always trying to be the squire who brings the bad dragon down.

This is a great survey work. I stumbled across it as I was looking for information on medieval education. There is a good chapter on medieval education. Lots of good information for someone just started learning about the Middle Ages or for someone doing a bit of research.

_The Middle Ages_ by Morris Bishop is an enjoyable and witty overview of the history, culture, and society of Medieval Europe. The first chapter, "The Long Dark," looks at the beginning of the medieval period, the author arguing that the Middle Ages should be seen as both a continuation of the language, institutions, and artistry of not only old Rome but also of cultures independent of it, such as that of the Franks and Saxons and a formation, the beginning of our modern world, the end of pagan classical civilization. Charlemagne is a major figure in this chapter; his coronation as the first Roman emperor in the West in more than 300 years (in the year 800) marked a major shift in power, from the East to the West, the development of a culture that was not a satellite of Byzantium but rather firmly European, and the very birth of European civilization.

Chapter two focused on the history of the High Middle Ages, focusing in large part on the year 1000 as a major turning point, that despite Viking threats "one could point to certain gains, to certain justifications for hope," as the West was in generally a better shape and the broad outline of the major modern states had begun to take form. Technology continued to advance, with the advent of the spinning wheel, mechanical weight-driven clock, compass, and fixed rudder. Notable in the chapter is King Henry II (who laid the foundations of English common law and the institution of limited monarchy).

The next chapter focused on knights and the crusades. Bishop noted that the crusades were "the first wars fought for an ideal" and that they were promoted with all the tools of the propagandist, among them atrocity stories, lies, and inflammatory speeches. Also interesting was his coverage of Saladin (the "pet enemy" of the West), the description of crusade battles (Richard the Lion-Hearted took Acre in 1191 with the help of a catapult known as Bad Neighbor), and why the crusades ultimately failed (they did not correspond to any temporal aim, as Europe had no need for Jerusalem or Syria, and Europe would have benefited more from a stronger Byzantine Empire though the crusades achieved in fact quite the opposite).

Chapter four focused on the life of the noble, on what in fact feudalism really was, the bloody nature of the family feuds of the nobles, the "bundle of paradoxes" that was the noble (he could be both gallant and bloodthirsty, charitable and immoral), and many of the elements of their daily lives. We learn for instance that window glass was rare for centuries and for long time was treated with great care, as Bishop tells of some nobles who removed and wrapped window glass before long journeys. Throughout much of the Middle Ages pockets were unknown, blonde hair was much prized in Italy (ladies spent a great deal of time bleaching it), hard soap was a luxury item and did not appear until the 12th century, and dinner guests were provided with spoons but had to bring their own knives (forks were a rarity).

Chapter five looked at Christianity, arguing that the church, in many senses, was more than merely the patron of medieval culture, that it was medieval culture. He argued that the pope's involvement in political affairs blunted church authority, laying the papacy open to "mockery and shame" by overuse of crusades and excommunication for temporal gains. The coverage of the cult of relics was fascinating (so morbid was this that Saint Romuald of Ravenna, visiting France, heard people propose he was more valuable dead than alive and barely escaped). The life of the monastery was well covered, as well as St. Francis and the Franciscans, Dominic of Caleruega and the Dominicans, the Waldenses (early evangelical, almost Protestant, Christians), and the Cathari (dualistic heretics).

Chapter six looked at towns and trade. Interesting tidbits include the fact that the last name Walker comes from the cloth trade (walkers stamped on cloth to shrink and compact it), that bankers first appeared in medieval trade fairs (money changers or "bankers" got the name from the banks or benches that they laid out their coins), artisans kept virtually no stock in stores (they worked only on orders), and our hook-and-ladder companies comes from the hooks supplied in medieval cities to pull burning thatch from roofs to the street.

Chapter seven looked at the life of labor. Bishop looked at how the manorial system functioned, the daily life of the peasant, leprosy, and the state of medieval medicine.

The eighth chapter focused on the life of thought, the author examining how schools worked and what it was like to have been a student, the origins of medieval science and secular scholarship (as scholars realized that the physical world was "no mere ugly training camp for the soul" but worthy of study in its own right), and famous medieval writers like Dante and Boccaccio.

Chapter nine dealt with medieval art, architecture, and music. Fascinating coverage of the evolution of building styles, the construction of cathedrals, the use of stained glass (which told the stories of the Christian faith through "colored sunshine", though Bishop felt the term stained glass was incorrect, as it was not stained with color but rather infused with it), the work and role of artisans in society, and the origins of musical notation (developed during the eleventh century into our recognizably modern form, which was also when our notes were named - ut, re, mi, fa, so, la - from the opening syllables of the successive lines of a familiar hymn).

The final chapter dealt with the end of the Middle Ages. Major topics include papal conflicts such as the Babylonian Captivity and the Great Schism, the challenges posed by John Wycliffe and John Hus, the "greatest calamity" to befall the Western world (the Black Death), the Hundred Years War (a "futile war,...it achieved little except destruction, misery, and death"), and Joan of Arc.

This is a very enjoyable, informative and well written book which does a very good job of tackling various aspects of the Medieval Europe, covering the tale end of the dark ages and taking the reader through to the end of what we consider the 'middle ages.' While informative it is never dry and frequently witty. I could only wish that the photos throughout were in color rather than black and white.

I am always fascinated with anything to do with the middle ages. The best attribute of this book is the clarity of its author's writing. It is a pleasure to read Bishop's words (in very plain English, I should add). This is not a big book and, yes, you can comfortably read it in the beach or while sunning out in the yard.
Having said that, I felt that the format could have been a little better laid out as there will be a tendency for readers who only have a passing interest in history to forget what they read only a few pages ago (as each page throws out one detail after next). But that also means that this is one of those rare books where you can start reading from almost any page and not be "confused". All in all, a great starter book on the middle ages!

I was not sure what book to buy to read on the middle ages. But I seen this one and the reviews and bought it. I was not disappointed at all.

I am no historian by any means but I always had an interest in medieval history. This book was very, very easy to read and enjoyable. Bishop reminded me of a funny uncle telling a story. His wit and humor were used well and his writing made you want to continue on to see what else he had to say.

I will not claim I can debate middle age history now but I learned enough to dispel many myths and misinformation I had collected over time and a desire to read more about the era and learn much more then I currently know of the period.

For 12 dollars if a person even has a mild interest in the middle ages it would be a shame to pass up such a wonderful piece of work. The book is funny, easy to read and keep reading and rather astonishing amount of information in so few pages.