'Augustine through the Ages' is one of those big, thick, $100 books that one longs to have in a private library (particularly the private library of someone with a catholic-leaning theological interest). I debated about the book for nearly a year until a friend of mine finally put the issue to rest by getting it for me for my birthday a few years ago.

I've now had sufficient time and use of the volume to warrant giving an opinion. I am sorry that I waited so long to add this book to my collection!

' "Augustine through the Ages" presents anew the life, work, and influence of Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354-430), one of the greatest figures in the history of the Christian church. Best known to modern readers for his "Confessions" and "City of God," Augustine has had a profound theological and philosophical impact on the Christian faith, and his legacy is also reflected in the development of Western thought as a whole.'

This book is organised and functions as an encyclopedia. Over 150 scholars in fields such as history, classics, theology, philosophy and political science have contributed to making this a very comprehensive and in-depth reference work. The contents include nearly 500 articles with appropriate bibliographic references for further research.

Entries involve his life, his work, and his influence. A few samples will illustrate:

His life: Life, Culture and Controversies
In this entry, a brief biography of Augustine is present, from birth in Thagaste in 354, in the province of Numidia, to his death in 430 in Hippo, as it was under siege from Vandal invaders. It details the major events and influences in his life, as well as the general cultural milieu of the time - education under the Roman system, the relationship of church and empire, and the influence of philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism. The controversies of his time, in which Augustine energetically participated, included the Arian, Donatist, Pelagian and Manichean trends.

His work: Confessions
This entry gives an overview of the 'Confessions', the most popular and widely-read of Augustine for twentieth-century audiences. As a result of this autobiographical work, the youth of Augustine is far better known than almost any other person in antiquity. The article includes translation and publication issues (the question about oral or written primacy is explored), as are the differing purposes of sections (autobiographical, polemical, exegetical). This work covers conversion and growth in faith and work.

His influence
Articles are included on those who influenced Augustine himself, such as Origen, Tertullian, Plotinus, and Plato, as well as upon those he influenced, from early figures such as Jerome and Ambrose, to later theologians like Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin, up to more modern figures such as Adolf von Harnack, Ernst Troeltsch, and Martin Heidegger. Similarly, Augustine's contributions toward topics that are of current (and recurring) interest such as social justice, war, suicide, contraception, etc. are explored.

The book also includes tables Augustine's works which show Latin titles, English translations, common abbreviations (very necessary for scholarship) and dates. Articles are cross-references, particularly with a view toward shared bibliographic information.

The editor, Allan D. Fitzgerald is professor of patristics at the Augustinian Patristic Institute of Rome. He also is editor of Augustinian Studies published by Villanova University. Jaroslav Pelikan offers a word at the front, which is an interesting choice, given Pelikan's Eastern Orthodox leanings, and the strained love-hate relationship Eastern Orthodoxy has traditionally had with Augustine.

This is a truly monumental work that will find an honoured place in the library of any scholar.

. . .which will be of value to Augustine scholars for many years to come.

The purpose of the encyclopedia is to provide a one-volume reference to Augustine, his life, his thought, his teachings, and his books. What did he believe about a particular doctrine? Look up the doctrine, get a synopsis of his thought, and find the appropriate reference(s) in his writings.

Wonderful for both Catholics and Protestants, esp. those branches of Protestantism which revere Augustine. Applicable for the layman or the cleric; for the serious student as well as for someone who simply wishes to be informed.

I highly recommend this volume.

This is, hands down, the best single volume on the life, work, ideas, and history of Augustine available. Not only does this reference work cover the period in which Augustine lived, but it also covers the periods in which Augustine had an impact. This book is very organized with charts of Augustine's works, and of course it covers the entire spectrum of Augustinian philosophy and theology from A to Z. This book is so detailed that many unexpected topics such as abortion to war are covered. The book is well referenced which enables the reader to launch into further works that have been used in compiling this massive volume. If you have been wanting a single volume that works well for quick references to detailed studies then this is the ONLY volume of its kind in print. I highly recommend this work for those who enjoy studying Augustine.

The author has tightly focused his attention on the SLEEP aspects of the Wake. While this makes for a rather monochromatic presentation bordering the banal, the clarity and sheer thrust of the presentation are indisputable. (At bottom, one really doesn't like to admit there's so much IN the Wake that such restrained scholarship is required.)

