Roberts Books

Lee: The Last Years

This is a wonderful book about a wonderful man. Although Robert E. Lee is most remembered as a General, for most of his adult life, he was an engineer and educator (although in the army). Mr. Lee could have become very wealthy after the war by simply allowing his name to be used commercially. However, he wanted to make a contribution and did so by accepting the position as President of Washington College. He seldom spoke of the war and brought no military flavor to the College.

There is an argument that Robert E. Lee is responsible for more American dead than any other single individual. The difficult part of this book is tying to tie that Robert E. Lee to the man he was in his last five (5) years. He played Santa at Christmas, broke up a lynching, stroked the ego of his horse Traveller, was a good family man, looked out for the under dog and took care of his students, even when they were in trouble. How he handled all these situations, often minor by standards of the war, brings out the essence of the man including his character, values, wit and subtle humor.

I have read/studied history and biography for 40 years. I have spent more time on Robert E. Lee than any other individual and this book someway brings all my study of Mr. Lee together and puts it in perspective. I highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in American History. Thanks Mr. Flood.

Outstanding biography of the man. Much has been written about the general, this book brings the humble father, husband and Christian man to life.

I've long considered myself a student of Southern history and the Civil War. Heck, I've been a historian at museums so I think I have a pretty good knowledge of the Civil War era. Furthermore, I live in Virginia and have been to the campus of Washington and Lee University. However, nearly every page of Charles Bracelen Flood's work on Robert E. Lee's post-war years is full of information I've never heard about. Flood has used many differing sources to pull together a wonderful, highly readable account of Lee's years after the war, how he came to be President of Washington College, and his role in the reconstruction of this country. What jumps out off the pages is that for as much as Lee has been studied and idolized for his exploits on the battlefield, his postwar years as President of the college should get just as much press. While Lee did not think defending his native state was wrong, he did wish for both North and South to reconcile as quickly as possible. After reading the book, I still do not think Lee is the god that some people hold him up to be, but he does stand out as a good man who wanted to bring the nation back together while also helping his fellow Southerners get back on their feet. While Flood's writing can be unimaginative at times and I thought he threw in little stories and vignettes that he didn't need too, the book is excellent overall and should be a must read for anyone interested in Lee. However, the book is such an easy, good read that I think almost anyone should pick it up.

Bracelen Flood clearly does extensive research in order to render this intimate and engrossing portrayal of Lee.

Lee: The Last Years was well worth reading. A must for anyone who wants to know a little more of the Rest of The Story about a fine American, though much misunderstood.

This was a very supportive book,and had very useful information. Heal Your Headache by Dr. David Buchholz helped me more.

After living with Migraine Disease for 22 years (I am now only 26) this book has provided me with some answers. I have been suffering from chronic daily headache for the past four years. I picked up this book one weekend and could NOT put it down. Within a week, I was on the recommended Web sites, found a recommended doctor in my area and got in to see him. I've been headache-free for 2 days now! That might not seem like much to some people but to me, it feels like forever! Thank you Teri!

I have had migraines for over 20 years. I thought I knew it all and could write the book on migraines, but this one actually taught me some new tricks! I have shared it with 3 other people and even bought it for my sisters who suffer from migraines.

I enjoyed this book far more than I expected. Since the author also experiences migraine attacks, she writes with a great deal of empathy for the sufferer. Reading the stories of the author and others who have experienced attacks at least as frequent or as "bad" as mine reassured me that I am not alone. This book makes two main points: Nearly all migraine patients can be helped, and we should not settle for inadequate medical care. I recommend this book to anyone who experiences migraine attacks, or who cares about someone who does. The book provides both information and encouragement.

This is the book that changed my life! It gives you comprehensive information, guides on how to help yourself in an ER situation, doctors that don't listen, and how to get the best care possible for yourself or your loved one.

Teri writes with such knowledge and compassion. Every single medical term is explained. She speaks from the heart and you can tell this book was a labor of love.

Thank you Teri! You helped me get my life back!!

I am pleased with Robert Bowman and J. Ed Komoszewski's treatment on the deity of Jesus. I have read a number of books on the person of Jesus, but I have never read one as chock-full of biblical documentation as this. Of course, none of the information in this book will come as a surprise to the committed Christian, as the deity of Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. But when one considers ALL the evidence compiled in this book, it baffles me how the Jehovah's Witness (and those belonging to other faiths that claim to uphold biblical authority) can say this was a doctrine made up by Constantine and Co. in the 4th century. Jesus is not just "a god," He's not an angel, He not the spirit brother of Lucifer. No, this is the God-man, Immanuel, and how fortunate we are that He dwelt among us. All of this is there for anyone to see. I love the acronym "HANDS" and the many resources we've been given, including the appendix A that includes many dozens of verses to support the claims made in this book. One final note: Because this book is very thorough, it is not easy to skim through and get full benefit. I suggest you go slowly, absorb the many verses found within its pages, and remind yourself how Jesus is both Lord and God forevermore!

