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Book reviews for "Minio-Paluello,_Lorenzo" sorted by average review score:
The Treatise of Lorenzo Valla on the Donation of Constantine (Renaissance Society of America Reprint Texts, Vol 1)
Published in Paperback by Univ of Toronto Pr (1993)
Authors: Lorenzo Valla and Christopher B. Coleman
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A useful edition
The authenticity of the Donation of Constantine was demolished in the renaissance by the irascible Italian Lorenzo Valla. This book contains a useful introduction, and then parallel Latin and English texts of the Donation (in the abbreviated form known to Valla) and then of Valla's refutation. Originally published in 1922, the editor remarks that when he wrote, despite the fame of the Donation, there was no copy of Valla's works to be found in any US library. The book is the foundation stone of all historical and textual criticism, and deserves first-hand knowledge.

The introduction is clear and informative, with a minimum of opinion. It is useful to learn that Valla composed the book as part of Alfonso of Aragon's campaign against the renaissance Papacy (the Reformation was about to begin at this date, and the abuses of the papacy a scandal throughout Christendom).

The Latin text includes a critical apparatus - Coleman collated the only complete MS, as well as the standard editions. The translation is clear and the footnotes useful without being intrusive. Mercifully the book is free of polemic. Philological notes are made, but these are not too heavy.

The text is well worth reading to see to what extent Valla's methods are still valid today, which many of them are. Of course the book is a declamation, not a modern study, and the violent language reflects the custom of the time. Coleman indicates that he used it with his own students as a means to introduce them to the principles of historical criticism; the practise is sound, and should be more widely adopted.

All in all a very useful edition of a classic text, which deserves to be better known.

Victory in the Unseen Warfare
Published in Paperback by Conciliar Press (2000)
Authors: Jack N. Sparks and Lorenzo Scupoli
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Timeless advice on spiritual warfare
Being adapted from a 16th century work intended for Christian monks, one of the advnatages of this book is that it doesn't containt a lot of the modern psychobabble pep talk blabber that has infiltrated so much of 20th century inspiritual Christian writing. You'll find no advice here on how to increase your confidence or build your self-esteem--instead, you'll find out how to humble youself and submit to God's will. ("I must decrease so that He may increase...")

While this adaptation is intended for the layman, the original work was intended for monks... but ultimately the battlefield is the same. Monk or layman, all Christians are (or should be) waging war against sin in hopes of achieving union with God--the only perfect love and the only thing needful. This book a VERY helpful aid in that war should we practice what it says and not merely read it.

Gianlorenzo Bernini (Masters of Art Series)
Published in Hardcover by Harry N Abrams (1991)
Author: Charles Scribner
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Tough call between the Scribner and the Wittkower
I have the two main American books on Bernini; the Scribner and the Wittkower, plus the Scala edition by Maurizio Fagiolo from their "Great Masters of Art" series. Each book has something to commend it. Scribner's prose is by far the most passionate, easiest to read, and most informative for the general reader. The Wittkower is a bit dry and academic while the English translation of the Fagiolo is poorly done and shorter on material than either of the other two (understandable, since it's a shorter book).

On the other hand, the Wittkower contains far more photographic material than the other two. While many are in b&w, they still form the best record of Bernini's work to be had in book form. I don't know what Scribner's editors were thinking when they planned their edition (save money?). Inexplicably, it contains hardly any photographic close-ups or details of Bernini's work. For example, the Scribner's contains one full-length color plate of Pluto and Proserpine. The Wittkower has a full-length b&w plus seven different close-ups. The Scribner has one full-length color plate of the Ludovica Albertoni. The Wittkower has a full-length color plate, a close-up color plate, and five b&w close-ups. And how is anyone supposed to properly appreciately Bernini's multi-story Baldacchino in St. Peter's without close-ups?

Since it is impossible to properly study or appreciate Bernini without the availability of the close-ups that really magnify his skill and genius, I would recommend buying the Wittkower over the Scribner. The Fagiolo has a good mix of photographs and is cheapest of all, but may only be available in Italy.

Enhances the Rome Experience
This is a great book that helps you appreciate the beauty that is Rome. My husband I lived in Italy for a year and frequently took our guests to Rome. We would inevitably come across Bernini's fountains and sculptures in our touring of the city. The information contained in this book helped make our role of tour guide more interesting. Bernini and his students changed the appearance of Rome with their beautifully sculpted fountains throughout the city and beautiful statues in St. Peter's Basicila. If you have any interest in appreciating great sculpture, or simply wonder about the story behind some of the great fountains throughout Rome, then this is the book to buy.

