Julius Caesar's opponents in the Roman Senate are putting him under increasing ridicule, as a result of the continued resistance of the tiny village in the north of Gaul, which refuses to submit to Roman hegemony.
His latest plan involves the use of an agent, who has a remarkable talent to cause enmity and conflict, wherever he goes.
Before he gets to use his cunning in his attempts to neutralize the village, we get to observe his talents, with all who he comes into contact with.
Before long, Tortuous Convulvulus has sown the seeds of slander, jealousy and calumny in the Gaullish village, causing Asterix, Obelix and Getafix to leave the village.
Can our friends once more foil the Romans and preserve the independence of the village?
This Asterix album comes complete with a handy little battle guide, and once more is filled with the puns and wit we have come to expect from Goscinny and Uderzo.
In this album we get to examine the divide and rule tactics of the Roman Empire, which where used so well by the British Empire, and in the 20th century the Communist Empire. It is also used today with great effect in one party states to neutralize opposition.

This is a must read for everyone. This comics illustrates how politicians play double cross with people. Just read it for fun & then think whether the situation is same in today's real life as well!

I would recommend this book to any one. I have read several times and I enjoy it just as much every time. Not that many people have heard of Asterix, but you should really get this book!

In his book 'Caminemos con Jesus: Toward a Hispanic/Latino Theology of Accompaniment', Roberto S. Goizueta challenges prevailing notions of theology even in the more liberal wing of the academy. Much of modern Western theology is devised by people of different creeds and colours, but primarily using Western ideology and culture as a point from which to start. In basing his theology on Hispanic/Latino culture, a growing but still far-from-dominant culture in political, social and academic terms, Goizueta invites the reader to look at theology from an underside of powerlessness, oppression and neglect. This can have long range impact on the future of the church and society in the West, and in particular North America, as the Hispanic/Latino community continues to grow in numbers, in strength and in an insistence on being heard.

Perhaps the key question Goizueta asks is this: 'How can Hispanics articulate their own theology, rooted in their own experience?' Being a member of this community, Goizueta attempts what he admits is one man's attempt at devising such a theology. Beginning with the popular Catholicism that permeates much of Hispanic culture, Goizueta looks in a somewhat systematic way the various theological issues that arise: how to look at God, Jesus, Mary, the human person, human action and events, theological processes themselves, and finally what many liberation theologians focus upon, God's preferential option for the poor.

Aliens
In his chapter 'Learning to Walk in an Alien Land', Goizueta looks at social location, a sociological term that essentially means 'context'. Goizueta looks at the in-between status of Hispanics in America, and draws on some of his own experience and biographical information to highlight the linguistic and analytical problems of doing an Hispanic theology.

Caminemos con Jesus
In the next chapter on 'US Hispanic Popular Catholicism', Goizueta looks specifically at ritual aspects of Catholicism as practiced by the Hispanic community in North America today. With special emphasis on Holy Week and devotionals to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Goizueta shows the special regard that Hispanics have for certain aspects, and where some of the meanings can be diffferent from mainstream, non-Hispanic Catholicism. Like many Christians, the Hispanic view of the Holy Week and the Our Lady celebrations on December 12 are not mere re-enactments, but are part of the ongoing life of the miracles of God. This sets a strong stage of the idea of accompaniment.

Nosotros
In this chapter on 'The Community as the Birthplace of the Self', Goizueta develops a unique view of the self from a US Hispanic perspective. The human person here is highly relational, intrinsically communal, and thus somewhat at odds with prevailing notions of individuality. Drawing on images and stories set out in the first two chapters (which is a trend that Goizueta will continue in future chapters), this sense of self is intensely personal while remaining general enough to be useful for other to draw insight from.

Beauty or Justice?
In this chapter, Goizueta looks at 'The Aesthetic Character of Human Action'. Developing definitions of praxis, liberation praxis, and the idea of praxis as aesthetics, Goizueta builds an argument for empirical analysis coupled with traditional sensibilities in the US Hispanic community. He goes on in the next chapter to develop these ideas.

Beauty and Justice
What a difference one word can make! In this chapter, Goizueta considers 'Popular Catholicism as Human Action'. Looking at Western models such as Aristotle, Marx, other Latin American theologians, and drawing heavily upon Jose Vasconcelos, Goizueta sets out a notion of human action that is meaningful and beautiful in a more philosophical sense -- that which is good and just for the community. The importance of ethical relationships on all levels of the socio-politico-economic spectrum to enhance the overall worshipfulness and spirit of the community is a key idea here.

