Guides Books

This book presents some interesting concepts on Process Design and Performance.

This is a classic text that hardly needs my endorsement. However, if I can bring it to the attention of people who might not have benefitted from its proven insights and wisdom, I am happy to do so. The basic notion of the book is that too many people run their companies in the silos of the traditional org-chart. This creates all kinds of communications and management problems that must be broken down to get the optimal performance from your firm. This need has only grown since the first edition of this book came out in 1990. This second edition came out in 1995.

The authors want you to think of what your company is trying to accomplish rather than as a bunch of fiefdoms hanging from a hierarchical org-chart. They use a matrix of three levels of performance (Organizational, Process, and Job/Performer) and three performance needs (Goals, Design, and Management). Using the nine areas these create the authors show you how to handle focusing, operating, and managing every aspect of your firm. Sure, the book requires more thought and concentration than your typical "business book", but the substance it provides is well worth the effort.

Use it.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

Don't let the date this book was published influence your decision to buy - it is timeless. I am on my second copy of this book and would characterize it as the best book on business process management that has ever been published. This is "The Book". Everyone I know in the Business Process Management field has this book. I recommend it to every client and every business improvement team member that I work with.

The information contained in this "gem" can help anyone involved in process improvement. Consultants, executives, managers, process team leaders, process team members - it doesn't matter whether you are working in manufacturing, finance, logistics, sales or human resources. It also doesn't matter whether you are new to BPM or have been in the field for 20 years. This book will change the way you think about organizational structure and approaching business process.

Trying to characterize what parts of the book were best, would be like trying to dissect what parts of the blue sky you like best. It is all great stuff - each chapter is better than the next, and will help you understand what needs to be done to make business improvement initiatives work. It is well written, easy to understand the concepts, with hundreds of useful illustrations and models to learn from.

I would give this book 6 stars if I could ...

This book will survive the trends, since most of the trends are based on the principles in this book. The names will change (Quality Circles, Just In Time, TQM, Re-engineering, Six Sigma, ...), but these principles and how well they are implemented will determine a companies' efficiency and quality.

As a business process and systems analyst, I have used the techniques in this book extensively to document existing and proposed processes and systems.

The diagramming techniques ensure thorough identification of all relevant interfaces and will assist in identifying those frustrating and toxic business processes that defy verbal description, but once diagrammed, seem to become clearly understood. I cannot count how many "Ah-ha" moments I have seen when confused managers, too deep in the trees to be able to see the whole forest, finally see the problems with their business laid out in clear pictures drawn with the techniques taught in this book.

I purchased this expecting some advice on legal issues, but this book is so much more. It talks you through the whole process of producing a film from start to finish, including valuable information on finding investors, attaching stars, behind the scene terminology, production advice, sample legal forms and what do with your film once you've made a cut. All of the advice is indispensable. This is a must have for any independent film producer, especially those new to the industry. It should be taught as a textbook in film schools. The most helpful book on producing I've stumbled upon yet.

I highly recommend this book. As a first time amateur independent film producer, with about 30 film books resting on my shelf, I believe I was constantly thumbing through this one the most during preproduction. This book contains so much useful information and helpful insights, it's almost like having an industry consultant right there with you. Unlike other books, there weren't a lot of sections where they seemed to rush on to the next chapter without exploring the present topic in some depth.

If it's not already, this book will soon become the industry standard for substantive knowledge of the film business for independent filmmakers. Deal points, standard contract provisions, the often technical and confusing jargon, and the historical context for many industry practices are all covered here in comprehensive yet concise fashion. Topics of interest that are covered in depth include standard talent and producer agreements, developing a screen play, financing, and digital distribution. The book was a tremendous asset to me when I had to help an independent filmmaker comply with complicated federal securities laws in order to raise $200,000. Highly recommended.

jeffbrownlegal@gmail.com

It was a book with that gave you a good background on how film production works from a legal perspective. So you should read it if that is your concern. The authors are lawyers, not producers.

This book is a serious but very readable approach to educating filmmakers on the maze of legal hoops that must be jumped through in order to create a film. Indispensable resource to have.

This is a great reference guide for those involved in industrial automation. If you have not installed or maintained an Industrial Ethernet installation yet, you will soon and this guide is a perfect overview to get you started as, well as a handy reference for the "expert". This book has already helped me solve one "real world" problem and has become part of my commissioning/troubleshooting kit.

