Shaw Books

Art is a hard subject for Christian evangelicals to deal with. It seems to be outside the boundaries of our primary mission, to proclaim the gospel in the world and display and expand the kingdom of God. However, this book helpfully shows the important contributions Christian art can make to that mission.

In a series of essays, various professors contribute thouhtfully to our understanding of the role of art's various forms from a Christian perspective. These thoughtful meditations are important, because they force us to reexamine our preconceptions about the role of art and beauty.

Yes, the format can be hard to follow, as it seems a bit disjointed. My recommendation to you is this; Read each major essay slowly, taking time to pause and digest its implications. Think carefully about how the essay touches your experiences. Do NOT read two major chapters in a single reading or even a single day. Instead, approach it more as a devotional- each thought/essay is its own autonomous unit.

By this approach, I believe you will be able to more deeply enter into the meditations of the authors, which are all extremely helpful and very gospel-centered.

Take the time to read this excellent book, and allow it to shape your thoughts about using beauty and art to display the gospel to a sick and dying world.

Ryken's rich and at times overwhelming collection of essays, musings, and pithy apologetic pieces on beauty, imagination, Christian thought, narrative, and poetry is richly diverse and thought provoking.

In this 100,000 word+ tome we get glimpses of what led C. S. Lewis to write the Narnia chronicles, what Annie Dillard thinks of literature as an art object, and Tolkein's view of the important of a happy ending--as well as dozens of other forays into thought on literature, reading, and life.

I found the views varied and, for the most part, refreshingly insightful. I will admit though, that I skipped some of the chapters that were excruciatingly dense and didactic. They'd quite clearly been written not by narrative artists but by academics, and despite my best intentions, I just wasn't able to plow through them.

As long as you're willing to skip the parts that aren't of interest to you, this book is well-worth buying, reading, and savoring. Just don't expect every mouthful to be as tasty as the rest.

While Tamborrino's photos are clear and first rate, and the guitars beautiful, Robert Shaw gives an interesting (and inaccurate) history of John Lennon's 325 Rickenbackers. The iconic 3/4 size 325 could never be mistaken for a (full-size, deluxe) 381 Rickenbacker. This makes me question his scholarship on the other guitars.

"The twelve engaging photographs by Michael Tamborrino in this calendar reveal the beauty and innovativeness of acoustic and electric guitars. Musician and historian Robert Shaw's informative remarks describe the guitars' history, manufacture, and characteristics, further emphasizing the genius behind companies such as C.F. Martin, Gibson, Fender and Rickenbacker. Text by Robert Shaw. ¶ 12 x 13" wall calendar (opens to 12 x 26") with twelve full-color reproductions. ISBN: 0-7649-3113-X. Click on the small picture to see the back cover. Related items available in Music."--© Pomegranate

"The college search is as much an art as it is a science" (p. 13).

"Your teen's foundation of faith should be a strong consideration when choosing a college. During those undergraduate years, he will learn not only what to think, but how to think. Your student will question many things during college, including his faith. And the questioning of faith is not necessarily a bad thing -- it's a normal part of development. Think of it as an unpacking of faith" (p. 19).

"Many Christian parents naively send their student to a state school because of the affordable cost, without counting the cost of that experience on her spiritual well-being. In ten years, do you want to be asking yourself, "Was the cost really worth the price?" (p. 55).

This slim book does not bash non-Christian schools, but it does send a warning message: your son or daughter will be exposed to other thoughts and beliefs. For me, that is one of the points in SENDING your kid to school. Enough said.

The interesting thing is that Thomas Shaw really has a number of good insights into the college selection process, the admissions process, funding college, and "letting go." These insights are good for all parents helping their students go to college, Christian or not. If you are non-Christian, you will probably tire of the Biblical quotes sprinkled throughout the text (they are italicized and offset, and easy to skip over). If you are Christian, Shaw leads you through instructions from the Bible that are relevant.

The college selection process is complicated! Whether you like this book or not, never depend on one source of information. Read as much as you can, and make sure you visit those potential colleges. College Bound is one step in this journey.

