B Books

If you are working through Ngöndrö this work is invaluable. Beginners would probably benefit from first reading "Words of My Perfect Teacher" which is far more accessible.

As other reviewers have stated, Norbu has attempted to translate technical Dharma terminology into contemporary idiom instead of adhering to standardized forms of translation. With the help of his daughter as translator, he has largely succeeded. Having said that, Norbu's idioms can sometimes be difficult to follow. A glossary would have been helpful. If the reader has a basic understanding of various Dharma terminology, combined with actual practice, then Norbu's idiosyncratic renderings can shed new insight for the reader.

Norbu begins by making his argument why both eternalist and nihilist philosophy is ultimately flawed. He then goes one to explicate ideas such as emptiness, vajra, luminous mind etc.

If you're looking for explicit directions on how to actually perform the various practices of the Ngöndrö, you won't find them here. If you're looking for insight into the meanings of these various practices this book is indeed a waterfall of nectar.

I read this book slowly over the course of eight months. I'm going to start re-reading this book with a note book and pen at hand in order jot down the numerous jewels of insight contained.

Thank you so much. This is such a profound book and it arrived in perfect condition.

The messages that the Author, as a renowned teacher of Buddhism, wants to give are clearly conveyed to those who are serious readers, or more importantly, believers and students. There are many ways of expressing oneself and issues in the English language, and writing forms differ from different regions of the world where English is used, and in the different fields of its utilization. Serious and closer look at linguistic formulations of sometimes complex interpretations of language from Choskye (religious language) is sometimes required to extract or appreciate meanings, and sometimes even adequate background knowledge may be called for. For example, when one reads Shakespeare, understanding and appreciation stems from repeatedly looking at and giving thought to what the exact meaning is intended to be conveyed. I hope readers will adopt this attitude to reading this important book from a great Buddhist master which can be of great benefit to Buddhist practitioners.

Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism teacher and primary holder of the Dudjom Tersar lineage Thinley Norbu Rinpoche presents A Cascading Waterfall of Nectar, an amassment of wisdom written in direct and straightforward terms, without an excess of scholarly elaboration. Offering commentary on the Preliminary Practices (Ngondro) prayer from Tragtung Dudjom Lingpa and the Tsok Khang Dechen root text prayer of the second Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche, Jigdrel Yeshe Dorje, as well as insights into the fundamental concepts of Vajrayana Buddhism, A Cascading Waterfall of Nectar flows as fluidly as its title. "The essence of immeasurable phenomena is emptiness. How can what gods are be made into absolute truth? With attachment to materialism, one always creates materializations. No matter what the absolute truth of eternalism may be, according to Dzogchen's point of view, although histories exist of gods and deities over many generations, they are still momentary. That is why worshiping a god is not ultimate, whether the god is worshiped by everyone or not." Highly recommended for any scholar or practitioner of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.

I believe this book is intended for those who have embarked on the life-changing, and potentially ego-shattering path of Ngondro, -specifically the short Dudjom Tersar Ngondro of which this is a commentary. For those who are fortunate enough to have encountered a genuine guide, and are engaged in this practice, this book is a great resource which can be read endlessly.
As with any Dharma practice, reading it requires the utmost attention and perseverance, but the rewards are inconceivable. I do hold a considerably contrary opinion to the previous reviewer, "A Friend and Neighbor", in this regard: do not be mislead by someone reading without experience and sincerity. I believe that it is intended to be challenging, and a practice in and of itself to overcome habitual mental laziness to access it's true import, from paragraph to paragraph. In my experience each sentence can be held indefinitely, and absorbed indefintely, providing many levels of meaning.
I have found in the course of reading many Dharma books in the english language that often things are either A. Watered down by being over-simplified, over-explained, and can tend towards being outright boring in this regard. . or B. They are strictly composed in the specialized language of Western Academia for an academic milieu, with a standardized terminology and style that would be almost as daunting to become fluent in as Tibetan itself. I have found that as with all of Thinley Norbu Rinpoche's books, this is a rare exception to both of these tendencies. He adeptly and creatively finds new ways to translate both words and concepts, instead of adhering to standardized forms of translation that in their crystallization have closed down meanings that are actually multilayered and meant to breathe with life. Rinpoche manages to resuscitate them, while using traditional metaphors and creating new ones for clarification. At the same time, he rigorously adheres to the traditional form of commentary, unfolding the meaning of each line of the Ngondro practice completely to it's final import, and thus illustrates that (as we often hear but fail to believe) --everything is contained within the Ngondro. Also true to the form, he cites from a large number of Sutras and traditional sources, -providing the benefit of fragments of translation of otherwise untranslated works, -or insightful re-translations of pieces that provoke new insights. Not to mislead you I will humbly admit that I have possessed this book for months, but haven't completed reading it. I am about half-way through, and I am taking my sweet time. I imagine I will be reading and re-reading it for a good while: It is a book that becomes a process, as you make progress in your own practice, new insights ensue and this text can help illuminate them. I keep it on my shrine, next to HH Dudjom Rinpoche's big red book and Dudjom Lingpa's "Buddhahood Without Meditation", which seems an appropriate place.

