Wagner Reviews

Ring Resounding

Published in Paperback by Limelight Editions (1987-06)

Author: John Culshaw

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A very fine book

Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-31

It's an unexpected thing to say about a backstage book (not a genre I'm fond of) but this is an inspiring book about artistic collaboration, and a dream fulfilled.

The recording it celebrates can now be seen to be not without its flaws. For example it's tragic that Hotter's vast voice had gone "woofy" by the time they recorded Walku:re, the last of the cycle to be recorded. Despite the awesome conviction and power of Hotter's vocal acting, he wasn't beautiful, and the transformed Wotan at the end of Act III has to be beautiful. And it's a shame that they replaced Paul Kuen's excellent, musical, Mime with Gerhard Stolze's over-the-top cackling, which has not worn well with time.

But the Culshaw book helps put these flaws (and I can't bring myself really to consider Hotter a flaw, on balance) into perspective against the grandeur of the achievement - which, though complete Ring cycles are now common, remains unchallenged.

Culshaw himself is a fine, clear and sometimes amusing writer and, it seems, a likeably modest and decent man. For example he kindly withholds the name of the tenor, a potential superstar as Siegfried, who nearly killed the project by refusing to study his role. It's now known that that was Ernst Kozub, by the way, and you can consider Culshaw's claims about the magnificence of his voice by listening to his Erik on the Klemperer "Fliegende Holla:nder". He must be kicking himself to this very day. On the other hand, the story of Wolfgang Windgassen's artistic integrity and decency in stepping in and singing to save the recording, even while his agent was still working out the contracts, only adds lustre to the excellence of his performance. And if it were in a movie ("The hell with this; I'm going in to sing") no-one would believe it.

Kirsten Flagstad appears as perhaps the most loveable soprano, or singer of any kind, I have ever heard of, and the story of her death still, when I read it again, brings tears to my eyes. Culshaw's considerably more guarded treatment of Birgit Nilsson, undoubtedly a fine artist, tells a very different story...

It's also inspiring to read about record company management who were not solely motivated by the bottom line. Perhaps nowadays that would see the book classified as science fiction. :)

Good book. The best of it's kind. Recommended. (And they should re-print it.)

Laon

A mostly absorbing glimpse into the world of recording

Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-21

I was in elementary and junior high school when the legendary first-ever recording of Wagner's Ring Cycle was being set down and released. I did not get interested in opera until junior high and did not have access to the recordings until later, but in the meantime I did find and read this fascinating book, and have read it several times in the meantime.

Culshaw begins by giving some background: the earlier attempts on the part of Decca/London to record and issue a Ring the "easy" way (by going to Bayreuth and taking one down, which they tried in both 1951 and 1955); their ultimately successful attempt to snag Kirsten Flagstad, who had retired from recording, into the Rheingold cast; and the early attempts at creating stereo productions for the phonograph which finally jelled when they got around to recording Das Rheingold.

There are many, many fascinating stories within the main fabric of the tale, and it would take a review much longer than 1,000 words to even mention all of them. For example, although the reasons had to do mostly with the technical quality of the recording, this first-ever Das Rheingold captured the imagination of the opera-buying public in a way that nobody could have imagined or expected, despite the doubts of the competition and the lack of interest on the part of the Wagner cognoscenti. Another story is that of Kirsten Flagstad's tragically deteriorating health which ultimately prevented her from participating in any of the other operas, despite the glimmers of hope that kept flickering and the constantly changing plans Decca/London made to accommodate her. The story of the young unknown tenor who was supposed to be the ideal Siegfried except that he was unwilling to take the time to learn the role is a study in frustration. On the lighter side are the tale of the horse the producers brought into the studio to surprise Nilsson during the recording of Gotterdammerung, and the story of Regine Crespin's kicking James King in the shin during the recording of the Walkure Act I love duet.

Culshaw has a definite way with words and thus has the ability to allow the reader to feel the tension, time pressures and catharses involved in the recording sessions. One example of this is his description of Decca/London's attempt to record an acceptable Rheingold prelude--in the middle of the night yet!--given that the first half of the piece could not be edited because of the way it is written, and so had to be recorded without mistake; the tension here is almost palpable. It is in areas such as this where Culshaw is at his strongest.

Unfortunately, sometimes Culshaw fails to understand the power of his pen and as a result the book also has its weak and even offensive areas, usually centered around the author's own prejudices. For example, he dismisses the 1951 Bayreuth Gotterdammerung, which Decca/London almost issued but did not, as an inferior performance except for the Brunnhilde and the Hagen. However, this performance was finally issued a year or two ago on the Testament label and in the opinion of many immediately jumped to near the top of the list of contenders for best-ever recording of the work. What could Culshaw have been thinking when he wrote his cavalier dismissal of the recording? And if the Gotterdammerung *had* been originally issued rather than the legendary Parsifal from the same year, would Culshaw then have said that the Parsifal was no good? Given a glaring error in judgment such as this one, I have difficulty trusting Culshaw's objectivity in other areas. And even given his bias in favor of the German repertoire as opposed to the Italian, his words to the effect that no *real* conductor has ever shown any interest in Bellini are at best unprofessional if indeed not irresponsible, as Serafin and Berntein provided contemporary evidence to the contrary, while others such as Levine would come along later to prove Culshaw wrong yet again.

Another drawback to the book is that Culshaw can be incredibly condescending. The conclusion to the tale about the man who owned a rare steerhorn and came to Vienna during the Walkure sessions to help Decca/London get the relevant passages on tape is not only condescending but just plain mean. Likewise Culshaw makes the comment that he wouldn't expect anybody who hasn't been exposed to the pressures involved in recording music such as the Ring to understand the necessity of briefly lowering the temperature with the horse episode; such a comment assumes that Culshaw is writing to people who are unsophisticated if not worse.

