I was excited to get this book, because it was very well recommended. John and Caitlin Matthews reprint some historical essays that are hard to find, and write in a clear style. However, I thought it was too much dry history. I was forcing myself to get through it and not retaining what I read. This would be an excellent reference book, but not something I would plan on reading cover to cover.

I'm a big fan of John Matthews, and Caitlin as well... but I must say I enjoy the books from a spiritual viewpoint much more than a scholarly one. I'm not a scholar myself.. just one in training, but I can read between the lines.

I'm critical of the Matthews, because they tend to use some of the old texts to favor their points... and perhaps leave out what doesn't favor their points. It isn't all that bad though... still I tend to stick with books more like "Celtic Love" or "The Celtic Devotional" when reading the Matthews.

In this book, there really isn't much by Mr. Matthews. The introduction... yes. Thats pretty much it. The rest is a collection of essays on Celtic related studies. I spent the most time looking into the essays on the Ogham (which make up about 1/3 of the book).

Anyone who knows scholars knows MacAlister is full of it. This essay, on the Ogham, takes a prime seat in the book, but its little more than bunk. "Wishful thinking" is all I'll say about that.

It just seems to me that the John, the editor, chose a bunch of essays that reflect his view on things, ambiguous things at that, and then threw in a couple shorter essays for diversity.

Still, there are controversial opinions included in this work, and there is much to learn. I recommend this book, but only to those who have some knowledge in the area of Celtic studies, and even to them I say take this with a grain of salt, and don't let this be your only source of information. (Which I might say about any work on a topic so controversial this).

The Celtic Seers' Source Book was a very interesting book. I have been interested in the Celts and the Druids all of my life, and this book gave me more information into the ancient culture. Definetly worth taking a look at. Also contains lots of history.

Hugh Nibley is (or was) the Church Historian of the Mormon Church. If you are Mormon you will find it faith promoting. If you are not you will find it utter nonsense.

First of all, Nibley is not an unbiased source of information at all. Cigarette companies hire their own researchers and scientists who provide evidence to indicate that cigarettes aren't harmful to your health. Look at who Nibley was working for when he wrote this book. I admit that Nibley has an encyclopedic knowledge of the ancient world of the middle east, but I disagree with his methodology. Nibley is very selective. Nibley examines a vast amount of information about the ancient world of the middle east, picks out the bits and pieces here and there which happen to support the Book of Mormon and ignores the rest. He lumps these bits and pieces together that happen to support the Book of Mormon and thus presents an inaccurate view of the ancient middle east. Nibley lacks intellectual honesty: he is not out to discover the truth, but to provide evidence, at all costs, that the Book of Mormon is true. The introduction page to the Book of Mormon states that the people in the Book of Mormon are the principal ancestors of the American Indians. Then why does DNA evidence indicate that the American Indians are from Asia? Why isn't there an obvious relationship between Hebrew and American Indian languages just as there is an undeniably relationship between the ancient language Latin and its descendents: French, Spanish, and Italian?

"Lehi in the Desert and World of the Jaredites" is Dr. Hugh Nibley's first book dealing with the Book of Mormon as an historical text, to analyze the book using every historical tool available. Part of the problem is that many of the critics of the Book of Mormon do not have the Mid-East historical, linguistic, or cultural background plus Ph.D. level historical training and experience to do a satisfactory peer-reviewed study and critic of the Book of Mormon. So what most Book of Mormon critics give instead of substance is heavily footnoted pap and opinion, or they treat the book as you would a Mark Twain novel, completely ignoring the book's truth claims.

Dr. Nibley's premise is simple: the Book of Mormon claims to be the product of Mid-East culture-specifically Egyptian and Jewish cultures--so why not analyze the book as you would any other document that claims to be from a similar time period. It is so simple, it is pure genius!

One of the fascinating evidences cited is the name evidence. Certain names become more popular during different time periods, and the names used in the Book of Mormon correspond to 600 BC. Along these lines is the name Paanchi, one of the pharaohs of Egypt, and masculine Alma, which appears on a recently discovered document. Another point he discusses is the word "Deseret," which is associated with honeybee worship in Egypt.

This is a good read, with no advanced degree in history or special language skills required. The book of Mormon is one of those few books that people do not have to read to have an opinion, which is sad since so much is available on the book.

