Cross Books

The subject material is really compelling, given the obscurity that the legend of Mab's cross has suffered through almost 700 years. The back-story and elaboration regarding the royalty, the Scots, and life in general in the 14th century are downright enlightening. Then there's Jon Norris' writing style- informal, vivid imagery, and passionate.

Volume III is due out around Christmas this year. Anyone who likes historical fiction but is bothered by fictional characters should keep abreast of this trilogy. Norris also makes some intriguing editorial points in his introductions that encourage some deep thought about the origins and role of organized religion.

Jon Norris has taken real history, not changed it a bit, but simply filled in the dialog between characters to lend more humanity to the story. The story and the characters are real, due to exhaustive research by the author. This series is a rare and wondrous glimpse of 14th century history, replete with romance, honor, intrigue, and thought-provoking proselytizing.

This is Volume II of a trilogy, of course, but it makes a splendid novel in its own right. While the action in Volume I took place in England and Scotland, this sequel gives us a look at the debacle that was France between 1315 and 1322. Philip the Fair has devalued the French currency, set up a counterfeit pope in Avignon, and eradicated the Knights Templar. Christians are slaughtering Jews to escape their debts. "God's Dogs", the Dominican Inquisitors, are scouring the countryside for heretics. The Roman Church has turned heresy into a lucrative business, killing rich landholders so that their property can be confiscated. Without the financial and moral influence of the Templars, every principality and district of France has fallen into corruption.

Continuing the story from The Lost Rebellion, Sir William Bradshaw and his two lieutenants have been forced into exile after the devastating conclusion of Banastre's Rebellion. Arriving in Nantes on the west coast of France, they are soon taken captive and held for ransom. The ordeal lasts for years, and toward the end of this period all the Jews in the district are rounded up and brought to the dungeon. They must either convert to Christianity or perish. They perish as Sir William watches from his cell!

Meanwhile, back in Lancashire, Sir William's Lady Mab must endure her own hardships at Haigh Hall. With sheer determination she stalemates Sir Robert Holland and the Earl of Lancaster. When the earl grants Haigh to Sir Peter de Limesey (the Welsh Knight), she simply refuses to vacate the manor! Surprisingly, the Welsh Knight capitulates, and a long cruel cohabitation ensues.

Back in France, Sir William befriends "the last Templar", who has returned from Cyprus only to be thrown into the same dungeon. An extraordinary dialogue develops between them, revealing amazing Templar secrets, and raising disturbing questions about the legitimacy of the Roman Catholic Church. No sooner does this friendship develop, however, than a Dominican Inquisitor arrives to torture the Templar into confessing his heresy. In the midst of this horror, Sir William receives a coded message that he is about to be rescued.

Now, we come to the climax of the story, and the events that give Unholy Avengement its title. Edward II has defeated the Earl of Lancaster at the Battle of Boroughbridge, ending a decade of suffering for his loyal supporters. Sir William Bradshaw is ransomed from the French and personally escorted to freedom by the Earl of Pembroke. But, when he returns to Haigh, he finds the Welsh Knight still in possession. There is only one solution--"swords and shields!"--and a brilliant duel ensues at the Bloody Stone.

If you love medieval adventure stories, or the mysteries of the Knights Templar, or the legend of Mab's Cross, you must read this book. It is one of a kind!

The year is 1315. The place is Lancashire, England. Sir William Bradshaw, Lord of Haigh, has failed in his revolt against the Earl of Lancaster. Taking refuge in France, he and his two lieutenants meet with further adversity. The continent is a warren of thieving barons and corrupt churchmen. The peasantry are rioting, Christians are slaughtering Jews, and Dominican Inquisitors are scouring the countryside for heretics. In short order, the three Englishmen fall prey to a local warlord and are held for ransom in a dungeon near Nantes. For seven years they witness every manner of barbarity while they pray for a miracle.

Left behind in Lancashire, Sir William's great love, Lady Mab, must carry on without him. Unaware of William's fate, she holds on to Haigh Manor with extraordinary cunning and personal sacrifice. Ultimately, she is coerced into sharing Haigh with a would-be usurper called the Welsh Knight, and when Sir William suddenly reappears, the stage is set for a most Unholy Avengement.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (FROM THE BACK COVER)
Jon Norris is a genealogist, writer, and amateur historian. His research has unearthed a number of fascinating characters whose histories read better than fiction. A persistent theme marks their lives; one of tyranny and rebellion. It seems that each generation has been faced with that terrible choice: whether to support the tyranny of their rulers or rise up against it. The Mab's Cross Trilogy is the first of a series that will celebrate these heroic struggles. Jon Norris studied creative fiction at the New School in NYC and is a member of the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. He lives and works in Maine.

