Thomas Books

If you want to study the Bible and need a little extra help understanding the words this is a FANTASTIC handbook. This has been so helpful to me! I love it and am filled after reading it and having a better understanding!!! Love IT!

I just received my book today and love it! It is exactly what I was looking for. It will be the perfect guide to assist me in my Bible reading for the upcoming year and will help to give me a greater understanding of each book of the Bible and what they are saying to me.

This is a great Bible handbook. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because- at least for me- the layout can be distracting at times. I'm not sure what to read first.

When reading the Bible I can sometimes feel like I have thick glasses on, all smudged up, that prevent me from seeing some of the beauty, the telling insights, and the promises that are mine to claim as a believer. Jack Hayford's Bible Handbook is like "windex" for my eyes. It is an amazingly useful tool for opening up the context, the meaning, the vision, power, and relevancy of the Bible. It is jammed pack with tools and keys to open up understanding and point you to application in your life. I cannot stop reading it! It makes me want to get into the Word more and more. And, that is not a bad thing at all!

Along with Sidlow Baxter's EXPLORE THE BOOK, this is my favorite Bible handbook. I use my Thompson Chain Reference Bible (in depth study)and my ESV Bible (devotion/personal reading).

Even if you are not a Charismatic Believer, do not hesitate to check out this book. I have never known Pastor Hayford to be "heavy-handed" in his Charismatic theology. I own a copy, and it is positively outstanding! There is so much excellent information, very well organized and effectively presented. I would strongly recommend this as a resource for any Christian who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and who desires to apply these truths in his daily walk.

I found this book incredibly insightful and admire the courage it took for Carol Hebald to open up her life and let us in. Her story is probably one of thousands if not millions who have been misdiagnosed by the mental health profession. By the end of the book it seemed perfectly clear to me that if Carol had not taken control of her own life and had not thrown the toxic pharmaceutical cocktails overboard once and for all, she would have been a lifelong victim of psychiatry. Carol's book can help countless people realize the label they have been given by the psychiatrist is just that, a label, with no actual meaning or strength to it, except that which the individual or society grants to it. I applaud her for writing a book that can and will change people's life for the better!

Dave Statter
Executive Producer of the film Prescription:suicide?

As a child, Ms. Hebald had no allies once her father died, but even he, on his deathbed, "abused" her when she was five. Others from her mom to her baby-sitter to her lovers to her doctors made her feel that life is miserable. For instance, as a teen a psychiatrist acclaimed she was a sure shot suicide. A series of hospitals and a bunch of losers with psychiatrist degree provided Ms. Hebald little solace, plenty of unhelpful advice and turned her stomach into a chemical processing plant. Finally at forty-four, she decided it was time to recycle her life starting with dumping her drug paraphernalia into the ocean.

Readers should understand this is not an easy memoir to follow as Carol Hebald goes deep inside her brain to her soul to explain four decades of mental illness highlighted by several suicide attempts. The author is all over the place with the influences in her life turning her autobio somewhat into a NYC rush hour train. Though it is difficult to follow her narrative, the audience will find it worth the time for anyone dealing with mental illness or a family member because overall this is a powerful condemnation warning for the buyer to beware.

Harriet Klausner

Carol Hebald's story of overcoming the assumed difficulties that she would have in life is an inspiration; not only to those who have dealt with mental illness, but also to those who have had real and/or perceived constraints put upon them by various medical facilities/personal. I enjoyed reading Carol's memoires and sharing in the tales that brought her to where she is now.

Anyone who is fortunate enough to have encountered Carol Hebald's poetry knows the wonder of being exposed to an extraordinary talent, one which some of today's most successful authors and novelists envy.

Now we know at what cost to her this skill was engendered.

I would like to see an annotated volume, in which her poetry can be read in the context of the story that unfolds in "The Heart Too Long Suppressed".

