Western Books

Every once and awhile a reader is forturnate to come by a book that might seem uninteresting but upon reading it finds it to be one of the best books ever. Such is HOLDING STONE HANDS which I bought several years back from University of Nebraska as one of their sale books. Turned out to have been one of the wiser buys of my time.

One of the very first things that struck me as I began this book was the flat out courage it would take to do what the author has done. Leave home, leave safety, walk upwards of 1500 miles, live, eat, and sleep out of doors much of the time. Another thing that quickly came to me was the interest people, mostly Cheyenne, still held for this historical happening. And they wanted to aid the author in his quest.

I have read some on this subject but things such as the Northern Cheyenne life coming to an abrupt end in December, 1876, was a surprise. Also that Lone Wolf's name was not that but 'Lone Coyote', or that Dull Knife's name was not that but 'Morning Star'. Also that both of these heroic and historic personages of the Northern Cheyenne, each in his own way, ended life mostly an outcast. Remembered today, yes, but only in a tempered way. Many still find fault with some decisions Dull Knife made. And with Lone Wolf murdering a fellow tribesman, his later life of blindness and isolation had to be very unrewarding.

No matter the reason for reading this wonderful book, a reader has struck a true classic of western history. And the main thrust of the book goes beyond history to be one of mission and people. Great reading as usual from University of Nebraska Press.

Semper Fi.

As my title states, this is a very powerful book. Mr. Boye walked the trail that the Cheyennes travelled in their tragic journey to get back home (from Oklahoma to Montana). Along the way the author meets up with two Cheyenne men who travel with him for the better part of the journey. When they leave he meets a mid-20s Japanese man who travels with him for a while. Why is this Japanese man touring the American West? Read the book to find out. Despite my praise for this book, my rating is a 4.5 out of 5. Why? I will give two examples (not that there are many more):
1 - On p. 225 he states that hundreds of Indians were killed at the Battle of the Blue Water (the number was about 86 and his own source--Utley, Frontiersmen in Blue--states 85).
2 - Following Little Wolf's capture his followers shortly after became scouts for General Miles to fight the Sioux. Boye only mentions his surrender. He should have gone on to include this important detail.

Having said that, the book is still a very good read and I really enjoyed his journey and his dramatic retelling of the Cheyennes' escape from Fort Robinson. I would like to know more about the film made by some Cheyenne's as mentioned in the book. Final verdict: Recommended.

I'm not much for history as it is taught in our schools, but this book is great. It is a perfect blend of history, present day (in the form of the author's trip), and thoughts and stories from the author's personal life.

I recommend this tome to anyone that likes travel stories. Especially if you dont know, or want to know more about, the Cheyenne Exodus. Expensive, but worth the money.

This is a story of heartache and strength, of hope and struggle...it is the story of a man's love of the land and a people's fight to keep their homeland. Boye is a gifted and talented writer whose words flow as he leads us from page to page, back into the past and then gently into the present. He is a writer that truly cares about his story and the people that inhabit it. He opens his heart and the words come tumbling out. A wonderful MUST READ for all nature lovers and history buffs.

This is a magical walk through a dark time in American History...Alan's own experiences are so materfully intertwined with history on this voyage, the past truly comes alive as you feel every step and face every fear. With each step, with every encounter along the way, you can feel the ghosts of the Cheyenne people walking in your own shadow. Make no mistake, HOLDING STONE HANDS is a Masterpiece...you'll feel the pain of endless walking, the anger for what the Cheyenne people were forced to endure, and the sorrow for the pointless death as they tried to make their way to the only land they would ever call home.

When people analyze the life of a soon-to-be saint, such as Damien, it's not uncommon for them to gloss over any imperfections. This book, thankfully, doesn't do that. What it does do is show you a very human man, not an intellectual, not the star of his religious community or even his family, but a very devoted man who made an incredible difference in the lives of so many who others wouldn't even touch. Read it.

I visited the leper colony on the island of Molokai, the villages of Kalawao and Kalaupapa last March and this book was recommended to me. I picked it up from a gift shop there as I went round visiting the sites of Fr Damien's enormous and extensive ministry. I also heard from the tour guides, stories of the zeal and dedication with which he ministered to the ill-fated leprosy patients. I also knew about him from other sources.

