Oscar Wilde entirely dedicates this play to the exploration of the way a woman can be saved from destruction in this society of appearances. A woman was the victim of an imbroglio in the past and abandoned her daughter. This woman comes back and the daughter ignores her relation to her. She is brought back into societry by the daughter's husband who knows the truth but does not want his wife to know it. But there is some kind of malediction that flies over the heads of these women. The daughter nearly does the same mistake as her mother but she is saved by her mother who accepts to be tainted in her daughter's place. Bus Oscar Wilde must think there is some kind of reward for a good deed and all is well that ends well, and this play has a happy ending. In spite of all the melodramatic sentimentalese atmosphere, Oscar Wilde definitely explores in this play the great disadvantage of a woman in society. Men can do nearly all they want. Women are extremely limited and have to walk a very straight and narrow line. Oscar Wilde seems to be ahead of his time as for the fate of women: he seems to aspire for real equality for them, though he shows in all possible ways that this is impossible in his society.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU, University of Perpignan

My first experience reading Oscar Wilde... and certainly not my last.

Wilde's sardonic wit and ineffable satire had me enchanted from page one. Wilde writes with devastatingly appealing witticisms, and with a style and cleverness matched by few other authors. It is said that he is one of the more oft-quoted authors in the English language, and I now understand why.

In addition to axioms and aphorisms of pure genius, the plot both captivates and surprises the reader. Lady Windermere discovers that her husband has been cheating on her, and a folly of misunderstandings and poor advice then unfolds; all the while satirizing society.

This play is very interesting to read (according to me). I saw a lot of hypocracy and snobery of people in this play. But a lot of peole said that the plays of Oscar Wilde have no satire, means, there is no factor of politics, socials,etc. I think, what he wrote in this plays and other plays had something to critize the people in that time. I want more information about Lady Winderemere's Fan, I mean what is the background of Wilde wrote yhis novel. Is there any important effects so that he wrote this first play?

The New Interpreter's Bible is a twelve-volume series, updating the popular Interpreter's Bible from a few decades ago. There are several key features common to all of the volumes of this series. First, each includes a two-column, double translation of the Biblical text (NIV - New International Version, and NRSV - New Revised Standard Version) arranged by topical unit or story. Then, they provide commentaries that look at the passages as a whole, as well as verse-by-verse. Third, interesting Reflection pieces that relate the passages to each other, to history, and to current concerns occur at the conclusion of each passage. Fourth, introductory articles for each book are provided that discuss transmission, historical background, cultural setting, literary concerns, and current scholarship. Finally, there are general articles about the Bible, each Testament, and various types of literature (Narrative, Gospel, Wisdom Literature, etc.) are provided to give general placement and knowledge about the text overall.

The list of contributors, editors, and consultants on the project is a veritable Who's Who of biblical and theological scholarship, representing all major traditions and schools of thought liberal and conservative. Leander Keck, of the Yale Divinity School, is the primary editor of the series.

The volumes were published individually, and can be purchased individually, which is a good thing, given that they are a bit expensive. But for any serious biblical scholar, preacher, student, or enthusiast, they are invaluable.

--Volume II--

The second volume of the New Interpreter's Bible completes the Torah with Numbers and Deuteronomy, and begins a look at the 'histories', more precisely termed in the NIB as Narrative Literature, with the books of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I and II Samuel.

The book of Numbers is addressed by Thomas Dozeman of United Theological Seminary, Dayton. Ronald Clements of King's College, London, looks at the book of Deuteronomy, a book upon which he has published another commentary. Robert Coote of San Francisco Theological Seminary, takes Joshua. Dennis Olson of Princeton Theological Seminary looks at the book of Judges. Kathleen Robertson Farmer, also at United Theological in Dayton, addresses the book of Ruth. Bruce Birch, Dean of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, completes the volume with the two books of Samuel.

Perhaps of special note here is the book of Ruth (why is it that the task of this book is given to a woman, and all other book of this volume to men?). In her commentary, Kathleen Roberton Farmer wrote, 'Reading history through the lens of Ruth is more like looking through a kaleidoscope than a microscope. While the dominant themes of redemption and insider/outsider dynamics remain constant within the story, every rotation of the proposed background against which the story is read causes these themes to fall into a different pattern.' Something similar could be said by many of the commentators about the way the texts are addressed here.

Peter Miscall of the Illiff School of Theology provides a general article discussing Narrative Literature, looking at the relationship of narrative and history, narrative and author/storyteller, and the importance of components such as character, plot, theme and style. Miscall also examines some of the shifting emphases over the past generation of biblical scholarship generally, exploring in a little detail newer theories and methods of literary analysis.

High praise goes to the general editorial staff for working with such strong authors/scholars, that their work fits together well as part of this set while retaining their individual characteristics (much like the writers of the Bible itself!).

