Wrestling Books

"Wrestling" indeed!

Brimlow takes his writing very personal, and throughout the book much of his reflections or comparisons resonate from stories of his experiences. Sandwiched between each chapter, you will also find a min-chapter, or "Meditation" where he openly reflects upon passages of the Bible and difficulties that he (and many Christians, particularly pacifists) deal with.

I really enjoyed the fact that he expounded a little on Emmanuel Levinas' writings (and his concept of the Other), something I've been waiting for since reading about Levinas in an ethics class.

Not much directed at Hitler in the book, despite the title, and Brimlow explains why, he mostly focuses on the difficulties faced in the titled question, giving great consideration for writings by just war enthusiasts, and tackles them with honesty and prose.

Not a 'light' read.

Brilliant book. The reasoning is tight and solid. The "meditation" chapters, while they seem to slow down the "action", are very germane and contain things I have never thought of about many difficult Scriptural passages. Not to mention intriguing ire toward even God occasionally, and much honest confessions of confusion on the part of the author. The chapters that directly reason on the topic of pacifism are great. Brimlow shows how just war theory is self-contradictory - a great but subtle argument, and then shows how Jesus' teachings are uncompromisingly pacifistic. His actions were too, as when he told Peter to put the sword away. No one could be more innocent than Christ, and if defending the most innocent person who ever lived is not allowed, how can it be allowed for others less innocent? Brimlow then argues that, while pacifism appears ineffective, that is the short term view. Look at Jesus' pacifistic yielding to death. Just after the crucifixion, his life appeared a total failure. Yet he has influenced western culture for 2000 years more than any other individual. Brimlow's final argument is that what we are called to do is cull out violence even from our thinking, and we do this by prayer and lives dedicated to merciful acts toward those less fortunate than ourselves. A great book. A wonderful, but almost terrifying argument, full of emotion as well as logic.

Brimlow offers an honest, insightful and challenging look at Jesus' call to Christian pacifism. He begins each chapter with a prayerful reflection on a difficult passage of scripture, and then with a personal story that highlights a specific theme he then develops in the chapter. Brimlow writes with a transparency and honesty uncommon for many writers handling this topic.
I don't want to ruin too much of this book, but allow me to say that Brimlow tackles Just War theory before moving to terrorism and, of course, World War II and "the Hitler Question". Brimlow challenges our assumptions of what counts as successful and the ways in which we're called to holiness.
All in all, this is a fantastic book. I *highly* recommend it.

When one reads "What About Hitler?: Jesus's Call to Nonviolence in an Evil World" one is immediately struck by the amount of things going on at one time in this short book. The first thing that is important to note is the sheer honesty of this work. Not a conventional "academic" book, "What About Hitler" is revelatory in nature and takes the form of several "meditations" which usually contain a quotation of a Bible passage, Brimlow's prayer on that Bible verse and an anecdote from Brimlow's life (which are not usually flattering to him). All of this reveals Brimlow's inner struggle with the broader question posed by the book's title, "What About Hitler?"

The question posed by the title is meant to confront the Christian with the ultimate test of the call to nonviolence, namely, nonviolence in the face of ultimate evil - Hitler. On his way to answering to answering this question, Brimlow tackles the doctrine of "just war." In his analysis, Brimlow finds the criteria set forth to justify a "just war" to be too flaccid and easily malleable to justify even the most immoral "unjust" war. Brimlow also finds the theologicial justifications set forth by Augustine, Thomas Aquinas and other theologians as consequentialist which do nothing more than weigh the costs and benefits and advocate an "ends over means" mentality.

Brimlow also addresses Michael Walzer's contribution of the supreme emergency" as a refinement of the "just war" theory. According to Walzer, "supreme emergency" is defined by two criteria: "the imminence of the danger and the second with its nature." For a "supreme emergency" to arise, the danger of the threat must be imminent and the nature of the threat must be "immeasurably awful." If such a supreme emergency arises, moral and philosophical concerns are trumped and man must do whatever is necessary to confront this ultimate evil and the rights of neutrals, innocents and noncombatants can under the right circumstances be overridden. However, in overriding the rights of innocents in the supreme emergency, Walzer asserts, "when we override them we make no claim that they have been diminished, weakened or lost."

Brimlow finds incoherent Walzer's assertion that it can be both right and wrong to kill innocents in the case of a supreme emergency. Brimlow does not do much to rehabilitate Walzer's construction of a "supreme emergency" though one gets the impression by reading the text that Brimlow could easily do so. Indeed, one need only to analogize the "supreme emergency" as a wildfire in order to better understand Walzer's meaning. A wildfire begins in the forest consuming the trees. In order to save the rest of the forest (humanity, civilization, etc.), the firefighters (those responding to the "supreme emergency") create "firebreaks" which consist of chopping down trees to cut the fire off from the rest of the forest. By cutting down the trees (the innocents), the firefighters save the forest.