These drawbacks aside, however, Ring Resounding is really an excellent read, and gives a wonderful idea of the joys and struggles involved in recording an opera. I'm sorry to see that it has gone out of print and hope to see it back soon. I want to edit if it does return, though...

TRUST ME, YOU'D WANT THE TIME-LIFE EDITION

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-08

This is one of a handful of books indispensable to the history of "classical" recording. It relates the on-again, off-again, 7-year history of what it took to record the first complete, commercial RING. (Other such books include Roland Gelatt's THE FABULOUS PHONOGRAPH; the Legge-Schwarzkopf ON AND OFF THE RECORD; and Culshaw's posthumously published memoir PUTTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT -in which Culshaw's observations are far less reserved than in RING RESOUNDING- and he names Names.)

The 1972 Time-Life edition of RING RESOUNDING is the one to have- if you can find a "seperate" copy. (Originally, it was leather-bound, in a big black box, together with Peter Gutman's 1968 Wagner bio and Bernard Shaw's The PERFECT WAGNERITE.) Not only is the layout more generous (with thick, glossy pages), but in this edition we get many more photographs of the Solti RING artists- most of them taken by Hans Wild at the actual recording sessions. (The commerical hard-cover edition of '67 has only a few pages of smaller-sized photos.)

Granted, Culshaw had his blind-spots and biases. Still, it is perilously easy to look down on this man and his work when, in terms of appreciation and musical hindsight, we "record collectors" of today are standing on his shoulders. Because without Culshaw and his Decca-mates (Ray Minshull, Gordon Parry, Erik Smith, Christopher Raeburn & CO.)- without them, such a thing as the Solti RING would have taken much longer to materialize...And by THAT time, it would have been too late to capture (in stereo/studio conditions) the last generation-or-so of great Wagnerian singing which we can hear on the Solti RING.

If this sounds like an exaggeration, consider that : 1) Kirsten Flagstad's terminal illness cut short her "comeback," within a year of her RHEINGOLD Fricka. 2) Within five years of this RING's completion in November 1965, Wolfgang Windgassen retired (and died soon thereafter). 3) Not much later, Brigit Nilsson passed out of her peak/glory days- even if, "out" of her prime, she could still clean the clock of any other Wagnerian soprano. 4) Soon after the mid-1960s many of the older players, who formed the last vestige of the pre-war Vienna Philharmonic, began to retire- taking with them a unqiue, burnished sound. (In time, even the Concertgebouw and the Vienna Philharmonic got infected by the Post-Jet, Post-Karajan "International Sound.") That is to say, Culshaw and his team were able to record this RING, in state-of-the-art sound, only just in time.

True, if you can put up with some smeary orchestral playing, there's the stereo '67 Bohm/Bayreuth RING on Philips- with a host of great singers, including Wolfgang Windgassen and Birigit Nilsson (who preferred her Bohm/Bayreuth performance to her Solti/studio one).

And yes, the live Bayreuth RINGs of the 50s (Krauss '53 and Keilberth's early stereo '55) allow us to hear several of Solti's singers, in younger and fresher voice...But remember that due to various "contractual" problems, these performances would not be legally OR widely available for decades to come. (Just for "starters," EMI had a "lock" on any Bayreuth RING recordings, from 1951 to 1958.)

This brings us to the old canard that, out of self-interest, Culshaw "eighty-sixed" the release of the '55 Keilberth/Bayreuth RING (which Decca taped in stereo). Now, it's true that Culshaw (to quote a certain Politician) "misunderestimated" Keilberth's conducting, going so far as to describe his 1953 Bayreuth LOHENGRIN as "limp." (Not many Wagnerians would agree with this.) There's no question that Keilberth was indeed one of Culshaw's blind-spots, and that Culshaw's input to Decca's corporate "suits," vis-a-vis Keilberth, would have been "negatory."

Still: in 1955 and '56, did Culshaw, by himself, have the sheer CLOUT to prevent the release of the '55 RING?

Culshaw had produced Decca sessions as early as 1947, but the fact is that during the '55 Bayreuth Festival, he wasn't even WITH with Decca, but with Capitol. Yes, he returned to Decca, but not until August 29, 1955- after the Festival was over. Not only that: as "A & R man," Culshaw would not take over Decca's Continental recording schedule from Victor Olof until the following year.

But the biggest "snag" for the release of any Decca/Bayreuth RING was the 7-year "lock" which EMI had on any Bayreuth RING recordings, from 1951 to '58. Still, if you insist on assigning the role of "culprit" to Culshaw, then you must assume that

(a) Culshaw's Zurich boss, the notoriously conservative Maurice Rosengarten, had considered Keilberth's "name" big enough to sell a complete RING in 1955
(b) that Rosengarten actually thought of a complete RING as marketable at that time, under ANY name. As it was, getting him to "sign-on" to a studio RHEINGOLD, in 1957, was something of a "coup." (Yes, he had given the go-ahead to TAPE the '55 RING- but contractual legalities had to be worked out, prior to "publication".)
(c) that the formidable "Uncle Maurice" would EVER (at least so far as he knew it) allow his perogatives to be swept aside, simply on the say-so of an A & R man (i.e., Culshaw) whose greatest successes were still in the future.

That is to say, Gimmee a break. And besides, would anyone really WANT to go back in time, pre-empt the Solti RING, and deprive us of Kirsten Flagstad's RHEINGOLD Fricka?

This is an enjoyable "read" which stands up to repeated traversals...What fascinating stories, what an abundance of example after example of seeking out just the right ambience, the right textures, moods, tempi, effects...And when Culshaw relates how difficulties and crises were not only weathered & overcome, but turned to the advantage of the recording, it's nothing less than inspiring. (By the way, does anyone know HOW Windgassen's voice was changed to sound more like Fischer-Diskau's, in the GOTTERDAMMERUNG Tarnhelm scene? It's the only instance where Culshaw wouldn't reveal how an effect was achieved.)

