I was 12 years old when I read this for the first time (I am now 33). I have recommended this book to lots of friends over the years, and everyone has enjoyed it. Jack Douglas' sense of humor is sarcastic, ironic and, at times, morbid...which, of course, makes for great comedy!

When you read one of Jack Douglas' books it is like a witty friend telling you about his life. He triuimphs over the commonness of everyday with a satirical sense of humor. When I grow-up I want to be Jack Douglas.

Just another excellent book in the series from Jack's life. No matter that they're out of print - search everywhere - they're worth it. I began reading Douglas in 1959 at the age of 14. After that, I eagerly awaited each new offering and occassionally managed to catch Douglas on T.V. As I remember them (more or less in the order published and the recommended order for reading): My Brother Was an Only Child, Never Trust a Naked Bus Driver, A Funny Thing Happened on My Way to the Grave (Autobiography), Huckleberry Hashimoto, The Neighbors Are Scaring My Wolf, The Japanese Sex and Cookbook and How to Raise Wolves, Shut Up and Eat Your Snowshoes, Going Nuts in Brazil, Benjamin Franklin Slept Here, and What Do You Hear from Walden Pond. There are probably more, but if you read these one after another, you'll probably need surgery.

For my small study group of women who faithfully meet on an early morning once a week, this book calmed and directed turbulent souls. This was especially important and meaningful to us since our first session ended just minutes before the tragedies of September 11 occurred. The book's wisdom has continued to help carry us through. A previous acquaintance, however small, with the benedictine way has been helpful to individual members.

Most people find spirituality a wonderful concept, but they suspect that it is difficult to practice spirituality in the midst of ordinary daily concerns. Elizabeth Canham offers a wisdom of spirituality that is grounded in the classic practices of Benedict, and she helps readers understand that the spiritual practices described by the 6th century Benedict were intended for ordinary working people. Canham structures the book so that we begin with Scripture and then we move to that essential Benedictine spiritual practice of hospitality. Prayer is a foundational discipline that Canham covers, but her conversation about other practices is a treat. She writes with an ease and charm as she yokes manual labor and rest, two spiritual practices that are misunderstood spiritually.

Canham seasons her work with her life's experiences. She grew up an evangelical Christian in England and is now an Episcopal priest in the US. She lived in Manhattan and in a monastic situation in rural South Carolina. These experiences make visible the very Benedictine understanding of life as pilgrimage. Her work is well informed. Her understanding of Benedict's insights allow me to take up these practices in a life in which I fend off chaos and disorder. And that seems to have been a part of Benedict's vision in the disorderly 6th century.

A great book for a book discussion. The leader's guide provides discussion provoking questions. The book itself offers something for every stage of faith.

This book is an intense and detailed look into Eucharistic Adoration. I knew nothing about this topic before I read thisbook. It is not a super easy read--I really had to concentrate. It gave a lot of history and information.. I think it would be great for a theology student or someone interested in this catholic tradition. It is very well written, detailed and complete.

This is a well written thoroughly researched book. I recommend it to anyone involved in Eucharistic Adoration.

Well-written book with very good references and documentation. It thoroughly explains historical foundations and evolvement to current practices. This book stands out as being a great information resource on a subject that has many devotional books. It is solidly in-line with the Magisterium as are all of Fr. Groeschel's books. I use it as a teaching tool and as a source for talks on the Real Presence. I highly recommend this book. It will increase your appreciation of the Gift of the Eucharist and the value of adoration.

This is an excellent, essential and almost complete introduction to the basic Rosicrucian literature of the Seventeenth century. Its merit lies in the selection of tracts included, however, and not on the critical apparatus contained therein.

Editor Williamson's introduction is simplistic and unhelpful, apart from giving the reader a basic chronology of the publication history of the manifestos. Williamson appears unaware of the recent research by Carlos Gilly, et al. that illuminates the status of some of these reprints as pirated editions, etc.

The book then goes on to include: The entirety of Thomas Vaughan's 17th century marginalia to the English 1652 edition of the manifestos, followed by; the first & second prefaces to the Fama Fraternitatis from the Kassel 1614 & 1615 editions; Traiano Boccalini's brilliant satire 'The General Reformation' which was published in the editio princeps of the Fama; the Fama itself; The Confessio and its preface; and lastly, the Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosencreutz, anno 1459 (Foxcroft's 1690 translation, with the marginalia deleted). An extensive selection: the only major missing texts are Phillipo a Gabella's 'Brief Consideration' and Haslmayr's 'Antwort'; both of which are important peripheral pieces.

