Ware Books

This 173 page book is the definitive source for information on Wemyss Ware. The illustrations and quality of the pictures of these wonderful pieces of Scottish Pottery are beyond compare. The narrative is awe inspiring and provides a complete history of 'The Fife Pottery' of Robert Heron and Son in Kirkaldy, until it's demise in 1930 when production moved to England. This book is an absolute must for anyone interested in this Scottish pottery. Other recommended books currently in print and which include sections dedicated to Wemyss Ware include: "Scottish Ceramics" by Henry E. Kelly ISBN: 0-7463-0946-3 "Kirkcaldy Potteries" by Carol McNeill ISBN: 0-9534686 0 7

The titles (of the book; of this review) say it all; it is the first time in years I see a truly major, worthwhile, significant, quietly revolutionary book. (One notable and lamentable omission: the work of Paul Gray.) Anyone at all interested in psychoanalysis (my own field) ought to read it. And while you are at it, also look at my "Psychoanalysis as Praxis," and "Substance Abuse as Symptom."

Very good read. I am a fan of the Witch World series.

Heather Johnson does a fabulous job writing her parent's story of love, survival, and God's grace. This book is written in a quick-moving, humorous, make-you-feel-like-you-are-right-there style. It was definately a book I couldn't put down!

This has all the elements of a great read...family love, war, romance, personal sacrifice, courage, and God woven throughout it all. This is about trust in God and real Love, God's Love, and what God can do with lives committed to Him.

What an uplifting, faith-building testimony this book is to me. I will be sharing it with everyone on my gift list this year!

Almost perfect. Almost. In my opinion, it gets a bit too clean and ordinary towards the end and loses the denseness that makes three quarters of the book an absolute masterpiece.

But, to be fair, it's one of those books that should be placed near the very top in your bookcase. The sheer guts, imagination and vision behind this book is enough to make it the greatest comic book/graphic novel/pictorial book I've ever read. No match. Not even Watchmen. Don't spoil it for yourself. Just buy it and take your time when reading it. Absorb it. Savour it. You won't see/read anything in the same class for a while.

Seems to operate on a parallel-universe multilinearity. I couldn't follow it at all. Also, the look of it requires an acquired taste. Perhaps that's not being fair, because I did end up liking the look of it. That all said, it does read like a novel, and manage to evoke pathos.

The technique in enjoying this book is in going through it slowly, appreciating the art, trying to digest each frame and pages. It's like a finearts thesis, you would appreciate how much time is put in to build the entire thing, how the total book is a labor of love.

The story could be soap opera, yes, but it is not told in such a way. There are themes in-between pages and transitions left unsaid that the reader has to discover himself/herself. And the drawings elicit empathy in the process.

Worth the price, also given the paper/book material.

Truly in the top10 of graphic novels. Along with WATCHMEN and DARK KNIGHT.

As most people state, the artwork is very interesting, and the layout is innovative. Sometimes figuring out what panel to read next is half the battle. I definitely agree with the people who have no sympathy for the title character. I like Anton Chigurh more than I like Jimmy Corrigan, and Anton Chigurh is a heartless homicidal maniac who may or may not symbolize evil incarnate. But unlike the others, I don't hold this against the book or against the author. This book reminds me of the mumble-core movies popularized by Andrew Bujalski. It makes you want to shake the crap out of the characters, and tell them to wake the eff up. A book doesn't have to be judged on how likable its characters are. This book tells a story of a family who deserves to be forgotten, but who will instead be remembered.

The art is interesting, in a retro style. The architectural drawings are the best part of the book, but the drawings of the characters are extremely simplistic and uninteresting.

The story is where this completely falls apart. The main characters are losers, in every sense of the word. I'm not joking when I say that the main thing Jimmy says is "Uh". He's completely pathetic and I had absolutely no sympathy for him or anyone else in this book.

The pace of this book is absolutely ridiculous, too. "Slow" doesn't even scratch the surface - this is pure tedium.

It's all hype. There are so many great graphic novels out there - skip this and find something decent like "Watchmen".

An absolutely fascinating and enlightening book about the Orthodox Church. It filled in many low spots in my understanding of Orthodoxy. Well done!

As a person who recently converted to Orthodox Christianity, I am continually amazed at how invisible the "Eastern" Church is to those in the "West." Fortunately we have in the person of Timothy or Bp. Kallistos Ware, a bold, eloquent, and scholarly apologist, who is able to present a great deal of material, which might otherwise be dry, in a clear-headed and thought provoking manner.