Intimate in its personal revelations, yet universal in scope, The Heart Too Long Suppressed is a powerful and gripping account of one woman's courageous struggle to come to terms with a difficult past. Toward the end of the book, Hebald speaks briefly about "pain as nourishment" for the artist. Herein lies her strength: She transforms tragedy into lyrical art. I was struck throughout by her dazzling shifts of tone. Her ability to balance between acute perception and precarious illness is nothing short of amazing. This book is a major accomplishment. I recommend it enthusiastically and without reservation.

This slim but lavishly illustrated volume offers a very perceptive analysis of the late-fifteenth and early-sixteenth century re-examination of military matters that occured in Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. It discusses the technological and tactical advances, in a more concise manner than similar works like David Eltis's, but it also integrates them into the renaissance of military philosophy, and indeed of all facets of society, that was occuring at the time. That analysis, combined with illuminating sidebars, several key case studies, and gorgeous artwork make this perhaps the top general reference for Renaissance military history.

First off, I knew nothing about war during the European Renaissance before reading this book, so I went in with pretty low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised- this book is fascinating. Thomas Arnold writes in a very clear style, that is easy to follow. His research is detailed, but he does not bog the reader down with too many minute details.

Also, this book is full of excellent graphics. It has many period prints, maps, tapestry images, and some well done battlefield graphics. I thought this illustrations really helped emphasize many of the author's key points.

This is the first book in the series that I have read, so now I have rather high expectations for the other volumes I purchased with this one. I highly recommend this book to any military history student, or anyone interested in learning more about how warfare changed in Europe during the Renaissance.

this book is part of the Cassell History of Warfare series that is currently being published and is, in my opinion, one of the best books in this collection (along with Hanson's Wars of the Ancient Greeks and Goldworthy's Roman Warfare). The first half of the book covers the developments on siegecraft, artillery, infantry tactics, and strategy of European armies in the 16th century; the second half covers the history of wars between the Ottoman empire and Europe and between Europeans themselves during the same period. The writing is succinct and informative. The illustrations are well chosen - both relevant and pleasing to the eye. Charts and maps are plentiful. You will enjoy this book.

Indeed a very nice book, with a lot of interesting information. The writer avoids the complicated style most historians dealing with the Renaissance prefer, and writes clearly, with regard of and respect to the ones who never have dealt with the complexities of the history of warfare, especially in a period such as this, when the wide use of gunpowder marked a turning point in the style of warfare and the perception of military tactics. Arnold covers every basic aspect of the Renaissance warfare, the decline of the Knight (in that old, medieval sense), the change in styles of fortifications, the change of the role of the general, the use of the artillery, etc, and does so while giving in the same time an accurate account of the main historical events (of military nature, obviously). Thus, the reader has an accurate, viewed from all sides, perspective of the matter. If there were more stars to give, I would definitely give them (!) although one must remember that this is an introductory study, and for particular details and a more in depth analysis there are other books to consider. In all this book is...a great place to start.

Thomas Arnold is a great writer, and having John Keegan as the editor of could only have helped the text. It is very easy to read and still extremely interesting, covering first the technical evolution of warfare from the 15th to the 17th centuries and then covering the major conflicts of the era.

Added to the strong writing and editing are many computer generated maps of individual battles and some great illustrations, many taken from period tapestries and paintings.

This book is probably the most clear, well-written book available on the subject, while still encompassing many lesser known facets of the Renaissance and even injecting some humor in a couple of passages.

Don't judge it by its textbook appearance and odd dimensions...it is anything but textbook-like and will undoubtedly lead you to buy more of the books in the series.

I recently finished reading this book (devouring it is more of an apt description). My husband is, as I write, "going through hell", and I am clinging tenaciously to my God, because He is my only hope. All around me, I am being persuaded to "let him go", " get rid of him", etc, - the world's answers to all problems - discard & recycle. Jesus very graciously led me to Connie Neal's book. At last, here in written form was the feelings of my heart - what about all the promises I made to You, Lord, & the promises You made to me? I loved this book and have re-read it now several times over these past couple of months. I am doing all that Connie suggests that she and the others she wrote about who have experienced first hand the anguish of storms and trials in their marriages did when there was nothing they could do other than turn to God. I am so grateful for the honesty and obedience of all these christians who have exposed the most awful times of their lives for the encouragement of ME. Watch this space to see how God triumphs!!!

