Nicholas Books

I have stacks of books about this era, and about Russia in general, but none of them give the flavor of the time and place quite so vividly as Troyat's narrative. He follows the adventures of a British businessman who is virtually adopted by a Russian family during his first visit to Moscow. The descriptions of family life, night life -- including the theater, the ballet, and restaurants and cabarets, of religion, and even of the streets, are filtered through the consciousness of a stranger, and so are more clearly described and, where necessary, explained than in books in which everyday life is more of a background to the rest of the narrative.

If you're a student of Russian history, particularly the history of this particular era, this book is highly recommended. For writers who are researching the era, this is on the level of the Writer's Digest "Everyday Life..." series for information, and really indispensable. Even so, this is not some dry text. It's lively and occasionally amusing, and always fascinating.

Imagine time-traveling with a smart gentleman who is energetic, enthusiastic, sociable, and just happened to have lived there 'then.' This is the seamless, appropriately elaborate, and richly detailed adventure one experiences in reading this book. Troyat called this book a mere "sentimental promenade,' but he was much too modest. Biographer of Flaubert, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Elizabeth I and others, he had a pre-Revolutionary Russian early childhood, and the recollections of his (refugees-to-France) family members. In this book he enthusiastically and carefully recreates the sights, sounds, smells of daily life. The peasantry, workers and their everpresent sufferings and struggles, commerce, law, food, the gentry, the tsar and his retinue, social life, the hapless serfs, plus plans, hopes, and dreams. The chapter "Moscow's Many Faces" is reminiscence, and very informative. The research is the backbone of this work, which is greatly enriched and informed by Troyat's emotional ties to -- and sensory recall of -- the time and place.

A well-crafted historical resource for anyone interested in Russia under Nicolas II. It covers a wide range of daily life - everything from how the trains ran to steam baths to military service to haute cuisine of the time. I became so immersed in this book that at times I felt like I was there.

Remy's infamous work "Daemonolatreiae libri tres", first published in France in 1595 and is generally considered one of the most important early works on demons and witches.

Remy is generally considered one of the more virulent demonologists, in line with other anti-witch writers like Jean Bodin or Heinrich Kramer. His work was influential until the end of the 17th century, when a belief in witches and demons was on a steep decline, and this book was frequently cited and reprinted. Montague Summers, the eccentric early 20th century occult historian, lauds praise on Remy for his determination to root out witchery by any means possible, even if that meant the torture and death of innocents. While repugnant to our modern morality, this work is important to an understanding of the witch craze of the early modern period.

Although from a Christian POV, this book delves into historic thoughts on witchcraft, satanism, demon worship, et al and outlines some alleged practices. While some of its accounts do resemble the demonolatry rituals of the middle ages, most of the book resembles something akin to the embellished hysteria outlined in the Compendium Maleficarum and The Malleus Maleficarum. There were only 1,275 copies of this book printed. They are hand numbered. Regardless, a valuable and rare title worth the price and wait.

This is the Montague Summers' edition of Nicholas Remy's infamous work "Daemonolatreiae libri tres", first published in France in 1595 and is generally considered one of the most important early works on demons and witches.

Remy was a judge for the Duchy of Lorraine and tried many hundreds of witchcraft cases, sending as many as 800 of the accused to a slow and terrible death at the stake. As a result of his vast "experience", this present work was considered one of the most influenctial of the many works on witchcraft and demonology that came about as a result of the great witchcraze of the 16th and 17th centuries. It definately influenced the work of several later demonologists such as Francesco Maria Guazzo and Martin Del Rio. Remy's work described a number of witchcraft cases and emphasised the truth of the diabolic pact supposedly made between a witch and the Devil himself and the horrible acts claimed to take place at the witches Sabbat. It also highlighted the fact that many witches were forced into the Devil's service either through trickery or violence, which was a change from several earlier works which claimed that witches made a willing choice to do evil. This in no way meant that Remy urged mercy for those who chose the dark path. Quite the opposite was true in fact. Remy draws on many ancient and contemporary sources for his arguments and stressed that the evil power of witches and other adherents to the Devil must be thoroughly rooted out of society by rope and flame.

Remy is generally considered one of the more virulent demonologists, in line with other anti-witch writers like Jean Bodin or Heinrich Kramer. His work was influential until the end of the 17th century, when a belief in witches and demons was on a steep decline, and this book was frequently cited and reprinted. Montague Summers, the eccentric early 20th century occult historian, lauds praise on Remy for his determination to root out witchery by any means possible, even if that meant the torture and death of innocents. While repugnant to our modern morality, this work is important to an understanding of the witchcraze of the early modern period.