Brimlow chooses not to rehabilitate Walzer in the way I did above because doing so is inconsequential to his ultimate thesis which is, "we must live faithfully; we must be humble in our faith and truthful in what we say and do; we must repay evil with good; and we must be peacemakers. This may also mean as a result that the evildoers will kill us. Then, we shall also die" (151). Moreover, if a "supreme emergency" arises it is the result of our failure to heed the call to nonviolence; in short (and to modify a line from Billy Joel), we DID start the fire.

There is much that is troubling in this trying work not the least of which begins with the title. If, as the title suggests, we live in an evil world, one is confronted by the probability that evil will continue to triumph over good and one's efforts at living in a way that Brimlow is advocating will likely not have a positive outcome. Brimlow shows that our focus on outcomes is misplaced but in so doing also shows that the call to nonviolence is as much an article of faith as it is an intellectual belief.

Brimlow's work is searching and insightful and is relevant to the events of today. Though it seems like a bitter pill to swallow, there is also a glimmer of hope in what Brimlow has to say. Though I may not necessarily agree with everything that Brimlow writes in "What About Hitler", I hope I am the better for having read it.

What Brimlow does well is demonstrate the raw honesty in the struggle to be a Christian pacifist. Reading the book left me asking, what is it that I want to believe? How do my own desires influence my position? Brimlow has the courage to say that a consistent pacifist will let the Hitlers win, and leave it to God.

We have an example of an activist Christian pacifism that worked during World War II: the village of Le Chambon, in Vichy France. (See Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed.) Yet, even it worked under the shelter of a war against Nazi Germany. Nonetheless, I don't want to deny the courage or power of a community that takes Jesus' words to turn the other cheek seriously.

The difficulty I have with Brimlow's book is that it doesn't really address the best argument for the "just war": love. I imagine a Rwandan Tutsi asking me, why did we not come and help? How can I respond with "turn the other cheek"? Does not our love for our neighbor demand that we do something about their peril? Though he only hints at it, Brimlow also undermines the use of a state's police powers to restrain evil. Yet, Paul seems to suggest that the state is ordained by God to do just that. If a non-Christian governor is allowed to restrain evil through his/her police powers, can a Christian do any less? Similarly, if a non-Christian is allowed to defend his/her people, should not a Christian do so as well? I feel as if I'm willing to be persuaded to Christian pacifism, but I still need to hear answers to these questions.

I also would quibble with Brimlow's characterization of Augustine, whose experience of evil (the fall of Rome, the seige of Hippo) was far from academic. His monumental City of God was not, in the end, a defense of a church-state alliance, but just the opposite: should the City of Man fall, the City of God continues...history is still in God's hands. That's actually very close to Brimlow's own conclusion.

I recommend this book to all those struggling with pacifism or just war theology in Christian context.

This book is very conversational. Zane speaks to you as if he's having a face to face conversation with you instead of talking through his book. His humor is a bit controversial and hilarious! It makes reading fun which is a success in itself. This is a book for the humor ridden, non-religious based stereo-type. So pretty much for almost anyone. Great book!

The book is spiritual and flat out hilarious at the same time. Morris goes over how you could get more of what you want from the guidance of God and also uses lots of humor to keep the person's attention to the book with his friend being a Hobosexual (I didn't mispell it, his friend is a HOBOsexual) and coming on to any woman that is reading this book.

You may think that a person that is helping you to rely on God and using humor that you don't think is funny may be just wrong or blasphemy but remember this, Laughter is the language of the Soul.

This is a down to earth approach to God...keepin it simple and keepin it real. Zane uses real life and an honest outlook on God and gettin what u want and/or need.... His words are Gansta, hilarious, out of this world, you gonna be like what the hell did I just read??? This is about God??? Then it comes together...Cop this book, you wont be disappointed!!!

Zane's approach to writing is as bizarre as I have read... But it works... A visually appealing layout with illustrations, his style of writing lends to this self-narrative of helping you, yes you, find peace with yourself, with life, with your soul and hopefully fulfilling all your dreams... Whether hobos are involved with your future plans or not, learn to lighten up, learn to work and learn to enjoy the payoffs... Zane says you deserve them... You should listen to Zane... Definitely worth the read and it's well worth the laughs.. And hopefully you'll leave with a little bit knowledge, a sense of your own worth and a taste of one's soul.. Zane's or your own...

