Part of the well-researched series "The Communist International in Lenin's Time," this book contains the original manifestos, articles, documents and transcribed speeches that define the first congress of the Third (Communist) International in Moscow in 1919.

Inspired by the achievements of the workers and peasants in Russia under the leadership of the Bolsheviks, 51 workers' leaders representing 35 revolutionary organizations in 22 countries gathered in Moscow to launch a new world leadership organization to unite the toilers internationally.

These were fighters, striving to come together in order to strengthen one another's struggles against the capitalists and landlords in their home countries. They looked to the Bolsheviks as uncorrupted exemplars of the working people, courageous warriors of the oppressed. They sought to learn from the Bolsheviks how to accomplish in their own countries what had been achieved in Russia, that is, the destruction of the regime of the exploiters.

They launched a new international workers' organization which lasted for about six years before succumbing to the paralyzing effects of the Stalinist degeneration of the Russian revolution. But those six years saw the working out of a new form of revolutionary political activity which still stands as the model for the present generation of anti-capitalist fighters to absorb and emulate. The first four congresses of the Communist International were the revolutionary congresses, and subsequent volumes in this series continue the presentation of the original documents from those gatherings.

The task documented in this book is to form an international organization based on revolutionary, working-class parties; the goal is to replace the rule of imperialist war and slaughter with the rule of working-class solidarity. The task and the goal are paramount for humanity today as they were in1919 when the Russian Communist Party initiated this project after breaking the stranglehold of the Russian czars and forcing an end to the horror of World War I. Lenin, Trotsky and fifty other representatives from twenty-two states converged to launch the communist international. Their words, recorded in this well-annotated book, are totally relevant to today's young antiwar fighters.

This book is about the founding of an international revolutionary workers organization after the triumph that resulted in the world's first workers' republic: Soviet Russia. The delegates' reports of the revolutionary events in their countries, inspired by the workers' and peasants victory in Russia-in Finland, in Hungary, in Germany-read like a novel. The reports by the leaders of the Russian Revolution to the assembled delegates of the founding congress of the Communist International speak clearly to us today, to those who want to act for fundamental social change, about how capitalism and imperialism can't be reformed or tamed into "peace" but only make perpetual war for perpetual profits, the need to look at the world as part of an international class with interests in common across national boundaries (not whine about "our government" doing terrible things that "we" must feel guilty about and vote in some other criminal 'cause he/she is a Democrat and his/her wars will be "nicer", and maybe most important all: workers' democracy, like they had in Soviet Russia then, before it was rubbed out by Stalin-who was NOT any kind of communist-workers' democracy, like they have in Cuba to this day, is the "dictatorship" of the overwhelming majority, just like capitalist "democracy " is really the dictatorship of the billionaires. If this sounds to you anything like answers we need for today's world and what to do about it, then you are on the side of humanity against the side of the gods profit and dollar. So check this book out.

Hand-Held Visions: The Impossible Possibilities of Community Media by filmmaker, video activist, and media critic DeeDee Halleck (Professor of Communications, University of California at San Diego) is an amazing and unique guide to creating alternative videos and media to spread positive messages to change the world. Fiery, provocative, and vocal in her calling for solid defiance of the media giants that control the overwhelming majority of the airwaves today, Halleck's Hand-Held Visions is a truly first-rate text for anyone wanting to learn more about how to wield the potential power of community media for their cause, issue, agency or concern.

Dr. Dee is one of those well-known as best occultists. Their book focuses on an excellent work synthetically explained, and very well based about the monad, and if you read under the veils, about all the mathematical system of the universe.

Shewey clearly explains how to tie these beautiful and effective flies. Prior to this book, most of the information on tying these flies was only available in books by Kelson, Pryce-Tannat, etc. These books are over 100 years old and no longer readily available. Whereas the old books used mostly line drawings for illustrations, Shewey uses copious color photographs, and the close-up photography is excellent.

