Sheridan Books

Took this book on a flight over to Belgium and could not put it down! You can share in this poor guys misery and picture his plight as though you were there with him. A great read, that makes you want to stay on dry land.

Actually the Bailey's were adrift for 119 days as is explained in the preface. Their small sailboat was holed near the Galapagos Islands by an angry whale during an up-to-then happy voyage. In fewer than 45 minutes their boat sank, but they were fortunate to have a good life raft and dinghy. They were also able to gather, as their boat was sinking, some supplies and odds and ends which eventually helped to save their lives. The sea provided most of their food and the skies water, both in abundance; they were able to catch turtles by hand and fish with safety pins made into fish hooks, and gather rain water in jugs. The Baileys were able to survive and take advantage of the gifts of nature because they did not panic, they did not despair, even though seven ships passed within one mile of their raft before the eighth stopped to save them.

The Bailey's story is inspiring because it demonstrates clearly and distinctly the importance of determination, care, and reason in the struggle to survive. Most boaters will never be in the situation that the Baileys were in, but their example is a lesson for us all in our mundane daily battles against the elements that would weaken and destroy us.

The book also contains interesting observations about marine nature and human psychology under stress. This is not a literary masterpiece but it is a fascinating story told simply and straightforwardly with little drama or embellishment. The Baileys do not try to present themselves as heroes or fools--just humans caught in an awful bind that they must solve in order to survive.

I also strongly recommend Five Against the Sea by Ron Arias. This is another true tale of survival on a small boat adrift in the Pacific.

Imagine your luxurious life of amateur sea-captain becomes a fight for survival and a genuine reliance on nature to provide sustainance.

A really quick read, gripping at times. A true story.

Having just read "Into Thin Air" I was looking for another gripping true story. This book seemed to promise that, but sadly, it didn't deliver. While what the Baileys did was enormous and awe-inspiring, the story is really quite tepid. LOTS of pictures and drawings to flesh out the skimpy 192 pages. Redundant - day after day the same thing, sometimes told once by Maurice and a second time by Maralyn. I know it was a harrowing experience, I just wish I could have FELT it more

I've read this book a couple of times. An amazing tale of not only how they servived physically but mentally.

It had been a while since I read the first three books of the Nathaniel Drinkwater series and I am remonstrating myself not to let such a passage of time go by again before reading deeper into the stories. The Bomb Vessel is the 4th in a series which numbers 14, I believe and it is very enjoyable as well as educational.

Richard Woodman has an ear for the mariner's language of the times and the knowledge gained through experience to write accounts of naval engagements and experiences which sound like first person eye witness accounts.

If you enjoy reading about those days when men went down to the sea in ships of sail, you could do no better than to start reading this author.

Describes the circumstances surrounding the action at Copenhagen in 1801 (not the lesser-known debacle in 1807, told in Mr. Cornwell's 'Sharpe's Prey'). I say 'action' but there is remarkably little of it for the bulk of the book, more delaying and prevaricating, despite the presence of Lord Nelson. A personal undercurrent pre-occupies Nat, who uses his previous clandestine life as a cover - the on-board speculation is handled very nicely.
Having said there is no action is misleading; the very lack of progress to action causes unrest in the ranks (and higher command), showing how lack of purpose and conviction, or unfitness for the task can severely jeopardise an operation, causing unnecessary loss of surprise, ships, and men. This is well-told, without losing one's interest as the various strings of the plot are drawn together, culminating in the final bloody action.
Altogether a gripping thriller topped by a detailed factual description of a complex naval battle.*****

There is realistic conniving, boredom, and petty squabbling aboard Lt. Drinkwater's aging bomb (mortar-firing) vessel (unlike what you'd expect in Dudley Pope's swashbuckling Ramage series). Yet Drinkwater feels that Virago is his last chance to make the step to commander. Then comes an exciting flurry of action under the impetuous Admiral Lord Nelson facing the ferocious guns of Copenhagen. Besides nautical matters this fourth story in the series contains two romantic angles, murder, family loyalty, and a bit of conspiracy with Drinkwater's former spymaster, Lord Dungarth (see An Eye of the Fleet). This book includes very helpful maps, something more sea tales should include ...

Having returned from the Red Sea (see "A Brig of War"), Drinkwater finds himself on the beach, suspecting that an enemy is using petticoat influence against him. However, some patronage gets him the command of the bomb vessel, Virago, although still a lieutenant. The early part of the story deals with the problems of manning and supplying the vessel, and getting ready for sea. A last minute, unexpected addition to his crew is his brother, on the run from troubles.