I was very disappointed in this set. The book should have been hardcover, the cards should not have been so incredibly cheap and small (they look like they came out of a bubble gum machine; I only used them twice and they are already worn), and the drumming on the CD was not done very well (probably because the drummers were John Matthews & his wife, and they don't seem to be able to keep a steady beat, which I found most annoying).

Having said that, the information contained in the book is okay; I agree with the previous reviewer that it really is for the true beginner. If you've already read anything about shamanism, this book will not hold any new information.

I just feel that if you are going to put together a boxed set, the components should not be done as cheaply as possible. For heaven's sake, put a little quality into it!

CONCLUSION: Not worth the asking price. You're better off spending a little more money for a great drumming CD & a better book on shamanism.

Mention the topic 'Celtic shamanism' and one will eventually encounter the writings and prolific work of John and Caitlin Matthews, both wisdomkeepers in the Celtic visionary traditions, living in Britain. CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is the latest project of John Matthews in 2002 and is a good overall introduction to those beginning students who have not been exposed to Celtic traditions, the totems, or to the specific method of shamanic journeying (sometimes referred to as 'soul flight', 'active dreaming' or 'walking between the worlds').

CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is just exactly that: a beautifully conceived project, providing a good doorway for introducing the beginning student of shamanism to the influence of the totemic dimensions, clearly showing that John Matthews is as much in tune with those people who are just learning about the Celtic traditions as he is those seasoned practitioners who benefit from his other writings.

NOTE: For those who are long-time practitioners of shamanic work or who are practiced with various divinatory systems, do note that CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is--in my estimation--designed for beginning students. CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS will be basic gnosis and praxis. However, I also think even some seasoned practitioners--especially of Celtic mysticism and shamanism--will find value in the versions of the traditional stories that John shares in the book; stories that clearly express and articulate the totemic and shamanic dimension within Celtic tradition.

CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS consists of: a.) a well-researched and informative book (complete with profile of the major totems of Celtic tradition, nine sacred stories from the Celtic tradition expressing the totemic influence of the animal powers in the Celtic mythos, along with an introductory explanation and instruction in shamanic journeywork, b.) a set of 20 cards depicting some of the major Celtic totems (note: the artwork is nice, in a kind of woodblock print form, however, the cards are also extremely small--2 inches by 2.5 inches and might be somewhat disappointing to those folks who were expecting full-sized cards as are found in tarot systems), and c.) a good basic shamanic journeying CD with three tracks of drumming, complete with call-back.

The variety of light-weight learning here is truly depressing. I don't know of another book that contains so much childish, smirky (and rather confused) displays of erudition. Plautus deserves better.
This is what rich kids do after buying expensive educations?

Avoid.

What I enjoyed about this book is, that it brings the interested reader, who probably is not aquainted with Plautus or Roman comedy at all, the laughs of ancient rome near, which seem still quite modern and worth a laugh. At times one could criticize it is not close enough to Plautus original play, but even if it would be only a translation, there would be differences-and not the majority can still read a Latin text in its original. So why not complete the process to make it understandable and transfer the essence of the comedy into modern times in order to make it aproachable for a broader audience? In this respect the authors have done a fine job. Definitely this is a book worth reading, entertaining as well as educating, and highly recomandable!

Philip Neri is an astonishingly attractive Renaissance Saint. Friend of Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, friend of the great and powerful, and of the eccentric and the poor.

V.J. Matthews is a dull writer. But even he cannot mask the quirkiness, the good humor and the bubbling humanity of a holy man whom inhabitants of Rome have always held in high regard.

A good example: the last paragraph of the book:

"On March 12, 1622, the jealous citizens of Rome were saying that that morning in S. Peter's the Pope--it was Gregory XV--had canonized 'four Spaniards and a Saint!' The "Spaniards" were Isadore the farmer of Madrid, Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier and Teresa of Avila--no less. The "Saint,' of course, was Rome's second Apostle, Philip Neri."

This is a useful short biography of the much neglected Saint whom John Henry Newman found so attractive that he introduced the Oratory of St Philip Neri to England in the late 1840s.

"Rome is to be your Indies." With these words from a saintly monk, St. Philip Neri (1515-1595) was given his vocation - not to the far-off missions, but to the City of Rome. At the beginning of the 16th century, Rome was corrupt and lukewarm, and the people lived in a stte of spiritual laxity. But by the end of hte century, Rome was a different city, largely because of one man - St. Philip Neri.