Shewey also discusses the materials used for these flies in great depth, and he gives some very interesting historical background information associated with where and when and how these flies came to be. It is like a trip backwards 150 years in time, and it greatly enhances the enjoyment of fishing and tying these flies. Shewey also covers the modern history of these flies: their introduction into the Pacific Northwest, and many modern patterns that simply would not have been possible 100 or 150 years ago.

Now if someone would only write a comparable book covering the Spey casting and Spey fishing techniques, especially how to select or build a double-handed long rod, and the various considerations involved in choosing a reel and line, and a travelogue of places to practice this very old form of fishing, then I would be a happy camper indeed.

I admit, it's been a long time since I've picked up a science fiction book with the intent of reading it. I've been disenfranchised with the entire genre as a whole since I tried stomaching a few bad novels. But, lo and behold, this one made me sit up and take note! There is hope yet!

This novel in particular I was pleased with because of its historical accuracy to the Renaissance period while being unafraid to drop in a bit of alien involvement here and there. The main character, John Dee, is also particularly endearing. While he's easily recognizable as the protagonist and the one who is supposed to "save the world" (such as it is) he's still a bit of a scoundrel and a villain. I would, without a doubt, recommend this novel.

Co-authors Armin Shimmerman and Michael Scott have done an *excellent* job in creating a believable, though often bleak, view of Earth's near future. This is good, solid science fiction, with aliens, advanced technology, societal commentary, the threatened end of the world as we know it -- all the best SF elements. Better still, the characters and dialogue are *fantastic* -- especially the hero, Dr. John Dee. An incredibly complex person, admirable yet by no means a saint, strong and self-sufficient yet sympathetic. The supporting characters are also intriguing and well developed. If this could be a series of novels, I'd love to see and learn more of Dr. Dee... on the other hand, after his amazing feats of derring-do in this book, any further adventures would run the risk of feeling anti-climactic! The "Star Trek" references scattered here and there through the story are certainly fun -- but you don't have to like "Trek" to appreciate this book. It's a though-provoking, self-contained story in the best traditions of classic SF -- and Dee is a unique, exciting hero. Don't miss this one!

I think this book is the best I've read in a longtime. Fans of Armin Shimerman will love this. It is his first I've read outside of his Startrek books, but it won't be the last!

I found this book to be a very Compelling Introduction to the World of Enochian Magick. ... My brief encounter with the Enochian method impressed me and Lon Duquette's book encouraged my research--therefore, I purchased this Enochian Dictionary and found myself literally Devouring the introductory material (historical aspects, etc.) of "The Complete Enochian Dictionary: A Dictionary of the Angelic Language As Revealed to Dr. John Dee and Edward Kelley."
I would certainly give the book 5 stars, if not for the fact that it is, mostly, a Dictionary / Reference book. I read the introductory material in one sitting, but the rest of the book is intended as reference material. However, this reference material is Brilliantly categorized as either original "Dee" words and definitions, or attributed to the Golden Dawn, Aleister Crowley, Goetic, etc.--thus, creating a clearly defined listing of Original Enochian and that inspired by Crowley and his own workings with this system of Magick.
... Regardless of the issues surrounding the historical creation (or revelation) of the Enochian Language, it seems to work. The words, of whatever origin, seem to produce a powerful effect upon the atmosphere surrounding the Magickian.
I have not, personally, worked with Enochian, yet--I am only researching the effects I have witnessed, first-hand. From what I have seen, thus-far, I believe Enochian is, in fact, a powerful and Magickal Language.
The origins of the language, although fascinatingly depicted in this book are moot--much like Gravitation and The Theory of Relativity, even if you do not understand the science behind it, it Works.
I highly recommend this Dictionary of Enochian to anyone interested in Magick, Anthropology, The Occult, etc.--the subject is quite interesting.

This book is great! It is user friendly and is good for both the beginner, intermediate and advanced prationers of Enochian Magick. This has helped me in some of my ceremonies when I wanted to speak only Enochian to lest say the Seniors. Unfortunatly I could not find a few words I wanted to use so I would say 98 percent was used in the Enochian language. But dont be fooled Enochian is not only "the language of the Angels" it is also a system of magick so you will eighter need a teacher or other books on this subject. This book is excellent as it is a companion to any book you buy which deals with the subject of Enochian magick. Lon Milo Duquette makes a wonderful introduction by sharing his experience with the reader. He realy brings the book to life. This is one of the better books on the subject of Enochian. You will also find the Enochian keys which are very important in the Enochian magickal system.