This is an outstanding book that begins with the philosophical considerations that parents need to help their students think through regarding the decision about life after high school and ends with very practical advice about options on how to pay for college. The intended audience for this book is the parent themselves, not the student; and the advice is solid, well-research and presented in a easy-to-understand manner that parents will appreciate. One caveat about the book, it ends when the student goes off to college - it is not a book about parenting through the challenges of college, only the decision-making process of selecting a college and the work necessary to get a student to that right next step. But, in what it does present, College Bound is really a very good read.

Shaw begins with helping parents think about the various options for their soon-to-be-graduating student - including presenting the option of taking a year off of school to mature, work, travel, etc., which is excellent advice and needs to be presented as a viable option to parents today. However, if college is in the future for a student, Shaw makes sure that parents help think through the various options of community vs. four-year college, and Christian vs. secular. Not every school fits every student and sometimes the choice that parents made isn't going to be the same as their children - a good reminder that Shaw drives home early and often.

College Bound is full of useful and practical wisdom for narrowing down the college choice as well as tips for admission, financing the college experience and the transition from high school to college. It's like having a college guidance counselor at your fingertips! Shaw ends with an encouragement to Christian students to make sure they plug into a good church home in their new community as soon as they settle down and then gives a few pages of valuable Internet resources as a final parting gift for those who still need more information. I found the book to be easy to read, very informative, and written with a sound Biblical foundation and would suggest this book to any Christian parent of high school-aged students.

Utilitarianism -- the ethical theory that the moral action is the one that results in the most happiness or utility -- has been subjected to the same objections over and over again since its introduction by Bentham and Mill -- utilitarianism is wrong, because it condones the killing of innocents, it fails to respect human rights, it fails to condemn lying, etc. William Shaw gives an easily-understood but nuanced defense of utilitarian ethics, giving it a credibility that many people fail to recognize after a short consideration. By considering the difference between an institution and an individual, the difference between what is right and what is admirable, and the implications of human limitations, Shaw gives a version of utilitarianism that is very simple to state, but surprisingly nuanced and complex to apply.
This text is ideal for an introdutory ethics or consequentialism class that intends to consider utilitarianism seriously.

Shaw's book provides an excellent introduction to utilitarian ethics. Shaw covers not only the basics, which would be of interest mostly to those unfamiliar with the topic, but also goes into enough detail to stimulate thinking for those who already have a solid grasp of utilitarianism. He covers all the bases. Although he himself espouses utilitarianism as the preferred ethical philosophy, he gives a fair presentation of opposing views. Thus, he is not merely selling an agenda but exposes the reader to views that differ from his. Shaw's book provides many good references that ethical scholars can use to further their own research. But the book is not intended merely for scholars. It would also serve as an excellent text for a course on ethics.

Being a minister's daughter, little Gloria Mae Shaw was dead set on closing all of the brothels.
With a good? reason - she laid the cause of the death of her father to the Madam of "Rainbow House". This she could not forgive.

Steven Harding was the son of Lorene Harding, the cause of her father's death. She would have nothing to do with him.

Imagine her surprise when he tenderly tended to her wounds. And he remained a complete gentleman through-out his hiding and protecting of her person.

Being hidden in "Rainbow House", Glory came into contact with the "girls" and given time made cautious friends with them.

At 19, she held onto her prejudice against prostitution and its corruption of the young women but then how the mighty fall.
She secumbs to hormones and doesn't see anything wrong with hoping into bed with Steven even though she does not forsee a life with him. Yup! here we go again.

A good read as stories go but for me it seemed to drag. I could see the growth of her character but not the strength of her convictions. Ah well.

Recommended --M

Virginia City, Nevada 1869

In the dead of the night, Steven Harding recognized the brilliance of fire. With dread in his heart, he realized it came from the direction of her home; his secret love since childhood. She is Gloria "Glory" Mae Shaw, the daughter of the late Reverend Caldwell. Discovering the battered and bruised Glory laying unconscious on the ground with a bloody knife in her hand, he knew he had to do whatever it took to protect her, even if that meant hiding her in a brothel. His mother's brothel: The Rainbow House. Glory believed Steven's mother was responsible for her father's death, but what secret about that night lay waiting to be discovered?