I love this book! I may buy more for friends. It arrived on time in excellent condition.

Alas, Bernard "Hap" Kliban is gone, but his genius lives on in "Cat", a book of cartoons that captures the personality of the cat as seen by cat lovers. Strangely enough, Kliban was a cartoonist for "Playboy", contributing cartoons for that publication until his death. The cat cartoons were discovered by a "Playboy" editor and the 1975 book "Cat" was born.

Kliban's cats are rotund bug-eyed creatures with a smile on their faces that says the joke is on you. The cartoons include the cats doing nonsensical things as well as performing deeds that you always suspected they might be guilty of as they interact with dogs, mice, people, and in some cases impersonate people. Included among the cartoons is a cat playing a banjo singing a tune of his own making with the lyrics "Love to eat them mousies. Mousie's what I love to eat...". For those that can remember the days when a television was a heat emanating device that invariably attracted napping cats there is a cartoon of a couple sitting in front of a television with a transparent cat standing in front of the screen. Their comments: "We enjoy the television set now that we got ourselves a transparent cat!". Interspersed among the "Kliban cats" are truly beautiful and elegant drawings of Kliban's own real-life cats, to whom he dedicated this book.

If you enjoyed Gary Larson's "Far Side" series and you are a cat lover I'm sure you'll enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.

ENGAGEMENT CALENDAR
"Get ready for a year of Cat gluttony and sloth, mayhem and misadventure, and--as always--a fine disregard for the law. (Laws governing physics and animal behavior come in for especially vigorous abuse from these feckless felines, as well as the law Thou Shalt Not Swipe Thy Neighbor's Sushi and that other law, Don't Juggle With Kittens.) ¶ Now in their third decade of worldwide popularity, the Cats show not the slightest sign of starting to behave like adults. Or like small-c cats, either. They will do whatever it takes to send you through 2006 with a smile on your face. Even if it means hugging a big, smug fish. Even if it means taking a bath. Even if it means missing a meal. Well, perhaps not that last one. ¶ 112 page, spiral-bound weekly engagement calendar with 53 reproductions, and clear plastic covers. Size: 6 5/8 by 8". Calendar features 53 weekly grids and full-page 2006 and 2007 yearly grids. Includes international holidays and a page for notes. ISBN 0-7649-3049-4 . . . Other calendars: wall, mini-wall, and 365-day. Additional publications available in our Kliban Gallery."--© Pomegranate

WALL CALENDAR
"The debauch continues. Cats have a go at Abstract Expressionism (and simultaneous inadvertent body art), feed a wild variety of birds from a park bench with nary a thought to their own nominally predatory nature, doze in the soporific vapors of a plate of pasta, and pop furtively and in sizeable numbers from the tall grass at the rustle of a sandwich being unwrapped. Other hi- and low-jinx take place as well. ¶ 13 x 12" wall calendar (opens to 13 x 24") with twelve full-color reproductions. ISBN: 0-7649-3053-2 . . . Other calendars: weekly engagement, mini-wall, and 365-day.Related items available in Kliban Cat Gallery."--© Pomegranate

I bought this book by accident. Well, not really, but I allowed another reviewer to seduce me into buying the new Kliban Cat Calendar and I saw this book listed as well on the calendar's detail page. I saw the words 'anniversary edition' and decided to order it. It was only after I received it that I discovered that seventeenth anniversary of "Cat" was in 1992, two years after Kliban's death. So 2002 is really the 27th anniversary. All that being said, I want to state that this little book would be fantastic no matter what it's age is, or what the age of it's reader is either. I love this book.

There, I've said it, this crusty old man goes all soft hearted when he leafs through a 25 year old book of cat cartoons. As well he should! Kliban captures something entirely different from other feline cartoonists. They aren't kitten cute, nor are they wicked Garfields, as Art Spiegelman points out in his introduction. Instead they are the light hearted chubby denizens of a world of whimsical, good natured self-interest. They relax at the beach, dream of the stars, and steal cheese sandwiched with equal aplomb. They exchange traditional concepts of cat beauty for an enticing comfyness which only a cat lover could understand.

Love is an important and operative word in this little volume. Not one of Kliban's cartoons is made at the expense of cats. Instead, each opens a door to the essential nature of our furry friends, and the non-judgmental affection that they display to those in their circle of trust. A snarl turns into a lick, a meow into a purr and then all is well. Kliban is the only artist I know who has managed to really capture the feline Mona Lisa smile. You know, the one that cats use to melt their owners. Cats forgive with a grace from which us humans could learn a great deal. And Kliban captures it all. Many of the cartoons are not really cartoons, but innocent studies of the artists own cats, drawn with genuine affection.

Art Spiegelmann, artist and author of MAUS, provides a short and delightful introduction to the anniversary edition, and there are 16 pages of Kliban's color work for our further delectation. Everyone who likes cats needs to have this book around. Placed somewhere so that it will fall to hand in those irritating moments when we need to look at cats in order to remember what it is to be human.