An apt personification.
My appreciation of this book is primarily based on my desire to possess a few of the sculptures which it discusses. There have been philosophical attempts to equate beauty and truth, but the people responsible for such discussions seem to be information looters and shooters compared to the ability of Bernini to make a dynamic representation of father time ripping the covers off of truth. There is just a sketch to show what Bernini had in mind regarding father time, but the sculpture for truth, done when Bernini was young and kept, so there is no possibility that I will ever have it, is the subject of this comment on page 86:

In his later years the sculptor enjoyed quoting a quip bandied about Rome that "Truth was to be found only in Bernini's house."

Lorenzo Gomez - Dios Latino
Published in Hardcover by Pohlmann Press (2000)
Author: Lorenzo M. Gomez
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Amazing
This book is absolutely stunning. The men are displayed in a masculine manner without going overboard, or more to the point without being vulgar. Which is the true meaning of sexy. The lighting is stunning and beyond words. I bought LG's calender last year. But the book is much better and really brings out the photographers talent. The only reason I am giving this four out of five stars, is that I think that Andreas Bitesnich is the best photagrapher on the planet and LG stuff does not quite measure up. But trust me this book is worth your money!

Superb!
This is a terrific book filled with beautiful full-page color photographs of handsome Latin men. The photos are erotic and provocative but extremely tasteful. Lorenzo Gomez does a great job of accentuating the beauty and sensuality of the models by utilizing interesting outdoor settings and stunning lighting techniques. There is no frontal nudity and nothing tacky or tasteless. Overall, this is a great book that would add a nice touch to any library.

Stunning Photographs!!!
These are stunning color photographs from Lorenzo Gomez of beautiful muscular & handsome "Real" men. This is a large (approximately 10 X12in.) format book beautifully produced. These are not your young, lithe bodied models found in most books today, but very masculine, muscular, large men who are very erotically posed in outdoor settings. Lorenzo knows how to show the sensual, erotic attitudes of these men without using full frontal-nudity. Posed in briefs, torn jeans, etc, they leave a lasting impression.

I liked the large full colored pages in this book. Lorenzo Gomez is a fine photographer with a eye for capturing the beauty of the male nude form. I highly recommend this beautiful book of Latin Men.

Sleepers
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Ballantine Books (1996)
Author: Lorenzo Carcaterra
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Disturbing...
I read Sleepers in less than a day, and when I finished it I was perturbed and moved on the most basic of levels, unsure of who to sympathize with. And that's one of the main reasons I loved this book: it avoids sterotypical black and white thinking. Children aren't protrayed as angels, and all adults as demons. There are gray, patchy areas for both. It is a novel of truth.

In the legendary 1960s, young Lorenzo (nicknamed Shakes after Shakespeare) and his pals are on top of the world- roaming the gritty streets of New York's Hell's Kitchen, and, like all boys, getting into trouble. Until the day one of their pranks spirals out of control, and they are charged and sent to an upstate 'school' for juevenile delinquents.

What follows is a tribulation that makes these youngster's misfortune truly look like child's play. The boy's are subjetced to perverse emotional abuse, are raped daily by the guards, are beaten, secluded, and eventually robbed of their innocence. Like "I cried, you didn't listen", this book is an excellent example of how the penal system can turn delinquents into monsters.

In addition to the harrowing story-line, the book also has it's happy moments, and races along at break-neck speed, keeping the reader flipping pages till it's done! No wonder it was made into a movie!

An Amazing Read
I am reader who is up to reading anything, as long as it is interesting. True stories have not always been my style, until I read "Sleepers." Once I started reading the extraordinary book I simply could not put it down. Carcaterra does an amazing job of explaining his childhood years. How he grew up in Hells Kitchen in New York City, and how he and his three friends had to hear about the murders, drugs, and beatings that were going on in Hells Kitchen. Though the boys had to go through hard times, they were still able to have fun and stay relatively innocent children. They read comic books played games in the street, ate candy, and watched wrestling matches in Madison Square Garden. Until one small prank to steal some lunch resulted in a severely injured person and a year at an up state Juvenile facility. Once there, the four boys were beaten, tortured, and raped by their guards; the only people the boys had to keep them safe. This true story kept me reading and interested throughout the whole book. Though it was an uneasy read at times, the book resulted in justice. It resulted in justice for the people who suffered at the hand of the guards for a year, and justice for future children who had to attend the facility. "Sleepers" is now one of my favorite books and Carcaterra is one of my favorite writers. This tale of overcoming the odds is an amazing read.

