This novel has received less attention in the U.S. than some of Hardy's other works, such an The Mayor Of Casterbridge, w ith its theme of the individual in tragic conflict with fate. The Woodlanders dwells on the needless sufferings and unhappiness brought on by class privelege. This is a subject always sure to raise suspicions of membership in the Khmer Rouge or the North Korean Secret Police here in the holyland of capitalism. But it is a beautiful work of art. Henry James and Jacques Barzun sneered at it because of its attacks on the upper classes. But that is a mark in its favor. Anything opposed by those two must be on the side of progress and human emancipation.

This is one of my favourite Hardy novels. As some others have noted, it's not one of the "big 5" but certainly worth reading. Hardy's descriptions of the woodlands are beautiful, and I found the ending to be one of his most unpredictable. I wouldn't recommend reading it if you are feeling down, as the ending is sooooo wonderfully tragic (hehe), or if you're not a fan of Hardy's prose style, but otherwise it's a wonderful read. Very personal as well. I got the feeling it was written just for me :)

It's easy to see how Thomas Hardy became a wonderful poet after his long career of writing novels, given the meaty prose and superb scenery he conjured in "The Woodlanders." Tales of matrimonial and unrequited love compete for space amongst the bounty of Hardy's described woods, heaths and vales. "Woodlanders" offers some of the most complex and well-developed characters of Hardy's novelistic pantheon. Yet such stories of amor et fides, honor and self-sacrifice quickly become a backdrop when Hardy reaches for the woods of his mind.

As a great admirer of "Jude the Obscure" and "Tess of the D'Ubervilles," I was intrigued when I saw this collection of some of Hardy's shorter works, and was not disapointed. The common theme running through these sketches is Hardy's dissatisfaction with the institution of marriage. Written in Hardy's impeccable style, these stories are short and biting looks at the circumstances that surround and influence marriage. You'll find few happy endings among these tales, but they are an enjoyable read. It's always a pleasure to immerse oneself in Hardy's world and language, and the twisted little plots Hardy creates show a side of his genius I had not previously realized.

These stories are not as profound as some of Hardy's other works, and, by necessity, the characters are not as well developed. However, I would still recommend this book. For a fan of Tess or Jude, it's a fascinating look into the mind of Hardy at the time he was writing these novels. And for someone who's never read any Hardy, they are an easy and enjoyable introduction to a wonderful author.

What wonderful language! What wonderful characters! If you're looking for happy endings, don't look here. Tragedy, suicide, and deceivement abound in these short stories. (My 1965 hard-cover copy also includes A FEW CRUSTED CHARACTERS.) But if you appreciate remarkable writing that will take your breath away, this is it! Comparable to Hardy's THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE.

I have used a lot of study Bibles over the last 25 years and this is one of the best. I love the cyclopedic index which is over 200 pages long. It defines a term, such as "peace" and then shows key incidences of it in the Bible. The type face is easy to read and there are in-text charts, maps and word studies. The New Living Translation is a good translation for personal devotional reading and public reading as well. This Bible also shows good workmanship and you will be pleased with it. I use this study Bible along with the New American Standard Ryrie Study Bible.

I was reading the reviews of this Bible and found two which troubled me. You see, I believe that this is an excellent study Bible, I own one and am contemplating the purchase of another. The study aids and references are easily found and easy to read. It increased my understanding of God's word quite a lot. In fact my 12 year old sister likes this Bible because she understands the language better than in a KJV, however the changing of a few words seems to offend some of the readers of this Bible. In later reviews they refer to the changing of the word black in Song of Solomon 1:5 to dark. This is a perfectly acceptable translation of the word when one considers the translation from Hebrew to english can be dusky which is dark while not necessarily black. And in the second complaint from Song of Solomon 5:11 which is about being bushy headed. The original Hebrew word is translated as vibrating and pendulous meaning wavy and long. I see no problem with either translation. Please check your references before you slam an excellent and helpful translation of God's word. (I checked mine in the Strong's Concordance. It translates from the original Hebrew and Greek which our Bible was written in.)