Don't miss Mab's Cross Trilogy: Volume I: The Lost Rebellion (Mab's Cross Trilogy)

have to write a tribute to Don Browning's new book, "Marriage and
Modernization: How Globalization Threatens Marriage and What to Do About
It" (Eerdsman, 2003). It's one of the best scholarly books I've ever read
on contemporary marriage. It's a tour de force of historical analysis and
contemporary insights from the social sciences, with a unique emphasis on
what Christianity, in cooperation with other religions, can do to
strengthen marriage in our global age. Don Browning, a noted theologian
and social ethicist at the University of Chicago, may have the best mind in
the marriage movement, and is almost certainly the most widely read. This
book will forever influence my thinking about marriage in the modern world.

Marriage And Modernization: How Globalization Threatens Marriage And What To Do About It by Don S. Browning (Alexander Campbell Professor Emeritus of Ethics and the Social Sciences, University of Chicago Divinity School) is a meticulous and scholarly study of how globalization has impacted traditional matrimonial bonds worldwide (and for the worse) and just what can be done about the deteriorating state of marriage today. Clarion warnings and suggested ways to combat the erosion of marriage fill the pages of this critical, timely, thought-provoking and involving study of the integrity of the family, the nature of the threats it is under from militant feminism and other global trends, and strategies for its defense and continued survival through Christian-oriented cultural, social, and educational strategies.

Faith and family have survived for millennia, but they have had to undergo tremendous challenges in the recent past. How have the forces of modernization and globalization impacted on the institutions of marriage and family? Is the decline of marriage in the Western world inevitable? What role does religion play in the revitalizing of marriage and family? And how can the fortunes of marriage be reversed in the social, cultural and educational arenas? What models can we look to today which can guide us in our attempt to resurrect the institution of marriage?

These and other profound questions are closely explored in this new volume by a leading ethicist and family educator from the Chicago Divinity School. Political, historical, religious and theological disciplines are carefully woven together in this wide-ranging work. The outcome is a renewed call for the importance of marriage in an age that needs to rediscover why it is such a necessary and crucial institution.

Browning examines how the family has fared over the millennia, and then uses this historical backdrop to see whether and how modernization and marriage can co-exist. He argues that we cannot turn back the clock, and refutes the concept the marriage is a pre-modern institution, incapable of surviving in a modern and postmodern environment.

He points out the now familiar negative impacts of modernization on marriage and family, but also argues that there have been positive benefits as well to arise out of modernization. His thesis is that modernization, at least in its destructive aspects, needs to be curtailed (not eliminated, as if that were possible) while marriage needs to be supported and promoted anew. Somehow the two can and must develop together.

Detailed examinations of the family in different cultures and nations is followed by meaty chapters on the findings of evolutionary psychology, feminism and global trends, and theological defences of marriage. For example the place of marriage and the role of fathers in the thinking of Aquinas and Luther are given close attention. Given that the male alienation from families is perhaps the most important social problem of today, this chapter offers insights and wisdom from generations past which shed considerable light on the way we might proceed on these key social questions today.

The concluding chapters seek to develop a practical theology of marriage and to examine world family strategies. He develops his theology of the family mainly from Christian considerations, although drawing on non-Christian resources as well. Catholic and Protestant considerations are investigated, and brief assessments are made of earlier formulations. He also examples various marriage renewal movements and programs found amongst the different denominations.

Global strategies to renew the institution of marriage are explored, with their strengths and weaknesses examined. From papal encyclicals of the Catholic church to the work of Allan Carlson and the Howard Center in Illinois, a number of marriage renewal projects are discussed. Common themes are drawn out and elaborated upon, and tentative proposals for the way ahead suggested.

Those wanting a "solution" to the "problem" of marriage will not find what they are looking for here. The problems are too complex and the situation too diverse to offer a magic pill of reform. At best Browning can only point to wisdom from the past coupled with insights from the present to guide us into the future.

But the foundational themes addressed here are the right place to begin: families are essential to the well-being of society; marriage is the centerpiece of strong family life; and all levels of society (governmental, cultural, educational and religious) need to contribute to the defence and promotion of the institution of marriage.