THE MAIN EVENT IS A GREAT LOOK AT WHEN THE WWE REALLY TOOK OFF IN POPULARITY. THE WWE WENT TO CABLE TV AND WRESTLING TOOK OFF. IT COVERS ALL THE WRESTLEMANIAS, MEN'S WOMEN'S AND TAG TEAM CHAMPS ALONG WITH ALL THE MANY WRESTLERS WHO HELP MADE THE WWE SO POPULAR BACK IN THE 80'S. FROM ROWDY RODDY, HULKSTER, STUDD AND ANDRE IT'S ALL HERE IN THIS BOOK. MANY OF THE SUPERSTARS ARE GIVEN A 2 OR 3 PAGE DETAILED LOOK AT THEIR CAREER AND WHERE THEY ARE NOW. I WANTED MORE AFTER I READ THIS. I REALLY ENJOYED THE NOSTALGIA IT BROUGHT BACK ESPECIALLY THE MR T AND CYNDY LAUPER HYPE IT BROUGHT BACK IN THE MID 80'S. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FOR ALL WRESTLING FANS. A GREAT BUY.

Shields' book is really informative and entertaining. It's filled with pictures and stories behind the stories.
It begins with a chronology, encompassing great photos and events for for easy reference.
A great gift for anybody interested in wrestling.

Ive yet to read the whole book, but ive skimmed thru it and bought it right away. The book is an amazing weatlh of info of the WWE in the 80's. They however, do not have any color photos which seems odd. I hope they do a book on wrestling in the 90's as a follow up.

If you have a young fan in your life that doesn't know a lot about the 1980s WWF, this is a perfect little item to give them. The WWE went into detail to try and give a pefect summary of all of the major stars that helped defined the decade, point out major angles and title changes. This book and WWE Legends are two must haves if you're just getting into watching the exciting action that takes place on WWE Programing every Monday, Tuesday and Friday Nights

The author tackles some very hefty life issues with her characteristic genuine "realness," honesty, and unabashed openness. She holds nothing back as she shares her personal struggles over the years with issues most of us can relate to easily. Through it all, I feel she is the "friend next door" confiding her innermost thoughts, fears, and desires, trusting me with her most profound secrets as we sit across her kitchen table. Along the way, I'm constantly lead by her back to Christ ~ the wellspring of all hope.

Leslie Winfield Williams is a very insightful author who shares her experiences with the reader, as well as, the wisdom she has gained through her walk with God. I found her book to be honest, again insightful, and an inspiration. I recommend "Night Wrestling" to any one who seeks encouragement in their life.

I had the good fortune of meeting the author prior to reading her book.She shares with the reader her personal / family tragedies, trials and tribulations in such a way that draws you in and makes you wonder how she has found the strength to continue. Her ability to convey that in many ways she is like the person reading her book.. i.e cooks ,cleans, does laundry,renews ones belief that we mere mortals can find the strength to receive Gods love and grace in every moment if we can open the door just a crack. And even if we don't open the door, His grace and love is ever present within each of us. God never gives up on us, unfortunately we cannot say the same about ourselves.

This is one of the most powerful, thought-provoking books I've ever read. Leslie's honesty and vulnerability in sharing her own experiences draws you in and helps you see God's unfailing presence in the midst of all of our troubled times.

Pro Wrestling Collectibles is certainly what this book is all about. Its all the other stuff covered that makes this book so interesting. My favorite chapter is number two (2) "Some Superstars Worth Collecting". The history about many of these wrestlers can be found no where else. The authors did a great job in organizing this "collectible" and putting every thing into perspective. Recommended reading for all wrestling fans!

The book provided terrific reference material and continually captured my attention from page to page. The pictures added tremendous detail. The author clearly did his homework.

This is a good book filled with lots of pictures and information. It is a good book for anyone but for the hardcore collector it does not cut it. Aloso the prices are a bit off on certain items. Overall the pictures make it a worthy purchase. Reccommended!

Overall, a very well researched book by Mr. Pope and Mr. Whebbe. This book does not cover all wrestling collectibles, that would be impossible, however, it does give the collector a good idea of the many areas in wrestling that are out there to collect, although they do have a very in-depth coverage of the action figures and autographs.

The book also covers some of the history of wrestling and is a great book for novices and long-time collectors. There are great photos of some of the older collectibles that I have only heard about. My favorite chapters were the ones on the action figures, trading cards and autographs, which make up a large part of my 15+ year collection.

