This is a particuarly useful guide to each and every Roman emperor - including usurpers/failed coup leaders who called themselves emperor, and including East and West. It is a terrific "gap-filler" if one is seeking a biography of an obscure or forgotten Augustus. (Contrary to received Hollywood wisdom, the princeps was usually called "Augustus," the title "Caesar being reserved for the heir apparent or junior emperor.) This is particularly useful when we get to the cast of thousands who occupied the throne in the Third Century.

Grant's great strength is his sobriety: he refuses, utterly, to be drawn into hysterics about mad emperors like the fool Commodus (as caricatured by Joaquin Phoenix's in "Gladiator") or the sun-worshipping Heliogabus (compare the more credulous popular works which insist Heliogabus was a depraved hemaphrodite), and he disdains the "whig" history which tends to idolize the later Christian emperors and demonize those earlier rulers who threw churchgoers to the lions.

The incomparable Michael Grant delivers again with this erudite anthology of concise yet richly rewarding bios of the rulers of Imperial Rome, from Augustus thru the end of the Western Empire. Each Imperial bio is structured roughly the same, covering family background, methodology of accession, overview of reign, a general judgment of the character of both the Emperor and his time in power, and then more often than not quotes from primary sources like Suetonious or Dio Cassius giving contemporary physical and psychological descriptions of the Princeps. All the entries come with a thumbnail sized portrait of the subject, either lifted from sculptured busts or numismatic sources.

What truly makes this book work is of course Grants smoothly lucid prose, equally suitable for scholar and laymen alike. He command of classical history is so complete, he can embody vast amounts of useful information in just a few paragraphs. As a source book for research or as reference for the casual reader, this book cannot be beat.

This is an excellent book which offers an overview of the emperors of Roman history, beginning with Caesar Augustus (the "august one" who was first among equals). This book does not and cannot provide an in-depth view of each emperor's life and times & politics. Indeed, great individuals such as Augustus, Claudius, Hadrian & Marcus Aurelius warrant entire volumes dedicated to them separately. However, Grant does a wonderful job of giving his readers a "taste" of each ruler's reign as well as some useful (and sometimes colorful) anecdotes about their lives.

This is a tremendous book for those who would like a nice quick-and-easy history of the Romans who wore the purple. For those who would like more in-depth books that cover certain epochs (and I hope there are many of you out there), Grant has written books such as "12 Caesars" and "The Antonines" & some others which go into much more detail, but have less scope (timeline wise) than the present book.

Dr Hooper does an excellent job on Roman Realities. He not only does a fine job in outlining the history of Rome's transition from Republic to Empire but he also highlights the price of that empire. The inability of the Romans to adjust to the changes that hegemony brought about contained the seeds of its own destruction.

Hoopers narrative is clear and concise and is easily understood by students or laymen. As is pointed out in an excellent review below it is a bit outdated in some areas but its analysis is so well done that few books published on the empire today can match this wonderful book. The reflection on the causes of the fall of Rome are worth the price of the book itself.

Reading Hooper brings to light that fact that much of Roman history is a foreshadowing of the realities empires in every era face.

The late Dr. Hooper's terse style is like the Romans he tells of: to the point, shorn of excess, straightforward. The tone of the book matches the expression of the bust of Caracalla that adorns the cover: gravitas personified. He spends more time on the Republic than on the Empire, and breaks off during the Civil Wars for a chapter on Latin letters and poetry (a subject taken again in his "Roman Letters"). Hooper covers all the highlights in highly readable fashion. A fine general/introductory book on the subject, written in magistral fashion. -Lloyd Conway

I read Roman Realities for a class that I had to take for Roman History, although we only touched on a few of the earlier aspects of the book, it is still a great book just to read, even if it wasn't assigned for a class! If you have any intrest to learn about the Rome in any way, go ahead and get this book!

Just the finest exposition of Romans in print. Charles Hodge was from old Princeton and carried on the covenantal theological tradition of Turretin from Geneva. His exegetical commentary is faithful to the original language, theologically faithful and profound. One of the first books for a theological library.

