Lewis Books

When I was a child I loved Edward Lear's nonsense poetry. I bought this book to read to my children, 3 and 5, but what really attracted me to the book was the stunning illustrations by Nicki Palin. They are outstanding, detailed, even surreal, but in a warm way that brings the verses beautifully to life. My children love them, pointing out all the various characters that are mentioned in the poems. What is particularly nice about this book is the first two poems which I have only seen in this edition and are a perfect introduction to goals of the two authors: "How pleasant to know Mr Lear who has written such volumes of stuff..." and "Child of the unclouded brow and dreaming eyes of wonder..." And I have to admit that of all the books I read my children at bedtime, this is the one I most enjoy.

This childrens' favorite is equally popular with adults. The illustrations are colorful and mesmerize even the youngest. Familiar verses become preferred bedtime rhymes that evoke giggles from both reader and listener.

This is a collection of great nonsense verse from Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, most of which stands the test of time - beautifully illustrated by Nick Palin. My children (2 and 4) have adored this book for over a year now. They read it themselves - or at least look long and hard at the illustrations, and bring it to me to read to them over and over.

Most of these poems can easily be found in other books or collections. The advantage of this collection is that it is a small number of very good poems and (as I said before) they are really well illustrated. My children have rapidly learned quite a bit of each of the poems just from frequent re-reading.

Poems include The Crocodile, the Owl and the Pussycat, the Dong with the luminous nose, the Walrus and the carpenter - and my children's favourite - the Jumblies. I really enjoy The New Vestments which is one I had not seen before

In the rear of the book is the Index of titles and first lines which makes it simple to track down anything you particularly want to read.

I would definitely recommend this as a must have for a children's library. It is one of those lovely books which has opened my children's eyes to poetry and reading.

Haskin's text, "The Rise of Universities," is fascinating for a number of reasons. First, the story is superbly told in this set of three lectures given in the very early 1920's at Brown University. Second, the insights Haskins inserts at various points of the discourse are worthy of great consideration, and we very easily feel we are listening to someone who is an expert in the subject, one who knows far more than he is telling at the given moment. Third and finally, we realize we are reading a "historical" book, not just because the subject concerns history, but because Haskin's own role in helping re-introduce the medieval world to a new generation of American scholars was history in the making. His more famous and acclaimed text, "The Renaissance of the Twelfth Century," was a critical component in doing just that, but here we see Haskins "where it all started," in the lecture room at Brown, and we close our eyes and imagine we are sitting in on these discourses exactly as they appeared nearly one hundred years ago.

The work comprises three lectures on the medieval university, the first focusing on the earliest universities in terms of their structure, organization, and even linkage to today's universities, the second on the medieval university professor, and the third on the medieval university student. The material is presented in an extremely accessible manner, and one need not be a medievalist or medieval historian to follow the content. Much of the content is simply fascinating to anyone who wonders where today's universities can trace their lineal heritage. We read about the attempt to "date" the start of the world's oldest universities (Paris, Bologna, Oxford, Cambridge, and others), the differences between "northern" and "southern" universities, the specialties of each of the institutions, and the motivations for creating both student and teacher guilds. We also read about issues that faced the medieval professor, including the management of the classroom and its' students, the awarding of degrees, and even a little about medieval instructional techniques. We learn, too, about student life during these years, including the ever-constant quest to find money to finance schooling, the in-town brawls, and the requirements for exiting the university with an official degree. A special "extra" is the inclusion of some of the poetry written by medieval students and preserved through the years.

This is not an in-depth look at the subject, nor was it ever intended to be. (For such a book, try out History of the University in Europe: Universities from 1945 to Present by Hilde de Ridder-Symoens, which, at four volumes, is not only highly detailed, but also current and exceptionally well written.) What it is, though, is an excellent introduction to the topic that still contains many good insights on the topic and is well developed and clearly presented. As such, this book likely has two main audiences: those who wish for an introduction on the topic, and also those who are medievalists and wish to become more acquainted with Charles Haskins himself, a key personage in the field. Highly recommended.