A Bittersweet Tragedy
There are very few books in this world you read from start to finish without putting down. Sleepers is one of them. The story grips you at the very center of your being refusing to give you up even after you've read the last word. Haunting, illuminating and at times painful to read, this book sheds valuable light on the plight of inner city youth and the all-too-often throwaway attitude society bestows upon them. Are criminals made or is it innate? This book provides the answer in a compelling format. Four youths, all good kids, get sent to a harsh reform school for a childish prank gone horribly wrong. They all come out alive physically, yet dead inside. Lost is the carefree innocence of youth. An innocence replaced with bitter hatred and emotional scars which these four boys must carry to the grave. Carcaterra, despite rumors to the contrary, weaves a tale much too harrowing to be untrue. Thankfully, he had the courage to relive it all and expell some of his demons through the written word. Challenge yourself, read this book.

Like Breathing
Published in Paperback by The Ishai Creative Group, Inc. (06 December, 1998)
Authors: Ricc Rollins, Lorenzo Robertson, Wil Adams, and Robert Sagent
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LIKE BREATHING IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!!!
Finally an author has had the guts to explore the other facets of the Gay African American Experience often left unexamined, love and honesty with a touch of the taboo. Ricc Rollins has breathed life into the generic gay love stories done by his contemporaries, and added much needed humor and compassion. I was at once moved to tears and laughter with the obvious similarities that we all share living the human experience. Thank you Ricc...I believe in LOVE and the power of PRAYER again!

Gregory Taylor - NYC

"the real deal"
Finally, an author addresses issues which affect gay men of african-american descent. The two-faced nature of some organized religious, our own deep spirituality, our careers, our romantic lives, how some of our parents react. Can't wait till the sequel. But most of all it stays true to its readers-ISSUES AFFECTING GAY BLACK MEN-ONLY !!

Hard to put down
My bookclub really enjoyed this book his writing was different then E Lynn Harris and his storyline was great.You talked about the other side of a gay relationship how a family really treat a love one but what I really like most of all the way you captured the love of a mother for her child we enjoyed all those sceens. Looking forward to the next book job well done.

Original Sex and Broadcasting: A Handbook on Starting a Radio Station for the Community
Published in Paperback by Mho & Mho Works (1987)
Author: Lorenzo Wilson Milam
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Vital information, harshly put
This first part of this book is full of helpful information and real world truths about the radio industry and getting into it. Although originally written in 1974, these truths still hold for today. If one has the will, the patience, the vision, and the money needed, depending on the existence or non-existence of a facility, this book can prove useful. I am impressed by Mr. Milam's knowledge-it shows he has 'been there'. NOW, on the other hand, he could have gotten all his points across just as well without all the profanity. My only guess is he has pent up frustrations from keeping the golden rule of no profanity over the air. This, unfortunately, is not as strictly enforced as it was, say, 25 years ago. His overuse of this language and 'slamming' of Christian programming would be unacceptable to most people in and out of the Christian community. After reading awhile, the author begins to show hostility and even appears to be [... complaining] about everything. Frankly I became bored with his constant whining that I found myself skipping sections just to finish the book (since I PAID for it, why not try to get my money's worth?). While it is true that radio is a dog eat dog business and one's career can fall at the drop of a hat, one should dwell on the informative issues and not the author's personal ravings, because radio IS an enjoyment for many, in whatever capacity they are involved. For those with aspirations of one day having your own station, this book can be very helpful. Whenever his dark clouds of doom appear in this book, and they do, put the book down for awhile and resume reading it later for a fresh new approach.

The Bible for the LPFM Revolution
As of early 2000, the FCC has begun the process of approving a new class of broadcasting, low-power FM (LPFM). The thrust of this effort -- just like the thrust of Milam's book -- is to bring new voices and issues to airwaves.

Milam was one of the early pioneers in radical, non-profit broadcasting. He formed the KRAB Nebula of stations that competed with Pacifica for the far left of public radio. Sex and Broadcasting gives an overview of what it takes (or at least what it took in the '60s and '70s -- the technology and regulation of radio have changed significantly since the book was published) to start up a station and to give it reason.

Milam contents that broadcasting, like sex, requires passion and devotion. At times the book reads like a Yippie manifesto, but when Milam starts talking about the power of radio, one cannot help but be swayed.

Whether or not LPFM takes off the ground (Congressional efforts are seeking to limit/block its introduction) remains to be seen, however the lessons of Sex and Broadcasting could easily be applied as easily and effectively by a webcaster as a traditional over-the-air broadcaster.

A must have ....
If you ever had a dream of stating a community based radio staion this book is a must have for any one intrested in radio Lorenzo Wilson Milam tells all in this book even how to fill out some FCC forms that you may have not know exsisted Until now The truth has been released about comercial radio thanks to this book!!! May the voices in the wilderness be heard through Low power radio ......