This book is my absolute favorite, I have recently decided. My B. Kliban legacy goes back, way back, to my grandmother (we call her "Darling") who fell in love with the Qats back in the seventies (now keep in mind this is not some frumpy old lady. At the time she was the coolest little activist hippie this side of South Street.) Then there's my mother, who, out in San Fransisco around the same time used to roll with laughter at the Cat cartoons with her zany friend.
Enter me. As a kid, I never really understood Kliban--I also didn't have a cat yet. Then I did--first came Serena, then Zubi, and finally Torquil Hevoir James (AKA Booboo Kitty.) And so I loved B. Kliban. And this book is the most hilarious thing I've ever seen. Now that I'm going off to college, I think I'll frame some pages for my dorm room. And place them randomly around the campus. Most people I know who don't have cats really don't get it, but that's okay. I mean, the drawings are beautiful and whacky enough to get anyone. And the concepts--what was this guy on? Catnip, I believe. Whatever the inspiration, Cat is definitely the besties and the greaties.
P.S. I don't actually have this particular edition of the book; I didn't even know it was still in print. I have Darling's hardcover copy from 1976, and I love the cover: "Cat" in huge red letters with two of Kliban's pen-and-ink cats looking at it from below. Beautiful, beautiful.

This book lays out in clear, concise language the essential parts of the reformed Christian faith. Sometimes if I put the book down for a while I would have to go back and re read some but it is not so dense that it is incomprehensible. It is very approachable and I would recommend it for self study or a Sunday school class

Simply stated, if you want a better understanding of grace and our need for it, read this book. A great book to introduce you to the most essential aspects of the Christian faith and how they impact our lives. This would be a great book to give to someone who needs answers to basic questions! Highly recommend it!

This overview of the Christian life in terms of its key components as expounded in biblical doctrine is one of the most deeply scriptural, Christ exalting, and personally edifying books a young Christian - really, ANY Christian! - could read. Ferguson covers the full scope of a believer's saving relationship with God in simple language with incisive biblical explanation and warm pastoral application. In reading this book of just over 200 pages, I felt that there were no wasted words - no fluff in this book - just good solid food. Reading it was like eating an exquisite steak dinner with all the trimmings at a high class restaurant - I simply wanted to savor every bite and enjoy the whole meal! I hope this review is persuasive enough to get you to buy and read this book. After reading it, purchase five or ten more and give them away to others - this is really a very good book that deserves much wider distribution.

This is a lovely little read that makes for a great introduction into reformed theology. This book is not one of systematic theology, but rather allows the reader to get his/her toes wet with the various doctrines that guide the Christian pilgrimage. From the Effectual Call to Glorification, this book provides the practical implications behind the things we now about God.

There are two things that I particularly enjoyed about this book aside from its overall qualities as mentioned above. First, Ferguson includes the works of various Christian intellectuals from throughout history in his chapters. This makes it feel like the book is part of a larger Christian tradition. Some examples of intellectuals Ferguson likes to quote include C.S. Lewis, John Bunyan, and Thomas Watson. The passages that Ferguson quotes from such sources are truly beautiful and make this little work a treasure chest in terms of exposure to other notable authors. Secondly, Ferguson places a fair amount of emphasis on the practical implications of the theological doctrines he is writing about. I really felt that these points were particularly helpful and enlightening.

I read a chapter of this book each week and it gave me a really good boost during my week to be exposed to some basic reformed theology with such a rich tradition. This book definitely made me want to come back for more and I'll be reading some of Ferguson's other books, hoping for the same quality as I found here. This book's best demographic is probably that of Christians who have been in the faith for less than five years but more than one. Also, this would make a great Christian book club or small group selection. In any case, the book is fully deserving of the "classic" label that is has already earned with many.

Most believers (including myself early in my walk with Christ) somehow believe that doctrine divides, that it is unimportant, or that it is only necessary for the "professionals" of the faith! As Sinclair Ferguson writes in his excellent, understandable, and practical book, The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction, "The conviction that Christian doctrine matters for Christian living is one of the most important growth points of the Christian life." (pp.2). Ferguson breaks down some key doctrines in relatively short, easy to follow chapters that are filled with straightforward explanations of Scripture. If you think that doctrine and theology are too hard, give this book a try! You don't even have to read it straight through. You can simply read a chapter as a reference (for instance on Justification).

Ferguson writes, "We may have to rethink our personal response to doctrine in order to integrate it into the very warp and woof of our spiritual experience. For too many Christians for too long, `doctrine' has been thought of as impractical, stodgy and relatively useless. But we cannot obediently hear our Lord (surely the most practical man who ever lived), if we turn away from his doctrine. For he teaches doctrine in order to fill our lives with stability and grace." (pp. 4).

I've actually "field tested" this book at my last church. A small group was having some battles on predestination. I photocopied the chapter on Election from this book and gave it to one man who was struggling to both grasp and explain the issue. He found it very clear, helpful and faith-confirming. I hope that you will find it the same and your walk with the Lord will be richer and more joyous as a result.