The Open Bible has served me for years now. I have gone through three copies and updates. The book outlines and historical information are unmatched in other study Bibles. The charts of history are exceptionally easy to follow. As stated above, the study information does not get in the way of reading God's Word as He gave it. I highly recommend this study Bible to anyone who wants to go a little further than casual reading of the Bible.

Title is false advertising.It is about Crowley, satan and the tarot...Page and Plant's names are scattered here and there. Nothing "Untold" here, anyone even barely enchanted with Jimmy Page has already discovered Crowley, etc. Great book for Christians againt Rock, other then that it is rubbish and I think Page should sue the author for using his name to profit. Biggest laugh, Friend thinks Page is going to read this book !!
Within 24 hours of purchasing book, sent it on to Goodwill.

This is an incredible book which is very well researched. The analysis of the songs in relation to esoteric knowledge is, to say the least, exhaustive. However, it can be quite preachy and repetitive in many places. The author's born again christian stance dominates the analysis; however, one should not let this fact obstruct your reading-just fast read through some of the sermons and/or repetions. Interestingly, the book really shows the love the author had (still have?) for the music, and one is made even more curious about Mr. Page's composition than ever. I highly enjoyed this book.
One pun to Mr. Friend...Christ promise he would be with his Church till the end of time...Mr. Friend seem to believe He was absent from the scene from probably the IIIrd century to the charismatic revival of the modern times...I would really like him to write a book about that.
Anyway, he's writing another book about pop music which certainly I'll buy when it is published.

Fallen Angel is a very important book, for anyone even remotely interested in the occult, this is a must read!! It has the most exhaustive Crowley narrative I've read. And the author is not making up any lies at all when he finally ties all of it in to Led Zeppelin's songs! There is no libel here! Just mind blowing astonishing facts that make me wonder about the band! "And it makes me wonder......" I'm just sad for Jimmy Page for going off of the Deep end in his fanatical fascination with Crowley. Anyone who actually has the nerve to call himself "The Beast" should be locked up, not glorified! Once again, I want to thank Thomas Friend for Finally telling the Untold Story of Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin. A must for any Crowleyite, Zeppelin fan, Ozzy fan, Black Sabbath fan (like myself). As far as giving the book to the goodwill, dude must not enjoy hearing the Truth about Pagey.

At first I was forced to read "The Mayor of Casterbridge" in school more than 12 years ago. Reading it slowly made an impact on my life. This book always served a special purpose in my life. It introduced me to the wide world of Literature. It sort of enlighten my interest and liking for English literature. Now re-reading it not only brought back fond memories of my yester school days but also renewed my liking to one of the greatest writer of all time Thomas Hardy.

Through this novel I came to the understanding of Irony and oxymoron. Hardy totally wrote with a sense of awareness of human characteristic and he had a amazing style of mixed humour with tragedy.

His protagonist,Michael Henchard's life was under the microscope of Hardy.

I love the way the story began I quote:"ONE evening of late summer, before the nineteenth century had reached one-third of its span, a young man and woman, the latter carrying a child, were approaching the large village of Weydon-Priors, in Upper Wessex, on foot. " I love the Englishness and the sense of intriguing events that would follow...

In brief, Michael Henchard was a drunk who sold his wife and daughter at the fair. Later he realised his mistakes he work real hard and eventually became the mayor of Casterbridge. His life took another twist 20 years later when his wife and daughter came back to his life plus a few more other characters adding on the complexity of his life.Soonafter events unfolded and many things became to go against his way and then came his downfall. Indeed Michael Henchard's rise and fall were filled with compelling details and his encounters with numerous intestering people.

What I love most about this novel was the way Hardy depicted Henchard's behaviours and thoughts and totally enhanced his weak character and irresponsibleness with dashes of ironies. His sardonic literary style were brilliant and at the same time he also vividly described the scenery and situations. Another greatest of Hardy was his ability to create innovative characters still account for in modern contemporary days and he was a pioneer in analysising human's weakness and blended it into his creation. It's a vintage classic,psychoanalytic and intriguingly written ,a must read for all books lover.