The book is a wonderful read. It brings to the light of the world a rather obscure life of a Catholic priest who belonged to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts Fathers and worked in the mission of Hawaii. His devotion and dedication to the ministry in favor of the lepers and his eventual martyrdom as a leper seemed to have moved this non-Catholic writer to go into detailed research and strenuous investigation to bring out such a classic work on the subject. Gavan Daws does not idealize Fr Damien's life or make him a superman. According to him Fr Damien was an ordinary man, a priest with his own frailties and flaws, at the same time a hero and a martyr worthy to be called `holy.' The book in fact, is more than a mere biography of the leper priest. A lot of research and study has gone into the writing of this book which is a story of leprosy in the Hawaiian islands, a history of the Church in the second half of the nineteenth century, besides being the life of a saint-to-be. I hope that the book will inspire ordinary people to make deep personal commitments and fulfill them with extraordinary devotion and fervor.

This is a wonderful book for anyone who is curious about Father Damien of Molokai. It is comprehensive, non-religious, and thoroughly satisfying book. Gavan Daws did a great job describing Father Damien, his negative as well his positive attributes. The book is very well written, very well structured. It includes actual photos of key players at that time and drawings of the Kalawao settlement. I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. This one is a keeper.

Very interesting, and informative on the times that the event was occuring in the Hawaiian islands. The story kept focused, and was very easy to read and keep up with.

"Holy Man" is undoubtedly the finest and most scholarly work to date on this topic. Prior to Daws' work, the overwhelming majority of books on this topic have been somewhat biased as they were produced by Catholic clergy and lay writers. Daws has brought the secular historian's skill to this subject and has produced a truly balanced account of the life and work of Father Joseph DeVeuster. Only a visit to the Molokai, Hawaii, settlements of Kalawao and Kalaupapa will provide the reader with a more detailed account of Father Damian's life and work among the lepers of Molokai. Father Daimian was beautified in 1993. A church inquiry is underway to determine whether or not this "Holy Man" should be made a Catholic saint. "Holy Man" is required reading for anyone even marginally interested in Hawaiian history. In the short period of time this work has been in print, it has become required reading for all students of Hawaiian History, American approaches to chronic and incurable disease and Catholic doctrine pertaining to leprosy and lepers. Daws has written a masterful account of the life and works of this important nineteenth century Catholic clergyman. "Holy Man" is the definitive work on Father Damian and is likely to remain so well into the next century. Father Damian was buried on the island of Molokai until earlier this century when his remains were exhumed and re-interred in his home of Louvain, Belgium. Today, only his hand remains buried on the island of Molokai. The hand is widely regarded as a religious relic.

Hakim Bey is a hero in his own post-heroic age. But forget about him and read the book, an inspirational instruction manual for reclaiming real meaning and community through creating events and situations outside of money-culture. Immediatism insists on privacy, even secrecy, lest it find itself touted as the next flavor of the week, hence the paradox inherent in the book's very publication. Maybe it'll change your life, maybe it'll confuse you, maybe it'll just keep you occupied on your next flight to Vegas, but "Immediatism" is a must for those of us looking for a way out.

if you've ever felt the impulse to rebel against society, not just in a political or formal way but in a truly volatile, existential way, bey is the writer for you. he does NOT advocate violence or murder, although he considers values with respect to these actions as relative as all other values. he exhorts us to bizarre, unconventional, 'abnormal' behavior and says explicitly that there is no real certainty as to the meaning of life, the purpose of being, etc, but does not draw pointless doom gloom conclusions from this as so many of those whiny french intellectuals did. on the contrary, he tells us to take joy in the life of the mind and the senses, and he does what very few revolutionaries even attempt:he launches an all out war on the media and it's primary evil medium, the television. he is in favor of the individual, or group of individuals, creating their own 'imaginal values' and wants to free us from the death grip of mental slavery imposed by authority of any kind, be it secular, religious, economic, etc. this is not quite as good as TAZ, but it comes damn close.