--Other volumes available--

The following is a list of each volume in this twelve-volume set, and the contents of each.

Volume I: General Articles on the Bible; General Articles on the Old Testament; Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus

Volume II: Numbers; Deuteronomy; Introduction to Narrative Literature; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; I & II Samuel

Volume III: I & II Kings; I & II Chronicles; Ezra, Nehemiah; Esther; Additions to Esther; Tobit; Judith

Volume IV: I & II Maccabees; Introduction to Hebrew Poetry; Job; Psalms

Volume V: Introduction to Wisdom Literature; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs; Book of Wisdom; Sirach

Volume VI: Introduction to Prophetic Literature; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Baruch; Letter of Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel

Volume VII: Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature; Daniel; Additions to Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Johan; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi

Volume VIII: General Articles on the New Testament; Matthew; Mark

Volume IX: Luke; John

Volume X: Acts; Introduction to Epistolary Literature; Romans, I Corinthians

Volume XI: II Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; I & II Thessalonians; I & II Timothy; Titus; Philemon

Volume XII: Hebrews; James; I & II Peter; I, II & III John; Jude; Revelation

Most people understand that the study of Scripture is an enormous task; and that there is a considerable theological heritage to even the most benign of passages. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to translate that understanding into a willingness to genuinely delve into the vast pool of material out there. In addition, it's hard to know who to trust.

You can trust the New Interpreter's Bible series. All of the scholars who contributed are the best in their field. In addition, the layout (which includes two complete translations - the NIV and the NRSV) is conducive to both scholarly and spiritual study of the texts.

Each text is broken down into discret units (i.e. the Tower of Babel) followed by general commentary on the passage, verse by vers analysis of key issues, and then an overview of study questions. The commentators address issues of authorship, historical setting, translation, theological history, and personal application. In addition, they graciously point to excellent sources for further reading.

Speaking as a pastor, it is my strong opinion that every English-speaking Christian who is serious about Bible study should own the complete set.

I am writing a paper concerning Flood stories throughout the early Hebrew and Sumerian regions. This one book had all the information I needed! The other volumes are equally expansive and illuminating. You get not only commentary but thoughful reflection as well. After reading any of these volumes you will walk away with a much better feel for the Biblical material.

I have two children -- ages 2 and 4. I am using "One, Two, Three! This Book's for Me" to teach the younger one to count. I have several counting books and "One, Two, Three" is definitely the best. I am also using the book to teach my older child to read with some success. I strongly recommend this book.

I have a five year old girl. She has benefitted greatly from this book. I use the picture glossary at the back of the book to teach ABC... phonics. The text has a nice rhythm that reminds me of the book "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom". The sentences also rhyme nicely and I noticed that this helps my daughter to read the rhyming words. I strongly recommend this highly educational book.

Written and illustrated by Stuart Samuel, One! Two! Three! This Book's For Me! is a simple yet enjoyable counting picture book presenting the numbers 1 to 10, illustrated with simple, bold color pictures. A fine read-aloud rhyme text helps reinforce the concept of numbers in young people's minds, One! Two! Three! This Book's For Me! is especially recommended for children ages 2 to 5 and an excellent addition for family, day-care center, preschool, and kindergarten collections.

Could it possibly be true that: (1) Cancer is preventable? (2) Government agencies and the cancer establishment, with their false optimism, their emphasis on "damage control," and their opposition to non-toxic alternative treatments, are doing far more harm than good in the "war on cancer"? (3) Each individual, armed with the right knowledge, can significantly reduce the chances of ever getting cancer?

Dr. Epstein fully documents these truths with great force and clarity. Having read the book, it would be difficult not to believe these truths, to fully take them in, and to act accordingly.

I can't remember when a book has cheered me the way this one has. As a longtime worker in the field of alternative cancer treatment, and one who has undergone his own battle with this disease, I rejoice that a voice of authority has finally stated the truth in loud, ringing tones -- the emperor has no clothes! The reiterated claim by our government and its associated medical professionals that we are "winning the war against cancer" is simply not true. And these stalwarts in the Cancer Establishment are not the selfless servants of humanity they have been portraying themselves as, either. Their ranks are shot through with cronyism, conflicts of interest, and subservience to the giant drug companies.

Masterfully, exhaustively, irrefutably, Dr. Epstein exposes this dirty little game that has been snowing the American public for the last 25 years. And he makes a powerful case that, in the field of cancer as in no other, an ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure. Cancer, once contracted, is generally a very tough disease to treat successfully. But, in very many cases, it can be prevented by avoiding known cancer-causing agents in the environment, in the workplace, and in consumer products.