I remember having read this book in high school. I immediately fell in love with Hardy. (I was also fond of Hardy Boys at that time, so in my opinion the name Hardy acquired a special significance.) Unfortunately, though, I never liked another book by him quite so much. I've read Tess of the d'Urbvilles, Under the Greenwood Tree, Far from the Madding Crowd(which was perhaps his second best novel, as others here have affirmed), and perhaps a few others. It is strange, or perhaps significant that I remember the exact circumstance when I was reading this book. It must have been about ten in the night. I had cleared my study desk, and unlike my common practice of lying on my stomach on my bed to enjoy a book into the night, I sat down on the straight-backed chair at the desk to read it. Very soon, I was overwhelmed by the narrative of Mr. Hardy. My father came in to see what I was up to, saw the tears streaming down my face as I turned the pages of my book, and quietly went away. I have never before owned any story books- my parents told me to read out of libraries. But now I am 22, and have started earning some money of my own, and I'm going to start a little collection of my most beloved books, to pass on to my children, perhaps? And this is among my very best.

I read this novel in English class, like most people probably did. It was one of the best assigned to us.

Hardy is a gifted author. He writes in a clear style with vivid descriptions that really bring the setting alive, without making the reader (at least this reader) feel inundated with borning, unnecessary detail.

The thing that I look for most in a novel, however, is quality characterizeations, and this book had them in spades. Dialogue was used effectively to flesh out characters. These are not stock characters, either. These people have flaws and shades of grey. They seem as though they could be real. I found that I could relate to the characters, and I did empathize with them, even when I didn't agree with their choices. Everyone had clear motivations. The characterization of Henchard shows that Hardy clearly understood the notion of the tragic flaw and the tragic hero/anti hero.

Students who have to read this book as part of their English class may find it a bit on the long side. I would urge you to stick with it; once you get through the initial chapters the book will pick up (a commonality that all British classics seem to share). The book is easy to follow and understand. It is a key novel that marks the shift from Romantic Age to the Victorian Age, so it's an important read for anyone who has a serious interest in English Literature.

The type of catalog i would i would like you to send is sound effects, ice skates, record players, and so much more. So that would be great.

thank you
from
Emile Alston

I liked the catalog, but was dissapointed to see that all of the pictures were black and white (I think I do remember pages in the 60's that had color). It looks as though someone just copied the pictures on a plain copier, and slapped this book together. The idea was very good, but don't expect the quality of true Sears Catalog pages.

for those of us who grew up in a certain era and were products of the commercial age this book will bring back many memories. having had a dad who worked in the field until i was 7 i was spoiled and got about anything i wanted. try explaining to a 7 year old that dad no longer gets all the freebies he wants! well worth the time for any boi boomer!

Forget the cheeseball movie called BUG that was made from this fine doomsday thriller. This book is a fairly creepy sci-fi monster story about a misanthropic entomologist that tampers with a newly discovered, and quite dangerous, cockroach that is unleashed during a small earthquake in North Carolina. These creatures eat pure carbon and can make fire by rubbing their rear legs together, thus creating a food supply whenever, and wherever, needed. When James Parmiter unlocks their secrets, then the true fear, and even greater threat to humankind, really begins. Worthwhile reading for monster fans.

Introduction: Some may question my favorably reviewing a book which portrays plantation life in less-than-evil terms. The historical record, however, is in fact on the side of the South when it comes to slave/master relations prior to the War Between the States. The racism we see in the South following Reconstruction was simply nonexistent in large measure prior to the war. Many sources, not all of which are Southern sources, reveal a much more racist white population in the North than in the South. It's high time we begin to look beyond the public-school texts (and college secondary sources) on this subject (indeed, in all subjects), and begin embracing the original sources. Time and again New England idealists have been mislead by their own rhetoric, from New England soldiers dismayed that slaves would dare to resist their freedom-giving messiahs to the Great Depression-era writers (see FDR's commissioned "Slave Narratives") equally dismayed that ex-slaves in large number greatly missed Southern slavery and their largely Christian masters. The endearing terms used in the reminiscing of former slaves in "Slave Narratives" about bygone years on the plantation are enough to make a grown man cry. What gives? The historical record gives. Perhaps there's much truth in the old adage: "The winners write the history books." Am I here arguing that the South was sinless and without blame? Certainly not. All I wish is that we stop slandering our ancestors.