This is a delightful book for several reasons. First is the vigor and vitality of Haskins' mind as he talks directly to you, as he did to the audience during the three lectures given at Brown University in 1923 that comprise the book. How they must have enjoyed the show! Second is Haskins' breadth and depth of learning as he painlessly presents the history of the university. Third is the latent sense of relief and joy of post World War I [for the victors to be sure] that fueled the world's mine oyster attitude of the twenties. Until the crash.

Not much has changed since the 13th century. In some ways students were freer in that they had more leeway to choose their professors. On the other hand, especially in Theology and Philosophy departments, the inquisition was a fear near at hand. Haskins seemed to argue that students' freedoms was somewhat equal in the end to now. Getting drunk and wasting time was as much a part of univeristy life (in some circles) then, as now, and the number one issue of students was money -- typically how they can get it from their parents. Most students and their parents expected some vocational, profit making, activity to be the end result of their studies. Some students were serious; some often got drunk, sang, or got in fights, or both; and some wrote poetry and played the guitar. Everyone was expected to speak Latin, despite what their native tongue might be. They learned Latin so they could read works by ancient Roman poets, like Ovid, who also sang praises to being in nature, good times with friends, and playing the guitar. There was also law to study, or various associated studies, which was profitable. Parents didn't encourage their children, very often, to study Theology as there wasn't much money as an end result of it for most. Many interesting details given in his effort.

Universities formed, essentially, as a student union to protect their rights against cheating local townspeople and professors. On occasion a whole union of students would leave a town, if they felt cheated, taking their business elsewhere. The Pope, about this time, I think, approved of union formations (which I feel was the death blow to communism in Europe, in the end, and will be in China as well; plus they keep America somewhat safe from being an out and out plutocracy). I don't know if students these days feel themselves part of a union though.

Haskins has a very down-to-earth point of view and argues, for whatever purpose, that the modern university owes its direct linage to the universities of the thirteenth century in Europe and he does this with effectiveness and enjoyable, but scholarly, descriptions.

Haskins has the distinction of being the father of Medieaval studies in America.

Having recently been disappointed by Oxford University Press's "Buddhism: a Very Short Introduction," I wanted to find a short-but-worthwhile text on Buddhism. Not being a fan of "Idiot's Guides," I was hesitant to buy this book. I'm glad I did.

The "Pocket Idiot's Guide" gives a brief history of Buddhism, reviews the major schools of Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana, Tibetan, and Pure Land), and tries to place Buddhism in context in the modern world. It does a good job of each.

One thing the book doesn't do, is explain what the heck Nirvana is. (The Oxford University Press book didn't either). Apparently nobody knows exactly what Nirvana is, but Buddhists are sure that we'll like it.

The uncertainty about Nirvana would tend to make me reluctant to build up too much good Karma. If you don't have enough good Karma, you keep getting reborn, and at least you know what you're in for. If you get too much good Karma, you attain Nirvana, something almost totally unknown. If you don't know where you're going, you might not like it when you get there.

In my search for a deeper understanding of this religion, I picked up this book a few weeks ago, since I have very limited knowledge about it. Without intending to make of it my perennial reference book about the Buddha and his teachings, I find it (as most titles in the series) extremely useful. It walks you through the essentials in a logical manner that results easy to follow and to assimilate. Highly recommended for starters!

Despite its title and misleading cover blurbs (there are no "Zen-ful tips" as the cover says), this is actually a good overview of the many different schools of Buddhism. This is not a book of Buddhist teachings but a historical survey of Buddhism from its beginnings to the present day. It does go into some of the doctrinal differences between some of the Buddhist schools, but the primary value of this book is in providing a framework for understanding Buddhism in all its varied forms.

This is a fantastic source for essays by many of the Harlem Renaissance writers. Every convievable writer is highlighted in this book, from W.E.B. Dubois, to Alain Locke, to George S. Schuyler. Their most influential essays are presented in this book.

