Craig Keener is a very good scholar. His use of source material (primary and secondary) is very judicious and sound. I have always wanted a book that tried as much as possible to avoid giving interpretation, but instead focused on background customs and "everyday" perspectives of the peoples of the first century. This book does just this. However, one cannot entirely avoid interpretation in a volume like this. Still, Keener's work will help you get more out of your Bible study and it will help you avoid esoteric explanations of the Scriptures. This book is especially good for those who are weary of commentaries. Thanks again to Keener for the work put into this book.

Finally, here's all the stuff I always wanted, but could never get in the notes of a study Bible. Keener's book is 831 pages of double-columned passage-by-passage commentary, readable but never "dumbed down." "Background" refers not only to history, but to society, culture, and everyday life, and the book is both interesting and illuminating.

IVP is an overtly Christian publisher, which might make some readers, those who want objective scholarship, wary. It need not. The vast majority of this commentary is concerned with documented fact. Not all, of course. Some events are matters of controversy among historians -- for example, Herod's "slaughter of the innocents," which is mentioned by no other document than the Gospel of Matthew, and which many scholars think never happened. But, on checking the relatively "liberal" HarperCollins Study Bible, I find this isn't mentioned there either, which indicates that the verdict is still out, and that Keener has acceptable reason for taking Matthew's word on the subject. If the objectivity question bothers you, you could use Keener's book in conjunction with an ecumenical study Bible, such as HarperCollins or New Oxford Annotated. But this volume seems, to me, to be that rare book that both faith-based Bible readers, and objective scholars could love.

My biggest complaint is that, while the binding and paper are high quality, the paper is heavy & the binding stiff. It will not open flat for easy back-and-forth referral between it and the Bible text you're using.

Other than that, it's a wonderful piece of work on all counts.

This book does an awesome job of digging and ferreting out the important cultural nuances of the New Testament. It sheds light on even the more notoriously difficult passages. This book will save the busy pastor time and money. And it rewards close reading.

At first sight this is a dauntingly long book of 500 pages plus. However, even after reading a few pages, one is quickly drawn into an amazinly frank and totally engrossingly private "interview" with a remarkable writer. There is a vast amount of private detail of the emotional and intellecual life ot Janet Frame. Yet with all the detail, one never has the impression of gratuitious intrusion. The reader is led on by the depth of the feeling and the necessity to reveal all the amazing diversity of this writer. Michael King exposes the rawness and richness of a literary genius. Facts of childhood and young passion satisfy the voyeur. The devastating experince of primitive psychology and brutal mental health treatment give way to her emotional awakening in Europe, far from the strait-jacket of the censure of a puritanical and uncomprehending New Zealand public. This book offers far more than the superficial film of Janet Frame's early life, scarrred by the malady of "being different." The book's supreme achievement is that it allows the reader to understand the psyche of the writer, and thereby, allow a far richer and more rewarding understanding of a truly superb writer. Any reader of this book will gain not only a closer relationship with the literary figure but also, a more informed knowledge of a New Zealand writer who belongs to a world fraternity. Her years in America at Yaddo and her acceptance into an esoteric literary group let the reader share a rare experience of intimacy and brilliance. Michael King is a direct writer. He is clear and direct. There is no pretence of showmanship or precious explanation. This book is a must for those interested in the life and writing of an author who overcomes all obstacles for the sake of true genius.

King takes on no small feat in writing the biography of an author Time magazine once called "the greatest writer of this century" and one who has remained so secluded and private throughout her career. A facinating and rewarding book on an amazing literary talent.

This enthusiastic and respectful biography accomplishes so much. Michael King's affection and deep understanding of Janet Frame - and her cooperation with him - inform this work. She is a very private public figure. In this book one gets to know her quite well, with so sense that her privacy has been compromised. One guesses that is due to King's considerable talent for people as well as for biography.

King gets the emotional tenor of events just right. He looks into Frame's entire life and work - and focusses on the little things along with the big picture - down to mentioning (for example) that Frame attended one of many dinners in her honor in Wellington, NZ - wearing a formal dress that she had bought for $1.50 from a Salvation Army shop. It's a detail that he could have left out, but that Frame herself would have included. I was grateful for details, for the inclusion of Frame's considerable and insightful analyses (often only a few words long!) of the works of her writing peers, and liberal use of quotations. This biography manages to be comprehensive, graceful, and not wholly uncritical - although clearly and reasonably charmed by its subject. In addition there are great photographs and notes.