This particular edition is of usefulness because of the inclusion of some helpful annotations (although these are largely copied from F.N. Pryce's edition of the _Fame & Confession_), and the inclusion of the entire Boccalini extract (previously only available in a truncated form in Waite's _Real History of the Rosicrucians_).

My recommendation, however, is that this text is read in conjunction with F.N. Pryce's earlier work. Pryce's extensive critical introduction and annotations are far more useful than Williamson's clipped commentary, and each volume contains source materials not found in the other. As always, both books should be consulted in conjunction with more modern, and careful, scholarship: particularly of that of German scholar Carlos Gilly.

I've given this book a five star rating because it is very well produced. I
can't say I really liked the contents, though. It has the original
Rosicrucian tracts, which seem to basically say that they think people
aught to follow the teachings of Jesus (a fine idea). The first publication
was accompanied by a spoof called "The General Reformation" translated from
some Italian work, which implies that the whole suggestion of a brotherhood
is a farce. To make matters more absurd, the first English publication was
accompanied by a alchemical work (which is absolutely dreadful) -- this has
an amazing amount of obsfucation just to hide the fact the author (Thomas
Vaughn) didn't know anything. Likewise, at the end of the volume is
another alchemical 'allegory' which is utter dreck, but is assigned to the
Rosicrucians. According to the editor of this book, Williamson, this last
work was even admitted by the author as being something to see how
gullible people were (very, based on a brief search on the internet). Again,
the book is very well done, and the editor has a nice introduction and some
good footnotes (I wonder what his opinions on the Rosicrucians are -- he
remains carefully neutral).

This book contains the three major original Rosicrucian works, Fama Fraternitias, Confessio Fraternitias, and The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosencreutz, along with a few other short historical pieces. I knew that these were available in places on the internet, but this book was really worth the price because of Williamson's amazing editing job. He went back to the original texts and compiled the most authoritative edition in years. He added historical footnotes, references, and even translated the greek and latin parts of the text. He also placed the works into their historical context by adding easy-to-read introductions. All of the original graphics from the Chymical Weddiing are included, so you get a bit of the RCs symbology. These stories are much clearer, cleaner, and more complete than any version I've seen anywhere.

If you are interested in Rosicrucianism, put down all those modern New Age books written by people who don't know what they are talking about, and read these stories, which are the only ones known to have been written by the original Rosicrucians themselves.

Curley does a decent job of translating Spinoza, although his penchant for identifying the Latin vocabulary with English cognates, almost without exception, sometimes lacks sensitivity to the content at hand. Both his introductory essay and selection of texts illustrate his peculiar, if not intriguing, analytical interpretation of Spinoza. For beginning readers of Spinoza, these issues will certainly not obstruct the view of Spinoza's extraordinary system. Advanced students who have not mastered their Latin, should consult Shirley or, dare I say, Elwes, for additional perspective on Spinoza's ideas.

This volume of excerpts from Spinoza's writings, selected and translated by Edwin Curley, provides a surprisingly accessible overview of the life and thought of rationalism's greatest "saint." Curley's translations are crisp, clear and accurate, and his selections well-chosen. The reader unfamiliar with Spinoza and with no background in philosophy is advised to begin with Roger Scruton's _Spinoza_ volume in the Past Masters series, also available from Amazon, and then move on to this extremely helpful volume.

The ethics and other writings of Spinoza are the works of pure genius. With the utmost logic, Spinoza shows point by point what is meant by God and how he operates. Spinoza shows that what is meant by God is reality itself. This agrees completely with the definition of God given by God himself in the Bible, who said "I am who am." God is reality itself. To say that Spinoza proved atheism by this book is to beg the question. Everyone who is intrested in knowing who and what God is, should read this book. He also shows what our relation to God should be. One of the greatest books on philosophy ever written.

This is a fun book that should help your youngster develop an interest in American History. It is easy to read an has great illustratiions. You will not be disappointed with this purchase. Look for others by the same author.

