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Book reviews for "Konefsky,_Samuel_J." sorted by average review score:

Henry Adams : Democracy, Esther, Mont Saint Michel and Chartres, The Education of Henry Adams (Library of America)
Published in Hardcover by Library of America (1983)
Authors: Henry Adams, Jayne N. Samuels, and Ernest Samuels
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Greatest hits
The Library of America is one of the best organizations. Here at last are both novels, his interesting autobiography, and Mont St Michel all under one roof.

"Democracy" is one of the best political novels of all time and speaking as a denizen of the nation's capital, very little has changed. Esther is attempt deal with the "woman question." Clearly the inspiration of both books is Mrs. Henry Adams. Known as "Voltaire in petticoats" (Henry James), she later tragically took her own life following a period of depression. The death of his wife led to Henry Adams' retirement from public life. This subject is covered in Ernest Samuels' wonderful biography (which I also recommend).

I suggest a look at his biography since the subject of Marion Clover Adams is avoided entirely in "The Education of Henry Adams." Henry Adams may not discuss his wife, but he does touch on nearly everything else of importance in his autobiography. "Growing up Adams," life in Europe with Garibaldi's forces, life at the British legation in London during the Civil War are all addressed. The best and probably the most key chapter in the book is the one entitled "The Virgin and Dynamo." Adams uses the 1876 cenntenial fair as a departure to meditate of the impact of the industrial revolution. Adams believed with the growth of technology that man would somehow outgrow the simple humanity of the Middle Ages (it would have been interesting if Adams had lived long enough to meet someone like Carl Jung to see what he would have to say on this subject!). One of the foremost historians (the Library of America has also issued the history of Jefferson and Madison's Administrations, which is a classic), Adams became interested in the Middle Ages and his survey of the two great cathedrals of France Chartes and Mont St. Michel is the final book in the volume. I cannot recommend this book too highly, it is a must for all fans of Henry Adams and those who would like to experience him for the first time.

one of the most brilliant minds in American literature
While Adams novels (Democracy and Esther) may be lightweight, the other two works included in this volume are two of the best non-fiction American books ever. Adams has the kind of intellect that seems capable of encompassing everything. Like Joseph Campbell or Harold Bloom, Adams often leaves the reader in awe of how much he knows and how he is able to make the connections that so clearly illuminate everything he touches upon. This is one of my favorite volumes in the Library of America series, and I know that anyone who appreciates intelligence, wit, and charm in a writer will enjoy reading it.


Henry V
Published in Audio CD by Naxos Audio Books (2000)
Authors: William Shakespeare, Full Cast, and Samuel West
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Wonderful
It has been great! listening to Shakespeare acted out or watching it is far better for those who find it hard to wade through reading it cold. Once the love is developed reading it cold is fun. But you have to start them somewhere and this is just wonderful. Whether you are just learning or already love Shakespeare this is delightful. We love the Saint Crispin's Day speech.

Men of few words are the best men
The title is taken from the book and William could not have been speaking of himself when he wrote this, he had plenty to say. It is hard to write a review about the best book in the English language.

I once saw, in the credits of a particularly poor Shakespeare film (and most are), the astounding words of - 'written by William Shakespeare, additional material by The Films Director' I forget his name now - but it struck me as strange that you would even mention youself in the same sentence as Shakespeare when discussing credits for writing. Something like 'written by Shakespeare - ruined by the Films Director' would have been more appropriate. Anyway - if you haven't read this book by the time you are 50 - then I can only envy you - I would pay a Kings Ransom to find an undiscovered Shakespeare play.

'The drama is full of singularly beautiful detached passages: for example, the reflections of the King upon ceremony, the description of the deaths of York and Suffolk, the glorious speech of the King before the battle, the chorus of the fourth act, remarkable illustrations of Shakespeare's power as a descriptive poet. Nothing can be finer, also, than the commonwealth of bees in the first act. It is full of the most exquisite imagery and music. The art employed in transforming the whole scene of the hive into a resemblance of humanity is brilliant'.


The Historicity of Biblical Israel: Studies in 1 & 2 Samuel
Published in Paperback by Academic Resources Corp (1998)
Author: Kamal Suleiman Salibi
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This is the way to Read the Old Testament
Scholar Kamal Salibi has set a new way for the academic re-reading of both the Old and the New Testaments. His ability to analyse old languages gave him the supremacy in putting the stories of the Old testament in a proper and logical context. When you read Salibi's new version of Samuel 1 and 2, you feel that you need to run his critique over all other books of the Old Testament. Salibi himself has applied his academic approach to many other parts of the Old Testament. When believers of the Church harshly criticized Salibi's new readings, he answered that he writes what he believes to be historically true away from matters of faith. It is definitely a must-read book.