Industrial Ethernet is the hot topic in industrial automation domain. In P.R.China, the research of it started just a few years ago. The book is very good guideline for all the researchers and engineers to research industrial ethernet.
I do value this book.

Yirong Yang

This is a great book. Like the size - perfect for job site references. It always gets passed around! The material is well presented. Perry does an excellent job of providing "need-to-know" information in an extremely easy to follow format. I would strongly recommend this pocket guide to automation and control engineers and technicians. Buy this book - I guarantee it will find a spot in your tool pouch!

I must Thank and congratulate Perry for coming up with such a nice Guide. He has made a wonderful contribution to help everybody with his 'complete' work on Industrial Ethernet.

Two years back I had handed over around 25 SCADA projects to respective maintenance teams. I wish I could include this guide in the 'Hand-Over list' to the guys who are responsible to keep the huge plants running 24x7. As of now, I am going to call them up personally and recommend this work.

While discussing the advantages of this book, Somebody argued that all this information and much more is already available on the internet, provided some body cares to search.
I replied to him in a one liner: 'When you need to put off fire, you dont start digging a well to fetch water'.
This book is THE source you can depend on, when you need it.

The text is pretty lucid, and the result is that the jargon terms appear natural to a reader. I strongly recommend this book to anybody who deals with Industrial Ethernet in any way.

Perfect Work! A must have!

This book has become one of the few reference guides I keep in my toolbox. Being a former computer network technician (now PLC programmer and technical support) who is very familiar with ethernet, I can say this book contains vast amounts of information organized in a very logical fashion. It's written so even without a PC background a reader can understand everything clearly. There are examples and many tips to follow. It's well worth every penny.

With all the violence on TV these day,it is nice to get a book for our grandchildren that is sweet and fun to read. I have all John Denver's music and books,this is one of the cutiest.It is a must for grandma,hope you like it as much as I did. Carol

This is the softcover version of the book, but it is a nice addition to my elementary classroom library.

This John Denver song, turned into a book illustrated by Christopher Canyon is wonderful. Absolutely beautiful illustrations. One you can sing/read over and over. Very well done. Can't wait for "Grandma's Feather Bed". Dolphin Lullaby and Take Me Home Country Roads are both worth purchasing also. My kindergarten class loves it as well as my children at home.

Sunshine on My Shoulders book/CD is so very touching with the warm memories of the heart felt song by John Denver and Christopher Canyon's beautiful illustrations that accompany the music. I am an early childhood teacher and I use the book to demonstrate how thoughts become words, become verse, becomes song. . . . The Music Is You opening song on the CD explains this concept even further! The children, ages two to seven years, are mesmerized again and again through out the story/song. Other teachers and parents even stop to listen. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach about who John Denver was, what he believed to be so important for our lives, in addition to Christopher Canyon's ability to carry on the message in a way that can reach children of all ages!

This is a gorgeous book, with John Denver's lyrics, and beautiful summery illustrations. My daughter has the paperback version and we love it so much that we have been buying the hardcover version as a new baby gift. The book features a brown-skinned little girl - hard to find - and a brown-skinned daddy - even harder to find - swinging, floating on a boat, and playing a guitar! This is a terrific publisher who deserves our support for their commitment to quality children's literature.

I just finished this book and highly recommend it. I just couldn't put it down - Cheryl has such a wonderful, delicious way with words as she draws you into her world growing up with her lovely handicapped brother. Her family and experiences are so richly portrayed that you almost feel yourself a part of the events she describes and you can't help but tear up in places and laugh out loud in others, just as though you were there. This book is unexpectedly touching and funny as well as instructive and informative for those of us seeking to know more about the spiritual realm that surrounds us and personal psychic development. Don't miss this one!!

I really enjoyed her book. I felt like I knew her brother when I was done. A few tears were dropped also!

I have read many books by and about mediums - this is definitely in my Top 3! Cheryl is an excellent writer, and I've had the privilege of having some readings from her, so I know she's an amazing medium, too. Her love for her brother Johnny, and his for her, is a story that will touch many of your emotional "hot buttons" - I found myself laughing many times, crying at others, and doing a lot of contemplation about my relationship with my own family...I have cerebral palsy, and this helped me understand from a sibling's perspective of what it's like to grow up with a family member who experiences a disability - very enlightening.

