This book on Bubishi seems to be an accurate translation of the original text. I prefer this version over McCarthy's becasue it is not filled with the authories commentaries. This book should be in every martial artist library. This is the book that our Grandmaster's learned from.

I haven't as yet seen this copy of Bubishi,so I'm afraid that I can't give you my opinion. I would like to preview this book if possible.

This book is the translation of an ancient text by Ken Penland and George Alexander. It is the most complete and acurate translation available.

Hello,
My name is Scott Neely and I liked the spot illustrations that I drew for this book. It has an X-Files feel to it and is a great supplement to the role-playing game. Enjoy!
Scott

The Conspiracy X rpg is one of the coolest around, and the Aegis organisation definitely needed a source book of its own. And here it is. It has loads more stuff on Aegis, including some cool new skils 'n professions. The stuff on Aegis rocks, and the advice on operations and tactics has helped my players get further into character. All in all, an invaluable addition to any Con X player's/GM's library.

Since Berkeley is best remembered as a philosopher and it is therefore highly likely that anyone interested in this is interested in that part of Berkeley's collected works, that is where I will focus this review.

The most important work of Berkeley is "A Treatise Concerning the Principals of Human Knowledge [Part I]" (there is no part II - the partial manuscript for it was lost while Berkeley was travelling). "Principals" has two principal sections: one epistemological and the other metaphysical.

In the epistemological section of "Principals", Berkeley argued that when we use words to describe entities which we literally cannot imagine, we block our own understanding - "that we have first raised a dust and then complain we cannot see." We can use words to stand for a multiplicity of different entities (such as "triangle" to stand for all possible triangles), but that an abstract triangle, one that is "neither oblique nor rectangle, neither equilateral, equicrural, nor scalenon, but all and none of these at once", (here he was quoting Locke) is an impossibility. The significance of this is subtle, but critical to his argument since he came back to it again and again throughout his works to differentiate between meaningful and meaningless words.

Having laid out a differentiation between meaningful and meaningless words in his epistemological section, Berkeley then proceeded to the metaphysical section, in which he attacked the idea of matter, principally as expounded by Locke. Berkeley argued that matter is a meaningless word, signifying nothing that we can imagine. He argued that all of the properties that materialists ascribe to matter are either perceptions (non-existent in the absence of a perceiver) or utterly meaningless. Thus, Berkeley argued that a theory of matter to account for our perceptions was a meaningless proposition. Our perceptions of the world (our ideas of it), however, still required an explanation. To this end, Berkeley argued the things we perceive are ideas that are put into our minds by God. They differ from things that we imagine by our lack of control over them, and in their consistency and vividness - properties that are the result of their being the product of a mind other than and vastly more powerful than our own. In this argument, Berkeley felt that he had discovered a powerful counter to atheism, that his theistic idealism could account for the world whereas atheism, with its dependency on matter, could not.

"Principals" did not meet with the acceptance that Berkeley had hoped for it (to say the least), so he presented his metaphysics again in a more accessible form in "Three Dialogues Between Hylas and Philonous." "Dialogs" is easier to read, but not as good a source as "Principals" for really understanding Berkeley. In either form, the critical side of his argument against matter had and has great force, even if his proposed alternative has never attracted many adherents.

Berkeley also presented his metaphysics again in less detail in two other works: the fourth dialogue in "Alciphron; or, the Minute Philosopher" and in "The Theory of Vision, or Visual Language, Shewing the Immediate Presence and Providence of a Deity."

"Commonplace Book - Berkeley's notes from 1705-08." is a collection of short notes that Berkeley jotted down while he was working through his philosophical ideas and preparing to publish them. "Commonplace Book" itself was never intended for publication but is of interest in understanding how Berkeley's thought developed.

Berkeley also wrote on scientific matters, consistent with his views as laid out in "Principals", on vision in "An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision", (which he actually wrote before "Principals" which he hoped would soften the audience for the presentation of the full theory in "Principals" and also in "De Motu" (On Motion).

Berkeley also wrote on mathematics, again consistently with his philosophical writings in "The Analyst; or a Discourse Addressed to an Infidel Mathematician" and the follow-on works "A Defense of Free-Thinking in Mathematics" and "Reasons for not Replying to Mr. Walton's Full Answer". "The Analyst" - an attack on the foundations of Newton's calculus, set off a furor in British mathematics that lasted a century.

"Alciphron" alluded to earlier, was a work of Christian apologetics, and was Berkeley's longest work. It is not without interest today, but it has not aged as well as his other works mentioned above.

"Passive Obedience: or The Christian Doctrine of not resisting the Supreme Power", was a work of political philosophy. It is not at all connected with his other philosophical works and was regarded as dangerous and somewhat subversive.