This first Engelbreit crosstitch book should not be overlooked by those interested in holiday motifs. It includes a wonderful chart for a santa that can be used in a variety of ways. The charts can also be used in needlepoint if the backstitching is omitted. This is a charming collection .

I bought this book after receiving Mary Engelbriet's "Cross-Stitch For All Seasons" as a gift. I absolutely fell in love with her designs. My only wish is that she would publish more books with cross-stitch patterns of her artwork. This book has many adaptable patterns for a great variety of projects. If you are a cross-stitcher...you have to have her books!

I had this book for a fews years. And wanted try out the patterns. So, I did a eyeglass case with cherries on them.This book is easy to understand & for doing the projects. This turned out wonderful, and was able to put my mother's name on to personalized it. The patterns are so beautiful, and you won't regret getting this book. They have a wonderful Holiday ideas, these are great keepsakes for you,& your loved ones.

An unsettling and hallucinatory ride through the history of image-making, from the point of first contact between the Old and New Worlds, to the present day. Taussig is among the most original and challenging anthropologists of our time, forcing readers to radically rethink their notions of not only anthropology and the nature of academic inquiry, but of the human condition itself.

A must read!

I first read this text in undergraduate studies - to this day it remains one of my favourite books.

It is distinguished by Taussig's ability to both blend sharp anthropological insight with nuanced reading of philosophical theory. This strengthens his anthropology and adds to the understanding of key Critical Theory exponents.

He adds rigour to anthropological practice and substance to philosophical theory - both difficult tasks.

A text of great import to the humanities generally.

Taussig has been described as a high theorist writing as a beatnik novelist. A pretty good description, it seems to me. In my eyes, or in my sensuous 'history' of personal awareness, this book appears as a welcomed aid for those familiar with critical theory, from Foucault to Kristeva to Derrida to Bourdieu, etc. He places 'mimesis' within a multitude of contexts, each of which redefines the wor[l]d, the effect of which releases concepts that have become conventional tools for cultural theory from their static availability and performs an invented space (mimetic) that stuns the senses. If writing is a mimetic endeavor (as Taussig claims), then reading this book is equally an opportunity to mimetically become alter to oneself. He's a unique writer, a breathe of fresh air, someone to take your time with.

How many of us have more than a few UFOs (unfinished objects) in our cross-stitch collection? This book provides a variety of small patterns that can be finished in a reasonable length of time. Not only are there the mini-cushions of the title; for most of the patterns there are also even smaller pieces - a section of the cushion motif, re-arranged, for example - that can be used as card inserts, pincushions, even jewelry.

Although these are small projects, they are not simplistic, as so many "quick and easy" booklets have - these are sophisticated designs. Most are offered with alternate color choices suggested, too, so that they can be varied to match your decor or personal preference.

Color numbers are given for DMC, Anchor and Madiera, reflecting that this is a UK book; those in the US, we are most likely to be using DMC floss. For those projects where beads are suggested, you can look for brands of beads available in the US - the colors are pretty general, for the beads - or you can substitute floss of the bead color; the patterns won't suffer from that, although they look nice with the beads. Speaking of substitutions, I also note that most of the patterns call for whole stitches and back stitches only, no half or quarter stitches - which means that they can also easily be used for needlepoint as well as cross-stitch. (Or single crochet, if you really want to give yourself a challenge! Not suitable for knitting, however, as the graphs depend on an even-weave scale, and knitting is not even as to length and width.) I plan to try at least one of them in needlepoint, although still using cotton floss rather than tapestry wool. The variety of colors available in tapestry wool, though, is even greater than floss, so you could really go to town on variations on the patterns in that wise.

While most of the motifs are floral, not all are. There are patterns that use playing card images, chess pieces, fossils, heraldry-like shapes, and others. The only animals, however, are insects (bees, butterflies, and a few others). For those of us who have the usual (who knows why, but there it is) affinity for cats along with our needlework, it would have been nice to have a design that somehow featured cats; perhaps we can hope for that in a second book by the same designer!

This book was well done and easy to follow. Each project was small enough to complete in less than a weekend. I loved it. I recommend it to everyone.

This is a very useful book. It's full of patterns that are easy to follow and as if that wasn't enough, it has suggestions for other adaptations. Well worth the purchase.

This collection of e-mails, gives the reader a unique perspective into real life in the Middle East. I read a few each evening, give it a try!

