Althaus is considered by many to be a foremost authority in Reformation studies. This text certainly bears that out. Althaus presents the main theological questions of Luther in precise and clear fashion. Moreover, Althaus provides plenty of direct quotes from Luther's works to support the theological views presented. I believe that Althaus intended to remain true to Luther's original thought without attempting to add his own opinion's which might otherwise alter what Luther meant in each topic.

This work is richly footnoted with Luther's original works, and other's who have commented on Luther's works. The text itself is divided into two parts-part one is the 'Knowledge of God' and part two is 'God's Work.'-yet each of these parts has subchapters dealing with topics such as the general and proper knowledge of God, the theology of the cross, faith, reason, the Holy Scriptures, law and gospel, the Trinity, and much, much more.

This would be a great text for anyone who collects and reads systematic theology texts, who wants a greater understand of what Luther espoused and taught, anyone studying the Reformation, and for anyone who is studying theology. It is well written and accessible to the lay person and scholar alike. I highly recommend this book!

Where I come from, Christian bookshops hardly carry much books by Luther or even on Lutheran theology. Actually, bookshops around here hardly carry any good theology books with substance. People here lap up the latest marshmallow-devotional and/or pop-psychology-self-help garbage but not good theology. Again, that's that.

Now on to the book itself:

Althaus have always been recognised as providing us with the standard textbook on Luther's Theology. In some ways, many (myself included) prefer reading Althaus' Luther than Luther's Luther! What I mean is this - Luther's writings covered such a large spectrum of differing theological perspectives and here, Althaus synthesizes his writings under appropriate subject headings to let the readers see how Luther's mind works. But instead of merely giving the readers his own views on those same subjects, Althaus includes thousands of quotations direct from Luther's writings and sermons (thus allowing Luther himself to speak to the reader - albeit in a more systematic manner!).

Highly recommended primer on Luther. Read this first. Then seek out the actual works of Luther.

-George Hulseman

One might question why you might purchase a book such as this. Well the answer is quite simple. Logic. Now when I say logic I don't mean the logic of the words themselves rather the logic that you might read such an impressive work.

Einstien was a genius in his time, a genius yet to be surpassed (in the authority of Science that is). His works are timeless, classic examples of the scientific process and this particular is a well-balanced example.

Written during the years of the 1910s this volume's works depict a dedication to science even through the war in Europe.

A Must Read!

Justin Smith

.........But the more I look at the book, the more I think Fischl has quality control issues. The more I look at it, the more bad paintings I notice. Don't get me wrong, this is a great book and Fischl has done some great paintings, but the more you look at this book, the more you notice how bad he can be at times-quality control. Some of the paintings should have never left the studio except in a dumpster but when your getting as much money as he gets for work.................... I imagine its hard not to think everything you make is great, when you get the "status" he has as an artist.

but this isn't an art critique, this is a great book on a well know contemporary artist. If you like Fischl, this is the book to get and it may give you more insight then you want, if you have any asthetic sensibilities.

In an effort to promote "Basic Tax Literacy," I highly recommend the EY-PFP Guide as a highly accessible & understandable guide for teens and above. This book makes a wonderful gift for all life events -- coming of age ceremonies, graduations, marriage, birth of child, divorce, mid-life crisis, pre-retirement, retirement. It could even serve as a textbook for certain courses and seminars.

I enjoyed reading the book and found it filled with exactly the information I was seeking to improve my own personal financial planning. The format was very understandable and will allow me to continue using the book as a reference.

Pay particular attention to "Releve", the story contributed by Patricia Wallace and her daughter. This story introduces us to Sydney Bryant, the private eye that Pat Wallace has featured in a terrific series for adults. The titles in the series include "Deadly Devotion" and "Blood Lies".

Other outstanding stories include those by Wendy Hornsby, Scott Turow, Stuart Kaminsky, and Sharyn McCrumb (and their collaborators). This is a book that parents can read and enjoy with their children. It might inspire them to collaborate on some mystery stories of their own!

I look forward to reading the companion volume, "Great Writers and Kids Write Spooky Stories". I

"When you think of a mystery, what comes to mind? A dark secret? An unsolved crime? A curious detective hunting for clues?"

The only mystery, the only secret, the only crime is how this anthology could be so easily overlooked. "Great Writers and Kids Write Mystery Stories" (1996) is a collection of stories written by some of today's greatest mystery authors in collaboration with their children and grandchildren. Jonathan Kellerman, Sharyn McCrumb, and Scott Turow are three of the thirteen award-winning writers that create wonderous whodunits with their offspring, ages 6 to adult.

While written at about the junior high/ middle school level, this complilation is enjoyable to all. The stories are five to several pages. Some are written with the child as the amateur detective, some are written as a type of psychological thriller.

The introduction serves as a "mini-lesson" on mystery writing. And, each story features a short personal introduction by the adult and child writing team on what it was like to collaborate on their included story. Other contributors include Barbara D'Amato, Ed Gorman, Stuart Kaminsky, Elizabeth Engstrom, and many others.

This book has the unique ability to be educational as well as entertaining. Those that enjoy this book may also enjoy the first volume as well: "Great Writers and Kids Write Spooky Stories" (1995).

I recommend this book to anyone who has lost someone they love. It will help you get a handle on your emotions and is very easy to read.