Re: the omitted "10th" commandment -- it's no mystery that coveting was also the commandment that tripped up the Apostle Paul (see Romans 7). While breaking the other commandments would be known by outward acts of disobedience, the commandment against coveting was the commandment that preceded and underlay the breaking of the others, yet remained hidden within a man's soul (and sometimes even hidden from himself) until it manifested itself by the breaking of one of the other commandments. James also lays the blame for man's sins on coveting (James 4:1ff). Freedman is right to single out this commandment from the other nine, as it's the scarlet thread (Freedman's oft-used term for his thesis) that ties the other nine -- indeed, man's whole fallen nature, INCLUDING the cause of the Fall (Eve's desire/coveting of the forbidden fruit) -- together. Recognizing this leads one to the Apostle's cry (and solution) in Romans 7:24-25. Failing to recognize this leads to the abortive attempts at righteousness that the Apostle also describes in Romans 10:3.

But back to the book: This is so well-written, so accessible, that the most ill-educated (biblically) layman or laywoman can read this with pleasure and understanding. Bravo, David Noel Freedman! Even if you don't agree with all of it, it's worth reading all of it.

It's rare to find a well-written, well-informed, highly-original book on any subject, much less the heavily-mined territory of Biblical Studies. Unlike Bloom's The Book of J, this book is actually written by a respected biblical scholar.

The book explains many of the unusual word choices and locutions you encounter if you manage to read the whole thing, especially the differing order of commandments across the Old and New Testaments. Some of the discussion smacks of special pleading (can't make the commandment against covetousness fit your theory? must fit in as a 'background commandment' for the rest...).

Overall, however, the author makes a very persuasive case for an outside editor who edited in references to the 10 commandments thruout the early books of the Old Testament. The author treats the subject matter with reverence and tact, and the 'editor theory' helps explain the remarkable cohesiveness and literary quality to a book compiled over a millenium.

Nicely illustrated and written almost as a detective novel, this book is highly recommended. Plus, you now have only nine commandments to worry about (oops, forgot that covetousness one)!

A theory so plausible and eloquently argued that you want to give yourself a V-8 forehead slap. Freedman looks at the Ten Commandments (yes, he addresses ALL ten of them) in relationship to the Primary History in the Bible (the nine books from Genesis through Kings, minus Ruth). Along the way he disburses some very interesting information that will enhance Bible readers' future experience with the Bible texts: he explains the practice of "the pairing of texts" in the Hebrew Bible, makes compelling points about Jeremiah's relationship to the Primary History, contrasts monotheism with henotheism and monolatry, and gives a fascinating explanation of how the Hebrew divining stones, the Urim and Thummim, probably worked.

I've always felt Bible readers have made the mistake of elevating the Torah/Pentateuch at the expense of the rest of the Old Testament. Freedman's thesis seems to defend the integrity of the Hebrew Scriptures as a whole. He shows how the Israelites broke each of the Commandments they received in the wilderness. Not only broke them, but with minimal adjustments to sequencing, Freedman shows that they broke them in order. This breaking of the Commandments constitutes a "scarlet thread" that runs through the Primary History and that ultimately explains why the Israelites suffered defeat and exile at the hands of God's enemies. But there are ten commandments and only nine books in the Primary History. Which commandment does not get represented by a specfic sinful act in a book of its own is a mystery Freedman does not answer until the last chapter. The suspense makes this highly accessible scholarly work, a bit of a page-turner.

If you read this book and enjoy it, you might also like the equally fascinating but more ambitious "Surpassing Wonder: The Invention of the Bible and the Talmuds," by Donald Harman Akenson.

Fans of blues music and musicians will relish this autobiography of Delta bluesman Edwards, which charts his rise to fame and his survival in a critical musical world. His first-person observations of the changing blues style and field are especially meaningful given that so many blues titles are not written by participants in the field.

Honey and his astute collaborators have given us the genuine article: a poignant, detailed, uproarous chronicle of what Robert Palmer called the"Deep Blues," the Delta tradition from which all other blues styles emanate. If you've heard Honey sing either in person or on his fine recordings, you will hear the voice you read. He offers dozens of unforgettable moments, from the first sounds he ushers from a broken-necked guitar to his mother's death to the death of Robert Johnson, that are alive and chilling. My only criticism is that the photographs featured in the book are spartan, contemporary views of critical sites in this artist's life. More historical photography would have enhanced the text. The publisher of this well-designed softcover has made the text relaxingly readable. After my first 50 pages, I wanted to purchase all of Honey's recordings and read more about him. He is an articulate, funny, precise chronicler of his own life. If only I could do the same with my own life! First rate.