Admirers of Janet Frame and of the art and craft of biography will like this book very much.

Take a moment to slow down and read your child a book about what they love to do... BOUNCE! My son (3 1/2 yrs) loves to read this book and the best part is that every time Emily goes BOUNCE! so does my son. It's a great book and you can get very interactive with the book which you don't find many books that relate to what kids truly love to do. A must have for any active toddler or preschooler.

Emily Loves To Bounce is an enthusiastic picture book written and illustrated by Stephen Michael King about Emily, a young girl who loves to bounce around. Playful color illustrations and upbeat words make Emily Loves To Bounce an engaging book for young people just beginning to learn how to read.

This is not quite as good as 1 or 2, but it is still excellent! Shakespeare grabs us with the dispute between Henry VI and York. While it seems to end peacefully it does not, and the war goes on! York's death in 1.4 is another landmark in Shakespeare's writing. The scene (2.5) where Henry finds true terror is horror, sorrow, and yet beauty and yet another moving part of the play. (The son that hath killed his father and the father that hath killed his son.) The war pauses in disaster for Henry and some comic relief is offered. But the horror starts all over again when Edward IV and Warwick have a falling out. The war starts over again, and the King of France gets involved! The scene where King Henry VI is reinstated is a scene of beauty and hope. While all of this is happening, Shakespeare carefully prepares the monstrously satanic character of Richard III. From here, the play just gets more and more bloody. A final moment of horror is offered when the eventual Richard III proudly compares himself to the one who betrayed Christ. In part 4 "Richard III," the real terror begins!

This was one of Shakespeare's earliest plays. (possibly his third) Yet, there is nothing to indicate he was only starting out. Right away he grabs our attention with the funeral of King Henry V. Henry V's brothers Bedford and Gloucester help us to see the virtues and strengths of the deceased king. The Bishop of Winchester is well drawn as a comical villain who plots and plans, but never succeeds in doing any real damage. (Not until the next play anyway.) Talbot is memorable as the selfless hero of the play. York is memorable as the hero who defeats Joan of Arc. King Henry VI himself is interesting. First we see him as a helpless infant. By the third act, we see that he has both strengths and weaknesses. He makes the mistake of dividing the command between the rivals Somerset and York. But also, we see that he does not tolerate treason or neglect of duty. There are also many memorable scenes. The garden scene that foreshadows the War of the Roses is well drawn. The scene where York comforts his dying uncle is tragic beauty. Bedford's death in 3.2 has almost a divine tone. The death of Talbot and his son is very lamentable. York's sudden rise to power is captivating. Perhaps Shakespeare's greatest achievement in this play is that he simultaneously shows us England's war with France and the dissension with England itself.

I have been a long distant tour rider for years, just purchased a Mt Bike 11/21/01 purchased this book for some insite as to this type of riding, upon receiving it read all of it in one setting enjoyed it very much, rendered much help.
Elzie Speir

I read through this book and the author gives some really good insights to mountain biking. The book is based a how-to-have-fun basis.

This is the best anthology of Arthurian fiction I've ever come across. Ashley treats us with every variety of the legend imaginable. First, he draws from pre-Malory sources: a retelling of the last chapter of Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of Britain; "The Lady of the Fountain" from the Mabinogian, an ancient collection of Celtic myths; and the 12th century epic poem Jaufry, which was forgotten for 600 years.

He also includes retellings of famous selections from Le Morte D'Arthur, including Steinbeck's take on Sir Balin and the Dolorous Stroke, and Roger Lancelyn Green's somewhat liberal translation of the "Tale of Perceval".

And finally there are many modern fantasy stories that treat the Arthuran mythology in turns as comical, idyllic, historical, or romantic. The depictions of Merlin and Arthur vary from author to author depending on the mood and setting, but that is what makes the legend so exciting to study.

I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the stories of King Arthur and Camelot.