In genre, this is an apologetic work. That means it is advocating a specific position and marshals the necessary evidence to support that position. The topic under consideration is the deity of Jesus of Nazareth as attested to by the New Testament. And, the preceding reader reviews here on Amazon have well made the point that this book is exceptionally successful in accomplishing its goals to the satisfaction of its target audience. And, its target audience is Christian laity. The authors, Bowman and Komoszewski, are professional apologists and, therefore, professional writers which is evident from their clean, to the point and accessible prose. The list of academic endorsements for this book is long and impressive. And, to the author's credit they spend no time excoriating their opponents.

That the target audience is the faithful and the perplexed speaks volumes about our postmodern era. Almost two thousand years ago, the original Christian apologetic works by Justin Martyr and his successors were aimed at those outside the faith who subscribed to a different "philosophy," polytheism or Judaism. This of course immediately raises the question of why the thrust of current Christian apologetics is almost exclusively inward looking. And quite simply put, Christian faith has been under assault from a variety of sources for the last fifty years or so. Rational skeptics, Jesus deniers, and surprisingly academics within the schools of theology and religious studies have raised doubts about Jesus and his deity and captured a wide audience and media attention . Their opinions range from outright denial of Jesus as a historical figure, to Jesus as a figure so surrounded by myth as to be unknowable, to Jesus as no more than a great teacher who was deified long after his death by his followers. It is probably this last opinion that has gained the most traction from academic sources such as the "Jesus Seminar" and fiction such as that of Dan Brown's, "De Vinci Code."

In a workmanlike, scholarly, and exhaustive fashion, "Putting Jesus in His Place" addresses the question of Jesus' deity as portrayed in the New Testament writings. What it finds is that the New Testament contains a myriad of references to the deity of Jesus and that these references in many instances are quite early. A well worked out typology is offered by the authors that divides these affirmations into five categories. Not only is this information convincing, but on numerous occasions, this book provides the reader with clear and insightful exegesis of N.T. passages. For example, the exposition of the concept of "coming" as a proof text for the pre-existence of the Son of God. End notes are extremely valuable and comprise nearly a quarter of the text. Advanced material as well as bibliographic references may be extracted from these notes if the reader wishes.

One star is duly subtracted because of dating issues regarding the composition of the N.T. books. Following J. A. T. Robinson, the authors date the entire New Testament prior to 70 C.E. While this is a tenable position, it is not the consensus scholarly view. Therefore, we may find the prayer of Stephen in Acts which almost certainly dates to within a decade of the crucifixion juxtaposed with a quote from the Revelation of John which may well date to circa 95 C.E. or 1 Peter which was probably written after 100 C.E. The books only deviation from conservative dating and authorship attributions is that Bowman and Komozewski state that the book of Hebrews was not an epistle of the apostle Paul. While this may be disconcerting to some, it in no way detracts from the authors' exposition of the many passages in the New Testament that date to within twenty-five years of Jesus' death, circa 33 C.E., and which attest to His divinity. Within the context of this books clearly stated objectives, the writers have provided a compelling document that is accessible to almost all.

I haven't yet had the opportunity to read the entire book, but after working through a few of the chapters, taking notes, etc., I can say with confidence that this book is essential reading for anyone interested in how the New Testament describes the person of Jesus.

The book provides a window into the thinking of the New Testament authors, in particular, as they draw on their Jewish background and their common understanding of God Almighty, and then apply that same understanding to Jesus of Nazareth. For example, in the Old Testament, in passages devoted to describing God's uniqueness (Isa 44:6-7ff), Creation is an act ascribed only to God (Isa 44:24); then, in the New Testament, we find Jesus engaged in Creation (e.g. John 1:3; Col 1:16-17). The book is extensive and detailed in terms of pointing out the various ways that the New Testament declares that Jesus is indeed divine, on the level of the Father. The evidence is overwhelming, and the conclusion can only be avoided by distancing oneself from Jewish belief and practice.

This book would make for a fine Sunday School series. The material is well-researched and footnoted, but is also presented within the framework of an easy-to-remember acrostic (H-A-N-D-S). It is also a nice complement to a shorter work by theologian Richard Bauckham - God Crucified : Monotheism and Christology in the New Testament. I would recommend reading Bauckham's book first, then following it with this one.

Ed Komoszewski and Robert Bowman should be congratulated on their fine work. Christians should keep an eye out for both authors. Bowman is prolific, and relevant to the topic of this book, has written some excellent books discussing the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses (who deny the full deity of Jesus), e.g. Why You Should Believe in the Trinity: An Answer to Jehovah's Witnesses. Komoszewski is the director of Christus Nexus, an organization of scholars devoted to educating the church in a time when the Scriptures and the person of Christ are constantly under attack. Don't miss his Reinventing Jesus.