In the temporoary Autonimous Zone, Hakim Bey evoked a spirit of insurrection. In Immediatism, he gives ideas on just what to do with this wild spirit or "strange attractor" once it's flying around your kitchen.

Immediatism basically entails a return to an economy of the gift, or reciprocity rather than commodity. Bey suggests forming secret societies of "art terrorism" and quilting bees with a twist. The point is to keep your art away from the Spectacle. If THEY get ahold of you, you're (...).

This is not a political program for those who enjoy dry sessions of critcism/self criticism and "non-violent" resistance. It is about creating a new society "in the rotting shell of the old". It is for true radicals, not "reformers" or "progressives". Bey is as hostile toward leftist values as he is right wing morality. Immeidatism is about life, not theory. It is for those who wish to dance with Chaos.

Immediatism is inspirational and beautiful, but at the same time terrifying. Bey challenges everything we thought we knew about art, about community, and about life. A book you won't soon forget, no matter how you try!

A collection of relatively short essays all circling around a specific subject: immediatism, in both senses of the word; both as immediate, now and without mediation. It's a way of life that appeals to me, and likely to any other sensualists who find the stale repitition of pre-formed media dull.

You're likely able to enjoy this work with only one dictionary at your side, though of courseit does still give you a lot to think about, and even more to put into action. The style is easy and more readily accessible, the suggestions and manifestos are more likely to become realized in a smaller environment. It's become another book on my recommended reading list.

All the "Seth" books are nothing short of stunning. They are also gripping, mind boggling, unforgettable, and life-changing.

But to read this you had better be prepared to throw away a whole bunch of worn-out beliefs, and pick up a whole bunch of crisp new ones.

It's important to realize that this book is as much about the individual and the power of the individual to control (or partake in chosen) events in immediate surroundings as it is an offering of insight into the nature of "mass events." As usual, Seth points to the power of the individual in the context of the individual's deep connection to "all that is." The revelation that we are not powerless in a world gone berserk (from a subjective perspective) is comforting and downright empowering. This is evolved thought at its best. All that is left to the reader is to experiment with vigor the value system presented. In my mind, this book taken as a whole, was one of the best presentations of the Seth ideas. Read it, practice it's teachings and change your life for the better.

"You create your own reality".

This is the central message of the Seth material. Far from being the helpless victims of circumstances that have been thrust upon us, we are the masters of our own destiny, even though most of us are unaware of it. But if we all create our individual realities, how come that there are events that influence a great number of people simultaneously, like elections, natural disasters or epidemics? How could one possibly believe, for example, that the 6 million jews who died in the holocaust all individually chose that fate for themselves?

It is at the intersection of individual and mass reality where Seth's message indeed appears to fail the reality check. Not so, according to Seth, but it takes a whole book to explain why. 'The Individual and the Nature of Mass Events' carefully elaborates how the individual and the collective consciousness work together in a grandiose balancing act to create a shared reality that serves all the invididual development needs, simultaneously. Seth illustrates his points by discussing some of the great mass events of the time, such as Watergate or Three Mile Island. Of particularly significance in this context is Seth's statement that public health announcements and prevention programs, by their suggestive nature, create more instances of the diseases than they prevent!

'The Individual and the Nature of Mass Events' represents a cornerstone of the Seth material, as it reconciles Seth's principal message with our common sense perception of reality. It helps the reader to make sense of seemingly senseless events, and it shows how each of us, individually, can make a difference.

Why do we have world events, disasters, weather, etc the way they occur? This book address these questions. Reading this book, one can see how we create our realities as societies, cultures, countries, etc. We can gain additional, if not totally new, insight on this matter. What you will find out may surprise you, it may even make you angry or just make you not believe what the book says. To gain further insight, read The Personal Nature of Reality also which will show you how we create our own immediate reality. To me it was difficult to read but others that I know had no problem. Possibly it was hard to read was because it was packed full of information? I give it 4 stars because the way it was written. I think it could have been written so that it is less verbose and easier to understand. This book was written in the 70's when this kind of information was new and hard to find.

