Research Books

Lady Gregory has written a very precise and easily read translation of some of the best of Irish mythology. Originally written at the turn of the ninetteenth century it still holds today.I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Celtic mythology and lore.

Lady Gregory faithfully renders old Irish stories into a form that we clods that only speak English can understand. She does not, however, make them more prosaic, or fix them into what we normally find as our story format! They are true to the original structures of the genre, and are much more lively and fun for that. My wife places them firmly in the nature of Irish legend, which she calls "We went over there and stole their cow!" (Tain Bo Cuailnge is basically a story of a cow theft, and is one of the most famous stories of Irish legend). I love the split style, and it does give the reader a good understanding of the way stories were related in the old days. A must for those who want to know where some of the ancient Irish names derive!

The works of Lady Gregory are the best way to get a pure taste of the original Irish Myths - unless you are fluent in Gaelic and can get a hold of older copies. Lady Gregory's elequent speech and style breathes life into Ireland's forgotten Heroes and Gods!

Gods and Fighting Men is an excellent resource because it preserves the lore from the Book of Invasions as well as other sources -- the legends of the earliest inhabitants of Ireland, the coming of the Tuatha De Danaan (The People of Dana) and the stories of Finn MacCumhail.

What is portrayed as "Early Irish Mythology" 99% of the time actually isn't -- the dozens of translations of The Tain, albeit worthy reading, are actually the lore of Ulster, a single Irish province. This makes it Ulster Mythology (regional) more than Irish Mythology (national).

The legends of the Tuatha De Danaan are essential for a comprehensive understanding of Irish mythology, actually comprising the majority of the Mythological Cycle, and deal with the initial settling of all of Ireland.

Unfortunately, it seems to be modern New Age reconstructions of the Mythological Cycle rather than the native stories that seem to be infusing themselves into the mainstream, and that is sad.

In my mind, the Mythological Cycle is the most important cycle in Irish mythology, because it sets up the scenario for all that is to follow. The Fenian Cycle (legends of Finn MacCumhail and his warband) are fascinating not only for their strong associations with Nature, but also for the fact that the stories are well-known both in Ireland and in the Scottish Highlands. The Gods still walked and resided on (or in) the Earth and interacted often with mortals. Magic was all around.

The Tain, on the other hand, is more a time of towns and forts and war-chariots; a time when magic was less present and people were less intertwined with Nature than in the Golden Age. The Gods had already departed our realm and only made brief cameos in the stories.

In summary, Gods and Fighting Men is the actual collection of Irish Mythology from the earliest legends. It affects all of Ireland and the stories are fairly widespread throughout the Gaelic world. Lady Gregory wrote these translations with a view to retain the native Irish sense of story-telling; this she achieved remarkably well.

My one concern is that it would have been nice for Lady Gregory to have cited her sources for each story. I know that in many cases she blended versions from several sources to produce what she saw as the purest form of the story, but a simple listing of these would have been fantastic from an academic standpoint.

Overall this is probably the greatest collection of Irish Mythology I have found so far, albeit Lady Gregory's focus was primarily as storyteller rather than academic (this is not a bad thing -- dry, stale translations of Irish lore would have been extremely anti-Irish in themselves).

This should probably be the FIRST book one reads of Irish Mythology. I highly recommend this book and the fact that it is value-priced definitely doesn't hurt, either. This book is definitely worth several times its cost.

Happy Reading!

What a wonderful story! I was amazed that the author is a man. The character of Sheila Redden is so believable and your sympathy is with her even though she is about to leave her son. Ordinarily that would lose me as far as any compassion is concerned. I really enjoy Mr. Moore's style of writing and plan on reading all of his other books.

Wonderfully romantic reading, but not sappy or "unreal"......I loved this book from page one until the end.........a woman's awakening to her life. Highly recommend it.

Smart, quiet, shy, too tall, Sheila had never been on her own. She went from dependence on her parents to dependence on a husband. After 15 years of marriage, a long-planned 2nd honeymoon sets into motion the chain of events which leads her away from her safe, ordered, boring existence, and awakens a desire for autonomy.

