The first thing J.R.R. Tolkien says is that this is not parity or an allegory. He emphasizes that this has no relation to the war or any particular place.

The First thing that Barron's notes does is say the ring is like the atomic bomb. And the land influences the landscape after the war.

Some of the things in the book are useful for pointing out what is assumed you already know about; like shadows are bad and stars are good. As for the story it is just the bare bones with no meat. If you read this first you would be discouraged form reading the book thinking it was long and dry.

An almost believable fantasy adventure that will make you not want to put the book down. If you have an imagination this book will make you feel as if you are on the journey with them. The characters, events and places are so vividly described for the imagination that you can almost picture them and what they might actually look like. You will wish you yourself were really a part of Middle Earth after reading this epic adventure tale.

At the end of the introduction to his new book "JustGenerosity", Sider sets forth the agenda of this book. He writes: "This book seeks to define the problem, sketch a biblical framework, outline a comprehensive holistic vision and then develop ...................." (p. 23) Accordingly, I will structure my critique and reflection of his book in reference to this phrase.

Definition of the Problem: Who the poor are is well described by Sider, including age groups, family-types, education-level of poor and the relation between poverty and race. He sketches well the major factors that cause poverty. I fully agree with him, that structural reasons, as well as behavioral ones, as well as sudden catastrophes all contribute to widespread poverty. Even though structural reasons play a major influence in facilitating wrong moral choices, the latter should yet be ascertained as a cause for poverty. All negation of this point of view tends to take away responsibility from poor people and thus disqualifies them as whole persons. I also appreciated Sider's good assessment that it is basically the wealthy who contribute to political campaigns, which as a result brings people into positions who represent the interests of those few wealthy, rather than the masses'.

Biblical Framework: I fully agree with Sider's analysis and presentation of the biblical material and believe it is compelling in its call to do justice. Love without justice is simply unbiblical, because the Bible is clear that those who follow God are called to live justly and love mercy.

Comprehensive holistic vision: Sider is consistent with the biblical material and with sociology when he brings the role of civic society into the discussion. It confirms the "biblical anthropology" that humans are not mere autonomous individuals, but are interrelated beings. In the same way it acknowledges a holistic view of people, who are neither solely directed by bureaucratic decisions, nor by individual moral choices. Hence, civic society plays a detrimental role in solving the pressing problems, because it is in civic society that people learn the values that make this very society function in a healthy way. Inner moral and spiritual renewal cannot be mandated but is nevertheless crucial if family renewal, for instance, is to come about. Sider displays a balanced view with regards to the role of government and civic institutions and their interaction as well as contribution to each other, which I deem to be the only way in which long-term solutions can be reached. However, Sider presents too few concrete examples of realistic ways, in which civic societies (like inner city churches) can be strengthened, who in turn would raise local leadership and thus strengthen the political power of the poor from within.

Social Analysis: His explanation for the low work-effort of poor people, for instance, as well as his interpretation of how the inability of low-skilled men to earn enough to support a family, feeds into the disintegration of the family as an institution, are convincing. Moreover, he makes clear how family unfriendly government policy (tax-exemptions, etc...) encourages single-parent families. Sider's analysis with respect to the educational system is also compelling. He argues that a good educational system is absolutely necessary in the fight against poverty. In fact, high school dropouts produce high costs in the long run, which, in any case are carried by the taxpayer. Additionally he builds a strong case for the necessity of healthy two-parent families. Most of his bias toward this form of family-life derives, as he says, from Judeo-Christian roots, as well as the statistics who demonstrate, that children from two-parent families are less likely to experience poverty.

Concrete Agenda: In most of the chapters 4-8 Sider develops quite concrete and seemingly good proposals, which could help alleviate poverty. Even though I won't go into details at this point, this is the bulk of the book that needs to be discussed in student circles, among policymakers, in civic societies etc... Yet, throughout Sider's social analysis and enlisting of concrete ideas for implementation, one great question remains: How can partnerships between governmental and faith based programs be established? How could more clergy-government coalitions come to life? How are inner city churches helped to seek the holistic wellbeing of their neighbors, if they themselves lack personnel resources and struggle hard to survive? Sider offers little concrete steps in this respect. He gives some examples, but these seem to be the exception.

Sider makes clear that the political as well as the theological climate has changed, which makes it more favorable for Christians today to getting involved to fighting poverty. And this they must, if they call themselves followers of Jesus Christ. Overall I believe the book has the potential to reach a great number of people, because it presents, deals well with and offers, to some degree at least, practicable solutions to a highly problematic theme of our time. Will it accomplish what Sider has in mind, namely reaching millions of Christians, who in response, will get practically involved in addressing the issues at hand? We hope. We pray.