Going through this volume, it is painfully nostalgic to behold a time when such vision, quality and craftmanship were not only sponsored, but ENCOURAGED by big record companies. Still, a periodic re-reading of RING RESOUNDING can replenish appreciation of all-out quality and dedication to one's craft (whatever it may be) - and help the "gentle reader" become part of the greater public which once supported such visions, much more than they do, now. So, in spite of the pain of knowing that there are no Culshaws or Legges walking among us in 2006 (much less the corporate leeway thereto), we can still keep alive the larger visions - and enhance our lives. (No mean feat, that.)

Ring Resounding

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-09

This book came as an insert into the Package of the Ring(Solti). Purchased the set back in 1976, at Westwood/LA'sTower Records. Clerk said,"Wanna see people's heads turn?" And cranked up the concludng portion of the Immola-tion scene for me...on the PA......THAT decided for me notjust which version of the Ringto buy, but just how beautifu-lly and faithfully this recor-ding really IS to Wagner's very precise original direc-tions...I take it out every sooften to remind myself of just how much we opera-lovers oweto the pioneering work doneby Mr. Culshaw and his team ofauditory/sound engineers forEMI/London Recordings.Indeed, I daresay it is due invery large part to their pain-staking work that full-length recordings of Bach, Mozart,Verdi, for that matter, ANYopera, oratorio, or longer-length piece, could have beenrecorded, let alone attempted,at all, or have sold enoughcopies to justify furtherpioneering works.I am in debt, as are we all, to this pioneer in music!

Epic Story About Epic Recording

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-03

I got this book s part of a boxed set of Solti's Der Ring des
Nibelungen back in 1976. Culshaw was the sound engineer on the
Sofiensaal recording of Wagner's Ring, beginning in 1958, the
preparations took years to bring to fruition, and the whole ef-
fort was a gamble on Decca/EMI/London's part, as noone was tot-
ally sure that the record buying public would support financial-
ly such a monumental recording. Just as the logistics of get-
ting an internationally famous assemblage of singers weren't
daunting enough, there were the gargantuan tasks associated with
recording this Mount Everest of music-and getting it right, with
out having to recall singers, conductor, and musicians again and
again. This part is absolutely fascinating, and if one gets the
dvd/video as a an illustration, one will get a very fine appre-
ciation of the tremendous efforts that go into the making of any
operatic recording.

This effort made it feasible for whole operas to be recorded and
sold, not to mention pioneering recording techniques that con-
tinue to be refined to this day.

You really want to understand what goes into making an opera re-
cording tick? Or what efforts go into recording sound? Then
buy this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back to Basics: Rediscovering the Richness of the Reformed Faith

Published in Paperback by P & R Publishing (1996-01)

Authors: Douglas J. Wilson, Douglas M. Jones, and Roger Wagner

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Rediscovered Richness

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-28

The popular attention in the Protestant world towards traditional Reformed theology and thought that has come about in the last 30 years or so, has had multiple attempts of explaining just what the encompassing nature of Reformed theology looks like. Some have been attempts to be extremely contemporary, some have been dry theological tomes, accessible to only those who are already presupposed to that corner of the Protestant world. What the compilation of chapters, by different authors, in Back to Basics, have done is to present a readable explanation of traditional Reformed theology, beginning with the doctrine of a sovereign God that rules personally in his creation.

A risk with any work that has multiple authors, and this one has four sections, with a different author in each, is that the writing will be uneven and that thoughts developed in one part of the book will be dropped totally later on. As such, even in good books, with well written ideas, stand alone chapters are better remembered than others.

In this book, the chapters on sanctification, or how the Christian grows in his faith and what that means for his vocation and all areas of life; and the section on the covenant nature dealings between God and his people are nicely done. The sections dealing with the doctrine of God and the role of the church do read dryly at times.

The general reader, who is interested in a high view of a personal yet universal God of the Bible and who is looking for a clear, succint teaching on justification and how that applies to the whole life of the individual will find this work useful. Unfortunately, there has much contention historically, and even in recent years among different parties in the Protestant world, between the covenant and dispensational or even more recently towards things like open theism. Some of these arguments have been needlessly distracting from the heart of the gospel. What the authors of Back to Basics have done, is to write a genearlly lucid explanation for how Reformed theology flows into every other area of the Christian life, and to do that in a way that is not argumentative or contentious. And for that, the reader should be grateful, and should find the book a fine complement to their personal study.

Exceptional!!!

Helpful Votes: 11 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-29

This book is responsible for introducing me to the Reformed faith. For years I had been told of the "evils" of Calvin and his twisting of God's character... afterall, he's a lawyer... and who can trust those guys? But what I found shocked me! The reformed faith actually made sense (go figure...)and had no semblence to the caricature the critics like to draw of it.

I was going through a rough time in my faith and I decided to re-examine things I had been taught in church when I stumbled on this little gem of a book. This book was the stepping stone to my discovering the Reformed faith and gave me a firm foundation that had never been built in my life. I continue to return to my copy from time to time for its concise examples, thoroughness and extremely readable style... my paperback edition is extremely dog-eared.

If you are interested in testing the waters of historical, evangelical Pretestantism, I heartily recommend this book as a launching point.

Well-rounded presentation of Reformed Theology

Helpful Votes: 22 out of 23 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-06

The book is divided into four sections: Conversion, The Covenant, The Church and The Christian Life. Each chapter in every section has study questions that reinforce and help the reader gain a deeper understanding of each section. The foreword is written by RC Sproul.

Doug Wilson, Doug Jones, Roger Wagner and David Hagopian have put together a well-rounded presentation of the Reformed Faith. As Roger Wagner, one of the authors, states, "the Reformed faith starts and stops with the sovereign and gracious God who has revealed Himself in Scripture." That's the focus and starting point for every discussion in the book.