Charles Hodge was one of the foremost reformed theologians of the old conservative Princeton group. A distinguished man of letters and hermeneutic scholar he presents the encyclical of Paul to the church at Rome in a logical and systematic manner with philological references throughout. Dr. Gorden H. Clark considered it to be the definitive work on the epistle.

The commentary will be more useful to the advanced student in that it presumes thorough knowledge of Greek, New Testament history and reformed apologetics. Those interested in a less tedious work should consider John Murray's "The Epistle to the Romans" (ISBN: 0802843417).

a stellar commentary which covers all the main [points of Romans.. Proves that the old is not the poorer. Hodge is an old master. Highly recommended..

"The Rosetta Stone of God" is not your typical "how I found God" story. Through a combination of luck, grace, discipline, trust and effort, the author pieces together 12 startling "aspects" of "God". Each aspect is expanded upon in its own chapter and then tied together beautifully at the end in a handy "Seeker's Checklist". He cites his own experiences as well as dreams, coincidences and his research of various texts and finds a cohesive thread running through all of them. His effort, perservance and ingenuity I found very inspiring. Also, the straightforward presentation eschews fluffy, cosmic, mumbo jumbo for clarity, simplicity and even logic. It was worth several reads to me.

Also recommended:"The Secret Language of Waking Dreams" by Mike Avery; "35 Golden Keys to Who You Are & Why You're Here" by Linda Anderson; "Autobiography of a Modern Prophet", "The Living Word: Book 2" and "A Modern Prophet" all 3 by Harold Klemp.

The Rosetta Stone of God is exactly the book my heart was seeking on these shelves. I ran across the most amazing and healing quote on pg.230....

"Man confuses self-knowledge with the knowledge of his conscious ego-personality," say the Shariyat." One who has any ego-consciousness at all takes it for granted that he knows himself. But the ego knows only its own contents, not the psychic self and its contents. Man measures his self-knowledge by what the average person in his social environment knows of himself, not the real spiritual facts which are for the most part hidden from him."

This quote simply woke up my heart center! :-) What an amazing book James Davis has shared with us. :-)

While working for a forest protection agency as part of a fire-fighting crew, the author fell through a wall of branches and found himself teetering on the end of a log as it jutted out over the edge of a cliff. Some thirty feet below are jagged boulders. Pitching forward and falling, he is saved by the firm hand of an unseen loving presence that pushes him back to safety and solid ground. So begins the first of six miracles experienced by James Davis. He calls thems gifts intended to open a different window to heaven. The book details a natural progression of insights drawn from his personal experiences, dreams, and synchronicities of a mysterious key which keeps appearing at various intervals in his path. The Egyptian Rosetta Stone is a historical key which unlocked writings of a lost civilization. Mr Davis' "Rosetta Stone of God" similarly unlocks "treasures from the vaults of heaven" by reminding us of our own gifts. The book is a call to spiritual adventure, a nudge to be more alert and aware of the synchroncities, turning points and miracles in our own lives. If you like reading " Celestine Prophecy", or books by Deepak Chopkra, James Van Praagh, Dr. Michael Weiss, Joan Grant, or Dr Michael Newton, you will appreciate this author's work. Mr Davis invites readers to document your own personal experiences: keep daily notes- a living travelog of your life, including the discoveries that are special to just you. I like this book. It is clear, timely, and highlights alternative choices, options for facing todays current challenges and issues. Highly recommended for those seriously interested in spiritual knowledge and spiritual adventure.

Highly recommended! Especially for those Christians like me who respect zen as a philosophy rather than a religion as a branch of Buddhism, and have the vague perception that zen can be practised as a style of life without compromising one's faith.

Highly recommended reading. The author is very direct, i didn't have to try and figure out what he meant.

Terence Grant describes a process of personal change through self-understanding and God's power. He describes how we struggle to attain some ideal and yet we are unable to attain the ideal through our own power. Instead we can gain freedom by learning to live in the present moment and listening to God in prayer. Mr. Grant provides a viable way of personal change without self-improvement.

I've been saying this Novena for almost 20 years. It has been a source of comfort and strength to me and anyone I have recommended it to. The only place I've been able to find this book in recent years is at Amazon!

This book is a wonderful way to increase our awareness of the power of prayer and to help us realize that Our Blessed Mother always listens to us. I am glad I could finally get another copy!