I agree with the review by Jean-Luc for the most part, but I also wanted to add a few of my own thoughts.

As Sider says early in the book, he's not a policy wonk, so that is his weakest point. Trust him on that one. As a more policy oriented person, I agree that some of those things would be great, if implemented, but that's the hard part of all policy - getting it passed and implemented. Some of his suggestions are not politically feasible (yet).

Some of his other policy ideas are, IMHO, just questionable. Not just politically difficult, but I'm not convinced that all the ideas are that great.

His Biblical framework is wonderful. I enjoyed reading his perspective on that, as he exegetes quite well. I also was biased to begin with, in that I had already done some thinking on my own about this issue, and was finding myself just saying "Wow, that's kinda what I was thinking."

yeah. so good book. read it. don't take the policy stuff to seriously. but take the Biblical stuff seriously. He does a good job there. and the principles of the more holistic view of things, too. Those are good.

Kleppner is the one name I think when I'm in a doubt regarding any stage of the advertising procedure. The book is not extremely intensive, but explains in a precise way each stage. It might be too USA oriented, but works fine for international students. Surely a must in every student's library.

Kleppner's Advertising Procedur

I am a graduate student in English Literature, and this book turned out to be exactly what I need in researching the structure of Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings." A bonus was how "The Hobbit" fits into the scheme as well. Precisely and carefully written - the author knows her field well.

So glad to see this classic study back in circulation. Also liked the new and improved introduction that talks about how much Tolkien research has changed since the book first came out. The much bigger bibliography is also very useful, which also shows how much more has been written about Tolkien in the past decade. Belongs on any Tolkien scholar's bookshelf.

This book gives insight knowledge about the monetary and fiscal policy making in the developing countries. First ten chapters of the book desribes the expereince of Far Eastern and Latin American countries' financial reforms during the 1960-80s. Especially, it would be interesting to read about the reasons of Japanese as well as Korean miraculous growth during the above mentioned period. Besides, last three chapters explain the case of transitional countries of ex-socialist economies. In his last chapters, the author compares the Russian big bang effect with Chinese gradual reforms. He also points out on the importance of fiscal as well as the liberation policies in those transional countries. Since it is based on the development models of many countries in the world,in brief, I think, the book would be very useful for the policymakers in almost all developing countries.

This book takes the opposite position of Jeffrey Sachs' big bang theory of economic reform. Instead of a big bang, McKinnon suggests a particular order to economic liberalization in order to maintain some stability during the transition process. He uses many examples to show that, for example, fiscal stability should come first, which is a lesson that has proven itself current with Argentina's and Turkey's cases in the early 2000s. This is a book that, though has a strong economics foundation, leaves something to be desired in terms of rigour of economic analysis. Instead, it was written I think particularly for the usage of policy-makers who may not be familiar with technical economic jargon.

While this is apparently out of print, the same material is also collected in _A Tolkien Reader_, which is currently available. The short story "Leaf by Niggle" alone makes either of these collections worth buying. Tolkien referred to this story as his only real allegory. It looks at his fear that his _Lord of the Rings_ would never be completed.

As a previous reviewer wrote, this hard-to-find book is much like _The_Tolkien_Reader_. The difference is that where that book contains Peter Beagle's introductory essay, "Tolkien's Magic Ring," this one contains the popular Tolkien short story, "Smith of Wootton Major."

The feel of the violent world of the Kray's in 50's and 60's London is terrifying. Definitely a pair that would scrae me from the Pub in an instant. A must for true crime/mobster fiction reader (get it on Amazon UK).

I read a later re-print and my only quibble was the author's repeated slagging of 'The Kray's' movie. Guess he was upset his book was not used as a basis.

Very surprised that this is out of print. A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read. There could only be one pair of Kray twins and for my money only one decent book on them! My only gripe: there could've been more pics. If you're able to get a copy of this highly detailed book - do so.

"Puzzles About Art" is a welcome and refreshing departure from the standard approach to philosophical aesthetics which can often make the novice shake her head and wonder how philosophical debates could be relevant to resolving issues in art. Following trends in comtemporary ethics, Battin uses both fictional and factual puzzle cases to introduce and highlight many of the problems which arise when making judgements concerning art. The puzzles are written in such a way that even the philosophically uninitiated can begin to take up and discuss the issues and to feel the tensions inherent in the puzzles.

The puzzles cover a wide-range of aesthetic issues including the definition of art, interpretation, and conflicts between art and other values. Each section begins with a discussion of the main issues highlighted in the following cases and some of the ways in which philosophers have tried to resolve the issues presented.

