Collins Books

The Glenstal Book of Icons: Praying With The Glenstal Icons by Gregory Collins OSB (Lecturer in Orthodox Theology, Benedictine University of Sant' Anselmo, Rome), presents diverse prayers and meditations on various icons from St John's Abbey's Byzantine chapel. Full-color photographs of the icons themselves (which in the monastic practice of lectio divina are seen as "texts" prompting meditation on Christian mysteries), as well as an extensive and erudite commentary on the practice of praying with these classic works of art and faith, make The Glenstal Book of Icons the next best thing to personally visiting the abbey to view these venerated icons on location.

The Glenstal Abbey in County Limerick, Ireland, is a wonderful place to behold. They are a Benedictine monastery, operating a school, a ministry of hospitality, and providing an expression of Benedictine spirituality in the modern world. The pattern of their liturgical and prayer life is a modified form of the ancient Benedictine structure; this book takes a particular aspect of this - praying with the icons that are in the Abbey's Byzantine Chapel.

Protestants particularly have lost the tradition of the use of art work as representative objects for worship. However, the debate over the appropriateness of icons and other imagery is almost as old as Christianity itself. There was a time when icons of Christ were banned because Jesus, being of divine nature, wasn't suitable for depiction. That Jesus could be depicted without violation of the 'no graven images' commandment took a long time to be decided, and finally was deemed permissible because of Jesus' human nature. Rare the depiction of God or God the Father as anything more than a cloud, a hand, or some other vague symbol meant to characterise, more than anything else, the mystery involved rather than an actual physical likeness. Michaelangelo's depictions on the Sistine Chapel ceiling are remarkable not simply from their aesthetic quality, but also in that the image of God is very direct and distinctly human in form. Williams devotes many pages of the introduction to looking at precisely the issue of the theology behind the depiction of Jesus.

However, icons are a special form of art. They are not simple paintings, however elegant, but take the form, from their origination to their veneration, as a form of prayer in and of themselves in very real ways. Christian art was a long time in developing (indeed, the earliest Christians were sometimes thought to be atheists since they had no visible evidence of gods around).

This book gives a brief introduction to the role of icons in liturgy and theology, relating it to both ancient and postmodern ideas. Prayer need not be elaborate or done with exacting precision, despite the appearance of many kinds of liturgies to the contrary. 'The work of prayer is very simple,' the text tells us, in making us mindful of the presence of God. The icons help remind the pray-er of this presence; while some prayers are often said with the eyes closed, it can also help for the mind to meditate upon the images as the prayers are said, aloud or internally as silent prayers.

Icons presented here include images of Christ in various times (baptism, crucifixion, ascension, etc.), the Mother of God, various saints (Basil, Nicholas, Athanasius, etc.), and the Trinity - unusual in a way, as both the Eastern and Western Trinity representations do not show the actual person of the Trinity, as iconography (particularly Eastern iconography) doesn't generally permit depiction of Father or the Holy Spirit in a 'personal' form.

Each of the icons is presented with description about what is represented in the actual artwork, what the symbols are often understood as being, and some historical interpretations attached to each. Each is also accompanied with prayers that can be said with and in front of each.

The book itself is in a small format, about as wide as an average hand, which means it fits into the palm perfectly, as if it were made for being carried and used on a regular basis. The printing and paper stocks used are superb - as much as I am generally loathe to describe books in such terms, the basic construction of this book is worthy of note, as it adds 'flesh' to the prayers being given out of this text. It is a joy to read from the sensory perspective as well as the spiritual perspective.

This book is the same size and shape as another volume from Glenstal Abbey, their book of prayer in the Benedictine form. Together these make a wonderful resource for spiritual retreats and self-study.

The Glenstal Abbey taps into an ancient history, but is itself a relatively new establishment, having been founded in 1927 as the first Benedictine monastery in Ireland since the Reformation (King Henry VIII dissolved monasteries as part of his Reformations in the British Isles). This book is a great reflection of part of their community.

I have to say that I love the book "God Bless Love". It is smso sweet and charming, even though it has some quite rude sayings in it! I would highly reccomend this bookto anyone who is looking for a fun and enjoyable read!