The Virago joins the fleet bound for Copenhagen, and Drinkwater has the opportunity to distinguish himself at the first Battle of Copenhagen in April 1801. On the personal side, he must deal with the problem of his brother who he has concealed among the crew under a false name, and a problem with his purser. Drinkwater does eventually receive some unexpected petticoat influence in his favor.

The Battle of Copenhagen and the related politics are described in some detail. Woodman provides useful maps and, as in other novels of the series, provides time periods at the top of each chapter. This novel covers the time period from September 1800 to July 1801, a relatively brief period compared to earlier novels in the series.

The Bomb Vessel is the fourth installment in the Nathaniel Drinkwater saga following A Brig of War in quick succession. It features some of the characters from A Brig of War including Mr. Rogers, Tregembo and Mr. Q. Tregembo has been a mainstay since An Eye of the Fleet and it seems that Mr. Q will be a regular fixture in future episodes. Woodman also has a formidable cast of characters, some real and some fictitious, who interact against the historical backdrop of the 1801 attack on Copenhagen. A lesser author would have stretched this novel into several hundred pages but Woodman writes economically and focuses on the development of Drinkwater.

By now the reader has a good understanding of Drinkwater. We know that he is a very decent family man. We also know that he can be caught in conflicts between various loyalties and that he has the quick wits to make the best of undesirable situations. We know too as the faithful Tregembo states, `"Men don't cross the lieutenant too successfully, zur, leastaways not sensible men"'. He is a fierce and formidable fighting man although his wounds acquired over 20 years of active service bother him as he approaches 40. Woodman still has a few surprises for the reader regarding Drinkwater's abilities. It turns out that he had learned a number of skills in the decade plus between An Eye of the Fleet and A King's Cutter. I suspect that The Bomb Vessel will not be the last time that heretofore unknown skills from that long period of inaction will come in useful.

The Bomb Vessel itself is the story of Nelson's attack on Copenhagen from Drinkwater's perspective. Apparently bomb vessels were used for shelling shore targets. Such duty was unromantic and dangerous. Ships of the line typically received the attention delivering powerful broadsides under sail. However, a bomb vessel would have to shell shore targets from an anchored position while quite probably receiving withering fire. The danger of a tremendous explosion that would completely destroy the ship and its crew was ever present. Drinkwater must overcome these dangers while dealing with problems from above, problems within his crew and sailing in the Baltic during a cold Scandinavian spring.

Woodman's Drinkwater series is grittier than earlier series. The reader will leave The Bomb Vessel with a better understanding of how ships were provisioned, pursers' roles, and how buoys were laid. One will also have a great respect for the impact of shot and shell on human flesh and the limitations of medicine in 1800. Men died and died horribly of wounds, in pre-anaesthetic days, that modern surgeons could treat very easily.

The Bomb Vessel is like other entries in the series. It is fast, easy reading although one has to be careful that crucial details are not missed. Woodman writes simply but the dialogue does sound genuine to the time. I did find the causes of and ultimate resolution of the Danish conflict somewhat confusing although I suspect that this is also true to life. All in all, The Bomb Vessel is a worthy entry into the Drinkwater series as it casts a unique fictional perspective on one of the most famous of Nelson's campaigns. Don't turn a blind eye to this one!

The stories in this book were mesmerizing and intriguing. Well written. I love true adventure and survival stories, and these are some of the best.

I first read this book about 8 years ago when I picked it up at the library. It has stayed with me ever since (and I read hundreds of books a year) so I finally bought a used copy.

I think that people probably gave it 4 stars because they expect it to be about living in paradise - or expect modern stories (as a previous reader wrote). Actually, the book is about people stranded and the struggle against nature to survive.

It is well-written and provides a captivating look at people and survival.

For example, one of the stories is about the a ship captain who rescued 33 British men, women and children near the Falkland Islands in 1812 when their ship ran aground. Although the US and Brits were newly at war, the Brits to signed a document agreeing to "be at peace" while the captain rescued them. However, while he and a few shipmates were hunting for food for the Brits, the "castaways" stole the ship and abandoned the captain and his 4 shipmates, virtually leaving him with no supplies.

They spent the next 18 months stranded on an inhospitable island and struggled for survival. Through it all, the captain shows leadership, kindness and great human spirit and the author explains, sometimes in the captain's words, how they survived and what harsh conditions they faced.