The poetry is really good, only I wish there were a little more. The prose writings have some really excellent sources. Good for an educational text for students covering the period.

I give this book five stars because it has a wonderful cross-section of female and male Harlem Renaissance writers, and also because it includes fiction, prose (articles and essays), and poetry. This volume is nicely compiled, and it is a lovely companion to similar anthologies, such as "Trouble the Water," which is an anthology of black poetry from slavery through modern times. Also, because the Harlem Renaissance happened so long ago, The Portable Harlem Renaissance Reader includes works and excerpts from works that are seemingly out of print, such as a selection by Carter G. Woodson. This book has a lovely variety of practically every genre of literature, and is a must for any African-American studies scholar, though it is a capable volume for any student of literature, period. The only possible drawback of this book is that it contains a lot of excerpts. If you enjoy a certain excerpt (and it is almost guaranteed that you will), finding a copy of its parent body of work will become frustratingly high on your list of priorities. The Harlem Renaissance Reader is truly reccommended.

I bought this for and at the request of my 17 year old daughter. She rares asks for anything but did request this. She has enjoyed it very much. Very good purchase! Highly recommend to affectinados of the movie especially.

Thank you so much for finally releasing a biblical book. I just can't thank you enough. I thought this was wonderful. The Prince of Egypt was awesome. thanks again.

The Prince of Egypt Movie Scrapbook by Thomasine Lewis is an excellent account of the inspiring behind the scenes account for young and old alike about the classic story of Moses as revealed in the Old Testament. The targeted audience in this book is ages 9 to 12 however all ages will enjoy its richly illustrated pages and accompanying text. If the forthcoming (December 1998) animated movie by DreamWorks is as good as this scrapbook indicates then it shall certainly be a truly classic animated movie.

Some of the topics covered in this book include the story of how the film was conceived and developed, the voice cast for the movie, the music (which appears to be excellent), creating the design for the movie, the animators, special effects and how all of this was orchestrated into a completed animated movie.

Of paraticular interests to those interested in history is the apparent attention to detail the animators have given to the cultures of both ancient Egyptians and the ancient Hebrews. The story appears to closely parallel the account in the Old Testament and also includes some of the best creative conceptulizations of the the other classic Hollywood produced movies based upon the story of Moses and The Ten Commandments.

This book will serve as an excellent companion to both the movie, associated printed material and most certianly the forthcoming soundtracks which are scheduled for release in mid-November.

Reviewed by Michael C. Turner

I bought it for a class, then I realized it was the wrong one, however I decided to ready it anyway, it is ver simple and informative. I love it.

Book is great compared to the price, bent corners but everything else is fine...Will be back for more

I took the class that used this book last semester, and I really love this book. It's easy to read (although at times it goes into a little too much detail), doesn't sugar-coat anything, has great pictures, and has labs at the end of each chapter to help you apply the information. From proper nutrition to cancer prevention to strength training to STD prevention, this book has it all covered. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in health.

Professor Kinoy's persoanl account of legal struggles against reactionary forces in this country for over six decades is a chilling and inspiring antidote to forgetfulness. This book should be required reading in american history courses, especially now when opportunistic politicos and businesses once again exploit paranoia to keep civil rights and constitutional order under siege. Though Mr. Kinoy's style may sometimes seem repetitve, his book is an honest search for the answer to a question all too rarely asked: what can a citizen do, in the darkest of times, to help this country live up to its ideals?

Kinoy is an unsung American hero. Always willing to defend the underdog, he has sometimes overcome tremendous legal obstacles and emerged on top. This book chronicles his more well-known cases: the Rosenbergs, the Chicago Seven, Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Adam Clayton Powell, and many more. Why Kinoy isn't more well-known is a mystery.

In his uniquely humorous, heartfelt, and soulful voice, Kinoy teaches the reader about the behind-the-scenes battles fought by the legal workers of the US civil rights movement. Shocking stuff revealed as Kinoy packs a lot of information about judges, FBI agents, and freedom fighters in this can't-put-it-down book. If you are considering trying to use the law to achieve justice, you should read it. You should also join the National Lawyers Guild.

