Stuart Books

Ethics is a towering work by an absolute genius, a mathematical definitive explanation of G~d, the universe and man's place in it. Read it not because you think you must fight through `great philosophy', but for its beautiful symmetry of ground breaking rational thought. I eagerly recommend this work to anyone interested in exploring their thoughts on philosophy, religion and psychology. If anything, Ethics obtains renewed relevance in the post-modern 21st century and its unfolding events.

Imagine setting out as an objective to describe human existence and the "journey to inner freedom." To accomplishment that feat, we must first begin with G~d and the universe, then work our way through nature, religion, society, science, and evolution until we can frame the essence of man. Imagine then that we wish to make sense of the human paradox of violence, hate, love and passion, fear and hope, and give it a framework through which to view the world and gain serenity and purpose.

Imagine further that we do not wish to merely write yet another philosophical or Eastern spiritual text. We wish to supersede and encompass all these earlier attempts, including current thinking on Judeo Christian practice. While doing so, we shall set our bar high. We will extrapolate these beliefs and universal relationships as a geometric treatise in the manner of a mathematical proof, with definitions, axioms and propositions, and so demonstrate the possibility of reducing philosophy and the pursuit of human fulfillment to a scientific exercise.

Now imagine that we shall set out on our metaphysical journey during the Inquisition, when espousals contrary to the Church result in execution. Imagine that our thoughts are so revolutionary that even the heretics (mainly Protestants) and evolving philosophers with whom we must find safe harbor view our thoughts with alarm. Imagine ourselves cut off from public discourse, excommunicated from family and friends. Lastly, imagine we are frail and suffer from ill health, our views necessarily rendering us relatively penniless and unknown, hiding in modest obscurity. Now dear reader, we are ready to begin our book on the meaning of life despite the fact that we will never publish it for fear of death.

Most great thinkers name `Ethics' among their largest influences. Einstein espoused himself a Spinozan. It is certainly one of the most astounding and important books ever written.

His work changed my life. He not only filled in pieces of the puzzle I had missing, he rearranged them and gave them sense. I view almost all important constructs in life within his tautology. Please read Spinoza.

One last note: Readers may find one of the translations of his work more approachable. I plead with the reader not to allow the geometric treatise of his work to get in the way of accessing this most incredible accomplishment.

His astounding work is a testament to the blinding power of rational thought.

It seems almost impertinent of me to review Spinoza's masterpiece. I would give it ten stars if I could.

In this age of theological chop-logic and political spin, Spinoza's Euclidean method of arguing for God-or-Nature as the self-causing, single, infinite substance conceived under infinite attributes (or aspects) of which we humans have knowledge only of two (thought and matter soars far above the heads of most contemporary academics and bewilders first year philosophy students, who are routinely advised to leave Spinoza well alone and settle down with Descartes instead. What a great deal they miss!

The book is in five parts: 1. Of God; 2. Of the Nature and Origin of the Mind; 3. Of the Origin and Nature of the Affects; 4.Of Human Bondage, or the Power of the Affects; 5. Of the Power of the Intellect, or On Human Freedom.

It is not easy reading, but studying it with an open mind will pay huge dividends.

Spinoza takes us step by logical step, from basic axioms via propositions, demonstrations and explanations, to a world view which inspired Einstein to formulate his theories of relativity, which started the romanticist movement, and which provided the foundations for modern existentialism.

Spinoza was excommunicated by the Catholic Church, booted out by the Quakers and expelled from the synagogue; he was cursed, reviled, and anathematized. Matthew Arnold begins his essay 'Spinoza and the Bible' with the full force of the rabbinic vehemence, "By the sentence of the angels, by the decree of the saints, we anathematize, cut off, curse, and execrate Baruch Spinoza...cursed be he by day, and cursed by night...the Lord pardon him never, the wrath and fury of the Lord burn upon this man.... The Lord blot out his name under heaven.... There shall no man speak to him, no man write to him, no man show him any kindness, no man stay under the same roof with him."

This cheap penguin edition is nicely produced with an attractive cover, though it's a pity the proof reader didn't spot that Spinoza's name is spelt `Spinza' on the copyright page.

Stuart Hampshire's introduction is very helpful, and Edwin Curley's translation is superb.

Basic Flying Instruction: A Comprehensive Introduction to Western Philosophy

If you ever heard of Spinoza, you have probably heard also of his "Ethics". This book is simply Spinoza's finest and most valuable book. One could say many things about the "Ethics", but they would be unnecessary: if you want to know about the book, buy a guide or read a compendium on the history of philosophy.