I highly recommend Johnny Angel Is My Brother. It's a great read!

Geri Jewell
www.gerijewell.com

this is a wonderful book wrote to understand a psychic with a true gift, it is sad and happy at the same time,will make you wonder, another great spiritual book which makes absolute sense she has the ability to set down her point of view,is the calling of your true self elizabeth anne bell, both have a rare spiritual insight

When reading this book I found I was taking the journey with the author through her storytelling. I laughed, I cried, and I enjoyed everything shared in her candid descriptions. Ms Booth is a talented writer who captures your heart with her compassionate expression of human nature. I found myself in many pages and my emotions surfaced often with heartfelt sincerity delivered throughout the pages. Its a must read from cover to cover to grasp all the enligtenment given so freely to open our hearts and minds to a new thought. To help us see ourselves for who we are and what our purpose is in life. Its a beautiful read and I hope anyone who reads this review gives themself the joy of getting a copy to read themselves. You won't be disappointed. Its truly an adventure worth taking.

I had been praying to be able to hear the Holy Spirit clearly in me so I could be guided in my daily life. This book is the answer to that prayer. It is a simply written but profound book that is very practical. There are several exercises one can do to learn to hear His voice and they work! The Holy Spirit is not some abstract idea it turns out! He is actually there as my own personal guide. It has given my life a wonderful new dimension and peace. So what are you waiting for?

DavidPaul and Candace Doyle bring humanity an unprecedented enlightening spiritual book, with the message of "hearing God's voice" at all times. There is one quote from this book that I would like to share with you.
"Hearing God's voice is your most natural ability and it serves you unconditionally. God's voice has one purpose and that is to restore you to the truth of who you are, and it will do that in whatever ways you seek."

"The Journey That Never Was" will lift you to your Divine truth, your God essence, and the book reads with such pure unconditional love, you will be uplifted on all levels in the most positive of ways. This book is a definite MUST READ, it is a profound beacon for humanity.

Barbara Rose, Ph.D. author of Stop Being the String Along: A Relationship Guide to Being THE ONE and Know Yourself: A Woman's Guide to Wholeness, Radiance & Supreme Confidence

Davidpaul & Candace Doyle have found something - a way to contact our inner guide so that we may live a more authentic and loving life. This book has been one of the most spiritually enlightening books I've read since A Course in Miracles. Davidpaul & Candace seem like very humble individuals spreading a true message of how to connect with God. Thank you Doyles!

This may be for some however I truly recommend going straight to the source. The ACIM does not state things that are contained within this book. In other words, if you are a "Course in Miracles" student, go to that book itself. This book can mislead and some thing sound like they are straight from Kenneth Wapnicks pages when he states things that are not contained within the Course. When you teach ACIM for any length of time, one can usually tell where people are getting their teachings. Many of these are NOT from the Course. Nothing against Ken, he just says some things are in the course that are not.

This author states that the Holy Spirit says there are 6 Billion of Gods children on Earth. The course is all inclusive, and would not single out human beings so this is completely inaccurate. Next, to state that God does not know what is happening and we are here is false. Robert Perry and the book from The Circle of Atonement called "One Course two visions" addresses this point (In mass detail) in regards to Ken Wapnick stating the same thing. Those authors stay true to the Course itself whereas this book veers into territory that may help some but they will ultimately have to relearn and let go of many of its teachings.

I want to say, I am not attempting to discredit these authors, they sound like wonderful people who are doing their best and help spreading the word. But we must be careful about what that word is and if it stays true to the words of Jesus in the Course. I have been a Course teacher/student for 13 years and believe it is highly important for us to get these things right. We have already had much history of what happens when interpretations of spiritual (or other) teachings hit the market.

So do not take my word (Or these authors), go straight to The Course and go to the guide within.

*****
The Journey That Never Was is a story of one couple's experience in learning to hear the voice or God, interspersed with teaching and elucidation about key concepts from "A Course in Miracles", helpful exercises, and more. Although the subtitle is "A guide to hearing God's Voice regardless of one's faith, religion, or personal beliefs", I think this book would be most useful to "A Course in Miracles" (ACIM) students. People on other spiritual paths would no doubt benefit from it, but some of the terminology might be a bit confusing. For example, in ACIM the term "Son of God" not only refers to Jesus, but to each of us as a child of God.