The book mentioned by the reviewer from the Netherlands is Adrian Weales "Fighting Fit".

If you like to see how to get fit the military way this is a very great book. This one is twards the sas forces. Contrary to the US forces which emphasises a lot of upper body strenght you see here the total approach. SAS troopers need to marsh endlessly. (read about their gruelling selection course). This books tells how to get fit, using circuit training, weight programms (not used for the beach boys who just wants to look pumped up, but this program is just to be prepared for the rigours of combat). More is told to train for endurance by running, swimming, cycling and of course the famous endurance marches. At the end a total programme is given for the beginner, intermediate and the advanced. This great book is finished with telling you more about nutrition (I said nutrition NOT pills for those beach bubbles) and mental approaches. I really recommend this book together with Andrew Wheales fighting fit (which gives sas, paratrooper and royal commando programmes) and Steward Smith's the complete guide to navy seal fitness.

With those 3 books you cannot go wrong and be the fittest and mental (because of this training) toughest person.

So buy these 3 and be FIT and combat ready.

This book was the first military fitness program that I followed. The results were amazing, in 8 weeks I went from 245lbs down to 205lbs and never looked back. I am now addicted to military fitness programs (books) and swear by them. This book is one of the best and so are the SAS. The program is well rounded with running, swimming, and weight training/calisthenics. There is even a section on self defense which is very handy. The professional program is a killer and I would suggest tackling the less intense programs first. If getting physically fit is your goal then you will have a hard time finding a better book! In fact the only thing tougher than this book would be to actually enlist in the SAS! Being a fitness writer myself (Backyard Sports for Kids), I can fully appreciate a book like this one and my hat goes off to John Wiseman on an excellent piece of work!

I am a great fan and avid reader of Carl Hiaasen, John Grisham, Randy Wayne White, Janet Evanovich, Patricia Cornwell, and Claire Matturro, and am pleased to add E. T. Lewis to the list. He is a captivating writer with a style and story line that grabs you and holds you 'til the last page. I am always eager for his next book to be published.

I am a big fan of Grisham, Isles, Morris,Barr (all from Mississippi), and Jim Fisher of Pennsylvania. I found that Mr. Lewis keeps up with the best. His style is parallel to Grisham, but has its' own unique twists and turns.
Excellent book. Very difficult to put down once you have started.
It is a relatively true to life representation of the court room drama played out every day. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good "whodunit" and "what happens next?" Or anyone involved in the criminal justice system.

Looking forward Max and JD's next case!!!

I have the distinction of knowing the author, and may be just a little biased, but it took me less than 2 days to read the book cover to cover. The story line grabs you and keeps you completely engrossed. A must read book.

This was a fun read. Lewis cleverly makes his point. I seldom laugh out loud while reading. However I did with this book.

The Screwtape Letters is Lewis's classic collection of diabolical correspondence. In it, a senior devil gives continued advice to his protégé on how best to tempt his victim and keep him from salvation.

Lewis does not propose any concrete doctrine on devils here, and this is not his point. Rather he focuses on highlighting the ways, both large and small, that Christians are distracted from God. Lewis explores the dangers of not being purposeful toward God and life, as well as what happens to people when they give in to temptation.

The book is presented as a collection of letters, all from Screwtape to Wormwood. But Lewis does a good job of making the conversation not feel one-sided, and he does a fantastic job with the devils' personalities. In fact the book is rather deeper than this, as there are two other plots going on. First is the fate of Wormwood's man. Second is the relationship between the devils, and the fate of Wormwood.

The Screwtape Letters is deeper than it appears, and is thoroughly thought-provoking. Most every reader will find elements in it to which he or she can relate. Christians of all maturity levels can benefit from this book.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The battle between good and evil is no more raw and personal than in this magnificant manifest. Read only if you dare to find out what battles are going on in this world and inside you. Fantastic, riviting. revealing.