King Books

These are more than history book characters. That's why I liked the book so much. They spoke and acted like real people. They loved and hated with an intensity that stayed with me.

Historical novels such as this one take history and present it with all the relevance of today, the panaromic view of a movie, and the incisiveness of cafe table gossip.

I highly recommend Bloodlines to anyone who likes history and wants to know more about what came before Alexander's greatness.

My original decision to buy the hardcover copy of a previously unknown author was mainly because I am fascinated by Philip and Alexander of Macedon, while there are so many books about the son; the father has been relatively ignored by fiction writers.

This book turned out to be one of the best historical novels I have read (if not THE best). Because of the author's expertise in ancient warfare, I am not surprised to find the vivid account of battles and the military genius of Philip of Macedon. Beyond the military stuff, the book gives excellent description of the geological, religious, economical, and social realities of that era. This book brings me back in time more than 2,000 years ago, among the Macedonians and Greeks, I can feel and understand their environment, their beliefs, their everyday life, and their struggles; each men and women are creatures of their own time but have meanings for eternity. Among them the most vivid character of all is Philip of Macedon. This is the way a historical fiction should be: as accurate as historical textbook while at the same time vivid and fascinating as telling a great story. You feel you are there, as the history unfolds itself...

...The only problem? The book stopped at Alexander's birth. There are twenty more years of great battle and conquering that follows before Philip's death; I really hope this book has a sequel.

Indologist Heinrich Zimmer provides an easy to comprehend text taking four time-out-of-mind-myths and relating them to the esoteric "grail" path! It makes an excellent study for the seeker/student who would wish to follow Wolfgang Von Eckenback's "I learned my ABC's without the use of black magic".

In this writers opinion very few scholars have been suited to blend eastern thought processess into western concepts. Zimmer adeptly crosses this void as if stepping over a puddle of water, making "The King and The Corpse" highly informative and a joy of the heart to ponder.

If you are a seeker on any esoteric path you will find yourself and your 'map' within it's cover.

Shri Rajeshwari Pujari Maharaja

For example, in Psalm 40, whose first word is 'I', the 'I' extends the full length of the page.

I waited patiently for the Lord,
and he inclined unto me,
and heard my cry.

Within the decorations of the 'I' are the scenes from salvation history -- Noah's Ark, the Ten Commandments being given, etc. This particular illumination comes from the Winchester Bible, circa 1175 AD/CE. There is a brief listing at the conclusion giving credits for all the illuminations (alas, some are missing dates, and it is organised alphabetically rather than in page order, making identification a bit of a chore).

In a format under 5 inches x 8 inches, it fits perfectly in the hand for use for personal study and for reading aloud. The binding is very sturdy, and there is a strong cloth cover that resists wear and tear. Every page has colour, and the serif font selection and size make reading easy. I use this for my regular Saturday chaplain service at the retirement home -- the use of the KJV coupled with the interesting illuminations delight the listeners.

There is no commentary here, not even so much as an introduction. The Psalms speak for themselves, together with the beautiful, intricate and often-times cleverly devised illuminations.

This is a lovely book for a gift, for private devotions, and for corporate worship.

I have had this book since its publication, I have read it many times, and I have looked at its beautiful pictures so many times. I've really never paid much attention to Prince William's horoscope which was written at the time of his birth by John Naylor, President, Federeration of British Astrologers.

The following is taken from the horoscope : "... Conservative in thought and basically cautious in action, though not without strong prejudices too. These qualities will be combined with an uncanny intuition which will enable him to read minds, anticipate actions.

"...he has a good share of courage, ambition, aggression and physical vitality, quite a temper, and a vein of foolhardiness...

"...Prince William's horoscope has the hallmark of monarchy, whereas his father Prince Charles' lacks this distinctive feature, as did King Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor's.

"A good I.Q. and a useful academic ability is indicated, but it is an intellect which is imaginative and artistic, which inclines toward idealism and perfectionisim, rather being pragmatic, anaytical or rational...His ready sympathies and his emotionalism make him a romantic, gullible, susceptible to flattery, a 'good fellow.'

"Prince William has an affinity for the sea...Yet, more than most members of the royal family, he has intellectual capabilities. He leans towards being an academic...he could develop an interest in constitutional law...

"Not only because he is a prince, but because he has great charm, is sensitive, sympathetic and responsive as well as being full of vitality, he will wreak havoc with feminine hearts...

" The astrological picture is therefore of an affectionate, sensitive yet lively child, courageous, and possessing a vein af aggression which will flare from time to time. He will need and demand, a lot of affection and attention, being prone to vivid emotional affection and approval.

"...In maturity he will have a vigorous, active dispostion and will be capable of becoming a considerable stateman, combining keen intuition and a feel for public mood and reaction with a useful capacity for leadship...