This book about Benedict Arnold told of his heroic deeds as well as his betrayal of our country. The book shows how Benedict Arnold's need to prove that he was courageous, and his desire to be a great hero and receive recognition, led to his downfall. It is a well written book which provided both historical information and entertainment.

This book was great! It tells all about Benidict Arnold. He is a VERY interesting boy. If you really like reading about Revolutionary Heros, then this is a good book to read. Of course you might not be able to call him a hero when you find out what happens at the end. This book tells all about Benidict, before, after, and during the war. Even if you don't like reading non-fiction, you will now. For instance, did you know that Benidict was obsessed with shoes? Or that he killed his own horse because he didn't want to give it to the British? Or that the woman he married was involved in a terrible scandal? Well, if this sound intriguing... READ IT!!!

Fr Benedict J. Groeschel is the nation's pre-eminent Franciscan. Author and TV personality, he is perhaps the most genial apologist for Roman Catholicism since the days of Archbishop Sheen. In THE JOURNEY TOWARD GOD, Fr Groeschel has put together an anthology of spiritual writing that he values. Insouciant about the ecclesial membership of the authors, Fr Benedict has given us a mixture of Roman Catholic neo-Scholasticism, a few writings from the Saints, a surprisingly large amount of Protestant sources, and a shockingly small selection from the treasures of Eastern Orthodoxy (the book's subtitle implies a generosity of representation that simply is not there).

A significant vexation is the absence of an index, needed so that readers might more readily find those passages they value most. The book's primary problem, however, is that there are few selections in it that set our hearts ablaze, truly, precious few that we wish to read more than once. Mostly, Fr Groeschel seems concerned with keeping to his scheme of describing the various stages of religious conversion, and finding selections that fit his categories. He seems less concerned with finding selections that "grab" the reader by the heart or soul and keep the reader enraptured. Most of the selections can be aptly abridged to read, "Be good and pray often." A noble admonition. But to get to that message, we are made to endure a disaffecting prolixity.

What we miss most of all when we peruse THE JOURNEY TOWARD GOD is the sound of Fr Groeschel's amiable, tough, intelligent, wry, humorous, charitable voice. For this, we must put aside his anthology, and turn to his other books.

I have had the privilege of hearing Fr. Groeschel speak on several occasions on different topics. He is a great speaker. I really enjoyed this bok a lot. In this book the reader is entitled in reading passages from some of the great spiritual writers that have been around. From reading these different passages from these great writers, the reader gets an insight into these great minds. Also from these passages the reader is "offered" some ideas on how to live a life of serving other people. I would recommend this book to anyone that feels that they want a closer relationship with someone.

I have had the great opporunity to hear Fr. Benedict Groeschel speak on several occasions. Each time had been a great learning experience. I have read several of Fr. Groeschel's book and he knows how to say things in simple terms - terms that the average person can understand. This book would make a good present for anyone. By reading this book you get an insight into several of the greatest religion thinkers and writers ever. I would recommend this book to anyone.

De Waal has made a name for herself by adapting Benedict for the laity. This latest of her works is perhaps the least accessible, and it by no means a place to start in getting to know the saint of Monte Cassino. Christians who already order their lives by drawing from the centuries-old "Rule," however, will want to read it cover to cover. She goes through each chapter and gives, not a scholarly but a personal commentary on its meaning. Many references to other works of Benedictine scholarship. Don't have a copy of the "Rule" handy? (You must have one to get anything out of this work at all.) Liturgical Press will send you one free if you return the postpaid card that comes with de Waal's book. What a deal!

De Waal's commentary brings the 6th century "Rule of Benedict" into my 21st century life and home, revealing how relevantly Benedict's wisdom speaks to our modern age. Another recently published book, a modern commentary on the Rule, written for parents, is titled THE FAMILY CLOISTER: BENEDICTINE WISDOM FOR THE HOME, by David Robinson (New York, NY: Crossroad, 2000).

Esther de Waal has managed to bring the Rule of Benedict to life by insightfully applying it to life lived in the world, not just for an enclosed Benedictine community.