Being Reasonable
In this section, Goizueta looks at the high end of theology, examining 'Modernity, Postmodernity, and the US Hispanic Theologian'. One surprising aspect of this chapter is that Goizueta argues against traditional North American pluralistic attitudes, in theology and in other fields. Goizueta fears for the integrity of his theological enterprise, in that it will not be given the relevance or importance it should have.

'In North American pluralism, however, such an option can only be one among other equally valid options. That is precisely how US Hispanic theology will be treated: as one among many equally valid and 'enriching' options.'

This is surprising, though it shouldn't be. Not all ideas are equally valid for anyone. Goizueta makes an important point here, worth hearing on many levels.

Hacia Una Teologia de Acompanamiento
In this final chapter, 'The Preferential Option for the Poor and the Proper Place of Theology', Goizueta finally puts forward his ideas of the theology of accompaniment referenced in the title of the text. Goizueta argues strongly for this preferential option, being a natural outgrowth of the connection between his ideas of organic anthropology and prevailing conditions and cultures in Latin America which US Hispanics carry with them. The idea of accompaniment has many implications, including a recognition of the value of human beings regardless of gender (not always a given among Catholic US Hispanics) as well as a recognition of the importance of theological themes all through life: in the home, in the workplace, in the social arena.

It is our task, regardless of our starting point, to walk with, or accompany, these people. To walk with the poor does not simply mean a geographic relocation. It means becoming intensely aware of their conditions -- body, mind, spirit, hope, future -- and how these things differ from mainstream Western culture. It also has a call to the development of interior life, as a means of strengthening the identity of those from whom culture often robs or ignores.

Goizueta's work is simply fantastic. Steeped in philosophy, theology and the context of US Hispanic culture, Goizueta thoroughly articulates a US Hispanic theology that takes seriously the unique cultural and social location of US Hispanics. Furthermore, he shows the relationship between Latin American liberation theology and US Hispanic theology. Importantly, he offers a much needed corrective to the Latin American understanding of praxis through his emphasis on the aesthetic character of human action. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in contemporary theology, US Hispanic theology and religion, liberation theology or religion and culture.

In this excellent volume on Hispanic theology, Roberto Goizueta shares with a universal audience the power and insights that originate in the Latino and Latina community in the United States. I have a great appreciation for his approach and read the book while taking a course under his tutelage at Boston College.

For me, the most powerful insight of the Hispanic approach is its emphasis on community--a reality which our postmodern culture would do well to rediscover! As much as we prefer to think of ourselves as self-determined individualists, the reality is that much of who were are is given at birth. We come from a particular culture and ethnic group and we are products of the communities in which we are raised. Given this viewpoint, Hispanic theology argues for "the intrinsically relational character of the person" and this insight offers profound repercussions for how we must relate to the poor and the marginalized (page 182).

Goizueta does not argue for determinism, but for appreciation of the role which our communities play in offering meaning and shape to our lives. In giving us this insight, he crafts a theology which is imminently pastoral in its approach and which allows us to accompany the Hispanic community as it understands itself to be "walking with Jesus."

This is an excellent commentary and translation of the 1983 Code of Canon Law. Prepared under the auspices of the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland, it contains all the canons of the 1983 Code in a fresh English translation (approved by eight Bishops' Conferences worldwide) and a canon-by-canon commentary with footnotes and cross-references. The translation is accurate and clear, and the commentary is good, easy to understand and practical.

This volume is not overly verbose, unlike some commentaries, yet it packs in a lot of material to help even the lay-reader understand and apply the canon in his/her life/situation. It is a highly practical and pastoral commentary, that seeks to help the reader understand the canons in the light of the tradition of the Catholic Church enunciated through the teachings of Vatican II. Strong theology and ecclesiology permeates through the entire commentary, and in my opinion, it does a far better job than other American commentaries I have read. A fresh approach of this commentary is its views of canon laws as guides on the path to salvation, rather than as the ecclesiastical counterpart to civil laws aimed at restricting freedom.

Pope John Paul II described the 1983 Code as "the final document of Vatican II." This commentary can be described as permeating with the authentic teachings and thoughts of Vatican II. You need not agree with all the commentaries of the canons, but it has done an overall excellent job with providing a scholarly and faithful interpretation of this venerable tradition of the Catholic Church called Canon Law.

This commentary of the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland reminds me of the Homeletic and Pastoral Review -- a magazine which strives to be simultaneously orthodox, pastoral and accessible to the average reader. In my opinion, this commentary is a success for these reasons.