[from the text, pp.4-7]: "Suppose we charged ourselves with the task of providing in chronological order a detailed account of everything that occurred to us NOT last night...but in the first half-hour of last night's sleep. The 'hole affair' [535.20], (and a 'hole', unlike a 'whole', has no content), will likely summon up a sustained 'blank memory' [515.33]: 'You wouldn't should as youd remesner, I hypnot' [360.23-24]. What would become equally obscure, even questionable, is the stability of identity...No one remembers the experience of sleep at all as a sequence of events linked chronologically in time by cause and effect."

Joyce remarked to his friend William Bird:

"'About my new work - do you know, Bird, I confess I can't understand some of my critics, like Pound or Miss Weaver, for instance. They say it's OBSCURE. They compare it, of course, with ULYSSES. But the action of ULYSSES was chiefly in the daytime, and the action of my new work takes place chiefly at night. It's natural things should not be so clear at night, isn't it now?'"

This guy's read "Finnegans Wake" a thousand times, so it seems, and his knowledge of Joyce and environs is wide. I'd recommend "Joyce's Book of the Dark" for you Wakeans out there who need to dig deeper into the book of the delpth.

The ultimate treatment of Joyce's confusing classic, Bishop's comprehensive analysis goes beyond typical literary interpretations. Focusing of such diverse influences as Vico's "New Science" and The Egyptian Book of the Dead, Bishop shows the compexity of Joyce, as well as his almost total command of the English language, and language in general. If you've ever wondered about Vico's historical thesis, and want to understand how Vico permeates Joyce, this is the book to read. In the end, you'll come away with a better appreciation of Joyce's text, and a feeling of amazement at Vico's poorly understood, but far-sighted view of mankind.

Apart from Paul Horgan fans, probably most people coming to this book will be doing so to learn more about the real life archbishop who inspired Willa Cather's great novel DEATH COMES FOR THE ARCHBISHOP. And just as Cather's novel concerns the friendship and work of two major characters--Archbishop Jean Latour and his vicar Father Joseph Vaillant--so Horgan's biography necessarily tells the story not only of Juan Bautista Lamy but also Joseph Machebeuf.

Horgan's biography succeeds magnificently in two ways. First, for those who will be coming to the book from reading Cather, one will find vastly greater depth and detail than was possible in that novel. So, the book is a boon for Cather fans. Second, even if one has not read Cather, the book tells a magnificent story of a truly heroic man and his closest friend. Their story is also the story of the West as a whole, and Santa Fe in particular.

There are biographies that record the rote facts about an individual, and unfortunately most fall into this category. And the there are biographies that almost manage to bring you into contact and introduce you to someone you have never met. Lamy emerges almost as someone you know, instead of someone you merely know things about.

I heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in either history of the American West or in Willa Cather's great novel. Although I am not myself Roman Catholic, it would probably also be enjoyed by those whose main interest is in Church History. It is a tragedy that this book is not currently in print. With so many much weaker and less interesting biographies available, it is unfortunate that many of the truly excellent ones are not.

It would be difficult if not impossible to overpraise this book. As a narrative of what the southwestern United States was like during the nineteenth century, as a triumph of research into a multitude of different sources spread out all over the United States and western Europe, and as a biography of an undeniably great man (the first Roman Catholic Archbishop of Santa Fe, whose life this book tells from his departure from France around 1839 to serve as a missionary to the United States to his death in New Mexico the late 1880s), this book succeeds wonderfully. It's one of the best books I have ever read.

This outstanding book on the first Archbishop of Santa Fe - the French-born Jean Baptiste Lamy , details Lamy's tireless efforts at rebuilding the Catholic church in New Mexico from the state of shocking neglect which he found it to be in. It delineates the work Lamy did to improve both the spiritual and material lives of the people under his care. It also enumerates the many hardships Lamy endured. Evidence of the tremendous devotion, unwavering faith and sterling character of this man of God can be found throughout the book. If there is one word which can best describe Lamy, that word would be - Saint!

Author Paul Horgan won a Pulitzer prize for this book and it is not difficult to see why. It was readily apparent that Horgan had done exhaustive research from the numerous details contained in the book.

All in all, a meticulously researched book on a most remarkable individual of the American Southwest written by a diligent author.

THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940 is not the typical who-dunnit murder mystery. Sure the show starts off with someone getting killed in the first scene by an unknown murderer. However, as the guests arrive and the snow falls, the audience soon learns this isn't your average "party". No, this is supposedly an audition for a "backer", an "angel", a patron of the arts for a new show and the people involved include the director, producer, a few actors, a dancer, and a comedian. The mystery keeps you guessing for awhile who the real killer is, but there are several twists and lots of theatre jokes. With all that and a sidekick who turns out to be a hero, THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940 is a show not to be missed.