Don't get me wrong. All the Seth books by Jane Roberts are worthwhile. And given recent global events, this book is more timely than ever. So I highly recommend that at some point you purchase this book so that you can read and reread it many times over. You should definitely aim to have all the Seth books as part of your personal library. I surely do. And I can pick a Seth book at random, turn to any page, and come away with a fresh insight. But if you are not sure who or what Seth is? Then this book may only confuse and perplex you. If you are new to Seth, I highly recommend that you start with "The Coming of Seth," followed by "The Seth Material," and then the must-have-Seth-book-of-all-time, "The Nature of Personal Reality." Then you will most surely want to read "The Individual and the Nature of Mass Events." My only complaint about this book? The "current" events referred to in this book may seem like ancient history to some. Oh, how I wish Ms. Roberts were alive today for Seth to comment upon such things as the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the more recent terrorist attacks. But indirectly, this book will help you come to terms with all these events and more. So in this respect, it is more important now than ever before. And one of the reasons that I include it on my list of "Timely Tomes for Troubled Times."

I couldn't have said it better! Everything you need to start a magical group is right here for the taking. Pick it up. Even if you are not considering joining or creating a lodge, you never know...this could come in handy one day. Also has an interesting ritual for invisibility within it.

Have you ever wanted to start your own or join a magical lodge? If so, this is the book to start with. Mr. Greer, has a magical ability of being able to simplify a rather complex topic so that anyone can understand. Whether you're a neophyte or an adept, inside a magical lodge will guide you through from conception of the lodge system to the very creation of your own working lodge. This book is a must have if you are interested in the Golden Dawn tradition or variations of. As a companion book to this, I highly recommend Nick Farrell's "Gathering the Magic: Creating 21st Century Esoteric Groups".

This is an excellent book. Instead of rehashing other people's material, the author has focused on a much ignored topic - the framework of the magical lodge. The book goes through the structure, purpose and workings of a magical lodge in a concise and down-to-earth manner.
The author also goes step by step through the work needed to set up and maintain a magical lodge, from identity and requirements to aims and practices. All in all this book is well worth investing in if you have an interest in ritual magick and in the dynamics of a working magickal group.
I would recommend this book to anyone thinking of starting a magickal group, regardless of tradition - be it Thelema, Grimoires, or even Wiccan Covens!

Finally a decent book on forming a group in a modern, esoteric, manner. Prior to this book, there hasn't been much on the structuring of a formal magical lodge/order outside of a few Wiccan Circle types of books. The closest I've come across is the late William G. Gray's "Inner Temple Magic" and that had more to do with WHAT to do while in a magical order than it did about forming one.

Part of the problem with such books is that little is offered as guidance on dealing with the people within such a group. The group dynamics is usually overlooked so the seeker looking to gain some knowledge running a group and not just forming one is often left to his/her own devices on dealing with people. This makes for a blind leading the blind type of situation - at least emotionally - and usually what occurs is that the rest of the group is leaderless.

In the Satanic oriented groups, the leader is often encouraged to lead with an "iron fist" or "it's MY way or the highway" as pointed out by Rev. Yaj Nomolos in his book "The Magic Circle". Whereas in the Ritual & Ceremonial Magical traditions, the heavy handedness is not always conducive to a smooth running operation. Fortunately this book offers some simplistic thoughts on dealing with people within the lodge and mainly that is covered in Chapter 2.

What this book does offer is pretty solid material on WHY one should want to formulate a lodge and WHAT kind of structure the group should have.

The book starts out with pretty basic historical information on who the Freemasons were and why they came to be. This was based on the Medeival Guilds that were formed around trades and craftsmen. What follows next is the jump from the Freemasons to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and it's not like we haven't heard of that particular order before.

Greer also points out the foundation of what a Magical Lodge really is and offers to the interested party: structure, symbolism, magic and secrecy. In chatper 2, he nails it on the head when he writes "A magical lodge can take many forms and be many things. If it's going to function at all, though, there's at least one thing it has to be: a group of people who are able to put together the resources of space, time, and material needed for the lodge's work and who can do so with a minimum of bickering, confusion, and hurt feelings....A group that can't manage at least this much isn't going to likely to last long or get far." This fact has caused many lodges (and covens) to peter out long before they really could begin all over this very fact.