But this is the actual text; here there is no talking about the book, only the actual getting inside it.
The "Ethics" were first published in 1677, in the "Opera Postuma", right after Spinoza's death. The first reaction to it was of disgust; later on, with the german idealists, Spinoza was recuperated from a mistreatment, and was even considered to be the true beginning of all good Philosophy (Hegel). In the end of the 19th century, Elwes published the "Ethics" in the english language for the first time; in the 20th century, 2 new translations appeared, the one by Samuel Shirley, and this one, by Edwin Curley. Edwin Curley, actually, decided to publish, in the 1980s, the collected revised works of Spinoza in english, where in the first volume was included his translation of the "Ethics". This is the translation included in this Penguin volume.

Edwin Curley is a reputated scholar on Spinoza and his translation of the "Ethics" surpasses any other ever written in the english language: it is the most quoted and consulted translation of the "Ethics" by the english-speaking scholars, and it well deserves its success.

If you want to read Spinoza's "Ethics", this is your edition.

Spinoza worked through his ideas using his mathematical background. He diligently recorded his postulates in a very studied order. Remember, he wrote this in the 1600's under trying circumstances.

Anyone can pick up the "Ethics" today, randomly open the book and find meaning on just about any topic. For example, I'm opening the book now, Page 132, the first thing I read in Italics is:

"Only insofar as men live according to the guidance of reason, must they always agree in nature."

At the top of that same page it says, "Peter has the idea of a thing he loves which is already possessed, whereas Paul has the idea of a thing he loves which is lost. That is why one is affected with joy and the other with sadness, and to that extent they are contrary to one another."

Spinoza teaches us to be moral without religion, but with a total belief in God. His view is that there is nothing that cannot be known. Try it, for this book will end up being well worn by you.

This indepth Bible study complements the Excellent wife study beautifully...

I just finished reading "The Exemplary Husband". I cannot thank Dr. Stuart Scott enough for this book. It is so thorough. I will read it again and again. The book has so much in it that it should be read slowly to really absorb and capture the Biblical perspective for the husband. Dr. Scott's extensive use of Bible exerpts is the core of why this book works! Finally, I am beginning to understand the the true role of the husband. My wife and I are Catholic and I used to have pretty much an "I'm the boss" attitude or "you should listen to me because I am the husband". I must admit that at first, parts of the book were a little hard to swallow - especially with respect to intimacy and lust. But after careful prayer and reflection I have come to understand how selfishness can really destroy a relationship and even one's feelings of self worth. "The Exemplary Husband" has been so helpful for improving my relationship with Christ, God, and my wife. This book should be mandatory reading for all husbands. This contemporary book is one of the most valuable tools any man could have to help insure marital harmony. Thank you Dr. Scott!

As a skeptical Christian man of anything "How to..." I have found this book to be helpful in establishing a good foundation for men to lead their family. I can see this book as a great book for someone that is completely broken by doing family their own way and truly seeking to get some help from God. Men often wonder why our families don't follow - perhaps we are not leading in the right way.

I can honestly say that this is one of the best books I have ever read in regard to godly living. The unique aspect of this volume is its practical `how to' approach to daily life. I especially appreciated the exercises in the appendix section. These exercises [and others scattered throughout the book] provide the sincere disciple with actual acts of righteousness that can be practiced. The various charts also provide an organized plan to keep track of progress. Help is to be found in every area of imaginable difficulty from financial management to selfless sexual intimacy with your spouse. The theological explanation of the role of the husband is done at the outset of the book with great care and simplicity. The reader is challenged as to his view of God and his willingness to live his life in submission to the Word of God. That priority of worship is consistently brought under pressure as the husband faces opportunities to lay down his life daily on behalf of his wife. According to Dr. Scott, `The Exemplary Husband' "has no trouble in asking forgiveness because they want to be peacemakers" [p.190]. This book not only teaches the husband how to recognize sin and shortcoming in his life, it also teaches him how to deal with it biblically. As a pastor engaged in regular counseling, I have found that most Christian men have real difficulty as they attempt to discipline their time within the priority system that God has set forth in His Word. This book can play a vital part in bringing some accountability into that area. True believers want to live a repentant and godly life, however, in many cases they don't know how to begin and maintain the process. In the `Exemplary Husband', the seeking heart will find concrete answers from the Bible explained in a very useful way. I was personally convicted and encouraged to grow in my relationship with God and with my wife as I read this volume.

