Ward Books

I have been a big mushroom entusiast for some time now and I have at least 14 different field guides to mushrooms, this book is my all time favourate. Everything you have ever wanted in a field guide, pictures pictures and more pictures. Every mushroom is photographed and represented clearly from all angles, even cross sections showing the flesh. Good descriptions for every one, maybe not the longest description but detailed enough. If more information is needed on a mushroom I look it up else where. The photos make identifying mushrooms a breeze. I would recommend this book to any one interested in Mushrooms, I for one could not do without it!!

I bought this book when it came out in the early 1980s for identifying British fungi. At the time it was revolutionary as the use of photographs allowed the author to depict mushrooms much more accurately than the paintings of earlier guides. It is still one of the top field guides to this region (also check Courtecuisse & Duhem and Jordan). I still use this volume a lot for identifying American fungi, both in the tropics and North America. Although I have over 200 field guides of different sorts on my shelves this remains one of my all time favourites. If you're interested in fungi, don't hesitate.

This is a landmark book. A must read for anybody interested in the esoteric side of cathedrals. It is available right now in France. It needs to be re-published in English.

Historically very interesting Makes the reader think about how the people of that age were able to engineer a project of this magnitude & about where the finances came from

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This should be required reading for anyone who lives in, does business with or reports on New York State government. Ward combines a bird's-eye view, honed through years of thoughtful observation, with an intellectual appreciation for the nuances of politics and policy.

Many have criticized -- with considerable justification -- the rat's nest of rules, regulations, traditions, politics and georgraphic considerations that so determine what happens and doesn't happen in New York. But few have taken the time to understand that there is indeed a method to this madness. Ward is among those very few, and his book is both insightful and practical.

New York State Government: What it does, How it works
By Robert B. Ward

Publisher: Rockefeller Institute Press, Albany, New York 12203-1003, 2002

Robert Ward, who has been involved in New York State government for over 20 years, gives us a great road map to what has happened in the Empire State politically and substantively in his book New York State Government: What it does and How it works. This readable, one volume work gives a great overview of the structure, purpose and implementation of New York's large government on both a legislative, judicial and administrative level. It is a nice review for those involved in government and a good beginning for those who seek to be in or who are new to government. Directors of associations directly impacted by government, new legislators and regulators and public policy students will find this a useful start in learning the somewhat complex way in which the Empire State operates and carries out its government mission.

As Ward points out, it is the administrative governmental structure, which has grown significantly since the 1970's, that carries out the nuts and bolts of New York State Government. Ward's premise that "the power of an agency executive with a vision, personal drive and the support of elected leadership can make an enormous impact on state government" is carried out in his summary of changes in the Department of Motor Vehicles. A State agency most New Yorker's must visit during their lives, Ward, on page 285 of his book, shows how the "bureaucratic ineptitude" of the way in which licenses and motor vehicle registrations were issued was changed by Governor Cuomo's Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner, Patricia Adduci.
The involvement of employees as well as customers combined with focused "executive support" lead to greatly reduced lines and improved customer service at the Department. In a more micro way, this example highlights how committed attention and creative thought can change the way the State administers its programs. This portion of the book also highlights how the Pataki administration continued these reforms through the implementation of several technology-based improvements. These efforts, at a minimum, have resulted in less waiting time at the DMV, and, in a broader context, prove how effective leadership and commitment can garner positive change in a administratively detailed government structure.

In the end, Ward's book posits, what is the role of state governments? A great question in a time when state government decision-making is beginning to dissipate. As Ward points out, the federal government's role in a traditionally state issue--- insurance--- has become more pronounced with the repeal of Glass-Stegal. The federal government's involvement in the lowering the drinking age and education are significant signs in the reduced role, based on the significant financial needs of state government, states will play in policy making and control of their agenda. In the end, says Ward, voters who care about these issues "should recognize federalism matters." In his concluding remarks, Ward gives us a glimpse of his view that, "perhaps the only safe prediction is that the balance of power will continue to shift. Governors, legislators, and elected leaders at the federal level will push and pull to control the policy debate. Such competition over ideas and political influence will serve all America-as long as an informed citizenry is a full partner in the conversation." It is difficult to argue with this advice.