Putting Jesus In His Place (PJIHP) is perhaps the most accessible book on Christology to come along since Raymond Brown's "An Introduction to New Testament Christology" -- but this is more than a mere introduction. J. Ed Komoszewski and Robert Bowman, Jr. introduce the interested layperson to Jesus but then bring us into an intimate relationship with him through what the New Testament and current scholarship have to say about him.

The authors have developed the acronym H.A.N.D.S. in order to help the reader memorize the various themes discussed in this book which show forth the deity of Christ. As a student in general, I appreciate any pedagogical tool that will help me to retain useful information, but as a Charismatic-Pentecostal in particular (the Trinitarian kind) I very much appreciate this specific acronym. As a Charismatic, I am accustomed to lifting my hands in worship and adoration of the Lord Jesus. I'm also accustomed to clapping and waving my hands in praise of him. I take the New Testament at its word when it speaks of laying hands on the sick and praying the prayer of faith, so as you can see, HANDS are an integral part of my faith. So when the authors set forth this acronym as a way to instill the Biblical teaching of Christ's deity, it really hit home!

As other reviewers have noted, the H.A.N.D.S. acronym stands for:

Honors
Attributes
Names
Deeds
Seat

Jesus shares all of these things with the Father and the way in which Komoszewski and Bowman go about proving this is nothing short of remarkable. Both authors are extremely gifted writers who for quite some time have been producing top quality material for a lay-audience. They examine not only the major passages of Scripture that many of us are familiar with with regard to this debate, but they also bring to our attention some more obscure passages. We've all seen countless apologists cite John 1:1 or Titus 2:13 in defense of the deity of Christ, but when was the last time you saw someone draw attention to Luke 8:39 (p. 204)? When was the last time you took into account the vast Old Testament material that speaks of Yahweh and the way it is appropriated and applied to Jesus in the New Testament? Think about it... Exactly... It's been a while, maybe even never. It would be impossible to say that no stone was left unturned, but in reading this volume one gets the sense that if there are some stones that haven't been looked under, they're few and far between.

This is a book that needs to be in the hands of every Bible Study teacher, every Pastor, every counter-cult Apologist, and every person interested in theological and biblical studies. Why?, you ask. Because there's not a book on the market that is so easily accessible which dialogues with the best of current scholarship (names like Larry Hurtado, Richard Bauckham, James Dunn, R.T. France, etc.), interacts with the best of current arguments against the deity of Christ (names like Greg Stafford, Jason BeDuhn, etc.), and which takes into account the various points of study that these men have chosen to focus on. Sure, you can find a book that deals with one or two of these themes, but you won't find anything that deals with all of them, and even if you did, it wouldn't be as readable as this!

It's also worth noting that the book is lined with helpful charts that will aid in your memorization. There's detailed endnotes for anyone who wants to dig deeper than the text itself (and trust me, that deep all on its own!). A Scripture index is included and my favorite extra, a recommended reading list. This list reads like the top shelf of my main bookcase, so I can attest to how good it really is.

There's simply not enough positive things to say about this book, but I will say this... There are going to be people who read this book and take exception to it. They'll give it bad reviews and chide about how the authors haven't made their case or have misrepresented x or y. So this is what I say... Get your own copy and find out for yourself. It's that simple and at the price Amazon has it for, you can't afford not to get it!

If you'd like to read my full multi-part review of Putting Jesus in His Place then you can visit the following site:

[...]

B"H

Is Jesus Christ God? Did he claim to be God or was this a fiction manufactured after his death? What circumstantial evidence is there that Jesus and his followers believed he was God or that even his opponents believed that Jesus claimed to be God?

"Putting Jesus in His Place: The Case for the Deity of Christ" is a new book by Robert Bowman and Edward Komoszewski. It is published by Kregel under an academic and professional label but I found the writing style to be very accessible. The authors write, "Our aim is to provide a comprehensive case from the New Testament for the deity of Christ," and they don't disappoint in their efforts.

Bowman and Komoszewski use the acronym "HANDS" to organize the material:

Jesus shares the honor due to God.
Jesus shares the attributes of God.
Jesus shares the names of God.
Jesus shares the deeds that God does.
Jesus shares the seat of God's throne.

As they work through these themes they frequently engage critics of Jesus divinity including everything from the Jesus Seminar types to the Jehovah's Witnesses. In the concluding chapter they write:

********

One of the most basic methods of journalism is to ask the "wh" questions: who, what, when, where, and why? (Sometimes a sixth question, "how?" is also asked.) We can apply these five question to the matter of the deity of Christ (arranged in a different order.)

1. Why? This question asks for the significance of the person to others.
2. When? This question asks for the time when the person was present and involved.
3. Who? This question ask for a person's name.
4. What? This question asks for an account of the person's activity.
5. Where? This question asks for the place where the person lives or was active.