I came across this book while searching for a suitable resource to help introduce primary-aged students to philosophical aesthetics, but needed a more active approach that would capture the interest and curiousity of children. The puzzles are constructed in such a way that many can be stripped of their more advanced concepts and adapted for this age group, yet retain much of their force and intrigue.

If you are interested in issues in aesthetics or in teaching aesthetics, it is definitely worth looking at this book!

This was a thought provoking text, easily digestible and not intimidating. I found this book to be selectively useful with a wide range of students. My middle school students were stimulated by a selection of "puzzles" to decide art's validity and purpose. I plan to send this book to a college professor as well, knowing that the thought provoking segments will also be enticing for him to use in his class in Nice, France.

This lovely little book is similar to the Hobbit in style but shorter and smaller in scope. Great for those who enjoy the Hobbit or Farmer Giles of Ham. Also great for anyone who enjoys lighthearted adventures even if they have not read Tolkien before.

Not similar to the epic grandeur of the Lord of the Rings nor connected to Tolkien's 'Silmarillion' mythology, this book still holds a place in any collection of literature to dazzle and delight.

This book was a delight for my 10-year-old (and me), even after already having read the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. A clever, enchanting story with lots of fun and unexpected twists. Our thanks to whoever found this "lost" work.

To those who would criticize this lovable little book I say, "Understand a work before you judge it." Maybe you just didn't know, but Tolkien wrote this book to be read aloud to small children. Similarly, The Hobbit was actually written to be read with children. Roverandom is NOT Lord of the Rings, but it is a very good, enthralling little story...

I like this book because it shows me how middle-earth must have looked like. The essays were fun to read and they give alot of information. Did you know that Morgoth kept his power in middle-earth? I didn't. Michael Martinez finds all sorts of quotes to explain what Tolkein did. He tells you how the Breelanders lived. He tells you where the Rangers lived. He tells you what Dwarf cities were like. There is so much to enjoy in this book.

I don't think the medieval essays are bad at all. It's obvious Mr. Martinez has read many books. He knows more about middle-earth than many people do. And he knows alot about medieval Europe too. I think it's funny that people cannot stand to see his book be so popular. If he's such a bad scholar why don't they write their own books? That is how you prove someone is wrong.

I think the Balrog essay is okay. I don't really care if they have wings. But Mr. Martinez writes about all sides of the debate. He understands everyone's way of thinking.

I saw him at Dragoncon. Someone said he is a gamer. He wasn't gaming. He was directing the program on Tolkein. And he gave a neat lecture on why people should not be afraid of the movies. He said the movies would be a great success and he was right. If so many people know more about middle-earth than Mr. Martinez, why aren't their websites popular? I have never heard of these guys. But I have heard of Mr. Martinez. I think every Tolkein fan should buy this book.

I really enjoyed reading Michael's interpretations of Middle-earth. He has a gift for digging deep into the books for clues to solve many riddles Tolkien created. Readers who want to appreciate Middle-earth for all its wonderful stories should buy this book. There is simply nothing else like it and all comparisons to other books are unfair. I think anyone who worries about literary critcism has missed the whole point of Middle-earth.

Professor Tolkien is gone and we cannot hope to read new stories about his world. But Michael Martinez writes entertaining essays which carry the reader along on a magical tour of Middle-earth. Yes, he treats it as if the world were real. But isn't that how Professor Tolkien treated Middle-earth? Isn't that part of why we love Middle-earth so much? How else should one explore Middle-earth? How else should it be visualized?

It's obvious someone has it in for Michael Martinez and is keeping a poison pen campaign active here. Visualizing Middle-earth is nothing like a David Day book. Martinez is widely regarded as one of the best Tolkien authorities in the world. His essays in VME are thorough and well-reasoned. He provides citations and takes the reader through Middle-earth like no one else can, except Christopher Tolkien himself.

If you enjoy the magic of middle-earth, the mystery of its fantastic creatures and cultures, you absolutely must read Visualizing Middle-earth. To call it "fannish fluff" is an insult to fans, not to Martinez. He has done what David Day and other writers cannot do: unveil Tolkien's world for the casual reader. There is depth, lore, and great love for Middle-earth in this book.

Everyone I know who has read it tells me they loved it. We are hoping Martinez puts out more books. His Parma Endorion was recognized by Yahoo! as a great resource. It's the top download at a popular ebook site. If Martinez is such an unreliable resource, why do so many people praise his work? An honest review of his work would not rely upon insults and misleading descriptions of the book's contents.

The essay on Bree is superb. Martinez keeps the speculation separate from the facts, and the book is packed chock full of facts. It's much better than the fluff you'll get about the movie.