"...Yet the most interesting indication in regard to Prince William's future occurs in the late 1980's. Both he and his mother, the Princess of Wales, are Cancer subjects...Different but comparable indications occur in the horoscopes of the other principal royals, the Queen, Prince Philip, and Prince Charles. Royal stars suggest that the second half of the 1980's the winds of change will blow through the royal corridors; the younger generation, Prince William amongst them, coming into greater prominence. Happenings in the summer of 1985 will set this trend into motion."

I included these excerpts because I believe that are most interesting in view of all that's happened to Prince William in his short life.

Shortly before dawn a royal-blue Rover police car proceeded out of the gates of Kensington Palace and sped towards Paddington to St. Mary's Hospital. There were only four people in the car - the chauffeur, the personal detective, Prince Charles, and his twenty-year-old wife. Shortly after five o'clock Diana, Princess of Wales, was admitted to the Lido Wing. For once in her twenty-one months in the glare of publicity, there was not a photographer in sight. However, it was not to reamin this way for long. By the time Buckingham Palace released the news of the princess' arrival, there was a continous, steady stream of well wishers and onlookers. By ten o'clock the fist flowers had arrived.

Within the hour after the birth of Prince William, Buckingham Palace made its official announcement. However, the news traveled faster by mouth. There were tremendous choruses of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" and chant variations on a footbal theme of - "Nice One Charlie-Give Us Another One."

The crowds began to swell in anticipation of Prince Charles' emergence. I can remember watching TV and wondering if he were ever going to come outside. Of course, when he emerged, it was the first time he had been seen in public that day. There was lipstick on his cheek and soon there was more. He appeared to be extremely happy as he spoke of his first-born in glowing terms such as "beautiful" and "marvelous form" and he himself was "relieved and delighted" and duly impressed by the experience of attending the birth. With warmth and concern Prince Charles thanked everyone for their interest and concern. I was almost 11:30pm when the Prince left for home at Kensington Palace.

Anyone who was watching TV will never forget the Prince of Wales leaving the hospital the next day with the glamourous Princess and their baby prince. Prince William was the first direct heir to the Throne who was born in a hospital. Princess Diana could not wait to get him home. They certainly appear to be a radiantly happy couple as they leave the hospital with their small bundle of joy. picture p. 123

I hope there is a republication of this book so that those who don't have it will be able to puchase this beautiful book.

This book is a must for all who collect books on the Royal Family or just enjoy reading about them.

This refers to the hardback edition which was published in 1982 and measures 91/4x113/4 inches.

When reading this book I became absolutely amazed at the masterful, almost artistic way in which Bronstein co-ordinates his pieces. I have since learned he is well known for this.

I Highly recommend this book.

"Bulibasha" is a fascinating novel about two feuding Maori clans, told by the grandson of the patriarch of the Mahana clan. It is a brilliant portrayl of Maori family life in the 1950's. I won't give away any more. A must read for anyone interested in New Zealand, and a great read for anyone! It is required reading in our household.

But even physical strength only takes one so far as Tamihana like many young Maori prior to the 1950's did not complete his schooling in 'school' raised on a farm, he may have exceeded in the sports lifestyle but he falls second intellectually as he grows older with a ripening Ramona giving birth to three sons in less than four years. Tamihana develops a nasty adversity to education, refusing to approve of any such form. In a changing world when european ideals transformed much if early Maori lifestyles and values through a changing period of early New Zealand History, Witi Ihimaera had superbly captured and set his story of Bulibasha.

With a Maori man of Tamihana's stature expressing many of the common views and attitudes of the traditional Maori values, yet Tamihana as a character though physically strong and content in a world he can mould and shape with his hands as a shearer, he is doomed for the future. Where Maori would have to change and adapt to survive.

Tamihana meets his match in the youngest grandson Simoen Mahana, a rebellious youth. Who is the exact opposite of Bulibasha, the 'new-age' against the 'old-age'. He is a representation of the 'next-generation' striving for an identity in one topsy-turvy world of mixed traditions and culture.

He is proud, honourable and educated. Simeon goes to school educates himself and is a threat and seen as little more than a kennel-dog by his grandfather the oppressor in the novel.

He works his tail off at the family homestead, cleaning, baby-sitting, butchering meat and the usual farm duties. From a rural family with a sheraing history, Simeon wants something more for himself and his own family's futures. Seeking education above the domestic-labour of his grandfather's lifestyles.

Bulibasha, is a complex novel that touches many heartstrings from being comical to serious and tear-streaking it is a masterpiece of Maori literature that I am proud to have read and digested.

My compliments to Witi Ihimaera on yet anither award winning best seller that touches the mind, the heart and the soul with each and every word.