This is not a scholarly book in the sense that it's not part of any visible academic debate. It does not treat any particular issue in enough depth to be so.

It is, rather, a sort of textbook. Call it "Introduction to Academic Thought About the Bible." Following the order of the biblical texts and with detours to discuss such topics as the pseudepigrapha and the inter-testamental period, the book lays out basic issues of historical, archaeological and textual biblical criticism, such as, for instance, the idea of the J, E, D and P-authored components of the Old Testament, or the question to what extent the books of Joshua and Judges present different narratives of the conquest of Palestine by the Israelites, and what archaeology has to say about that conquest.

The book does not discuss theology (at least, not modern theology). If you're an inerrantist, this book is not what you're looking for. If you're reading the Bible for the first time, this is probably too much information and not the kind you need to help you follow the narrative. Though it has a section of color plates (and black and white photos throughout) and a limited number of maps, this is not an atlas. This is also not a debunk-the-Bible book -- mainstream believers in the inspired nature of the Biblical should by and large have no objection to the contents of this book.

But if you're generally familiar with the Bible, and interested in increasing your knowledge (in particular, I would suggest reading this alongside a reading of the Bible itself, a method to which the organization of this book lends itself) about Bible studies, I recommend this book without reservation.

This book goes through the Bible historically and gives you the latest in textual and archeological research. It is an easy read, and it seems written for mass consumption, but it is not unscholarly. It is for true students of the Holy Scriptures and not for people who think the holy books are magic words from God. It is a sane, yet reverent approach to the study of ancient literature which we believe is inspired by God. It is NOT fundamentalist. If you are serious about Bible studies, then I recommend this volume whole-heartedly.

Want to refresh your eyes amongst the visual boredom of thecity landscape? Feel like having a non-occidental approach tofigurative arts and religion? Then read this book and find the amazing collection of photographs along with a concise and effective study on representative arts in Oceania by Anthony J.P. Meyer. This edition could well be recommended as an obligatory visual encyclopedia for anyone who has read studies on art, magic and religion like that of Mircea Eliade on shamanism or J.G. Frazer's Golden Bough. As a visual artist I consider that this carefully selected collection of images is a golden mine until the present day for all creative person, like it was for cubist and surrealists long decades ago. Find a brilliant example of art and tradition that has given European painting and sculpture a new vitality and a wider perspective on Man. Sit back and enjoy a lavish design and a trustworthy source of info on Oceanic art for the demanding reader.

As a Chinese Medicine practitioner with a background in Taoism, I'm constantly on the look out for interesting books. Some books - most Chinese medicine books for example - are rich in textual content, but do little to nourish the eye or other senses. Some 'coffee table' books are a delight to hold and look at, but poor to read. It is rare, especially in the field of traditional medicine, to find one book that succeeds brilliantly in both departments, but here is one. Even if you never read a word (which would be a tragedy) this is a delight - full of the most beautiful colour illustrations and photographs. It is divided into three main parts, covering the worlds of Indian, Tibetan and Chinese medicine. It should be said that as far as illustrations are concerned, the section on Tibetan medicine is the most wondrous: "The concern for precision which characterises all his medical works, led the Regent [Sangye Gyamtso 1653-1705] to the conception and creation of a series of 79 paintings on canvas (thangka) illustrating the entire contents of his commentary: embryology, anatomy, physiology, materia medica, methods of diagnosis, therapy etc.". Included in the riches of Tibetan medicine, is a discussion of the production of detoxified mercury - a oral tradition handed down from one master-physician to another. The process, which has been revived by Khenpo Troru Tsenam, requires a hundred people working for a month and uses iron, copper, silver and hundreds of grams of gold. Once detoxified, the mercury is used in the production of various 'precious pills' incorporating precious metals and stones.

As far as Chinese medicine is concerned, whilst some of what is presented will be familiar, the historical account - and especially its Taoist influences - is scholarly and fascinating (and of course well illustrated), as are the sections on current practice in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea and Japan.

If you love beautiful and rare books, buy this one.

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This book covers a retired exam (640-507).

Passport does not produce the CCNA 640-607 book.

This book will not prepare you for the CCNA any more.
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Way too many errors. This is not a good book for someone who does not have any experience. The IP addressing section is a joke.

Lots of errors and all kinds of typos.
Some topics are missed.
Only good if you already know the material so
you will enjoy finding errors and misleading facts.
I am wondering if author ever read his own book.