If you, like me, are fascinated by the history of ideas then this is a book for you. This work explains to us, who are accustomed to writing (whether "by hand" or on keyboards), what the change to uniform alphabets and writing skills brought. What was it like to be living through this change? The era when writing became universal (amongst a certain class of society at least) must have been like when email swept through our society. And, of course, that is why this topic is so fascinating -- we can conceptualize this change because we ourselves are living through a similar change. Just as the printing press produced an ocean of information and subsequent societal upheaval, so is the present era of the electronic publisher, that is everyone who has internet access. I recommend this book not only because of its fascinating content but also for the depth of scholarship and research. It is readable yet not patronizing. I am reminded of another book that shines for me -- Lucien Febvre's "The Coming of the Book" -- which was also a feast of ideas and concepts. Another aspect of these books is that they are written on the European mainland where many of the changes described took place and so the authors' scholarship benefits from that viewpoint. A less Anglo-American-centric view of the world is presented and our knowledge is richer for this. Both of these books are fortunate too in their translators which enable non-francophones to delve into the world that was before mass communication.

Mr. Zoghaib's words are tangibly fluid, bursting with the pure essence of loves' presence. Collectively, the flow of words is like soft dew drops - it gently touches the external body and then resonates, with a warm, sensitive and loving glow, on the soul. Mr. Zoghaib is a King of Romance. His words enable the mind to gracefully drift; calling back a lost love, conjuring up a future love, or basking in the violet rain of an existing love.

First, i come to this book as an extended directed self study on the issues involved in the Creation-Evolution-Design debate. This book i rate as one of the 5 most significant books for a conservative reformed Christian who wants to come to reasoned and faithful conclusions in the CED debate. It is conservative which i define to be conscious and considerate of the traditions of the past, to take them seriously, not simply accepting something because it is new. It is Biblical in the way the author is very careful to allow the Scripture's Words to speak for themselves, being very careful not to read into the words his own cherished beliefs, but to allow the Word to speak to him, authoritatively and reliably. To this end he is not infected by the liberal J-P-D documentary interpretation so often evident in exegesis or interpretation.

Second, the book is significant on two levels, the first is the exegetical level, the principles of understanding that the author explores in the first few chapters. Second is the line by line study that forms the bulk of the book, roughly chpt 3 on.

The structure of the book is that of Gen 1-3 but the way he writes is interesting and worth a moment of reflection here. The chapters are more like consistent essays than the usual exegesis bound to the text. He takes a major theme in the next section of Genesis then expands it to cover this issue through the past interpreters and links to other related Scripture. It roughly follows the systematic organization of reformed covenant theology.

pg 26 has what i think is the best analysis of the human writers relationship to Scripture. "That rule follows from the humanity of Holy Scripture. In the act of inspiration God did not turn his sookesmen into robots; his Word became their word, under their signature and their responsiblility. Thus we have no right to go over their heads in order to set forth a 'divine' meaning which they would never possilby have imagined-even if those men did not grasp the whole import of what they attested God in his condescension has limited himself to their instrumentality; our interpretation must conform to the corresponding discipline."

If the church would hend this advice much of the CED debate would be solved, for we would cease to search Genesis for the equivalent of quarks, trying to query the first few chapters of the Bible and mine it for scientific truths. Rather we would, as this author does, submit to the authority of Scripture to speak to the way we do science, to the ideas that we bring to the universe as we question the master workmen's creation that we are a small part of.

The book is literary framework in its approach to Gen1-3, M. Kline being the best example of this in the english speaking world. Anyone familiar with the CED issues would be advised to read the first 2 chapters of this book simply to see a careful analysis of exegesis and the result of allowing Scripture to speak for itself rather than being pushed out of shape by young earth creationists whom would interpret the 7 days too literally. Or by scientific reconcilationists would would try to find modern science confirmed in the light appearing before the sun(ie the big bang).

The first principle he outlines carefully is to allow Scripture to speak to its first listeners, their culture, their history. His exegetical task doesn't end there but extends to teaching what these things mean to us in our place in space and time. But this application, this preaching follows critical-historical interpretation not prior to it as so many would desire.

Thanks to the author for this excellent book and i hope to read more from his pen.

When I was single and about to leave college some 15 years ago, a semester-long private study of this book and the book of Genesis itself filled me with a new sense of meaning concerning my existence as a man in this world.

Blocher argues on the basis of the elaborate literary structure of Gen. 1:1-2:3 that the original readers would have read it figuratively. The 7 days of creation represent neither 24-hour periods of time, nor long epochs of natural history, but are instead a literary structure that conveys meaningful and true content about the relationship of God, humankind, and the creation. No chronological significance was intended whatsoever, Blocher believes, nor inferred by the original readers. The literary phenomena he explores include the repetition of certain key words 7 or 10 times (numbers with symbolic value to the ancient Hebrews), the symmetrical correspondence of creation day 1 (light and darkness) to day 4 (sun, moon, stars), day 2 (sky and ocean) to day 5 (sea animals and birds), and day three to 3 (land) to day 6 (animals and humankind), etc. Moreover, the parallels--or rather deliberate contrasts--between Gen. 1 and other ancient Near Eastern creation stories, show how Gen. 1 served as a pointed polemic that exalted a higher concept of the utterly transcendent/immanent God to whom we are accountable, over and against polytheism. Even the reader who retains some kind of chronological understanding of the days of creation will be enriched by an exploration of these literary phenomena of the text. (A fascinating article, "Space and Time in the Genesis Cosmogony," by Dr. Meredith G. Kline of Westminster Theological Seminary in California and Gordon-Conwell Seminary, argues similar conclusions, and makes good companion reading to Blocher concerning Gen. 1.