The prices listed are average, however, the value of the items in this market change so rapidly, that its hard to give a set value on some items. 5 stars to Mr. Pope and Mr. Whebbe for tackling such a huge task.

This is an exciting biography of one of the best and most entertaining wrestlers alive. The author of the story describes and tells Shawns life in a incredible way. If you like wrestling and want to read a story on someone this is the one that you are looking for.

The is an incredible book if you are looking for a wrestlers biography, this is the one. This a book with a bunch of details. This book will tell you all about Shawns life.

This is a incredible book on what i would say one of the best wrestlers alive. The author of this book describes Shawns life with many details so that you know what's going on. If you are into wrestling or just looking for a good book to read this is the one.

Stephen Ciacciarelli really nailed it in this biography of the Heartbreak Kid. As a writer, I'd rate him among the very best in this genre, and would recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing more about Shawn Michaels than the PR hype his employers put out.

This is a fantastic read. It is an extreme ride through an environment that at one level seems ordinary while at another level can only be described as out of this world. The hero is constantly working out ordinary ethical conundrums that eventually rely on the entire spirit world for resolution. The spirit world remains behind the scene, though, even if it seems to be busting through the seams at times. One thing for certain, I never read this book for very long waiting for something to happen. This as one of the best books I have read. Everything is the biggest--the hero inherits the entire world while his salvation lies in the completeness of eternity. All of this in ordinary settings with ordinary dialogue that are both somehow made to sparkle with an otherworldly light.

This is a fantastic read. It is an extreme ride through an environment that at one level seems ordinary while at another level can only be described as out of this world. The hero is constantly working out ordinary ethical conundrums that eventually rely on the entire spirit world for resolution. The spirit world remains behind the scene, though, even if it seems to be busting through the seams at times. One thing for certain, I never read this book for very long waiting for something to happen. This as one of the best books I have read. Everything is the biggest--the hero inherits the entire world while his salvation lies in the completeness of eternity. All of this in ordinary settings with ordinary dialogue that are both somehow made to sparkle with an otherworldly light.

This tale of a soldier of fortune is a roller coaster ride between heaven and hell, good and evil, and what is right and wrong. Mr. Clarke painstakingly paints each scene with words that allows you to taste, feel, smell and touch the soul of the main character and those around him. Your emotions will swing as you cheer and denounce his actions all on the same page. A great, can't put it down read, that will challenge your own values and morality. An incredible discovery of your own and society's ethics and inner self. Be prepared to wish it had no final page!

This tale of a soldier of fortune is a roller coaster ride between heaven and hell, good and evil, and what is right and wrong. Mr. Clarke painstakingly paints each scene with words that allows you to taste, feel, smell and touch the soul of the main character and those around him. Your emotions will swing as you cheer and denounce his actions all on the same page. A great, can't put it down read, that will challenge your own values and morality. An incredible discovery of your own and society's ethics and inner self. Be prepared to wish it had no final page!

Has some good and Useful information. I highly recomend this boo

Great guide for beginner coaches because it covers many of the "extra" things that are involved with being a wrestling coach, and provides a thorough review of the basics.

This is a must read for all coaches or coaching hopefuls. It covers everything from the basic development of a program to pre-season, post-season workouts to techniques for advancing your program to the next level. It is a great organizer, making the season easier to handle.

This is one of the best books you can buy in the field. It is a must have for any coach from middle school to high school. The forms and example practices I found especially helpful. Purchase this FIRST, read it, and then come back for the manuals on moves.

I stumbled upon this gem while compiling my "Authoritative Encyclopedia of Scientific Wrestling". Some of the material might be a little dated but it is truly a great book. I sincerely cannot recommend it highly enough.

I don't know when my parents bought the Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia, but it was long before I could ever understand it. I remember thinking that the pictures of the old-time wrestlers was cool but that it would be too much work to read. So, for at least 20 years it sat on a bookshelf collecting dust. Last year, while visting my parents I happened to look at it. I was amazed at the great information it contains. It has hundreds of ideas on getting into better condition. I kept thinking if I had only known this stuff when I wrestled in high school and college what a difference it would have made. I have incorporated a lot of the information it contains in my workouts and have had a lot of success with it. It really reconfirms the notion that "new" is not always better, and gave me a "fresh" perspective on conditioning that can help you too.

A must-have for any beginning wrestler. step by step guidelines to important principles of amateur wrestling. Basic skills and principles to the sport are taught. Lists many helpful body exercises to improve wrestling skills. Also contains brief biographies of pioneers in the sport here in America, such as Gotch, Hackenschmidt, and Gable. Has pictures of different variations of wrestling, such as NCAA tournaments and Indian wrestling to belt wrsetling and Greco-Roman meets.