For a good, basic understanding of New York State's government, Ward's book, New York State Government: What it does, how it works, is a good reference.

The Cain family has been through too much. First little Jenny died accidently, then Mrs. Cain(Esther) was nearly shot and the church Pastor John Cain pastored was destroyed by terrorists. To top it all off, 12-year-old Jessica is kidnapped by the same terrorist group in the Middle East. While the world scrambles to find the child hostage before it is too late, Jessica refuses to give up hope. Her only chance, however, is if everyone else also refuses to give up. But when the U.S. government decides that Jessica isn't worth risking another world war, Pastor Cain takes the problem into his own hands. Along with a new friend, Hersch Towner III, he flies to Iran to rescue his daughter. They race against time to get to the compound Jessica is being held at. The only problem is that, when they arrive, Jessica has disappeared and nobody--not even the terrorists--know where she is. "October's Child" is extremely well-written. It gets you "behind the eyes" of Jessica, her parents, the terrorists, and Madeleine, the maid who risks it all to save the 12-year-old's life. Through it all, the hand of God is evident as He weaves the events and the people all together, and finally reveals His wonderful plan.

October's Child and September Strike are fast paced action books that take you inside the minds of a 12 year old girl,her parents, and the terrorists. You feel their joy and pain. Tanneberg makes you feel hot or cold, afraid or safe. More please Tanneberg.

I wish this book had been around when I was in high school because it brought the field of science in general, and geology/biology in particular, alive for the first time. I honestly looked at my natural surroundings differently after reading it. I have also purchased and enjoyed the hard cover copies of Professor Ward's other two books. Some of the passages he writes especially with regard to bringing you back in time give you shivers.

Peter Ward is one of the best writers in this genre - personally I rate him with Wilson, Dawkins and Gould - at least when it comes to the art of telling a good story, creating a good picture.

"On Methuselah's Trail" is one of the best books I have read about fossils and evolution. Not revolutionary, challenging or very complicated - just well written, charming, and - most important - it makes you want go right out in the bush to look for your own fossils!

Most of the poems in this book were inspired by the unrequited love for a dear and beautiful woman. The author hopes the words in this book strike a melodious chord in the hearts of all true lovers, romantics, and seekers of what is the very treasure of life . . . love.

I've really loved reading this book. The poems are so real. It's exactly what any human being would feel if these things happened to them. I recommend this book for anyone and everyone! I hope you enjoy Ward Welch's book as much as I did!

I am in a seminary program, and this is a required textbook for the Pastoral Intervention and Counseling program. I was surprised at how readable and enjoyable this text is, especially compared to the other two I had to read. It is for the layman, and the personality disorders are laid out carefully and good case studies help cement personality types. Very readable, even for non-clergy.

This is a must read for pastors who find themselves in frequent counseling situations. For many of my friends in seminary, this by far was the most useful ministry book that we came in contact with. If you are a pastor and find yourself counseling troubled individuals, then add this book to your repetoire and up your ability and understanding of the spiritual counseling process.

This book is a must-read for any practitioner of the Gestalt approach. It is particularly helpful for the field of pastoral counseling and clinical pastoral education as it offers vivid case illustrations of the techniques used. It also is a useful tool for everyday pastoral care offered by congregation-based clergy, who seek a holistic approach using the body language, facial expressions and internal dialogue of the one seeking help. The chapters on the hot-chair and the counseling session are particularly gripping and enlightening for pastoral practice. All chapters offer well-integrated, in-depth theoretical reflections.

As a former post-graduate student of Dr. Knights I had the privilege to experience his personal strength and leadership for several years. His motivating force was to meet people at the center of their vital awareness by helping them to be authentic in the here-and-now. The book is an accurate reflection of Dr. Knights' clinical and educational practice. His use of the Gestalt approach has enabled many pastors to be more authentic persons and therefore to be more empathetic and genuine with the people to whom they minister.