"Social Life in Old Virginia Before the War" is a well-written and beautifully illustrated account [originally an essay published in 1892] of a typical plantation in Virginia. Page reveals from memory the various roles within the plantation, from the master all the way to the field workers. The picture he portrays might surprise some. Page says that slaves were never referred to as such, only as "servants"--except in legal documents (p.1). The servants actually relished their roles and took pride in them, often singing joyfully (p.15-6) as they worked and played (and, oh, did they play!). Along with Bridenbaugh (see my review of "Myths and Realities"), Page also dispels the myth of leisure in Virginia (p.20). The plantation life was a busy one for all, but they did make time for play. The servants, if we may go by their living quarters, as described by Page, could hardly be said to be poverty-stricken. How many of us today would mind living in whitewashed cabins surrounded by blooming orchards, flower and vegetable gardens, not to mention the towering oak trees? Doesn't appear too demeaning to me, especially in those days. (For those of you who think "white-washing" represents a sign of abject poverty, I suggest a trip to the Greek Islands, where virtually every building is white-washed and quite beautiful.) As did Bridenbaugh, Page portrays the Virginian gentry as responsible to the "public" in civil service. Interestingly, the black "Mammies" were so trusted by their master and mistress that they carried with them full permission and responsibility to discipline the white children! (p.35-6). So much for the white/black antagonistic relationships described by the fictional writer, Harriet Beecher Stowe. Page offers us a wonderful glimpse into the life of Virginians when he details the yearly Christmas celebrations. This is the time of year when the black servants were married in a beautiful ceremony (which the mistress always lovingly prepared) often inside the mansions. I love humanist-myth-destroying Christian history. This little book is not quite one of them, although it comes close. Page could have said much more, but we all must choose our battles carefully.

Sylvester's and Martz' 1969 facsimile edition of St. Thomas More's Prayerbook is a genuine find. It opens a unique window into the mind and spirituality of a remarkable man. The pages are crisply rendered in two colors, allowing readers a genuine feel for a sixteenth-century prayerbook. More important in this case, Thomas More's handwritten "Goodly Meditation" appears, line by line in the margins. The editors generously supply a full introduction and a modern English rendering of More's original meditation. The impact of the entire production is compelling: the reader can read a great saint's personal prayer -- in his own handwriting -- and read it as if over his shoulder in the Tower as he awaits execution. As an artifact, this book is a great testimony to the development of personal spirituality in the English Renaissance.

Jude The Obscure goes against the normal strain in its treatment of topics ranging from marriage, ambition, dreams, and class-society. The book takes shocking twists and turns, and even though the subjects are often depressing, the sheer shock of what has just happened makes you want to read more. Hardy's main character is Jude, a poor, parentless boy whose ambitions far exceed the restrictions his class would put on him. Throughout his childhood he pushed himself in the studies of academia, he would always be seen with Latin books while delivering bread to the villagers. Eventually, as Jude grows he decides to move to Chirstminister-Jude's dream starting from his very early days of youth. Christminister is the center of all academic pursuit and home to the greatest colleges of learning. We follow Jude's adventures there, along with all of his attempts to being admitted into one of these institutions. This is not easy for a young man who has no money or family status behind him. One of Jude's great battles is between his burning desire to achieve higher learning, and his weakness towards women which draw him away from this goal. The elements which Jude's eventual children present, make an outlandish story even stranger by their actions. Certainly Hardy intended the children to present us with some additional lessons to consider while contemplating the book.

The book was difficult for me to read, as mentioned in other reviews, the depressing subject matter and gloominess is not inherently an inviting thing. However, by unfolding the story as Hardy did, following the dreams and failures of young Jude, I learned some lessons that I do not think I could have otherwise. I received a strong personal impression in the importance of not giving up on yourself. That even if your opportunities are not optimal, or you environment is not perfect, that you still have the ability to reach for your dreams. And at all costs you should not give up on your dreams, or believe that you are not capable of accomplishing them. I also thought a lot about the acts the society would have us perform, which are not securely right. Having read the book forced me to reflect about the daily choices I make, how many of those are really mine, and how many are artificial restraints institutions would have me believe I must make.