Landing It: My Life on and Off the Ice
Published in Unknown Binding by Books on Tape, Inc. (2000)
Authors: Scott Hamilton, Doug Ordunio, and Lorenzo Benet
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Like an old friend
I have always loved Scott Hamilton. Maybe it is because he comes from Bowling Green, OH, and that is where my dad is from. Maybe it is because he has overcome so much adversity in his life. Or, maybe it is because he is a fantastic figure skater. I think, it is a little of all three.

I was living in Ohio (just a few miles down the road from Bowling Green) at the time when Scottie was making it big in professional skating. We were so excited to have a local boy in the Olympics. And we rallied around him even more as we were told the story of his ill-health as a child, an illness that stunted his growth.

Over the years, we all grew up. If there was ice skating on TV, I hoped that Scottie would be there too..in any capacity, commentating, or skating..but I preferred skating.

Then, a few years ago IT happened. Cancer. And once again, Scottie overcame the illness and came back on the ice.

This book is a wonderful look at what life was like for Scott Hamilton. About the work he put into figure skating, and what life is like on the road. He has bared his soul for this book, and brought himself into more hearts than ever before.

This is a highly recommended book for anyone who likes to read biographies, wants insight into life of a figure skater, or perhaps for someone living with cancer who wants inspiration!!

I laughed and cried when I read this book. Cried alot! I don't know that I could have handled myself with as much dignity as Scott did. I salute him!

FOOT-WORK FOR LIFE
SCOTT HAMILTON SHARES HIS LIFE, HOPES, DREAMS AND MISTAKES WITH ARTFUL CANDOR. THE DETERMINATION AND HUMOR WE HAVE COME TO EXPECT OF SCOTT SHINES CLEARLY. HIS CHOICES TO REVEAL OR KEEP PRIVATE ARE APPLAUDABLE. SCOTT TAKES YOU WITH HIM IN HIS LIFE JOURNEY, AND ONE COMES AWAY KNOWING THAT THIS MODERN DAY "HERO" IS ALSO QUITE HUMAN. SCOTT SHARES SOME OF HIS PRIVATE THOUGHTS ABOUT SKATING AND ON SOME OTHER STARS THAT PROVOKE THOUGHT AND RE-APPRAISAL OF ASSUMPTIONS. WE ALL WILL FACE CHALLANGES IN OUR LIVES, AND SCOTT'S LIFE, SO FAR HAS BOTH INSPIRATION AND TOOLS WE CAN ALL UTILIZE. LOVE, HUMOR, FRIENDSHIP, FAMILY AND FAITH ARE WOUND INTO OUR LIVING AND SCOTT GIVE US GLIMPSES OF SUCCESS AND FAILURES. THIS BOOK IS VERY READABLE, AND ONE THAT YOU WILL OPEN AGAIN AFTER THE FIRST READING!

Brought tears to my eyes
I have never really known much about Scott Hamilton (or any make skater for that matter) and this books demonstrates the immense sacrifices that he made to be where he is today. Though recommended for readers that have an appreciation for the sport, it is an easy read and completely heart-felt. Scott has an incredible gift for touching many lives and this book tells you about how he uses this gift on and off the ice. Telling the story about one of the most genuine and pure people you will ever read about, "Landing It" brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion as well as giving me a new outlook on the skating world that I so admire. It was a true privilege to learn more about this incredible person.

Fires
Published in Paperback by Catalan Communications (1989)
Authors: Lorenzo Mattotti, Bernd Metz, and Tom Leighton
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fires- a great work of art
"Fires" is about a young marine officer who leaves his ship to save a magic island from destruction. It is a beautiful, provoking and sometimes very scary artwork. For some reason it made me think of H.P Lovecraft's "Chtulhu".

A unique reading experience, like none that I have ever had.
Visually expressive, the illustrations that acompany this novel are put to great use where words would not do thr story justice. Nightmarish and surreal, the novel (seemingly) never fully explains itself. Some of the panels of artwork are so abstract, they could hang by themsleves in a New York Gallery.

Yes, you could call it a graphic novel, but that phrase, unfortunately, in the United states is still heavily associated with the comic book and thus a negative connotation. Novel would be much better since I feel that it competes quite nicely with some of the best of the written word.

Reccomended for mature readers only, not because of explicit content but because it is much too deep and abstract for the little ones to be able to graps it.

not a novel - THE NOVEL ! Fires - a book that changes life.
There's not much to say - the people who read fires know what i mean and the others... well, they should just spend a few days on reading it. It's one of those books you seldomly find, a wonderfull novel from deep inside. Just read it.

Vuelo hacia el amanecer
Published in Hardcover by St. Martin's Press (1993)
Author: Orestes Lorenzo
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