Not only is "THE POLITICS OF CANCER Revisited" inspiring in its revelations and recommendations. It is a magnificent reference tool, one I have put on my shelf for ready access whenever I want to know if a particular cosmetic, food additive, drug, work setting -- or part of the country -- is carcinogenic and therefore to be avoided.

This book will likely change the way you see the world. Not only is the tripling of cancer rates in this century directly related to environmental and industrial conditions, but the same players also control the huge and hugely profitable cancer industry which has grown up arount it. Meanwhile promising nontoxic alternative treatments have been excluded from the playing field controlled by this oligopoly of self-interested players, many of whom are supposed to be the guardians of the public health. Epstein documents all this impeccably, but also lets citizens know what we can do to change the system. Highest recommendation. A must-read.

I have found David Samuel's book, Practical Mysticism, particularly helpful because it is so practical and hands-on. Mr. Samuel not only speaks of "waking up" to the truth of existence and why some feel such a need to explore these possibilities, he gives guidance and suggestions for helping attain these possiblities. And these suggestions are both easy and difficult; easy because by themselves, each practice is do-able. Difficult because doing them with consistency and overcoming laziness is continual work. His book clearly states that this work of awakening is hard; yet, I can asssuredly say that the minimal efforts I have already put into practice from reading his book and knowing Mr. Samuel personally have profoundly affected my life. In all, I highly recommed Practical Mysticism for anyone truly seeking change and the truth in their lives.

This is a book about ideas & practices that the Author has worked at. He doesnot burden the pages with a display of learning but in simple and lucid language stresses the contemporary values of ancient texts with special references to the present day environments. The book is compact and yet complete, shorn of elaborations and complications with real power to direct our lives so as to increase awareness on balanced living with mental and physical well-being. It helps to repair our faded and fragmentary conceptions of life. Joyce Amor.........Pune 411001, INDIA.

This is a book about ideas & practices that the Author has worked at. He doesnot burden the pages with a display of learning but in simple and lucid language stresses the contemporary values of ancient texts with special references to the present day environments. The book is compact and yet complete, shorn of elaborations and complications with real power to direct our lives so as to increase awareness on balanced living with mental and physical well-being. It helps to repair our faded and fragmentary conceptions of life. Joyce Amor.........Pune 411001, INDIA.

I was so amazed to read how the Holy Spirit could work and be manifested in and through young Samuel Morris' life. The same Holy Spirit made me shed tears as I browsed through the pages. The life of Samuel Morris would be a great impact on every heart and without doubt on young people. Well written and easy to follow. Praise The Lord !

Samuel Morris : The Apostle of Simple Faith is simply written and convey the Christian faith to the reader. While reading this book, one feels living in Samuel Morris' era. The book makes you forget that this young African was living in the time when slavery was so deep in this country. Yet, Samuel Morris became the common denominator for both white and black people. His faith saved Taylor University. It is sad that he died so young and so full of promises. Jesus couldn't have a better disciple than this young man.

I was crying all the way through this book as GOD saved and walked with this man. Great book to pull your heart strings. Simple and easy to read.

This book was extremely enlightening and engrossing. It reveals many startling details about an assassination that in the public's mind is an open and shut case. This book will make you re-examine what you think you know about the murder of Robert F. Kennedy. It is a fascinating and disturbing look into the mishandling of the investigation as well as the trial of Sirhan Sirhan.

Klaber stands alone in his remarkable attention to detail and his insightful intuition as he dissects Sirhan, the assassination and all the people and events surrounding it. Investigative journalism at its finest; with no sides taken, no leaf unturned/unflipped/unanalyzed and certainly no minds unchallenged.

Klaber's wired-in work makes all the others' works putter off into nattering nabobs of nonsensical noise as he delicately delves into this June 4, 1968 seminal tragedy. Klaber kooks the krime and katers to only the most diskriminating kats.

What's Klaber writing about now?

I literally tore through this book. I couldn't put it down. Fascinating and frustrating with regards to the failure of the justice system.

Professor Stumpf has done an excellent job at clearly describing all the key philosophical ideas and the awsome men who introduced them... beginning with the early Greek thinkers and moving chronologically to late 20th century philosophers. So the title of his latest edition should probably be slightly changed to reflect this latest reality.

Stumpf has taken the fog out of philosophy and instead has given the interested reader mostly sunlight from which to study these great ideas that have guided civilization to its present state.

Ironically, though, I find it odd that Stumpf book is not widely used, as I believe that it should be, throughout U.S. colleges and universities!

This may be due to the old silent fact that most college professors order textbooks for students that are exceedingly difficult to read, thus hoping that students will spend more time reading these foggy textbooks when in reality students end up not reading these foggy books at all. So college professors must begin changing their textbook selection criteria and start ordering textbooks that are, above all, well written and easy to follow as Stumpf's book clearly is.