Bruce Walker

Pastor, Grace Church of Greenville

the exiles was a wonderfully written novel that is full of suspense and keeps the reader glued to their chair. It is a masterpiece and is well worth reading. You really do feel like you are there with the convicts.

I have 10 hard back volumes of the Australian series, all written under William Stuart Long, all very well written and well worth the long wait to obtain your full series collection. I believe there are two more one being the Nationals which I would love to be able to locate.All are based on factual historical events making the fictional characters appear as real people in history.Apart from the history the story is very entertaining,making it hard to put the book down.

This book takes you back to the late 1700's to England where criminals, justly and unjustly accused, were transported under ghastly conditions to Australia to begin a new colony. When reading this book, you really feel as if you were there right along with the exiled prisoners. Although the book is fiction, it is based on events that actually happened, and I feel I now understand a bit more about this period in Australia's history. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

This series should be used as a teaching guide. It gives a remarkable insight into the reality of a new colony built on hatred and fear. What our ancestors endured was without doubt incredible. The corruption and politics unequalled. The insensitivity of the British Admiralty and the cruelty of the English Government against the Irish and their own people was horrific. Vivian Stuart's research and insight into the personalities of our founding fathers & early colonists is brilliant. This historical record has been written with passion and understanding. I advise every Australian and those interested in history to read this account. It is also a tribute to William Bligh, who should be vindicated in history as he was not only a great mariner but a fine leader. Read it.

The year, as I write this, is the 50th anniversary of the classic sci-fi movie "Forbidden Planet". Yet I did not realize till a few months ago that there existed a corresponding book. While both follow -- broadly speaking -- the same basic plot, there are some significant differences in details and in the final revelation of just what Morbius (and the Krell) were up to.

The book is written from the alternating points of view of Doc Ostrow and Commander Adams, except for one central chapter told by Morbius. This device allows the motivations and inner thoughts of these characters to become clearer. Ostrow's first chapter begins prior to the point at which the film starts, and describes the rough ride accompanying the ship's first major deceleration as it approaches Altair IV. The "second-grade deceleration" as they enter the planet's atmosphere became the final hyperspace jump of the movie.

The harrowing ride in Robby's "taxi" to Morbius's home is described in detail -- these scenes were omitted from the film for budgetary reasons, according to an extensive and fascinating article on the making of "Forbidden Planet" published in the magazine Cinefantastique. Another point where the book diverges from the film is where Adams and Ostrow sneak back to spy on the house, believing Morbius's accomplishments must have had outside assistance -- possibly unseen, secretive Altairans.

As in the movie, the ship's characters are obvious to us today as 1950's military types (as portrayed in the movies, anyway) transplanted into the future. One example, jarring even by today's standards, is when Jerry Farman pulls out a cigarette and begins to smoke in Morbius's living room -- without even asking permission! (And Morbius doesn't object.)

The presence of earth-like animals is given an entirely different explanation from the film's -- I won't spoil it by revealing it here, but it does relate to the final revelation mentioned above.

W.J. Stuart's story is well written, if not quite the equal of those of the classic science fiction writers. The book differs enough from the film that it is more than a mere transcription of it, and I recommend it as a must-read for all who, like me, are zealous fans of the film.

"FORBIDDEN PLANET" is a wonderful work as it holds for the reader an insight and challenge that each human must confront. It is a timeless work that even after 40+ years holds reader and viewer in a delema of moral and ethical paradox. Simplistic in its approach but keenly relevent. Could this be our future?

I saw Forbidden Planet when it first came out in 1956 and believe it is among the top three sf films ever made. I have the VHS Remastered Edition, the DVD and the first VHS release. the VHS Remastered is better than the DVD re film transfer, by the way.Right after I saw the movie in 1956 I obtained the book. I am trying to get a hardcover copy now. The film has obvious parallels to Shakespeare's The Tempest (which I also have as well as various critical essays).Robby's debut was great and he stole the film (I have a nice 12" Robby model and a large, framed Planet poster). Robby, by the way, has two Web sites of his own. Full-size (7-foot articulated reproductions) are made here in Los Angeles.Walter Pidgeon was tremendous as Morbius and Isure would like to see a remake of Planet utilizing today's technology, with, say, Michael Caine as Morbius . . . Dr. Robert Moog, with whom I recently conversed, is building Theremins these days.I have run into a lot of sites that claim that this film was the inspiration for Star Trek. I don't think so (although it certainly figured in).Try reading A.E. Van Vogt'sVoyage of the Space Beagle (originally published in "Triad") if you doubt my position . . .John Bartok Bastian, CEOFEAR NOT ENTERPRISES N.A.