I would like very much to review this book. I was promised a delivery date of NLT 25 April 2002; now I have been alerted that the delivery date is postponed a month. Dr. Henry Purcell, April 23rd, 2002

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Great companion and elucidator to the complex mind of Dorothy Dunnett and House of Niccolo Series. Lots of fascinating info and translations.

Volume II of the Dorothy Dunnett Companion completes and expands the first Companion by documenting all of the novels in both the House of Niccolo and the Lymond Chronicles. It complements, not replaces, the first Companion.

For the devoted Dunnett reader, the Companion serves two purposes. Firstly, it provides a wealth of knowledge including translations of some of those non English phrases that made life difficult for some of us when tackling the books the first time around.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it keeps Lady Dunnett's erudition and sparkling humour alive for us. We see the application of her knowledge in the novels themselves but here, first hand, we experience the breadth and depth of knowledge and research that made both series so special.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Dorothy Dunnett's profound erudition and unprecedented ability to incorporate information into her novels set her apart from many, if not most, authors of historical fiction. The fact that her novels are so packed with information (as well as plot) is one of the reasons I love her books so much. I read her books, I devour her books, and I always want to learn more about the time periods she evokes so effectively.

That is where this book comes in. The novels provide tantalizing glimpses into a rich and complex world; the Companion allows the interested reader to pursue these glimpses into the labyrinthine world of Renaissance life and politics. The Companion (and what I say here applies to both Volumes I and II) is organized alphabetically and makes it possible for the reader who wants to do so to learn more about the multitude of historical figures who are so beautifully woven into the novels.

The Companion also provides the means for tracking down the quotations and other rhetorical devices that appear in the novels. The Companion carefully provides enough information to educate the reader, but not so much as to give away any of the plots of the novels. This is a delicate task, but is accomplished beautifully.

We all miss Dorothy Dunnett. May her novels long survive in print, and may the number of her fans continue to grow. Books like the Companion will help to make sure that both of these exhortations remain reality.

Thirty years after its first publication this biography of E. M. Forster still hasn't been surpassed and chances are fairly slim that it ever will be. Furbank was apparently the perfect biographer for E.M.F. - he handles his life with an appropriate balance of inquisitiveness and discretion just as the writer lived his life. This attitude maybe now seem close to timidity which it is not, it is us who have been spoiled by the last quarter of a century.
This book is a perfect addition to any E.M.F.'s scholar and fan library but it may be a perfect introduction for someone for whom the name does not ring a bell yet. This is simply a great biography of a great men of letters - and the two greats add to make a great read.

The must-have biography that almost every researcher of E.M. Forster uses among her/his basic material. Furbank was appointed by E.M. Forster himself as his biographer. The book contains photographs and it covers a lot of detail. Although the extensive detail sometimes gives an impression of digression it in fact enhances the 'scientific' value of the book, since it provides information about E.M. Forster for research from many angles (ranging from Bloomsbury Group to liberalism &c &c). Moreover, the detailed descriptions at times almost read like a novel (for instance the section on E.M. Forster's travels to Italy). Many letters are included - some by E.M. Forster, some to E.M. Forster, some about E.M. Forster - and make for an enchanting account. Very informative.

Without a doubt, Furbank's work is a great resource for any student of Forster. While working on my thesis , his book was always close at hand. Forster readers will appreciate the attention to detail that helps enliven any reading of one of Forster's novels.

If you are a book lover, you will absolutely cherish every word written by the incomparable Nicholas Basbanes. In this latest offering of books about books, Mr. Basbanes has collected articles and essays covering his illustrious career as an author, journalist and top-notch book reviewer. I found every entry to be a fascinating glimpse into the world of everything books. Mr. Basbanes writes about authors, collectors, book makers and the history of books in a wonderfully witty and compelling manner making every one of his books a bonafide page-turner. After reading Mr. Basbanes, I am always hungry for more, and I know he will deliver regularly with another insightful look into the gentle madness that is bibliomania. I highly recommend all of his previous books which are easliy purchased anywhere. On top of these terrific books, Mr. Basbanes is a prince of a guy who thoughtfully responds to his readers' emails no matter where in the world he might be. How refreshing it is to have authors who actually care about the reader! Read EDITIONS & IMPRESSIONS as soon as you are able, and you will find your life enriched immeasurably. Review by: Jeffery Schulz