When we get thru the next three chapters on each of the foundations of symbolism, magic and secrecy, Greer has done a pretty decent job of offering more than mere platitudes in which to live by. He has explored very real concepts such as the group's egregore which helps to keep the nucleus of the group together. Then he tackles initiation and why this should be an important step to getting into a lodge. Finally he discusses the practical uses of secrecy and how this can benefit the group's continued focus as it progresses along.

The next part of the book covers the forming of a magical lodge. Greer uses a mythical group of personalities who opt to form their own lodge using alchemy as a framework. This is a useful teaching method and it allows Greer to give a better explanation of the various intricacies of sorting thru the mess of trying to form a core lodge group. He calls this group "The Order of the Athanor" and as we follow the formation of this group, we see some of the pitfalls and highpoints of forming and operating this group.

One of the pitfalls of lodges has always been the monetary dues contributions from its members. This is a sore point for many would-be lodge members because of their current financial situation which most deem financially strapped. Unfortunately, unless one has an ideal temple in their home, it takes the combined efforts of an entire group contributing money to rent a hall big enough to support a group. For example, if say you or I were to invest in building a comfortable working space such as an insulated and climate controlled pole barn, there is not only the initial cost of such a building and land to worry about but also the ongoing day-to-day maintenance to deal with. Utilities and upkeep usually are a drain on one person and without the group kicking in some sort of monetary support, the person in question will more than likely come to resent the fact that she or he has to foot the bill. And if one tries to keep meetings in their home, the same sort of thing eventually happens.

Greer also discusses some of the more esoteric rites that are available outside of just initiation and one of them is the working of Invisibility. This subject has been covered in Greer's prior work "Circles of Power". He takes this subject and lucidly explains the concept and how to do it sort of approach that many aspiring magicians drool to be able to accomplish.

All in all, this book is highly recommended with five stars because the author has chosen to tackle a very neglected subject and offers some very practical advice on forming a group. So much so that even Wiccans wishing to form a coven would be well to research from this book.

Greer does a great service to the occult community with this book. Some of the best parts of this book deal with the drudgework and mundane aspects of lodge management -- creating the ritual, handling the legal aspects of creating a lodge, and maintaining the lodge on the administrative end. However, when he starts getting into the inner parts of lodgework, he tends to pass off his own personal (or his tradition's) theories and ideas as fact. It's a great deal of good information to ponder, but shouldn't necessarily be taken literally.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to those interested in both occult and non-occult Fraternal-type orders.

I'm a long time reader of Jonah Hex from years ago when it first came out. I was very disappointed with the way the artwork in the Hex series basically ruined a fantastic character and comic series.
I was NOT disappointed by Face Full of Violence. It is 100% pure Jonah Hex all the way and the artwork is great just like the original series was.
Great stories, great artwork and inking, I hope they make a hundred of them because I would buy them all. If you've read any of the original series, this is a must buy.

I remember Hex from the day, this Hex looks a lot like Eastwood...but still has (some of) the spirit of the original HEX. I wish they would bring the old back in a colour compilation.

Once again the team of Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti deliver with the goods. In the wake of western shows like Deadwood taking off DC has brought back probably their most prominent western character Johna Hex.

Now this is where I say something prolific and inspiring to make you want to buy the book. The truth is, it's more then worth it and even if you're not a western fan, like myself, the books still worth it. It had depth, great character moments, and the pretty art you all go crazy for.

Buy it damnit.

One of the most underappreciated characters in one of the most underappreciated genres in comics gets resurrected and reinvigorated thanks to the writing tandem of inker Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. A duo who worked together on a series of holiday-themed Punisher one-shots (none of which were anything if at all to write home about mind you), both writers are firing on all cylinders with Jonah Hex: Face Full of Violence, which collects the first six issues of the revamped series. Instead of focusing on one continuing storyline, Face Full of Violence contains six seperate stories all involving our favorite scarred outlaw, as he pursues kidnappers, has run-ins with those from his past, and generally takes on all comers without blinking an eye. The stories themselves are gritty and violent without going over the top in terms of gore and profanity (this isn't a Vertigo title, it's under the DC banner), but it retains plenty of attitude and a mature tone that isn't seen in mainstream comics too often these days. The art by Luke Ross and original Jonah Hex artist Tony Dezuniga is nothing short of great, making an already sweet package even, well, sweeter. All in all, if you dig old western comics or have fond memories of a man named Hex, this is a must own.