In the year 2371 a cruiser arrives at the planet Altair-4 to investigate the disappearance of an earlier mission. A mysterious voice warns them off before it is too late.

This book is considered a novelization of the movie. However it fits the conditions much better than the movie and a point is made that the movie overlooked or ignored.

If you are looking for this book, you probably have seen the (1956) movie. The book has better characterization and plot details; it tells you want each character is thinking, so you do not have to guess from facial expressions.

The bulk of the story matches with movie with one big exception. What seem to be overlooked is the WHOLE premise of the story. The animals are contemporary, not dinosaurs or wooly mammoths. In the movie the Krell brought the animals back from Earth over 1 million years ago (of course that was not that long ago). In the movie the great machine can transport material in any quantity and shapes anywhere. The animals were contemporary because Morbius CREATED them from memory.

The real threat is only in the book. Morbius was not moving matter around and the Krell were not interested in moving matter to that end. Although that is what Morbius told the space crew, he and The Krell were creating life.

I bought this book to help inform other women about composers for our church. It is basic enough that anyone can get a brief history of the composer. It also gives a background though on the composers and their relationship to God. The Author did a great job though in making the composers real. There was something about each one that I could relate to in my own life.

It is laid out chronologically by birthdate of the composer. It also gives a list of music that will help you get more of a feel for what that composers music sounded like.

I had many women ask me about the book after I did the first "lesson" from it.

I greatly appreciate this book--it's a wonderful introduction to famous composers, plus a valuable resource for Christians who want to start or add to their collection of GOOD Christian music. Be a counter-cultural Christian--toss out the CCM and fire up Schutz, Bach, Handel, and the rest! Your mind and spirit (not to mention your neighbors) will thank you for it.

This is a superbly written book that contains 36 intriguing biographies and profiles of some of the great composers: from Baroque masters like Vivaldi and Bach ... through the pioneers of Classicism like Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven ... to the Romantic-era greats like Debussy and Liszt ... up to modern composers like Prokofiev and Bartok. The essays are crisp and flow like a good novel without getting bogged down in musicology terms (so good for young students and non-musical readers). Also their occassional comparisons through philosophy, art and Christian perspective makes for a deeper experience versus a overly "dry," academic treatment of mere dates and milestones. I have come to really appreciate this book's depth and have to admit this humble paperback is probably my favorite reference for studying a new composer (Schonberg's legendary "Lives of the Great Composers" being the other).

It would help to first say what this book is NOT: (1) A complete survey of the history of classical music, (2) A book on music theory or analysis of major works, (3) a presentation of ALL musical styles like Jazz, Pop, country etc. (4) A book ONLY about composers who were of Christian faith. Rather, the focus is on a sampling of the most famous composers of "classical music." Their lives and music are presented in factual, historical and non-judgmental way with the clear emphasis being on the gift of music they left the world. There are some references as to how their Christian faith influenced their music - which some will appreciate and others not. However, if your primary interest is the spiritual aspect of these men, then Patrick Kavanaugh's book, "The Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers," would be a better choice. But, where Kavanaugh offers more specific insights of the composers' spiritual lives (often quoted from letters written), authors Smith and Carlson in this book give a broader, more general overview of these composer's lives and most significant music that changed the world. Through their biographies and insights, Smith and Carlson show "people of faith" how purely instrumental music like classical music can be truly "Christian" and "spiritual" without any overt reference to diety (like in a church hymn). In doing so they show how classical music is a language not unlike how nature or the heavens speaks to us in their magnificance and unfathomable glory.

In common for both authors are musical academic backgrounds and working with the L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland - a Christian center promoting the study and appreciation of music, philosophy and the arts. In the preface, the authors state their goal of this book: "There are many things in the Christian world which cause us to be sad. One of these is that for many classical music is a complete vacuum. This robs individual Christians and their children of one of the very rich areas of joy in this world. Most of all the purpose of this book is to encourage listening to the finest music with understanding and pleasure, and to stretch one's ears and imagination. The more we acquaint ourselves with that which is truly great and beautiful, the more we will dislike and turn away from that which is shallow and ugly."