For ACIM students, this is a fascinating and fresh application and elucidation of many key ACIM concepts. The personal story of the authors is very helpful, too, as they are honest and transparent when discussing the ups and downs they've had in trying and eventually learning to hear God's voice.

The chapters on Prayer and Meditation, in particular, are outstanding. They discuss in depth the difference between prayer (which they define as talking to God) and meditation (which they define as listening to God). The book has a focus, too, on achieving what the authors call "Right-Mindedness" (this is also the name of their website), which they see as perceiving reality as what is really true rather than in the ways we have projected it to be true. The exercises are truly helpful in learning to discern God's voice.

One reviewer was distressed that this book contains concepts that are not found in ACIM, which is true. It is one couple's interpretation of ACIM, so it contains their own opinions, ideas, and applications. The book purports to be able to guide anyone regardless of "faith, religion, or personal beliefs". It's not intended to be first and foremost a teaching guide to ACIM, so I appreciated the "extra" information---it was sort of like discussing spiritual concepts with friends, mentors, or teachers.

So if you're looking for pure ACIM, this isn't the book for you. If you're just really wanting to hear God's voice more clearly, or have a closer relationship with Spirit and don't care that it is based on ACIM, this would be a wonderful book for you, and I think you would learn a lot. I think that this would be a book that could be appreciated by new students to ACIM or by advanced students of ACIM---both groups would get different things from it. I think that anyone else could find much to like here, too, and to learn from, if they are looking for insight into having a closer spiritual life in relationship to a Higher Power.
*****

At the age of 19, David Oakford overdosed on PCP and had what he refers to as an NDE--near-death experience. While he says he is not a religious person, the experience caused him to see Jesus as a "Master Teacher," and set out to emulate him. Oakford says his NDE put him at "the crossroads of crisis and opportunity" and showed him that "life, death, and rebirth were about the use, abuse and recycling of life force energies." This is heady subject matter, but Oakland tells his story in a way that makes you feel as if you were listening rather than reading.

Candid, fascinating personal account of one man's life changing near death experience. Loved it.

This is a short book, but quite interesting. The author's writing style is casual & enjoyable. There are many parallels between his experience and the experiences related in Michael Newton's books Journey of Souls and Destiny of Souls. The information in this book rings true and provides good food for thought.

David Oakford bravely welcomes each person into the emotional, spiritual and physical hardships of his personal life. Like a painting, he creates a visual image through emotional expression while allowing individuals to relate to his deep and moving experiences.

"Journey through the World of Spirit" is a heart felt story of spiritual movement that tells the tale of life, death and rebirth. It shows us, in a positive and real way, the effects of our actions as well as a grander purpose for all that we chose while on Gaia.

His words are no less than pure poetry. His goal to share his story not only supersedes his lessons of wisdom, but also inspires us, in such a way, to change the negative patterns in our life.

Journey Through the World of Spirit
God, Gaia, and Guardian Angels
By David L. Oakford

Interesting read. I was fascinated by this man's depiction of otherworldly realms outside this world. Sometimes I felt it was a bit farfetched, but I kept reading because I was compelled to find out what happened next. Interspersed were bits of humor, keeping the reading light. Who would have nicknamed an angel "Bob"?

There's not much more I can add to the glowing reviews, except to say that this is my favorite book about science-fiction movies. In fact this may be my favorite book about movies, period. Great insights, a wealth of data, and a keen understanding as to why these films continue to entertain and fascinate us. (I loved watching these movies on TV years ago and love to collect them on DVD today.) True, some may find certain assessments a bit nit-picky --especially for some of my personal favorites -- but the author's affection for the genre cannot be questioned.

This 1997 paperback edition is a combo reprint of the hardcover editions of volumes 1 and 2 which were originally published in 1982 and 1986, respectively. My only quibble -- and this is a minor one -- is that several movies that were not readily available for the author to view when these books were written have since been issued on home video and/or DVD. And there's at least two omissions: the sci-fi comedy GEISHA GIRL (1952) and the space adventure MOON WOLF (1959). Both of these obscure titles were later released on video. So I wish the publisher would allow the author to update the text, to incorporate new information and fresh appraisals.

Despite some outdated material, this is still the definitive book on the subject and I highly recommend it.