I saw this book in the store, and it kept calling my name, for many reasons ... but it seemed a reasonable choice, at the time I was looking for ways to help my husband through some difficult times

Once i began reading the book, I found it to be a help to me spiritually . It covered all the bases of my relationship with God and my spouse. I knew I was being ministered to through this book.

I look at things so differently now... not just because of the author's practical applications of God's Word,(which was truly enlighting) , but the sheer ability to motivate me to change and place myself in a position to seek God more in regards to my marriage, and His total purpose for marriage.

This book has given me hope. Please tell Connie Neal that I really appreciate her writing this book. Even though sometimes I feel like giving up on my marriage, I am trusting God for our future. Thanks again for a real inspirational book!

Connie Neal is one of the best artists I have had the privilege of reading! Her work on this book, and research into the lives of real people in real situations is filled with honesty. Makes me know the feelings, thoughts I had as I journeyed with my husband through cancer were normal, and that I was not a flegling Christian because of my weakness.

Keep Writing Connie!!!!!!

This book made God's plan for marriage so clear. It provided a much needed contrast to what the world says marriage is.

Thomas Neff is a remarkable photographer and this book sharing the real impact of Katrina on people's lives is powerful, timeless, truthful in an inside and honest way that no casual viewer could comprehend. Neff's vision is sophisticated but pure, trained but revealing in its simplicity, visually poetic with the abhorrent facts of life that have been so cruel to so many. If that weren't enough, there are the essential, heroic and stunningly conveying essays which accompany each image. The photographs share so much comprehensive visual information that one needn't ask for more, but by conveying a much broader and richer context for each image through writing and story telling, a nearly complete cultural mosaic is spun, surrounding the milestone and epic event so unique in US History. This book will stand through time as a classic conveyance of important information about an event that we all know about, but certainly haven't had, until this book provided us with it, an insider's view of the real nitty-gritty that is life, both cruel and beautiful. Way to go, Thomas Neff. Such a brilliant work which we should all feel grateful to comprehend.

Armed with a thorough history of the medium and a flawless technique that has played out over a distinguished career, Mr. Neff has produced a timeless and distinct look into a photographic story untold by the weekend warriors of popular media. The photographs in Holding Out and Hanging On are an extended conversation, empathetic moments that live far beyond the click of the shutter and into a tragedy that has long been forgotten by it's neighbors and countrymen. The photographs are the eye and the heart of a man who is compassionate, realistic, courageous beyond belief and a model for who we should strive to be. As the portraits separate themselves from the time of exposure, the complex clarity and humanity of Neff's photographs are further revealed as a critically important document of the people who lived though Hurricane Katrina as well as an informative and poetic addition to the canon of concerned photography.

Mr. Neff has been my friend and mentor for over ten years now and I could not be more proud to own this necessary book of socially and historically necessary photography that is flawless in it's execution and communion with the spirit and people of New Orleans.

Bradly Dever Treadaway
Faculty Member, The International Center of Photography
New York, NY

The drive down from Chicago to the French Quarter in the canteen left me feeling heavy hearted & speechless. The vast area that hurricane Katrina hit left behind a sea of wasteland like nothing I'd ever seen before. Some areas were completely wiped out where others were only battered, yet the people I met along the way while serving with the Salvation Army in the French Quarter were such a blessing. It was one afternoon in the French Quarter that I met Mr. Neff--I was on my way back from delivering supplies and checking on some of the neighbors. By this time the media was swarming the streets looking for new sensational stories for the headlines. I must say that I did meet a few that tried to report more uplifting personal stories of survival but the majority did not--they were insensitive and disrespectful to the residents. Mr. Neff had a sincere interest in the people he met & photographed, and you can see it in his subjects' eyes: their transparency and trust. Mr. Neff's body of work gives the reader a glimpse into his subjects' lives during this most difficult time. Thank you for recording what words cannot fully express.