This is just a typical example of the stories in the book. If you like nonfiction survivor books - this is one of the best.

I often tell my son and nieces stories and some of the stories I have told them are out of Castaways in Paradise - they are equally fascinated.

Simmons gives us brief vignetttes of what real castaways endured - not always a pretty, tropical island picture. This is at the same time the book's strength and weakness. The shortish accounts allow him to cover a lot of ground (geographically and temporally), but they often left me hungry for more detail. Still, all in all, I would recommend it to anyone else out there who enjoyed "Robinson Crusoe," or simply reading about the ocean.

any failings in literary grace are more than compensated with simmon's ability to ferret out tale after fascinating tale. a great book for vacation reading, to redefine the meaning of a bad day, to put the mind in some unusual places. absolutely gauranteed to liven up the dinner conversation, this one goes straight to my 'favorite-book shelf for guests'in the dacha. if you like it, also take a look at Lansing's 'Endurance.'

One of the best books I have ever read!!! Many of us wonder: if I were stranded on a deserted island, what three items would I want to have with me? Or-- wouldn't life be easier if I lived on a deserted island! James Simmons clears up any fantisies we might have regarding deserted islands, and it is not a pretty picture. I loved this book so much, I wrote to the author--something I have never done before or since!

I enjoyed all the prior installments in this series, but had a terrible time getting through this book. The plot has been well summarized by others, so I'll just comment on my thinking about this mystery.
When only one or two of the characters are based on "real life people," I am able to forget about it and read the novel as though the fictional character just happens to have the same name as someone from the past.
In this mystery, all of the characters except for the Sheridans, of course, and the servants/villians, were based on real people, and I could not dis-engage in that same way. Winston Churchill was alive within my memory, and it was too difficult to imagine him as this mystery portrayed him.
I really like Kate and Charles Sheridan, and long for a return to when the mysteries were about them, and we saw them as a couple. In this book, they were seldom together on the same page.
The end result of my struggle with this novel is that I will probably skip further installments of this series and just read S.W. Albert's China Bayles mysteries instead.

I enjoy murder mysteries and enjoy history, so when I ran across this title and its historic characters, I was hooked.

As with the other works, the husband-wife authors have worked magic with their thorough research of the period in which they have set their action. Susan Wittig Albert is a former professor of literature--I assume it is she who is primarily responsible for the writing--and this is abundantly apparent from the skillful use of the English language and the principles of composition; this is very readable literature, not just a "who-dunnit."

Also evident is the extent to which there is attention to the details of the period. The research has to have been pretty immersive, since little that creates an authentic ambiance has been neglected. I presume, although I could find out very little about him, that Bill Albert is responsible for the research, and I suspect a degree of at least some level in history. Whatever the case, it seems to be quite thorough, which makes the books the two write together very authentic.

In this case the murder is set in the family seat of the Marlboroughs and involves the historic individuals that owned it, including a 20 something Winston Churchill and a teenage Thomas Edward (or T.E.) Lawrance, later known as "Lawrance of Arabia." The characterizations are very engaging, and make the reader aware that the figures we know from history had a youthful beginning and were not always the icons they became.

Interesting too is the sense of political and cultural change going on at this time. Europe and Great Britain have yet to go through the turmoil that brought about the modern era, but some of the attitudes and behaviors presented in the book show why what followed occurred. Being privileged to the knowledge of WWI and WWII and the changes that these wars introduced and the part that each of the more central historic characters in the book played in both wars, the reader can almost sense how close to the precipice the characters are, and what characteristics they posessed that put them into the roles they later played in history.

Definately intriging,too, are the cultural/social structure of the period and the constraints that existed on the lives of upperclass individuals, particularly women. The cat and mouse game played by the later Dutchess of Marlborough with the encumbant of the title were particularly dramatic, as were the encumbant's observations regarding the life her rival would lead when she acheived her goal. Very astute reading of character by the authors.

I particularly enjoy what amounts to historical notes by the authors at the end of the book. Not being familiar with many of the historic characters I found it informative to learn what actually became of them. History is in the position of telling us the "beginning, middle, and end" of the story, so to speak, and it was nice to have had the information presented--along with a bibliography, no less--for the reader's convenience.