This autobiography succeeds memorably on several levels. Told in spare, moving words, it provides a vivid picture of life in the Mississippi Delta long before the civil rights movements of the '50s. In addition, it's a kind of African-American "On the Road," told from the perspective of one who crisscrossed the Southern United States, scuffling to make a living playing the blues. And finally, it's a terrific history of the blues, told by a man who made a significant musical contribution himself and who played with nearly all the essential artists of the '30s and on.

Edwards, born in the Delta around 1915, worked the fields as a kid before he learned to play the guitar and began hoboing around the South. He rode the rails, played in innumerable small towns, and polished his craft. Along the way, he hung out and played with the likes of Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Little Walter Jacobs, Robert Junior Lockwood, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and yes, Robert Johnson. The book describes how these architects of the modern blues passed songs, licks, and stories back and forth, keeping a form that relies so heavily on tradition dynamic and vital.

A major strength of the book is Edwards' distinctive voice, transcribed by his collaborators to retain its distinctive rhythms and dialect. The book's title sums up his attitude. His memories include violent death, physical and emotional loss, and great material want. Still, you sense strongly that he wouldn't have had his life any other way. His narrative is devoid of self-pity, but it never glosses over the difficulty of the times he endured, which included stints in prison.

The book concludes with useful appendices that define key terms and offer capsule biographies and discographies of musicians Edwards encountered. A good bibliography is also included. Highly recommended for those interested in the blues and in American social history. Great read.

"The Best of Pif Magazine Off-Line" offers a refreshing assortment of new stories and new voices. A standout among them is Mimi Carmen's "Love Birds". Ms. Carmen's tale of an aging mother and conflicted daughter resonates with idiosyncratic vision and gritty passion. The bird imagery is breathtaking. I also very much enjoyed "23 Johnson Avenue, 1985" by Diann Blakely. If writers were race horses, and I had money, I'd bet my wad on these two.

A wonderful collection - refreshingly different, but solid. My favorite is "Love Birds" by Mimi Carmen. I'd like to read more of her work.

I am bored with many print magazines nowadays. The same things, the same things. Ho-hum. I've been following this zine for a while now, open it every month with relish. They've definitely picked a lot of their best, and Camille Renshaw's intro says a lot about WHY I don't like other magazines. Here is something worth a read, something that will make you want to get everything the magazine has put out since the beginning. There's even a rationale for professional wrestling, something that wants me to buy a tape of the event with the Undertaker/Mankind Hell in the Cell match, and I NEVER watch that stuff! You should definitely have this on your shelf--impress your friends with how in the know you are.

If health is your field of practice this book will increase you awareness on the importance of holistic approach to health care. If you are researching in the area of religion and spirituality, then this is a must read for your literature review.

This is the most comprehensive collection of studies in the field of religion, spirituality and healthcare. Extremely easy to read and nicely organized for easy use. As a researcher myself in the field of spirituality and healthcare, I have found this book to be a "must have" resource for our own work. I would strongly recommend this book wihtout reservation!

As a scientist with great faith---and a survivor of three separate cancers---I came to this book with a lot of faith and treatment experience. This is an amazing summary of the literature relating religion and health. There are many, many associations between religious commitment and practice and health, with major implications for crafting healthful lifestyles and treatment of illness. This book is scientifically credible, inspirational from a religious perspective, and interesting throughout. 5 stars only because that is the top star value!!

Rarely do we take the time to revel in the wondrous but sometimes bittersweet emotions brought about by pondering on past and present love relationships. Pick up this book and you will luxuriate in the passionate and sensual beauty of love and sex, and will enjoy the distraction from the every day static that sometimes makes us forget.....

Michael has touch my soul and opened his. We all should have a soul mate to share with. We should all have such wonder feelings.
I hope this is not his last book! A book for lovers.

Michael Palmer speaks his truth: simply, directly, and passionately. His poems will resonate with anyone who has been in love. The book is Everyman's odyssey into the joy and the sadness of romance. It is especially good for fireside or bedtime reading, and makes a great romantic gift. It also makes a great coffee table book, to pick up and read when the mood strikes you.

Awesome book! It was recommended to me by the author through a christian book club. I love the suspense and the thrill of Satan getting what he deserves, a kick back to where he belongs!
The only problem I had was the Catholocism in it, but I guess I can't be too picky. I prefer Christian non-fiction. I don't know if this book is considered that. Oh, well, it's written well. Enjoy!

In a day when there are tons of suspense/mystery/horror/thriller writers, a pearl has been discovered from the deep recesses of the literary ocean. Mr. David Michael Smith's book, The Invitation, is brilliant writing and an engrossing story. I found myself thinking, 'what if...' and that merely added to the build up Smith craftily creates in this book. I would simply say, 'highly recommended' and 'get the book if you want a great, captivating horror story to read', ok?
Seriously, this guy is fantastic and it's just a matter of time before some lucky publisher latches onto his work and signs him to a long term contract.
Again, great book with great characters. I really liked the Chief of Police; reminds me of the guy in my hometown! Bart was a likeable protagonist also. And the female characters, the lead Geri and her mother... very believable relationship between the two. What can I say? Good book for women and men readers. A little nugget of entertainment for all.