This is a terrifically entertaining and informative compendium of 1950's science fiction movies that, for fans of this inexplicably overlooked genre, will serve as an almost endless supply of delectable brain candy. Other reviewers have nicely captured the essence of this book; I'll simply add that this is the one volume you'll want to keep by your bedside and savor night after night.

do you ever wonder about the old days? how people thought about space and time, and oh yes, giant monster bugs? then look no further than this fine and funny volume. from 1950 to 1962, warren covers the best to the worst with a wry sense of humor and a clear love for the subject. almost everything is covered, from obscure jungle movies, to elaborate space epics. if you want to know about these old films, and have a laugh or two, then by all means pick up this book.

If you're a fan, or even a casual watcher, of science fiction movies of the 1950s and early 1960s, this exhaustively researched, 2-1/4-inch-thick tome deserves a prominent place in your library. It is, quite simply, THE definitive reference book on the subject. Period. There is none better. The conscientious reviewer MIGHT point out only one minor "problem"--but more on that later.

Mr. Warren does an unbelievably thorough job of presenting the most minute details of virtually every American science fiction film produced from 1950 through 1962. The classics are all here, of course. "Destination Moon," "The Day the Earth Stood Still," "The Thing From Another World," "Forbidden Planet," "Creature from the Black Lagoon" and "War of the Worlds" each receive 10 or so pages of treatment (in very small, closely spaced print, mind you). Mr. Warren tells you everything you could ever want to know about the script, the director, the actors, the special effects (such as they were, in those days), the budget, the editing, the musical score and the reception that each movie got on its initial release. He includes meaningful, interesting details and fascinating anecdotes, many of which I can't imagine how he managed to dig up. Lesser films such as (to pick a couple at random) "Mesa of Lost Women" and "The Rocket Man" get only a page or so, but still with full discussions of each film's production and how it fits into the genre. Well-chosen still photos, typically printed in full-page size and in many cases not the same ones seen in other books, illustrate some of the movies.

I found that the best way to use Mr. Warren's monumental work is to refer to it just after watching one of the films that it covers (which means ANY science fiction movie of the era). With the screenplay fresh in one's mind, reading the relevant chapter adds immeasurably to the viewing experience, much as a director's commentary does on a DVD. You can, of course, read "Keep Watching The Skies" through from cover-to-cover, but only at the risk of information overload. Its usefulness is sure to last for many years--as long as there are VHS tapes, DVDs or (if you're very lucky) old 35mm prints of classic science fiction movies to watch and enjoy. It adds new meaning to the term "reference book."

Now, for the one and only "problem" with "Keep Watching The Skies." The book consists of two parts. Part 1 covers the years 1950 through 1957; Part 2 covers 1958 through 1962. Both parts were apparently once issued as separate volumes. For this reissue, both volumes are bound together. Each part has a comprehensive index, but ONLY for that part. Thus, it can be a little difficult to find a specific film if you don't know its year of release, especially since many films in Part 1 are referred to--and thus indexed--in Part 2, and vice versa. A single integrated index would make Mr. Warren's magnum opus much easier to use. With that single tiny quibble aside, I give "Keep Watching The Skies" the highest possible recommendation. Five stars is not nearly enough. It deserves a galaxy of stars.

Bill Warren is obviously very knowledgeable concerning classic science fiction films, having spent a lifetime researching the subject. "Keep Watching the Skies" is not only factually accurate, it is also extremely entertaining to read.

Highly recommended for all fans of the genre.

How do I pay rightful tribute to Keys to Great Writing? It's not enough to say this book is worth far more than its cover price.
Author Stephen Wilbers earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa, and he knows an awful lot about words and how they work. Although this book is written as a guide to improving nonfiction writing, the principles conveyed can be applied to any type of writing, including fiction.
Wilbers's approach to punctuation--in the chapter titled Music--is a call to celebrate what colons and semicolons, dashes and periods, exclamation marks and commas can accomplish for a writer. "Listen to your voice. Punctuate your beat," Wilbers advises. Other chapters guide us through subjects such as Action, Personality, Purpose, Organization, Drafting, and Revising.
Keys to Great Writing is a work of erudition worthy of respect from academics, and yet it can be read and understood by people with a high school education. Wilbers doesn't use his position as a scholar to shut out intuition, either, reminding the reader to "allow your heart to suggest an unexplored path."
You've got to read it for yourself to get the full benefit. Highly recommended!