Neff has produced a magnificent book here of portraits of Katrina victims. These are the REAL people and stories from Katrina!

Of all the Katrina books, this is one of my favorites. I also have been photographing post Katrina New Orleans since October 2005 and this is one of the few books by other photographers that I have purchased. The book is done with sensitivity and insight into this once in a lifetime event. I strongly recommend.

Every time someone sees my Bible, they want one! Finally, my spiritual guide admired it and I gave up my tattered copy to him. Now I'm replacing it with the exact same one. This Bible has MANY useful study features. "Word Wealth" (for key words) discusses the root of the Hebrew or Greek word and the word's various uses throughout the Bible. There are extensive footnotes on nearly every page giving additional information and background on key verses; the section on God's covenant with Abraham, alone is worth the price of the book. In addition, there are maps, timelines, comparisons of the four Gospels---all in an easy to read format (NKJ version). Each NT book is preceded by a discussion of the authorship---my only complaint is that these discussions don't go deeply enough into this topic. Also, it's a good size: by no means small, but compact enough to haul with you to church. Several scholars teamed on this Bible, which is written to match Hayford's beliefs (I would say that it supports a conserative, not fundamentalist, viewpoint). To better benefit from all the information packed into this Bible, take the time to read the keys and symbols at the front of the book. This Bible is sturdy and well-bound: after several years of regular use, it had experienced no binding problems whatsoever. Overall, a fabulous Bible that you will use for years to come, with study aids that will enlighten and enrich. Strangely, Amazon.com offers seemingly the same hardcover version at 3 different price points, so look for the least expensive (around $27).

You will love this product. It is awesome. This bible has the extra
s to help you study effeciently. Easy to read, and understand. Great for teens.

This Bible has wonderful resources - origins of words, commentaries, kingdom dynamics, historical notes, timelines, truth-in-action notes .... everything about this Bible makes my Bible study experience more in-depth, and it has definitely opened me up to insights in the Word that I may have missed otherwise. I would highly recommend it, and I am unsure why more people do not use it. Hayford is an amazing Bible teacher, and his input in this Bible is truly a gift to the body of Christ. Highly recommended!!!

Every time someone sees my Bible, they want one! Finally, my spiritual guide admired it and I gave up my tattered copy to him. Now I'm replacing it with the exact same one. This Bible has MANY useful study features. "Word Wealth" (for key words) discusses the root of the Hebrew or Greek word and the word's various uses throughout the Bible. There are extensive footnotes on nearly every page giving additional information and background on key verses; the section on God's covenant with Abraham, alone is worth the price of the book. In addition, there are maps, timelines, comparisons of the four Gospels---all in an easy to read format (NKJ version). Each NT book is preceded by a discussion of the authorship---my only complaint is that these discussions don't go deeply enough into this topic. Also, it's a good size: by no means small, but compact enough to haul with you to church. Several scholars teamed on this Bible, which is written to match Hayford's beliefs (I would say that it supports a conserative, not fundamentalist, viewpoint). To better benefit from all the information packed into this Bible, take the time to read the keys and symbols at the front of the book. This Bible is sturdy and well-bound: after several years of regular use, it had experienced no binding problems whatsoever. Overall, a fabulous Bible that you will use for years to come, with study aids that will enlighten and enrich. ...

This has become my favorite Bible. It has study notes written by several present day scholars that present both present knowledge and the opinions of ancient scholars. The New King James Bible is easy to read. The study notes allow the reader to follow up on both a subject and word. In addition through out the text are notes on Hebrew and Greek words and Kingdom dynamics that relate the text to present conditions. I would rate it as the best study bible available today.

If you're looking for a classic translation of ALL the Sacred Scriptures, this one is worth your consideration. The Revised Standard Version with Apocrypha is still the closest thing we have to a translation universally accepted by Roman Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox scholars alike. Whenever, for example, the Vatican cites the Bible in its official English publications, it cites the RSV -- not the NRSV, the NIV, the NASB, or any other recent translation. Moreover, the inclusion of the Apocryphal books in this 50th Anniversary Edition will appeal not only to Roman Catholic and Orthodox readers, but also to numerous Lutherans and Anglicans. Don't hesitate to add this very well-made volume to your library.