I began writing Mondays in the Middle East from Bahrain in 1999 to relay cultural insights for a Midwestern radio station. I have tried to maintain two key principles during writing:

1. I want to be respectful of the religious beliefs of the Arab people.

2. I want to poke fun at myself and my own culture as much as I might poke fun at Arab culture.

Mondays in the Middle East is intended to open people's minds to more of life in the Middle East than they might otherwise know. It seems that the slant presented by the Western media has every Arab holding an AK-47 and a hand grenade. I want to present some of the real-life situations I've come across that give a different view and I want to do it with a bit of humor for all.

The Middle East in general has become an important region to understand not just because of the Iraq wars, but because Arab people are influencing the Western world like never before. My hope is that this book will give a new perspective of understanding to the Western reader with a healthy dose of light-hearted humor. Enjoy and have fun!

How wonderful to read about the good, fun people and lifestyle differences between the USA & MIDDLE EAST. It is truly a joy to read beyond the war torn life of that area of the world! This delightful book gives us an opportunity to see the likeness of God's people in different cultures. A quick enjoyable read!

Chichikov wastes little in his poetry, and still lavishes a reader's mind with considerations while giving simple beauty for his heart. Very basic meter and very deep spirit seize no epic attempts. He just has one thing to say to one thought or idea or Sacrament or Mystery or Station. He makes it one finest thing, and does it well.

For more than a decade, Pavel Chichikov has been writing devotional poetry of the highest calibre. He has a very pure voice and a rare expertise with metrics and with strict verse-forms. An admirer of good poetry will be delighted with this book, but for a person also interested in spiritual experience, Chichikov offers something more. These poems invite the reader into a contemplative state, into a quiet encounter with Christ in the mystery of his earthly life. Chichikov is always a good poet, but I wonder if this may not be his masterpiece, where poems like "The Annunciation" will bear comparison with the best religious verse written in our time.

As a frequent reader and long standing admirer of Pavel Chichikov's work, I was quick to place an order for this publication. My excitement on its arrival was extreme, and my delight began even with my first feverish touch of its smooth, soft textured hard cover and magnificent photograph, which in itself demonstrates Pavel's remarkable artist's eye for texture and effect.

Each page presents a masterpiece, capturing the essence of each of the 20 mysteries of the modern rosary. The second section honors the 14 stations of the cross in like manner, illuminating each scene with words and imagination in much the same mysterious manner as the cover photograph of Christ's passion.

Though not a metaphor with which Pavel is likely to agree, I see in his work a reincarnation of another of my favorite poets, Gerard Manley Hopkins, in his appreciation of the Divine and His creations, and his ability to capture and express this appreciation so as to enrich our inner spirit.

Whether used by Catholics as a companion to sacramental acts and devotions, or by Christians as a means to more closely and deeply approach the key events of the redeemer, or by word lovers as a poetic enrichment, Mysteries and Stations deserves to be a delight to be shared with a wide audience. Acquire a copy, delight in it, and share it with others.

Now I turn to my dear wife and ask: "Can I have a look at it again, please? It is my turn!"

Mr. Harley Shane, now deceased, provided capital and occasional consultation in the founding of Sharp & Dunnigan Publications and in its earliest productions. That was the extent of his role in the company. The "supporting documentation" Mr. Shane indicates is likely no more than the requisite paperwork for the establishment and maintenance of a corporate entity. Mr. Shane neither performed nor oversaw official editorial duties in the creation of these works, and furthermore had no active, day-to-day role in the company nor in its operations.

Mr. Paul Drew Stevens (1936-1990), my father, was the Editor-In-Chief of "The Congressional Medal of Honor," "Navy Cross," "Air Force Cross," and "Real Animal Heroes" titles (the latter which was written by Chico, California-area author Zu Vincent, in close collaboration with Mr. Stevens). Moreover, these works accurately indicate the extent of Mr. Shane's contributions.

The Editor-in-Chief for "The Congressional Medal of Honor, The Names, The Deeds" is and always has been Harley S. Shane who was the C.E.O. and Incorporator. Supportive evidence is available.
Mr.Stevens was the On-Site Operating Officer and resigned from his position in 1988. All of the books from Sharp and Dunnigan Publications are the property of its' always majority Stock Holder as Liquidated and equitable division of property following the peaceful passing of Mr. Stevens. This effects the following Titles: The Congressional Medal of Honor, The Names, The Deeds; The Navy Cross ; Real Animal Heroes. All Paperback and other Tradepersons should take notice of this public notice. announcement.