At the age of 29, while praying most earnestly for the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, Philip had an extraordinary experience of divine love, and from that tim eon there began a palpitation of his heart which lasted the rest of his life. At times it became so violent that it shook his chair, his bed or even his whole room. He also felt a sense of burning heat in the region of his heart and throat, so taht he was always trying to keep cool. After his death, his heart was found to be son enlarged that the two ribs over it were broken and arched outwards - they had been like this for 50 years!

Fired with this love of God, Philip converted and sanctified innumerable souls by preaching in teh marketplaces, by hearing confessions and directing souls, by counseling bishops and popes, by caring for the sick in the primitive hospitals, and by preforming miracles - he raised one young boy from the dead.

The distinctive mark of his apostolate was his cheerfulness. "I will have no melancholy, no low spirits in my house," he used to say. St. Philip exerted an incalculable influence for good upon the Universal Church, which owes him - even to our own time - a dept of unimaginable gratitude. 117pp. PB. Imprimatur.

There are a lot more amusing opinions out there than this book describes. The many opinions in the book from before WWII are humorous if you understand the context, but this is a very spotty treatment of the subject. And, no, I'm not planning my own book.

On the one hand, it's fun to see judges pontificate, expound at length and occasionally go completely over the edge (with the exception of those few who were there already.) On the other, it gets a little dull after a while with some of the cases. My suggestion #1: buy the book if you're a lawyer or aspiring lawyer. (I bought it as part of my preparation for law school.) My suggestion #2: be prepared to skim over some of the more lengthy cases -- unless the notion of, for example, page upon page extolling the virtues of the dog as a companion appeals to you. My suggestion #3: consider buying it locally. I found the book cheaper at a local retailer. (Do you suppose this still gets posted if I include that last suggestion?)

I am reviewing this book because I believe the other two negative reviews are not quite fair. Admittedly, the book is not for everyone, but this does not make it a lousy book. While the book will particularly appeal to members of the legal profession, I think that any stylist or semanticist will also find it a real treat. The humorous aspect of the book is essentially in the judges' serious responses to ludicrous legal claims using excessively precise language and bombastic rhetoric. If you are looking for silly jokes and funny one-liners, this book is not for you.

said, "That's him", when the SWAT team brought him to me to identify. Oh, Lord, I still get chills thinking about that night. I wish I could have written this book, you would have had first-hand and colorful knowledge from MY perspective. But in the meantime, buy the book, turn to the photos, and you will see me there with Matthews, my partner.

The Eyeball Killer gives the reader a glimpse of a dark, scary world that might otherwise be unknown. It tells the tale of serial killer Charles Albright, his victims, his evil fetish, and the street cop, John Matthews, who brought it to an end. Another reviewer (an officer who sounded envious), alluded to the fact that the story would have been better had she written it. That is not possible. This chilling story tells the tale of evil and how it disguises itself. The neighbor down the street, the guy on the baseball team, the high school teacher - may not be who they seem. This book is hard to put down, and is by no means bedtime reading!

Who has been murdering prosititutes in Dallas and removing their eyes with surgical precision? Where are the eyes? This fast reading paperback cuts through hard-to-understand scientific and legal jargon and tells a story that keeps you turning those pages. Despite its title, the book is not gory but an interesting diversion into the dark side of a serial killer who collects unusual souvenirs of his conquests.

The will be differents of opinions, but this commentary points the scriptures toward Pagan doctorine. There is more pointing toward the pagan background than Christianity.

The IVP Bible Background Commentary is an excellent resource for understanding the Bible in its historical context. Sure, that means it sometimes reads counter to tradition, but if tradition is being refuted by physical evidence, I'd rather know that than be left in my blind tradition.

The book does lean toward a more Earth-bound discussion of the Bible. It shows how political, economic, and societal influences helped shape the way the books of the Bible were written (or spoken) and passed down through history. It shows how the writers, even though they were inspired by God, were still influenced by the times in which they lived.

This is not a book for the strict Fundamentalist Christian unless you want your beliefs challenged. But it's a wonderful book for the literary Christian who likes to engage in some healthy Biblical discussion.

