Field of Destiny Review

Field of Destiny
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I took a chance on Patricia Sheehy's book Field of Destiny when she visited my office autographing copies. What a great surprise. I spent a good deal of my holiday time immersed in this well-written, captivating novel. I love the way she interweaves the characters and am waiting not so patiently for her next novel, which I hope will continue on this fascinating theme. A great find - a great book and a great author to add to my list of those to follow.

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A single decision has the power to change everything. Field of Destiny tells the story of Natalie Davenport, whose destiny is derailed by an impulsive act, thrusting her into a life of secrets, lies and betrayal, a life where free will and karma collide and destructive patterns from her past life threaten her happiness in this one.

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The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot Review

The Gospel According to Judas by Benjamin Iscariot
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I picked up a copy of this book at Dollar Tree. I had no idea what it was supposed to be, but since I have read the real Gospel of Judas I thought it was worth a buck to pick up a copy of this. I had finished reading it the next day.
I keep a computerized inventory of all of my books, and when I entered this one I had difficulty deciding which genre to place it under. Ultimately I put it under Religious Fiction, but you could also label it Religious Devotional or Religious Scholarship. This is a novel that is written in the form of a gospel, and although its history and theology are highly unorthodox, it also has aspects of a devotional work. It is obvious that the authors love the God and Jesus of their understanding and have a great reverence for the New Testament, but they choose to experiment in looking at things from a different angle. I think it is worthwhile even if it does leave the final result confused.
Considering this book as a novel, it is a first person narrative by a Benjamin Iscariot, son of Judas Iscariot. He tells the truth (as he sees it) about his father in order to save his reputation from those who called him a traitor. He tells the life of his father including how he met Jesus, what he did with Jesus, and what really happened at the execution. Finally he says that his father Judas did not commit suicide but died of natural causes at old age.
If you are looking for literal truth in this book, there is very little. This imaginary telling contradicts both the Biblical version of the story and the version told in the Gospel of Judas. There is no credible scholarship to back up any of the claims in this book, but the authors do a good job at making the historical settings and people seem realistic and credible. If you are a literalist Christian you believe that Judas was a traitor. To read the Gospel of Judas is to learn the view that some contemporaries thought he was really an enlightened hero. To an atheist of the mythicist perspective such as myself, there is no solid reason to believe that either Jesus or Judas ever actually lived or did anything the New Testament says they did. This "Gospel According to Judas" is a creative novel that conflicts with all of those opinions.
This book has an interesting effect from a devotional perspective. If a myth is considered to be any story that affects us deeply and helps us to better live our lives, then I think this book offers much to anyone who wants some new ideas about the Christian myth. I think that most Westerners, religious and non, could find something inspiring and thought-provoking in this book.
Unfortuantely this book tries to do too much without being very clear about any of its goals. Is it a novel, a religious work, or a conspiracy theory? Trying to be all things it basically fails at all of them. This could have been a great book, but it turns out pretty mediocre. However because it is so different from anything else on the bookshelves I found it to be a worthwhile read and would recommend it for any spiritual seeker (Christian, atheist, or other) who has an open mind and a heart able to be touched by badly-written fiction.

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Nefer the Silent (The Stone of Light, Vol. 1) Review

Nefer the Silent (The Stone of Light, Vol. 1)
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It was with great anticipation that I began The Stone of Light, by Christian Jacq. Having read the Ramses series, I am well acquainted with Monsieur Jacq, his vast knowledge about ancient Egypt and his wonderful command of language. Only one word can capture my feelings about his latest tome: DISAPPOINTMENT. The Stone of Light reveals nothing about the life of ancient Egypt. The wonderful descriptions from the earlier Ramses series that transported you back thousands of years, is nowhere to be found. Instead, the reader is confronted with a formula book where the evil personnages have about the same depth of character as the silent movie villans who wore black capes, had pencil thin moustaches and tied victims to the railroad tracks. Here, they plot and scheme, they are bad and some meet a justifiable end. Our hero - it is only by comparison with the "bad" characters, that we can surmise who the "good" ones are. But don't expect the stature of an ancient hero, they just don't measure up. What is missing, what the author failed to share, is some of his knowledge and understanding of life in the craftsmen's village in the Valley of the Kings and Queens. He missed the opportunity to bring us into a royal tomb as it was being created. He could have shown us the steps, explained the paintings, brought the entire valley to our consciousness. Instead, the reader is faced with a B grade version of ancient Egypt. If a movie were to be made and production costs prohibited an Egyptian set, no problem. The entire setting could be transported anywhere, even to Mayberry. Nothing would be lost and very little would need to be changed.I eagerly devoured every book in the Ramses series, even going so far as to reading Vol IV in French so that I didn't have to wait until the English version was available. Monsieur Jacq, I am very disappointed in you. Your knowledge of ancient Egypt is not surpassed by many. You writing style is normally above par. Why would you besmurch your legacy by writing something on par with Barbara Courtland? Shame on you!