I love "GOD BLESS LOVE" very, very much! I met this book at B&B in England 6 years ago when I traveled with my best friend. I was very happy to read it. It was very pretty, lovely, and peaceful. It made me very happy and comfortable. I looked for it at many bookstores for a long time, but I couldn't find it. I knew that there is possibility to get it at AMAZOM.COM. If I can get it, I am the happiest!

In this book, Dr. Collins (currently Professor of Old Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis) provides an overview and an exegetical study of the theology of Miracles. It is written for a Christian audience addressing primarily the question of what constitutes the best Biblical view of miracles.

The book begins with a summary of the various views of God and His ongoing work in the creation. Both Christian and non-Christian views are presented, with a primary focus on three traditional Christian perspectives: providentialism, supernaturalism, and occasionalism. In the Biblical exegesis portion of the text, Collins attempts to demonstrate that the supernaturalist view is most consistent with a variety of Biblical texts. Finally, the relevance of this material to the scientific study or origins is presented. In particular, the Intelligent Design approach to the science of origins found to be consistent with the supernaturalist view of God's work in His creation.

This book is concise and well written, and summarizes opposing views in a fair fashion even while holding forth a particular position. It's contribution to the field is unique both in terms of Biblical exegesis and in the breadth of rival (Christian) views covered. The book's subject is clearly relevant to "science and faith" issues, and is recommended as background for anyone studying in that arena.

Part of the debate over the existence of God centers on questions about the possibility and "provability" of miracles. In this groundbreaking work, Dr. C. John Collins provides a thorough exegetical foundation for discussing God's action in the world within the framework of biblical Christian theology.

Collins begins by presenting and contrasting the options within traditional Christian theism. Supernaturalism "affirms the reality of God's action in both the `natural events' (created things upheld by divine preservation and concurrence) and the `supernatural' ones (qualitatively special divine action)." (pg. 123) God's actions are typically not detectable until He performs miracles and expresses his "potenta absoluta or creative power." Providentialism would be embraced by the "theistic evolutionist" who believes that God acted as a First Cause to set up the laws of nature to act and create, unbroken, throughout the history of the universe. Occasionalism views the laws of nature as the normal divine activity of God in the natural world, and a "miracle" simply implies that God intended something different to occur than He normally intends to occur.

He then explores the biblical passages that support a classically theistic foundation and relates these results to the philosophical, theological, scientific, and apologetic questions that this raises. Descriptions of events like the Virgin birth of Christ challenge both providentialism and occasionalism. For example, in the book of Matthew, Joseph is told in a dream, "Don't be afraid to take Mary your wife; for what is begotten in her is from the Holy Spirit." Such non-naturalist events clearly negate providentialism. And occasionalism is challenged here because "it is precisely because the miracles of Jesus are often emblematic of the coming of salvation that a supernaturalistic description of them is so suitable." (pg. 125)

Collins also effectively takes on the God-of-the-gaps position and answers with a persuasive "yes" the crucial question of whether it is intellectually responsible to embrace the biblical view of God's action in the world. Collins poses a difficult question: if supernaturalism is a correct view of God's actions in the history of the human race, is it appropriate to similarly apply such a view to origins? From his biblical exegesis, Collins notes that humans are made in the "image of God" which implies a detectable discontinuity between humans and animals. As Collins explains, sometimes inferences to design are the best explanation for various aspects of nature which bear the marks of intelligence, for "[n]o one expects that knowing more about rocks will change that inference [that Stonehenge was designed]." (pg. 171) Given reliable methods from Dembski and Behe for detecting design in biology, perhaps it is naturalism which is inappropriately filling many gaps for many scientists.

This book is a necessary read for those interested in the questions of what God's two books (nature and the Bible) have to say about if and when God acts in the world.

The author has artfully created a painful and powerful portrait of a woman ravaged by social conventions and the horrible perversions of sexual abuse. The book is extremely well-written...even so, it is painful to read simply because the horror of abuse wallops one right in the face. One's heart aches for Elizabeth. The story serves as a stark reminder that this is not just a "fiction" account. Many children throughout the world today are living Elizabeth's life. Although I've read other reviews of the book which claim a "hopeful" ending, I found the ending to be a resignation to the stagnant, love-starved state of a woman's bloodied heart. Elizabeth's decision to become a single parent is a cry of despair. Do read the book to get a true idea of how the abused feel.