Gerard J. Sagliocca, P.E.
Social Critic

Socrates to Sartre is a great book to use to understand the basic thought of any philosopher. The greatest strenghts of the book lie in the analysis of philosophy up to the modern period. In particular the book seems thin on the areas of existential philosophy and post-modern thought. Those limitations acknowledged, I would recommend this book for any person trying to crack the world of philosophy. Make sure you get another book if you want to understand the thought of 19th century or 20th century philosophers.

I recommend this book to anyone studying Philosophy. I majored in Phil in college and owe a great deal to "Socrates to Sartre" for helping me understand so many abstract concepts. It is writen in contemporary english so it is much easier to understand than many of the philosophers' own writing. The reader can follow the book as a historical text or use it as an encylopedia. All major theories by all major western philosophers are concisely broken down and explained. Examples are given. The book is structured in order of schools of thought and historical order. I swear one of my instructors must used this book for his lectures beacuse I used it for his classes and did very well. I don't mean to sound like I'm related to the author but this book is the best guide around.

when you're in the mood for some short whistful escapist romantic stories in a celtic setting, pick up this one. good for a rainy sunday afternoon.

Wonderful stories of magic, romance, and irish lore. If you like to curl up at night with a short story, this is a great book for you. I was delighted with this book and with Irish Magic II.

This book will not appeal to everyone and is reviewed in the context of the intended audience. It is a collection of four novelettes by master storytellers. The first story, "Galway Bay" by Morgan Llywelan, is a change of pace for readers familiar with her full length historical novels. It is set in modern times, and concerns a part-Irish woman on vacation in Galway, Ireland, who encounters the underlying realities of Irish folklore and discovers romance in an unexpected place. The second story, "The Harpers's Daughter" by Barbara Samuel, is set in ancient Ireland and concerns Deirdre, destined to be the bride of a king, but she loves another. Expressed in Deirdre's thoughts (about other women in the king's court), "One of them, one day, would have the warrior who'd snared her heart, while she would lie with the fat, old king. It wasn't fair." Deirdre is cursed with extraordinary beauty that creates uncontrolled lust in the minds of any men who see her. Can she find a refuge with the man she loves, and will magic protect them? The third and fourth stories deal with connections to the spirit world in an ancient Irish setting. The third, "The Trysting Hour" by Susan Wiggs, is about a spirit that can assume a mortal man's shape, and who desires a woman meant to be a king's wife. Can he win her hand while he prevents the king from consumating the marriage? And is she really an ordinary mortal woman? The fourth, "Rarer than a White Crow" by Roberta Gellis, has a man placed under a spell by a shape-changing witch with her own agenda (which can only be guessed at). People are at an interface between the spirit world and the mortal world. Angus must win the hand of Caer and love her til the end of her days in order to be free from the spell, but that is easier said than done. Can they thwart the real agenda of the witch? The book contains explicit sex and violence. It is an excellent set of stories for those interested in this type of fantasy romance.

Everyone can benefit from improved leadership skills, but it's sometimes difficult to take criticism constructively. This book provides managers with a lot of food for thought, broken down into managable lists. If your managers need a little help improving their leadership skills, buy them a copy of this book. I keep a copy of the book on my desk and re-read one list each day. When conducting Leadership Seminars, I have used some of the lists to initiate group discussions.

The guy who recommended this book said he wished he'd had it 20 years earlier in his career. I think he was right. This book is loaded with lists and list of things that you should think about in some situation. Someone has taken the time to itemize the things you should consider in dozens of different situations. Want to improve you customer realations. Take at look at that list and you'll find a lot of things that really make sense. These lists save you the time of trying to figure out what are the attributes if a given situation that you should be looking at. Great book for anyone. You won't use it every day but when you need it, one application of the list can repay you the price of the book many times over.

I work for the wholesale club division of the largest retail chain in America. Needless to say, you don't get a top-notch training course in being a supervisor or hourly manager there. This book was instrumental in my personal development in becoming a good supervisor.

The book is set up like a series of checklists. The advantage is that checklists are EASY to read and refer to. In fact virtually every situation you will face is covered by checklists.

In fact I enjoyed the many Sam Walton trademark management styles they incorporated into the book...it made it easier to connect with.

The book is simply outstanding and for the price you would be, quite frankly, a fool not to get it.

As we all know employee morale is paramount in having them take better care of our customers and/or product/services development/production. This book helps to develop you (if you let it) into a better manager/supervisor.

I would also recommend getting the book titled "Corps Business" by David Freedman (I have a review on this also). The two books should be purchased together and READ. You will get excited about developing yourself into a BETTER manager/supervisor as well as developing your company (both books provide great advice on how to do this). The small investment (we're talking under $40 tops here) will surely pay off (either in promotions or company bonuses!)

Good luck!