In a comic medium of decompressed stories and multi-part crossovers, Jonah Hex completely exposes an old school tradition by crafting clever, witty and meaningful stories in stand alone issues. Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti and Luke Ross are able to take a classic DC character, in a under appreciated genre, and captivate the audience. This collection offers readers a little taste of what the monthly title has been able to deliver on a monthly basis. Very happy that I've been getting the monthly title but this trade will sit on the bookshelf with some of my other titles.

After the world wide attention for the 101st this is a welcome addition to airborne warfare in WWII

This is a very well written book b y a man who was there. Telling the personal story of Leland Burns' travels thru F Co of the 508PIR, Jump Into the Valley of the Shadow is a fine read. Factual and well thought out, it goes thru the gritty days of fighting that only a man who has lived thru it can tell you. But it also goes over the softer, more human side of his time overseas in an in-depth and honest way.
From his personal accounts of his courtship with his wife, to his time in England with both new and old friends, the book is made better by the fact that these are all REAL people that actually existed (and in many cases are still living) that makes this a truly special book to have.

This book starts out with the author staring out the open door of a C-47 on the night of June 5, 1944 and realizing that it was now too late to join the motor pool or become a cook. Like a lot of other youngsters, when he was drafted into the Army he decided that he wanted to be with America's best, and that was the paratroopers.

I was glad to see this boook. There has been a lot written about the 101st in recent years and their defense at Bastogne including 'Band of Brothers,' the movie 'Battleground' and a bunch more. Much less well known is the action of the 82nd to hold the north shoulder and prevent the Germans from having more roads to use for their advance. Burns was there. He doesn't tell the big picture - there are a lot of books on the Battle of the Bulge. He tells his story from the bottom side. It looked different from a foxhole.

The book is told in the form of a bunch of little stories, not a day by day diary. This makes it much more interesting, and I recommend it highly.

I highly recommend this book. Dwayne Burns brings to life his memories from elite training as a paratrooper to his feelings and emotions of actually going into combat. Along the way, he shares his personal life stories and how all of this shaped the person he was to became. The incredible bond that paratroopers have which started in their training and lasts to this day is very inspiring. Reading this book reinforced my genuine thanks to these men that "Jumped Into the Valley of the Shadow" along with the rest of the "Greatest Generation" that helped bring peace back to this world in the uncertain time of WWII.

OK! This is one man's story about the "Oh Eight" the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment (P.I.R.), 2nd Bn, Fox Co. Mr Burns jumped into France, Operation Neptune (D-Day) and Market-Garden (Holland) two jump stars earned the hard way. There are a lot of "soldiers stories" in the book, being with your buddies, goofing off, military life, as well as the stories about combat. Books like these put a human face on anonymous mens faces of black and white photos taken 60+ years ago. It shows they were pretty much the same as most young men, full of life and hopes and dreams, except their lives were forged in the fires of the Depression. It is a good read and a page turner, there are "flashback" type parts of the book, that may disagree with some readers. But I was most humbled and impressed by his story and the stories of other men I have met, ironically from Easy Co. 508th PIR, Mr Burns' sister Co to his own Fox Co. I am glad some of these men have told their story, because too many never have or got the chance to live long enough to. Thier story is told by rows of silent crosses in France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and a thousand other lonely places where American boys fought and died. Read this book if you want to know the story of one man's journey through a pivotal time in human history.

...if you want to understand Whitehead but haven't attempted him yet. Sherburne does indeed provide a key to Whitehead by unlocking his concepts one by one and explaining them in plain English. Recommended.

I tried to wade though Whitehead's Process and Reality unarmed several times and was routed by hoards of "actual entities", "eternal objects" and other beasts. Finally, fortified by Sherburne, I made it. And you can too, but don't think the going is easy even with Sherburne at your side.

He does a good job of reorganizing the text so that the concepts build in a more linear fashion, he also provides some insightful introductions to his chapters. Still, I give the book only a 4, because it's still hard to get the big picture from the onslaught of details.