Having survived the nightmare of that fateful night of brutality that ended with fire, Glory woke to a more disturbing reality; her dead husband. The previous year, the beautiful Glory married the sweet-talking miner, Boone Shaw. Although marriage to Boone was not all it promised to be, she certainly didn't wish him dead. Now wanted for questioning in his murder she couldn't recall committing, she scarcely believed being rescued and safeguarded by the one man who had reason to let Glory suffer the consequences. That person is Steven. But was shielding Glory from the long arm of the law more dangerous than possibly surrendering his secret of loving her from afar? And how can she call him "enemy" when her traitorous heart revealed otherwise? What surprises are in store?

This tender story is very enjoyable! It's also quick and easy to read. Don't pass up this tale!

The Crystal Prison is a far more enhanced versoin of the Redwall Saga with it's talking maice and animals. Even though it lack's Redwall's stunning fantasies, the Debtford Mice Trilogy sets a pretty fine point for a new author.It's simply wonderful with its great details and great plotline. I'd give it five stars if it wasn't for its confusing characters.
I started reading The Crystal Prison just like any other person would start: I would handpick it from the library or buy it. Usually, I'd check the cover art, as the phrase " never judge a book by it's cover" felt like the words of a dull critic. Nevertheless, I read this book and found it was pretty interesting, given its bizarre lines of characters.
The beginning is fairly simple, it starts off with the ending of Robin Jarvis' (the author) first novel. The Debtford mice have escaped the chamber of Jupiter and the rat infested sewers of the city. Forced by an evil witch named Starwife, they must move to the countryside. But despite an owl who hunts in the night, the countrymice that live in the plains have nought to do but to point their fingers at a young, outspoken female mouse named Audrey. What's left is a wilder conclusion you'd never believe!

This book is just great. It's stunning and crystal clear and I loved it. I can't wait to read Book 3 next! Make a mental note to yourself...Tell yourself to read this book immediatedly!

This cookbook is very good; I am looking forward to trying several of the recipes. The information about the region the recipe comes from in additon to the history of the recipes themselves makes this book a keeper.

"Cuisines of the Alps" is a culinary journey filled with recipes and lore from France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Germany, Austria and Slovenia.

Kay Shaw Nelson shares her passion for food from the Alps in this book. She is a food writer and author of eighteen cookbooks.

Hippocrene Books is known for their cookbooks from exotic countries, such as, "Argentina Cooks!", "Icelandic Food and Cookery" and "Tastes of the Pyrenees". Here is yet another addition!

Nelson's introduction takes us on a mini-tour of the beautiful Alps! Her description of the region helps the reader envision such a lovely area with snow-capped mountain peaks, trees, people and homes. Her recipes are easy-to-follow and extremely tasty!

The chapters included in this book are: Appetizers; Soups; Eggs and Cheese Dishes; Fish; Meat, Poultry and Game; Vegetables and Salads; Pasta, Rice and Other Grains; Desserts; and Drinks and Wine. Some of the more delectable recipes are: goulash, linzer torte, Liechtenstein Corn-Bean Salad, walnut cake, Wine Cream, dumplings, Bavarian Beer Soup, and Fondue!

For people interested in a comprehensive cookbook on cookery in the Alps, Nelson really brings home the passion!

Quite simply one of the greatest political treatises from the greatest mind of the Middle Ages/Renaissance. Dante displays his views on the need for strong Monarch in a sophisticated, yet easy to follow way. His political views also hint at future revolutions in political thought, e.g. government by consent of the governed. This would be a fascinating read for anyone who is interested in political history, or the Renaissance.

Many people have read Dante's "Divine Comedy", but only some know that besides being a wonderful poet he was also a noteworthy political thinker. If you read "Monarchy", a book that he wrote in 1313, you will realize why...

Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) was born in Florence, Italy, and he participated actively in the political life of his city, being one of the officials in charge of the government of Florence. As such, he took some decisions that were considered by many anti-papal, but that he deemed not only adequate but essential in order to limit the influence of the Church in politics. As a result, sometime later (when the balance of power changed, and the Church had the upper hand), he was exiled from Florence and told that if he were to return he would be executed. It is rather unsurprising that this event only made him more sure of what he already thought: that the Church shouldn't be involved in politics.