The Editor-in-Chief for "The Congressional Medal of Honor, The Names, The Deeds" is and always has been Harley S. Shane who was the C.E.O. and Incorporator. Supportive evidence is available.
Mr.Stevens was the On-Site Operating Officer and resigned from his position in 1988. All of the books from Sharp and Dunnigan Publications are the property of its' always majority Stock Holder as Liquidated and equitable division of property following the peaceful passing of Mr. Stevens. This effects the following Titles: The Congressional Medal of Honor, The Names, The Deeds; The Navy Cross ; Real Animal Heroes. All Paperback and other Tradepersons should take notice of this public notice. announcement.

A must-have for anyone visiting the Summit County area! Available at webersbooks.com

My husband and I have chosen several of the hikes included by Ms. Gilliland and, as neophyte hikers, have found them very enjoyable. Most importantly, we have come to depend on both the times given for the hikes as well as the difficulty ratings. I would not hesitate to take a hike from this book if it sounded attractive to me -- I'd know I could count on it being just as described

Excellent book for hikers not really familiar with the Summit County area. I am from Ohio, and my family found the book most helpful in ranking the difficulty of hikes, estimating the time of our trips and how strenuous a hike we were looking at. Also the maps & directions were right on the money. Without this book we would have missed out on some fantastic hiking in the Breckenridge & Frisco areas!!

This is an excellent book for this interested in participating in foreign missionary work abroad either for a limited duration or a life time. This book is divided in two parts: why new strategies on doing missions must be implemented (it advocates doing so through business endeavors that are favorable to building national infrastructures) and examples of how these strategies have yielded results and those that have not. The book is a wealth of information on a paradigm shift for doing foreigh missions, a necessary read for all involved in such a calling.

I found this book just by searching on the title after reading a paper that a friend in India wrote on kingdom business. I have been hungry to learn what it means for me as an entrepreneur to have a Matt 6:33 'his kingdom first' mentality in running a for profit venture. I devoured this book and found it to be one of the most helpful I've seen yet, even though a primary focus of the book is more along the lines of how to advance missions more effectively.

The first section covers eleven case studies each written by a different author involved in a kingdom business. True to the title, most of these are ventures that seek to make a positive impact in Christian missions, particular in countries with restricted access. They are mostly (but not all) small companies primarily with a local presence trying to figure out how to survive in a self-sustaining way in addition to finding ways to serve people with a meaningful impact economically and spiritually. This is in juxtaposition with larger multinational, leading edge businesses or businesses with a presence only in a western country. However, I found many lessons and examples in the case studies that can benefit a Christian business person in these other environments as well.

The second part covers 9 essays on the subject of business and ministry, kingdom companies, etc. again each written by a different author. And the third section is a review or analysis of the case studies and the lessons learned. These sections were full of thought provoking nuggets for me as well. The appendices also include a fairly comprehensive bibliography of related reading material.
I came away with a stronger conviction that in all of my endeavors, business or otherwise, I should be asking "what can I do to seek first his kingdom?". In addition to a business plan I need a kingdom plan. My background and experience in business can be instrumental directly in meaningful efforts to spread good news and help people, as opposed to being only a mechanism to help fund these efforts. I've purchased a couple of extra copies for others as their interest in kingdom business topics grows.

This book (along with Eldred's, God Is At Work) is the owner's manual for every Christian who has ever wondered if there just might be something redemptive about work. There is no fluff, no wasted words, no mental lapses, no insider-theological-jargon in this book. Instead, this book is packed with superior Bible exposition (especially see Wayne Grudem's, "How Business in Itself Can Glorify God"), many realistic examples, historical precedence, completely actionable conclusions, and a one-stop-shop bibliography.


Every pastor who takes seriously his responsibility to "tend the flock" must become completely conversant with the content of this book... and then must go out an LEARN about the world of his parishioners-at-work. Every Christian --especially every investor and every owner-- who reads this book will be wonderfully encouraged or strongly convicted and then powerfully motivated to make money make an eternal difference.

As a devoted follower of The Christ and a successful entrepreneur with Fortune 100 clients and assignments in Asia, North America, and Western Europe, I urge you to redeem your time by buying, studying, and implementing this book. Vic Downing, Silicon Valley California.