Moore's cool, precise, detached prose steers the reader through an emotional storm. If anything, this coolness enhances the intensely erotic scenes in the story. As always with Brian Moore, the tale seems to be driven by its own internal workings, and the personalities of its characters. Yet the ending is neither staid nor predictable. You will not be able to put this book down easily, or to put it out of your mind until long after you have finished reading it.

Wow! What a book! I don't usually read romance novels, and I'm still unsure as to what compelled me to buy this one. But whatever the reason, I'm glad I did!

Had someone handed me this book to read, stripped of its cover thus leaving me no clue as to whom had written it, never in a million years would I have guessed the author to be a man!
Brian Moore should be commended for his impressive ability at bringing to life the totally believable female character portrayed in this book. Few male writers can successfully execute on paper such a vivid and candid depiction of a middle-aged woman in turmoil--the revealing of her innermost thoughts about herself and the world around her as she grapples with the sensitive issues of aging and sexuality.

Anticipating her husband's arrival in France to celebrate their second honeymoon, Sheila Redden dreams of rekindling the passions and excitement once present in their stale, sixteen-year marriage. However, disillusioned by his many excuses for not showing up to meet her, Sheila soon becomes painfully aware that her husband's busy schedule with tending patients takes precedence over her happiness. Lonely and deeply hurt, Sheila does what I guess many emotionally-neglected wives would do--she has an affair. I don't think that she intentionally went out looking to get laid--it was just something that happened quite naturally given the vulnerable state of mind she was in at the time. What starts out as a seemingly innocent enough chat with a handsome young American in a Paris diner, suddenly magnifies into something far more serious. Riddled with guilt, yet driven by the desire to walk away from her loveless marriage in favor of a more independent life, Sheila confesses to her husband (over the phone!) that she is in love with another man. What follows Sheila's confession is an unexpected train of events that will drastically change the lives of all of those she touches.

As I've said before--Wow! What a book! This is one of those
'once upon a time' fairy tale romances, but one in which no one at the end rides off into the sunset happily ever after.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to just kick back and enjoy a good ole' fashioned, brilliantly-written romance novel. But be forewarned--some of the lovemaking scenes are quite explicit.

TWO THUMBS UP FOR THIS THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE NOVEL!

Very highly recommended to all genealogy researchers, whether novice or expert, New England Court Records: A Research Guide For Genealogists And Historians by Diane Rapaport (former trial lawyer with a B.A. in History and a J.D. degree in Law) is an in-depth 470-page collective study of the locations and contributions of New England's facilities and resources which would historians and genealogical researchers to better understand the history and citizenship of New England. Introducing the reader to a detailed description of each facility, along with contact and location information, and employing an easy-to-use format exploring a state, county, and city/township locator reference ideal. A major work that could well serve as a template for other regions of the country, New England Court Records is a thoroughly "user friendly" reference ideal for the purposes of genealogists and local historians researching the New England area.

This is a timely and wonderful reference work. For those interested in uncovering information about seventeenth-century New England ancestors, this is an excellent resource guide. As many family researchers know, court records for the 1600s are one of three important sources of genealogical information, the others being vital records(town and church)and wills. The early settlers were litigious, being able to file their complaints easily and cheaply in the courts, without lawyers. Hence, there is a wealth of family information in these court files -- often highly amusing.

Rapaport, a former trial lawyer, has worked for years as a legal practitioner with court records. This thorough and important work on a little known subject, outside the legal profession, will become a standard for genealogists and historians. For the first time, we have an extensive but readable guide to the intricacies of the often surprising riches found in court records. She provides an overview of the American legal system, the specifics of New England courts, types of court records, and where to look for them in each of the states, county by county.

This book is a must-purchase for any serious genealogical library, personal or professional.

It is so well organized, it will be handy for many future projects. I am impressed with its depth of coverage and its human tone with what could be an unfriendly presentation. Thanks immensely for putting this reference into the hands of those of us scrambling for answers to our New England genealogical puzzles.

