I like others have read and re-read this book many a time. It's truly a literary piece of genious. Not just a novel about biting necks and drinking blood, but a brilliant story written with great images (no, not pictures...) and the most descriptive words/phrases of any of the vampire novels. Way more accessible, and far better written than the more popular Rice novels. If you can get your hands on this,do not let it out to anyone. This book has a tendency to disappear like a sock in a clothes dryer. Yes, I was foolish enough to let a few of my copies out only to have them never returned. My one copy now is stapled to my forehead...

I read this book over 20 years ago and like most of the people reviewing it I loaned it out and it was never returned. This is one of the very few books I have read that has stayed in my mind over the years. When I recommended it I say that it is the best vampire and more book ever written. I have asked the library to purchase it and I'm looking forward to reading it again. I believe that the book has some sort of metaphysical force in that it is passed around and not returned to the owner.

Talbot is pure genius, the type of writer who can soak up diverse historical trivia and blend it into an engaging novel of a secret society: vampires. Of the novels in this genre I've read, no one else can compare. It's amazing to learn about the little mysteries of the world, then to hear an eye-opening "theory" in the form of a vampire story! NOW I know who crafted those doors to the Notre Dame...

This is an incredible book. Easy to read and still fresh and informative. With over 200 books and tapes in my library, this one sets a fundamental standard connecting the metaphysical with the scientific. This kind of connection is just a metaphor for what the world needs more of - a holistic, open-minded grasp of our inner and outer world(s). All the good-bad left-right black-white differences (that seem so important) melt when the insights in this book show that we are at the doorstep of Star Trek-level (and beyond) possibilities. Enjoy!

This book is a carefully organized and well-explained safari into the amazing world of quantum physics. I would sum this book up by quoting Talbot himself: "It is one of the great ironies of our century that as reductionist biologists were slowly trying to purge all mention of consciousness from their understanding of neurophysiological processes, physicists were at the same time uncovering compelling evidence that the mind is not only necessary, but may be integral to our understanding of the physical universe."

This book is no mere excursion into some otherworldly fantasy. When you finish this book, your world, although not radically changed, is undeniably altered. In one example, Talbot uses the familiar illustrations of a woman, a blocky, diffuse illustration that's not at first obvious. Turn the page, and the reader sees the illustration in more detail-- it is a woman. Turn the page back, and the formerly incomprehensible image can be clearly seen to be that same woman. This book will affect the reader's reality the same way. Close the book, and the reader can't help but think of the world on slightly different terms.

Of all the books in my library, this book is easily the best example of an author taking a wide range of potentially incomprehensible subjects and making them clearly understandable. Talbot writes with the conviction of someone who is himself as interested in his subject as the reader is, but his approach nonetheless remains objective throughout. I highly recommend it.

This book is incredible. Talbot discusses everything from quantum mechanics to poltergeists, to social behavior studies like the 100th monkey. He ties in physics theories with ythe global mind and explains in a way that we mere mortals can grasp. read in the library, now I must own!

This book is eerie; it is gripping, and captivating. The writer relates a masterful buildup of impending horror. Within the story he weaves enough esoteric scientific and historical detail to draw the reader into credibility--and terror. The touching love of the scientist for his son adds a human element that further heightens the reader's sense of reality and presence.

This book scared the bejebbers out of me. I truely believed in this book. If you like horror, then you must find and read this book!!!

A serendipitous used-book find for me, this horror thriller has it allŠ the melancholy British bogs, the estranged villagers, the evil Baron, the evil Beauty, the Monster -- not to mention sex, history, suspense, and a father's protective love for his son. No flat spots in this book. The setting is believably woven through all the senses, so that when the Monster makes an appearance, you're a believer. The description of the bog bodies is realistic enough to make you shiver, and that's not even the horrific part.