I had the oportunity to be in the Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 as Roger Hopewell for my high school's fall production. It is just hysterical! This light-hearted comedy takes place in Chappaqua, New York where a group of people get together to work on a new Broadway musical. As the actors, composer, director, producer, lyricist, hostess, and police collect clues more and more laughs come your way. This play is definitely worth reading as well as seeing.

With a murder in the first two pages and many more to come, one would expect the MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS of 1940 by John Bishop's play to be a typical murder-mystery. But, Bishop has chosen place his murderer deep within the world of actors, directors and theatre producers. Which can only mean one thing...unstoppable egos and unrelenting laughs...and a mystery that's not half-bad, either!

While not as essential as his "Against Heresies", "On the Apostolic Preaching" contains a well of information regarding the early Church's teaching especially in regards to the truth of the Holy Trinity. Great writing from a great father, highly recommended.

Assuming that this is a true representation of an actual writing, it is invaluable for all Christians in showing us what the manner of preaching was at the very beginning. Of this fact, I really have no doubt, and accept this writing as that of Irenaeus himself. Irenaeus was taught by Polycarp, who was a disciple of the Apostle John, so we have here a teaching of the preaching told by a second generation source.

This is a work by Irenaeus that wasn't discovered until fairly recently, so it is not included in the excellent 10 volume Ante-Nicene Fathers set. The work is essentially a summary of the Christian faith by the Bishop Irenaeus (lived around 177 AD). The work 'recounts all the various deeds of God culminated in Jesus Christ.' It, unlike the works of Justin and Athenagoras from the same period, is non-polemical and non-apologetic. There are quite a few notes, a nice introduction, and some Greek words provided in the text when the English translation provided is uncertain.

The Ferry Woman, is an account of the aftermath of the Mountain Meadows massacre, an important incident in the history of American westward expansion. The events described in this book encompasses the eras of Manifest Destiny, the misportrayal of Native Americans to the American public, the building of Western "empires", and 19th century religious cultism, as seen through the eyes of the fictional, Emeline Buxton Lee. Through Emeline, the author explores the personal tragedies that accompanied the mass-murder of 127 California-bound emigrants by Mormon pioneer settlers of "Deseret" in 1857. Key among Emelines' personal tragedies are the trials and eventual execution of the her husband, John Lee, adopted son of Brigham Young, who was, in his own words, "...used by the Mormon Church as a scape-goat to carry the sins of that people." (J. Lee 1877). The author brings to life the experiences of a pioneer woman who is swept up in events far beyond her control. Through the authors portrayal of her, we experience the joys and hardships of pioneer life during the mid-19th. century. Grimmett's intelligent and sensitive treatment of the subject matter, most particularly the challenges of love and integrity involved in sharing a husband who possesses multiple wives, provides a thoughtful and satisfying literary experience. Well done!

The Mountain Meadows massacre is a stain on the history of the West, Utah, and the Mormon church. It has never been satisfactorily dealt with from a historical standpoint, and it is unlikely, given the lack of verifiable information and a continuing reluctance on the part of authorities to pick at the scab, that it ever can or will be. So it becomes the duty of novelists to compel us to examine the killings, the cause, and the aftermath. Even if we cannot understand those troublesome times, through a well-told tale we can at least consider--rather than ignore--them.

THE FERRY WOMAN is such a tale; so far as I know, the only one. By seeing the incidents and events of those dark days through the eyes of a fictional storyteller, the conflicts and struggles and relationships become personal and emotional, hence more affective than a cold recounting of history. Throughout the book, Emeline (the ferry woman) wrestles with faith, loyalty, authority, loneliness, love, and hate in very human and understandable ways.

The story's end is, maybe, a mite tidy. And some Mormons will be offended by Grimmett's portrayal of Brigham Young, legendary builder of the West. It is well to remember, though, that in THE FERRY WOMAN we see this complex man solely through one set of eyes--Emeline's--and as her view is distorted by her experiences, it is both authentic and acceptable.