For anyone who is interested in the history of the Great Schism and the theological matters surrounding it, or the beliefs and practices of the Orthodox Church, this book is simply the finest guide available. I read it first several years ago and I find myself going back to it again and again for clarification and insight.

I think Timothy Ware (Bishop Kallistos) presents a good concise history of Eastern Orthodoxy, as well as a balanced view of the "The Great Schism." Timothy's sentiments go beyond a mere intellectual appeal for Christian unity and suggest that we have both, East and West, been "grievously impoverished" by our separation. As he states (p.61),"The Greek east and the Latin west still need one another. For both parties the great schism has proved to be a great tragedy."

A Must read for anyone willing to find the true Christianity. Reveals and explains the Orthodox Church the true and holy one settled by Christ and continued by the apostles and having no modern changes of faith or trends. The same true and holy faith as in the first centuries worshiped by the apostles.

I think this is an excellent book for those like me who want to know more about the Orthodox Church. I became orthodox myself some time ago but always wanted to undestand many things of the history of our Church so I think this is THE book.
I specially recomend it to those who consider the Orthodox Church a great mistery, something distant and very different of the western Church. You'll find out that exist a lot of differences between both churches but you will also realize there is so much in common.
If you are considering a book to learn more about the Orthodox Church, this your book.

My Joys, My Treasures,

The Philokalia is written for someone who is truly desiring to follow the path to heaven. The teaching in this set(vol. 1-4) is both divine and practical. They are given in "Proverbial" format to be simple in understanding yet powerful. One must take this book slow! The longer it takes to read and apply to your life in every aspect the better you will understand. Read this book but most importantly find a place deep in your soul to put it - protect it!!!

In IC XC,

poor seraphim

Philokalia is a refreshing read for Western Christians. Surely the concept of serenity is one we can find worth exploring and softly pursuing.

Sublime wisdom from monastic Saints that reveals a penetrating depth of knowledge regarding the human heart and mind that is very much relevant for today. Nevertheless, the wisdom needs to be read within the faith context of the monks and the broader context of the spiritual life they led to allow its full application to be understood and realised in one's own life.

Timeless and precious to the Orthodox Faith. If you want to delve into the mystical aspects of the Orthodox Faith, this will get your toes wet. If you want to pursue reading this text, you will have a few more volumes to purchase, but well worth the investment. Enjoy!

Excellent text of the writings of the early Christians. I'd recommend it, and the rest of the series, to anyone who wants to know how the Church started and what it actually believed.

My only problem with the order was that it took so long to arrive. It was one delay after another.

"The Orthodox Way" is an outstanding introduction to the theology of the Orthodox Church. It is written in a very readable but intelligent style by a leading author and bishop of the Orthodox Church, Bishop Kallistos Ware. He sets forth and explains, patiently and in language that everyone can understand, the basic and advanced points of Orthodox beliefs. He also, in doing so, shares the Orthodox mindset: a mindset that is mystical, traditional and apophatic. (Apophaticism is an attitude of being content to let some mysteries about God to remain mysteries.) In brief, this book summarizes the understanding that is behind Orthodox spirituality (theosis).

"The Orthodox Way" is also good general Christianity. Over 90% of the contents apply to all Christians. That is because the topics are the basic stuff of Christianity: God, the Trinity, Christ, our lives in Christ.

The point of view is apostolic. It looks at the faith as something taught by Christ, given to the apostles, and handed down since then. It is the same faith but with more and more richness of wisdom and understanding added over the ages.

It is also Trinitarian. A traditional Orthodox prayer goes: "The Father is my hope. The Son is my refuge. The Holy Spirit is my protection. Oh Most Holy Trinity, glory unto You!" This book explains what that means, as much as it can be explained in words, in a way that everyone can understand ... and live.

It thereby answers the question, "Yes we are saved; now what?" It looks to God's invitation to grow ever more freely from the image of God and into the likeness of God, in Christ, through the Holy Spirit. It is not a book of devotional practices or social justice plans -- which are appropriate in their place. Instead, this book starts the process of deeper Christian living by looking more deeply at Who is calling us and asking us to become more like Christ.

Hence, this book is also a very good introduction to the Holy Spirit. Unlike what most people in the West are used to hearing, the Holy Spirit is not a kind of divine by-product of the Father and the Son; and He is not just a source of charismatic gifts and worship. The Holy Spirit is a distinct Person of the Trinity; He is God; and He is everywhere present and filling all things: connecting and conforming and perfecting all in Christ. That kind of mindset leads to a holy and pragmatic Christian spirituality, without recourse to New Age or East Asian spiritualities as supplements.