You can see that these five questions correspond (perhaps a bit roughly) to the five lines of evidence for the deity of Christ discussed in this book. The honors that Jesus shares with God are the answer to the question of why knowing Jesus is God is significant. Perhaps the most basic of all Christ's divine attributes is that he existed when creation began and in fact is eternal. The names that Jesus shares with God, of course, tell us who he is. The deeds that Jesus does with God tell us what Jesus has done. Finally, that Jesus shares the seat of God's throne tells us where Jesus is.

That these five investigative questions correspond to the five categories of evidence for Christ's deity is not accidental. The information gathered from these five questions provides a complete picture of the facts pertaining to the identity of the person in question. (274-275)

********

Throughout the book there are helpful charts to highlight key points. At the end of the book is an appendix organized by each of the five themes with tables that summarize the evidence.

Apart from the apologetic applications of the book, there is helpful commentary on numerous difficult and controversial passages in the Bible. And as you might expect from an academic book, about one fifth of the contents is end notes. I suspect this book will be residing on my reference shelf for some time to come.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in Cardiac health.
Although I am a registered nurse and have a genuine interest as I have a heart condition, I think that anyone would find this book helpful.
The explanations are easy to understand and the advice is excellent. I have already been following much of what has been suggested but there were other areas that I didn't know about that were very helpful. My cardiologist advised me to read this as I don't want to use conventional medicine unless absolutely necessary, due to the side effects. I am really please with the results since I have followed this regime and so is my cardiologist. The heart is a muscle whose cells need feeding - if not we have inflamation leading to heart attacks and strokes etc
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in living a healthier life.

Written by two cardiologists.By far the most informative book I've read so far on heart disease. It's an easy read, yet chucked full of information you need & must know. Unfortuneately when we see a doctor or cardiologist they focus solely on the symptom, they have little or no time to devote to prevention nor a cure. You'll be happy to know...as the book states you CAN stop deadly cardiovascular plaque before it's too late.

this was a decent book with a lot of good usuable information. It is a Must Read for anyone over 45 who has a poor diet and is over weight. It is written by medical doctors who are interested in healing the body-not just treating the symtoms. there are also many suppliments that they recommend that are available in most stores (unlike Kevin Trudeau who recommends product not even available in the U.S.)!! It was well worth the money and I strongly recommend it to any one who is concerned about heart disease.

I've had a heart attack. I want to take personal responsibility for my health and do all I can to prevent my experience from reoccurring. As I began recovery and started researching the why's of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), I found there was more I needed to know. Dr. Sinatra's book helped me understand how my body works and what I and my doctor can do to promote healing and restore my health. Dr. Sinatra's book is well written and chocked-full up-to-date information that the reader can use. The resources contained in this book are invaluable. There is hope. GW

Nice book especially the supplements section, such as vitamins, enzymes, etc...that is if you don't mind taking supplements instead of or in addition to standard medications.

This book, which by all means should be read before "The Letter of Marque" is a wonderful, if sad installment in the series. In the midst of the unfortunate treatment of Aubrey however, is a real powerful moment towards the end of the novel. Again, a real testament to the themes of honor and friendship that abound in this series.

This is the 11th novel in the Aubrey-Maturin seagoing series. This book is all about honor and reputation, how easy they are to lose, and how hard they are to get back. The story takes place mostly on land and finds Captain Jack Aubrey an easy mark for some stock swindlers who lure him into a confidence game, with terrible consequences. Doctor Stephen Maturin finds that he has been dumped by his flighty wife, who ran off with a Swedish officer. The book ends with the men in an unaccustomed circumstance, with Aubrey reliant on Maturin to salvage his own future.

It was nice to see the series back in good form after the silliness of "The Far Side of the World." However, some of the on-going international intrigue that spans several books has gotten so complicated that I can't remember what it was about, and I find myself not caring, either.

Reviewer: Liz Clare, co-author of the historical novel "To the Ends of the Earth: The Last Journey of Lewis and Clark"

The twelve books that precede The Reverse of the Medal in the Aubrey-Maturin series together form a coherent, engaging chronicle of naval warfare, intrigue, and romance. Had its thirteenth installment been simply more of the same, the appeal might have begun to pale; however, with a single plot twist, Patrick O'Brian changes the rules of the game completely, handing Aubrey and Maturin a whole new set of challenges.(Note: plot spoilers follow).

Captain Jack Aubrey, ashore and in funds for a change, is induced to invest in the stock market on rumors of peace. When the rumors turn out to be a hoax, Aubrey is falsely accused and convicted of stock fraud and dismissed from the Navy. With his fortunes in ruins and reinstatement to his rank a dim prospect, his only choice is to take up privateering in the newly-decommissioned Surprise.

