In this English translation of an ancient work that has been discovered in many forms and by many titles, Prof. Charlesworth has done a marvelous job of uncovering some of the more mystical elements of the Jewish/Chrisitian mindset.

In one work we read about vegetarians, non-sexual nudity (as an indication of holiness), celibacy, and the location of a sacred island where a holy clan of Rechabites live in preparation for willingly giving up their souls so that the souls can travel to God and/or become as bright as a star in heaven.

The Rechabite "mythology" or "legend" seems to be the source of Josephus's discussion of where Essenes think souls travel after death.... to a sacred island.

A very strange story about the Rechabites.... who are an unsung undercurrent in the story of messianic and perhaps even Essenic Judaism. It is written by at least one Church Father that a Rechabite Priest was part of the inner circle of Jesus.

This is a must read for anyone interested in the Essenes or mystic ideas of our Jewish and Christian past.

A sublime account of the history of topology from it's earliest incarnation as analysis situs to contemporary research.

No home should be without one.

James M. Houston's book is not your ordinary book on creation. It is a literary, but theologically conservative masterpiece that breaks through the conventional creation/evolution debate with new insights into old doctrines. You will discover something of the deeper Biblical meaning of creation that will re-orient your thinking in a helpful way. Note -- some of the literary commentary (such as on Pirsig's Zen book) is rather dated now. This does not detract from the book's timeless insights.

Dear Penis

So, how are you doing
down there?
I hope things
are looking up,
for both of our sakes.
Like an albino mole
you've lived your whole life
burrowed in dark, cramped corners.
Once, when I was much younger,
I laid out nude in the sun,
and you glowed white
like a thick, sore thumb.
I could tell you felt uncomfortable
in the brightness,
afraid of what might drop out
of the immense skies
to pluck you away.
The several times
I've taken you skinny-dipping
you've enjoyed--familiar
with darkness, the cool water
gently swaying you back and forth.

Sometimes I wonder
what you would think of this world
if you had eyes and ears
and could walk around,
staring at the birds and trees,
doing routine yard work,
nodding politely to neighbors.
How would you react
to the teenage girls out back
sunning in their bikinis?
What would you say
to the single woman
in the upstairs apartment
who comes over to borrow sugar?
Hi, my name's David,
but you can call me Dick.
And how would you treat
your own penis,
tucked away between your legs,
aching to break out and in
and out and in,
but so shy
you can hardly ever
get him to make a sound?

The title, I Dance Back, comes from a prize fighting technique: When the blood flows down your face, when you're dizzy and sick and want to quit, you dance back. Never let the other guy know you're beaten.

Maybe there are certain truths about being human that can only be explored through cringing laughter. In this book, David James addresses his life, his body, his heart, as if they were long-time companions sharing a joke over breakfast; the tease masks a complaint which in turn masks an essential love. As long as you can joke, things are OK.

You probably won't outlive the painful knee, the bad weather, the rotten government, the tiresome traffic. They are your fellow travelers, complete with bad breath, unwashed hair, the smell of boiling cabbages, the jokes you've heard before, the political, technical, and economic nonsense guaranteed to gush forth when you're found out: you're a good listener. Gaze through your reflection in the window and know you are alive. And your life is a dance. -Robert Bixby

Just read this book to my 6 year old son. He laughed out loud all through it. Now, I'm looking for more books just like it. Definately recommend this book.

This is not the James Baker Hall of "Music for a Broken Piano" and "Yates Paul". There are 2 Jim Hall's who are authors...this is the other. I have not read this collection

I am so sorry this book is out of print! I'm glad I still have my old, well-loved and read copy to share with my chidren. It is halarious, and the illustrations are classic.

This is a very creative, interactive book that will help children explore concrete ideas with their imaginations.

Subtitled: "Program Your Personality for Success" with the following on the cover: "1. Stop Smoking, 2. Make Friends, 3. Advance in your Work, 4. Lose Weight, 5. Improve Sexual Performance, 6. Feel Confident, 7. Master any Skill, 8. Safeguard Your Health, 9. Conquer Pain & Fear" Description per the back of teh book: "YOU CAN DO IT by following the proven techniques in this book, you can change your life -- releasing the full potential of your abilities and energies. James Hoke knows how. Once a cripple, he conquered his own paralysis and has helped thousands to free themselves from crippling fears and realize their ambitions. Now it's your turn. Let him show you the easily mastered, completely safe, thoroughly proven techniques that will change your life forever ..."

I read this book 20 years ago and I stopped smoking 1 year later
and I have never started smking again. Very good book.