Campbell Books

With the unbelievable success of Dan Brown's DaVinci Code, the good old Holy Grail has been catapulted into the minds and imaginations of readers worldwide. That book, an easily accessible novelization of the theories put forth in Baigent & Leigh's 1981 book Holy Blood Holy Grail, has spread wide that book's contention that the Grail is actually a sacred bloodline guarded by a secret society that has existed through the ages since Medieval times, the "Priory of Sion." That theory has been subsequently debunked as an elaborate hoax perpetrated by a strange Frenchman. Still, the theory has been given new life due to Brown, and has perked the antennae of millions who may now look at vast stretches of European history with a curious and conspiratorial eye.

But what was the Holy Grail all about, anyways? Joseph Campbell, with loving affection, breaks down the symbology of the Grail Legends and places them masterfully in context in this series of delightful audio lectures. He focuses on the penultimate version of the Grail Legend, Wolfram Von Esenbach's Parzifal. Not obsessing over the actual meaning of the Grail itself (after all it is only a symbol, and Joseph Cambell fans know well that taking a mythic symbol as a historical fact is the worst possible interpretation of a mythic symbol); rather he focuses on the fascinating milieu of the time that generated these works, the period from 1150 to 1250 AD.

Campbell has such fun delivering these lectures (specifically Volumes 3-5), that his enthusiasm and delight cannot help but infect the listener, and you will most assuredly be rapt as he tells Parzifal's story. If you get the cassette version of this series, be sure to digitize it to a CD or something because I guarantee you'll be listening to these lectures over and over again, wearing out your tapes!

To summarize, anyone truly interested in the Grail Legends would do themselves a great service by listening to these lectures. Also, Joseph Cambell fans will get to see a wonderful side of the man himself, as he derives such obvious joy telling this story, a side often touched on when seen on TV or heard in his many lectures, but presented in such a full-throttle mode here it will guarantee to put a smile on your face and add to your appreciation of this brilliant and gifted genius.

Listening to these tapes has rekindled my passion for writing and storytelling. In these tapes Joseph Campbell tells the detailed story of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. He includes fascinating details and versions of the stories that I never knew existed. He also shows how the history of England impacted the different versions of the King Arthur legend. For me, the stories and information on these tapes is more delicious than ice cream and cake.

Who doesn't want a book that reads itself aloud? "'Where's Joe?' 'He's dancing the tango,' said Mrs. Fandango.'" Of course we know where this plump, pleasant red-cheeked individual has gone this winter, but the books guessability just adds to its readaloud fun. Great for storyhours.

This is a wonderful children's book, especially for those children who know Joe! Yes, there really is a Joe who owns Joe's Snack Bar in Jericho, Vermont, and every fall he closes for the winter and then reopens in the spring. This book captures what every child must feel when Joe leaves. Even if you don't know Joe, this is a must have children's book. The pictures and rhymes say it all and more.

If you have any questions on your call, this book can help you narrow your goal. I recently experienced a call from the Lord and this book helped me to find out exactly what type of ministry I want to pursue.

Not only helps you decide if the ministry is for you, also explains the the roles and responsibilities of ordained ministers and a true picture of the sacrifices that must be made.

Please be aware that this review is on Who's Who in the Middle Ages, by John Fine, a much older volume. This book, by the same name, appears to have replaced it in Amazon's catalog, which may be why my earlier review disappeared. If it's a later edition of the earlier book, then my comments would apply to this book too.

I found this book 25 years ago as a young grad student and found it a terrific quick source of info on many famous as well as obscure medieval personages. The articles range from a few paragraphs to several pages long, if I remember right, depending on the importance of the person being discussed. It covers the 1000 year long period from the 5th to the 15th centuries of the Dark Ages, which were renamed the Middle Ages when it was realized they weren't totally dark and that there were a few outstanding cultural achievements--such as Gothic Cathedrals--said to be the most expensive artworks ever created. One of my friends who likes to put on Renaissance fair events and is very knowledgable about the field said he found it an excellent reference when he bought a copy recently. I found it a very readable, interesting, and worthwhile reference on the subject.

In Who's Who In The Middle Ages, Mary Ellen Snodgrass provides the student and non-specialist general reader with a superbly researched and presented biographical dictionary of the men and women who distinguished the European Middle Ages as a bridge between the classical world and the Renaissance. This was an era of both beauty and barbarism, of advances and dead-ends. The entries are alphabetical and the historical range is from the fifth century to the fifteenth. Each entry provides the names (and alternate names) for the person, as well as personal and historical details. References are included with each entry, and a detailed bibliography is provided. Who's Who In The Middle Ages is enhanced as an outstanding academic and community library reference with appendices covering the colleges and universities that educated many of these people; the period's noteworth events; major manasteries, abbeys and convents (including their founders and dates); invidiuals listed by occupation or contribution; as well as popes, emperors, and monarachs. Fully indexed, Who's Who In The Middle Ages is an indispensable, core reference title and an invaluable contribution to Mediveal Studies supplement reading lists and reference resources.

I've read and re-read this book, as it's always a refreshing look at the worth and dignity of a boy, and recharges me for another day of working with troubled youth.

The philosophy should be read by anyone caring for youth. The program described by Loughmiller is intensely practical, and very insightful. The concepts he pioneered are used all over the United States, and internationally.