Blocher sees the story of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2 and 3 as a depiction in mythical terms of a genuinely historical fall of our first human ancestors from fellowship with God. The "seed of the woman" promised in Gen. 3:15, Jesus Christ, restores our access to the "tree of life" (see Rev. 22:2,14,19) of which human sin deprived us. The whole Bible is God's revelation about real historical realities, even if some of those realities (such as our remote origins and distant future) are more aptly and naturally described to us in figurative terms, while others (such as the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ) are more appropriately narrated in a literal manner.

Blocher's book has pastoral value that goes far beyond its relevance to these particular issues of biblical interpretation. The chapter on Man and Woman is worth the price of the book. I was left with a deepened appreciation of the significance of our earthly lives and their activities (marriage, family, work, etc.) in the context of God's plan to call out for himself a redeemed human community that is restored through Christ to be the image of God, and that will enjoy communion with God and one another forever.

Through the ages human beings have strived to record moments for posterity. This book is one in that chain and records brilliantly the beauty of the fleeting moment. Enjoy it is worth every cent of its price.

The collection of essays in this book are by far brilliant examinations with fit evidence. It is great for the reader interested in Ancient religions of Egypt and Mesopotamia, it provides fundamental views on ancient mans perspective of the world, gods, and himself from myth. This is not a text book, nor a history book but it does provide adequate literary evidence and footnotes. I wish I had read this before studying ancient philosophy, it would have greatly helped my understanding of the mind of these ancients. It's amazing to read about the development of mans theories through mythopoeic tales. Well worth it for the Philosophy-, religion- or ancient studies - student. Or if you really enjoy myths, find out how man came about with these stories. Covers Egyptian, Babylonian and Assyrian (in some detail) and Mesopotamian thought and myth.

A great book for someone searching for some kind of beauty,this book will touch your heart.So sit back and relax and enjoy your journey.

Like the style of music for which it is named, Henri Matisse's "Jazz" moves in unexpected rhythms. His first major project in the unique cut-out medium, the book was originally published in a very limited edition. This 1985 edition brings a true work of art to a mass public. "Jazz" is a book all book lovers should own, because it forces you to become more aware of the sheer visual pleasure provided by reading. Matisse's calligraphic text can be appreciated for its beauty by those who do not read French (a translation of the text is provided at the front of the edition), and its cool black-and-white austerity rests the eye from the dazzle provided by the amazing plates. Matisse's colors are so bright they burn themselves onto your retina! Do not resist them, for they will transport you into a world where pure forms float in a limitless space, a world simultaneously serene and vivid.

This beautiful book, illustrated with pictures from Rembrandt, is one Henri Nouwen would have written about Jesus himself, if he were still alive. Instead, editor Michael O'Laughlin gives us selected writings of Nouwen's that illustrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and how we can apply them to our daily lives. Nouwen's messages of love, self-sacrifice and servant-leadership come alive in these selections. Definitely worth it.

I do have to wonder, though, how many compilations of Nouwen's work can be put out before the effect is diluted. Those who are in charge of his estate may need to think about easing back on re-releasing his work, and let what he has stand on its own. Otherwise, it can get rather repetitious, as some of what was in this book I have read in other books already.

The highly acclaimed French expert on the history of international relations portrays the political, economic and strategic aspects of the creation of European Union and the process of European integration. The book provides a comprehensive historical evaluation of development of the French-German relations, which were crucial for the creation of European Union. A must for anybody interested in Europe and international relations.

L'enfer de Brest (The Hell of Brest) tells the story of the seige of Brest which lasted about forty-nine days during August and September, 1944. While General Omar Bradley's 12th Army Group, partilarly Gen. George S. Patton's U.S. Third Army, were making spectacular gains driving eastward across France, the need for Brest as an additional deep-water port deminished. Neverheless, Bradley and Patton kept Maj. Gen. Troy H. Middleton's VIII Corps in Brittany with the mission to take Brest. The month long battle for Brest involved the most bloodiest combat encountered anywhere in Europe. The Fortress commander, Generalleutnant Herman B. Ramcke and his hodge-podge collection of defenders, centered around the 2d Fallchirmjager Division, put up a tough fight. Because it was fought hundreds of miles behind the Bradley's front, this battle has received scarce treatment by historians.Floch & Le Berre's book is written in French. This fact should not deter anyone interested in appreciating this little known battle. The author's research is impeccable. Hundreds of photos and some of the best maps I have yet encountered grace its pages. Created from the French perspecive, the authors highlight the role of the French Resistance working in conjuction with the Americans--a little known aspect of the Brittany Campaign.I hope an English translation of this work is forthcoming. Until then, look at the pictures & maps--they are surely worthy of its price tag.