Fantastic reading and writing; David Smith is an up and coming author that's for sure. A friend recommended this book to me and I usually don't try out untested new writers, but I am glad my friend insisted. The Invitation was a great book, a little long but I hardly noticed since all I did was read and read until I finished it. Fast moving, great plot, fresh story and fantastic characters and development. Smith writes like a pro and should sign on with a big time publisher if he's smart. Can't wait for the sequel, if there is one! Great book: do yourself a favor and buy it today. You won't regret it. A great read for the beach or quiet vacation in the mountains. But don't dare read it at night; you'll get nightmares for sure!

Swords for Hire" is a humorous and exciting medieval adventure. Inspired by "The Princess Bride", the style is similar enough that anyone who enjoyed that book should enjoy this one. Although it is written for the juvenile market (age 9 or so and older) it is still a delightful read for anyone. For a younger person the first thirty pages are somewhat slow but required in order to lay the foundation for the rest of the book. On the other hand, once you get to the section on "The Oddball" it picks up speed, the two primary characters become well developed and the book takes off. After that it is hard to put the book down and you may find yourself sitting up to finish it. "Swords for Hire" is a highly recommended and enjoyable read.

Sam Hatcher lived on a farm until he turned sixteen. Then he became an apprentice to Rigby Skeet, Sword For Hire. A smuggled message landed in their hands to reveal that the "deceased king" was not really dead. Instead, King Olive was caged in a far away dungeon and guarded by "the Boneman". The two set out to rescue their true king from the evil guards.

I found this story to be an absolute delight! All through the book I chuckled and often I found myself laughing out loud. The author expressed even the most common things in the most unusual and humorous ways. For example: "Imagine a dark, sinister-looking castle, then multiply by two and you'd have the castle of the Boneman."

The author also added some strange personalities that kids of all ages cannot help but find amusing, such as the false king who enjoyed nothing more than putting worms on top of his head. It is things such as these that will make young readers WANT to read. Each chapter is short, which is recommended for younger readers as well. And of course, there must be (and is) a beautiful damsel in distress that needs to be rescued. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Sam Hatcher is a normal, if a bit cynical, farm boy who is clearly not destined to become a farmer. His father recognizes this and sends him off to join the Royal Guard on his sixteenth birthday. Thus begins an adventure that teams him up with Rigby Skeet, a mentor who is slightly deranged, on a quest to rescue the true King from the dungeon in which his slimy, worm-loving brother has imprisoned him.

The story is fast and fun and often surprising, taking a classic adventure story and saturating it with humor and irony, smashing through clichés as quickly as the protagonists smash through obstacles.

Sam is no starry-eyed apprentice and his mentor is no all-knowing master, and this lack of established adventure story roles leaves room for so much more.

This story was loved by every kid with whom it was shared, from age seven to age fifteen, and the adults who read it loved it even more.

I bought this book out of respect and deep admiration for Martin Scorsese. What I got was keen insight into a creative genius. The numerous interviews reveal a side to Scorsese that not many people see outside the camera. It's a lot more personal than that. When he talks about his movies, he ultimately parallels them to what his life was like at that time. So it's a fine blend of his personal life mixed with his professional life. There's also the obvious vibe that this man always was and always will be a student of film; his passion is infinite. Perhaps that's what makes him as influential and well-respected as he is.
You're the best there is, Marty!!

This reader felt almost privileged to read these interviews, lectures, and conversations with Martin Scorsese. He simply shares everything, and indeed he is, if nothing else, a true fan of movies!

The insightful words of Scorsese, arranged to parallel his filmography up through New York Stories, are annotated by the redoubtable editors Thompson and Christie. Scorsese is arguably the greatest postmodern artist, (and I would have to say the only postmodernist I unhesitatingly adore -with possible exception of Matt Groening), and the reader really gets to see how Scorsese constructs a film. His inspirations are as predictable as directors Pasolini and Powell, yet as diverse as Mahatma Ghandi and Little Richard. He loves all with equanimity and enthusiasm.

That's the joy of this book... the guy loves movies, loves making them, and all that energy just shines through.

Extremely valuable resource for the student of film, but good fun for the humble film buff, too. Bonus: interesting black and white photos you won't find elsewhere. Excellent (though naturally out-of-date) filmography appendix.

I absolutely devoured this book, essentially reading in two sittings a day apart. A rare and privledged look into the mind of Scorsese in his own words, followers of his work will be thrilled with the insights and anecdotes. Anyone half-aware of the man's work can recognize the thought that goes into it, but these interviews reveal the incredible depth and passion for film and its history that underlies his craft.