If you have never listened to much classical music or casually studied its jewels or great composers, then this book is an ideal guide to grow in one's "understanding and pleasure" of such music. I started such a journey into the wonders of classical music over two years ago, and it has truly been one of the most personally rewarding things I have done - and one that will stay with me for decades (as classical music doesn't quite ever go out of style). So, I think the authors are right when they conclude the pursuit of the arts and the finest, most enduring music are part of a healthy, whole and - dare we say - enriching spiritual life. Even getting a couple of low-cost CD's of Bach and Mozart and just reading the chapter on these composers to start will go a long way ... and possibly begin a lifetime exploration and enjoyment of the gift these great composers left the world.

This book is complete with each classical music composer, history of the life and works of music. It is written to aide people in historical facts of the composer, facts that are not normally shared in education. For example, many of the composers had a deep Christian influence in their music, and wrote for the Glory of God and stated so on origional music sheets. The book can be used for a complete classical music history education from early ages all the way up to senior high students. This is the only book needed for music education. It works extremely well in tying in facts in all areas of history. It is very well put together and informative.

Heavily researched and well written personal finance book. Very good for those who dont have a clue about the subliminal ads and other money traps. I supose many people are tricked into all that stuff due to the broken financial aspects of many lives. Recommended for those who dont have a clue about the subject. Well written.

Going Broke is a excellent book on why Americans cannot hold on to their money and stay out of debt. Author Stuart Vyse does a good job of explaining why 1) Americans are bankrupt due to over extending themselves.2)Instant gratification has replaced delaying the need of things.3)How modern inventions such as computers and credit cards have made the availability of buying things quicker and more convenient.4)How advertising influences us on a daily bases from tv to movies, to cell phones to junk mail.5)How society's view of needs are really more of wants and luxuries. The final chapter offers some help for those trapped in debt and addiction of spending. At the end of each chapter are real life examples of people caught in this deadlly trap.[[ASIN:0684859386 Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes And How To Correct Them: Lessons From The New Science Of Behavioral Economics] is another good book on this subject. Well done.

There are many things this book does well. (In fact, everything this book does, it does well.) First, and most remarkably, it tells stories. Not only is the author brave enough to reveal his own financial foibles, he includes interviews with individuals who have suffered financial ruin and lived to tell the tale. The stories are striking in their variety and poignancy, and they are made all the more salient by Vyse's beautifully written prose. The author paints a clear picture of his subjects' various crises, so that each story--no matter how different it may be from our own--has a sense of familiarity. We understand that these are fellow Americans who for the most part have worked hard and played by the rules, and we can't help recognizing their humanity and vulnerability as our own.

Moving beyond the stories that open each chapter, Vyse looks not only at the internal, "psychological" processes associated with financial difficulty--such as the seemingly inexplicable tendency to overpay for items on eBay--but he also uses a broad lens to examine the social and political forces that conspire against our best efforts to stay ahead in the financial game. Rather than simply attributing the bankruptcy epidemic to "shopaholism" or endemic self-indulgence (as many others blithely do), Vyse weaves together hard science, cultural criticism, and macroeconomic analysis to create a disturbing image of our personal--and national--economic landscape.

Finally, the majority of Vyse's suggestions for not going broke are practical, common-sense solutions that almost every American can employ. But even in presenting his suggestions, Vyse acknowledges that there are larger forces which need to be addressed before a majority of Americans can enjoy financial security. Far from being a panacea, Vyse presents his suggestions as something of a self-defense strategy in a world where our senses and sensibilities are constantly bombarded, and our financial futures are bought and sold by corporations without hesitation or regulation.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in human behavior, American culture, economics, politics, or public policy--and to anyone who just wants a good, thought-provoking read.

I completely agree with the reviewer above. I found Vyse's sociological take on Americans and spending fascinating. He poses the same questions to his readers that he has posed to his university students and I found that my kids (teenagers) were interested in these questions and that they encouraged conversation. It was playful and energizing to take a look at the irrational ways that we relate to money and spending, and to choose ways to "trick" ourselves into spending less, rather than simply berating ourselves. An example of irrationality is the concept of "sunk" money. If we've already spent money on something, and we consider that money "sunk" or gone, we don't have as much motivation to recoup that money than we would have to "make" that much money. This helped me force myself go through the irritating process of trying to recover money from a travel insurance company when my son was too ill to go on a class trip to Costa Rica. I had already paid for the trip, so my motivation was lacking. When I posed the question to myself "would you spend an entire day dealing with an insurance company for $2500?" I decided that it WAS worth the aggravation of dealing with the paperwork.
I also appreciated Vyse's compassion toward modern Americans and the trouble he took to detail the kinds of necessary expenses that our parents did not have. For just one example, he points out that there are thousands of medications that did not exist in 1970. Even with good insurance, these medications can cost hundreds of dollars a month.
If you enjoy reading about money, this book is very different from all of the other cookie-cutter money books out there.