While I have read more entertaining books, I would have to recommend this one because of the unique perspective it presents. Hardy message allows us to think about important issues in a light not often seen through.

Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy is an intriguing book. It is the story of a young man named Jude who aspires to be a religious preacher. In Jude's pursuit of this goal, he is faced with opposition.
Jude is a poor orphan boy who lives with this aunt. He works by day and studies by candle light to get into Christminster, a special college for theologians. All seems well until a voluptuous woman distracts one Sunday from his studying. Before he knows it, he is not longer studying and married to a woman he does not love.
Jude falls in love with another young woman. Society frowns on them for she belongs to another.
Through the credible characters of Jude, Arabella, Sue, and Philloston, Hardy shows the effect society has upon the weak individual. Some would have you believe Jude the Obscure is an awful book, but it is not. It is a book that makes you think. When I was done reading it, I though, "Now what has that got to do with anything?" It has a lot to do with everything. It covers the subjects of God, love, fate, and society. What Hardy has to say should be heard. I recommend reading Jude the Obscure.

Prior to reading Jude the Obscure, I had a smattering of knowledge about the religious uproar it caused upon publication, which led Hardy to abandon novels and focus merely on poetry. His work being denounced and burned by the churches, Hardy felt that if that was to be the treatment of his work, he would no longer produce the work.

Now that I have read the novel, and having attempted to place myself in the mindset of the later 19th century morals and ideals, I can begin to understand why such an uproar was raised.

First, the story...Jude Fawley, of poor and meager birth, aspires to academic greatness. When it is recommended to him that he stay on the 'blue collar' course he has begun, and not wish for more, he decides to educate himself, one day hoping that it will position him for greater things.

Jude enters into a hasty marriage, which by later standards would be described as a 'shotgun' wedding, which he eventually comes to regret, and ends. Enter his cousin Sue, who becomes the love of his life. Sue also ends an unsatisfactory first marriage, freeing herself to be with Jude, whom she loves as well.

What follows is a descent into tragedy and despair, with numerous twists and turns along the way. Not wanting to spoil them, I will not divulge.

However, the remainder of the novel touches upon many, many themes that amounted to raising of the ire of the church in response. Divorce; childbirth out of wedlock; loss of faith in God; questioning religious ideals and teachings; all these and more are present in the latter half of the novel, and so much more.

Upon finishing the book, I was left to question were these really Hardy's own feelings illustrated in his work, or simply a realization of a course of events for the characters, and not a reflection on the author's beliefs. That, however, bears further reading on the life of Thomas Hardy.

Where I find fault with the novel is in the characters, and it is merely a distaste with their actions. Sue, the heroine, spends far too much time vacillating about her love for Jude and her desire to marry him. When Jude tries to do the right thing by Sue, and respect her wishes, she claims he has 'given up too easily, and doesn't seem at all disappointed'. Jude's first wife, Arabella, displays an utterly selfish, self-absorbed personality, and was, for me, unlikeble, and unsympathetic. Jude, a character capable of learning Latin and Greek and engaging in other scholarly pursuits, seems completely naive in the ways of the world, and further seems blinded by a sense of duty over a sense of the rights and wrongs of others. His actions make him appear to have no regard for himself, until the very end.

Perhaps this is exactly as Hardy meant the characters to be seen, perhaps not. I did enjoy the book more than I expected to, and apparently more than others who have said to me "What on earth are you reading THAT for???". Hardy is not a comedy writer, and one should not expect a glamorous, cheerful, tidy ending, it does not exist here.

While not the greatest of classic novels I have read, I can certainly see why this one has been discussed for over 100 years. While Dickens peppered his stories with levity to break up the gloom, Hardy continues on a downward spiral, leaving his characters in despair within and without. I recommend it to readers who enjoy a good characterization of later 19th century life in England. But if you are looking for something to put a smile on your face, Hardy might not be for you.