Many authors simply complain about the condition of the Church. Not these authors. They exercise terrific insights, give helpful direction and pastoral-theological wisdom that really does encourage the student of Scripture. Each message is an example of compassion.

A short summary of the book from the book: "[God} is, and forever will be, preeminent in all things (Col. 1:18)." In all areas of life, God is primary and it is Him that we glorify in all things. Conversion, covenant, church and life, all things are for Him and through Him. The authors' theses are complete and clear. Their goal was accomplished: Why is Reformed theology such a good thing (or is it)?

This title is recommended by: RC Sproul, Jay Adams, E. Calvin Beisner, James Montgomery Boice, D. James Kennedy, John Frame, Jerry Bridges, GI Williamson and Steve Brown.

Best Intro to the Reformed Distinctives that I Have Found

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-15

I've read several of the books that are often suggested as introductions to Reformed thought. This is the first one that doesn't focus on Calvinistic soteriology to the exclusion of other equally (or perhaps more) important aspects of the Reformed view of what Scripture teaches. My only real quibble is that the title ought to be Back to Intermediates, because there are more foundational doctrines than these - but all Protestants agree about those.

The book is divided into four sections, each written by a different author:

Doug Wilson contributes the chapters on salvation. He very able covers justification and predestination. Doug Jones contributes the section on covenantal theology. Covenant theology is the true heart of the Reformed viewpoint. These few chapters ably lay out the scriptural basis for it and explore the implications of it. A third section concerns the church, including its nature, the sacraments, and church discipline. This is the weakest section of the book, but still adequate for the overall purpose. Particularly, one wishes that more time would have been spent on the nature of worship and on the place of the sacraments in the corporate life of the church. Finally, Hagopian himself handles the section on the Christian life, which is mostly a theology of sanctification. This is perhaps the most immediately practical of the sections.

Each chapter ends with a dozen or so review questions. We are considering using this book in a Sunday school class, so that is a very definite plus. Any criticism that could be leveled against the book would be on the basis that it could have treated a subject more thoroughly, but doing so would have necessitated expanding the book beyond its purpose.

A Return to our Reformed Heritage

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-23

Most protestant denominations praise the efforts of Luther and the other founding fathers but since have adapted a very different theology. Hagopian, Wilson, Jones, and Wagner do a good job of bringing us back to the "richness of the Reformed faith." First and foremost, it's biblical. In addition, it's logical and the most glorious! Read this and let's bring the glory back to God, not man.

Marvelous Mercer

Published in Hardcover by self (2007-09-29)

Author: Shea Megale

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Truely a Miracle

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-15

Marvelous Mercer written by Shea Megale, is the most inspiring, uplifting story I have ever read. Shea is confined to a wheelchair due to having SMA (spinal muscular atrophy). She is independant due to her godsent canine companion, Mercer. Shea has written Marvelous Mercer as her first story of a six book series. In Marvelous Mercer, Shea uses Mercer, her companion dog to experience things she will never be able to do, due to the fact that she is unable to walk. This book is about Mercer sneaking out at night and learning to ice skate. What this child brings to the table is remarkable. I HIGHLY recommend this book to ALL ages. If you are a parent, buy this book for your children, they can learn a lot from it!!
You will be completely satisfied with your purchase!

Marvelous Mercer

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-17

I ordered this book to be supportive of the author's cause. To my delight the book is exceptional. I will read it over and over to my grandchildren.

Marvelous Mercer

Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-12

After watching an interview on the Today Show of Marvelous Mercer's owner, I was determined to find this book for my grandchildren. Even though it had just been published, I received my two copies within five days of ordering on line from Amazon. Shea Megale is an eighth grader who was diagnosed at age 2 with a rare condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She is confined to a wheelchair, and only because her parents were able to find "Marvelous Mercer" through the Canine Companions organization, Shea is able to function quite well. One day Shea's mother found some diary entries Shea had written about the secret life of her dog. With her mother's help and some wonderful illustrations, this book provides 6 to 9 year olds with a special story and a lesson in courage. It also provides donations to the SMA research group as well as the Canine Companions for Independence organization.

WOW!!

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-13

Just WOW!! I am in awe by both Shea and Mercer. What a beautiful inspiringng story. I can't wait for the second, third, fourth...

The adventures of a canine companion

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-10

This is the story of Mercer, an assist dog who helps a handicapped girl function in her day-to-day life. However, at night, Mercer sneaks out of the house and past the nosey neighbor to have adventures. He dreams of learning to ice skate and being the first dog to win an Olympic medal. The reality that dogs can't skate doesn't dampen his enthusiasm, as he knows there are things he can do, such as helping his little girl.

Written by an 11 year old with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, this book is a delightful tale about trying new things and discovering our abilities and limitations. The illustrations, by the author's uncle, help to bring the characters to life. A wonderful book for children, and part of the proceeds from sales of this book support SMA research and canine companions.

¡Santo remedio !A tu alcance con remedios caseros

Published in Mass Market Paperback by Editorial y Distribuidora Leo, S.A. de C.V. (2000-06-23)

Author: Ann Lilian Wagner

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EL PODER DE LAS YERBAS

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-30

TIENE ALCANCES DESCONOCIDOS...
Es una ciencia que, con este libro, queda al alcance de todos...

Con saber la cuarta parte

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-21

de lo que expone este libro, estás enterado de que
LAS YERBAS CURAN Y MATAN..
Hay que andarse con cuidado

YO SUPE QUE LA DOCTORA WAGNER HABIA

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-15

vivido en Oaxaca, entre los brujos y las yerberas...
De ahi, sus conocimientos amplisimos para curar con yerbas !
SE LAS SABE TODAS !!