This book is so large, so comprehensive in the details it relates, and so thorough in its discussion of the relationship between Bill Wilson and his real spiritual teacher that many of its comments still seem to remain unnoticed. But the book, revised in the second edition, gives you some extremely useful spiritual history and tools. It reviews almost every book that Sam Shoemaker wrote. It covers the relationship between A.A. Cofounder Bill Wilson and the clergyman who taught him most of the Step material. It shows precisely the Shoemaker ideas and language that can be found in the Twelve Steps and the Big Book. It reports Shoemaker's talks to AAs at two of their International Conventions--St. Louis and Long Beach. It reveals the extensive findings of the author and his son at the Episcopal Church Archives in Austin, Texas where the vast number of Shoemaker papers are lodged. In the second edition, it gives a great picture of Sam Shoemaker in action after he took his second major church rectorship--in Pittsburgh. Wade through it. Get informed. And see how much about A.A., Bill Wilson, and Sam Shoemaker you never knew. I recommend it highly.

This book is a tough chew because it covers so many items in such great depth. It details some of Rev.Sam Shoemaker's life. It covers his personal relationship with A.A. and Bill Wilson. To make a knowledge of Shoemaker writings much easier, it specifically reviews almost every Shoemaker book written from 1921 through the year A.A.'s Big Book was published. And it touches on those published thereafter which commented on A.A. or contained repeat and relevant materials. It lists the dozens of words and phrases from Shoemaker writings that can be found in the Big Book, Twelve Steps, and A.A. materials. And, in its body and appendices, it covers the astonishing body of Shoemaker treasures Dick unearthed at the Episcopal Church Archives in Austin, Texas; at Shoemaker's two Calvary churches in Pittsburgh and New York; in Shoemaker's books and articles and sermons; in Sam's personal journals--never before seen or reported; and in the minds and memories of those friends who knew and worked with Sam. The particular treasure was the Pittsburgh section. Dick went back to Pittsburgh and interviewed the "golf club crowd" which Sam had rounded up and put to work in the Pittsburgh Experiment, businessmen's prayer meetings, and other unique outreach. These old-timers were alive and kicking and gave their reports on Sam and his methods with lots of enthusiams. There's plenty more. But I wanted to report that I've learned much much more in the last few years about the Rev. Sam Shoemaker that every A.A. ought to know. For it was to Sam that Bill turned and asked if Sam would actually write the Twelve Steps--Sam humbly declining.

During my high school and early college years, I was a member of The Rev. Sam Shoemaker's congregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I got to know him and his family quite well. He was, without doubt, the most dynamic and holy man I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Since that time, I have spoken with many alcoholism counselors as well as A.A. members -- all (who knew anything about the history of A.A.) had only positive things to say about the role "Sam" played in helping to develop the "12 step" program. Now, having said that, let's get to the book itself.

I found this book to be a very extensive and, I believe, thorough account of the influence of this one Episcopal clergyman (and the God who obviously directed him) on the wording of the twelve steps. I would highly recommend the book to anyone who would like to know more about the early development of A.A. and the clergyman working behind the scenes during that development.

Bill W. called Rev. Shoemaker a co-founder of A.A. He said most of the ideas in the 12 Steps came from Rev. Shoemaker, and he actually asked Shoemaker to write the 12 Steps, but Shoemaker declined, saying they should come from an alcoholic. Shoemaker's books, articles, and talks from beginning to end were about faith, prayer, and the Bible. This book helps to bring the A.A. roots and the Bible into focus

This is the best out there on the market! Although I had to wait longer for the package to arrive because the original package got lost in the mail.

I got this book to help if any difficulties came up working with this program. So far I really havn't needed it but plan on keeping it handy just in case. A helpful guide.

I have used the Family Tree Maker software for many years... find it very user friendly, especially for newcomers to the hobby. Yet, even for an experienced researcher, it has all of the bells & whistles I need. I did not update to the 2008 version, as it was a total remake, and lacking many of the tools that I use on a regular basis.