I love Christmas books...and I certainly love this one! This is the kind of book you can read to your whole family. It talks about the real meaning of Christmas...and the special love that is is shared between family members.

Also recommended:

Christmas at Grandfather's House: a heart-warming novel in stories--a collection of inter-connected holiday stories.

Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--a story about the blessings simple acts of kindness can bring.

I first "heard" this book at a church women's group. Two of the ladies
presented it as the program. One read the letters - and at different times during the reading, the other lady placed items (mentioned in the book) on the table or board. It was very touching - brought back many Christmas memories to those of us present. Very well written. I, myself,
was so impressed, I ordered a copy for four of my grown children as a Christmas gift for each family.

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (11/06)

"The Christmas Letters," written by Bret Nicholaus, is a heart-warming tale of a Grandfather's love for his family and the legacy he left them, that only he could provide. The reader is instantly drawn into the setting for this book, a family gathering in which everyone surprised when typically quiet `Grandpa' asks for everyone's attention and proceeds to hand out envelopes to each member of the family. As the family sets spellbound, Grandpa explains that he would like each member to open their envelopes. As the family follows Grandpa's wishes, confused glances are exchanged when hand cut red velvet alphabet letters tumble onto the table in front of each member of the family.

As the family sits silently, Grandpa explains that each letter symbolizes an important part of the holiday for him. Continuing on, Grandpa tells each recipient what their letter means to him and why each letter stands for a special part of Christmas. Combining the letters C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S, he explains, adds up to what makes Christmas complete for him. The family members realize that he is in fact telling them that they are each an important part of Christmas for him and without one of them; his Christmas would not be complete. As they sit silently thinking about their individual letters, Grandpa reaches for another envelope, tears it open, and withdraws the letter "J." Confusion is once again seen in the faces around the table until Grandpa speaks. He tells them that the "J" stands for `Jesus' and says..."without this piece of Christmas, there can be no peace of Christmas." As the meaning dawns on the family, Grandpa cuts the "J" into small pieces and hands one to each person present. With this simple gesture and the deep faith behind it, the family is reminded of what Christmas really means in their lives and how Jesus is the "piece" that defines Christmas for what it truly is.

This book touched a part of my heart that I didn't expect it to, upon first opening the cover. I found myself transformed to a Christmas Eve celebration, with my own family in attendance and saw through its pages, how everyone adds their own special "piece" of Christmas to the family. I was touched by Grandpa's love for his family and his need to tell them so. I too have an older father and I know my Christmas' with him will someday be no more. Somehow, through reading this book, although it brought tears to my eyes, it also brought a peace to my soul as well. It is a book that I intend to purchase for many friends this holiday season, as it is one of timeless love and deep faith as well. It is not just a story of Christmas but a story of deep love for not only family but for Jesus as well.

I would highly recommend "The Christmas Letters" as a gift for anyone on your list. It is a book that is rare indeed, as it can touch the youngest and the oldest heart alike with its message. It would be a welcome addition to any family bookshelf and reading it aloud could easily become a family tradition during many Christmas seasons to come. This book is one that will stay with you long after you close its cover and will touch you every time you read it. It is a jewel of a book for the Christmas season ahead and one that should be on everyone's "must read" list.

The Christmas Letters by Brett Nicholaus is one of those books that as soon as you finish reading it, you can't wait to pass it on to someone else so they can enjoy it too. While taking out Christmas decorations, the narrator reflects on the previous Christmas: the last he spent with his grandfather. Grandpa gave each member of his family a small piece of red felt cut out in the shape of a letter. Each letter signifies something special about that person that was important to Grandpa. Putting all the letters together spelled CHRISTMAS, and without any one of them, the holiday wouldn't feel complete. Grandpa also takes the time to remind his family the real meaning of Christmas and how much he loves them. The book has beautiful illustrations and is a really quick read. It's perfect as a gift book or to put out on the coffee table for guests to read. It will stir your emotions and remind you of what Christmas really means. I did pass the book on to my mom, and she thinks it will be a best-seller. I hope so!

As the family has done for years, they all come together to share Christmas with Grandpa. Four generations invade the patriarch's home to shower each other with love. However, this year turns out slightly differently as Grandpa announced to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild that "This may be the last Christmas I get to spend with each of you". He gives his beloved relatives nine sealed individualized notes using the letters in the word Christmas to symbolize the recipient. The loving notes explain how each brought joy and happiness into his well filled contented life as well providing them with a life parable.

Christmas is coming soon, but Grandpa proved accurate as he died in the summer. Yet everyone gathers at Grandpa's house because they all believe he is there for them through his letters and in spirit to celebrate Christmas with his loved ones.

This novella is a terrific tale as each of the family members receive a precious memento from a person held in high regard and cherished by all. Readers will appreciate the gift from Grandpa as Bret Nicholaus provides touching short vignettes of what Grandpa as says in his letters to each person. THE CHRISTMAS LETTERS is an uplifting holiday tale that reminds the audience what really is blessed about life is giving and receiving love.