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They built a civilization ahead of its time, and dominated the ancient world. They defined an era of war, love, passion, power, and betrayal. They were a people of mystery whose secrets have turned to dust -- but who inspire our awe and wonder even to this day.... The ancient Egyptians They showed us how to live. And how to die. Christian Jacq, author of the international triumph Ramses, brings the people and the passions of ancient Egypt to life in an enthralling epic novel in four volumes.

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The New Testament Made Easier Part 1 (Gospel Studies (Cedar Fort)) Review

The New Testament Made Easier Part 1 (Gospel Studies (Cedar Fort))
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Bro. Ridges makes reading the scriptures really fun and easy to understand. He explains words in the scriptures on how they were used in that time period. He helps you to understand what is going on in that time period. He makes reading the scriptures exciting. The scriptures seem to come to life when I use his books to help me understand them.

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Gear up for the 2007 Sunday School year with The New Testament Made Easier Part One. Best-selling author David J. Ridges has incorporated a verse-by-verse reproduction of the scriptures wit in-the-verse insights in this book, making it the most valuable resource you add to your gospel library. In addition, this second version has more insights than ever before! Join the tens of thousands of readers who have experienced spiritual growth from reading and pondering the books in this series!

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The Monster at the End of This Book (Sesame Street) (Big Bird's Favorites Board Books) Review

The Monster at the End of This Book (Sesame Street) (Big Bird's Favorites Board Books)
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I wandered into the room of my best friend's three-year-old son, preparing to read him a book before he went to bed. When I saw this book among the pile on his floor, I got nostalgic. Really nostalgic. My mom read me the same book when I was his age, and I love, LOVE this book.
Not only does it teach you that sometimes the answer to all of your questions is right in front of you, but it does so by giving you pages of Grover, one of the most hysterical, lovable Muppets. The rattling of Grover's nerves, and the actual building of suspense in a picture book, keep the reader turning the book's pages -- even though Grover BEGS you not to do so. The reader is actually included in the narrative, for the book involves only Grover talking to the reader. The book thus becomes involving very quickly and entertaining throughout it.
Plus, the final punchline is a great payoff.
If you have children, this is an absolute must. Unlike other books from children's shows, this one's intelligent, maintains proper values and isn't beat-me-over-the-head annoying.

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Lovable, furry old Grover is distressed to learn that there's a monster at the end of this book! He begs readers not to turn the pages, but of course kids feel they just have to see this monster for themselves. Grover is astonished--and kids are delighted--to discover who is really the monster at the end of the book!

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Textual Scholarship: An Introduction (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities) Review

Textual Scholarship: An Introduction (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities)
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For those of us who have witnessed Professor Greetham at one of his "postmodern" lectures (such as this year at Kalamazoo), this book is a positive surprise. It is just a solid reference work which covers all the aspects of textual scholarship concisely and reliably, albeit often quite briefly. The volume includes a good, extensive bibliography. To be recommended.

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Mark 1-8: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary (Anchor Yale Bible) Review