The RSV is the Bible I grew up reading... i like how the language flows and it's been said (by friends who were in PhD religion programs) that it is by far one of the closest translations from the Hebrew and Greek texts.

I never understood why the publishing companies did away with this Bible and allowed the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) to take its place.

I'm glad to have found this Bible on line... and hope that perhaps one day the RSV will have a resurgence. Thanks to the small book company who was willing to sell this now antiquated version of the Bible.

I love reading this Revised Standard Version, it breaks the words down simply and beautifully.

The very first version of the King James Bible was in 1611 it included the Apocrypha texts which were texts that appeared in the Greek bible but not the Hebrew version. The KJV included them as a seperate part of the bible and treated them in contempt very badly translating them as they were considered undivine. In 1883 the KJV was updated and the Apocrypha texts were taken out and only special KJV bibles have them today and they're expensive.

The KJV was a masterpiece and had become the standard version of the bible but even so it was old and it was showing signs of that age. Oxford University Press released a revised version of the 1611 KJV known as the Revised Standard Version (RSV) maintaining the same structure and format of the original KJV. It didn't eliminate the use of thy, thine, thou but mainly cut it back to mainly quotes and it went back to the original texts and corrected many of the errors in the KJV. After 50 years the exceptional job they have done in updating the KJV is clearly visible and its a shame they've spoiled this in their politically correct version the NRSV.

I would definately recommend this bible to anyone it maintains the same majestic wording of the KJV as well as the same structure and even includes the Apocrypha at a fraction of the price it would cost to get a 1611 KJV with Apocrypha today. The pages are very thin and the print of the previous page can be seen through but this is a minor drawback to a very good bible. I'd recommend this bible to anyone after an accurate reading bible.

My review is the only review here that specifically refers to the Stampley Family Bible rendition of the RSV. The other reviews are referring to the RSV translation only.

The RSV Catholic Version is my translation of choice. The RSV was the only bible being used in English speaking universities the world over (until the politically correct NRSV flopped onto the scene). All the best academic authors use it in their works, it is a true classic.

The Stampley Family Bible is amazing value at $50 and thus I give it 5 stars . If I'd paid the full list price of $89.95 I'd be less happy as the quality is good-medium not brilliant. The font size is excellent. I don't know the exact size but my ESV Large print is 12.75 point and this is much bigger. The bible is beautiful with its many prints of the old masters, bible dictionary / concordance, etc.

Fantastic value!!!!!!!!

this is a wonderful book...to bring you to the wonder of hope found in scripture. Its a great book for anyone and very good for small groups.

I have collected Charles Swindoll books through the years and the Lord has lead me to read them at the precise moment that I need to hear from Him. I am at a crucial point in my life and I am blessed at how seemingly, Chuck captures how I feel exactly... His prayers at the end of the chapters are my very prayers.

I hope we can invite Mr. Chuck Swindoll and Mr. Max Lucado, another Christian author, to the Philippines. If anyone out there knows how to get in touch with them, please e-mail me. we are willing to bring these two men of God to our beautiful Island Philippines.

In Christ, Virna Payawal

"Hope Again" is yet another great book by Chuck Swindoll. This title focuses on the hope we have as believers in Jesus Christ despite the trials and temptations we go through. The Book of 1 Peter was the focus of this book.

Among the important points covered include:

1. Loving our brothers and sisters in Christ is a great way to witness to the world.
2. 3 natural reactions to unfair treatment.
3. God is good to those who wait on Him and seek Him.
4. Living an authentic Christian life will shock a pagan crowd.
5. Living life in view of Christ's return will give us perspective.
6. Be the person God created you to be.
7. God's way for us to deal with authority, attitude, and anxiety.
8. Battle tactics of the devil and 3 responses to his ploys (this was a particularly good chapter!!!).