I purchased this handbook initially as a trouble shooting guide, in case I did run into a problem. However, I was happily surprised to learn about capabilities of the program that I was unaware of, in spite of having used it for such a long period of time and on a daily basis!

This book is great! If you are new to genealogy and the FTM software, it will take you by the hand, and guide you through step by step on getting started. If you're an experienced researcher, it will give you tips & techniques for research you may be unaware of, or have forgotten.

I highly recommend it!

Very informative. User friendly. Well written and well organized. Lots of illustrations to go along with the text.

I sure wish I had read this book a long time ago. I have applied the information I've learned from Dr. McGarey and have had results that are surely in line with what he experienced with his patients over his forty-year practice. I would recommend this book to everyone who is willing to make an effort to help themselves.

Directly from the ancient world, not Vermont, we bring you - Yes! Castor Oil. Not to be taken internally, in general, but applied to the skin, sometimes with wool flannel soaked in it and a heating pad on top for an hour or two. Sometimes just massaged into the skin. Many types of use are outlined in this rare, but fascinating book by an expert on its use.

Describes the many healing uses of castor oil, mostly externally applied, since ancient times as revealed by Edgar Cayce, the late american psychic, in his 'readings' to help people with their health problems. The physician author is an expert in its clinical use. Apple cider vinegar isn't the only thing that's cheap but cures so much!

It was frequently suggested as part of a larger therapy for particular disorders, so it pays the reader to consult the A.R.E.[...]to get a better idea of what his original readings were about - holistic healing, not the 'take a pill and call me in ten days' sort of healing. The human body is a highly integrated life form charged with keeping our consciousness intact as long as possible.

Cayce made a remarkable statement: there is no illness that cannot be cured using what nature has placed on the earth for our benefit. The hard part is to find where and what these healing substances and treatments are. You can join the A.R.E. for a modest contribution and benefit from their enormous knowledge and benevolent intent. They do a lot of good. What does Pfizer do for kids at camp?

Sorry, there are no claims castor oil will cure cancer, bad breath, or a broken heart. But for many of the conditions described in the book, it has promise.

If you heard of a plant from nature that was called "the Palm of Christ" because of it's healing abilities, would you be interested? I think everyone would. Therefore, everyone should read this book. Of all things nature has given us to cure man's ills castor oil is the best. And not in the way most people think. You owe it to EVERYONE you know to realize how this simple miracle can heal as Christ did. AMAZING!

Dr. William McGarey has used castor packs for over 30 years in his medical practice. His book, The Oil that Heals, is a detailed text on McCarey's research on the history of castor packs and their miraculous effect on such diseases as cancer, hepatitis, arthritis, migraines, and digestive disorders. McGarey integrates much of Edgar Cayce's knowledge of the miraculous castor plant and his extraordinary knowledge of the human body and physiology. The book is well researched and filled with case histories from patients and physicians. The Oil that Heals is a must-read for any one serious about healing their body and getting maximum benefits from this ancient oil.

This book relates the story of how the life and work of two Nobel Prize winners in different fields (the 2008 Nobel Prize winner in Medicine Luc Montagnier, who first identified the AIDS virus, and 1979 Noble Price in Peace winner, Mother Teresa who established the first hospice for AIDS patients in the U.S. in South Bronx, NY.) and many other smart and kind people, work together to address the suffering that AIDS brings, and the work of the scientific community to stop the spread of AIDS and try to find a cure.
This books reflects many of the best and worst attributes of Mankind, and is an incredibly interesting read.