Excellant fiction

I have been reading this series for some time, and I enjoy it very much, but this book is far and away the best of the bunch. The best thing about these books is the way that the writing duo of Susan and Bill Albert mix real historical figures and actual historical happenings into a plot for their books. I also enjoy Kate and Charles Sheridan very much. The books are written with enough detail and with enough of an interesting plot to keep readers involved. In this book Kate and Charles are unravelling a series of mysteries at Blenheim Palace. We also are treated to a really good characterization of Winston Churchill as a young man. Blenheim Palace is his historical home as he was also a Marlborough (although never the Duke of Marlborough). Wonderful book.

King Henry II built Blenheim Palace for his mistress Rosamund to keep her far away from the jealousies of his wife Queen Eleanor. The present owner, the ninth Duke of Marlborough, married Consuelo Vanderbilt for her money so he can return his palace to its former glory. The pair shares an unhappy marriage though Consuelo does her best to run the palace.

Sleuth Lord Charles Sheldon and his wife Kate visit the Duke and Duchess. However, before they arrive, a servant vanishes without taking her possessions or asking for a reference. Charles believes that she was part of a band of thieves that are stealing valuables from the homes of nobles. He plants a mole inside the servants' quarters to learn if anyone else belongs to the gang. The spy uncovers the identity of another conspirator planning to rob valuables from Blenheim Palace when King Edward and Queen Alexandra visit. Charles and Kate try to ferret out the criminals before His Highness arrives, but the mastermind realizes that and alters the plan.

Meticulous research has gone into this extraordinary historical mystery to the point that readers will recognize Blenheim Palace on sight without a guide. Even with that depth of vividness, the investigation is clever as Kate and Charles play major roles in trying to unravel a conspiracy. Consuelo also is a critical participant coping with an unfaithful spouse who is rude to her even in public while preparing her home for the regal visit. Robin Paige continues to provide some of the best historical mysteries on the market today with this novel proof positive of that assertion.

Harriet Klausner

Something very foul is afoot at Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of the Churchill clan and Charles and Kate, sometimes known as Lord and Lady Sheridan arrive just in time to try and sort out the various mysteries that are floating about. The fun thing about this entry in the Robin Paige series is that there are so many threads that our amateur sleuths must follow and they do so quite nicely with the assistance of Winston Churchill and young Ned Lawrence who will later gain fame as Lawrence of Arabia.

The first part of the mystery involves a maid who disappeared even before the Sheridan's arrival at Blenheim Palace. This in itself did not stir much alarm but then two of the guests also disappear leaving the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough in a tizzy. The Duke is especially upset because one of the missing guests is his mistress Gladys Deacon. Obviously the Duke and Duchess are not getting along all that well and it is made quite clear that the penny pinching foul tempered Duke only married the Duchess in order to get his hands on her money. The Duke and Duchess, along with Miss Deacon are quite real historical figures and the Duchess' maiden name was Vanderbilt so there was indeed a great deal of money involved in the marriage.

As Charles and Kate begin to sniff around in an effort to find the missing guests they also turn their attention to the AWOL maid. In following her trail they stumble onto a very troubling scenario. It seems that this maid and one of the footmen have also been employed in two other homes that have been burgled during weekend festivities. These festivities involve several guests who wear all of their finery, including some very valuable jewelry. It just so happens that the king and queen will be visiting Blenheim Palace in the very near future and Charles suspects that another burglary is in the works. His investigation leads him to believe that there is a huge criminal syndicate at work, one headed by a man known only as Mr. N., short for "The Napoleon of Crime." This Mr. N. is also a very real character whose real name was Adam Worth and one gets the feeling that the next several entries in this series will involve this arch criminal.

After uncovering this plot, the Sheridan's have to look for answers to several questions. How many of the servants are involved? Who are the servants who are involved reporting to? Is Gladys Deacon involved in the plot and just where is she? And finally, what happened to the maid who left without her pay or her clothes? Some of these questions are fully answered but some issues are left hanging thanks in part to the rash actions of Winston Churchill.

The last few books of this series have been somewhat of a letdown with the authors working overtime to make political points or simply grasping at historical straws that were just too far-fetched to be believable. This book however is a return to the style of the older books produced by this husband and wife team and I enjoyed this book much more than the last two in particular. The atmosphere of the gloomy old palace is portrayed in a very vivid manner and the personalities involved make the whole story a delight. One will feel nothing but pity for the Duchess while at the same time loathing Miss Deacon and the Duke. I found myself to be quite overjoyed when Charles curtly informed the Duke that he didn't intend to take orders from the old miser, Duke or not. It made me want to jump up and shout, "You tell the old buzzard Charles!"