As a canonist who does freelance writing on the side for a variety of popular Catholic publications, and who often finds himself teaching canon law to non-canonists, this is the commentary I most often cite when doing so. Again, because it is orthodox, pastoral and written at a level most Catholics can understand. Its larger print layout only facilitates the ease with which one reads it. For those seeking a commentary for reference purposes, this is the way to go. It is very much like the family Bible one keeps on one's bookshelf.

This is a Commentary on the revised Code of Canon Law, which was promulgated by the Roman Catholic Church in 1983. This particular Commentary is a joint endeavor by the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland, and the Canadian Canon Law Society. The writers are some of the finest canonists in the English speaking world. Their approach is both pastoral and scholarly. That is, every commentator makes an educated and obvious effort to provide practical answers to contemporary problems of the Christian Faithful today. This is not the first Commentary on the revised Code, but that has its advantage. It includes the benefit of twelve years of public reaction to the Code, once it was enacted to succeed the previous Code of 1917. The word "Catholic" means universal. To provide an organized and comprehensive Commentary on such a Code is a work of staggering proportion. These professional and learned Societies have completed this work and made a tremendous contribution to Catholic Church intellect.

I would recommend this book to anybody who desires a reference book covering Catholic subjects. It is a superb companion to the Catholic Study Bible and/or the Catholic Catechism. The book clearly and thoroughly defines pertinent terms and concepts.

This encyclopedia is a wonderful source for reference material and provides itself as a valuable study aid aswell. For Catholics and non-Catholics alike the contents of this encyclopedia help to solve many questions about the faith. Everything in this encyclopedia is relevant to the Catechism and the Holy Scriptures. With this book you will be asking less questions and finding many answers.

This is the third most must-have book (Behind the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church)for any Catholic or person curious about Catholicism in general. It has the Imprimatur and the Nihl Obstat, the official "go-ahead" of the Catholic Church for books; in other words, nothing in this book misrepresents any of the official teachings or goes against matters of faith and morals. This book is a wonderful resource of knowledge that augments the Catechism in a way that is easy to understand. The Catechism lays down the blueprint of what Catholics believe, this book helps flesh it out. It explains in more detail things put forth by the Catechism. I use it all the time in my research and it has proven to be invaluable.

The profound wisdom in this book is born out of a lifetime of growth in the context of Christian community with the poor that Jean Vanier has been immersed in for almost 40 years. This book is not only interested in giving structural and personal tips for creating a healthy and God-centered community; it actually is like Jean Vanier's manifesto in terms of his paradigm of why community life is important and how God teaches special and beautiful things in the context of communities. He is such an effective writer. He is able to exhort the reader to want to pursue community life, but without being overly idealistic and ignoring the many complex difficulties that arise. Jean exhorts the reader to pursue community life not because it will be easy and always meet all our needs, but because it brings tremendous growth and because God's love and calling are bigger than the problems that come up in community. This is the best book I have ever read on community, and I will likely read it again.

Vanier takes an in-depth look at community life and living through his experiences with the L'Arche community in France.

This Biblically-based book offers excellent insights, tips, rules and suggestions for how to build a healthy community.

The book is a wonderful primer for anyone considering the possibility of living in Christian community.

Jean Vanier's Community and Growth sheds such light on the topic of community. The richness flows from years of keen observation, experience, reflection, and prayer on this issue. Vanier has lived and breathed community, not just studied it. Humility and grace flow from each page. Vanier's servant leadership in the l'Arche communities is a wonderful living witness to the world of what Christian love looks like fleshed out. A real strength in this book is Vanier's insight into human nature. Even as Christians we are a mixture of light and darkness. But God's grace shines through when we accept others as they are. Yet at the same time, the community beckons each individual member to grow more Christlike. This book teaches us how to live in any kind of community: the home, church, small group, or any gathering. Vanier writes that a true community "provides a sense of belonging and an orientation of life to a common goal and common witness" (p.10). With such clarity and perception Vanier paints a vivid picture of community for us: the importance of unity, forgiveness, mission, selflessness, communication, celebration, humility, and respect for authority. Community and Growth helps us along the journey of "life together." There are some books that are to be read once. And there are others to be read and reread. This book invites us to return to it over and over--like an old friend.

The life of this great martyr and St is filled with so much laughter, danger, fun and excitement. It tells the story of a brave young man that dodged the police in the time of the persecution in Mexico to bring the Sacrements to the dying. His life ends in the most heroic way, after serving God and man on earth, he became a martyr for Christ. He is a shining example of what a true Christian should be. He is my hero. His life is so humorous and exciting you won't be able to put the book down. This is definitely the greatest book. I would recommend it for everyone, young and old.