The last work of Berkeley that deserves individual mention is "Siris: A Chain of Philosophical Reflexions and Inquiries Concerning the Virtues of Tar-Water and Divers Other Subjects Connected Together and Rising From One Another", a curious (to put it mildly) work on both "tar-water", which Berkeley held to be a panacea, and metaphysical speculation inspired by reading classical sources (if you don't know what tar-water is, don't worry - you can get the recipe in "Siris"). "Siris" was written near the end of Berkeley's life. The metaphysical speculation in it did not constitute an abandonment of his earlier ideas, but it did not strike me as at all developed - he was going somewhere new but had not yet arrived when he wrote it.

Apart from his intellectual endeavors above, Berkeley also led a full life and was an active Anglican clergyman. He travelled, wrote on purely religious matters, and also wrote in support of social justice and tolerance. These works round out the man, as does "Life of Berkeley", Fraser's biographical essay at the start of the collection.

The collection is not without its flaws. Chief among these is that "De Motu" is left in Latin and untranslated both it and "The Analyst" really require more extensive introductions to be easily understood by a contemporary reader. Douglas Jesseph's "De Motu and The Analyst", Volume 41 of "The New Syntheses Historical Library" is a highly recommended supplement to the "Works".

So what do you get for your money?

Volume I:

Life of Berkeley - by Fraser.

Commonplace Book - Berkeley's notes from 1705-08.

An Essay Towards a New Theory of Vision.

A Treatise Concerning the Principals of Human Knowledge [Part I].

Three Dialogs Between Hylas and Philonous.

De Motu - this is in Latin and is NOT translated.

Volume II:

Alciphron; or, the Minute Philosopher.

The Theory of Vsion, or Visual Language, Shewing the Immediate Presence and Providence of a Deity.

Volume III:

The Analyst; or a Discourse Addressed to an Infidel Mathemetician.

A Defense of Free-Thinking in Mathematics.

Reasons for not Replying to Mr. Walton's Full Answer.

Siris: A Chain of Philosophical Reflexions and Inquiries Concerning the Virtues of Tar-Water and Divers Other Subjects Connected Together and Rising From One Another.

Three Letters to Thomas Prior, Esq., and a Letter to the Rev. Dr. Hales, on the Virtues of Tar-Water.

Farther Thoughts on Tar-Water.

Volume IV:

Arithmetica Absque Algebra Aut Euclide Demonstrata - this is in Latin and is NOT translated.

Miscella Mathematica... - this is in Latin and is NOT translated.

Description of the Cave of Dunmore.

The Revelation of Life and Immortality.

Passive Obedience: or The Christian Doctrine of not resisting the Supreme Power...

Essays in the Guardian.

Two Sermons Preached at Leghorn in 1714.

Journal in Italy in 1717, 1718.

An Essay Toward Preventing the Ruin of Great Britain.

Verses on the Prospect of Planting Arts and Learning in America.

Notes of Sermons Preached at Newport in Rhode Island and in the Narragansett country in 1729-31.

A Sermon Preached before the Incorporating Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts...1732.

The Querist, containing several queries, proposed to the consideration of the public.

A Discourse Addressed to Magistrates and Men in Authority.

Primary Visitation Charge Delivered to the Clergy of the Diocese of Cloyne.

Address on Confirmation.

A Letter to Sir John James, Bart., on the Differences Between the Roman and Anglican Churches.

Two Letters on the Occasion of the Rebellion in 1745.

A Word to the Wise: or, an Exhortation to the Roman Catholic Clergy of Ireland.

Maxims Concerning Patriotism.

Appendix: The First Edition of the Querist.

General Comments:

The books are very well produced. Cloth bound, acid-free paper, burgundy colored, with a simple and elegant design. All in all, this is a handsome edition that will physically grace your library.

Fraser's commentary and footnotes are helpful and abundant (note: this is a reprint of a 1901 work, so there is of course no commentary on how Berkeley has been read in this century).

The only thing I would have wanted different than what I got would have been translations of the Latin essays into English.

Insofar as Berkeley the philosopher, he is one of the major philosophers of history, and one of the clearest writers. He is also often scathingly funny.

Spike keeps barking when Stu is cleaning the car and he needs to get a part but Tommy and Chuckie think it will keep spike from barking.

An essential book for every American both young or old, male or female, Democrat or Republican. A delightful discovery on the need of God and guns (or perhaps swords) in the United States and the intolerance of a government in charge of all but answerable to noone. An undeniably perfect fit for todays culture.

Discover your roots from the men that gave their lives for the signing of the Constitution; true heroes. Their resolve was unquestionable and the love for country without reproach.

They brought us so far. We've walked away. Read it and weep. BK

The best single source for martial arts information. This is a great addition to my martial arts library.