For over 20 years Enochian magick has been my passion and magical "drug" of choice. I've evoked many of the elemental spirits and am continuing my personal initiatory career by systematically exploring the 30 Aethyrs of the system. There are four or five texts that are absolutely indispensable if one is serious about taking up his complex art. The first one I would recommend is "The Enochian World of Aleister Crowley" by Lon Milo DuQuette and Christopher Hyatt. Next would be Laycock's Complete Enochian Dictionary. I am so happy to see that this has been reissued. My first edition has nearly turned to dust. A new introduction by DuQuette, where he actually describes an evocation of an elemental angel, is priceless...and a bit reassuring. My highest recommendation.

"The Alchemist's Door," takes what should be an exciting story and through the lack of detail that brings prose to life end up rather ho-hum. It's a story of alchemy, Kabbala, demon possession, shape-shifters, vampires, and the attributes of a "just man," told as a search-mystery; with locations various - Prague, London, Translyvania - but with little but the story to pull the reader into the magic that is, supposedly, all about. Not only are action and locale left sketchy, but characters are somewhat vague as well. Though we're given broad outlines no one but Magdelana, a horribly abused young woman desirous of knowledge, appealed on an emotional level. I was left with the impression this novel was written a bit too quickly, and the author's decision to sacrifice detail showed either a lack of research, or a lack of interest. I was looking for a good read in the fantasy genre, but got a sketch instead.

Scientist and astrologer John Dee and his family have left the court of Queen Elizabeth fleeing from a demon. The demon pursues them, however, and Dee finds himself in Prague where the mad Emperor demands delivery of the 36th righteous man--the man who's death will lead to the destruction of the world order and an opportunity for a man or demon to reshape the universe. Together with the Rabbi Judah Loew, legendary creator of the golem, Dee searches for the 36th righteous man--and for a way to stop the forces of evil that threaten to overrun Europe. Because the doorway between the universes stands open and demons have begun to make their way back into our world.

Author Lisa Goldstein delivers a deft mixture of history and fantasy. Her writing is clear and keeps the pages turning. I was distracted, however by some of the logic holes. Why, for example, didn't Emperor Rudolf simply kill everyone on his list rather than engage Dee and Loew to find the one man? He certainly didn't show much respect for life. What, exactly, was the whole Erzsebet thing about--was it really only to bring in old Hungarian legends? And what happened to the second demon--the one that could physically manifest itself and that served Kelley? Finally, the ultimate battle seemed anticlimactic and I was left wondering whether Dee really sacrificed much, really made a heroic gesture. Attempting to close to door between the universes would have been a more powerful symbol if Dee had been able to truly use the magics that came through the gateway. Instead, his sacrifice wasn't particularly large, reducing the power of the novel.

THE ALCHEMIST'S DOOR is a pleasant read with its setting in the historically significant period of Elizabeth I, its use of historic characters in alternate history settings, and its travels through the mystical world of Eastern Europe at a time when the Turks were still capable of threatening all of Christendom and when Jews were forced into ghettos.

Set in the sixteenth century, The Alchemist's Door chronicles the life of legendary English mathematician, alchemist and astrologer John Dee, the inspiration for Prospero in Shakespeare's Tempest and the title character in Marlowe's Dr. Faustus. As the story opens, Dee and his strange associate, Edward Kelley, have accidentally summoned a demon that now dogs Dee's every step. Hoping to evade the demon and improve his fortunes, Dee accepts potential patron Prince Laski's invitation to visit Poland. But the demon follows him there, prompting Dee, his family and Kelley to flee to Prague.