Mark 1-8: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary (Anchor Yale Bible)
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Those of us who were familiar with Joel Marcus' monograph, "The Way of The Lord", have long awaited the day he would write a commentary on the Gospel of Mark. It seems fitting that a strong commentary like this one be used to replace the astonishingly lame commentary by C.S. Mann.
The objective of the Anchor Bible commentary series is to make the Bible accessible to the modern reader by providing an exact translation, extended exposition and a reconstruction of the ancient setting. The targeted readership is the general reader with no formal training in biblical studies. Marcus' commentary does an outstanding job in reaching these objectives. His translation is fairly literal but is still readable for those of us whose first language is English. His crisp exposition also goes a long way in helping the general reader follow his arguments.
With regard to some specifics about his interprative decisions Marcus believes that the Second Gospel was written by someone named Mark but probably not the one associated with Peter as the Papian tradition would suggest. He also denies that the gospel was written for a general audience (aka Richard Bauckham) or as an evangelistic tool (aka Robert Gundry) but instead argues the pervasive opinion that Mark is addressing a particular 'Markan' community. Marcus also argues that this community probably resided in Syria. He suggests that the purpose of the Gospel was to address a community under persecution during the Jewish War and that Mark presents Jesus as a paradigm for suffering.
Undoubtedly this commentary is hefty and due serious consideration by students of the Gospel but nonetheless, I suspect, that many readers will find Marcus guilty of over-interpretation and straining to find subtle echoes of the OT where there probably is none to be found. For example, many readers may be bewildered by how Marcus can understand the author of the second Gospel to have felt on one hand the need to explain the OT Jewish custom of handwashing (7:3-4) and then on the other hand expect his readers to pick up on Jonah imagery in a storm on the lake.
Even though some may disagree with various issues of 'Introduction' and may see places where Marcus' interpretations seem strained and overworked, I suspect, it will be found useful to many studying the second Gospel.
If you are intending to study the Gospel of Mark definitly consider purchasing this book.
I would have given the book a three and three quarter stars if possible.

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Although it appears second in the New Testament, Mark is generally recognized as the first Gospel to be written. Captivating nonstop narrative characterizes this earliest account of the life and teachings of Jesus. In the first installment of his two-volume commentary on Mark, New Testament scholar Joel Marcus recaptures the power of Mark's enigmatic narrative and capitalizes on its lively pace to lead readers through familiar and not-so-familiar episodes from the ministry of Jesus. As Marcus points out, the Gospel of Mark can be understood only against the backdrop of the apocalyptic atmosphere of the Jewish rebellions of 66-73 c.e., during which the Roman army destroyed the Temple of Jerusalem (70 c.e.). While the Jewish revolutionaries believed that the war was "the beginning of the end" and that a messianic redeemer would soon appear to lead his people to victory over their human enemies (the Romans) and cosmic foes (the demons), for Mark the redeemer had already come in the person of Jesus. Paradoxically, however, Jesus had won the decisive holy-war victory when he was rejected by his own people and executed on a Roman cross. The student of two of this generation's most respected Bible scholars and Anchor Bible authors, Raymond E. Brown and J. Louis Martyn, Marcus helps readers understand the history, social customs, economic realities, religious movements, and spiritual and personal circumstances that made Jesus who he was. The result is a Bible commentary of the quality and originality readers have come to expect of the renowned Anchor Bible series. Challenging to scholars and enlightening to laypeople, Mark 1-8 is an invaluable tool for anyone reading the Gospel story.From the Trade Paperback edition.

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The Assassins of Isis: A Story of Ambition, Politics and Murder Set in Ancient Egypt Review

The Assassins of Isis: A Story of Ambition, Politics and Murder Set in Ancient Egypt
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Paul Doherty is the consummate professional when it comes to writing historical mystery novels. I for one do not know how he can be so prolific with his offering of books and yet make sure that each of them is well researched. Whether they be 13th, 14th, or fifteenth century they are always true to the period. He has also written books about Alexander the Great and is now turning his hand to novels of Ancient Egypt at the time of the most influential period in its long history.
The tomb of Rahimere, his house of eternity filled with all the things he may need to cross to the other side has been hidden for many years, somewhere deep in the desert. The location of the tomb has long been kept a closely guarded secret. But now a sect know as the Sebaus, who take their name from the demons have not only found the tomb, but plundered it for the powerful secret it holds . . .
These book on Egypt just get better and better and long may Paul Doherty continue to write them. They are both entertaining and also give a wonderful insight into the life of the Ancient Egyptians.

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Charlemagne: The Formation of a European Identity Review

Charlemagne: The Formation of a European Identity
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Professor McKitterick's magisterial examination of Charlemagne is a welcome addition to literature on the King of the Franks,after 800 Emperor. The book is not a biographical narrative but an examination of five central concepts: (1) Charlemagne's contemporary "representation," that is, how he was portrayed in chronicles and other accounts, (2) the creation of the "Pippinid" dynasty, beginning with Charlemagne's father, Pippin III, and his grandfather Charles Martel, (3) Charlemgne's court, (4)royal communication in the Frankish kingdom and Empire, and (5) the relationship between knowledge and the exercise of power, with special reference to religious authority. This book is best read with a prior understanding of 8th and 9th century Continental history or after first reading a general recent biography on Charlemagne such as Derek Wilson's Charlemagne: A Biography. McKitterick's well-written book will likely serve as a standard reference for years to come. This is an excellent book.