This book will lead you

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-13

to use and ex'ploit the marvelous gifts Mother Nature offers us..
If we don't know them, we can't use them!
A WONDERFUL BOOK

Yo atiendo a mi esposo y a mis niños

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-05

con las yerbitas, los tés y las pociones que aconseja este libro para toda clase de dolencias !
Esto es porque lo aprendí en mi tierra y le tenemos desconfianza a los doctores que a las primeras de cambio nos llenan de antibióticos. Sólo vemos al doctor cuando la cosa es aguda...
Aqui vienen algunas de las yerbas que usaba mi mamá, y también mi abuelita. Es lo mejor, y además, yo sé que todas las medicinas de farmacia están hechas de yerbas..pero les agregan químicos...

Te lo SUPERRECOMIENDO para dooorcitos de barriga, garganta, ce cabeza y hasta de espalda... Nomás pruébalo, amiga

Twice upon a Time (Silhouette Intimate Moments No. 1092) (Intimate Moments, 1092)

Published in Paperback by Silhouette (2001-07-01)

Author: Jennifer Wagner

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Simply the Best

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-20

This story kept me reading straight through. The characters are delightful, and the plot was suspenseful. I'm a real fan of Romance, and this book really captures the heart. I hope there will be a sequel. I would really love to see what happens to many of the people Miss Wagner has written about. It's a winner!!

WOW! WOW! WOW!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-17

I can't believe this is the author's first book! I picked up Twice Upon A Time after my husband fell asleep and two hours later he found me still reading!! Fast, fast pace, great storyline. I'm going to hunt down this author's webpage and find out more about her. She's going to have a lot of spots on my keeper shelf! Kathy :)

Twice Upon a Time

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-20

Oh to find that original true love, not once but twice is a gift only the Gods can bestow upon us. Ms. Wagner made this gift feel so right. This book was hard to put down. The romance, mystery, and her ability to capture the personalities of each member of her Twice upon a Time cast made you feel as though you knew each one. Well worth reading for all romance fans.

For a first time author, Jennifer Wagner has surpassed many a veteran author. Her talent I'm sure has a base of hard work, but also a gift, one to be nurtured, one to be treasured. This book, I am sure, is just the first of many. The story telling skills of this newest master of Romance will one day earn her the title of `The Queen of Romance".

promising new author!

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-13

Anna Ramsey has worked hard to make a success of her life, with her career & as a single mother. She had been devastated when her children's father was killed even though they had been estranged. Years later Anna feels an attraction for her new neighbor & starts to think it's possible to feel passion again for someone other than Rico.

Rico Carella's 'death' had been staged to protect himself as well as his family & reconstructive surgery had changed his looks drastically. Rico had survived horrendous torture by his captors as well as Anna's betrayal as a committed lover. However his love is still alive for this one woman & he hopes to convince her he had deceived her to protect her from harm.

This is a terrific debut from a promising new author. With interesting characters & a captivating plot. I hope to see stories for all of the secondary 'hunks' that were so brave & courageous in this story...in the foreseeable future. In the meantime, this was a great book!

You'll want to read TUAT more than once...

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-14

You'll want to read it again and again!

Rico Carella was Anna Ramsey's first love who died a tragic death. She never thought she'd be attracted to another man with the same fierce intensity until Gage moves in next door. She's blown away by the power of her desire for this stranger...but is he truly a stranger? There's more going on than Anna can imagine. Things that put Anna and her children at risk. The only man who can save her is the man who's brought the danger with him--Gage, a man who's hiding secrets that not only puts Anna at risk physically, but also risks her heart.

Jennifer Wagner tells an emotional, action-packed story of a love that couldn't die.

Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung

Published in Paperback by Thames & Hudson (2000-11)

Authors: Stewart Spencer, Richard Wagner, and Barry Millington

List price: $29.95

New price: $17.85
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Average review score:

The most compelling translation in the English language

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-30

My first English Ring was Andrew Porter's "singable" translation. It was my introduction to a world of sound-rhymes that is difficult to render even in German (a running joke in Bayreuth was that singers were asked to first translate the text to German, before starting work!!!). When my focus turned to meaning of words and sentences, I've discovered the Spencer translation, the most up-to-date version available in English. Besides an annotated text (with alternate endings included - previous versions of course...), comparing word roots with Wagner's own sources, we are also presented with introductory essays by Wagner scholars, filled with insight and devoid of one-sidedness so common in music scholarship. For everyone looking for THE version of Der Ring in English.

Excellent summaries and translations of the operas

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-17

This is a very useful set of libretti and translations. The introductory material and the synopses are also of great use.

Thank you, Mr. Spencer

Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-22

Thank you, Mr. Spencer. You have given us something very special. You have given us a complete English translation of Der Ring Des Nibelungen, and it's possibly the most Wagnerian translation ever put on paper. You have given us more knowledge about the Ring Cycle by giving us commentaries about Wagner and his mission to change the way we look at operas. You have also given us B & W pictures of recent renderings of the Ring Cycle, from the Bayreuth Festival to the New York Metropolitan Opera. And for that, we are very grateful. A+

Beautiful

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-09

I studied "The Nibelungenlied" in college and was so mesmerized by the story that I had a linden leaf tattooed on my back. Since then, I have read Nordic sagas of the Siegfried legend. This was my first read of Wagner's comprehensive version. It was, quite simply, outstanding.

Wagner draws from all versions of the legend. In addition to "The Nibelungenlied," he uses "The Saga of the Volsungs" and other Nordic versions such as the prose and poetic "Edda."

Wagner's ambitious work was composed under the nationalistic fervour of 19th Century Germany. He believed "The Nibelungenlied" to be for Germany what "The Iliad" was for Greece or "The Aeneid" was for Rome. Thus he populates his German forests and rivers with mythological gods and faeries, and his human heroes are imbued with heroic courage and strength reminiscent of Achilles and Aeneas.