This is a very emotional book. The central character is Elizabeth Wallace and it tells of her childhood stolen by abuse and dependence, her adolescence filled with confusion and her early womanhood leaden with the difficulties of coming to terms with her abuse by her father as well as the dependence and later the loss of her mother. The Elizabeth at the end of the book is a strong woman who, disillusioned with family life as she has experienced it, chose a commitment to motherhood on her own terms. It is a book that will bring home to you the destruction caused by alcohol and abuse and remind you that every child has a right to their innocence. It is an extremely well written book, which even though the subjects dealt with are at times far from pleasent, makes the book a pleasure to read. Definitely worth a try and you will not forget it in a hurry.

Thank you so much for giving me a preview edition of your new book. What an invaluable asset this will be to anyone struggling through the house hunting/ house building process.

You have coordinated all the services the consumer needs, giving order and structure to an often daunting task.

As a Realtor in Columbia County, where people are often looking for a comfortable second home in territory unfamiliar to them, I, personally, will be better able to serve the public with my new Real Estate "Bible" in hand.

Thanks again. With my best wishes and congratulations,

Stephanie W. Samuelsohn
Principal Broker
VantagePoint Realty
Old Chatham, New York

I've come to realize over the 12 years of selling real estate what an emotional experience looking for one's dream home is, even for those who own several homes. For many people, it makes a statement to family and friends about who they are. Some people get so caught up in the fantasy of finding the "perfect home" that they never buy anything. This is especially true in a rural area where the inventory is limited, lacking charm and "soul" and where most of what gets sold ends up going through extensive renovations.

"Good House Hunting" is a methodical guide to identifying housing traits and property features which, once renovated, will allow you to end up in your "dream home". Dennis Wedlick has given you the map to follow to get you to that place. Through customers' reflections of how they live and what specific features are important to them, Dennis works to help them realize their dream home embodying spirit, soul and sentiment.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book. It will be a great help to me and to my customers!

Janet Cozzolino
Beach & Bartolo Realtors
518.392.2700

I first read this when I was about eleven, the same age as the character of the title. The story, style and characters are all tough, vivid and unsentimental. The main character is a disruptive, bullying loner from a broken home who's let down by everyone except his pet rat and a new girl at school called Rosie, a deeply compassionate African-American who befriends and helps him.

There's a particular bit in the book where Gowie is being caned on the hands by the headmaster for the latest in a long line of misdemeanours, and although the headmaster stops after one lash and dismisses him, sensing that the punishment will make no difference anyway, Gowie asks, "Aren't you going to cane me any more?" The headmaster says, "You want to be caned?" to which he replies, "No, but I don't want not to be." The headmaster continues to thrash him, and when he goes out, he says he was "crying for a lot of things that have nothing to do with having hands that hurt." It was written in 1979 but it's timeless stuff, like all great writing.

Rebecca Taylor

Gowie Corby is a tough English schoolboy who is enemies with everyone: Stuart, the self-important captain of the football team, Johnathan Johns, the brainy, prissy teacher's pet, and especially the odious and sniveling Heather. Then one day a black American girl named Rosie comes to school, and surprisingly, she and Gowie become friends. They are complete opposites; Rosie is brainy, hard-working, and optimistic, while Gowie is unstudious, rebellious, pessimistic, and fascinated by fictional horror. Gowie is able to confide his family troubles to Rosie and her friendship helps teach him how to get along with the people he despises. This book is written from Gowie's point of view, and his humorous narration of events and adept characterization of his teachers and schoolmates makes for a very interesting read. Viewed by another person, Gowie would just be another bully, but by reading his retelling of events readers can sympathize with him.

