Nicholas of Lyra (fourteenth century) was a seminal figure inthe development of Biblical criticism. His commentaries were thefirst to be published and represent a transition towards a more critical approach to biblical study. In particular, his knowledge of Hebrew and Hebrew commentators may be seen as an indication of this. They were also highly influential in the development of Luther's thought. In this study of the Old Testmanent book known as the Song of Songs, Lyra follows the classic Rabbinic commentator Rashi, in approach, albeit with a marked Christian emphasis in some details, particularly in the latter chapters. Lyra reads the Song allegorically, as describing poetically the history of up to and including the foundation of Christianity and its acceptance by Constantine. The Church is seen, then, as a continuation of the Israel of the Old Testament. Although modern commentators eschew allegory as a method of interpretation, Lyra's historical significance can not be discounted, especially in his knowledge of and openness to Jewish writers. This book contains the original latin text and an accurate translation of it into English. There is also a useful introduction outlining the context and significance of de Lyra's work. At just under 130 pages, this is a succint commentary, covering the whole Song, well paced, without unnecessary detours away from the text of the Song of Songs. Those who read latin will find in Lyra a capable and appealing writer, at least in comparison to his fellow biblical commentators. This book is part of a series (Reformation Texts with Translation), which although in early stages of development, on the strength of this work, appears promising. As someone who has read a lot of commentaries on the Song of Songs, this is certainly one of the best.

This easy-to-read primer is just that: a very clear introduction to Kleinian thought. If you are put off (as I am) by certain aspects of Kleinian theory, don't give up the struggle to grasp it without taking a look through this book, which grounds the theory in easily understood clinical examples and applications. Highly recommended. I came away with a greater appreciation of the usefulness of many Kleinian concepts.

This is not only prophecy with reference to other great prophecy, but a story of a man, and "Source" you call God.

A journey through a mystery school, the greatest mystery school of all - earth.

The author was well chosen (by the Source), for it is a good read for anyone and covers many aspects of human life, giving many insights.

It is pointed out that a prophecy fails to serve it's purpose if it is fullfilled. The message is empowering and hopeful, throughout the book.

We may quickly realize our own power to shape destiny, a qualitative, genuinely revolutionary transformation awaits.

Without question this gift is of God for all to read.

I like reading books of wisdom and I have read a lot of them. I think this contemporary English version of the Biblical book of Proverbs is simply tremendous and about the best in this "field". It gives more credibility to Biblical wisdom than I have ever seen before.

It is a book to keep at the bedside for spiritual refreshment. Just pick it up and turn to any page...

These proverbs were collected by King Solomon, not written by him, so they represent collected wisdom from 3000+ years ago and they still work today.

Rami Shapiro's modern translation is as remarkable as the Proverbs themselves.

It's always timely to have an international issue, but especially during a time of war, when borders are tightened, and focal points are narrowed. Literature tends to be able to leap over the checkpoints, and the stories in Reading Room/4 perform these acrobatics. The most striking piece that makes the leap for me is "Awakening," by Kenyan writer Julie Obaso. The story is centered on a child's initiation into brutality. The story's concern is the child's reaction to having to wring the neck of his pet, Old Rooster, for dinner. What is of interest is how the boy denies himself as a way of coping with the violence, and how he sees this denial, at different levels, in those around him.

A new translation of Joseph Roth's story, "Strawberries" opens the journal. Roth describes the people in a rural, poor, European town who survive on "miracles" and the generosity of a rich count. One character complains -- after selling the last bit of "lucky" rope from a man who hung himself -- "Life is like a prison, and we have to wait for God to let us out." Among other things, it's a story about getting by on bits of luck and scraps of work - definitely worth the read.

It's notable that the cover of this issue is a Larry Rivers portrait of Roth. The artist died in September of this year, around the time the journal was being distributed. His portrait of Roth would have been one of his last works. Serendipitously, his work is part of the editor's lusty essay on Marcel Duchamp and the conceptual artists' struggle with "the pesky body thing." In this essay, Barbara Probst Solomon probes the influence of Duchamp's 5-year affair with Maria Martins on his ideas about art's remove and on his long secrecy surrounding his work, "Etant Donnes" and "Woman with Open [word]." Rivers' work is brought in as a challenge to Duchamp's restrained gaze.

As usual in The Reading Room, there's an exciting blend of emerging and established voices. South African writer Anthony Schneider is one of the newer ones whose story, "An Uninhabited Place" is written in haunting and seductive prose about a different kind of desire than the one Duchamp strugged with. The author links a "dry and disconsolate" land to a struggle with infertility, in a beautiful rendering of a thing hoped for but unattained. I find myself linking this story to the drought we've been having in the east, and the infertility of the economy and the White house. But that's what's on my mind as I read it. Each reader will bring a new association.

These stories and the others are good for reading by a fire, or at least some incense. Or if no incense, than crack the book to Donald Maggin's "Gray Smoke of Incense" and imagine!

This is a wonderful little book, full of insights and humor about the nature of architectural practice at the end of the 20th century. Mr Solomon has a marvellous way with words. His essays on architecture, urban design and planning are an important statement about the mess we have created of our environment and how it came about. As one of the founders of the New Urbanism movement Mr Solomon is trying to establish a new direction and reach out to other professions and decision makers to change the way we design and plan our communities.

Dr. Gary Solomon's Reel Therapy: How Movies can Help You Overcome Life's Problems is a great follow up to his The Motion Picture Prescription. The new book is longer, and has a helpful introduction based on answering the common questions Dr. Solomon was asked as he promoted the first book.

Reading Reel Therapy reminded me that understanding life isn't a destination, it's a process, and that I'm not alone in wrestling with childhood demons, and some very adult ones as well. Reading the review of The War at Home took me back to growing up in a neighborhood that was a war zone, memories I can never escape, but at least I can understand. Reading about Trainspotting took me back to my own need to be someone else, anyone else, for a few hours, at whatever cost.

Reel Therapy offered a stronger view of Dr. Solomon's own journey. For me, his background as a survivor means he knows what it's like to take that first step out of a dark box into a scary world.

I'm sure this book will help many take that first step.

Collaboratively compiled and edited by Wilfried Sieg, Richard Sommer, and Carolyn Talcott, Reflections On The Foundations Of Mathematics: Essays In Honor Of Solomon Feferman is a scholarly, college-level text consisting of contributions by a number of learned authors about the complex and fascinating realm of mathematical logic and which were presented at a symposium honoring Solomon Feferman at his 70th birthday. Divided into sections concerning theoretic analysis, logic and computation, self-applicative theories, and philosophy of modern mathematical and logic thought, Reflections On The Foundations Of Mathematics, which is also available in a hardcover edition (1568811691; $...), is expressly recommended for advanced students and academics in the field, and is filled with a wealth of extensive equations and examples outlining the theories and discussions.

Henry Morris, founder of Institute for Creation Research, is amply qualified to comment on any portion of the Bible, and his commentary on Solomon is a real treat. The wisest and richest man who ever lived is recorded in God's Word as explaining the "vanity" of pursuits beyond what God has called us to do. It is a book which every parent should read, to put perspective on what values, exactly, they should be conveying to their children. It is a book for those without children to reinforce the direction in their lives, as they try to reach those who may not have a close relationship with God. Finally, it is a book for anyone who is yearning to make their relationship with God a closer one.

This book is so profound and thought-provoking that I could only read a portion of a chapter at a time. Morris breaks down groups of verses to be commented upon, and in each section there is ample food for thought to keep one's mind and heart busy for an evening.

Enjoy turning the pages slowly in this treasure of a book.