In his poetry, Wagner proves himself a genius. Like other masters of language, he deftly balances storytelling, emotion, and philosophy. Stewart Spencer's translation is excellent, especially in capturing Wagner's emphasis on alliteration.

See also Wagner's libretto for "Troilus and Cressida," another brilliantly written opera based on a medieval german text (by Gottfried von Straussberg).

I highly recommend this book. There are seldom times a book will give me chills, and it happened several times when reading this book. And if you are interested in the Siegfried saga, check out The Nibelungenlied.

Great addition to any Wagner library

Helpful Votes: 21 out of 21 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-05

This book would be an excellent addition to anyone interesting in Wagner's Ring cycle for a number of reasons.

First, the translation, which takes up three quarters of the book, is well done, with German and English directly compared on a line by line basis, complete with alternate or discarded or rejected versions of the libretto included in an appendix. The translation itself seems outstanding; some of Wagner's phrasing is difficult or impossible to directly translate into English, but even in the most convoluted or confusing cases the result is clear and compelling.

Second, there is a thematic guide to many of the most important leitmotifs Wagner developed (67 in this case), and in the translation of the libretto the authors have noted where these occur on a line by line, or sequential basis. This is of tremendous help as a reference for further study when listening and relistening to the music.

Third, while there is only little commentary on the operas and on Wagner's compositional journey through the Ring, there are a few photos from past performances, comparing vastly different sets for the same scenes, which are interesting. There could have been quite a bit more of this.

Finally, the glossary of character names could be useful to the student.

Overall, this is an excellent resource and reference to use while listening to the Ring, and for analyzing Wagner's libretto itself.

The Complete Stephen King Universe: A Guide to the Worlds of Stephen King

Published in Paperback by St. Martin's Griffin (2006-05-30)

Authors: Stanley Wiater, Christopher Golden, and Hank Wagner

List price: $22.95

New price: $6.71
Used price: $4.34

Average review score:

THX :)

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-17

received fast and in great condition - awesome book! A must for SK fans.

For all constant readers of Stephen King

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-09

The Complete Stephen King Universe: A Guide to the Worlds of Stephen King
The perfect book to read for every constant reader, this book examines all of the works of Stephen King (up to the time of publishing) and details the continuity and discrepancies between the worlds Stephen King has created. Truly a must for those which Stephen King refers to as constant reader.

Great for everyone..

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-07

This is a great book for everyone interested in Stephen King's works. I have read a great deal of his work, so I imagine that I am one of those that falls under the 'Constant Reader' title, and this book had me noting that I had missed some of the overlaps and complexity of his many books. I look forward to reading his books again, and catching even more, thanks to this book.

However, this is also good for the more casual Stephen King reader, as it guides you through his worlds and his books. The authors give very good analyses of each book and each world, sorting through the myriad of characters and ideas that Stephen King uses (quite deftly, in my opinion).

Educational

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-13

This is the most helpful book I have read regarding writing. This information has everything from first write to the way to get it published.

The only thing I found missing was a word/page index.

This is a book I would recommend to others.

A must read for Stephen King fans

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-13

Many fantasists or fantasy authors create their own parallel universes, which stand as back drops for their stories. H. P. Lovecraft did this with his Cthulhu Mythos, creating a pantheon of dark gods who have the ability to slip into our universe from time to time and sunder reality. Cthulhu's theme is to eradicate all humankind from the face of the earth.

Stephen King's parallel universe, however, appears to be a multitude of intertwining dimensions comprising malefic and beneficial cross-over characters and deities whose conflicts influence these various dimensions for good or for evil. According to authors Hank Wagner, Christopher Golden, and Stanley Wiater, in this, their definitive reference entitled THE COMPLETE STEPHEN KING UNIVERSE: A GUIDE TO THE WORLDS OF STEPHEN KING, Mr. King's DARK TOWER series stands as the central and unifying dimension from which his parallel universe emerges and ultimately returns. CSKU defines and describes all of Mr. King's stories and novels to date, tying events and people together in each of the over-lapping tales--but the fun does not stop there, readers. At the end of every chapter, the authors reveal interesting trivia about the characters and events that make-up Stephen King's world, sometimes pointing out that people in our so-called "reality" also have a share in his universe, the most obvious person being author Peter Straub, co-author of THE TALISMAN, one of my favorite novels of all time. (Speaking of Peter Straub, an interesting observation is the creepy character in his novel MR. X, who seems to make a brief appearance--at least in this reader's opinion--in Mr. King's novel FROM A BUICK 8, when he delivers the vintage Buick, then disappears behind the gas station where he abandons the car.)

If you are a fan of Stephen King's work, and the author himself, you will enjoy reading THE COMPLETE STEPHEN KING UNIVERSE. This fascinating and literate guide brought many details of Mr. King's overall work to my attention, details I was not aware of before reading CSKU, and has inspired me to read his stories and novels over again. (No mean feat, I would like to add; although a pleasurable one!) One of the more interesting pieces of information in THE COMPLETE STEPHEN KING UNIVERSE involved the accident in which a drunk driver struck and nearly killed Mr. King in 1999, while he was out jogging alongside a country road near his summer home in Maine--bizarre stuff, life imitating art.

THE COMPLETE STEPHEN KING UNIVERSE is highly recommended reading!

How to Stay Out of the Doctor's Office: An Encyclopedia for Alternative Healing

Published in Hardcover by Instant Improvement (1994-01-01)

Authors: Edward M. Wagner and Sylvia Goldfarb

List price: $29.98

New price: $11.99
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $29.98

Average review score:

Great Book! Helped me cure a serious unknown problem!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-19

About 10 years ago, I became very sick and thought I was going to die. I took several diagnostic tests which came out negative. So I decided that I will help myself and did some research. By some stroke of luck or miracle, I received a brochure of this book in the mail so being desperate, I bought it and tried what was suggested for my symptoms. Well, I did get back to health. My symptoms disappeared. Thanks a million Dr. Wagner. I think I will buy another copy of this book since mine has become very worn out due to use.