This is a long Novena. It is 27 days of asking and 27 days of Thanksgiving. My mother has been saying this Novena for years. Not until I was over 30 did I borrow hers. I believe in this Novena. It is very powerful. As the book states, "A laborious Novena, but a Novena of Love. You who are sincere will not find it too difficult, if you really wish to obtain your request."

preface 7
I. America's religious panorama 9
II. basic differences between Catholicism and Protestantism 18
III. the Lutherans 25
IV. the Presbyterians 39
V. the Espiscopalians 49
VI. the Methodists 60
VII. the Baptists 72
VIII. the Disciples of Christ and the Churches of Christ 81
IX. the United Churchmen 89
X. the Quakers 96
XI. the Perfectionists 104
XII. the Pentacostals 108
XIII. the Seventh-Day Adventists 117
XIV. other Protestants 125
the Moravians 125
the Mennonites 127
the Reformed 130
the Christian Reformed 131
the Brethren 131
the Salvationists 134
the Convenanters 136
XV. the Unitarian Universalists 138
XVI. the Eastern Orthodox 145
XVII. the Old Catholics 152
XVIII. the Cultists 167
the Swedenborgians 168
the Spiritualists 169
the Unity School of Christianity 171
the New Thoughters 173
the Worldwide Church of God 175
the Hare Krishnas 177
the Scientologists 178
the Moonies 179
XIX. the Mormons 184
XX. the Jehovah's Witnesses 198
XXI. the Christian Scientists 207
XXII. the Jews 218
XXIII. the Muslims 226
XXIV. the Baha'is 230
XXV. the Buddists 238
church membership statistics 241
general bibliography 247
index 249

252 pages total

Of all the books on my shelf, Wm. Joseph Whalen's Separated Brethren is among the most instructive and the least dispensable. This is the first book I bought after converting to Catholicism, but that is not why I treasure it. Its pages are now yellowed and its cover worn, but I treasure it because it has everything I want in a book. It is concise, easy to read, gripping and addresses an issue that anyone who seeks truth should examine if he is truly sincere in his search. Which Church is the true one? Whalen answers this clearly by presenting the facts of history.

Whalen's Separated Brethren is not apologetic in style, but it is apologetic in effect as it enumerates with certainty the post-apostolic origins of non-Catholic, Christian religions. Like Foxe's Book of Martyrs? Read this. You will be blown away when you see the other side of the coin. Are you a Christian who would like to see the early Church restored? Read this and find that She never died. She is, perhaps, unrecognizable, but only because She has grown more wise and beautiful.

Whalen also brings together in one volume the teachings of all the mainline Protestant traditions, as well as some cults and some non-Christian traditions. I would like this book to be in the hands of every Catholic who thinks that it doesn't matter which church you go to. They are NOT all the same.

A quote from "Critic" on the back cover calls this book "a masterpiece of synthesis." Well said.

"Separated Brethren" was first published 40 years ago and has been revised and updated twice since then. That this book is still around is proof of its being an excellent one-volume reference guide on religious denominations in the United States; I myself found this title very instructive and well-written. The book mostly concerns Christian denominations not in union with the Roman Catholic Church, yet author William J. Whalen includes non-Christian religions as well, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, the Baha'i faith, and the better-known cults. Given the fact that Mr. Whalen is Catholic and Our Sunday Visitor is a well-known Catholic publishing house, the book compares the beliefs of the "separated brethren" to Catholic teaching, yet it is remarkably objective at the same time. Mr. Whalen does not fall into a condescending or critical mode; he simply discusses the origins of the different churches and describes their beliefs. He will at times provide slightly droll commentary on teachings that appear odd to mainstream Christians, especially teachings from denominations that claim to be Christian such as the Mormons and the Jehovah's Witnesses. A lot, though, has happened in the non-Catholic religious world since this third edition of "Separated Brethren" came out in 1979; take, for example, the merger of two major Lutheran churches in the United States; the establishment of ultra-traditionalist Catholic groups which have separated from Rome; the rise of Messianic Judaism; renewed debates in the larger Protestant denominations on matters of morality; increased defections of conservative Anglicans/Episcopalians into the Catholic Church; and the role of the Orthodox churches in a post-Communist Russia and Eastern Europe. All these events, plus the hopelessly outdated church figures some 20-plus years old, make it necessary for the book to be revised as soon as possible.