Throughout the book, there are plenty of quotes from the Scriptures as well as from saints and general authors, both from the Christian West and the Christian East. The breadth of content and perspectives, plus the depth of the traditional teachings of the Church, plus the accessible writing style that does not dumb-down the content, altogether make this a very good book for any Christian or seeker to read.

This book by Bishop KALLISTOS was instrumental in bringing me to the Orthodox faith. He explains, in a clear, very C.S. Lewis-like way, who God is and what it means to know and love God. He explains what it means to be an Orthodox Christian. His love for God and the church is infectious and resonates on every page. His gentleness is apparent. Anyone who wants to know God should read this book. Anyone who wants to be a Christian the way Jesus intended should read this book, for it is true to the ancient faith and the church started by Jesus, and continued by the Apostles, in the book of Acts. (The ancient church is preserved in Eastern Orthodoxy.) I highly recommend this book and KALLISTOS' "The Orthodox Church." These two books together will change your life and your faith.

This is one of Bishop Ware's best! It is a great intro to Orthodox Theology. However, do not expect to find much history or ritual details. It is mainly an introduction, and touches on the fundamentals. Being an ex-Vineyard Church youth pastor, I especially liked his spiritual approach to theology, which seems to have been lost by most western theologians. I found myself in tears and full of the holy spirit reading this book! It's a must read! -Yes, I am an Orthodox convert.

I couldn't pull myself away from it! I think I read every chapter at least twice! I got my highlighters out and I was sold by the end of the book! Call it faith, call it inspiration, I'm just calling it the way. Born & raised Roman Catholic, I can't put my finger on what moved me to orthodoxy, but I know that this book had something to do with it.

If anyone out there's looking for "good books on orthodoxy" I might want to recommend "Beginning to Pray", "Mary the Birthgiver of God", "The Meaning of Suffering", "God's Revelation to the Human Heart", and "Turning the Heart to God". But don't take my word for it, do ask an orthodox clergy member too!

Christ is risen!

New to the Faith like me? Interested in the Orthodox Faith? Check this book out, along with The Orthodox Church also by Bishop Kallistos. This will clarify even more about the Orthodox Faith than his previous book already accomplished. A must-have for your Orthodoxy library collection.

Phil Harrington's book is the perfect primer for those interested in astronomy or contemplating a telescope purchase. It is very easy to follow and fun to read as he de-mistifies many of the terms those who are new to astronomy might not be familiar with. The book even includes a test you can take to determine the best type of telescope to purchase, taking your budget and your viewing location into consideration. I own the 1st and 2nd editions and have loaned them both to many who have contemplated a scope purchase. This book is probably the best money I ever spent on the hobby! Thanks Phil!

This is an amzing resource for all amateur astronomers. While it can get a bit overly wordy, this book helps you to understand just about any scope you can but. It also has good descriptions of ronchigram and star tests for amateur telescope makers. Highly reccomended.

There are a few books no amateur astronomer should be without. One is Peterson's Field Guide to the Stars and Planets, which packs more useful information into a smaller package than any other book I know of. A second is The Backyard Astronomer's Guide by Dickinson & Dyer, which covers the basics of the hobby in a more expansive, descriptive format.

A third member of this short list has recently been republished in a new edition: Star Ware, Second Edition (The Amateur Astronomer's Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Using Telescopes and Accessories) by Philip S. Harrington, 1998 John Wiley & Sons. Star Ware is aimed mostly at beginners, teaching in a lively and informal style the basics of how telescopes work and how to use them, but there is a fair amount of information of interest to advanced amateurs as well.

The book begins with two chapters about telescope optics and different types of telescopes, with something of the history of telescopes along the way. Chapter 3 covers the pros and cons of each type in some detail, ending with a quiz where you add the point values of your answers to show what type you should buy - fun, as long as you don't take it too seriously. Chapter 4 is a still more detailed look at the offerings of different manufacturers, again sorted by type. Phil goes easy on the major manufacturers, judging from some of the tales of woe I've heard; but the treatment is fair and useful. Chapter 5 compares the myriad eyepieces available to go with these scopes. Both these chapters have appendices where the information is laid out in convenient tables.

Chapter 6 covers finders and filters, other books and software, cameras and CCD's. One thing I would have appreciated would be a similar appendix covering all the competing software packages, what they do well and which was the best for each purpose. As I wrote two months ago, I have purchased a number of these packages and started to evaluate them; maybe I need to write this comparison myself.