Dr. Poythress needs to justify his trust in science and it's dogma of billions of years of age in the earth and universe. Philosophically, the question he attempts to answer is a category mistake and he should know better. He needs to explain exactly how the scientist 'knows' when he's got the right answer of age? How does one calibrate instruments and methods that profess to measure billions of years? Must one find a rock with the 'true' date it was made stamped on it? Philosopher of science Karl Popper was correct when he said that finite man can never know when he actually has got the final truth of anything. Popper also said that science was but a series of conjectures followed by refutations and that science is never final. Dr. Poythress should consider a question of Bertram Russell's. If creation of the world, universe, everything in it and man complete with his memory took place just 30 seconds ago; how would man know the difference? Man would not know the difference. The only way man can truly know the age of the earth is by revelation from a transcendant source.

Some would say that science and theology are antagonistic to each other, especially since the 19th century's movements of higher criticism in theology and naturalism in science. To some degree, this reflects a larger issue in Western Civilization, that of a loss of unifying purposes that has been lost. Some would prefer to ignore any relation between science and theology, saying they take up such completely different spheres, you cannot even speak of them at the same time, one belongs in the classroom and laboratory, the other belongs in the sanctuary. Dr. Vern Poythress has taken what can be called a more traditional approach to understanding the role of science as a way to understand God, take care of creation and help man, almost hearkening back to the scientific revolution of the late 17th century.

Poythress has math degrees from Cal. Tech and Harvard, and college teaching experience; and for the last 25 years he has been a New Testament professor at Westminster Seminary, so he brings a unique perspective in how he understands scientific thought and theology, at a high level. His goal in Redeeming Science is two fold. He wants the reader to understand scientific philosophy and inquiry as a good thing, that as a Christian he wants the reader to embrace science as a way to adventure, govern and take care of a creation that God is actively cultivating. He also wants to call for a higher, unifying element in how we understand knowledge and inquiry, that individuals would see all true knowledge as God's knowledge.

Poythress begins his book with a clear worldview statement, that all scientists, whether proclaimed atheists or traditional Christians, believe in God, because he says you have to operate with certain assumptions in how the universe works and how you perceive it to work, that flow out worldview consistent with how God describes himself in the pages of the Bible. So he says there is no such thing as neutrality, no position that allows the observer of nature to stand apart and make statements.

Due to its large importance, especially since the rise of scientific naturalism in the 19th century, Poythress spends several chapters discussing different theories for understanding creation, and with a sound attempt at a hermeneutical analysis of Genesis 1 and 2. Poythress takes an analogical view of understanding creation. He does a fine job of pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of various understandings of how we understand creation, but is most of all concerned with not making the Bible say things it does not say, nor making our understanding of creation inconsistent with what we know about God.

Where the book is its strongest, is Poythress' explanation of why science should have the influence of the redeeming effect of Christ. He takes a traditional understanding of the effects of sin, and points to how that distortion makes knowledge murky and hard to comprehend. Poythress makes the case that Christ came to fulfill the creation mandate - to restore the natural world, the cultural mandate - to redeem human relations and how people understand the world and he calls Christ the "final scientist", that is the goal of science is to understand creation with wisdom and dominion, and since Christ has achieved final rule over wisdom and over creation, he is the final archetype of what true science should pursue, on principle and philosophy especially.

Poythress is a fair writer about his subject, and towards other views other than his own. He has written, in about 350 pages, a good overview of a philosophy of science, based on Biblical theology, that he argues should drive everyone's understanding, manipulation and exploration of the world around them. Some of the subjects that he attempts to overview, such as theological approaches to physics and chemistry are probably a bit too scientifically complex for the general reader, years removed from their secondary science classes. Yet, anyone with a solid foundation in science and a desire to understand an overarching Christian theological framework, based on first principles, should find Redeeming Science a welcome addition. He is not adding to an inter or intra religious and scientific debate per se, but is simply describing, exegeting and developing conclusions based on applied theology. What he most wants the informed reader to take away is that God's calls people to explore and rule over his creation, largely for the sense of discovering how big and great God is as a part of the divinely given privilege.

I'm 2/3 through this book, and it is wonderful. Poythress makes so many great points. I just keep saying "Amen!" It is extremely heartening to have a book out there written by someone who not only loves both science and the Bible, but who also trusts both and understands both. BTW, I am not Reformed, and I have a PhD in Physics. I wish I could get every Christian and every scientist (Christian or not) to read this book.