Albin Roman has written a very exciting and compelling novel. As a reader, I was captivated from the very first page. If you are looking for an exciting adventure story, I highly recommend The Silver Dollar Eyes.

I belive that Ms. Felton meant "Two Thumbs Up" but I agree with her. What a wonderful book. I missed a few things on my cruise because I could not put it down. How can we make a movie on this one? Bogart was always there - mystery, suspense and adventure.It's a guy thing but women would love it too.Recommended for everyone.Thank you Albin!!

Nothing adrift on this fast paced New Guinea adventure tale. The reader is hurled through bloody beatings, gun shots, getaways and explosions. Seduced by the greed of pursuing valuable silver dollars is a cast of quirky characters including a gutsy newspaper journalist. His snappy dialogue and humorous descriptions are reminiscent of television's Sgt. Joe Friday of the 50's and Private Eye Phillip Marlow of the 60's....Refreshing to journey through a novel without encountering "R" rated language and "X" rated scenes but simply appreciate the quick tongue and fast impressions of its author. The Silver Dollar Eyes is entertaining from start to finish with its sharp wit and no nonsense style of writing amidst a plot of continuous surprises!

I have recently started rereading Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster with my wife. We are seeking to live out the Spiritual Disciplines in our lives. I have found "Spiritual Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups on the Twelve Spiritual Disciplines" by Richard J. Foster and Emilie Griffin to be an invaluable resource in doing so.

The book is divided into fifty-two chapters which are excerpts from works by famous devotional writers of the past. Each chapter focuses on one of the spiritual disciplines from "Celebration of Discipline." Each chapter contains an introduction to the author, the excerpt itself, a Biblical selection that complements the text, suggested spiritual exercises, recommendations for further reading, and a reflection by Richard Foster.

I found the chapters of "Spiritual Classics" not only useful...but thought provoking. Each chapter examines a different facet of the spiritual disciplines. The chapter on fasting by Catherine Marshall was particularly thought provoking for me.

"Spiritual Classics" is a great resource for those trying to live out the spiritual disciplines. I readily recommend it to anyone seeking to follow the narrow path of Jesus Christ. Get a copy today...and read it.

There are five learning outcomes you will gain after reading this book:

1. Introduction and exposure to some of the major Christian
thinkers thoughout time and
history.
2. Begin to explore your personal relationship
with God in a systematic and formalized mannor.
3. Gain basic religous literacy.
4. Experence some methodogies in theological reflection.
5. Begin to understand the princaples and processes of
spiritual systems, and how they impact God, humanity and the
natural environment.

Strongly recommended to all who are interested in learning how to put theory into practice in ones personal spiritual life and ones public vocational life. For, this book will help you put theory into practice by exposing you to good role-models, provide you with excerpts of the writings from these good role-models on important spiritual and theological matters, and gives you reflective questions and activities to complete, with additional comentary and a biblograpgy to go deeper on a person and/or topic.

Great sampler of classic work. It will lead to further exploration of the writers who move you. Love it.

You can't go wrong with a book by Paul Keenan. Father Keenan makes the Stages of the Soul understandable for everyone. Do not miss this book. No kidding.

Father Keenan has done it again! He has penned his compassion thoroughly on these pages, while conveying to readers the essential message of their most inner selves: the soul. Understanding the essence of this seemingly complex subject becomes simple through the examples and advice in this book. It is more than reader-friendly; Father Keenan makes it feel like you're actually walking with him through the stages while he explains to you what you are experiencing. God's love exudes from the guidance provided in the book, and your comprehension of life's most fundamental nature --- the soul ---will be enhanced.

STAGES OF THE SOUL, is a wonderful voyage through the numerous stages in life's journey. Father Keenan acts as a guide directing us along life's highway. By offering insight into the inner workings of our soul, he shows us that our journey although often difficult is never spent alone. We learn that like a compass, listening to our souls will guide us to spiritual well being. Father Keenan's latest book, STAGES OF THE SOUL gets my wholehearted endorsement. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I did.