This book, had I been a novice in the spiritual "arts," would have received five stars from me. It deals with the three spiritual acts of silence, holy reading, and prayer, from the perspective of Benedictine spirituality. As such, it is a solid introduction to all those. However, if you have some experience with any of these discipines, and with Benedictine spirituality, and are looking to go deeper, you ought to consider another book. Vest does, though, offer a good bibliography at the end to guide the reader to more material. Overall a good book, but not one I will return to.

This book is divided into three primary sections/disciplines: Silence, Prayer and Holy Reading. I knew that the book would challenge me immediately in the chapter on silence....it was so good I kept thinking that I wanted to talk about it to my friends. I realized in that chapter how little inward and outward silence I really have. The suggestions were practical and on target.

The Benedictine approach is something rarely discussed in my circle of fellow Christians and in the church that I attend. Some of the language used was awkward and foreign to me at first. The message, however is wonderful. We can all find greater spirituality in the ordinary things that we do. We can all find greater peace and love in Christ every day. Because some of the ideas were somewhat new to me, I had a slight feeling of "aloneness" when I started reading the book. Then at the end, it was all brought together in one of the most powerful thoughts: "Living the Gospel is about being in Love. It is knowing that we are never alone"

This book will most likely be one of the few I keep close by and reference frequently. It is a book that draws the reader back to the wisdom it offers.

No Moment Too Small by Noreen Vest is a concise, very readable, exploration of three of the building blocks in Benedictine Sprituality. Her discussion of "Lectio Divina," Holy Reading, makes the journey into this discipline easy to approach. Especially helpful is her explanation of the various ways of interpreting the Scripture for devotional use. Ms. Vest opens the door to a rewarding prayer life with a rich discussion on prayer as dwelling in the presence of God. I would recommend this book all those wanting to understand more completely the beauty of solitude, prayer and holy reading in the Benedictine life.

This book is a good introduction to the contemporary Baudrillard, it is the last step as he leaves behind the last vestiges of Marxism and ventures into something original and "fatal". Contrary to the first reviewer, Baudrillard does not assume an "Essentialist" position (namely, providing necessary and sufficient conditions for 'such and such' to be 'such and such'). Instead he operates between wildly poetic description and (implied) moral condemnation.

This means, mostly, that his comments on meaning and media are striking. It also means (unfortunately) that he provides little in the way of concrete or rigorous argumentation. Thankfully, this is not a problem if we consider the book a collection of inter-related aphorisms. In any case, Baudrillard "the poet" instead of Baudrillard "the theorist" allows us to conceptualize the expanding domain of media technologies in a different way. Whether there actually -is- anything to his claims will have to be shown by someone else.

Since this book has had something of an influence on art criticism, I recommend it (albeit, with strong reservations about its basic claims)to anyone interested in cultural theory, the arts or any sort of contemporary "critical theory".

Break out your dictionary; here is Baudrillard in all his ontogenetic glory. A wildly entertaining if ultimately depressing journey through the end of the millenia; what could be more shocking than to see J.B. bewail the lost hippy ideals of the sixties? Less a postmodernist than an essentialist critic of postmodernism, Baudrilard bwetrays a startling lack of imagination when it comes to technology and apparently views the computer screen as the fourth horseman of a Marxian apocalypse. Imagine if your kvetching grandfather had attended Yale in the '80s.

Sometimes a brilliant thinker as Baudrillard lets his own theories and perspectives confuse what is reality. Even though all the so-called revolutions and liberations have played themselves out, sexual,cybernetic,political,artistic, there are still powers in the world in all the above categories that are shaping the world in their own image. What is globalization? than the structure of the world surrounded with capital,shaped by it directing the poverty and foodchains of the world. I think Baudrillard forgets this, that there still is someone who creates and directs,and manipulates,and politicizes,and innoculates the populace to soften them up for consumption,controlled if possibly.

This collection of essays are brilliant in that Baudrillard knows how to probe beneath the surface of art,of culture, like Madonna, Michael Jackson or current Hollywood, and the politics of Europe,of the demise of communism. He does it within a formant structure,with many levels of meaning spewed out in all directions. He is a virtuoso in that respect.

What structures material reality? what directs it is not probed however with any degree of conviction and I think that is where his focus should be.You needn't be a Marxist to harbor these convictions simply ahumanist concerned with the direction of the world.