It's an account of the concepts, mission and story of the first long term residential wilderness camp, Camp Woodland Springs in Dallas, Texas. Kids in Trouble, his second book, is also a great read.

Wilderness Road is an indispensable work on the philosophy and spirit of Therapeutic Camping. Loughmiller's approach is not a program, but an adventure of discovery. This book captures the author's enthusiasm and innovative spirit and is essential reading for anyone interested in helping troubled youth grow. This seminal work covers Loughmiller's philosophy of camp, education, groupwork, therapy, counselor selection and training, and briefly details how to set up and work with a board and sponsors.

This book has it all for the 1885 enthusiast, as well as for anyone who has an interest in John Browning, Winchester Repeating Arms, single shot rifles, and/or the beginnings of the modern gun industry here in America. Highly readable, with plenty of facts, figures, and illustrations. Well-edited, and excellent graphic presentation. A beautifully written, edited, and executed book, and one that you will read several times for the sheer enjoyment.

The quality of this book is a standard to which all others of its genre should be written to, but unfortunately too often aren't. I salute the author for a job truly well-done, and I unreservedly recommend this title to anyone who has even a remote interest in the subject matter; the cost of the book is money well-spent. The book is that good.

John Campbell is to the Winchester Single-Shots as Frank Sellers is to the Sharps. This book, and its Volume II, are outstanding books about John Browning's first gun. It covers EVERYTHING you will ever want to know about this rifle, and then some. It is a must for anyone interested in the history of John Browning, Winchester and the famous Model 1885 Single-Shot Rifle. The book is FULL of pictures, diagrams and information about the 1885, including every modification and improvement this rifle went through during its long years in production. It also gives unbelievable details about every customized option or version that the rifle was ever made into. So if you are interested in the Winchester Single-Shot and its history, this book is the one, of two, to read.

A fascinating, and largely undiscovered masterpiece purportedly addressing the Nature of Time. If you've read Grammatical Man, don't let that turn you off. This one reads like a different author

It has been a few years since I read this book. I remember the cover notes saying that I would never look at the world in the same way again and I must say that it fundamentally changed my world view. It is a very intelligent book that is wide ranging in scope but uses time as a central theme. The author convinces us that nothing exists alone and that there are clocks and cycles everywhere. I recommend to any science reader.

This is a wonderful book to have even if your four-pawed friend is just a youngster, as well as being a good guide if you have an older cat, and you need help taking care of all the changes that can take place quite rapidly as an animal ages.
Among the many instructive chapters, the one on health care is detailed and extensive, covering all the common ailments, with useful diagrams and treatment solutions.
There's also a chapter on home care, with good tips on how to administer medication, flea control, and how to take care of emergencies such as burns, choking, etc.

Chapter 5, "Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well Being" is a short but valuable one. It will tell you how to deal with the stressful situations in a cat's life, like moving, travel, and the introduction of a new pet into the family.

Being a "cat person", I much appreciate the care and research that went into this book. The layout is excellent, with several nice b&w photos, easy to read print, "Veterinary Tips" at the end of each chapter from veterinarians across the country, and an occasional side-bar with highlighted and very helpful information.
This is an intelligent, well written book that will serve your cat well and keep it purring from youth to old age.

This is a wonderful book, written with love and lots of essential information for the owner of an older cat. Great sections on nutrition and age-specific health problems. -- Gina Spadafori, co-author of "Cats For Dummies" (with Dr. Paul D. Pion)

Zioncheck is a frantic political-coming-of-age tale: a West Coast cousin to Michael Chabon's The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, with all of the latter's suspense and angst but with none of its gangsters or sex. Like Chabon, Campbell seems to have a knack for honestly portraying idealistic personal relationships and for communicating a sense of time and place in an unselfconscious way. Although the story occasionally detours to accommodate reality, it maintains a sense of nervous, jangling momentum, like an errant shopping cart rolling towards a shiny new car.

The account of Marion Zioncheck's rise and fall - presented, for the most part, in brief vignettes which preface each chapter - is particularly well-written and does a good job of contrasting the author's claustrophobic, first-person view of local politics with the sort of dramatic, polished political biography that comes with years of hindsight.

In the end, the book succeeds - as a cautionary tale for DIY politicians, a comedy of errors, a story of love and possibly an elegy to youthful idealism. If, like all things political, it is a complex, sometimes contradictory success, it is never a compromise.

Zioncheck for President is an eccentric memoir that takes a grassroots, leftist political campaign and turns it into a political romp anybody can enjoy (Mo Rocca's cover blurb isn't wrong!). Campbell manages a rare trick for a liberal writer -- he maintains a respect for his own politics and ideologies while not shoving them in the faces of his readers. His self-awareness and his dry sense of humor are spot on, and his story-line is funny, bizarre, tender, and oddly suspenseful. Just as interestingly, this is one of the most tightly structured memoirs I've ever read. Written almost like a novel, all the "characters" of this non-fiction work seem to echo off each other, reflecting larger ideas than just their idiosyncrasies would suggest. Highly recommended.

101 THINGS YOU CAN TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT ASEBALL is the book i would have written. it provides great insight and teaches good fundamentals to any parent with a budding baseball player in the family. weel organized and eazy to read. a must for any baseball parent or youth baseball coach. a good, easy read.