Harriet Klausner

I highly recommend this translation of Joinville and Villehardouin.

The translator has taken care to translate these works into lucid, contemporary language without dumbing down the writing. Her work has paid off, providing a readable and lively edition still suitable for scholarly review.

Whether you are reading these for enjoyment, personal interest, or academic reasons, this translation is a good one.

I had to read this book in my Medieval and Ranasance Class at OSU. This book gives a first person view of what the Crusades were like. My teenage son has read the book several times and used for several research papers in high school.

These are both excellent accounts of the crusades. Villehardouin proves insightful in what he does not say. A small army of crusaders faces unbelievable odds in Constantinople and yet somehow they conquer and hold this territory. It brings up the question of whether the conquest was an accident or a conspiracy, and a reader can answer that question through careful reading. There are other books wholly committed to this argument of conspiracy vs. accident.

Joinville gives an equally appreciable account of a crusade, this time a failed attempt in Egypt by Saint Louis. Joinville is an author that gives a huge amount of information. The integrity of Louis is apparent as well as the mistakes made by the crusaders (Joinville rarely places direct blame of any failure on Louis, noting instead Louis's brother and his failures.)

This is a well introduced book and is not difficult to read in my opinion.

Chronicles of the Crusades is a chronicle of the Crusades from two of the senior participants who took part in two of the Crusades. The book covers the descriptions of the fourth and the seventh crusades as seen through the eyes of Geoffroy De Villehardouin (who took part in the fourth crusade) and Jean De Joinville (who took part in the seventh crusade). The two chronicles were translated for this book by Margaret Shaw. The book was published in 1963 around the time of her death. The two chronicles give us a look into the two crusades as chronicled through the eyes of two important noblemen of their time. This in itself will taint the purity of the chronicle. Chronicles such as these lay out the justifications for the crusades and tend to gloss over the blemishes. These two are no different. They were written to glorify the Crusaders and surely the writers would not put on ink anything that would later detract from their names. These chronicles do an excellent job of showing how the two chroniclers thought and how they wanted these two crusades remembered. When this book is read this should be kept in mind. The average crusader was a mixture of those driven by greed and religious extremists. The crusaders were allowed to plunder the lands they conquered. In today's terms they were allowed to take war trophies, thus stealing from the inhabitants of the land. They were barbaric in their means of taking the land and the raping of women was allowed, if the women were not of the Christian faith. The fourth crusade received condemnation on its behavior when the Christian city of Constantinople was sacked. This was due to the crusaders raping of the women. This of course is not pointed out by Villehardouin. The chroniclers mention a little of the plunder, but do not mention anything else. Though the chroniclers are quick to point out the cruelty of the Saracens. Margaret Shaw refers to these two chronicles as being the most reliable accounts of the crusades written in French. I would have to disagree that these chronicles should be taken as completely accurate. Joinville refers to Prestor John as if he was a person who actually existed, thus showing that his accounts are not strictly cemented in fact. The chronicles give an overview of the crusades and do not go into much detail on the equipment used and the everyday life of the average crusader. This book is a good book to show the chroniclers thoughts and perspectives but if you are trying to get an accurate picture of what happened during these crusades I would look into other books as well. Such books that describe the opposing views as seen from the Muslim side and other books that can give specifics on how the crusaders lived and their equipment could help in understanding these crusades better. I am giving this book 5 stars because it does accurately convey it's title. It does cover the Chronicles of the Crusades.

The two accounts in _Chronicles of the Crusades_ provide readers with fascinating accounts of the 4th and 7th crusades. Villehardoun's observations of the sack of Constantinople leave some questions regarding whether it was a conspiracy to destroy the city or not; ultimately it is up to the reader to decide... It does, however, provide a window into 12th century warfare and politics.

Joinville's chronicle of the 7th crusade into the Holy Land was similarly fascinating, providing more information about a European's impressions of the Near East and Christian-Islamic conflict than Villehardoun. I much preferred Joinville for this reason. Together, both accounts provide a well-rounded history of the time and place - a tremendously interesting read for professional and armchair historians alike.

This book is a liberal arts degree
for people who did not have the time
to get a Masters.

the information betweem the covers
is worth over 5 stars
a foundation work for individuals and their futures

for those over over 30 read it fast things jump at you
for those under 30 its an under liner

A Contemporary Mind gives a new perspective on the realities and cultural expectations that thrive in what is considered to be Latin America. The language is exuberant and finely crafted to draw the reader into a web of multiple plots. Well worth the time and effort. Great book for the beach, a must summer read.

Read it fast
it's a jazz composition

This is one of my favorites of the entire S&A series. It is one of the most sailing intensive books providing great details about sailing through tidal river regions. The Norfolk Broads region described is sort of a sailing paradise. Like all of these books, the adventure is very lightweight, and only really suitable for a child with some degree of patience. Part of the appeal is how realistic the books are. I think children enjoy reading stories in which child characters are doing so many fun things on their own with very minimal adult intervention. In my experience these books appeal most to children in the 9-11 age bracket. The book's theme of nature preservation and activism is one that also is fairly relevant even today.