Back Pain down my right leg

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-06-10

I would like to know where to obtain a purtaneous distcotectomy as outlined on page 236 by Dr Wagner, to enable me to write a review.
Would it be possible for me to talk to him either through yourselves or myself?
Regards....Ray Kirton ..Sydney..Australia

How may I write to Dr. Edward M. Wagner?

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1999-02-15

I have read the book and am very impressed with Dr. Wagner's belief and success in alternative healing. I live in Australia and would be most grateful if I could have an address to write to Dr. Wagner about a problem that is not covered in his book. Could you please e-mail a contact address, if possible. Many, many thanks.

Wagner Saves Thousands of Dollars in Doctor's Bills

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-02

I purchased "How To Stay Out of the Doctor's Office" several years ago, and I am convinced the book has saved me thousands of dollars in medical bills. Wagner's book helps you to diagnose common physical ailments, and he gives natural solutions for healing. He gives precise descriptions of problems like kidney stones, gallstones, high blood pressure, cholesterol control, thyroid problems, multiple sclerosis, gout, tinnitis, yeast infections, ulcers, and diabetes. I have read some sections of his book several times, and I am convinced that I have avoided/cured gallstones, kidney stones, gout, and ulcers by following his advice. I highly recommend this book to everyone. (jsoverton@excite.com)

One of a kind, easy to read self-help book that works!

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-16

Three years ago I read "How to Stay Out of the Doctor's Office" and was so impressed with it that I contacted the publisher to find out where Dr. Wagner was located. Several days later he called me directly and asked how he could be of help. Since then Dr. Wagner has become our family doctor, and we have come to appreciate his straightforwardness in telling his patients to ask questions, to become educated in making informed decisions, and finally, to "take control" of their own health. I keep his book with me at all times and treat it as my "medical bible". Each chapter is extremely informative and I have used many of them to help family and friends with common sense solutions to their medical problems. Easy to read, its format offers the layperson a basic understanding of his/her ailment, what causes it, the conventional treatment, problems associated with that treatment, and then a "no nonsense" approach to alternative remedies that include a good nutritional program, vitamin and supplement support, amino acids, herbs, adjunctive remedies, and exercise regimens. Dr. Wagner is located in Philadelphia, PA. He has a radio program, "The Dr. Wagner Health Show" which airs on Tuesday and Thursday at 2:00 p.m. on 1540am. He has written another book, "How to Stay Out of the Hospital" which addresses the problems of orthodox medicine and offers many case histories. With Dr. Wagner's permission, I am including his office number for those readers who need to contact him: (215) 455-0717.

I Saw the World End

Published in Hardcover by Oxford University Press (1979-04-26)

Author: Deryck Cooke

List price: $25.00

Used price: $39.98

Average review score:

Wagner expert explains the Ring

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-06

Deryck Cooke gets under the surface but without any any confusing and pretentious psychobabble.

extraordinary book

Helpful Votes: 24 out of 24 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-27

This really is an extraordinary book - it is the most comprehensive, insightful, and consistent study of Wagner's Ring des Niblungen. It offers some musical analysis of the leitmotivs, and is one of the first books to begin a revision of von Wolzogen's grossly erroneous analysis of the leitmotivs; it provides a plethora of highly organized information about the stages of Wagner's sketches and librettos and the original myths/legends/sagas from which he drew; and a scene by scene analysis of Rheingold and Walkure.

This book actually makes sense of Der Ring des Niblungen - no easy task, as anyone familiar with the opera tetralogy is well aware. If you are interested in the tetralogy and want to know more about it, this is THE book. There are, however, two tragedies associated with this book: the first is that the author's untimely death prevented him from finishing the book (though the material printed is itself finished). The whole book should have been about three times the length of the printed material. The second tragedy is that it is OUT OF PRINT - this is absolutely disgraceful...hopefully this title will come in to print again.

Get a hold of a copy of this book if you can.

Masterly Exegesis

Helpful Votes: 26 out of 26 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-07

This book is a model of thoughtful interpretation. Cooke begins by setting out why interpretation of the Ring cycle has been so difficult. This is seen as due partly to the enormous complexity of the work, partly due to the fact that prior major interpretations have been based on somewhat unrealistic preconceptions, for example, Bernard Shaw's social-political interpretation, and partly due to prior major interpretations bypassing close analysis of the music itself. Cooke develops a set of explicit criteria for an accurate interpretation of the Ring and applies them to prior major interpretative efforts. His critique of Robert Dornington's Jungian analysis, for example is moderate in tone but devastating in effect. Cooke defends Wagner against the charge that the plot and characters of the Ring are a shoddily assembled hodge-podge of myth. Cooke performs a careful analysis of Wagner's sources, using the same editions that Wagner drew from. Cooke demonstrates Wagner's careful and artful selection and modification of elements from German and Nordic mythology into a sophisticated and well integrated drama. Cooke's recurring term for Wagner's craft is masterly and he is correct. With this background, Cooke moves to a careful analysis of the plot and characters of the first 2 operas, Rheingold and Valkyrie. An essentially step by step analysis shows how Wagner used plot and character to advance his theme of the conflict of power versus love.
The only defect of this book is that it ends with the conclusion of Valkyrie. Though this book is over 350 pages long (in a small but not miniscule font), this would have been only the beginning of Cooke's projected opus on the Ring. Presumably, there would have been an equivalent amount of enlightening text on Siegfried and Gotterdamerung. Cooke then apparently planned a major work analyzing the development of musical aspects of the drama. Listeners who have heard Cooke's excellent introduction to the leitmotivs of the Ring will have had a taste of what Cooke planned. Its truly unfortunate that Cooke didn't live to complete this project.

