Clark Books

This volume on the works of Adolf von Harnack is part of a series entitled 'the Making of Modern Theology: Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Texts'. Each of the volumes in the series focuses upon one particular theologian of note. These volumes are of use to students, seminarians, ministers and other readers interested in the development of theological ideas in the modern and postmodern world. Each volume is a reader of key texts from the theologian highlighted - the text entries are annotated a bit by the editors, and the editor of each volume provides an introduction setting the general stage for context and understanding. For some reason, when this series made the translation to paperback series by Fortress Press, this volume was not included in the number, which is a shame.

Editor Martin Rumscheidt describes von Harnack as being a theologian at the height of liberal theology -- this is not 'liberal' in terms of political liberalism of the twentieth century, but rather theology that takes account of contemporary science, culture, and philosophy (liberalism in particular draws origins from the Enlightenment and Immanuel Kant), as well as emphasising history, ethics, and religious sentiment over dogmatism.

Adolf von Harnack authored more than 1600 titles, while holding down various major professorships, while heading major theological and religious organisations and associations. von Harnack was so well-known and respected that he was frequently turning down prestigious appointments. The son of a church history professor, he spent his life in the academy, becoming known as a biblical scholar, an historian, and a theologian. Because of his views on scripture, resurrection and sacraments, he was attacked both by the Roman Catholic establishment for anti-Christian teaching, and by his own Lutheran church, who never permitted him into the ranks of the clergy.

His most famous work, 'What is Christianity?' originated as notes from lectures he delivered at the turn of the twentieth century. All but one of Rumscheidt's sections draw from this pivotal work, which sets out clearly and succinctly what von Harnack sees as the most important aspects of Christianity. In this, one also gets a sense of von Harnack's view on scripture and on history. Rumscheidt draws liberally from a wide range of von Harnack's works on the broad themes of history in service of theology, early church history and dogma (von Harnack once said that the course of Christianity will be guided by the progress of the discipline of church history), the idea of religious genius, the social gospel, and ideas of personal faith, an important issue for von Harnack, given that he was at odds with much of the non-academic religious establishment.

Each volume in this series also has a selected bibliography section -- this one for von Harnack is divided into three sections -- bibliographic works, including the definitive listing of 1611 of his works; a selected list of von Harnack's works in English; and secondary works in English. Rumscheidt mentions that much of von Harnack's works are not yet available in English. The book is not well indexed, compared to other volumes in this series, but it is still a serviceable one, divided into a names section and a subject section. This is a very good book for scholarship. the work here is in translation from the original German.

Ann McGovern came to my school and I chose this book because I like sharks. I am 8 years old and I like sharks. She tells very good stories.This book makes me want to learn more about sharks. She also signed my book.

Traditional African art has an immediacy to it that cannot be denied. It is vibrant and powerful and sometimes disturbing. On the other hand, the textiles are geometric and require highly skilled artisans. Then there is modern African art, both a precursor and an influence of early European modern artists.

The Western world first became aware of African art after exploration of the continent began. As more and more groups came in, they discovered the unique and, to their eyes, bizarre nature of the art, collected artwork by the piles and took the pieces home. Africans began making what they thought Europeans wanted. By the beginning of the 20th century, Picasso discovered the masks and modern art was born. You can see the obvious influence in the beginning of his cubist period in "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon." You can see Picasso's influence in "Mother Africa." (To view some of this art, please click on the title of the book and find the image selection on the left side of the page.)

Because African art often was created for utilitarian purposes, its artists remain anonymous. This was not rectified until the middle of the 20th century when African art collecting became serious.

The effects of syncretism are revealed in the textiles. After the women had silk thread from Europe, the geometry of the rugs became dazzling in precision and color.

For a number of years African artists, academically trained, have had to determine the direction of their art. Some believe they should have the freedom of choice to create with no obligation to their roots. Others believe they must reflect Mother Africa and also show creative innovation. The viewer will see both types in this book.

The book is arranged by regions. Duncan Clarke states that this forced arrangement is for ease in locating works of art. The art itself does not necessarily reflect the region. For example, if you talk about impressionistic painting, which artist do you mean because each interpreted the "impression" differently? Same with regional African art.

I invite you to view the six pieces I photographed from the book to include in this review. If you have a chance, visit the African section of an art museum the next time you go. If it is a good museum, the African art is always spectacular.

To keep it plain and simple: After reading this book I've come to the conclusion that African-American history is an essential read, especially with this book. Often times, some of us may not think African-American history is rich or we may not really understand their situation in America today. This book changes that, it teaches that African-Americans have a rich history and that books like this must be read to understand their stance in American society today. GREAT BOOK.

AFTER LEWIS & CLARK: THE FORCES OF CHANGE, 1806-1871 may look like another history coverage, but it's much more: it features over sixty drawings, paintings and prints from the Gilcrease Museum in Oklahoma, and the works of artists who accompanied the explorers to capture history in the making. Early landscapes, pivotal moments, and the works of notable American artists are presented in full color to display forts, Native Americans, and countryside alike.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I feel I am lucky as my only close exposure to suicide has been as a therapist to those who have lost their loved ones through suicide.

The helplesslessness that survivors feel is very often mirrored in those who try to help them through the most difficult periods. A therapist can often assist this process, but we're not there in the middle of the night when the aching and doubts are often strongest. This book can be, and it is set out in such a way that one can open it to any page and find words that help dispell the myths and taboos, words that soothe and heal, words that inspire and motivate, and words that nourish one's sense of self.

I wish I had access to this book years ago. I feel I could then have offered more of my clients a geneuinely practical, sympathetic, and motivating resource.

If you know someone who has lost somebody through suicide, if you have yourself, or if you are a mental health professional working with the traumatically bereaved- I strongly recommend you buy this book.

Leah Giarratano BA Hons., M.Psychol., (Syd.) Clinical Psychologist

This is a great book that I am surprised has not received more attention. John Stuart Clark not only describes his adventures (and misadventures) bicycling across the United States in the foot steps of the 49ers, but he also reveals and comments on America today. As a document of contemporary America without too much politics, this is a great commentary on the status of the American society and landscape. I loved this book. It is dense, but really worth reading. You can really feel his despair in the Utah desert, and his happiness over a cold beer or a day without wind in his face. Just read it.

This author tells her spiritual story in a very readable and entertaining way. This book will keep you reading all night!

As a youth leader, I would make this required reading for every parent if I had the budget and the power. Since I have neither, I will simply give my strong endorsement. The heart of this book is one of partnership. This is a theme that I feel passionate about and "After You Drop Them Off" provides a clear picture for becoming allies. The detailed descriptions and clearly communicated heart is important for both `rookie' and `veteran' parents.

Clark has a great skill of painting a picture of biblical principles in action in the relationship between a youth leader and a parent. I especially appreciated the perspective on being considerate to the youth leader as an individual. Whether that is through caring while constructively criticizing or simply encouraging your students leader without prompting, I feel like I would personally want to be treated this way.

This is also a great book for youth leaders. Not only will your head be continually nodding in agreement as you read, but it gives you insight into the parents world. Having worked with students for nearly nine years and not yet having my own children, it is easy to misunderstand where parents are coming from.

Any parent that wants to take an active role in the life of their young person should pick up a copy of "After You Drop Them Off". It will provide clarity and practical steps that parents can take to better their relationship with the allies they have in youth leaders.

In addition to it's teen focus, this book has a number of unique features to recommend it: a reader-friendly question and answer format, biographical information of Ryan White, Magic Johnson and other known individuals with this condition, and activities to help teens develop the awareness & skills needed to say "No."