If you want to "get" nonduality in a 200 page book containing one short poem per page, this book will do the job.

This book is like bubble pack, that transparent plastic blister used to package items of merchandise. Reading each poem is like inviting a certain tension (pressing down on the bubble) and then experiencing a release (the pop). Over and over again.

When we forget who we are
we react and fight for our lives

When we remember,
we see that there is no one
to fight and no issue of death

A release or relief accompanies almost every poem. The idea is that you will one day find you are always walking in the state of release. Of course, there is no you, no state of release, and no "one day." The great undoing is too small and too grand to ever be known. It therefore makes sense when Stuart says,

The pursuit of happiness
is the cause of suffering

Jerry Katz
One: Essential Writings on Nonduality

This book is filled with little gems that say it all without having to read a more intellectual advaita book. It points the way in a very simple manner with laser beams of insight!

Each saying cuts right to the core to bring you back to the Presence Awareness that you are!

Example: "If you want to have a quiet mind, don't listen."

"No matter what is going on, the background is peace."

Turn to any page and you will be greeted with a gem such as these!

I have a tremendous advaita library and this is definitely one of my favorites of all time!

Keeping in mind that all words are a distortion of the ultimate Truth as Silence, Stuart's brilliant aphorisms are excellent pointers to Silence by way of exposing that which keeps one from noticing the ever present Self as Silence.

Having been at Stuart's satsangs, it is obvious to me that these aphorisms arise out of that undeniable Silence felt in Stuart's presence. This little book gives a taste of that.

True to its perspective and message, this short book of aphorisms does not engage the reader's mind with explanation, argument, or analysis. The introduction by the author is the only context provided for the pristine insights and observations making up the body of the book. Rather than a shortcoming, this presentation, that is the simplicity and directness with which the words and thoughts are expressed, was felt by this reviewer to make its reflections all the more powerful.

For those interested in having laser-like reflections to help identify and dissolve the deepest assumptions and habitual beliefs they have about the world and who they are, this book is a unique source. And it is in that dissolution, that great undoing, that we find resolution to the question posed by the author in his introduction: "Why can't I get to some state of balance, be content and stay there?".

Jane Stuart is busy planning her sons birthday party, when the body of a young woman is found hanging from a tree. Dead. By a group of kids playing an innocent game of scavenger hunt. Immediatley everyone turns to Jane, Shady Hills, New Jersey's very own private detective. As a recent story in "People" stated. Much to Jane's chagrin. Before she knows it, another murder takes place. This time editor Holly Griffin is murdered. But not before she can sign Jane up to be the pop star Goddess' literary agent. Before Jane knows it, she's in over her head. What with murder, kidnapping, book parties, weddings, funerals, and cheating. Who would have ever thought that a small town like Shady Hills could be so full of mystery?

I found this book enjoyable and fun, yet lacking in the mystery department. "Hanging Hannah" is more of a book that deals with relationships. Whether it's between Jane and her son, Jane and her boyfriend, Jane and her co-worker, etc. Still, it's a nice cozy read when you've got nothing to do.

This second contribution by this wonderful author outshines the first, if that is possible. I read the entire book in one night because it was so wonderfully written and suspenseful that I could not stop. Needless to say, I was very tired the next day but it was completely worth it. Anyone who enjoys mystery books (I like the Kay Scarpetta series and the Stephanie Plum series) should definitely check out this talented writer. I am anxiously awaiting the third book in this excellent series.

HANGING HANNAH is the second mystery in this enjoyable series. Our sleuth is Jane Stuart. She is a sensitive widow and mother of one. She is also a literary agent, which adds some interesting elements to the story for those who love to learn more about the book business. Winky is her cat. She helps Jane to solve mysteries in the most unusual ways.

During a birthday party Jane is throwing for her son, there is a gruesome discovery. When the mystery begins, everyone reminds Jane that she is the new Miss Marple and expects her to get involved. One of the perks for getting involved is meeting a handsome returning detective. Jane juggles her job as parent, friend, agent and sleuth with more grace than she realizes. She is a strong, nonsense character surrounded by other well developed and yet to be developed secondary characters.