Chapter 7 was the most interesting to me - a description of projects you can make, from a collimation tool to a video camera bracket to a binocular chair - the latter I want to get started on Real Soon Now. `Till Death Do You Part' is on care of your scope, and repeats sage advice against unnecessary cleaning, as well as how to collimate your optics.

The last and longest chapter, `It's Time to Solo!', covers the targets to point your scope at (moon, planets, comets, sun, deep-sky), a description of a few dozen of the best deep-sky objects, and a brief introduction to astrophotography. This will be of less interest to advanced amateurs, who probably have more detailed sources of this type of information. One might question why to include this in a book about equipment, but it probably does make it more useful for the beginner who may buy only this book.

Parts of the book overlap with the Dickinson & Dyer book mentioned above, but the treatment of telescopes and eyepieces is much more detailed. Overall, a fine book, highly recommended for a beginning amateur, and recommended for an advanced amateur looking to buy a new scope or eyepiece.

Philip S. Harrington's Star Ware is one of the best guides to choose, buy and use telescopes and accesories for observing the nightsky.With many charts, illustrations, tables and black and white photographs, this book is a real help in order to setup and test your astronomical equipment. In ten well written chapters, the book deals with topics such as aperture, focal lenght, focal ratio, magnification and resolving power. It also explains the different types of telescopes (reflectors, refractors, etc) comparing different brands of telescopes and eyepieces, giving useful tips on observing and astrophotography. Useful appendices, updated in this second edition, will give the reader information about telescope dealers, distributors and manufacturers, in the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. Definitively, this is one of the best books of its kind and a must for amateur astronomers who own or want to buy a telescope.

This is the only book I've ever read. I can say with ease and honesty that it is flawless. I knew next to nothing about observing with a telescope, let alone how to choose the right one for myself. The Author always starts a topic at the absolute beginning and then proceeds slowly, but steadily, untill everything is covered. It wouldn't be fair to call this an easy-to-read book, but scientific books does not get much easier to read than this. The conclusion must be, that if you are looking for a book about Amateur astronomy or simply how to choose the right telescope or equipment, than stop looking! Don't waste the time or your money on other books! This is simply all there is to say about astronomy.

As a boomer, we are in the position of having to consider our own lives as well as this of our parents. This book helps do both. It is a four star effort with how to sections as well as great examples. The colored dot suggestion was worth the cost of the book by itself.

I'm in the difficult process of preparing to down size and I find this book most informative and helpful. I highlighted certain items and find myself returning to the book for inspiration and motivation.

As a life coach and someone anticipating a move, I read this book with great interest. It is well written, succinct and timely. If you are in your 50's or 60's and thinking about where you'll be living in the future, you will find this book extremely helpful. I think even those in their 40's would benefit by this book. It talks of what decisions are ahead in regard to your living arrangements, what you need to consider, how to get ready and where to go for additional help. I will use it for my clients and myself!

My husband and I build patio type homes..smaller homes for people who want to "downsize". And I find I can relate so much to this book.... I am in my middle 50's and I have carried so many of my belongings and my stuff with me around from house to house...and I am tired. I love my stuff..don't get me wrong...I am a collector and a saver of anything that makes me smile. But we had to move to a smaller house 2 years ago and I had to leave a lot of things behind. When I did, I realized I can live with out so much stuff and it is a very free feeling!!! It is not easy..but it is worth trying. I think this book really covered many different types of people and lifestyles. Rightsizing may not mean smaller for you..but it may mean a new life in a new area. It may mean using your master bedroom as a studio and sleeping in the smaller bedroom..because the light is better in the Master. I would give this book as a gift to my friends and to people who are struggling with a new stage of their life.

I am almost 50, and my husband just arrived at this milestone, and we are trying to declutter. I found this title on a bibliography and reserved it at the library. I've never been happier not to have bought a book. The main problem is that the title gives no indication that it is aimed at a very specific audience. The author wants you to believe it is for Baby Boomers, but it's not. It's for Empty Nesters. I had our first child at 39 and my second at 41, and my life is full of kid clutter. The author assumes over and over again that anyone in my generation is done raising kids, and it just ain't so. It's such an annoying assumption that it's hard to look for any good ideas in the text, which is full of examples featuring people my age with grandchildren. Just what I need to really cheer myself up! As another reviewer mentioned, the solutions are primarily aimed at those with lots of disposable income. I think the title is targeted to draw a wider audience than the book deserves. It's more about life changes (grown kids or aging parents) than decluttering.