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Charlemagne is often claimed as the greatest ruler in Europe before Napoleon. In this magisterial new study, Rosamond McKitterick re-examines Charlemagne the ruler and his reputation. She analyses the narrative representations of Charlemagne produced after his death, and thereafter focuses on the evidence from Charlemagne's lifetime concerning the creation of the Carolingian dynasty and the growth of the kingdom, the court and the royal household, communications and identities in the Frankish realm in the context of government, and Charlemagne's religious and cultural strategies. She offers a completely fresh and critical examination of the contemporary sources and in so doing transforms our understanding of the development of the Carolingian empire, the formation of Carolingian political identity, and the astonishing changes effected throughout Charlemagne's forty-six year period of rule. This is a major contribution to Carolingian history which will be essential reading for anyone interested in the medieval past. Rosamond McKitterick has also received the 2010 Dr A. H. Heineken Prize for History for her research into the Carolingians.

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The Virgin and The Priest Review

The Virgin and The Priest
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I read this book while on a trip to New York a few weeks ago and was quite impressed with Gibbs' scholarship. Mark's work on the life story of Jesus is as well thought out and logical as anything I've read by the Schonfields and Baigents of the world.
The central thesis in this work is that Jesus and John the Baptist were actually brothers. As the pair grew up, the destiny of their birthright forced them into the Messianic mould. This was achieved by the hands of the Essenes shaping the pair into following Old Testament models of heroic brother's roles in Jewish society. John, feeling that he should be the Messiah, forsakes his scripted role and his brother in the process.
The stance is as controversial as Gibb's argument is compelling. Drawing from religious traditions and texts of "heretical" Christian groups, Islam, and present day Christian sects; Gibbs reads between the lines of the Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth and early years to make his argument. The views of the Gospel accounts are that they have sometimes been reworded to make Jesus into the figure many accept him as.
Supporting these assertions, Gibbs sites that Johannite thought has permeated into more modern times. The near veneration of John the Baptist by medieval artists, Freemasonry, and the Knights Templar are used as evidences of Gibbs views of the Gospels.
Much like Schonfield's works, Gibbs brings a sharp distinction between faith and reason. The Virgin and the Priest is not a text for those who unwaveringly incorporate Jesus as divinity into their belief system. However, if you wish to examine the life of Jesus in a more historical and alternative context, you will not be disappointed in what is presented.


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The Last Gospel Review

The Last Gospel
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David Howard's "The Last Gospel" is a captivating story, at once provocative and inspiring. With his vivid imagination and outstanding talent for storytelling, the author weaves in this novel two stories--one of a biblical testimony, that challenges the conventional image of Jesus, and the other, set in 2020 A.D., of a young Jewish linguist and her lover, who struggle against all odds to decode a prophecy contained in the testimony.Synthesizing the past and the future; spirituality and science; and romance and tragedy, this novel is a tapestry of rare complexity, pleasing tension, and superb beauty. It belongs in the library of any serious fiction lover. -- Yoshiko Samuel, Profesor of Asian Literature at Wesleyan Univeristy