What sets this book apart from its predecessors is the extent to which we see Aubrey struggling honorably with devious opponents and murky matters quite at odds with his seamanlike competencies, and dealing with the loss of his Naval identity, so much a part of his being. In so doing, it contains some of O'Brian's finest writing - the scene of Aubrey's punishment in the pillory, cheered and protected by a city square full of seamen, is one of his most bitterly triumphant and touching.

The Reverse of the Medal is not the place to start reading this saga. However, the changes that it rings on the previous books' formula ensure a fresh tone and a new perspective that will invigorate even the most jaded veteran of stern-chases and luffing-matches.

Just one of an awesome series focusing on "Lucky" Jack Aubrey and his friend, Dr. Steven Maturin (sp?). Series is a robust and rich historical men-at-sea and -at-war yarn that covers many years in the late 1700 to early 1800s. Ah-HA! (inside joke). Simon Vance's voice is excellent and each character is distinct.

This series is an absolute treasure, and I can't recommend it highly enough. I do, however, caution you on a couple of things. O'Brian is difficult to read. Well, that's not quite fair, it's not difficult, it's slow to read. Paragraphs can go on for a page and a half or longer, and that makes it difficult to digest all that happened.

Whatever you do, don't give in to the temptation to skip sections because they seem like long descriptions. If you take the time to read them, they seem to always offer some gems of wit and a sly turn of phrase; plus, O'Brian can resolve an entire dilemma or introduce a battle and the aftermath in a couple of sentences.

Looked at from a certain point of view, it actually enhances the story because you have to think about what you just read.

Read them all and read them in order. I can't speak to the rest of the series, but up until now it is superb.

I have read like the first 3 chapters this morning so far, and I'm hooked. I think I ended up paying like $33 for the book, and let me be the first to ya, it has been well worth the money..thank you.

I could not get passed the third chapter without tears. The words Appleton uses are simple but heartfelt. I would highly suggest that anyone who is struggling with addiction reads this true story of a man given a second chance and a new desire for life. Wow!

It was like darkness, but with a ray of hope. This book is as real as it gets on the subject of drugs and addiction. I speak from experience. This book should be placed in every jail and prison in the world. In fact it should be required reading. However, the entertainment value far outweighs the subject above. This story is much more than that; it's an experience!

I think the book's last chapter answers this, but I still think Appleton has left that door open in our minds. It IS possible that this guy, Thorn, is still out there! That is frightening. Mr. Appleton, could you write more about Thorn? I find it hard to believe that OUR government hires hit men, and that is what Thron was, until he snapped! You call it what you wish. I still think he was just a smart killer. Maybe he still is...?

I have never read a book anything like this! I could not stop thinking about it when I was a work. Now I cant stop talking about it! What a strange world we live in. You never know who your friends are. You never know who your enemies are either. I don't see people the same anymore. I suspect that most anyone might be a victim or a criminal. I am glad I read this one!!!

I was looking for a book that actually had workout routines to specifically target areas that would increase my golf game and this one had it. It also has pre-season and off-season workouts which are a plus. It is a very detailed book. Great book!

This was a quick, easy and informative read for the novice weight trainer/improving golfer. Very nice!

I'm a multi sport athlete who trains all year round regardless of what sport I play. I bought a few of these Ultimate Guide to Weight Training books, and they definitely helped me train specifically for the different sports that I play. Then about a year later I received an email from amazon that there was a new edition out. These upgraded editions are even better than the originals, with more articles and a lot more sport-specific information. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who plays a lot of sports or wants to specifically focus on training for one sport in particular.

This book is great! I have always had a problem falling into a workout rut, and this book has designed a fun golf workout that changes every two weeks. I would recommend this book or any book in this series to someone who is training for a specific sport. The book is simple to read and you can download blank workout sheets from their website so you can track your progress. The book also has pictures explaining each exercise that is well organized by muscle group. Golf season has not started yet but I am looking forward to getting out there and crushing some great shots.

I'm an athletic director and I bought all the books in this series for my coaches and their athletes. We're the best conditioned team in the conference, and it gives us an edge in all sports. Especially golf, since many golfers dont work-out.

The Andropause Mystery, Unraveling the Truths About the Male Menopause by Robert S. Tan M.D.

In this book, Robert Tan MD , an astute clinician and a board certified specialist in geriatric medicine, describes his professional experience, diagnosing and treating hormonal decline in aging males. Tan describes a turning point in his career when he stumbled upon a bedridden male with the typical signs and symptoms of low testosterone, namely muscle weakness, frailty, memory loss, and hair loss. Lab testing confirmed low testosterone levels. Testosterone for aging males was new in those days, so Tan had difficulty convincing the pharmacy to release the testosterone injections ( 200 mg twice a month). After three months of injections, the patient grew a beard, began walking again, and his memory and libido improved.

The experience motivated Tan to do a Medline search on the topic, and he found very little research in the area of Male Menopause, also called Andropause. This book was written to unravel the truths and dispel the myths about the Male Andropause and Testosterone replacement for the aging male.