Stephen Wilbers' "Keys to Great Writing" is a wonderful book. I've read most of the classic books on writing and this is by far my favorite. Even when presenting well-known advice ("Omit needless words"), the examples are fresh and usually better than wherever I first read such advice ("Elements of Style" in that case). Wilbers has a very sly sense of humor that pops through in many sections.

The book is split into three sections. The first covers the "keys to great writing" (economy, precision, action, music, and personality). The second covers "Elements of Composition." The last section is by far the smallest but was perhaps the most useful to me. It is on the writing process itself.

I enjoyed the book so much that I tracked down the author via email and paid him to review two chapters of the next book I'm writing. I wanted to see how well I'd done at taking his advice from the book.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I bought this book for a guide to improve my writing skills for work as well as my module assignments.

Wilbers is nationally recognized columnist on writing. His book combines the best ideas and examples on how to write simply, and on how to write well. He captures the heart and flavor of numerous other books on writing and rhetoric, and presents them in a simple, readable, understandable style. I cannot recommend this book enough. It is not only an easy read, but an enjoyable one. The examples of good and bad writing clearly illustrate a running theme in the book: It is not just what you say, but how you say it that matters in effective writing. My law partners liked this book so much that we distributed copies to partners and associates alike, and I personally gave copies to everyone in my family attending high school or college. At the present price, buying this book is a "no-brainer." This book is also well indexed, which makes it useful as a reference. I keep a copy on my desk.

Intelligent, well organized and fun to read, this book is a "must have" if you want to improve your own writing or help others to improve theirs.

Doug Moo offers a great exegetical and expositional commentary with the PNTC series offering on James. Well worth the buy, if you don't have a solid commentary on James. Nothing too crazy, and lots of compelling argumentation for his positions.

If you are looking for an answer to a question raised about the meaning of the book of Phillipians, you could not find a better treatment. This is a wonderful resource and fine treatment of the text. I used it in a series of sermons, and found it very easy to acess and get the gems of the book.

I have five critical commentaries on James (Lenski, Bruce, Woods, Martin, and now Moo). This one will more than likely be the primary source for me when I study the book in a critical fashion. He is thorough and that is what I want. If you are a preacher looking for something quick and in summary form, a smaller work might be more useful. For me, as a preacher, if I am in the circumstance where I need something quick I am already in trouble. I like the Pillar Series. Not long ago I read of one's review that was overly critical of the work on the epistles of John - I do not subscribe to that sentiment at all. It is a good series!

`The Epistle of James' by James B. Adamson, 1976, 227 pages in the series The New International Commentary on the New Testament; `The Letter of James' by Douglas J. Moo, 2000, 271 pages, a volume in the series The Pillar New Testament Commentary; and `James' by Ralph P. Martin, 1988, 240 pages, A volume in the series Word Biblical Commentary are all `full featured' and recent commentaries on the first of the short `catholic' epistles in the New Testament.

I find it amazing how different the material is in these three volumes. After 1800 years of commentary, one would expect a fair amount of uniformity in thinking about this short letter, but there is a remarkable range of differences in emphasis among the three.

Those of you who are familiar with the world of biblical commentary will recognize that all three are part of major series of commentaries. Adamson and Moo belong to series dedicated to the New Testament, while Martin's volume is an offering of a larger series on both Old and New Testaments. And, each volume is organized in a way to match the editorial style of their series. This is most clearly seen in Martin's volume, as his work is organized in virtually the same way as the much larger work on Paul's Epistle to the Romans by the distinguished scholar, James D. G. Dunn. This is no surprise, as Martin is the New Testament editor for his series, the Word Biblical Commentary.

Ranked by scholarly detail, Martin has the most and Adamson has the least, with Moo somewhere in between; but don't take from this that Martin is heavy on the Greek and Adamson has no original Greek. All three are specifically written for the scholar and assume that the reader either knows classical Greek or is willing to slog through all the Greek words and expressions. The irony here is that while Martin is the most heavily scholarly, it may also be the most accessible to the lay or strictly pastoral user, since this series divides scholarly observations into the `Comments' on each paragraph, while more general thoughts are spelled out in straight English in the `Form/Structure/Setting' section and later in the `Explanation' section following the `Comments'. Adamson organizes all his `special' or more technical topics in `Excursus' sections following his main commentary. I found this just a tad distracting, especially when I discovered some mistakes in references to these Excursus sections in the main text.