When I see Nicholas A. Basbanes on a book cover I know I have to read it, because no one else in today's world so well depicts the joy to be found in reading and collecting books. Editions and Impressions is a collection of short essays and articles written over a period of twenty years. Some of the collectors and collections described here will be familiar to readers of Basbanes' earlier works, particularly A Gentle Madness and Among the Gently Mad, while others will be less recognizeable but still just as interesting to read about. I particularly enjoyed the eulogies or obituaries to noted book collectors like Carter Burden or Louis Szathmary. I collect books too, and while I'll never have the resources to make the scale of purchases the collectors described here oould enjoy, its nevertheless fun to realize that the same stab of joy I feel when I buy for a few bucks a long out of print title by a favorite author is shared by men and women who can afford to spend tens of thousands of dollars.

Basbanes mentions he has another collection of essays and articles to be published soon, along with several more works waiting to be finished. I and countless other bibliophiles will be awaiting them anxiously.

This collection of short articles on various collectors, libraries and authors is pleasant to read: Nicholas Basbanes is an accomplished writer, clearly devoted to his subject.

A must purchase for all those who love collecting books.

(And, Kathryn Haller deserves a nod for the nice design of the dust jacket.)

Holmes's Book represent a clear vision of the paper of government's to deliver social services through technology infrastructure and confirm how government's processes have to modify its sense to deliver major benefits to more citizens. It is highly recommended.

I was given this book as a gift, one of the best gifts I have received. I also had the pleasure of meeting the author in person. Even though it was very entertaining to read, the best value is that it served as a guide.

I truly recommend this book to all the people that want to create changes in government.

This informative, well-researched and brightly written overview of government e-business will fill you in on how far governments worldwide have come in offering services via the Internet, and what more they have to do to make the most of what the technology has to offer. It's a fascinating read that highlights the Internet's incredible power in bringing people, causes and issues together in the name of social activism, politics and democracy. We from getAbstract recommend this book to all readers with an interest in better - or at least more efficient -government.

I was very moved by Nicholas Proffitt's novel about espionage in the Vietnam War. What was so intense for me was the CIA's involvement in foreign governments and what a role our government played in the shaping of the war and how the Vietnamese govt's related to their own people. The novel is heartbreaking, excellently written, and had me gripped for a day and a half. I am surprised this was never made into a movie but think it has some commentary for our world today.

Most books, as well as movies, have not yet figured out exactly what to say about the Vietnam war. While I'm not sure that this one has all the answers it was by far the most enjoyable fiction to come out of that conflict that I have come across. The story of the American "Gulliver" and his Vietnamese counterpart (and counterpoint) had me searching the used book stores in desperation after my brother lost my copy. Luckily I was recently successfull and I want to tell everyone what a very fine novel this is.

The most complex work Proffitt ever conceived on paper. And what a tour-de-force! I've had the pleasure to read Nick's other two books, which show a constant level of sophistication, character and story wise. The Embassy House is on a higher stratum by itself. You're introduced to the main character as he struggles to define himself against a backdrop of covert intelligence operations in vietnam. One of the many things that make this book special are the supporting characters. Almost each and every one of them is fully realized, whether American or Vietnamese. Another special thing are the relationships that develop across the pages. Reading through you can never feel comfortable relating to any of the characters. It is as if the author deliberately put up a wall between you, the reader, and the characters. This works so well for this book since these walls themselves exist between the characters. Gradually the pace of the war picks up pace and what unfolds is a powerful story weaved together by a highly regarded journalist and author. Do yourself a favor and pick up a used copy. The last I've heard, Nick has lost passion for writing after his third novel. Sad news for anyone who was looking forward for future works.

This is a great starter book for collectors of all kinds. Just the Web site recommendations alone are worth the purchase price. I found a super wholesale distributor for flea market sellers (like me) that I didn't know existed!!! I've since placed an order for dolls, collector knives, etc. at rock bottom prices!!! Another thing I really like about this book is its breezy and witty approach to things. The author gives us histories of so many collectible items. I'm not a postcard collector, for instance, but I found reading about them fascinating. This book is just plain fun!!!