This is one of the best books you will ever read

He leído este bellísimo libro en español "Mas Grandes que el Amor". El contenido de este libro esá mas allá de las palabras. Es increible la terminología extraordinaria usada por el autor al explicar el descubrimiento del virus del SIDA "AIDS" y otras plagas que han atacado a la humanidad. Es tan Celestial como Madre Teresa creó una clinica de amor para los moribundos víctimas de estas plagas, con personas sin muchos conocimientos médicos, y aún asi, pudieron curar el alma de estos moribundos antes de morir. Un libro de similar contenido: Médico de Cuerpos y Almas" "Dear and Glorious Physician"

My father gave me a copy oth this book about six year ago. I was captivated by the way individuals around the world had a positive impact on each other. i am thinking of the young priest who was gravely injured, but found that he could connect to others through praying for them. The work of Mother Theresas sisters, the scientists studying AIDS, it was truly a human mosaic. The intertwining of people who may never have met! Truly, "No man is an island."

I must have read this book 4-5 years ago. And it left such an impression that after all these years...I realise that I have to reread the book and write this review. For everyone who have read ths review, my advice is to read the book, I will not give away the suspense. But the interactions of the characters, the emotions protrayed and the reality of it all will definitely strike a chord in everybody's hearts. For once, I am so disappointed that the book is out of print, because, it should be shared by all readers young and old. It not only opens your mind, it makes you see things in a perspective you never knew existed.

Manly Hall: Orders of the Great Work - Alchemy 1949

This is probably the most succinct treatise on Alchemy that I've come across. Hall gives us an overview of the three types of alchemy: spiritual, transmutative, and the combination of the two. He debunks the false accusations of crazy alchemists and shows that turning base metals into gold may not be as crazy a notion as most would like to believe.

This book is rich with historical alchemists such as Elias Artista, and references to deeper research. It is an excellent launching pad for those serious about digging further into the ancient mysteries.

While Manly Hall gives a brief history of alchemy in general, deriving its roots which seem to come from Arabia and the Middle East. As part of Hall's "Adept Series," the main focus of the text is on a select few of famous alchemists. Albertus Magnus and Hermes Trismegistus did not make the list, however, thier influece is recognized. Manly Hall chose the likes of Roger Bacon, Nicholas Flammel, Paracelsus, Johan Baptista van Hemont, Thomas Vaughn and a few other more obscure characters in the alchemical world. Hall's writing is observant, yet sometimes unsure, challenging other perspectives and assumptions (such as A. E. Waite). Because of the esoteric topic there is not much literature to go by, and many times one has to decipher through code and language pattern to really determine its owner, thus giving Hall a tough job of attempting a linear chronology of alchemical history. Overall it is well researched with lots of good information for the occult historian and student that is fairly easy to read. Definately reccomended!

If Manly P. Hall wrote it, read it. One of the twentieth century's greatest teachers: a twentieth century wizard

Manly P. Hall's Adept Series reports on the Great Work of Alchemy. Giving a brief history of the art of transmutating base metals into gold. Alchemy, from the Arabian 'al' meaning God, while chemi, or 'khmi' or 'khem' from Egyptian hierglyph meaning dark earth, or darkness, which refers to the occult or hidden aspects of this art. 'khem' became chemistry, and thus alchmey which literally translated 'God-chemistry.' This is still being disputed accoring to Hall. Moving on, the author sets on to biograph the lives of many famous alchemists like Flammel, Lord Bacon, Khunrath, Lully, Vaughn, Valentine and some more obscure professors. Although brief in its entirety, Hall gives a valid and scholarly look into the world of ancient alchemy. At some points, because of the reference to these men are so vague, Hall gives his best attempt at ressurecting a life for these men whom very little has been written due to the heretical works of the times. Reccomended!

Nice little booklet re Paracelsus. Arrived on time, in great condition. While Manly Hall is always appreciated, one could wish that this treatment were not so brief.

Paracelsus's personality and medical philosophy are well described by Hall. The book is very readable and entertaining. Paracelsus was a character, but also considered one of the early real holistic physicians. We are still able to learn from him today. He seemed to appreciate that combining traditional and non-traditional medicine together is the best medicine. Body/mind/spirit the Paracelsus way.

This is a well written short introduction of the contributions Paracelsus made to the establishment of the western mystery tradition. Rosicrucian students will find the section of the book on the "Elementals" very revealing and students of "Theurgy" will find the section on "Magnetism" very rewarding. Paracelsus was a real sage during his time and Manly P. Hall does a great job conveying this fact within the pages of this little book. Highly recommended!!!