Read, enjoy, and be encouraged in the Lord to hang in there and not give up.

Highly recommended.

Though Chuck doesn't deal with each verse of 1 Peter, he has certainly unpacked his thesis. Chuck is not only a great expository preacher; he is a great writer.

I recommend this volume highly. The metaphors are riveting!

This book really ministered to my very needs I'm a young man but the things that I was going through just made me lose hope. Things have been bright because my HOPE in Christ is more powerful than any circumstance that I will ever face. Thanks Charles for letting God use you like this.

Horrible Harry in Room 2B is one of the most hilarious books I've ever read. It is addicting and doesn't stop making you laugh. It is a book for all ages from 7 to 10. One of the parts that I thought was very good was when Harry makes stub people out of broken pencils. When he makes 24 of them he going to invade the class room
The book is very different and they aren't very long so you can read a lot of them like I did. My favorite one so far was Horrible Harry and the Christmas Surprise. I think you should read it during Christmas
I think if you have a good sense of humor you should try one of these books out Your probably end up reading them all like me.

This book is so funny I'm going to cry!! This book is the best book you could ever get! You will love it! In the hilarious story, there are five funny people. There names are Harry, Mary, Song Lee, Cindy and Doug. Harry does such mischievous things! I would recommend this book to younger kids who love funny books! You will have to buy this book or I will buy it for myself!!
by, Adrian

I think this book is cool. This is the best book I ever read. It is the best book I have ever read because Harry is very realistic. And Harry likes cookies and so do I. And Harry is horrible but he is still very cool. ~Gaby~

I'm wrting about Horrible Harry in Room 2B. Horrible Harry is very horrible because he plays tricks on girls and he even made Sidney say "I like girls" or he was going to tickle him. My favorite chapter was Horrible Harry and the Stub People and Halloween. In his costume he slithers. Can you guess what he is? I really liked Horrible Harry in Room 2B. I thought that Horrible Harry was too horrible. I would tell a lot of people to read Horrible Harry in Room 2B. I liked the book a lot! Would you want to read Horrible Harry in Room 2B?

Horriable Harry in Room 2B is my favorite book. Not only is it a book that i have grown up with, it is also an interesting and enjoyable book to just sit down and read. From the funny stiches he gets himself involved into, and the "double revenge" that he puts upon Sidney, this book has always made me giggle. If you arn't sure if an older kid would like it, let me tell you this, im 16 and Horriable Harry in Room 2B is DEFINTALY my FAVORITE book!

This is one of my 2 yr old's favorite books. He asks for it by name over and over. (We both have it memorized now.) It is simple, fun, catchy - everything you love about a children's book. I have to say that I love the book, too and don't mind reading it half a dozen times before bedtime!

I wrote a review on this book in 2000 and even though my son is now over 5, he STILL loves reading these Veggie Tale books! Now instead of just entertainment he is learning from them: shapes, colors, how to count, how to rhyme, and even how to read. And he still enjoys the SPLASH on the last page of this book! This is one I know I'll be reading to the grandbabies someday!

We received this book as a Christmas gift when my son was 14 months old, and it quickly became a favorite. Its rhythmic cadence and rhyme scheme make it fun to read, and the colorful pictures are great. Best of all, though, is the SPLASH! page that comes near the end. My son knows it's coming, and gets excited every time--in fact, one of his first words was "Splash!" I only wish these books came in board format--even with the sturdy laminated pages, my son did rip that favorite page in his eagerness to get to it!

I read this book every night to my 9 month old daughter. She really likes the pictures and rhymes. I'm buying it for my friend's son and my niece for their second birthday- I'm sure they will enjoy it as much as we do. It is the best children's book I've seen so far.

My baby got all these veggie tale books for his first birthday and he just LOVES them. I wish there were more because I seem to read them over and over to him. The small size makes these books appeal to him and I often find him sitting and looking at the pictures by himself. They are also easy to put in my purse to take places. Also the paper is sturdier than most books so he doesn't seem to crinkle the pages. The best birthday gift we received!