Thank you Ann Ball for bringing to life for us this beautiful saint in such a beautiful way. Truly inspiring.

BLESSED MIGUEL PRO--20th-Century Mexican Marytr. Ann Ball (author of Modern Saints). 119 Pp. PB. 48 Illus. Fast-paced true Catholic adventure story of the famous young Jesuit who was executed in1927 for the "crime" of being a Catholic priest. His underground ministry via bicycle, narrow escapes, great sense of humor and saintly heart. A gripping and inspiring story for all ages!

As a convert, I am fascinated by Catholic culture and strive to incorporate into my life those "little things" that make Catholic life different from everybody else's life. This book is a real resource of ideas for religious practices that will make God part of all your life, not just one hour a week on Sundays.

It lists lots of ideas of what you and your family can do on the holidays, feast days and special occasions. The book also includes specific recipes for that hoilday, the book lists prayers that every Catholic should know such as the Hail Mary and Our Father. The book also talks about important saints in our Catholic history.

This is a very good book if you want new and/or fun ways to experience your Catholic faith.

It is an excellent history reference, although people may not read it from page one to the end like reading a fiction. College students may use it for academic reference and research papers.

However, if you are into Roman historical novels such as Colleen McCullough "First Man in Rome", "Grass Crown"..., Gore Vidal "Julian", Robert Graves "I, Claudius"..., Henryk K. Sienkiewicz "Quo Vadis"; Roman era fantasies such as Pauline Gedge "The Eagle and the Raven", Donna Gillespie "The Light Bearer", it definitely adds complimentary flavor to your reading by being aware of the political and social environment of Roman Empire. The chapters are not essentially in chronological layout, but, for example, a chapter devoted to Roman arts and letters, another for daily lives of the social classes. Whilst you are reading your novel in the middle and want to find out more about a particular topic, simply refer to the Index and the relevant chapters.

You would enjoy the novels, and possibly Shakespeare's "Anthony and Cleopatra", and the movies "Ben-Hur", "Spartacus", "The Fall of Roman Empire", "Gladiator" even more. And "Cleopatra" and "Quo Vadis" were made movies too.

The part of Early Christianity in the latter chapters, would help you in reading the Gospels, the Acts, and letters from Paul and the disciples. In the same manner, it helps you to appreciate more in reading Christian historical fictions such as Sholem Asch "The Nazarene" "The Apostle", Thomas Costain "The Silver Chalice".

An additional recommendation is Vol 4. "Age of Faith", sole focus of which is the discussion of the religions Judaism, Christianity, Islam in the Middle Ages.

It's too bad so few people have taken the trouble to read or even review Durant. "The Story of Philosophy" was a best-seller in 1929. Tom Clancy & Patricia Cornwell (sic) get listings as long as the day is long, but Durant just gets in left in the corner ignored. It's a shame.

This book is excelent ancient rome history book.It is impossible to be not impress.

When I purchased this book, I thought it would focus solely on the history of the Bible and, more particularly, on the Church's role of forming the canon. To my chagrin, this book is quite light on Bible history.

However, I don't judge a book on my expectations, however misguided, but on its content. I was very pleased with the work. This book provides a short, yet thorough introduction of the place of Holy Scripture within the Church. Having accomplished that goal in a very readable and understandable style, Stravinskas then provides a brief glimpse of salvation history and how the Old Testament is completed by the New Testament and the New Testament is hidden in the Old Testament.

The "meat" of this book is in its explanation of the use of scripture during the Mass. Each line of the Mass is supported by reference to a biblical text. In short, Father Stravinskas utterly refutes any argument that the Mass is not "biblical."

Father Stravinskas concludes this work with a short appendix in which the Fundamentalist approach to scriptures, man's condition etc. is compared to that of the Catholic. It is hardly a thorough treatment of the subject, but it would not appear to me that either a Fundamentalist or Catholic Christian would dissaprove of the treatment of their respective theologies found in the latter portion of this book.

All total, Father Stravinskas' work is a good introduction into the Church's veneration, protection and use of scripture. It is concise, balanced in treatment and would make an excellent resource for Adult or Youth Religious instruction.

Fr. Stravinskas succeeds splendidly in showing that the Catholic church is not, nor has ever been, allergic to the Holy Scriptures. For those who doubt it, please read the book.
Nicely organized into sections that deal with various issues, the book concludes with a chapter giving a line-by-line analysis of the Biblical content of the mass followed by a chapter of questions and answers--the format in which Fr. Stravinskas shines.