I am very pleased with this book. The first thing to know is that while Dr. Poythress is a seminary professor, he also holds a PhD in mathematics from Harvard University in addition to his PhD in New Testament. He has a sophisticated grasp of the ideas behind science and mathematics, as well as theology. Being a scientist myself, I sometimes get nervous when non-scientists draw philosophical or theological conclusions from things they don't understand, for instance Heisenberg's uncertainty relation, but we do not have this problem with Dr. Poythress. Nevertheless, he has aimed this book at laymen, and I believe that the majority of the material should be easily accessible to most readers.

The book seeks to develop a self-consciously Biblical view of science. In the opening chapters he discusses the divine attributes of scientific law, such as omnipresence and immutability, and the questions of the Bible and authority in their relation to the scientific enterprise. It is in these opening chapters that he develops the Van Tillian epistemological framework for understanding science, and shows the radical contrast between this and atheistic worldviews. He shows that all scientists must operate under the assumptions of a Biblical worldview, (rational order to the universe, reliability of physical law, etc.) even though the worldviews they profess to believe may not be able to justify such assumptions.

Chapters four through ten tackle the issues surrounding the interpretation of the early chapters of Genesis. Here I think Poythress has done a masterful job of attempting to maintain the absolute authority of the Bible as divine revelation, while helping us, who read the Bible with a modern scientific mindset, to really get to the bottom of what God's Word is and is not asserting. This subtlety is what seems to have eluded a previous reviewer.

Chapters eleven through thirteen deal with some of the more specifically theological issues, the role of man (such as image of God and cultural mandate), the role of Christ (perfectly fulfilling cultural mandate), and the role of God's Word (scientific law as God's Word ruling the physical universe).

Chapters fourteen through seventeen consider some of the more epistemological and philosophical questions involved in science, such as the nature of truth, reality, scientific knowledge, and ordinary experience. Here, as throughout the book, the idea of the unity between different aspects of reality as well as the different ways we can look at reality in terms of the being of God is especially helpful. I also appreciated his discussion of miracles, in terms of primary and secondary causes, and in terms of the rationality of both miracles and physical laws as equally reflecting God's sovereign rule of the universe.

Chapters eighteen and nineteen deal with the questions of life, evolution, and intelligent design, and I think give a very nice overview of some of the issues that are involved in these discussions, as well as the ideological problems that will almost always completely overwhelm the actual scientific evidence. The final four chapters conclude appropriately with some specific examples of seeing the beauty and majesty of our God revealed in the physical and mathematical reality that we encounter.

As you can see, Dr. Poythress covers an ambitious amount of ground in this book. As you may imagine, in a 350 page book, several of the discussions are somewhat limited in terms of their depth, but there are certainly plenty of references for further study if you have the interest. Incidentally, the extensive bibliography at the end is alone worth the price of the book. It is unlikely that anyone will agree with all of Dr. Poythress' conclusions; I did not, but he certainly is making a serious attempt to deal with the issues, and the obvious humility and tentativeness he exhibits on matters that may admit more than one interpretation is an attitude that I wish was more characteristic of people who claim to stand in the Reformed tradition.

Perhaps in a later edition we may hope for a chapter on quantum mechanics, which in my opinion must surely reveal some interesting things about God that were perhaps not so obvious in the years, following Newton, of seemingly total physical determinism. Additionally, I would have liked to have seen a chapter outlining how the historical rise of science was squarely grounded in the specifically Biblical worldview of the reformation, as well as the contemporary near-infinite ideological chasm existing between the (unbelieving) practitioners of physical science (the only truth is scientific truth) and the other academic disciplines (there is no truth) as a result of the abandonment of a Christian consensus. But you can't do everything at once. The book is an enjoyable and edifying read, and with so much breadth of subject matter, there's never a dull moment. Dr. Poythress has given us a valuable contribution to developing a specifically reformed view of faith and science, and I certainly hope that his book will receive the attention and the consideration that it deserves.

This is the first time I have read Vern Poythress and he is delightful. His style is measured and I have enjoyed the humility with which he approaches this sometimes volatile topic. He stresses that we are sinful humans with our own predjudice and bias and we need to recognise that before we start. Then he stresses his view of the inerrancy of scripture from the one true God who has revealed himself to mankind.
In introducing science Poythress appeals to the reader to recognise that the pursuit of science assumes an underlying belief in order and systematic development, which the Christian recognises as the creative hand of God. Where science and the bible appear to contradict one another he asks us to ask ourselves:
a. is the scientific evidence credible?
b. have we created the contradiction by mis-interpreting the scientific evidence?
c. have we created the contradiction by mis-interpreting the bible?

