This is a classic study of Dante's _Divine Comedy_, by Charles Williams, who was, among other things, a close friend and colleague of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. If one wants a solid critical interpretation of Dante's masterpiece from the neo-Romantic (and commitedly Christian) perspective of mid-century Oxford medievalist scholars, there is no better book. It's clearly written by a fellow who knows his stuff-- and it has been a major influence on how others (especially other Oxfordian Christians) have viewed the Commedia. (Those folks familiar with Dorothy Sayers' translations of Dante know that all of her notes and comments are pretty much cribbed wholesale from Williams...) Still, this book was written a half-century ago, and many of its assumptions, approaches, and insights seem a bit old-fashioned-- and there are a lot of new perspectives and questions in Dante scholarship that it just doesn't discuss at all. Nevertheless, it remains an insightful study that offers astute insight into Dante's art, and though dated in some ways, it is by no means outdated.

Ben Sem, Ben Sem--We are, We are Beatrice. Not knowing or understanding much of Dante, I can nevertheless not forget what Charles Williams wrote about him, as about the above quotation from The Divine Comedy. Dante's heaven-sent guide announces "we are," not "I am Beatrice," speaking in unity with the Cloud of Witnesses, the testimony of the saints and out of the relationship of the divine life which is realized in heaven.

But Williams could almost say "We are Charles Williams," because he somehow seems to be such a kindred soul with Dante, and so attuned to the poet's thought that the effect of hearing or reading him on Dante was and is magnetic--so much so that Dorothy L. Sayers taught herself Italian and translated Dante's Divine Comedy in three volumes for Penguin Books (the Paradiso was completed by her student, Barbara Reynolds). Sayers dedicated her translations to "Charles Williams, The Master of the Ways." The Ways referred to are the way of rejection and the way of affirmation, two sorts of spiritual paths explained in this, and many other Williams volumes.

But she was not the only one to so lionize CW. C.S.Lewis wrote similarly in his Preface to Paradise Lost that Williams had revolutionized Milton criticism. Apparently the door was unlocked all the time, Lewis wryly notes, but only you (CW) thought of trying the handle. Who else did this supposedly obscure and unremarkable British writer influence? How about Canadian poet and singer Bruce Cockburn in his albums Dancing in the Dragon Jaws and Humans (the latter often considered one of his best albums)?

If Charles Williams did have a fault as a writer, it was that he tended to write too telegraphically, almost in a kind of shorthand, assuming his readers were with him when some of them, at least, would be lost. This happens in The Forgiveness of Sins, which assumes a good grasp of Shakespeare, and He Came Down From Heaven, which assumes a good grasp on everything else. Some of his essays do this also, particularly his book reviews, which assume that in reading the review one has also read the book. His reviews of some writers, however, such as D.H. Lawrence, and for that matter, St. Augustine, are so lively and unforgettable that they have long outlived their time. Of his nonfiction works, The Descent of the Dove (subtitled a History of the Holy Spirit in the Church) and The Figure of Beatrice flow the best and assume the least. Oddly enough, you can read the latter knowing nothing about Dante and the former knowing nothing about the Holy Spirit and learn a lot about both. Better yet, you learn a lot about Williams. Once one has met him, his trademark style is unmistakeable and for readers like me who have fallen under his spell, greatly compelling. There is no other writer like Charles WIlliams and no better place to meet him than in The Figure of Beatrice.

Williams in this book traces the image of Beatrice throughout Dante's life and work. This is not a straight examination or study of the Commedia; rather it is precisely this tracing of Beatrice through Dante's childhood, and through his writing in the Vita Nuova and the Convivio. The last half of this book examines the Commedia, centering on the fulfilling of the image of Beatrice.

There are several themes throughout, the first of which is a focusing on Dante's "Way of Affirmation," or the Affirmation of Images,which is one road, as it were, to see God. The other road, the Way of Rejection is also always there, but this Way does not apply to Dante. The Commedia is the greatest exposition on the themes of the Way of Affirmation. Another theme that runs throughout is the paradoxical statement, "This also is Thou; neither is this Thou." Each of these themes, if you are familiar with Williams, is treated anagogically. If you are not familiar with Williams, then you should know that Williams is an anagogical writer (i.e. he deals with the mystery of, what is vaguely called, the spiritual realm; read his book Descent Into Hell and you will see what I mean). Though I haven't read much modern Dante scholarship, I doubt many moderns would, or could, find a significant anagogical and spiritual meaning, at least not one as satisfying as Williams.

Finally it has been a few years since this book has been in print, and may not be around for much longer (if, God forbid, Williams is forgotten). Its a great opportunity to snatch this one up. Don't let any "modern" ideas get in your way.