This is a wise and encouraging little book on a very important topic. It is 103 pages of text with an additional 8-page biography of the author, J. Heinrich Arnold. The eighteen chapter titles are as follows: The Struggle, Temptation, Deliberate Sin, The Will, The Power of Suggestion, Autosuggestion, Fascination, Suppression, Faith, Self-Surrender, Confession, Prayer, Detachment, Repentance and Rebirth, Healing, Purification, The Cross, and Living for the Kingdom. Arnold perceptively sees the distinction between our sinful nature and our will, but is also aware of the latter's inability to overcome sin without God's grace. He writes: "It is impossible to defeat one's sinful nature by will power alone, because the will is never wholly free, but bent this way and that by conflicting emotions and other forces at work on it." Thomas Kelly, in his classic "A Testament of Devotion" says it this way: "'I will' spells not obedience." This is because obedience comes through submission of our will to God, not independent exertion of it. It is as we walk in submission to the Holy Spirit that we overcome the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16) and bear fruits of righteousness. Although some theologians or authors make distinctions or use terms differently than others, one can benefit from a comparative analysis of Arnold's book in relation to others on the same or similar topics. Although such comparative analysis isn't an emphasis in this work, Arnold does incorporate insights from other authors such as Bonhoeffer, Pascal, Eckhart, the Swiss-French psychiatrist Charles Baudouin, and his father.

Through my studies I've come to distinguish (contrary to some) between what I call unconscious, conscious, and willful sins. The first involves sins of character and attitude that we are not yet aware of in ourselves and include "sins of ignorance". The second, usually considered synonymous with the third by some, involves becoming conscious of what was previously unconscious for the purpose of repentance. It also includes our awareness of our sinful nature that produces internal temptations (via sinful desires) that we can overcome through our submission to the Holy Spirit. Arnold, in Chapter II, states that "temptation is not sin" (pg. 10). I would qualify this by saying that all temptation is sin, but not sin from the one being tempted. I believe this was Arnold's point since some Christians condemn themselves for being tempted. Our sinful nature "tempts" us internally and contributes to any external temptation, but we are not to deliberately fulfill its sinful desires. What I call "willful sin" equates, more or less, to what Arnold calls "deliberate" sin and involves our deliberate refusal to submit to God and the moral light he gives us both in our conscience and in His Word, the Bible. I personally think that willful sin should be distinguished from our sinful nature (ref. Romans 7:20 in context) and its lusts. To help others understand my distinction between conscious and willful sin, I point out that all willful sin is conscious (choosing sin knowing it is sin) but not all conscious sin is willful, but the definition of each category needs refinement. Other books discussing sin and holiness that warrant a comparative analysis with this one and, in some ways, complement and reinforce its points, include such classics as: "Sin and Temptation: The Challenge of Personal Godliness" by John Owen, edited by James Houston; "A Serious Call to a Devout & Holy Life" by William Law; "Introduction to the Devout Life" by Francis de Sales; "Purity of Heart" by Soren Kierkegaard; and "Holy Living and Holy Dying" by Jeremy Taylor. A more recent, but good, Protestant analysis of sin is "Offense to Reason: A Theology of Sin" by Bernard Ramm. See also "Five Views on Sanctification," from the Zondervan Counterpoint series, edited by Stanley Gundry.

Anything good or bad, large or small that has ever been accomplished in human history began with a thought. This is why our personal thought life is not only crucial to the health of our soul but can have a very wide impact for good or evil. When thoughts become a burden that drag us down and away from life's purpose the wisdom in this book can give help and healing.

This book is a profound book. Its piety is deep and true, centered on Jesus Christ crucified. I highly recommend it for Evangelicals and, despite a couple of minor theological difficulties, Catholics. Anyone interested in living within God's will should read this book.

Collaboratively researched and written by the husband and wife team of Michael Squires (Professor of English, Virginia Tech) and Lynn K. Talbot Professor of Spanish, Roanoke College), Living At The Edge: A Biography Of D. H. Lawrence & Frieda Von Richthofen is a thoughtful and searching biography of one of literature's most famous married couples. The vital relationship between D.H. Lawrence and Frieda von Richthofen, (and Frieda's influence Lawrence's writing), are revealed and documented in this exhaustive, scholarly history of both their lives, which is drawn from a wide variety of sources including Frieda's own letters. An excellent reference especially meant to complement literary collections of Lawrence's work, Living At The Edge is highly recommended reading for students of D.H. Lawrence and a superbly presented addition to academic reference collections.

I really loved this book. John is not only a wonderful soul but he has done a beautiful job of expressing his thoughts on how we can all learn more about the principles of living a truly powerful and blessed Christian life. He also does a wonderful job of sharing ideas about other religions such as Buddhism and Taosim. As a Shaman and a Chi Gung master, I use slightly different terms than John does regarding some aspects of spirituality, however, we both speak the same language of the heart as it is expressed through the Holy Spirit. I highly recommend John's book to anyone interested in learning some beautiful ways to tap into some of the hidden secrets and mysteries of Catholicism. John's book has taught me some beautiful ways to open myself up to the Blessings and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. As a healer, I have personally experienced many similar stories to what John talks about and I feel honored to have learned some of his traditions and also to know John personally. He is a wonderful man and a great author who really knows how to touch your soul.