An essential read for anyone that considers her- or himself a film buff.

I love Michael Bolton as a singer. And his writing skills are excellent as well. But I found this book difficult to follow for me, and even more so for my 6th grade students. However, the pictures were outstanding! David Jermann is very detailed in his illustrations....a definate plus for this book.

Wonderful bardic mastery here; as if the myth of King Arthur came alive again, yet its ending still expands into a living energy of our continuance - for here there is no wounded fisher king, but rather a continuance of love - father to son, brother to brother, man to man - without a doubt. As a female, I am reminded strongly of the "Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley, yet this tale is told from a male vantage point, who as of yet is only just beginning to discover that his lady love is real - as real as he. Complex yet so simply told, amazing mysteries of love unfolding from a point of ever-changing mysteries of all that we might yet now come to be.

The parallels of many Arthurian legends, and even a hint of "Avalon come true" are spoken here, within a form and style that must inspire the wee folk of our lives to live within its inspiration. I applaud this endeavor of artistry, and hope to see this lovely volume back in full publication again very soon.

Michaelette

http://michaelette.com

I really love Michael as a singer. I'm a fan of him since I started feeling sense of music. But I wasn't aware of his writing skills indeed. He has proved his writing skills after giving a great gift of the Secret of Lost Kingdom. The book is not infact just for childern there is something for every age, the morality, honor, truth and love. The heart touching and well illustrated story is really worth to be explored.

Michael Robbins is one of those rare living authors whose extraordinary intelligence and creativity is equaled by his brain/mind/soul alignment. He is one of the best contemporary authorities on the Ageless Wisdom as presented in Alice Bailey's books, in Theosophy, and in the Agni Yoga series. But Infinitization of Selfhood is not a review of these books; it is the culmination of Robbins' mental/spiritual reach into the cosmos, backed by his broad background of esoteric knowledge. Robbins' earlier book, Tapestry of the Gods, is a very different book, interpreting on a practical note, the effect of the Seven Rays as presented by Bailey, upon the human personality and soul.

Infinitization of Selfhood also expresses the spiritual impressions that have come to Robbins in deep contemplation. After 600 pages of original discussions on the possibilities and inherent problems involved with the idea of Infinitude, Robbins presents 22 original meditative exercises "to help induce Radical Infinitist Realizations." The meditator is encouraged to enter deeply into the process of unveiling the "Self-as-SELF-the HEART OF REAL IDENTITY." Next are 24 original mantras to facilitate the embodiment of the SELF. Section VII is a clear 235-page glossary of Radical Infinitism, complete with practical examples-a tremendous help for the reader.

One might wonder how on earth one author could encompass so grand a subject and not get lost on the way. But Robbins has a brilliant mind and an uncanny ability to express in words the essence of any subject he approaches. For those who enjoy the mental/spiritual grasp (and challenge) of some of our best contemporary author/philosophers, I highly recommend the Infinitization of Selfhood. It provides a rare opportunity for the esotericist to glimpse and possibly to enter some of the sacred spaces of the cosmos.

We swim within an ocean of self-made "realities", and in these waters we may flee the sharks of our anxieties or play with the dolphins of our contentments. Those of us professing spiritual wisdom (and who openly dares to?) have learnt to recognize the currents which bring either creature, and are pleased with ourselves when we steer the good ship "ego" out of danger and grimace when yet again we find ourselves helpless before another tumultuous storm. Michael Robbins in a spiritual "tour de force" has eliminated not only sharks,dolphins, the rhythmic currents of our lives, but has also dispatched with the very ocean itself. His is a shocking work. He hunts with intensity and pitiless pursuit all things moral, philosophical, psychological, theological, teleological until they all fall victim to the only One Reality. After all isn't that what we secretly crave, if not openly confess? Those interested in the Bailey material and/or of a theosophical bent will find bold hints of the new psychology of the Monad promised in this dawning century. The work is replete with practical exercises and deals extensively with the ultimate reality underlying any imaginable phase of human experience. It's an "Infinity" of a book whose perplexity belongs to its readers rather than its author or the work itself. Enjoy if you dare.

There is an analogy between the seven rays and the structure of the book. As the seven parts in 'Infinitization' supplement each other, the reader is guided to nonlinear thinking in the mental framework of the book. The latter is quite difficult to comprehend because the terminology is tailor-made, the level of abstraction is high and there are huge amounts of details. It demands endurance from the reader but the effort is amply rewarded. The audience consists of mentally polarized

occultists. They are used to taking the lower mind as the starting point for meditation. The book provides a choice which links the upper mind and the lower mind through the efforts based on aspiration. This 'brush up your Antahkarana' approach has much teaching value to those who want to learn to think. The study process works towards decentralizing them.