Gerald Grimmett's new novel, "The Ferry Woman", is based on the historical event in the history of the West and of the Mormon Church, known as the Mountain Meadow Massacre. Events described in the story are told from the perspective of one of the wives of the only man executed by the legal system for his role in an atrocity that was almost certainly ordered by then church leader and founder of Salt Lake City and the Mormon establishment in the arid western interior of the United States.
A primary feature of early Mormon social relations was the aggressive practice of polygamy, which was only abandoned officially by the church as part of a strategy to prevent a military confrontation between Utah, whose leaders were also those of the church, and the US Army contingent then on its way to enforce Mormon compliance with federal laws against plural marriage. The Ferry Woman was one of the wives of John D. Lee, one of those leaders whose directed mission within the church was to settle and develop the Harmony area between Cedar City and St. George Utah. Grimmett is at his best describing the interactions between his characters and their environment.
This reader confesses to some uneasiness in the early pages, at the prospect of accepting a woman's perspective from the narrative pen of a male writer. That is dispelled by the surprising sensitivity and care apparent in the effort. One observes that if this is not true to the way of thinking and self-expression of a young orphaned immigrant serial wife of a much older man, and a formidable, hard-working community leader, devoted husband and father, well it should be. Reading, one is overtaken by a growing sense of the book as literature, especially remembering that the Ferry Woman, although realistically and plausibly detailed in the narrative, is still a fictional construct.
Knowing its subject already, I went into this book skeptical of its potential for a full and courageous exploration of the dark scenario at its heart. After the first 100 pages, I couldn't stop reading it. I closed the book at last with the feeling that the author had succeeded in something extraordinarily important here. Grimmett has skillfully illustrated how even a humanity motivated, in extremis, by patently flaky beliefs about the nature of existence, can thrive. This is a book with legs, and the time was well spent reading it.

A reader with roots in that area of the US that is today within the sphere of influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), with its epicenter in Salt Lake, is likely to agree with the statement of the Poet Laureate of the State of Utah, as quoted on the jacket, that the reaction to the book by modern descendants of the times and personalities described in it, is awaited with eager anticipation. The story is told with a surprisingly precise sense of the supernatural aura that surrounds Mormon history itself, especially as it manifests itself in the 'testimony' borne by modern believers. To a gentile growing up surrounded by it, an ardent love of the church and its teachings is one of the most salient characteristics of expressions made about it by its followers. A less blatant expression, but no less potent one, is a fear of the church and its retribution for non-conformity or apostasy. At the time of events narrated in the novel, when the young church collectively labored not just for legitimacy but for survival, that fear may have been the predominant organizing principle, especially where the rights of women were involved.

The Healing Journey is wonderful, uplifting and I highly recommend it. The author offers solutions to living life succesfully with the day-to-day realities of our life by introducing simple and powerful tools for transformation, leading you to stop judging (mainly yourself) and to start practicing another way of life. John Prieskorns personal stories and lesson will heal your heart. This inspiring book is a must read.

That wondrous something that dwells within us all, is revealed through John's book. He has captured the essence of discovery of "self" and the path it takes to achieve enlightnment. John has taken his experience and put into a format that frees the reader to obtain a workable principle for mastery. This is a book not only for my students, but for students of life. Thank you John for being a leader among lifes confusion.

Dr. Prieskorn offers up a beautiful story about his ongoing conversations with God. The story is told in simple, every-day language with examples that everyone can relate to. A great book for the holiday season!

This book does a wonderfull job of displaying many of the sights and hidden treasures of the oft overlooked finger lakes region. Many of the photos include bits of history and indian lore from long ago. The photos do not disappoint, and display the 4 seasons in all their glory. Summer sunsets are mixed with lush green spring scenes, and of course fall is represented with all it's brilliant color. Mr McCarthy's book does not forget winter as do many pictorials of the area. Instead, snowy Christmas scenes are shown along with bleak, cold January images that will have the reader craving a hot bowl of soup and a warm fire. Despite the bleak Upstate winters, Mr McCarthy finds images of beauty in the ice and snow that are hard to forget. The stars of the book... the Finger Lakes are each represented along with a brief description of their size and length. I find this to be a excellent gift to give to visitors or friends who have left the area. I have one one my coffee table and it is the first thing visitors pick up when they come in. Since the Finger Lakes encompass such a large area, many locals will remark that they have never been to the places pictured in the book, though they live only a short drive away. This would make a good gift for those who have the urge to explore the area.

I was overwhelmed with joy and melancholy when I cracked open this beautiful book. I am a former resident of Central New York (having lived near Conesus, Otisco and Skaneatles Lakes, and enjyoing trips with my father on Cayuga Lake, where he kept a 24 foot cabin cruiser for 5 years). Not only are the McCarthys skilled photographers, but the area itself is worthy of such a compendium. I particularly appreciated John McCarthy's descriptions of set-ups and time of day for particular shots, as well as the commentary regarding the history of the area. I've ordered several more copies for old friends who love the area as much as I do, and new friends who will once they take a look.