Tan asks a few obvious questions. The medical system treats women for the hormonal decline of Menopause, so why aren't men treated for their similar hormonal decline of male Andropause? The medical system recognizes Menopause, but does not recognize Andropause.

Many physicians deny that Andropause really exists. Tan says sorry, but it does exist, and his patients are testimony to this truth. Andropause is a real syndrome, and he clearly explains that 30% of males over 65 have low testosterone levels with the associated muscle weakness, memory loss, and loss of libido. Tan also explains the reasons why the syndrome is ignored by conventional medicine. There is no curriculum in medical school or residency, and very little research in the library due to lack of funding, and lastly, unlike females who are more expressive and communicative about their night sweats and hot flashes, males tend to be stoic, and in denial of their Andropause symptoms.

Tan discusses the beneficial affects of testosterone on cognitive function, finding that many (but not all) demented nursing home males are restored to normal after testosterone treatments. He also discusses the effect of testosterone on mood, cardiac function, muscle strength, bone density, and lastly improvement in libido and erectile function. In one humorous story, Tan recounts a demented nursing home patient whose testosterone treatment had to be discontinued because of hypersexual effects. Apparently, the old fellow had approached several nurses with inappropriate requests.

Tan also discussed the incorrect belief that Testosterone treatment increases the risk of prostate cancer. Tan dispels this myth, stating that in his clinical experience, he has yet to see a case of prostate cancer induced by testosterone replacement. Nonetheless, Tan advocates routine prostate surveillance with serial PSA and DRE.

Chapter 7 discusses the nuts and bolts of testosterone replacement with diagnostic blood testing, available testosterone preparations and dosage schedules. Tan feels that testosterone replacement for males should become as routine as HRT for the female menopause.

Inconclusion, in a field with scant information, Tan's book fills a void. The book is an honest, courageous, down to earth, and occasionally humorous look at testosterone replacement for the aging male. Also recommended is The Testosterone Syndrome by Eugene Shippen MD.

Jeffrey Dach MD

What I thought I bought; a book about the aging process and the Andropause. What I got; mostly a book about testosterone replacement. This book was a let down.

The bravado of patriarchy and its reliance upon presenting males as strong, vibrant creatures able to take on the world when young, and equally powerful when old has always been a myth perpetuated as the alpha male syndrome.

However, the reality is that, like women, men undergo similar hormonal changes as a result of aging. While the outward appearance of men may remain somewhat similar, both personality and hormonal changes occur along with the physical changes in muscle power that young men discern readily in challenging the older male establishment for power and prominence.

Little discussed, or viewed as the natural aging phenomenon of men and the mellowed perspective in which he sees the world, and operates in it, typical male menopause has focused upon his desire to grativate toward younger women to extend his male prowess, or by making the wild changes of adopting fast cars, and more relaxed lifestyles in an attempt to capture his youth.

That males haven't come to grips with the similarities of aging among women ought to be a concern since so much of society is organized not around the vitality cycles of natural aging, but by the fantasies of aging men who deny their own mortality, and the consequences of aging. Taught to view women differently, men therefore find it more difficult to accept their own aging process because of the enormous differences in how men and women are cultured to be viewed by a male dominant society.

Because men died at somewhat younger ages throughout life, the lifecyle phenomenon of men has never been approached with the legitimacy or credibility that is a part of the natural consequence of being male.

That either men or women are taught to view the aging process as one that is devalued because of its physical changes rather than prized for its contribution to stable and sustainable populations is a social problem that has yet to be taken seriously. When country singers sing that "all my rowdy friends have settled down," they are recognizing this natural tendency of men to settle into a lifestyle that accepts their aging as natural, and normal rather than continuing to idolize the rowdy lifestyle that the constant pumping out of male testosterone helps to create.

The message, of course, is that, like women, men will not live forever, do suffer the consequences of aging, and must adapt age appropriate lifestyles that respects their aging, rather than condemns it. That attitude will work for both men and women to help define the expectations of being human, and mature as individuals, in planning their lives and knowing what to expect from their bodies, and what not to expect.

I couldn't believe it! The controversy about hormones for women has begun, now men? The book and author was featured on NBC Nightly News on 7/31/02. Guess it must be an important topic to be on national news!

This book is really for the layperson. The book "Andropause Mystery" does describe evolving physical, sexual, psychological and mental challenges encountered by the aging male. It does explain hormone replacement for men and the potential problems. There is a nice chapter on the psychological impact of aging on sexuality. It is easy to read and understand, but I prefer "Aging Men's Health: A Case Based Approach" by the same author. No doubt, it is a textbook, but there is more depth and detail for the professional person.

Amazon.com is great because everytime I order anything from them directly, it comes on time and in very good shape.