I notice some reviewers object to this, preferring their own dogmatic views (I'm being volatile ;-) ), but this sounds like a pretty sensible approach to me. Vern Poythress believes the bible to be the true Word of God, but he suggests that we must read it within its own literary context....poems were never meant to textbooks.

There are extensive footnotes to the text which will point the interested reader off to deeper discussions of various issues. It is a pleasure to read a well thought out conservative evangelical theologian who can engage deeply with modern science.

The first chapter was difficult to follow, and, I believe, was incorrect in its truncated description of how a sail works.
The second chapter was also difficult to follow so I gave up and resorted to Peter Hahne's book, Sail Trim: Theory and Practice", which was helpful for this controversial and complicated topic.

This is a concise, well structured overview that is pitched at people like me - a cruising sailor with more than half a brain, but without the obsessive compulsive racing personality. I was disinclined to read the rigging sections, but after learning about the sails I went back and enjoyed these chapters. Written in a style that maintains the readers attention, it is neither patronising nor dumbed-down. Excellent photos and diagrams support the text comprehensively. After reading the book I feel I understand enough about the common pitfalls in sail setting and rigging set ups to make my own decisions, (ever asked 3 yachties to agree on anything?) and can place my sails in a respectable way that gets the most out of my boat. Our cruising is certainly more comfortable. Being relatively new to sailing we have been delighted with the results - picking up speed and saving time on regular weekend journeys, and gaining the enjoyment of knowing more about what we are doing without having had to find an old sea-dog to show us the way.

I am a cruiser who likes to learn how to trim my sails right. Other sail trim books are too technical and gear towards racers (99% of them are like that).

This book is a very easy read and very easy to understand with lots of photos and drawings to help you get the point fast.

Excellent Read. A MUST for all sailors

I first looked at this book while at B&N. At first glance I liked the book but postponed the purchase for some weeks. I was looking at book on Amazon and just had to have it. I have never regreted the decision and expect this book to become a classic over time.

For those sailors intent on mastering the art portion of sailing this is the best book I have seen in years and perhaps ever. All I have to say is thanks for the words and better yet the pictures in this book.

This is the third book on sail trim that I have read (some of us catch on slowly). I am a cruising sailor that races once a year and am interested in maximizing sail performance any time. I often sail with a buddy that really knows sail trim and can often get an extra knot with a tweak of the halyard, outhaul and genoa lead, so I've seen the difference small changes can make. This is an easily understood book, not overly technical. Dedicated racers would want one of the other more technical books.

Studio Thinking presents a clear image of what is necessary for building a "zone of proximal development" in an art classroom. The authors use information gleaned from actual observations and combine it with their knowledge of art education theory to provide a framework for excellent instruction and learning. It is easy to absorb and full of examples and anecdotes that engage the reader. This book has value for those just beginning the teaching journey, and the ones who have been engaged for a long time!

I teach elementary art so this book is a bit above my students level (it focus' on high school classes) but much of their information and observations transfer to any age. This book is packed with information and is unique in that it observes real classrooms to understand and create theory - the opposite of the usual education theory.
If I had a pre-service art teacher program I would require this book it is a great way to think more carefully about your classroom and how you teach.

This book is an aid not just for the teacher, but for the studio artist. As an educator, I benefit from its cogent analysis, but as a dedicated studio artist, I find the Eight Studio Habits of Mind the first tangible distillation of the process and thinking that happens in my studio. There are so many books about what artists do and how to access creativity. Hetland et al have shown that critical and creative thinking is not a matter of magic or divine inspiration, but rather the result of a mind set that can be used by students and artists alike. This book provides the connection between the teacher and the artist and the artist and her/his studio.

Lois Hetlund and her colleagues have written an important book that grounds academic research firmly in the real world of schools. It is readable, accessable, and yet contains profound truths. Documenting and describing the sorts of thinking that can take place in high quality arts programs, the authors remind us of what a true education should contain, despite the teach-to-the-standardized-test momentum in many public schools.
Here is an article about the authors' work:
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Highly recommend the book.