This book is the place to start if you want to understand Whitehead's Process and Reality. Sherburne has done a masterful job of explaining Whitehead's many neologisms.

Process and Reality is one of the masterworks of 20th century philosophy, however its terminology make it hard to comprehend.

Sherburne's book makes Process and Reality accessible even to non-philosophers.

I am proud to say I own this book. Sherburne does an excellent job laying out the arguments in a systematic fashion. He says he did this, because the reader "will not find a linear development PR, a beginning, a middle, and an end." It is this approach that keeps the spirit of Whitehead's PR alive and makes it accessible to the determined reader--I say determined because it still is difficult trying to interpret the content of Whitehead's "Speculative Philosophy."

Of course for being only 261 pages this book isn't an "exhaustive account of all aspects of Whitehead's thought." A key can unlock a door, but you still have to go through the door to see what is on the other side. I would encourage anyone to take Sherburnes key to unlock the door to Process and Reality...

Alfred North Whitehead, in his magnum opus 'Process and Reality', set forth a philosophical framework that has inspired the subsequent generation of theologians to look towards a new system of metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and theological reality. One of the problems with 'Process and Reality', however, is that it is not a very accessible text to most people, even to most theologians. Donald Sherburne has done great service to legions of pastors, students, and interested lay persons by simplifying and reorganising the text of 'Process and Reality' into a more logical and easier-to-read text.

Sherburne's introduction speaks of the lack of information available on Whitehead - since his death in 1947, his influence has been confined to philosophy and theology, and then only at graduate-student and higher levels. This has not changed, for the most part, in the decades since the first publication of Sherburne's text, but it is beginning to make itself felt in various levels through grassroots 'evangelism' of process thought principles.

The text itself is organised to allow primary emphasis on Whitehead's own writing from 'Process and Reality', followed closely in the chapters by paragraphs of explanation and commentary by Sherburne (these are presented in an italicised typeface, making the distinction between Whitehead's words and the commentary very clear).

The rearrangement of topics follows more closely what a typical student of philosophy might expect to find in any other philosophy text. Like logic or geometry (Whitehead was a protégé of Bertrand Russell of Principia Mathematica fame), it begins with basic principles and concepts. For Whitehead, this is the actual entity and the process itself. From this, the text explores how things are what they are, and how we can come to know them.

How things are constituted involved their formative elements; for Whitehead, these consist of God, creativity, and the pure potentiality inherent in the universe. With these in mind, the process of concrescence is presented.

Sherburne then presents ideas of the macrocosmic and nexus, and the requirements and limitations on perception. This leads to a discussion of Whitehead versus other philosophers, many of whom will be far more familiar to the readers. Descartes, Hume, Locke, Kant, and the methods of science (through a lens of Newton and Plato first, then further developed) are explored.

The seventh chapter, on God and the World, is perhaps the most interesting and useful to theologians. God's primordial and consequent natures are explored. Whitehead uses the process ideas set forth earlier to look at the concept of immortality, in particular, the love of God for the world, and the process by which all of reality can be redeemed and held complete in the mind of God.

Sherburne states that the Appendix - In Defense of Speculative Philosophy - can be read first or last in the text; Sherburne actually recommends both, so that Whitehead's Defense can serve both as a setting and a conclusion to this text. Philosophy, particularly metaphysics and the more speculative sorts of philosophy, has been under critical attack over the past few generations. Whitehead's arguments for the value of philosophy, particularly when it relates to other intellectual disciplines (as opposed to merely trying to explain things away) are worth considering by the philosopher, scientist, historian, theologian, political scientist, and followers of many other disciplines.

There is a useful glossary of terms that I return to time and again. These are good definitions, succinctly stated, deriving from the text of 'Process and Reality'.

Sherburne, a professor of philosophy at Vanderbilt, is also one of the editors who produced the corrected version of Whitehead's primary text, 'Process and Reality'. This book can serve as an excellent preliminary study prior to going on to 'Process and Reality' itself, but I would advise those seriously interested in Whitehead and process thought to continue on toward that text.