This is an absolutely beautiful pictorial book of our region. We gave these as thank you gifts to 16 speakers (10 were from other states) who spoke at a special anniversary conference we held this month. Since this conference is always in December, we wanted to showcase our area in all of the seasons. This book was very well received.

"Eight American Poets," edited by Joel Conarroe, is a fine anthology. The introduction notes that this book was "designed as a companion volume to 'Six American Poets,'" also edited by Conarroe. "Eight" follows the same plan as "Six": rather than anthologize a huge company of poets who are represented by only a few pieces each, each of Conarroe's books focuses on a relatively small group of poets, each of whom is represented by a substantial selection. Conarroe's approach allows the reader to get a fuller feel of each poet in the anthology format.

The poets of "Eight" are Theodore Roethke, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Lowell, John Berryman, Anne Sexton, Sylvia Plath, Allen Ginsburg, and James Merrill. Each poet's work is prefaced by a substantial individual introduction.

There are many masterpieces in this book. Curiously, I found the most compelling poems to be those that focus on nature: Roethke's "The Meadow Mouse," Bishop's "The Fish," Plath's "Mushrooms," and Merrill's "The Octopus." Poems like these combine skillfully used language with keen insight, and reveal these poets to be true heirs of Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson (two of the featured artists in "Six American Poets").

Overall, I felt that "Eight" was not as strong as its sister volume, "Six." Although there are many poetic masterpieces in "Eight," there is also much material which, in my opinion, hasn't aged well. The so-called "confessional poetry" of some of these writers strikes me as overwrought. Some of the longer poems failed to resonate with me. I was particularly disappointed by Berryman's "Homage to Mistress Bradstreet," especially since I am an admirer of Anne Bradtreet's own work. Admittedly, this criticism may merely reflect my own personal tastes, but I submit it for the reader's consideration.

The fact that so many of these poets either wrote about each other, or pop up in the editor's introductions to each others' work, sometimes gives the book as a whole a creepy, incestuous feel. And the fact that so many of these poets committed suicide, had long-term mental health problems, and/or suffered from addictions further gives the book as a whole a rather morbid feel. On second thought, maybe this group of eight is a bit problematic!

Still, editor Conarroe has assembled an impressive anthology that I would recommend for students and teachers, as well as to a general readership. Although a mixed bag, "Eight American Poets" contains some truly enduring work by an octet whose legacy is secure.

.........the best known and loved poetry of eight well-known twentieth century American poets. Includes well known poems such as Bishop's "The Fish", Roethke's "My Papa's Waltz", Berryman's "Dream Songs", Merrill's "Lost in Translation", Sexton's "Ringing the Bells", and many others.

Like Conarroe's "Six American Poets", the anthology introduces us to each poet with a short biography that is presented before the poet's work. We learn about their lives and come to understand some of the primary forces that have shaped their poetry. I have found that this greatly enriches the experience of reading poetry because I better see the struggles that lead to each individual creation. After each collection, Conarroe offers a list of books and anthologies where each poet has been published so that we, should we wish, can come to know the work of a given poet much better.

This anthology is a wonderful starting place for someone who, like me, desires an introduction to some of the greatest American poetry ever produced. Personally, I feel, after reading this anthology that I have come to truly appreciate the work of Elizabeth Bishop and Theodore Roethke, in particular. I had never known their work well, but suddenly each jumped off the page at me, Bishop for her wonderfully vivid descriptions and Roethke for his intensely moving subjects. Plath and Sexton also really spoke to me, their work so reflecting their lives. Overall, this anthology is superbly worthwhile reading!

Ah, a fine comparison and contrast in studies on the eight best American confessional poets ever. Kudos to the editor on a fine choice of poems, and candid biographies on each poet. Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, Allen Ginsberg, John Berryman, Theodore Roethke, Elizabeth Bishop and the other guy, here's to you.

I received this book as a Christmas present and have really enjoyed it. It is a neat addition to any kitchen, as it offers some wonderful tips. I don't know how often I use this book, but if I remember to consult it, I generally find something that helps out while I'm cooking.

The day I got this book, my husband was making bread and wanted to know how to soften butter. I immediately grabbed this book, which answered our questions.

This book has tons of great information and creative ideas (Melt chocolate on your coffee burner! Use a condiment shaker filled with flour to lightly flour work surfaces! Wedge a wine cork below the handle of a lid so you can have something to grab onto without burning your hand!) Very useful and practical information.

Lots of useful tips, with illustrations.