Fr. Stravinskas has an intellect like a steel trap. It shows in this book. This book is an excellent outline and introduction to the subject of the Catholic Church and the Bible. Thankfully Fr. Stravinskas does make references to Holy Scripture and the new Catechism of the Catholic Church, along with a few excellent suggestions for further reading, which will be of help to the curious. Not polemical, the work will be useful to both Catholics and non-Catholics who are looking for an introduction to Holy Scripture and the Church which has so carefully preserved and guarded the Word of God for two millenia. If you are not familiar with the history of the Catholic Church and the Bible, or have only been exposed to anti-Catholic propaganda, this is the book for you. Fr. Stravinskas' love of God's Word is evident in his writing.

Breviary or Horologion?
This devotional prayer book got many features of the liturgy of the hours for praising The Lord, a Cathedral form of praise known in the West as The 'Divine Office' or breviary. In the East it started as a monastic office, in Pachom'ius' cenobitic Agpiya or Horologion, whose Basilica form was preserved in Bishop Serapion Horologion, now in the British Museum.
Msgr. Michael Buckley,SJ Compiled a beatiful praying companion, based on daily needs of the friars of Mendicant Orders whose members carried with them, on their travels that started in the twelve century. Same tradition is diffused in the Roman and their Unite Eastern Churches of a single all purpose salvific aid.

Introduction: how to pray?
The Cyrillic rule of prayer: Pray to The Father, with the name of The Son, in The Holy Spirit (St. Cyril, the pillar of faith), is here expressed in the Trinitarian devotion. It starts rightly with thanksgiving reflecting the ancient Roman Alexandrian fellowship from Athanasius to Cyril.The Christian life is a vocation of continuos unceasing prayer, which this small book intends to inspire you to share in every occasion.

Chrisms or means of Grace:
Sacraments of baptism, Eucharist, and reconciliation, with elaboration on the orders of Mass, or thankfulness. Now, read and pray one of the most spiritual, sanctifying prayer; Anima Christi, recommended by Ignatius of Loyola, Bonaventura's desire for closer union, and the adoration devotion. The beaty of this book is, a harmonious blend of ancient, medieval, and contemporary prayers, confirming the Mystical body of Christ, the bride ever longing to the Bridegroom in the quietness of the bridal room, the inner prayer place that Jesus asked us to recline in.

Prayer and prayers:
The Jesus prayer is a strong sign of the ecumenical trend of the Roman Church towards the Catholic or Universal Church, as a friend of mine insists our Lord asked to gather His mystical body, this is his message to be One. The Jesus prayer was the Lords own on the Publicans thought:" Lord have mercy on me a sinner, Kyria Elaison. St. Macarius called it "the arrow prayer", his disciple Evagrius Ponticus carried it with him, same way John Cassian, carried with him the Pachomian tradition into south France, where the Benedectine continued the way.

Conclusion:
This is a devotional life sharing prayer book, being Horologion or Breviary, does not prevent it to be a quiet but forceful way to carry your prayerful longing, Reformed or Orthodox you share in one Holy Catholic Apostolic Church, a praying body.

This prayer book is excellent for personal devotion and for a glimpse into the life of the Church. It includes a variety of prayers for many different occasions. The book is divided into three parts:

1) The Christian Vocation: This part includes prayers addressed to the Trinity. It contains the Jesus Psalter, the Litany of the Sacred Heart, the Way of the Cross, and the Devotion to the Five Sacred Wounds, as well as various Psalms and other prayers.

2) The Sacraments: This section has the prayers and liturgy relating to Baptism, the Eucharist, and Reconciliation. The latter is particularly useful in personal devotion since it contains excerpts from the penitential Psalms.

3) Prayer: This is the longest section and has daily prayers (e.g. morning prayers), family prayers (e.g. grace before meals), the Jesus prayer, and prayers for special occasions (e.g. for peace, for the harvest). It also has prayers to Mary and the Saints.

Although Michael Buckley wrote some of the prayers, most have been taken from famous Christian authors. They come from many periods of Church history, ranging from the earliest days until modern times. Prayers by notable Protestants such as T.S. Eliot and William Barclay are included, but most of the writers are Roman Catholic. I would recommend this book to everyone, Catholic or non-Catholic, who wants to enrich his/her prayer life.

This book has become a constant companion to me. The organization of the prayers makes it easy to find just the right prayer for any occasion. There are variations available to suit every taste. From very formal prayers to modern prayers. I would recommend this prayer book for anyone Catholic who wants to begin or enhance their prayer life.