I enjoyed this cozy so much I plan to follow the series in the future. Besides some terrific series characters, the mystery itself was fascinating. It blended in with Jane and other characters lives without loosing ground. It took a turn or two that I wasn't expecting and the ending was a remarkable surprise.

People's Magazine heralds Jane Stuart as North Jersey's Miss Marple for solving the case of the missing nanny. Owner of the Kenneth Stuart Literary Agency, Jane has no aspirations to a sleuthing career, but her reputation makes her a crime magnet. When a stranger is murdered, the shocked citizens of Shady Hills expect their local "private investigator" Jane to uncover the truth. Jane has a personal interest in this crime since her son discovered the body and the victim was seen hanging around the inn owned by Jane's friend Louise.

When the police question Louise's philandering husband Ernie, the innkeeper asks Jane to help solve the murder. Reluctantly, Jane agrees to conduct some inquiries although she is becoming romantically involved with the lead investigator. Her professional job also turns complicated when she agrees to handle Goddess, a female Fabio, as a client. However, Goddess' editor is killed during a publishing bash given for another of Jane's clients. Jane realizes she now needs to solve these homicides fast or she will become a media event again.

Life parallels art in this amusing and entertaining amateur sleuth mystery. The author, like his protagonist is a literary agent residing in a small New Jersey village and knows first hand how to deal with authors and publishing houses. This experience is firmly focused in Jane's professional life so that readers have an up close and personal look into the publishing world. Winky, the feline owner of the Stuart family, provides humorous relief from the high-tension environment and will be adored by animal lovers who read this mystery. HANGING HANNAH is a humorous who-done-it that captures the essence of modern day living in a small town amidst the BosWash megalopolis.

Harriet Klausner

Tortured bad boy heroes are Anne Stuart's specialty--she does them so well. The bad boy in Heat Lightning is Caleb Spenser, the mysterious man who showed up in Turner's Landing, bought the old bordello, charmed all the ladies, and frightened and angered Jassy Turner's brother. Rumor is he's been in prison for murder.

Jassy, daughter of the town's founding family, and the one everyone turns to for help, the one who fixes things, is attracted and intrigued, but he's upset her brother, and she's going to find out why, and fix it.

I'm pretty sure I've read this one before, but it must have been before we moved, because it's not on my shelf. That's fine, though, because it's definitely worth a re-read.

The atmosphere is lush and steamy and sets a sort of film noir mood. Caleb and Jassy are on opposite sides of a life-and-death confict, and their emotions and actions are real and intense.

It's a lot of book packed into a few pages, and I find myself really wishing I'd read this back in 1992 when it first came out instead of at least a decade later--no doubt I'd have all of Anne Stuart's books on my shelves by now if I had, instead of still having a bunch to look for.

Oh my, what a keeper! I have a shelf with nothing but Anne Stuart novels. Small wonder since each and every book she gives a haunting powerful read, that slams into you like a tidal wave. The force of her prose awes you. She leaves you breathless. She's an addiction. Stuart does more with 100 pages than most writers could do with 300. She's a brilliant writer that dances with the devil in the fire, and demands her readers follow along on the dangerous waltz. Heat Lightning is Stuart at her very very best. If you are a Stuart fan and missed this one, snap up any copy you can. Quick! If you've never read Stuart - you poor thing - you can do no better than starting with this one.

In the sticky, humid tradition of the Long Hot Summer - Jassy Turner is a Southern Belle in the old tradition. Used to loud mouthed, pushy men who pat their women on the head and expect them to say fiddlie-dee, Jassy has long ago learnt to get her way by flanking maneuvers. She is a pampered rich girl, whose whole life has been tea parties, gentle manners and observing the proprieties. Oh, she faces the harsher realities of running a shelter for abused women, but that sort of ugliness has never personally touched her life. Until he came striding across the lawn. Six foot of hunk, a come-hither gleam in his pale eyes that had all the ladies of Turner's Landing ready to swoon, Jassy knew he was going to be trouble, but she had no idea just how much.

Caleb Spenser came across the Turner lawn - a wolf amongst pigeons - and he was heading straight at Jassy. At the last second, he confronts her brother. Caleb has bought the old bordello, the property next to the Turner's Belle Reve and claims he is going to fix it up. Only, Jassy sees there's bad blood between her brother and this stranger. Determined to find out what, and head off any problems, she finds herself in Caleb's company, desperate for answers, which neither man seems willing to give. And she does not like the ones she is getting. Caleb's come for vengeance, his plans including taking Jassy, but neither of them is prepared for the flames they create together.