Another Brilliant Analysis of what Might Have Happened.
Another very brilliant work by Kamal S. Salibi who continues to prove that he is a truly most original scholar. His analytical abilities, in conjunction with his unique mix of breadth and depth of knowledge, allow him to to see far beyond what the "conventional wisedom" has decreed as the truth. The unique analysis of Samuel, Saul and David's stories is a materpiece in scholarship. The stories now make sense in terms of the times, the locations and the possible interactions and events. His re-statement and separation of the threads of the stories make them easy to follow and logically flowing. A Must Read.


Hitler's Field Marshals and Their Battles
Published in Paperback by Cooper Square Press (01 August, 2001)
Authors: Samuel W., Jr. Mitcham and Samuel Mitcham
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Superb Study of Hitler's Field Marshals
Mitcham's account covers all the German FMs in great detail, including their characters and military abilities. The writing is fresh and clear, absorbing and never boring. The battle accounts are insightful. One of the best WWII books I've read.

A Brilliant Condensation of Complex Subject Material
Although Mitcham's book covers the careers of twenty or more field marshals he nevertheless manages to draw pictures of them all. Each field marshal is covered in pinpoint detail. What I find most interesting about this piece of work is that by presenting one short biography after the other Mitcham shows the relevance of one field marshal to the other. In other words, Mr Mitcham draws lines which connect all these field marshals together and helps us understand all the combined military acheivements and also all the intrigues and jealousies which prevailed amongst these top military commanders of the Third Reich. Mr Mitcham leaves no one out either, instead of presenting field marshals only known to the western world , Mr Mitcham also gives valuable insight into obscure field marshals like generalfeldmarshal Georg Kluecher. In my opinion , this book is quite valuable to historians who wish to study top German military commanders of the Second World War.


How to Prepare for the GRE with CD-ROM
Published in Paperback by Barrons Educational Series (1999)
Authors: Samuel C. Brownstein, Sharon Green, Stephen Hilbert, and Mitchel Weiner
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An indispensable source for the GRE test takers!
This was my first GRE reference and practice book and it has proven to be the best. There couldn't have been better explanatory advice and comments that you could find in other GRE references of this nature. I personally find the verbal part in the book very useful in expanding my lexicon that was required for the test. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about taking the GRE!

the price of the book is very high
the price of the book is very high for our indian students,especially for middle & poor class students so this must be reveiwed & the price must be reduced


I Love You
Published in Paperback by AmErica House (2001)
Author: Samuel Alesich Jr.
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Inside the Heary of a Woman
I LOVE YOU is a wonderful example of how many women struggle through life one moment at a time. I'm amazed at Samuel's ability to capture the truth inside the heart of the woman.

Exciting new Southern Author
Reviewed by Kristie Leigh Maguire, MyShelf.com

There is an old saying - 'Good things come in small packages'. Such is the case in the novel, I LOVE YOU, by Samuel Alesich. It is not a long book but it packs a powerful punch beginning with the very first page. I was immediately immersed in the eye of a hurricane, with words and description so realistic that I could feel the powerful winds blowing around the house and the rain pelting down on the roof.

I LOVE YOU is the story of Linda, a lovely but lonely woman in search of herself and all that she had lost and hoped to somehow find again. I found myself becoming Linda as I read this powerful novel. I cried with her; I rejoiced with her; I urged her on to find peace within herself.

Samuel Alesich is a name that I feel we will be hearing from again and again - I hope. It is very unusual to find a man who writes romance with such sensitivity and emotion. His Southern style of writing has found a place in my heart. I highly recommend not only I LOVE YOU but also any future books he decides to write. In my opinion, Samuel Alesich is a true and gifted writer.

...

Reviewed by Kristie Leigh Maguire, author of Emails from the Edge, Desert Triangle, co-author of No Lady and Her Tramp and contributor to Calliope's Mousepad: Women Writers Online
...