Sadly, unfinished

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-15

i saw the world end is one of the most brilliant studies of wagner's ring. unfortunately, deryck cooke died before he finished his survey. still, i saw the world end remains an important work detailing the ring and die walkure in particular.

SUPERB STUDY, CUT SHORT BY AUTHOR'S DEATH

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-20

This book amply shows what a tragedy it was that Deryck Cooke died whilst still at the height of his powers. He was one of the most approachable and reliable of music critics and musicologists. No-one was better at tracing a path through the minefield of different editions of the Bruckner symphonies. No-one was more perceptive in elucidating Mahler's music and its interpreters. His performing edition of the 10th Symphony still stands as a paradigm for how these things should be done and how they should be presented to the world. 40 odd years later, his book, The Language of Music, remains a fascinating and significant exposition of the building-blocks of music, an exploration of how certain intervals and phrases which are the basic vocabulary of musical expression seem to retain a common 'meaning' across the work of very different composers from the Baroque era to the 60's.

But this monumental study of Wagner's Ring, which he left less than half finished at his death, would probably have been his greatest contribution to musical exegesis. What is left for us is an introduction which cogently dispenses with the narrow-minded interpretations proposed by the socialist, anti-capitalist Shaw in The Perfect Wagnerite and the Jungian psychology of Donington in Wagner's Ring and its Symbols. There then follows a tantalising look at the music itself in which he shows that one particular leitmotif misnamed by Wolzogen in his pioneering study as Flight, a mistake blindly followed by most subsequent commentators, is in fact the fundamental Love motif of the entire cycle. From this he draws the not unreasonable conclusion that this is, musically and philosophically, a crucial half of the essential dramatic conflict of the tetralogy between Power and Love. This particular chapter is especially frustrating in the glimpse it gives us of just how penetrating and perceptive his promised but unfulfilled analysis of the music would have been.

What we do get is a fascinating study of how Wagner bent the myriad of literary sources he used into a taut and coherent dramatic structure. And what parts of the final Ring libretto were entirely the product of his own imagination. It makes for a detective trail along the lines of John Livingstone Lowe's pursuit of all the sources for Coleridge's Kubla Khan in The Road to Xanadu. But even this part of the argument only takes us through the evolution of Das Rheingold and Die Walkure before it is cut off in its prime. However, it is still more than enough to leave us with and important study, written with all Cooke's familiar approachability and common sense.

This may be just the torso of the book Cooke intended to write. But anyone interested in how Wagner's enormous work came to take the form it did should derive enormous pleasure as well as elucidation from it. The title, by the way, is taken from some wonderfully evocative lines that Wagner wrote for Brunnhilde's Immolation Scene, but cut before he set them to music.

The blessed end
Of all things eternal,
Do you know how I reached it?
Deepest suffering
Of Grieving love
Opened my eyes:
I saw the world end.

Integral Tarot CD Treasure Chest

Published in Audio CD by Strong Winds Publications (2005-08-20)

Author: Suzanne Wagner

List price: $49.95

New price: $49.95

Average review score:

Great Service

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-19

Great adjunct to my already extensive knowledge of the tarot. New insights gained. Highly recommended.

Highly recommended!!

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-26

Once again Suzanne has brought the knowledge locked within the Tarot to the surface in a concise and user-friendly way. This unique format lends itself to an easier understanding; with almost `right-brain' approach. The way she explains each card and walks you through meditations is very helpful in gaining an understanding of a subject that can easily be confusing to beginners and those who have worked with Tarot.
A wonderful resource!

Wonderful!

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-12

This set of CD's is excellent for learning the Tarot. Suzanne has a gift for making things easy to understand and the Tarot is no exception. The set is organized so well that the user can easily navigate to the explanation for an individual card, trump, arcana or choose to go through each card in the deck in order. Suzanne's voice keeps the listener's attention. A wonderful companion to the book, but also as a stand-alone.

"User Friendly Tarot CD's"

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-07

The ease of listening to Suzanne's soothing voice while she narrates her Tarot book only adds to the experience of her teachings. By being able to listen to her in the car,or at home in addition to reading the text, I have found that the deeper interpretations of the deck have come much easier and more quickly in my busy day. It also helps to be able to look at the individual cards, while listening to her narration as you study the deck. The indexing on the CD's enables you to review each card individually until you have mastered it. I couldn't recommend it more!!!

Tarot al fresco

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-14

"Integral Tarot - CD Treasure Chest" is as advertised - a treasure! This seven CD set, from author/teacher Suzanne Wagner, acts as a fine compliment to her book "Integral Tarot", or as a unique stand alone. Although not intended as such, there is a specific market that will benefit from this format, and that is those that are sight impaired. Why does this come to my mind? Because I am currently doing teleconferences with a small group of sight impaired students that use the Thoth Tarot as their working deck!

It is such a joy to be able to sit back and listen to the Tarot. I love reading, and do have Suzanne's "Integral Tarot" book, but I find that I can totally relax when listening to these CD's. Her voice is soft and flowing, lending quality to an already quality product.

The cards can be accessed individually, or you can sit back and listen to them in order (they are listed by disk in the LWB that accompanies the CD's). You can listen to them in the car, at work, or anywhere else that you wish to take them. (In my mind, I see myself listening to them while sitting out in my back yard on a nice day.)

They lend themselves to individual work, or can be used in a group setting. As a wonderful bonus, Suzanne has included her Yes/No Spread, as well as her modifeid Celtic Cross Spread in the accompanying LWB.

I certainly hope that this is the wave of the future for Tarot - that we incorporate technology in all forms into our ancient archetypes!

Wagner Books