Stuart paints a claustrophobic sense of the old South, that slow, stifling, itchy Falkneresque sense of people on the edge, waiting for the rain to break the drought, waiting for someone to make the wrong move setting everyone on a course of destruction. Caleb is another of Stuart's dangerous bad boys with the devil's soul and a black heart. Once again, Caleb and Jassy will draw you with their complex characters, their flaws, leave breathless by the range of emotions and passion. It just does not get any better than this. I once had someone tell me if he could just once sing a song like Gary Puckett of the Union Gap or play Classical Gas on a guitar like Mason Williams he would feel he had been touched with greatness. Me - I would just like to write a book as good as Anne Stuart.

When I first received this book in the mail, I was disappointed because it was a Harlequin Romance, but Anne Stuart proved once again that you can't tell a book by it's publisher. Excellent reading! Caleb Spencer has the perfect amount of bad boy in him to make him interesting. I only wish I knew when the tv movie was playing on Romance Classics so I could tune in.

This is the book that started me on a path of Anne Stuart addiction. Once I read it in 1992 when it was first released, I went in search of all Anne's titles. When reading this book, I feel the sultry heat of the bayou, see Caleb's bad-boy face and become Jassy. What a wonderful read!

My daughter needed this book for research of slavery. It was great for her and she learned alot!

I brought this book some time ago and just got around to reading it. Well, let me tell you that I can kick myself for not reading it sooner. You will get through this book so fast your head would spin because it is so interesting you will not want to put it down. John P. Parker, my hero.

John Parker's autobiography is an engrossing and often surprising account of the activities of the Underground Railroad. Parker was born and lived as a slave until buying his freedom and moving to Ripley, Ohio. There he joined forces with Rev. John Rankin in helping slaves cross the Ohio River and escape to Canada. His account is lucid, swift-moving, rambunctious, and highly literate. He describes the Ohio River Valley as "the Borderland," comparing it to the lawless, violent Scots/English border. The border, constantly raided by Abolitionists helping steal men, women, and children out of slavery and patrolled by slave-owning vigilantes intent on catching them, simmers in as treacherous a state of unrest and violence as any "Wild West" town at its worst. Parker never walks the streets of Ripley without a pistol, knife, and black jack in his belt. He never admits to working for the Underground Railroad, especially after passage of the Fugitive Slave Law in 1850, but pretty much everyone in the region knows that he does, putting his life in constant danger.

Parker's account abounds in hair-breadth escapes, heart-rending failures, and startling heroics. He also reveals aspects of the Underground Railroad that one never suspects but which seem inevitable after he describes them, such as the competition that developed between John Rankin's Ripley, Ohio branch of the Railroad and Levi Coffin's Cincinnati group. Parker insists that Coffin was merely the better publicist, not the better rescuer of the two. It's also clear that for Parker rescuing slaves was not merely a fierce moral imperative but also an activity touched with excitement, zest--even, strange as this sounds, fun. There is an element of sport to his activities, despite their grim, life and death seriousness. Parker is obviously bold, intelligent, crafty--good at what he does--and he relishes the hard-won triumphs of courage and guile that allow him to free his fellow slaves.

It's hard to say what place &qu! ot;His Promised Land" will take in American literature. It will not, I don't think, replace Frederick Douglass's "Narrative of an American Slave" as the country's premier account of the experience of slavery. It's not as powerful, relentless, or literarily self-conscious an account as Douglass's great work. But it may prove to be, for the Underground Railroad, what Sam Watkins's "Co. Aytch" is for the Civil War: perhaps the most engaging, colorful, and moving account by an 'ordinary extraordinary' man in one of this country's most agonizing and dramatic conflicts.

I ordered this book after seeing an interesting reference to it in an article in Smithsonian Magazine. I am so very glad I did.It is an amazing book, a very rare combination of thought provoking historical narrative, and Indiana Jones-ish excitement. I only wish it had been ten times as long-I would have devoured it. If I hadn't read the preface, which gives the background, I would have thought it was fiction, and pretty darn nail biting fiction at that.
I have given quite a bit of thought to this book, wondering what I would have done, given the same situation, and concluded that you can only hope you would be strong enough to rise to the circumstances, but fear is a powerful deterrent.I am giving my copy to the history department chair at my daughters' high school, and will ask them to consider making it a part of the curriculum.