In Prague, Dee senses that something terrible is about to happen. By chance he discovers that the city straddles the border between earth and a demon dimension inhabited by, among other evil entities, the very creature that's been plaguing him. Prague is also home to the mad Emperor Rudolph, a devotee and patron of the black arts, who seeks Dee's assistance in fashioning the legendary Philosopher's Stone.

On a visit to the Emperor Dee has a fateful encounter with fellow mystic Rabbi Judah Loew. Dee and Loew join in a strained alliance, even as the Emperor initiates a pogrom against the Jews of Prague. Loew seeks and receives Dee's assistance in creating a Golem-a man fashioned from clay-to defend the city's Jewish quarter from the Emperor's troops.

Dee also becomes involved in Loew's search for the fabled 36th righteous man. Prophecy foretells that if the last righteous man dies, the world will end, and the dark spirits of the neighboring dimension will remake it in the own image. The Emperor, believing he can influence the shape this new world will take, orders his troops to scour the city to find this man so that he may personally put him to death. Dee, realizing that this is what his demonic tormentor has wanted all along, works with Loew to frustrate the Emperor's apocalyptic plans, even though it may cost him his life.

Some quick research on the Web indicates that Goldstein has done the same thing with John Dee's life that Tim Powers did with Kim Philby's in Declare, exploiting historical gaps and coincidences to tell a story that could have occurred, given certain supernatural assumptions. Thus, she posits a relationship between John Dee and Rabbi Loew that history does not record. Like Powers, she also manages to put human faces on legendary characters, carefully balancing glimpses into their personal lives with the more fantastic action.

The Alchemist's Door is lively and engaging, a skillful blend of history, legend, humor and high adventure, an exciting dark fantasy rich on character and colorful incident. Considering the success of this novel, and the fact that Dee lived another two decades after the events chronicled therein, a sequel seems appropriate. Here's hoping Goldstein is considering one.

Being a descendant of Dr. Dee I found the book very informative. It gave an insightful explanation of his conversations with angels and presented it in a fair manner. It also presented some good information on his personal life and family. It would have been nice to have more information on his children, however, even though the title indicates that it would focus mainly on his abillities as a mystic and astrologer. It is much easier reading than Mr. French's book, and coupled with Dr. Dee's diary, it helps to give good background and information on this very intelligent but unrewarded, underappreciated and greatly misunderstood man.

For the greater part, Tyson's book is a reasonably accurate review of the material in Dee's diaries. So long as you are using it solely as a reference for the basic elements of the system, you won't go wrong. However, he tends to "interpret" unresolvable ambiguities in the material according to his own view without ever noting that there are ambiguities. He also selectively quotes the original material to support his views; a substantially different sense of what was said sometimes arises when the material itself is studied. Where Tyson really crashes and burns is in his association of the Enochian material with the apocalypse, particularly in his belief that the Calls are meant to bring about the end of the world. Here he combines Christian fundamentalist myth with elements of H.P. Lovecraft's fictional horror universes; there is nothing in the original to support his ideas.

There was some stuff that was hard to understand. But I guess it was me. As for a beginner, I believe this book is a good source of Dr. John Dee's and Edward Kelley's works. It shows the basic knowledge of Enochian Magick. Although it WILL TAKE AWHILE TO ABSORB THE INFORMATION. There is a lot of information in this book, and it may even take as much as reading the book twice or so to understand the basic concept. Enochian Magick is very complex and I believe the author probably had a hard time to organize the information but I think he just did fine. I recomend others to use "Enochian Magic: A Practical Manual" along with this book to get a good introduction to the complex system of Enochian and the Angelic Magick.

The system of Enochian Magick is, by definition, very theoretical and experimental (not to mention notoriously dangerous). Tyson, yet again, shows us that he has a firm grasp of his own ideas and that he can easily tell us all about them. This book's redeeming quality is that it greatly simplifies the complex system of Enochian Magick so that anyone with a basic Magickal background can use it. Though a lot of personal theories are presented in this book, Mr. Tyson must be thanked for presenting the originals (before implimenting his personal theories), as well. All in all, this book is a wonderful addition to the Magickal library, if you don't mind sifting through the silt.