If you have read any of the Swallows and Amazons books and liked them you will love this one too. In my opinion they are all good, but this is definitely one of his best!

This is the fifth of Arthur Ransome's "Swallows and Amazons" tales, although, in fact, it features not a single member of either the Swallows or the Amazons. Nor, indeed, is it set anywhere near the English Lake District. Instead, it describes the Norfolk Broads boating adventures of the two D's (first introduced to the reader in the previous book, "Winter Holiday").

The tale is set in the children's Easter holidays, just a few months after the events of the preceding book. In it, Dick and Dorothea are anxious to learn the rudiments of sailing so that they can take a more active part in the fun when they next meet up with the Swallows and Amazons. Dick is also keen to do some bird watching. It is almost inevitable, therefore, that soon after arriving in Norfolk, they find therefore themselves tangled in up in (and helping out with) the troubles of the Coot Club - a group of local (boat-mad) children dedicated to the protection of the Broads' unique bird population.

Ransome loved the Norfolk Broads with a passion that possibly even exceeded his love of the Lake District. In this book, he paints a portrait of Norfolk, its waterways and the people who live on or by them, making plain his love for this unique environment and its way of life. The story centres on his concerns over their continuing destruction through ever-increasing tourism (and the increasingly thoughtless actions of its visitors), a major problem even 65 years ago. (It is far worse now, of course!) Unlike his Lake District stories, this one uses the real names of the places that feature in it and revels in describing them. Indeed, the book reads almost like a guidebook at times, although you barely notice this, for it is never anything less that engaging in its content. As always, Ransome combines both narrative and instructive content with consummate ease, tempered here with an excitement to the events that unfold. He weaves a tale that is as enthralling and captivating as ever, that will appeal to lovers of good tales whatever their age. The author's own pen-and-ink drawings are as charming as ever, too.

This is one of the few Swallows and Amazons books that can be read earlier in the sequence than it appears (if you really must) without major detriment to either itself or the earlier stories (except, perhaps "Winter Holiday"). You do need to have read it before most of the ones that follow it, however, as the events described here feature heavily in later ones.

After being introduced in the last book, WINTER HOLIDAY, the D's (aka Dick and Dorothea Callum), have their own adventure.

It's the Easter holiday following their winter adventure, and they're going to the Norfolk Broads to stay with a friend of their mother, Mrs. Barrable, to stay on a boat. The D's are eager to learn some sailing but are desolated to find out that they can't. But soon they're involved with the Coot Club: leader Tom Dudgeon, twins Port and Starboard, and the Death-and-Glories, a trio of youngsters who play at piracy. The Coot Club watches over the waterbirds nesting in the Broads, and after a boatload of crass tourists anchors near an important nest and refuses to move, Tom sets them adrift and ends up being hunted. The D's and Mrs. Barrable come to the rescue, hiding him on their boat and using him to teach sailing.

Ransome's fondness for the Norfolk Broads shines through. I didn't get into it as much as some of the other books, mainly because I miss the Swallows and Amazons as well as the lake setting. But this book is interesting for some of the more serious themes that creep in. This is the first S&A book that takes a strong environmental theme, and it's great to see that in something from the 30s. It also explores the theme of sometimes you have to take a stand for what you believe in, even if it gets you in trouble. We also see the tension between residents of the broads and noisy vacationers who don't respect them or the rules of the area. There are also elegiac glimmers of the passage of time, of how the Broads aren't quite what they used to be, although that might not necessarily be bad. It's also fun to see Mrs. Barrable referred to as "The Admiral" by the crew.

It's a fun book, and easy for me to visualize after visiting places like Chincoteague and the eastern shore of Maryland. It's nice spending time with the D's and seeing some of the new characters, who will make a return appearance later in the series. Next book: PIGEON POST, in which the D's reunite with the S&As and return to the lake.

In this book Ransome focuses on the two most recently introduced members of his juvenile cast, Dick and Dorothea Callum, who are sent to spend part of their Easter holidays with Mrs. Barrable, their mother's old schoolmistress, along the rivers of the Norfolk wetlands. Eager to learn to sail so they can take part in the adventures planned for the lake next summer, their spirits plummet when they learn that Mrs. Barrable "can't sail her boat by herself" and plans to use it only as a houseboat. Unexpected salvation occurs in the form of Tom Dudgeon, son of a local doctor, who finds himself a fugitive after setting a motor-cruiser adrift to protect a coot's nest being observed by himself and his five friends (Port and Starboard, the twin girls who live near the Dudgeons, and the Death and Glories, Joe, Pete, and Bill). Seeking shelter from the outraged motorboaters aboard Mrs. Barrable's rented craft, he meets the trio and finds instant common ground, and quickly agrees to serve as Captain and teach the Callums "the ropes." Though there's less imaginative play in this book than in the rest of the series, it still features Ransome's splendid insight into juvenile minds and character, plus loving description of the countryside and a strong consciousness of the environment that must have been unusual in the 1930's. Though this volume will never be my favorite of the series--somehow things are never so lively without Captain Nancy Blackett on board!--it succeeds on its own terms and will be a pleasant change of pace for families reading aloud in sequence.