This little gem is focuses upon the theme of desire, or Eros, in the spiritual life. Far from seeing eros as something sinful to be supressed, the author reveals that the longing of sexual love is only one aspect of erotic love. Eors for God is that yearning which takes the lover beyond ethics. "The saints possessing divine eros have also been deified. All the saints live by the saying of Saint Ignatius the God bearer: 'My eros has been crucified.' The relation of the saints to God is erotic, i.e., desiring or yearning, not simply ethical. The grace of the deification shines in their faces, and is revealed in their bodies which smell sweetly, give forth myrrh, remain uncorrupted, and work miracles. The Orthodox Church is the place and fellowship of deification"

The Eros of Repentance is a tiny book with a needed message. Other books of interest may include: A Different Christianity, by Robin Amis; The Roots of Christian Mysticism, by Olivier Clement; The Mysitcal Theology of the Eastern Church, by Vladimir Lossky; The Inner Kingdom, by Bishop KALLISTOS Ware; Exploring the Inner Universe, by Roman Braga. Enjoy!

Although I'm not much of a history buff, I read this book at the advice of a friend. By the end of the first chapter I was hooked. Thom brings the adventures of the Clark family to life. The book is accurate from a historical perspective and leaves the reader with a new appreciation of the courage and sacrifice behind our country's westward expansion. A must read.

This is the best novel of Revolutionary American history I have ever read. The story of the Clark family is incredible, especially that of two particular sons, George and William. Perhaps the main theme of this book is leadership. George Rogers Clark was a phenomenal leader. He almost single-handedly won the western frontier during the Revolution. In the end, he was ruined rather than rewarded, for his efforts. As his inner fire dies, it is momentarily rekindled by his young brother, who departs to co-lead the greatest adventure in American History. Thom's depiction of George's brutal marches on Kaskaskia and Vincennes, and the Journey of the Corps of Discovery, is a masterwork.

I have always enjoyed American history,but this novel as you read it makes it seem as if you are there with the Clarks through good and bad times both. I laughed alot and was at times to the point of almost tears throughout the book. If you are interested in American history this is a must read about the opening of the frontiers during and after the revolutionary war. You will not be disappointed.

This was one of the most captivating adventures I've read about in a long time. I'm a slow reader, and enjoy savoring the details of a good book, but still surprised myself as I finished this in (for me) record time. J. A. Thom's intensely sensitive portrayal of the conflicted and insightful soul of Lewis and Clark's half Shawnee, half French communicator and hunter, George Drouillard, made the details of two-year expedition come alive. Other accountings I've read of the Lewis and Clark Expedition left me dry, but Thom fills in the facts with riveting narrative and anchors it with fascinating historical journal entries. A thoroughly good read. Thank you, Mr. Thom.

Thom's Sign Talker draws in the reader from the very start. This is an action-packed, intelligent, effective novel that vividly leads you through the trials and triumphs of Lewis and Clark's journey, as seen through the eyes of their Native American interpreter. As always, Thom gives life to his characters with tremendous insight into human nature. A respectable novel I can highly recommend to anyone who enjoys adventure and history.

If you are interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition,
then this is the book for you. It is one of the best books
I have ever read. It brought the expedition to life for me
and made me feel like I was there. My main problem with
the book is that it is a novel. I would have preferred a
biography, even though a biography would not have been as
much fun to read. On almost every page I found myself
asking, "Did Thom make this up, or did it really happen?"
Here are a few examples. Did George Drouillard think of
himself as 100% Indian, Indian and French, or French?
Did Drouillard have a special friendship with Clark's
black slave, York? Was Drouillard so bold as to frequently
pester York for York to ask Clark for his freedom and get
away? Was Lewis slightly crazy at the beginning of the
expedition, or did he go crazy as the trip progressed?
Could Drouillard conduct detailed and complex conversations
with every Indian tribe he met, using only sign language?
Did Drouillard have the wisdom and attitude of a twentieth-
century liberal?

This was a great story - especially since it is true. George Rogers Clark was an amazing man. After reading this book you too will have a great respect for him. Mr. Thom writes beautifully and keeps to the facts. I would like to see more books written about George Rogers Clark. Mr. Thom please give us more!

this story shows how the efforts of "george rogers clark" contributed to the growth of this country. we are used to hearing about the exploits of the revolutionary war but not often do we get a chance to know what was going on in the northwest territory. this is one of the best books i have ever read that covers how important a part was played by what was happening there. i recommend this book as an excellent read and most informative.

This is the second book I've read by James Alexander Thom. I love the way this author writes. Like the first book that I ready, Follow The River, this book pulled me in and I couldn't wait to get back to reading it to see what happened next. Thom does a superb job in his research. I read the book over the Christmas holiday when I was travelling. After the holidays I happened to catch a History Channel presentation on George Rogers Clark. To my surprise, Thom was included among the experts that they interviewed. I would recommend that anyone who likes to read about history and have it brought to life in the story read this book. I can't wait to read another book by Thom.