Lois Hetland and Ellen Winner (et al) make a strong case for arts education for every child based on solid research. Their initial analysis of arts education research sets the stage for their in-depth, immersive inquiry into the practices of highly-skilled, professional teaching artists. The blending of theoretical perspectives with 'in-the-trenches' data collection, analysis and synthesis surround the types of teaching and learning occuring in the visual arts studio classrooms. Selecting such qualified teachers who also have vibrant art practices strengthens the relationships between the ideal professional who is an artist, educator and researcher. The practical examples will motivate teachers and the thoughtfully built argument for the arts in education will provide a valuable source for any advocate and policy maker.

As a former K-12 art educator and current teacher of art education at the college level, I find this book a major contribution to the field and invaluable for pre-service and practicing teaching artists.

'The Blood That Binds' is an intriguing and unique journey into another realm -- another place and time. Ms. Sheridan has created a world of wonder, where elves were once a proud and noble race, but now appear to be nothing more than a human folktale.

'The Blood That Binds' is also a story where evil has taken root, waiting in the shadows, silent and brooding, for a chance to destroy all that is good. It is into this conflict that Rie Sheridan has chosen to place her well-defined characters -- characters who manage to reach out from the pages and draw the reader into their plight. Soon you'll discover you're running an emotional race along with them as they attempt to save their world from impending doom.

~ Sheri L. McGathy ~ Author of Elfen Gold

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Stefan is a young page, in service to Prince Roland Frederickson, who was crippled many years ago in an accident. For as long as he can remember, Stefan has been with Roland, and he would do absolutely anything for his friend and master. He is a peaceful boy, who has no memory of how he came to be at Woodbridge in service to the King. His favorite thing to do, when not serving, is to play his beloved lute. He has a magic touch, and a magical voice as well.

Roland longs for adventure and hopes to see something of his kingdom before taking over the crown when his father no longer can. When he overhears a discussion about shipment of furs to be sent down river and traded, he begs his father to allow him to accommodate the captain and the traders. So, off he goes, with the ever-faithful Stefan by his side, to spread his wings and see the world.

Only a few days into the journey, the raft carrying the furs, and crew, is attacked, nearly everyone killed. The only survivors are Roland, Stefan, and a trader, Collyn, and that is only by sheer luck, for they are believed dead as well. This is where the real journey begins. The three unlikely allies must venture through the forbidden Starlit Wood, only remaining stronghold of the elven race. When they are captured, the secrets are revealed. Stefan is really Steavil Andundalae, the prince to the throne of the elves! He was believed to be killed 15 years ago, by a rogue sorcerer, determined to rule the human AND elven worlds.

Now Roland and Stefan must take different roads, each to fulfill their own separate destinies. And one of their dreams is to try to make allies, rather then enemies, of the elven and human worlds. Along the way, they each must fight their personal demons, and they come to find they have a common enemy as well, and that there is far more binding them to each other then they previously thought. Will Steavil and Roland fulfill their duties? Will they be able to unite their worlds against the prejudice long ingrained in humans and elves alike? Who is this common enemy they fight and what are his reasons for wanting to destroy them both? And who... or what... is the mysterious Ravenwing that always seems to appear when danger is imminent? There is only one way to find out... read.

Wow!! This book was incredible! It is full of action and adventure - a coming of age tale of two young men whose lives are permanently intertwined in ways they don't fully understand. It is also an age-old tale of good vs. evil, with a spin on it, which makes one wonder "What if?" From the very first page, one knows they are in for a treat. Ms. Sheridan grabs the reader, tugging at the heartstrings, and never letting go until they very last page is turned. There are so many intriguing plots and subplots going at once, that one has to pay close attention so as not to miss something vital to the story.

The heroes are unique, and unexpected, each having their own personal demons to fight... Steavil with his crippled leg he is convinced will always hinder those he loves, Collyn with his guilt over past occurrences he had no control over, who is determined not to let down those who mean the most to him ever again, and Roland with his fear and often uncontrollable rages, who is terrified of letting his father down and failing in his duties as prince and future king to his land. Then there are the secondaries, all of which are fascinating in their own right and all very individual, often with hidden agendas tied into their responsibilities to others.

Though this book is not a romance, by a long shot, there are a few undercurrents of romance to be found, which end up being key to the plot. Roland and Steavil each find love along the way in their respective quests, both in the unlikeliest of places. Full of ideals and morals, they each grow, through their love for their families, which are not always bound by blood, but by the heart.

Go out and buy a copy of this book today, and be sure to check out the accompanying short story, Everything to Gain, found at the publisher's website.