The mere idea that the Church wasn't more important than the Empire was rather controversial at the time that this book was written, because some said that the Church had a right to oversee the Empire, to watch over it and direct it if necessary. Others, for example Dante, were vehemently opposed to that idea, and took upon themselves the task of increasing the power of the Emperor. In "Monarchy" he tries to explain what form of political organization is the one that allows human beings to reach their objectives more easily. Dante distinguishes two orders and two authorities (Church and Empire), and says that the basis for that distinction is the two main objectives that men have in their lives: eternal happiness and happiness in this life. He defends the importance of the Empire, and says that it doesn't need to obey the Church. Dante also points out that the authority of the secular prince is not derived from the Church, but comes directly to him from God.

On the whole, this book is quite interesting, and it introduces you to a different side of Dante: the political thinker. Moreover, it allows you to know more about the controversy regarding the Church and the Empire, a debate that was very important in the XIVth century. It is also worthwhile pointing out that "Monarchy" is quite short, so you won't lose too much of your time reading it, but you are likely to learn a lot. So, all in all, recommended...

Belén Alcat

This is one of my favorite books of all time. My mother read this to me as a child, and now as an adult i still go back and read it from time to time. The main character is very three dimensional and believable, the danger very real, and the setting fantastic. The unexpected antagonist of the story is disturbing enough to be frightening and yet it isn't evil simply for evil's sake. I recommend this to anyone looking for a good sci-fi read.

Even though this book is written on cristian principles it will appeal to just about any teen wanting a thought-provoking interesting read. The stories setting is interesting , and the ending unpredictable. This book combines fear and romance to create a very pleasent read that leaves you with a joyful satisfaction during and after reading it. Although this book may give you shivers it is not very scary and may not appeal to horror fans.I personally enjoyed this book a lot because of the way the author expresses the characters feelings. It is also very easy to identify with the book's characters even if the circumstances they are in are unlike what the average person will ever experience.

How many Christians are willing to admit that they've been scared enough to pray for God to save their souls again, "just in case"? Jo Kadlecek is. In her memoir Fear: a Spiritual Navigation, she isn't afraid to "go there," exploring some dark moments she's had over the years. Kadlecek owns up to times she's been angry or felt prejudice, but in a light, relatable voice.
In sharing stories from her childhood, early and middle adult years, Kadlecek invites the reader along on her spiritual journey. The chronology isn't set in stone, allowing her to weave in and out of memories; this makes the memoir feel a bit like a stream of consciousness, but each story fits the overall theme. Fans of travel writing will enjoy reading about Kadlecek's experience as a suburban Colorado transplant in New York City, as well as her trips around the globe, from Ireland to Australia. Other highlights are narratives on her fear of water and lessons learned from near-death experiences.
Kadlecek's honest and entertaining voice is the best aspect of the memoir. The reader is with her the first time she swims in the deep end of her local swimming pool and stays with her as she navigates around her fear, observing her pitfalls and triumphs along the way.
Living in fear, Kadlecek writes, is "sort of like jumping into the sea though your stomach is as jittery as the boat, and you call on God out of sheer absolute desperation though you feel anything but spiritual."
As the reader dives in with Kadlecek, he can prepare to explore the depths of fear in his own life. Kadlecek jumps in zestfully, "like a child who's always wanted to swim [but] wasn't allowed to before now."

I found "Fear, a spiritual navitgation" to be an honest and at times, a stirring comentary on the author's collective social, emotional, physical and spiritual struggle from her suburban context as a transplant from the midwest to the Big Apple. It is worth reading if for nothing else for the soul stirring quotes ("There is no agony like bearing an untold story inside you."-- Zora Neal Hurston). Her ability to elicit visual images is quite effective.

I liked the fact that the author chose not to 'overwrite' her experiences and left the majority of the interpretation of her journey to the reader. I did not like the numerous references to being 'middle-aged' (early 40's isn't middle-aged anymore!!!) Certain portions also tended to contrive spirituality when it would have been better simply to let the experience speak for itself. While not fascinating, the book moved me as a African-American on my own pilgrimage for Truth. You go Jo!