I honestly don't know why this book is out of print. I suppose everyone bought a copy shortly after it was released--it HAS been out a while. The truth is, I bought two copies just before it was "phased out", and in short order resold the second copy on eBay (for profit, I believe.) Everyone I've come across in the wrestling community who has seen the book simply raves about it. I've even had friends of mine read it (not all were wrestlers) and not one didn't get anything out of it.

The book is thick, and full of info. Yes, it has old photos of wrestlers and styles from history and around the world. Yes, it has tips and recommendations on weight lifting. Yes, it addresses diet and nutrition. Yes, it delves into physiology and the basis behind much of its suggestions. (Key example: getting stronger increases your conditioning. You can wrestle a 150-lbs. opponent harder and longer than a 175-lbs. opponent. So if the 175-lbs. opponent *feels* like a 150-lbs. opponent, you've indirectly extended your conditioning.) If you don't feel you need all that the book offers, that's certainly no reason not to acquire it; simply save the unwanted portions for later (and if you're active in the sport, eventually you'll need most of what's in here.)

This book is a classic, and upon reading it you quickly understand why the training methods it teaches work. "They don't make them like they used to" certainly applies here.

Five stars for historical value, detail, sound methodology, and abundance of useful material on numerous aspects of training.

Wrestling With Doubt: Theological Reflections On The Journey Of Faith by Frank D. Rees (Dean of Theology and Professor of Systematic Theology, Whitley College of the Melbourne College of Divinity, University of Melbourne, Australia, and President, Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Schools) is an impressive and scholarly analysis of three theological frameworks that postulate on the issue and phenomena of doubt. The reasonings of Newman, Barth, and Tillich are all discussed, compared, and set forth in this meticulous, well reasoned, informed and informative examination of faith, doubt, and belief in Jesus Christ.

Wrestling With Doubt: Theological Reflections On The Journey Of Faith by Frank D. Rees (Dean of Theology and Professor of Systematic Theology, Whitley College of the Melbourne College of Divinity, University of Melbourne, Australia, and President, Australian and New Zealand Association of Theological Schools) is an impressive and scholarly analysis of three theological frameworks that postulate on the issue and phenomena of doubt. The reasonings of Newman, Barth, and Tillich are all discussed, compared, and set forth in this meticulous, well reasoned, informed and informative examination of faith, doubt, and belief in Jesus Christ.

People of faith have always experienced doubt, but many have been taught that doubt signifies a loss or absence of faith. Frank Rees PhD shows that doubt can be a constructive element within a life-journey of faith.

Wrestling with Doubt explores three major thinkers who have tried to explin the relationship between faith and doubt: Cardinal Newman, Karl Barth and Paul Tillich. The discussion of these leads to the conclusion that the relation of doubt and faith is essentially a theological question-understood only by considering the nature of God. Evidence for this approach is found in the life story theologies of Harry Williams and Val Webb. Then Frank Rees offers his own account of the God of the Bible as "God the Conversationalist." This God is seen to ask real life questions about personal responsibility, social ethics, as well as religious questions.

The book suggests that the life of faith is a 'journey' of believing and doubting, protesting and exploring, and many other elements-not an intra-individual state but a shared adventure of the self, others and God.

The book is written in a way which provides scholars with many resources of interest, yet is clearly accessible to 'ordinary' souls who continue to wrestle with doubt. It doesn't give us an 'answer'but a possible way to live with our questions.

People of faith have always experienced doubt, but many have been taught that doubt signifies a loss or absence of faith. Frank Rees PhD shows that doubt can be a constructive element within a life-journey of faith.

Wrestling with Doubt explores three major thinkers who have tried to explin the relationship between faith and doubt: Cardinal Newman, Karl Barth and Paul Tillich. The discussion of these leads to the conclusion that the relation of doubt and faith is essentially a theological question-understood only by considering the nature of God. Evidence for this approach is found in the life story theologies of Harry Williams and Val Webb. Then Frank Rees offers his own account of the God of the Bible as "God the Conversationalist." This God is seen to ask real life questions about personal responsibility, social ethics, as well as religious questions.

The book suggests that the life of faith is a 'journey' of believing and doubting, protesting and exploring, and many other elements-not an intra-individual state but a shared adventure of the self, others and God.

The book is written in a way which provides scholars with many resources of interest, yet is clearly accessible to 'ordinary' souls who continue to wrestle with doubt. It doesn't give us an 'answer'but a possible way to live with our questions.