The Pendragon Chronicles : Heroic Fantasy from the Time of King Arthur is some of the best peices of work put down in one book. The 12 stories in this book prove and prove again why arthurain stories are the most wirtin type of stories ever. Most of the stories have detailed and booldy battles in them, some even have love and lust. All of my favorite characters show up in the stories, Sir Arthur and Lancelot of the Lake all make there own appearances. No matter what type of book you like Jane Yolen gives you the best stories you have ever seen.
This book is a colliction of stories of the dark ages to the middle ages. I gave this book a five because of the way for if there was a bad story you didn't like they made up for it by two more good ones. You also can add to your useless triva of all the differnt ways to dei a slow and painfull death. Some of the stories area little to detailed like one about Merlin and how he misses love but other than that it was a awsome book. I Would say this is alittle more of aboy book on the subjects it deals with but its a perfect book if your looking for different subjucts of Arther.
My favorite story is called Midnight, Moonlight, and the secerct of the sea. It doesnt deal with the happy go luck time of jousting and marryment but of the awfull cursaides were the nights ran through the streets beheading and killing everthing they say and one nights exploits and banishment to wonder. I would tell more but this is a story that its just too good to give away the ending.
This is the end to my review
untill next time
Dan

I took a course from M.C.Howard five years ago at the University of Waterloo, and was pleasantly surprised to see the book appear on my reading list in a graduate Political Economy course at MIT. Not only is it a terrific guide to Marx, easy to read and follow, but having seen it years before saved me from reading a whole book on the syllabus. A must-have in the personal library of anyone interested in Political Economy.

If your interested in Marxism, buy this book, it'll save you the trouble of wasting your money on other explications of Marx which have more to do with the author's beliefs than what Marx actually said. The authors of this book have also written a massive, two volume, scholarly book detailing how the ideas of Marxism, scholarly debate, and the implementation and creation of Marxist and neo-Marxist theory developed from the time of Marx's death to the mid eighties. So they know their stuff, and they demonstrate that continually. It seems that they reference every Marxist theorist sometime in the book, with references to well known authors like Gramsci and the more obscure modern Marxist economists as well. Be prepared to dig in on economics, to understand Marx it's unavoidable. Their style is scholarly, and it's organized like a text book. In fact it is used as a text book in some English Universities. Marx produced a huge amount of work, and it's difficult to get the big picture out of it without trying to do what's impossible--reading it all, but these guys have, and the book is a guide as well. It also includes criticism of Marx, thus presenting him as he really is, not sugarcoating him. This book is valuable to have, it can only clear away the mists, not plunge a person deeper into them.

This is a well written historical novel and the facts are woven into the story along with actual characters of the Massachusetts Bay Colony era.

Great book for female or male readers who like history.

The novel shows the feelings of the settlers as well as the Indians of King Phillip's War 1675-1676.......both sides loved and lost family members and friends.

The tension is constant and the book is "too soon finished".

A Historical novel with the emphasis on history. Mike Tougias brings to life our first great Indian war by following the actions of two protagonists: One is "King Philip's" most trusted warrior and friend, the other a colonist from outlying Medfield, Mass. The scene is 50 years after Massasoit welcomed the Pilgrims to Plymouth, when his son Metacom (known to the colonists as Philip) instigates a last ditch war to oust the English colonists. The novel is adept at illuminating the way of life of the Wompanoags and other Algonquin tribes of Southern New England, and illustrates the difficulty of the task they felt compelled to undertake. Historical accuracy is Tougias' watchword, but he still manages to turn out a fast-paced compelling story. Although the author is more naturalist than novelist, it is hard to tell here as the characters, especially the Wompanoag ones, gain a depth throughout the story.

Mass. readers will get a lot of local color out of it - such as the events that led to the naming of Turner's Falls, but all readers will get a gripping story of a war whose basic themes would be repeated over and over for the next 200 years.

This is a fantastic book! Great story! Accurate historical facts! Well written. Enjoyed it very much!!!

I've read the first five Harry Bosch novels, and have come to regard them as one continuous narrative in the eventful life of an old friend. Trunk Music was one of the better installments, and displays Connelly's typical mastery of plot development and authentic characterization. I've never found anyone in this genre whose dialogue rings truer, reminding me of a print version of a Steven Bochco show. Trunk Music also re-energizes the formula by introducing some great new characters in fellow cops Kizmin Rider and Grace Billets, and bringing back old flame Eleanor Wish.

Connelly weaves ambitiously intricate mysteries, always with several possible outcomes suggested. At times he seems to overreach, and the ending here feels a little rushed and unsatisfying. It's not that he leaves loose ends; everything is explained in his chosen scenario, it just seems that something with greater ironic power might have been available in this case. However, as I began this review, the more of these I read, the less I require them to be stand-alone masterpieces, and the more I simply relish inhabiting Bosch's world for a while.