I was in my final year of seminary when I was first introduced to Dr. Aronis' book. Up to that point I had learned a lot about God but nothing about how to develop a relationship with God. My spirit was hungry for Jesus and I didn't know what to do. This book led me to Christ in a new way and taught me how to bask in Jesus' love. I could have never predicted how completely the concepts in Dr. Aronis' book would transform my ministry. I use the tools and insights I've gained every time I preach, pray, or talk about Jesus. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to God for teaching Dr. Aronis these concepts so that he could teach me. This fruit of the Spirit is unspeakably sweet. Taste it for yourself!

While other pastors and Christian authors in their sermons and books focus more on doctrinal truths, Biblical stories and teachings or applied Christianity, Pastor Aronis is one spiritual leader who serves God by pursuing relentlessly the most essential and basic foundation of a Christian's spiritual well-being: loving God and who He is.
The principles and applications I learned from this book transformed my faithful though routine habit of daily prayer and Bible reading into spiritually uplifting periods of heart to heart communication with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to tenderly guide me in meditating His word, knowing Him more intimately and expressing my growing love for Christ. I experience a unique process of spiritual discipline unravel before me through the Prayer Exercises, which helped me to ultimately attain the objectives of being WITH Christ by spending time with Him, becoming more LIKE Him by following and obeying Him, and to continuously living my life FOR Christ by serving Him and His purpose. This book is an invaluable gift from God.

Although this book uses the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, and is filled with helpful guidelines for an eight-week prayer guide, the impact is much greater than it would seem on the surface. I found it more than just acquiring knowledge about God but a way to intimacy with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Although it is very comprehensive in its methodology, it allows for flexibilty in its use. We are all different. Therefore each of us will have a slightly different relationship with God. The book encourages each of us to find our unique spiritual path, using the exercises as guidelines. I highly recommend it.

This book is one of the most personally significant books I have ever read. Aronis offers a personal guide to using scripture based prayer to enter into a profound encounter with God. It is much more than a book about prayer; instead it is akin to a "how to" guide, acting almost as a prayer mentor. I appreciated the fact that the book teaches flexibility in prayer rather than indicating "the" way to pray. Aronis also tackles other areas of spiritual discipline while keeping the overall focus on prayer. The eight weeks I spent with the book enriched my experience with God in ways I had never imagined before. I have often returned to it and I now use the book in my college hermeneutics class for a section on devotional prayer. I highly recommend the book for anyone who seeks a deeper spiritual encounter with God.

Dr. Aronis has written the finest book on prayer we have ever experienced. A must for anyone seriously looking to deepen their prayer life. It opens a person's eyes and heart on how to have an intimate knowledge of Christ so that they might be with Him, become like Him and live for Him. We have had the privilege of leading many people into a deeper relationship with Jesus as a result of doing this in-depth prayer guide.
In His Service, Jane and Jim Eilertsen, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)

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Cry Havoc: The Great American Bring-Down and How It Happened

I have always considered "Dialectical Imagination" an indispensable research tool, but until the publication of Ralph de Toledano's "Cry Havoc: The Great American Bring-down and How It Happened," Martin Jay had a monopoly on the history of the Frankfurt School. More than a decade after Jay's publication, Cry Havoc is an excellent companion piece, by a strong critic of the Frankfurt School who personally knew many of the operatives of the ISR network at Columbia University, and many of the operatives of the Comintern of the 1940s and 1950s. A great combination.

I remember having read this book when it first came out, some 25 years ago. It was a good book then and it is a good book now. I read the book originally while at college when the smoke had just cleared from the sixties and there was still glamor associated with the New Left and its antecedents in Germany's prewar years. Reading the book now, although it is every bit as good as scholarship, places that particular generation of mainly Jewish, upper-middle class Marxists in a new light. The odor of revolution is long gone, the USSR has fallen, left-leaning professors dominate academe but the audience for chic revolutionaries has withered away along with the proletariat they were counting on. There is something faintly hilarious about these pompous Herr Professors and their trust-fund institute grinding out "studies" on the future of Marxism. Did not one of them ever wonder how they would maintain their elitist lifestyle were the revolution to ever actually occur? These guys were smoking-jacket intellectuals who were about as interested in seeing the world change as blue-blooded WASPs who prefer to play bridge while listening to Vivaldi. No wonder they ran back to Germany after the war to take up chaired professorships, never mind their appointments came from men who had just taken off their Nazi uniforms. The Frankfurt school is certainly very interesting and this book serves as a wonderful introduction , but for God sake don't think they can offer any guidance to how to lead the revolution.