While an excellent dictionary for undergraduate college use, beginners might find the Chambers-Murray dictionary more affordable and not noticeably diminished. For the serious translator and scholar, the Oxford Dictionary might be a better choice, particularly for obscure and/or late words. That said, Lewis and Short is my dictionary of choice.

This is the classic Lewis and Short Latin-English Dictionary. Its only real contender is the newer Oxford Latin Dictionary (OLD). However, the OLD is handicapped by its limited scope: anyone interested in Late, Ecclesiastical, Medieval, or Neo-Latin need not apply. Lewis and Short is more comprehensive. It's sole drawback is its great bulk and weight. If you are interested in a much smaller, but still quite complete, dictionary, consider the Chambers-Murray Latin-English dictionary.

I find this Latin dictionary very friendly and convenient to use, compared to the O.L.D., yet still offering most lexicological resources needed for the advanced Latin student or the scholar. Its content is indeed broader (a plus!) than the O.L.D., but does not skimp on presenting the particulars of the entries. I do not recommend this dictionary for absolute beginners (although they could do much worse), but I do indeed suggest it to anyone in _advanced_ high school Latin classes, as well as to all college students (including those enrolled in graduate studies). Accordingly, I strongly recommend this publication to any "former" high school or college Latin student (such as myself) who wishes to refresh his/her knowledge of Latin and/or who just wants to have a great Latin dictionary in their home. A wonderful reference!

this book has a great mango smoothie recipe & some nice dessert recipes. i love the photographs that accompany each recipe - the full left page of each is a picture.

I found this book in an english shopping mall called Bluewater in Kent at a branch of Jerry's Home Store! The book is very easy to use, well laid out and the food is always fantastic. It has made me look for other titles by the same authors.

I have wanted to carve wood for some time, but had no idea how to go about learning. Most of the books I've looked at were either too technical or too advanced for me. Finally, this book has given me the confidence to begin. The discussions are well written at a level that's good for a beginner like me. I read the entire book in about 3 hours and am now going back and starting my first project. The projects look doable and I know what I'm supposed to be learning in each one. Unlike most books, this one doesn't assume a progression from project to project so that you have to do them all--whether they interest you or not. I like being able to focus on whittling or chip work and being able to put off other types until I have a reason to do them.

Just as the title says this is a good introductory text for the person interested in starting woodcarving. There is not a lot of in-depth information about each type of carving, but there is enough to get you started in the right direction.

Types of carving included are line, relief, in the round, bird, and carved gifts, with a few patterns of each type. If you already know the basics of your type of woodcarving, a more detailed book would be a better investment. If you are curious about what tools you might need, some basics of types of wood, a few patterns for your first project, how to get your tools really sharp, basic techniques of making cuts, and how to finish your projects this book will serve you well. Also included in this book are sections on starting a woodcarving club and lists of publications, tool and wood suppliers, books, and sources of glass eyes and bird feet.

If you do decide to continue with woodcarving I strongly urge you to find a woodcarving club in your area. The help the members can give you is invaluable.

Part of the reason Dickens uses his "flowery" language, despite the effectiveness in creating vivid imagery, was that he was paid by the word. Therefore, his wordiness should not solely be considered an artistic choice, which makes you a bit more sympathetic to how long winded this book can seem. It is however a classic for good reason, with a compelling plot, even without very memorable characters. Still a good book to read for its historical context, and if you can handle the language it, for its good story.

Probably the first thing I thought about when I first read Charles Dicken's A Tale of Two Cities was, 'There's WAY too much detail in thing dumb novel!' Well, as I read on it occurred to me that Dicken's uses his amazing flowery language for a reason. It gives you the 'reality' feeling, like you can actually see and picture in your mind what is going on. The novel grabs you in places and lets you feel the sorrow or happiness the characters feel. His rendition of London and Paris are extraordinary because he lets you see the injustice and the anguish that the peasant class felt at that time. The use of detail and language in this novel is one of its most effective elements and truely I would rate this book as one of the best.

I have been using this series as I teach my six chidren at home. The authors have done an excellent job of bringing us the best of the original McGuffy Readers, returning to the contents of the first series, not those later published under his name. My children are discovering a nobler time and way of life as they learn the basics with these fine readers. The study guide is simple to use with many practical exercises and examples. The only reason for less than five stars seems to be the quality of the paper and binding. In the noble effort to keep costs down, the durability of the product suffers. I am hoping for a hard bound edition. Should one appear, the publishers should be prepared for greater sales than the previous edition. Such excellent content deserves an equally excellent binding with the ability withstand being read again and again.