The language and exercises of Gestalt are presented in usable form accessible to beginners as well as seasoned practitioners. Illustrations from folk tales, scripture, group and individual counseling, and congregational settings keep readers interested and involved. Actual verbatim conversations give specific insight into real life experience with the theory. The material is engaging. It would be hard to find a better description of this psychological theory well integrated into an understanding of pastoral care and counseling. I have used the book personally with Association for Clinical Pastoral Education students and in local church settings effectively. I highly recommend this resource.--The Rev. Martha Rutland, D. Min., ACPE Supervisor

John Dear is a youngish Jesuit priest who's the clear successor to the Berrigan brothers when it comes to peace activism. Past director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, author, speaker, agitator, Dear is also a graceful and sensitive author. His *Peace Behind Bars*, the journal he kept in prison, is my favorite. It's an utterly honest, utterly human, document.

Dear spent 8 months in a North Carolina jail after his conviction for a Plowshare action. His journal is a record of the time there, which he shared with Phil Berrigan. The journal doesn't whitewash how trapped and hopeless Dear at times feels. He's honest enough with us and himself not to try to play the hero. Reading the book at times gives one an uncomfortable sense of sympathetic claustrophobia. But the journal also attests to Dear's discovery that the suffering God he serves is also found in prison--and, indeed, perhaps best found in prison. Here, for example, is what Dear writes on Christmas Day, 1993: "Being in jail on Christmas is not just counter-cultural, but anti-cultural. The culture has no sense of Christ's spirit. People spend billions of dollars in an orgy of consumerism, exchanging presents while ignoring the plight of the poor and the demands of discipleship." Imprisonment gives one the distance from that culture to remember that Christmas is about this: "God has become human, and it follows that all human life is sanctified." (p. 44)

I can think of few spiritual memoirs that are up to the high standard of stuff written by Dorothy Day, Thomas Merton, or Henri Nouwen. This is one of them, even though it hasn't received the attention it deserves. Highly, enthusiastically, recommended.

Although this courageous book was published in 1995, it tells us more now about truly Christian and courageous prophetic witness than anything which has happened since. Its courageous model is needed now more than ever, as we fail to perceive our mission to Christian witness in our current condition.

The Catholic Catechism carefully outlines the criteria for a just war, both in the elements of reasons for going to war and for conduct in time of war. In all of these criteria our current warmongering fails, as we cannot provide a consistent and true justification, and we cannot either defend our disproportionate and indiscriminate conduct of the war without end, under this administration's shock and awe strategy which the valid and reliable primary research by the John Hopkins Medical University reveals was slaughtered 2.5% of the civilian population between 2003 nd 2006, calling for someone to take a look at this. It falls upon our Church as a transnational prophet for morality and justice, for peace and nonviolent compassion, to speak courageously truth to power. We find winthin this present volume, and all of the Reverend Father John Dear, SJ,'s writings and work, a strong model for present prophetic and Christian action.

This book also prepares us in a small way for the Calvary and persecution which awaits those of us who truly follow our Lord Jesus Christ as we call the present Empire to conversion and repentence and to peace over material profit. But as Jesus preached, be glad when the world slanders and persecutes you for believing in Him and practicing His Justice, as you will be richly rewarded in the Kingdom of Heaven.

We are truly fortunate and blessed to have still available to us this present prison journal by the holy and devoted priest and powerful prophet. Dare to read it prayerfully. We cannot afford not to.

Peter's Rock is an intriguing look at the events that shaped early Christianity through the eyes of Perpetua, the wife of the Apostle Peter. The author did a wonderful job portraying the historical and inspirational story of the courageous and faithful Perpetua. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learing more about Jesus' ministry and Christianity.

This is a fascinating novel written from the viewpoint of St. Peter's wife, Perpetua. Dr. Ward deftly portrays the faith and fears of early Christians in a believable manner. The Apostles and their families and friends take on real life dimensions as they struggle against the Romans and the Sanhedrin. You feel you are there seeing all through the eyes of Peter's dedicated but fearful wife. Definitely worth reading.