This book is worth getting for all the cool websites it lists, but as a bonus you get gobs more good stuff. It's an interesting intro to collectibles of all kinds. There's practical information and fun historical tidbits about collecting and collectibles. I learned a lot of things I didn't know. I'll be an educated consumer when I visit the flea markets and garage sales in my town. This book totally rocks! As they say on ebay: A+++++

I have purchased other books in this series that have been rather skimpy and--the truth be told--boring. But the COLLECTIBLES edition is anything but. I picked up a healthy helping of tips and techniques on collecting (and have visted some of the super recommended Web sites). But I also learned a great deal about history through the collectible items featured in the book--like stamps and coins. The political items chapter was fabulous. And I love the cool collectible pictures throughout the book. The variety was neat. This is just a fun and informative book!!!

In laying the groundwork for a reformed epistemology, this book defines the idea of "rational belief" and shows how this definition is superior to the one assumed by contemporary logical positivists (i.e., many atheists and agnostics coming from the scientific perspective).
Summary: It can be rational to believe something without "proof"; we all do it all the time.

In measuring whether belief in God qualifies as rational, this book shows compellingly that belief in God is properly basic; i.e., it needs no general justification.

I found Marsden's chapter ("The Collapse of American Evangelical Academia") also to be quite informative. Before I read this chapter, I had ideas about the current state of the Evangelical mind (I've read OS Guiness, Dorothy Sayers, etc.), but I didn't really understand how we got where we are.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the basics of justifying his/her Christianity either to him/herself, or to the world.

"Faith and Rationality" is not a layperson's book (what did you expect!). This is the introduction to the whole notion of "reformed epistemology." The essays are composed by Alston, Mavrodes, Wolsterstorff, Plantinga, Marsden, and D. Holwerda. The theme of the book begins with the rejection of "classical foundationalism," which is later supplemented by an agument for God's existence (God's existence is properly basic). I was very surprised and intrigued by D. Holwerda's essay. His eerie essay critiques Wolfhart Pannenburg's theology and thought on the Resurrection of Christ. Good book before reading Alvin Plantinga's Warrant series.

Faith and Rationality is split into 9 different sections, including the introduction. (The introduction includes the major themes of the book and how it is primary a work of Reformed scholarship.) There are two short stories by George Mavrodes which I found highly amusing, and which were a nice break from the difficult readings. The rest of the book--the majority of it--is composed of 6 essays.

The first essay is Plantinga's "Reason and Belief in God." This is one of Plantinga's earlier essays on "Reformed Epistemology" and is highly recommended. It's a great introduction to the thought he more fully develops later on (primarily in the "Warrant Series"). The first part of the essay moves through the evidentialist objection to theistic belief and its various forms. In the second part of the essay Plantinga charges Aquinas with holding the view, speaking roughly, that belief in God is irrational without evidence. In this part Plantinga also argues that Classical Foundationalism is self-referentially incoherent. Part three goes through reformed objections to Natural Theology. During the last part of his essay Plantinga argues that belief in God is properly basic.

The second essay is William Alston's "Christian Experience and Christian Belief." Alston argues that certain Christian experiences (the presence of God, the moving of the HS, etc.) contribute to the rationality of Christian belief. I am not familiar with Alston's work, but after reading this essay I intend to do some follow up reading on his views (which, I assume, are expanded in Perceiving God: The Epistemology of Religious Experience).

The third essay is Wolterstorff's "Can Belief in God Be Rational If It Has No Foundations?" Wolterstorff picks up where Plantinga leaves off. If Classical Foundationalism (and Natural Theology) are bankrupt, can belief in God still be rational? Wolterstorff's resounding answer is "Yes." Wolterstorff has a fascinating exposition of Locke and Reid in this essay. He eventually concludes, following Reid, that people have different "belief dispositions" which allow them to form rational beliefs, of which "reasoning" is only one disposition.

George Mavrodes' "Jerusalem and Athens Revisited" comes next. Relatively short, in comparison to the other essays, I found Mavrodes' essay very useful. He asked some probing questions, and made some very sharp distinctions which aided my understanding of the previous essays greatly. The book continues with George Marsden's essay entitled "The Collapse of American Evangelical Academia." I found this essay fascinating and loosely connected to the overall themes of the book. Finally, the book concludes with a essay by D. Holwerda called "Faith, Reason, and the Resurrection." This essay is a exposition and examination of Wolfhart Pannenberg's theology.

Most people who buy this book will buy it for Plantinga's and Wolterstorff's essays. Fair enough. But some of the other essays are very interesting (especially Marsden's) and informative. Overall, I would suggest this book as an introduction to Reformed Epistemology to be followed with Wolterstorff's Reason Within the Bounds of Religion (PBK) and Plantinga's "Warrant" series. Highly recommended.