All three authors give us their own translations of the text, and all three agree on where the difficult phrases are to be found. If I were to pick a volume purely on the basis of their translation, I would prefer Adamson, as he seems to give translations that best resolve these difficult sections. But, in all three cases, the authors agree on where the difficulties lie and, in general, the nature of the difficulties.

In the three authors' introductory chapter on the author, themes, and canonical status of the letter, all three agree on the major points. They uniformly agree, for example on the belief that the letter does, in fact, represent the thoughts or writings of James, the brother of Jesus, who was head of the Christian Jews in Jerusalem up to about 62 CE. They also agree that the final form of the letter was rewritten and polished sometime in the early 2nd century, CE. The authors are also uniform in their citing Martin Luther's misunderstanding of James; however, I would give Luther credit for seeing scriptural support of many Roman Catholic doctrines, even if any sound reading of `James' shows that this support is probably stretching James points just a little too far.

On the major themes of the letter, I generally prefer Martin's emphasis on the three topics of `Wisdom', `Perfection', and `The Piety of the Poor' to the other authors' interest in theology and the law. James is clearly spending less times on these typically Pauline topics than he is on lessons for a Christian life.

Among all the other differences, it is most remarkable to see all the differences between how the three authors structure an outline of the short letter. If you didn't know better, you may think they were talking about two different writings. This is just a symptom of the fact that `James' is much less a theological argument a la `Romans' and much more a collection of lessons on prayer, right Christian behavior, and the implications of faith. This is consistent with the fact that the letter has much in common with the Gospels, especially the Gospel of Matthew (See Martin).

One last difference I detect between the three is the fact that Martin makes more connections to modern theology of, for example Dietrich Bonhoffer, while Moo and Adamson have more citations to the great reformers, Calvin and Luther.

If I had to pick only one of these, I would go with Martin's volume in the Word Biblical Commentary series. If I were interested only in pastoral interpretation, I would go with Moo or the article `The Letter of James' by Luke Timothy Johnson in `The New Interpreter's Bible', since both refer heavily to the standard NIV and NRSV translations. If your interest is in a scholarly study of the letter, you will probably want all three.

This is Moo's second commentary on the epistle of James. He wrote his first one in 1985 as part of the Tyndale series. This commentary is the result of fifteen years of reflection on that work. The content of this commentary makes it evident that this is the mature thought of a noted scholar on the letter of James. Those fifteen years left him more convinced "that the heart of the letter is a call to wholehearted commitment to Christ" (x).
Moo provides a lengthy introduction to this epistle (46 pages worth). This introduction includes the history of James in the church, nature and genre, authorship, theology, occasion and date, and structure of James. Concerning authorship, Moo holds that James, the bother of Christ, is the author. He presents arguments against this traditional view and then answers them. The section on the theology of the book is a feature more commentaries would do well to include. He dates the writing of the letter around the middle of the 40s AD. This is important because the date of writing has great implication on the relationship of the letter to Paul's teachings. Moo does not place a ridge structure on the letter. Instead, he finds "several key motifs" which "are often mixed together with other themes in paragraphs that cannot be labeled as neatly as we might like" (45). Denying the assertion of some commentators that the letter has no unifying purpose, Moo argues that the central concern of the letter is spiritual wholeness of the readers (47).
Moo's analysis of the text is insightful. His word studies are well done. He presents a wide range of possible meanings but uses the context to determine which meaning is James's meaning. Moo also does a good job in showing James's relationship with Paul. James is not writing against Paul. James means something different by faith than does Paul. They are addressing different problems.
The format of the commentary is user friendly for the most part. One helpful aspect is that Moo's introductory notes precede the verse by verse exposition of major points and most sub-points. Moo transliterates Greek words making the commentary usable to those who do not have the advantage of knowing Greek. One slight critique concerns the chapter divisions. The chapter divisions of the commentary are based on the chapters of James. This is fine, but the table of contents is broken down by his outline. One would whish the editors would choose a method of division and stay with it. The only other criticism is that Moo's writing style can be difficult at times. These two minor criticisms in no way change the fact that this is a masterpiece. It is short at only 251 pages not counting indexes. Anyone from a layperson to a scholar will benefit from this commentary. This reviewer would recommend it without hesitation (something he does not do often).