Killers of Man, was a very nice piece of work. Once you start reading it you cant put it down, and very compelling. I have had a bought with a Grizzly, and this story was right on line to the way they are,even before they have tasted human blood, which just makes it worse once they have. And it sends chills down your back. I hope he writes more on this subject. Very well done, A+.

Though I have enjoyed all of Mr. Cotton's books, Killers of Man remains my favorite. It is such a gripping tale, I sat down to read a few chapters, then next thing I knew, it was 5:00 a.m. and I had finished the book.

Wonderful story. Masterful story-teller.

Buy this book!

Make that a 10+ + + + RW has written a most compelling piece of literature and like most of his work, he has disguised it as a western. There is essential relevence in Killers Of Man for both the hunter and the preservationist alike. I started not to buy this book because of the title. What a mistake it would have been! Coton speaks to violence in a way that makes one think he sees it as something inherent within us only to the extent that we have not came to grips with it. From that point on he paints it on a broad canvas with such masterful strokes that we can neither ignore or deny. To assume that the story is only about a bear hunt is to assume that Tolstoy only wrote a military novel. Ten thumbs up for this enormous, powerful work (with such a childlike title

Once again Cotton has shown that he is cleary the best in his field, and his field is far ahead of western genre. I don't know if Miller Crow and Jack Smith were real people or not when Cotton wrote about them, but they sure are now. Compares to Twain, London, and many other greats. Killers Of Man is a classic that will be here a long long time

Loved the bear scenes. Tons of action and suspense. Cotton has painted the Rockies with words. While reading, I felt as though I could look out my window and see the mountains. Plus, the tail is believable... Again, Cotton makes the reader feel he/she is a part of the story.

This is one of the best series that I have ever read. It is a must see but beware, once you pick it up you will not want to put it down.

Very interesting book and brings to mind the hardships and heartache endured by those who opened up this country as they moved west, yet they endured.

There is much happiness and hope in this book. Ingeborg's marriage to Haakan is a wonderful blessing to her and her children. There are some new characters to add spice to the books and the discovery of Grace's deafness to add tears, but Kaaren and Ingeborg's faith continues to grown in the face of the difficulties that come from farming and joys of proving up their homesteads.

Those pioneers are sooo brave! I wish I could be like them. Lauraine is an excellent author. Keep it up!

Book 3 in Red River of the North opens with Penny writing to the absent Hjelmer who has fled the area to avoid a "shotgun wedding" trick. Even though he is young and immature, he is a hard worker with an eye for the future and inside information on the plans of the railroad. Kaaren delivers twins, nearly dying. One twin is not healthy and Lars cannot accept his deaf daughter. School is in full swing in the prairie schoolhouse, with Kaaren as teacher.

Ingeborg and Haaken travel a far distance by train to escort home the seriously injured younger sister of Kaaren. Solveig is a bitter, disappointed young woman who was on her way to join her sister, but whose future is crushed in a train wreck. Face scarred and barely walking, she goes home with Ingeborg and Haaken. Olaf, Kaaren's long lost uncle, mysteriously turns up after a long absence and his many talents make him useful and loved.

Penny has finally decided to travel to Fargo for work and further schooling. The farms continue to progress - a large wooden barn now graces the homestead of Ingeborg who gives birth to another baby, Haaken's first biological child. Metiz continues to weave in and out of the lives of the pioneer families. Her grandson, Baptiste, stays with his friend Thorliff to go to school and help with the farm work.

As much as she balks, Ingeborg gives up her plowing and hunting after teaching young Thorliff to take her place. As usual, tragedy does not pass over them without leaving scars. A tragic fire, blizzards and failing farms cause loss of life and dreams. Agnes give birth to a stillborn daugher. She harbors intensive anger toward Hjelmer for hurting her dear niece, Penny.

The railroad is coming and the time for proving up their land arrives. Both the Bjorkland widows are remarried with families. Extra people share both homes now. A large sack house stores their grain for direct loading on the train.

The book ends with their town becoming a water stop for the railroad, a real town with a real name, Blessing. In spite of the author's confusion with family relationships and forgetting Kaaren's married name, book 3 still deserves 4 stars.