The only thing that really disappointed me (and kept it out of the 5-star category) was that a few of the historical discussions are sometimes cut short. But I'm sure that was a balance between depth of research and final page count. Overall, this is definitely worth the money, and it will keep many people thinking critically about the Bible for quite some time.

I love ya,daddy!

Way to go Mark Chavalas!

Elizabeth C. age 12

Although there is some useful and interesting information in the book, the author is more interested in pressing his environmental agenda than in compiling scholarly information on the Green Man. I was annoyed by his constant preaching. I'm sure there must be better books on this subject than this one.

I am a fan of Mr. & Mrs. Matthews & have many of their books. When this book came out I was excited...Unfortunately, this book is not Mr. Matthew's best. He rambles on and on and seems to go nowhere. I feel there should have been more photos of actual Green Men & not the not-really-great art work that's actually in the book. And to top it off, the cover photo is not of a Green Man! I think if you know absolutely nothing about the Green Man, this book is a good introduction, but for devotees, there are other, better books out there.

Ah, the Green Man. Who indeed would be more qualified to compose a book honoring this most timeless icon of the Wild Green more than John Matthews? My answer: no one! And Mr. Matthews, to be sure, has done a most splendid job of paying tribute to this once almost lost depiction of our ancestors reverence for the natural world in which they lived.

But far beyond just putting a face on nature (as the Green Man) our ancestors also LIVED according to the laws of the Green Man and his world. These Old Ways, for far too long, have been buried and disregarded.

But times are changing, and many of us have brought out our shovels and begun to dig, both literally and figuratively, down into the Earth to retrieve this ancient knowledge that was time capusled by our ancestors. And what better place to start than with becoming reacquainted with the Wild Jack?

"The Quest for the Green Man" is a unique book indeed. Unlike the many books written on the Green Man that only chronicles the history of Jack's existence (in both picture and words), Mr. Matthews title goes one further by shining a light on the Green Man in a contemporary flair and thusly making Jack-in-the-Green more accessible to us today.

Many of the photos depict recent day Europeans, in full dress, paying homage to the Wild Man. And many of the contemporary likenesses of the Green Man are not carvings, but rather paintings and collages. This, I believe is very important in that it brings up-to-date this most ancient image and provides infinite possibilities for modern humans (those of us who cannot sculpt or carve) to experiment with Jack's image and thus get to know him.

Additionally, there are many other areas in which this book that is just marvelous, such as: an easy layout, vivid photos, the inclusion of some Green Man poetry, fitting quotes, a small resource guide and a huge "further reading" section.

John Matthews, like many of us, knows full well that the wisdom and secrets of the Green Man are not easily won. But, if you are willing to meet him on his terms-to get out into Nature and to seek out his likeness in the trees, vines and weeds, and, to attune yourself to the cycles that he represents, Old Jack, I am sure, will be more than willing to allow you back into his realm.

I have been designing Web sites for years, and was a Network Engineer for years before that. This book is well written and talks about great examples, but it doesn't work. I know Flash. I know a bit about Flash Action Scripting, but I have not been able to get one single script to work correctly. You shouldn't have to read a second book just to get the one you bought to work right. Like someone else said, even the finished examples don't work right, so you can't look at that code to see what's wrong.
I expect much more than that from any book, and I would return this book if I still could. I spent too much time thinking I was doing something wrong to be able to return it now, though.
In summary, buy another book. You will probably be happier.

like so many books of this ilk, Flash MX Magic prommises to show you how to create dazzling Flash effects.

It does, but a lot of them are style over substance - if you're looking for inspiration then maybe this book is what you need, but don't expect it to teach you useful techniques.

If you've mastered the basics of Flash MX and are looking for more, then Flash MX Magic really delivers. Rather than providing tiny chunks of Flash functionality, the book gives you 15 full Flash projects to demonstrate the features of Flash MX. Yep...actual projects you can tinker with, break apart, break entirely, fix again, and eventually create something brand new!

The book comes with a CD containing all the FLAs and files you need for each chapter project and the chapters themselves are very easy to read with plenty of illustrations. It's always great to see how other Flash developers handle code, and the authors of this book are really among the best in the business.

You'll certainly want a good foundation in Flash ActionScript before diving into this book, but it's definitely one to put on your list. Also, the illustrations make it much more accessible for users who tend to shy away from books that only have lines and lines of code. And let's face it, you can never have too many books on Flash or samples of ActionScript code!