These are the original 1837 McGuffey Readers before the secular revisions, with slight revisions of archaic grammar. Four Readers and a Study Guide show you how to teach your children to reason cogently, speak persuasively, write clearly--all in a Christian framework. Each lesson has moral and intellectual content, and offers an impressive vocabulary. Words progress from 'learn,' 'keep,' in the early grades to 'assiduity, profligate, efficacious, calcaneous, penury, communition, execrated' in high school. Lessons are followed by spell/define exercises, and thoughtful questions. Ex.: "Is it not better to be industrious and possess a good name than to possess many riches?" "What is the effect of making public opinion the rule of life?" "Have we not reason to rejoice that we live where we may hear the glad tidings of salvation?" Each lesson begins with a basic rule of reading and elocution. Study Guide ties each original lesson to a biblica! l theme. There are 10 years of 36 weekly lessons (grades 1-10). Instructions on teaching reading aloud, public speaking, good writing habits, memorization, logic, love for language as one of God's gifts. Many famous authors like Blackthorn, Shakespeare, Bacon, Irving figure prominently. By the time a child begins the third reader he will have surpassed most of today's high schoolers. Mastery of the fourth reader puts him beyond most college students. Any adult can read the selections with profit. You'll be awed at what was once accomplished in American schools, and resolved that your children grow up with the same advantages. The lessons cover a broad range of worthy topics including history, geography, poetry, and virtue. These are just reading selections,however, and do not as such offer instruction in phonics or grammar. Some of the 19th-century perspecitves are quaint, even funny. These lessons are intended for Christian parents who homeschool their children. ! I'm happy to learn from them myself. I see the sublime ed! ucational value of these lessons, and see the great need for moral and spiritual training for young people. These lessons will provide those in spades.

Dr. Joe Palmer was one of my English professors at Purdue University. This novel (and the two "sequels") display the same enthusiasm and love of the Victorian era he brought to the classroom. These books provide interesting historical and biographical details, but are by no means too high-brow or scholarly for mystery fans. If you like Anne Perry, you must read Joe Palmer.

William J. Palmer's literary mystery stretches the form without crossing the line. Charles Dickens tackles impressively (readers with ancient leg injuries which occasionally act up may wish to avert their eyes) & swims fairly well under pressure. Wilkie Collins conquers a potentially disastrous case of priggishness & may be making serious advances against chronic foppery. Inspector William Field, Irish Meg Sheehey, & the extravagantly gifted Talley Ho Thompson, some sort of grinning dervish genius pickpocket Robin Hood, but watch your watch, all come to life easily & naturally, unburdened by heavy novelistic responsibilities. Ellen Ternan is only awfully pretty so far, but may turn interesting as she ages up nearer to legal. Read the next one, if you can procure a copy anywhere (Amazon seems out), & there may be a third. Palmer can write, & knows how to drop an occasional pearl of wisdom lightly, without needlessly infuriating his patrons. There is a single profoundly unfortunate multi-layer allusion & one short example of illicit typography, but these petty faults are easily overbalanced by genuinely sane handling of the early death of Dickens' daughter Dora plus the best Victorian wenchfight I have ever read. A bonafide romp. This fun is serious. Buy it.

Lean's story of William Wilberforce is a good introduction to a forgotten hero. A man who was raised with privilege and who was friends with the power brokers of Britain, staked his political career, as well as many friendships on the ending the slave trade and bringing morality into the political life of his country.

Although the book is not an extensive study, it does succinctly tell the tale of the end of the British slave trade. While the book discussed Wilberforce' conversion, it is not preachy, and seeks to discuss the conversion within the political context. This book is a fine edition to an understanding of the slave trade and its end.

This book is a wonderful, if cursory, introduction to a man who changed my life - Wilberforce. Lean's spiritual analysis is critical to understanding the man, but could go into greater depth.