An Imaginative Experience
Published in Audio Cassette by Chivers Audio Books (1996)
Authors: Mary Wesely, Samuel West, and Mary Wesley
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so beautiful it makes you want to weep with joy
Sentimental yet not sappy, this beautiful book is a joy to read. Each word counts, each detail adds meaning to the novel, nothing is wasted. The result is a slim book packed with deeply felt emotion, memorable characters, lively scenes, honest human interaction, not to mention a wonderful dog and an upended sheep. Long live Mary Wesley.

Best book from my favorite author--SUPERB!
Wesley has done it again! I have read a number of her works, and this is the best yet. Her writing style is very fluent, yet thoughtful as well. Sometimes her books are so steamy that it is impossible to put them down (and this is no exception). I strongly feel everyone should give any of Wesley's novels a try-- YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED. Other works of note from Mary Wesley are "The Camomile Lawn" and "A Sensible Life" to name a couple (there are several others, all superb)


Israeli Special Forces (The Power Series)
Published in Paperback by Motorbooks International (1993)
Authors: Samuel M. Katz and Samual M. Katz
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Samuel Katz gets the info you won't see otherwise
Short and sweet, Samuel Katz is the man when it comes to finding information on special forces, especially the elite Israeli units. Alongside the British SAS, the Israeli special forces are the busiest in the world and in this book you get a clear, concise view of all of the major units that are out there. Simply put, this information is nowhere else. All of his books are worth tracking down and ordering, if not here, go to abebooks.com or bibliofind.com. It's money well spent.

UNIQUE book on Israeli Special Forces
For some time I have been interested in Israeli special Forces, but appropriate information were difficult to come by. This book offers adequate professional information on the subject, that, combined with great pictures and writter's appealing stile of writting, form an unique book. I found this book by accident in a bookstore, but if I knew about it sooner, I would certainly order it before.


Johnson the Poet: The Poetic Career of Samuel Johnson
Published in Hardcover by Univ of Delaware Pr (1999)
Author: David F. Venturo
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A Much Needed Volume
Although it has been common since the time of T. S. Eliot's groundbreaking essay, "Johnson, the Poet," for critics to praise "The Vanity of Human Wishes," this is first time a whole volume has been devoted to Johnson's poetry. Prof. Venturo is splendidly equiped for the task. His thorough understanding of Johnson's work and career, his wide-ranging knowledge of Renaissance, Augustan, and Roman poetry, and his rare grasp of the technical aspects of prosody and poetics, make him uniquely able to give us a broad, inclusive, and definitive treatment of Johnson's verse. On the use of Classical imitation in "London" and "The Vanity" he has offered important clarifications. On J's occasional verse he has always enlightened the reader. But of all the many virtues of this book, the most outstanding is Venturo's acute and learned explication of the Latin poems. That chapter alone would have made this fine book an invaluable contribution to our understanding of a great author. Venturo has produced a volume likely to become the standard by which we judge future studies of Johnson poetry.

Superb work of scholarship
This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read about English poetry. It will delight all readers of Samuel Johnson's poetry and bring new readers to the poems as well.


Johnson, Rasselas, and the Choice of Criticism
Published in Hardcover by University Press of Kentucky (1990)
Author: Edward Tomarken
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"ABSOLUTISTICALLY"
What distinguishes Tomarken from other critics? I'll tell ya' what. He uses words like "absolutistically". Then, right when the writing starts to get dull, he'll hit you with a good ol' "obsequious", followed by the 1/2 punch of a "lycencous", and of all things the "dunne" of the text. Tomarken's ability to finger through the Oxford unabridged dictionary in order to find the most obscurely outrageous words available is unparallelled by any other 21st century literary critic. In fact, it is rumoured that in a flash of brilliance in 1972, Eddie pulled out the word "antidisestabilshmentarianistically" in reference to genre and ethics, a stunt that has yet to be surpassed. Here's to you Ed. Far and away, one of the finest brothers to Peter Tomarken there is.

"Absolutistically"
What distinguishes Tomarken from other critics? I'll tell ya' what. He uses words like "absolutistically". Then, right when the writing starts to get dull, he'll hit you with a good ol' "obsequious", followed by the 1/2 punch of a "lycencous", and of all things the "dunne" of the text. Tomarken's ability to finger through the Oxford unabridged dictionary in order to find the most obscurely outrageous words available is unparallelled by any other 21st century literary critic. In fact, it is rumoured that in a flash of brilliance in 1972, Eddie pulled out the word "antidisestabilshmentarianistically" in reference to genre and ethics, a stunt that has yet to be surpassed. Here's to you Ed. Far and away, one of the finest brothers to Peter Tomarken there is.


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