This book is one of my favorite books about Elvis/Graceland, and I have several! The pictures are fabulous and the biography of Elvis in the beginning of the book is very tastefully and truthfully written. If you only have 1 book about Elvis, this would be THE book. I have been to Graceland 2 times and wish I had read this book before I visited....but now I look at the pictures and read the interesting narratives and I am taken back to Graceland over and over again. Thanks to the phtographer, writer, and Todd Morgan from Graceland for giving us a remarkable book!

Beautiful pictures, truly great text full of interesting citations and quotes that book his definitely the best about the house Elvis presley live in; Graceland. Sure, a beautiful mansion but with also an history "hors du commun"! If your wish is to visit Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee and you just can't that book is for you. You can trust me 'cause I've been there and it's simply amazing at how the images reflect all the appartments with the real dimensions, maybe it's more interesting then the tour himself because that show you from impossible angle how Elvis could see his home. It's a big book, very well illustrated, rich in words and descriptions, the one of a kind "Graceland Dictionnary". I'm sure that this book would still remain a treasure in his own subject! Look at Graceland by theses pages, you won't believe it!

As a positive psychologist, and as a woman, I love this book. I have been reading it on and off for eleven years and it never goes stale. Alexandra Stoddard's writing has the grace and charm to keep me involved again and again on each page. Although I often don't take the time to live as gracefully and deliciously around food and social engagements with friends and family, I find this book gives me a way to do so vicariously. Also, I've learned a lot from Alexandra's style of living. She has convinced me to take things a little slower and with more personal engagement. In fact, she is quite a positive psychologist! Maybe I should move over and let her share my clinical chair with me sometimes. She certainly knows what is good and healthy for adult women. And by the way, the quotes you find in this book are just the best.

Over the years, I have read many of Alexandra Stoddard's books, but to my way of thinking, she has really outdone herself in this one. I found Gracious Living very inspirational and do-able because she really advocates simplicity and living in the moment. To her, life is not a problem to be solved, it is a sensual experience to be savoured. All of it--even what you might have previously thought of as a chore. Her descriptions--verbal snapshots really--of some her lifetime experiences are so well-written you can live them with her and, of course, recall your own. I read one section each morning as a 'wake-up call' and really found this got me out of bed 'on the right side.' This book is especially useful if you (or your friend) suffer from perfectionism and feel your life looks better on paper than in your heart.

My three children, who are now grown with children of their own, loved this book. They delighted in pointing out things that they recognized and never tired of reading it. We still have books from when they were small, but this one fell apart from constant use. I've been looking for this book now for my grandchildren to enjoy. Richard Scarry books should never be out of publication.

I wish that Golden books would put Scarry's fine works on Publish on Demand, then they would see that we love all of his works, not just the recent ones. I am busy trying to repair my 1970 copy of this book so that my children can enjoy it as much as I did.

This is another book from the Greenpeace stable with an emphasis on conservation - and quite right too! Anything and everything to do with the North Sea is included here. Shipbuilding, seaweed harvesting, day-trips to the beach, the oil industry, fishing and, of course pollution.

Expertly laid out so that the reader is able to build on the knowledge gained from what has been read so far, we commence with the sea's hidden wealth and the human tide of invasion. The author then compares the present with the past before detailing the huge varieties of marine life to be found.

From here on we get down to basics as Greenpeace does what Greenpeace does best - isolate and identify those areas in need of urgent protection. There are sections entitled; Lost Habitats, Fishing, Nutrients, Pollution, Gas & Oil and Shipping - each of which set it's own scene. In Part 3 we are treated to an appraisal of Greenpeace activities and the following quote from page 120 gives an idea of what to expect. The caption beside a photograph showing a person on a beach with a factory in the background and orange-coloured liquid emerging from an unseen pipeline onto that beach, reads "A Greenpeace campaigner takes a sample from the pipeline disgorging toxic waste into Antwerp harbour from the nearby Monsanto pesticide factory. Behind every Greenpeace campaign and direct action in the North Sea lies a solid body of scientific research..."

Says it all really.

Altogether, this is a book packed with information supported by outstanding colour photography and diagrams. It is a book which brings home a message loud and clear and is one that should be purchased by anyone who uses the North Sea - or simply by anyone who wants to support a worthy organisation.

NM

It's the best book on wolves I've ever written..