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Darwin's Blade Review

Darwin's Blade
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I must say, I'm stunned at the volume of negative reviews of this book posted here. I, too, am a huge Dan Simmons fan, and I think this is the best book he's ever written.
First off, Darwin Minor is a great character. Practically emotionally shut down by horrific events in his past (which I won't reveal for those of you who plan to read the book), he has found a measure of comfort in the writings of Marcus Aurelius, the second century Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher. One could do worse. For me, it's refreshing to see a modern hero whose life is built on SOME foundation (even if, as a Christian, I think its a wrong one), rather than the typical post-modern alienated protagonist who has no access to any tradition.
Second, this is a very funny book. I found myself laughing out loud in a number of spots. Like Jonathan Franzen said in a recent interview, I don't trust a writer who isn't funny. Simmons' depiction of antagonist Dallas Trace, a thinly disguised representation of noted legal blowhard Gerry Spence, besides being hilarious, makes me want to be sure I never get on Simmons' bad side.
Third, Sydney Olson, the female lead, is also a terrific character. Tough, intellegent, beautiful--and, here's the real kicker--believable. A modern woman, but not hide-bound by feminist claptrap. Yes, perhaps larger-than-life, but isn't that what we want in our heroes and heroines?
Fourth sprinkled throughout are a number of wonderful minor characters, especially W.W.D. DuBois, the brilliant and sardonic black lawyer. Also great are the Larry (it's "Lawrence") 'n' Trudy comedy team, who pose as accident investigators but in reality, we come to see, are perfect foils for the protagonist.
Fifth, there's a deep sadness that leaks through the edges of this novel. I don't know if it's intentional or not--maybe it's simply a product of Mr. Simmons' own somewhat austere and problematic philosophical orientation--but it gives the story a gritty texture that only enhances its appeal.
OK, the story's not entirely without problems. I could make no sense of the equations relating to one of the accident investigations. And there was too much detail for most readers regarding firearms, ballistics, the effects of wind on bullet speeds and trajecteries, etc. But I don't recall anyone getting too hacked off at Michael Crichton when he pulled out that fractal crap in Jurassic Park, and nobody seems to complain about the anal-retentive qualities of Mr. Foucault or Mr. Pynchon or Mr. Eco.
I have a theory about what the diehard Simmons' groupies don't like about this book. It's a little cartoonish. Their Literary Genius is having a little bit of fun. Also, many of the naysayers seem to have little familiarity with this genre; their critical remarks often take book and author to task for not writing another Carrion Comfort or Hyperion.
I for one would love to see a whole series of Darwin Minor books. He's one of the sharpest blades out there.

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Home of the Brave (Sluggers) Review

Home of the Brave (Sluggers)
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I am a 3rd grade teacher and this book is highly loved by my students. This is the 6th book in the Sluggers series. It lets u know all about the magic baseball that the Payne children have. So many questions we had from the previous 5 books were answered in this book. My favorite character in the story was Ruby because Ruby was a very intelligent girl. She wrote down a lot of fact that helped solve mysteries. She also was brave and loved her family. We liked this book because it was an entire series of books that made my students want to read. There were so many cliffhangers in the books that we had to read all 6 of them last year!
You should read this book because it is amazing how the author puts what is in history into the book and makes you want to read more and more. We were so sad when the series was over. We think this series should be turned into movies! They'd be blockbuster hits for sure!!
All ages of people would love this book. From 8 year olds up to 80 year olds!

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After the rousing success in New Orleans, the Paynes face yet another crushing defeat when the Chancellor's thugs finally steal the baseball—and kill their uncle in the process. Faced with a second funeral in as many months, Griffith, Ruby, and Graham are determined to beat the Chancellor at his own game and save their family as well as the game of baseball. Pulling into their hometown of Baltimore, the Paynes are reunited with a familiar face, and the Travelin' Nine are tested on the field once again. Can they win without the help of their baseball? Prepare for fireworks in this final inning to the grand slam series, Sluggers!

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Blastin' the Blues (Sluggers) Review

Blastin' the Blues (Sluggers)
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As the Payne children and the Travelin' Nine ride the rails to St. Louis, the Chancellor's thugs try to kidnap Graham and steal the magic baseball. Graham remains safe after the scuffle, but Griffith (Griff), Woody and Dog jump from the train to recover the special baseball.
During their separation from the team, Woody tells Griff about his experience with Colonel Teddy Roosevelt, what happened on San Juan Hill and the Rough Riders' solemn promise to "Be together, always." While Woody, Griff and Dog elude the Chancellor's goon squad, Griff also learns about his father's heroics in Cuba, how Uncle Owen got injured and how the magic baseball got the hole in its center.
As the Paynes seek to reunite with the rest of the team, they are followed by someone with a special connection and a grave warning to the Chancellor. While providing them nourishment, the mystery man reveals his identity and explains why the Chancellor is so desperate to possess the baseball and control Graham. By the time the trio arrives in St. Louis to rejoin the rest of the team, Griff has a better understanding about the magic baseball and events in the past --- and Dog has a new name.
In St. Louis, the team meets baseball pitching great Denton True "Cy" Young, who is called Cy because his fastball resembles a cyclone. During their brief stay in the Missouri town, Ruby is intent on identifying the mole, while the team continues to try and earn money to repay the mounting debt owed to the Chancellor. After leaving St. Louis, the team treks south on a steamboat down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. In the "Big Easy," the stakes of the game grow higher, but the payoff could erase the massive debt owed to the Chancellor. However, the Chancellor isn't going down without a fight. The evil mastermind fights dirty and plays to win.
BLASTIN' THE BLUES, the meatiest book in the Sluggers series, has the same charm and passion as the previous installments. Old-school baseball terms are explained, and historic events are woven seamlessly into the plot. Except for a few passages of dialogue that slip into contemporary usage, it has a familiar, old-fashioned feel. One word of caution: the book ends on a sad note. Younger readers might find the final illustration and a scene in the last chapter upsetting. Nevertheless, BLASTIN' THE BLUES should hit a home run with preteen readers who love mysteries with supernatural overtones or who are passionate about America's favorite pastime.