Very well plotted. Twists and turns to marvel at. Detective Harry Bosch is terrific. Boy, what a tough guy. You can't believe he is saying or doing THAT! Yet it makes sense, and, of course, he's one of the good guys to cheer for. Atmospherics also good. Subtleties of character interactions, conversations, etc., are exceptional. However, I'm personally not sure I will read another in the series, which would be my third. Underneath all of the toughness and seeming realism is political correctness to the nth degree, which almost becomes humorous. Except for the heroic main character (and by implication the author) and his love interest, you can almost predict the nobility and reasonableness of the characters by what demographic group they fall into. Guess who the biggest villain turns out to be? Don't worry, I won't tell, and you will probably never guess. Michael Connelly is a very good writer --but he should forget about trying so hard to advance social progress through hard-boiled detective fiction and just concentrate on telling his wonderful Bosch stories.

I'm not a big fan of the hard-boiled, Southern California cop/P.I. genre. Still, Michael Connelly has the ability to take that setting and produce a compelling series. I really enjoyed the earlier Bosch books. This book is good but I got the sense that Connelly is getting a little bit bored with Bosch.

Much of this book seems to be a rehash of elements of earlier books. It's back to Vegas - again. Harry's hauled into IAD - again. Harry's smoking obsessively - again. With a movie producer as the victim, I had the sense that Connelly was playing the Hollywood movie card that he'd held in reserve for a day when his writer's block prevented more orginal and compelling plots. On the positive side, I really like the additions to Harry's police comrades. It's nice that he finally has a supervisor with a brain. And I'm optimistic about Eleanor - lone wolf Bosch was due for a change.

Bottom-line: Even a weak link in this series is better than the best that many other authors produce. Still, not the best book for a first time reader of Connelly to consider. It's worth going back to the Black Echo and reading this series in order.

For fans of ancient Greek myths this is well worth reading - I loved it and it is very compelling read. It is told in first person style by Theseus himself and Renault has clearly done her research on the period and on Ancient Greek and Cretan culture and legends.

The book de-mythologises the story of Theseus and carries it off with great conviction. No longer is the god of the sea, Poseidon an active participant in the tale, but rather the myth of his parenting of Theseus explained in a convincing manner. In this same way the other vital keys to the tale have mortal and plausible explanations.

For those who don't know the myth, the story of Theseus is explained in the notes, as are the basis for many of her selections for what Theseus looked like, and the art of bull jumping which was popular in Cretan art in this period. While I do enjoy the Greek myths it was a nice to read something that gave a possible explanation to the stories.

Renault writes well, and I would certainly be interested in following up any more of her novels.

Mary Renault revitalizes the ancient Greek myth of Theseus, Ariadne, and the Minotaur by following its hero's thoughts and actions as a series of rites of passage. Theseus, no longer innocent, leaves home, traverses dangerous territory, kills his first adult opponent, beds a queen, and returns home triumphant, only to volunteer to be one of the youths annually sent to Crete as doomed tribute to King Minos and as mortally perilous bull-dancing entertainment for the king's minions. He welds together a team so flawlessly attuned and unselfish that all its members survive, and he then goes on to new adventures. Because of the book's explicit (though tasteful) sex scenes, I was surprised to learn from a teenager who spotted the title on my beach towel that he had read it in his freshman year at a parochial prep school in Connecticut. But then I realized that The King Must Die is indeed an adventure story which teaches tenderness and consideration as well as sexual politics to its intended young audience. The descriptions and extended similes are Homeric in their richness, and the story is faithful to accepted versions of Greek mythology.

After having had this book in my library for years, I finally picked it up and began to read. And, then, I didn't stop. Excluding the short breaks that are necessities in life, I consumed The King Must Die in one enchanted reading. Renault's effort here ranks with the best of historical fiction as it grabs it's reader and does not let go.

Theseus, the child of a Peloponnesian priestess and an absent Athenian king, sets out to find his lot in life, overcoming obstacles through sheer perservence, exuberance, and derring-do. His courage is palpable, his conviction invincible, as he navigates the customs, conflicts, and contradictions of ancient Greece and it's surroundings. Renault tells a masterful and utterly absorbing story and I look eagerly forward to the the ultimate book in the series, The Bull from the Sea. If you delight in historical fiction, this is a treasure you shouldn't ignore.