I haven't finished reading this book yet but it seems very good. It is very easy to read and it is very informative. I would recommend this book to anyone who has taken organic chemistry, is going to study organic chemistry n graduate school, or as a supplement to any mechanism class.

This is a great book. It is a "must have" for any organic chemist.

For people who love organic chemistry, this book provides a basic guide for people to learn some basic but fundamental details of organic chem mechanism.The fourth chapter is expecially worthy reading. Moreover, Chapter 6 provides people with a rough idea of what's going on in organometallics filed.

This book is excellent for reaction mechanism. This book is helpful for the undergraduate's organic chem 2 and the grad school's reaction mechanism class. I learned how to move the electron in reasonable way. So in one word, this book is awesome book that I ever read for practicing reaction mechanism.

Received the book promptly and was received in the condition described. Thank you. V. Santana

The Art Spirit is a classic. No artist should ever be without a copy. This book invites reading time and time again. It brings us back to the principles. The value of things. Right thinking. Relationships. As a practicing artist, I can think of few books that have meant so much.

Any artist who does not have this book in his or her library is being cheated out of great insights:

"There are mighty few people who think what they think they think."

"Be willing to paint a picture that does not look like a picture."

"...pictures which do not represent intense interest cannot expect to create an intense interest."

"Effects of perspective are made or defeated by sizes of strokes or by their tonality."

And this is just the teaser.

George Bellows, Edward Hopper, Patrick Henry Bruce, Stuart Davis, Rockwell Kent, Guy DuBois, Alfred Maurer, Carl Sprinchorn and countless others studied with Henri and went on to do great work. There are too many for this to be simply coincidence. The "Art Spirit" is the closest thing we can get to the Kool-Aid that flowed in Henri's classroom. One can glean quite a bit from the pages of this book. It is both practical and inspirational. I have to say that it can be a bit frustrating not being able to see anything or ask a question, but its much better than nothing (thank you Ms. Ryerson!). Buy a copy and read it.

The Art Spirit. Now there's a bold title. The implication is not only that there is such a specifically identifiable thing as an "art spirit", but also that the author, painter, and teacher, Robert Henri knows these specifics; a bold implication indeed. The difficulty (wherein lies the boldness) whenever one attaches the word spirit -or spiritual- to anything, there are, of course, as many understandings or perceptions of that word as there are hearers and readers of that word. This may exist to no greater degree and appear no more obvious than in the world of visual arts. Henri himself acknowledges this, writing in the forward, "...the opinions are presented more as paintings are hung on a wall, to be looked at at will and to be taken for what they are worth. If they have a suggestive value and stimulate to independent thought, they will attain the object of their presentation..." And later, "There is no idea that anyone should agree with any of the comments or that anyone should follow the advice given. If they irritate to activity in quite a different direction, it will be just as well." Although he embraces this free thinking, to-each-his-own, take what you will from it approach, it is merely one of the specific personality characteristics evidenced in the Art Spirit. Henri intends to show there is an "art spirit", and it is the province of every human being.
This is the crux of the issue for Henri, his point of departure from other artist/writers, and the chief value of this book: The Art Spirit is attainable by anyone, can be exhibited by everyone.
Other works on the subject tend to be either the less specific, more nebulous notions where we are expected to buy the fancy explanations and just accept that there is something spiritual, or of the spirit, going on here, or the very specific, artist-only oriented varieties. For example, consider Mandarin's grid "composition" series and his writing about them. While his theosophically induced explanations may help some to a degree of understanding, we are essentially left to take his word for what we are supposed to be seeing in the canvas. In his "Concerning the Spiritual in Art", although Kandinsky presages Henri -discussing psycho-emotional, expressive, and contemplative states of artists out in the real world and before the canvas- he ultimately leaves it with the artist, not really taking it out of the studio and into the factory, construction site, or office cubicle as Henri does. Whereas Kandinsky seems to digress at times into a sort of "how -to" instruction guide for defining and placing spiritual elements into a picture, Henri takes it further, defining his Art Spirit, then setting about showing us how to tell when it's present. This every-man definition is offered at the very beginning of his book:
"Art when really understood is the province of every human being.
It is simply a question of doing things, anything, well. It is not an outside, extra thing.
When the artist is alive in any person, whatever his kind of work may be, he becomes an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressing creature. He becomes interesting to other people. He disturbs, upsets, enlightens, and he opens ways for a better understanding. Where those who are not artists are trying to close the book, he opens it, shows there are still more pages possible.
The world would stagnate without him, and the world would be beautiful with him; for he is interesting to himself and he is interesting to others. He does not have to be a painter or sculptor to be an artist. He can work in any medium. He simply has to find the gain in the work itself, not outside it."
Henri then spends two hundred and forty five more pages illuminating and reiterating how one is -or can be- an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressing creature; how to live life to the fullest. The Art Spirit manifests itself in the appreciation of the non-material things in life; in the "true student" who self-educates and explores feelings, meanings, who contemplates, who really sees, who learns to express "who is you"; in what comes from the external world and inside you; in the full enjoyment in the living of life; in doing a thing well ... anything.
Henri accomplishes a difficult task here; a book with specific and important information for the artist, yet within that structure filled with insight and compelling ideas for the non-artist. One is urged to make a full reading, since quite often both are mingled in the same sentence or statement. For example, a non-painter might be tempted to skip the ten-page section on brush strokes (pg. 62-72), seeing no need for it. The unfortunate reader would then miss out on many little gems of insight and information. What is a brushstroke but a purposeful committed action by an artist? So then, consider the message in these statements when you substitute the word "stroke" with "action" or even "attitude" (parenthetical insertions are mine ):
"Strokes carry a message whether you will it or not. The stroke is just like the artist (person) at the time he makes it. All the certainties, all the uncertainties, all the bigness of his spirit and all the littleness are in it."