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After jumping off the train to St. Louis, Griffith, Woody, and Dog find their way back to the Travelin' Nine. Meanwhile, the rest of the team prepares for the next game—but before they can even get warmed up, the game is cancelled. Still fearing they are being followed and even more worried they have a traitor in their midst, the team travels to New Orleans, where the magic of their ball and the music of the city create one memorable game. But like always, trouble is right around the corner and the hits keep on coming for the Payne family and all of the Travelin' Nine!

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Perspectives on Persian Painting: Illustrations to Amir Khusrau's Khamsah Review

Perspectives on Persian Painting: Illustrations to Amir Khusrau's Khamsah
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very bad quality of the images . point of view of coloured images the quality of print is not acceptable.

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This is a detailed study of the illustrations to Amir Khusrau's Khamsah, in which twenty discourses are followed by a brief parable, and four romances. Amir Khusrau (1253-1325) lived the greater part of adventurous life in Delhi; he composed in Persian, and also in Hindi. From the point of view of manuscript illustration, his most important work is his Khamsah (Quintet'). Khusrau's position as a link between cultures of Persia and India means that the early illustrated copies of the Khamsah have a particular interest. The first extant exemplar is from the Persian area in the late 14th century, but a case can be made that work was probably illustrated earlier in India.

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Ammanon Book One The Prophecy Review

Ammanon Book One The Prophecy
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In her first published book, Ammanon, Book One, The Prophecy, Mary Fagan has given us a new world filled with emperors, warriors, war, love, lust and longing. Her characters come alive in her descriptions and we begin to care about them. I am left in limbo not knowing what their fate may be. Please publish book two so I can continue this exciting adverture that is Ammanon.
Kathleen Fagan

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Early in the history of Ammanon... a vision comes to two people: Azzariah, the aged high priest; and Galan, a bewildered young prince. The prophecy foretold the coming of a woman from another world who will aid Ammanon in its time of peril.Now Galan... is a mighty warrior-emperor and Ammanon prospers. The prophecy is all but forgotten. What peril could visit the greatest empire the world has ever known?Unnoticed... in the tiny principality of Partha, a sly King Niklos plots to bring down Ammanon by his wits alone. Little by little his secretive plot advances.The time has come... and gone for the prophecy's fulfillment. Niklos is ready to strike, but where is the woman of the prophecy?

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In the Beginning Was the Word: The Power and Glory of Illuminated Bibles Review

In the Beginning Was the Word: The Power and Glory of Illuminated Bibles
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This is a wonderful survey of illuminated bibles that is so reasonably priced that I would gladly recommend it to *anyone* interested in illuminated manuscripts. For artists working in the medieval style, I strongly recommend adding this to your reference collection.
The book starts with an introductory chapter on book production in medieval monasteries and then quickly moves on to its stated purpose: a primarily visual survey of a variety of hand-made bibles from their beginnings to the mid-17th century. Each book featured is accompanied by a short text and at least one exploded view of the illumination details. The majority of bibles surveyed fall squarely between 1200-1500, but there are several earlier and later manuscripts. The preponderance of manuscripts come from central and eastern European libraries, so in addition to the usual Franco-Flemish and Italian examples, there are also a number of Greek, Armenian, German, Spanish, Ethiopian, Slavonic, and other under-represented areas included in this book.
The exploded details of the illumination are one of the best things about this book. They are so greatly enlarged that one can often identify the brush strokes. Added to the greater-than-usual breadth of the survey-in styles and in quality--and the reasonable price, it's a book you shouldn't skip.

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Examining the history of Bibles from the Middle Ages, the editors gather a team of scientific experts to describe each manuscript in detail. This book presents the Bible as it was visualized in both theological and historical contexts and makes the finest of these illuminated manuscripts accessible to the general public.

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