I want to highly recommend the biography of one of my heroes of the faith, William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was an English citizen who in 1781 was elected to Parliament at the age of 21. While a Member of Parliament, he was converted to Christianity at the age of 24. Curious about whether he should remain in government now that he had come to Christ, he consulted with John Newton. Newton's reply to his question was, "The Lord has raised you up for the good of his church and for the good of the nation".
Wilberforce followed Newton's counsel, and over the next 18 months, formulated his goals: "God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners" (manners meaning the morals). As Lean writes, "The two were, of course, intimately related. On the one hand, it would take a profound moral reformation in leaders and people to obtain the suppression of the slave trade; on the other, only an unselfish battle like the abolition of the Trade would demonstrate to God and the world that such a moral reformation was genuine." (p. 47).
Wilberforce's goals of spiritual revival and the abolishing of the slave trade would not come easy. His bills against the slave trade were continually defeated, and his character was assaulted frequently by his opponents. Throughout the many battles he and his friends faced, Wilberforce remained committed both to the cause and to prayer for the cause, yet Wilberforce was also gracious and gentle towards his opponents. After many years and many defeats, in 1807, the bill abolishing the slave trade was finally passed!
Wilberforce also wrote a book called, Practical Christianity (1797) which God used to help convict many people in England of their sin and their need for Christ. Wilbeforce's book helped to bring about the "reformation of manners" that he sought in the form of the Second Great Awakening. This book was on the bestseller list in England for nearly 50 years!
I recommend Lean's biography on Wilberforce, both as an encouraging model of a Christian leader, and as a model for how societal change can occur through prayer and through Christian revival in society. Wilberforce saw that politics couldn't change society, but he knew that society could change politics. May we learn from his example!

Harry Madox isn't a bad man, but he has an unfortunate habit of submitting to temptation. And whether that means carrying on with the boss's wife, robbing a bank or killing a man, well, sometimes you've just got no choice but to do it. As a result of his impulsiveness, Madox leaves himself open to blackmail threats from more than one person.

Madox has recently arrived in a small town and has just started working as a car salesman. Life is quiet, but quiet just isn't interesting enough for Harry. By chance, opportunities to get him into trouble seem to keep falling straight into his lap. Before he knows it, he is planning a bank robbery, is fooling around with a married woman, and is falling in love with a beautiful, sweet girl who may be hiding a dark secret.

From early on in the book, the mood of the story is on a knife-edge with plenty of fast thinking and decisive action required on Madox's part. It's an entertaining hardboiled pot boiler with tension piling in on itself until you just know that something's got to give. I found it to be a great fast read packed with plenty of action, softened occasionally with just a little romance.

This is a kick-butt crime novel of bank robbery and blackmail. When a drifter blows into a small town, he discovers that committing a crime is easier than escaping the chains of love. The twist ending is chilling and superbly executed.

I finally got hold of a dog-eared copy of this in half-readable condition, and it's a real gripper. The Dennis Hopper film adaptation is almost totally faithful to the novel ( and the women are perfectly cast), but somehow he doesn"t quite hit it the William's does. the police interrogation is a heart-stopper, and the ending, well, forget about it, I though Jimmy Thompson had the copyright on those!

The recent book "Drawing the Line" by Edwin Danson details the technicalities of the work done by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in marking the boundaries of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania in the 1760s. Nearly two and a half centuries after that land survey took place, William Ecenbarger travels along the famous border not only to reminisce about that task but also to document some of the lives that have lived there since. It's not a pristine picture. Race relations loom large in his findings. Reverse Underground Railroaders snatched free blacks from the North and sent them south during the 1800s. KKK activity seems to thrive along the line, even up through recent times. For whites who are under the impression that civil rights and equality were successfully achieved by blacks either after the Civil War or in the mid-1960s, the accounts relayed here may be disturbing to read. Jarring, but necessary. Black and white photos of people, buildings, and places add much to the text, and the map at the end of the book is a handy resource to consult. Though Ecenbarger seems to have a fascination with more of the negative stories than the positive (i.e., while he mentions Mercersburg, Penna., he doesn't note that PA's only president, James Buchanan, was born there), this book remains a real eye-opener to those of us who resided nearby and never knew the truth.

William Ecenbarger does not just tell us about how Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon marked a line dividing Pennsylvania from Maryland but he reveals how their line marked the boundary that speprated slaves from free negros and slave owners from abolitionists. The book shows that the Mason Dixon line goes not just from the east to the west it also goes through America's history from the days it was first surveyed until today. Read this book and find how the stone markers define the properties once owned by William Penn and Celilius Calvert (the Second Lord Baltimore) and how they also define a major part of the towns and citizens along it's path and crucial to our nation's history.

Bill Ecenbarger's Walkin' the Line is a delightful stroll along the entire Mason-Dixon. Whether its dropping into a bar for a chat with the locals or reminiscing about some long past tragedy, Mr Ecenbarger employs his considerable journalistic skills to deliver to us the unique record of the historical perspective of Mason and Dixon extraordinary achievement. As a treatment of the Underground Railroad, by which slaves from the South ostensibly sought freedom, Walkin' the Line is essential reading.
The book is an engrossing, often poignant, reminder of days gone by and of slowly changing attitudes towards race and culture. The conversations with the people he met during his journey are written in a lively and colourful style and fairly represent modern attitudes, feelings and symbolism for this, the most famous border in America and, probably, the world.
Read it and enjoy a rare piece of honest and entertaining writing.