"There are more strokes which laugh, and there are more strokes which bind laughter, which freeze the face into a set immoveable grimace."

"(There are) bad strokes which are bad because a brush (a method) or a condition of paint (situation) were chosen which could not render them."

While Henri plays to both artist and non-artist audiences, it is at these times when he addresses the artist more directly he more closely aligns himself with Kandinsky. Both men bring their great passion for the subject into their text in their strong, clear, and pleasing voice. Kandinsky, sounding alternately-yet only slightly more- poetic here, technical there; Henri with a bit more enthusiasm. They share the same territory on many issues, such as the shape, direction, and function of line, intention of every stroke, careful planning followed by exuberant expression and more. Yet, while they may travel the same road, they do not share the same vehicle. There is an important distinction in each man's approach to spirituality, or the art spirit. For Kandinsky, there is a spirit world out there, and a spiritually inspired painter can -and should- find ways to represent both that indwelling spirit and that exterior spirit world to which we are all connected. Henri says (when) we search the external world with appreciation and wonder, and we search within ourselves, and when we become more self-expressing creatures, we have the art spirit...we are the art spirit. Kandinsky believes only non-objective images can reveal the spiritual, Henri says it matters not what you paint but how you paint it-compelled by the spirit. So while Kandinsky can use the "psychic effect" (pg. 24) of color to manipulate the viewer's emotional state toward a comprehension of the spiritual, Henri says the artist's mark itself can manifest the Art Spirit. While, in both cases it takes a more or less purposeful opening up to the notion of the spirit, for Henri it is not trying to grasp the spirit and record it, it is about internalizing and building the spirit inside ourselves, and our resulting expressions will, by definition, represent the Spirit. And it is possible for all of us.
The long quote above (from pg. 5) is written exactly as printed in the fifth edition printing not only as expository text, but as a means of illustrating Henri's bright, clear and energetic voice that runs throughout this book. The subtitle for The Art Spirit reads, "notes, articles, fragments of letters and talks to students, bearing on the concept and technique of picture making, the study of art in general, and on appreciation," and that is exactly how it reads. Much of this is due to Henri's considerable gift of communication, and the balance is credited to the physical layout of the book. There are no chapters, even very few headings to sections, lending itself very well to opening to any page and beginning to read. At times, a lecture, or perhaps advice to a single student goes on for five, six, seven pages. Other times, pages are divided into two or three sections, or set up in individual sentences which concern the same subject, yet stand on their own. The resulting effect is the feeling of being in the very classroom of Professor Henri. There are also considerable instances of repetition here, albeit in subtle variations. The index, however, is usefully repetitious as well, helping to differentiate between those subtleties when one may be in need of a specific quote or reference.
The last thirty pages are exact notes taken by Margery Ryerson, a Henri student who eventually compiled the notes, fragments, etc.(in the revised edition, she is credited as Editor). This is an excellent addition to the book. Reading Henri's comments and insights in her necessarily abbreviated, note-taking style provides fresh psychological weight to the reality of Henri's classroom.
One area of disappointment concerns the photograph illustrations of Henri and his work. In the fifth edition, the plates are in black and white. Although understandable at the time of inclusion (1930), they do not allow for close comparison with Henri's ideas and techniques about painting elaborated in the text. The real disappointment is to find that the current edition available from booksellers has not updated to colorplates, but jettisoned the pictures entirely, save for the full color cover.
I recommend The Art Spirit to anyone involved in the creative process. It is a must have, particularly for those times when one may be experiencing a creative burnout, or to shake off the cobwebs. I am recommending The Art Spirit to non-artists as well -anyone who is looking for a little spark, a little positive push toward self-actualization.
For the artist, I am not recommending The Art Spirit over the Kandinsky classic; I see Henri's work as more of a continuation, or a rounding out of what Kandinsky started years before. Artists and aspiring art appreciators must read both if there is to be any hope of understanding