This was one of the best books I read in graduate school. After 20 years this is still a great reference for anyone interested in the development of American universities. This work is an essential part of the intellectual landscape to anyone navigating the currents of the reactionary neocon thought, which developed in large degree in opposition to the legacy of the Frankfurt School. While the Frankfurt School's students seemed to dominate academe for a generation or more, the new invisible college is dominated by the reaction to this major stream of thought.

28 years after its initial publication, Martin Jay's "The Dialectical Imagination" is still the best introduction and most indispensable guide to the Frankfurt School's history and thinkers. Jay can easily be forgiven his occasional historiographer's dryness and insistent reminders of the boundaries of his project (I would be a rich man if I had a nickel for every time he writes that "such considerations fall outside of the area of the current inquiry" or something to that effect). Moreover, even if subsequent publications of the translated correspondence and unpublished papers of figures like Benjamin and Adorno have robbed Jay's book of some of its potential for novelty and scoop, Jay still provides the best and most pithy assessments of the major points, and he does so without sacrificing the scholarly rigor that organizes "The Dialectical Imagination."

The book could certainly better fulfill its role as research tool if the publishers would sponsor an updating of the notes and citations; now that everything has been published and republished by presses like Fischer and Suhrkamp in Germany and by the likes of Continuum, Columbia, Harvard, etc., in the English-speaking world, Jay's opus might be more helpful were it not to insist on citing the original issues of the institute's journals, to which most of us simply don't have easy access.

That's a small bone to pick, though, with such a thorough book. Jay's chapter on the philosophical roots of critical theory moves quickly but surely (despite the occasional dependence on disciplinary argot that may slow down readers not steeped in the vocabulary of "isms"), providing a crucial backdrop to his reading of the Frankfurt School's entire intellectual contribution. This chapter grounds Jay's book safely, and the subsequent chapters make good on this very promising start.

"The Dialectical Imagination" is sure to remain the best available introduction to the thought of the Frankfurt School on the whole. I cannot recommend it highly enough for those interested in the history of philosophy in the 20th century, in radical politics, or in developments in literary theory.

Frankfurt school is now a part of history. Not much of its arguments are reproduced now a day. For example, their critical cultural theory opened up the vast terrain of cultural study in capitalism. But their characterizing cultural consumer as dumb passive receiver is too much extreme to be real. Now nobody hold up such a position. Its perspective seems locked in the interwar period. Indeed, the power of the school comes from the distinctive problematic derived from such a peculiar era. But the strength is the source of weakness. But even we don¡¯t follow their lines, we should know what they said at least in cursory manner, for their theories are now classic in each field.
This book must be still the most authoritative history of Frankfurt school from its inception to 1950. but it deals with not only chronological events but also what the first generation of the school, such as Horkheimer, Adorno, Marcuse, Walter Benjamin, and Fromm, worked. This book is the intellectual history of the school. The author illustrates the school against the time of school. As Hegel said, thought is the child of its time. So the thought should be located in the right context to understand. The society of Western intellectuals faced a crisis in the interwar period. The impact was severe especially to German intellectuals. The thought of Frankfurt school is one of the reactions to the crisis. Marin Jay succeeds in reconstruct their time in front of us. This book is the ¡®must¡¯, if you want to be oriented to Frankfurt school.

I was not familiar with this book before I bought it; however, it was recommended by the teachers of the students for which this and several other Ed Emberley books were purchased. From the thank yous I have received, this book was a real hit! It is used in a Native American Mission School with great enthusiasm and even better results. What more could you ask for?

I keep having to order copies of this book! My grandchildren enjoy it so much that I end up sending my current copy home with one them. The many animal pictures keep them busy for hours. Now that they all have a copy I can order one to use in my classroom. The clear directions for preparing materials present excellent oportunities for me to teach fractions. The sequenced step-by-step pictures allow for exact duplication, but munipulation of the pieces encourages creativity. The original PICTURE PIE is good too, but I found this book to be more popular with the little people.

I bought this book a few weeks ago and have really ejoyed it. I just cut out a lot of the shapes, grab a couple of glue sticks, get my kids and they have hours of fun. The shapes and directions make it so easy for my kids (ages 4 & 6) to be successful in their art endevors. This is a good book to have in your collection if you work with kids at school, in your church or just have a child/children in your home.

Picture Pie 2 is a wonderful book that is fun for children and adults. While children make incredibly bright, fun and professional looking animals (bears, butterflies, cats, birds etc.) out of construction paper, they are learning all about fractions and geometry. Simply a must for every home and classroom.

Within minites of receiving this book, my son(6)was cutting out shapes & gluing them together.... with enthusiasm! I always thought all kids love art, but it took this book to get my son interested. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars is the book binding was very poor. The binding (very loosely with only 4 strings) was falling apart after only one use. This is a book for kids, but I was the one using the stencils (I drew the shapes & kids cut them out). I shudder to think what shape the book would be in if I had turned them loose on it! Also, the book would probably hold up better if the stencil detatched from the book (a little pocket for storage in the flap would have been a good idea).