Palacelsus and his ideas and philosophy are well written by Hall. The book is very readable and informative as well as entertaining. Paracelsus was definitely a character, but his philosophy in medicine is timeless. Like in modern times, an individual that goes against the grain is often ridiculed. But when he or she is later proven to be "right", then they are later idolized. Even though he was politically offensive at times, his medical philosophy ("holisticism")was respectful, practical, and in ways nonjudgemental. True holistic medicine is the ideal for the past, present, and future. It existed before Paracelsus, like traditional native healers, but he spells it out for us. It is the mind/body/spirit connection. Definitely thought provoking.

Loyd Auerbach is a true ghost hunter that knows his stuff. very interesting book , could not put it dowm.

I did enjoy the book although, it was a very fast read. Not too indepth like I had hoped for. But I would recommend this book to all my ghost story loving freinds.

This is a terrific new book from America's best known ghostbuster, parapsychologist Loyd Auerbach. I suppose in some ways the title is a bit misleading, because this is far more than just a collection of ghost cases that Loyd has investigated. It covers all the basics. What ghosts are. What poltergeists are. What hauntings are. What makes them different. How you deal with them. What the right way is to approach a case. How to do a good investigation. And, perhaps more importantly (although often forgotten), how do you actually HELP the people who are having these experiences. I love this book. It's written in a wonderfully clear style and full of interesting tales of things that go bump in the night (not all of which are ghosts!). A great buy for anyone interested in paranormal phenomena.

This is a wonderful book that examines the ever growing field of "Ghost Hunting" and Paranormal Investigations. It brings a strong dose of critical thinking for anyone who wants to venture out into the night through dark cemeteries and the basements of creepy looking old houses.

I am grateful for Auerbach's scientific approach to the paranormal, PSI phenomena and the practical outworking of field research. Auerbach is one of the very few people in the world who actually has an accredited Masters degree in Parapsychology and is one of the top minds of the professional Parapsychological community. He is one of the rare individuals who rightly explains why "hunting for ghosts" in cemeteries (especially in the dark of night) is extremely contrary to true field research and reveals the difference between "hunting ghosts" for adult fun (a type of mature thrill-seeking) and truly approaching paranormal investigations with the desire of finding real answers.

This book is a welcome tonic in the midst of so many so-called "scientific" paranormal investigation shows on TV and paranormal investigation groups throughout the country. Just because one uses "advanced techonolgy" during an investigation does NOT make the investigation scientific or even rational. Hopefully more and more people who want true answers about Life after Death, Spirits, and Psychic Phenomena will discover Auerbach's great books.

I've read most of the books by so-called "ghost hunting experts" and find a great distance between such books and Auerbach's. The main difference is Parapsychology. Auerbach understands it and uses it and the others don't. If you don't know the difference then arm yourself with it. Be very weary of anyone who claims to be an "expert" in this field just because of the amount of investigations that they have done, because they are the president or leader of a paranormal group, or because of how many books they have written. Study Parapsychology. Auerbach explains and uses it in all of his books, and with it you will have the tools to recognize the self-proclaimed authorities and their un-scientific explanations.

Mostly all of the Paranormal Investigation groups today as well as the more famous TV shows of the same suffer from two main problems - ignorance and arrogance. Ignorance because of their woeful lack of real science (Parapsychology) and arrogance because their pride scoffs at the notion that they need to be more educated in their knowledge and understanding of the paranormal from where they are at now. Most leaders of these groups do not follow Parapsychology, do not continually seek better, more scientific understanding of the phenomena, nor are really humble people when it comes to these matters. The longer you are in this field the more you will find this the case.

Remember, at its most basic level, science is supposed to represent the investigation of the unexplained, NOT the explanation of the uninvestigated. To be ignorant of the science of Parapsychology does not help the field of paranormal investigations, but actually ends up hurting it.