Lily of the Valley Carnie, author, Chi Gung: Chinese Healing, Energy, and Natural Magick

I read this book almost 8-9 years ago and remember that it was one of the first books that I could not put down. The closer I got to the end, the more intrigued I became. This good vs. evil story is superbly engrossing and well-written.Should be made into a movie!

Michael Talbot is the foremost Vivaldi authority writing today, and this updated version of his seminal 1978 work brings the latest scholarship to the table. This is an engrossing read, which bears repeated visits.

Do not hesitate to purchase this book! A wonderful reflection on the lessons left to us by the life of St. Francis and how to apply them in our daily lives. One need not enter a monastery to enjoy the applications in this book. As a suggestion, this book is especially wonderful when read with one of the author's CDs playing in the background. Some good ones available from Amazon.com.

This is a wonderful book...very easy to read and quite helpful. If you want to learn how to live the Christian life; read this book and begin your journey.

A gentle compendium on bringing the Franciscan lifestyle into your world, this book will help you express the simplicity and faith of Francis in your personal life. For anyone who has "always loved St. Francis".

If you are a skeptic looking for some real scientific backing for claims of paranormal phenomena, this is NOT the book for you. If, however, you already accept stories of levitation, faith healing, and psychic abilities as the gospel truth, you will find ample pseudo-scientific gobbledygook within this tome to back yourself up when talking to gullible and/or uneducated people.

Talbot, an excellent writer, begins with the work of Karl Pribram, who does research into how the mind stores and retrieves memories. At some point, Pribram became aware of holograms, and found that the way the refracted laser light of hologram construction spreads out on its way to the film reminded him of the way a nerve impulse fans out at the end of a neuron. This, apparently, was enough to convinve Pribram (and Talbot) that not only is memory holographic, but so is the entirety of existence merely a holographic construct created by our brains.

From there, Talbot moves on, in a series of extremely well-constructed and well-reasoned arguments, to show that IF this theory of the nature of reality is true, then everything you ever saw in the Weekly World News and "The Matrix" could have more than enough scientific backing to convince any reasonable person of their reality. Diseases, even cancer, can be cured by merely willing them away. Levitation, pyrokinesis and ESP are there waiting for you to start doing them. It all makes a kind of sense, assuming, of course, you buy the premise of the book.

The real problem is that Talbot seems to accept these phenomena as true WITHOUT Pribram's hypothesis. At times, he almost seems to argue that because (for him) all of these mystical goings-on are well-established fact, then Pribram MUST be right.

Whether or not these things really happen, the whole book is based on an untested hypothesis based on an analogy drawn by one researcher. Does the analogy stand up when examined? How does the refracted light projected onto a film have anything to do with signals passing between physical neurons? Talbot never asks. For me, the analogy falls apart as soon as I take one step past noticing a correlation between the two events. This is more than Talbot (or, apparently, Pribram) ever does at any point in his book, so great is his enthusiasm.

Talbot (who I do not for a minute believe has any malicious designs in writing this book) has designed, down to the fine details, a beautiful castle in the air with no foundation. The world of possibilities he describes is truly wonderful and inspiring. I personally would love it if all the things in his book could be true. Of course, I thought the Tooth Fairy was a neat idea too, until I had experienced enough of the world to realize there was nothing substantial supporting my belief. Go read something by James Randi and clear your head.

Talbot gets the first star becuase Amazon does not allow a "zero stars" option, and earns the other star for attempting to deal in layman's terms with concepts of twentieth century physics. This is more than most schools do, leading too many people to accept premises such as Talbot's on faith alone.

This is one of the most provocative books I have read in years. In the first few chapters Mr. Talbot describes the emerging holographic paradigm in science, drawing on David Bohm's work in quantum physics and Karl Pribam's work in neuroscience. I found both descriptions to be fascinating, and especially enjoyed the historical context for the work of these two seminal thinkers. As a person with a master's degree in neuroscience and chaos/complexity theory, I found a couple of his simplifications misleading, but would give him high marks for his overall comprehension of the conclusions of Pribam and his followers.

The remaining 2/3 of the book is a discussion of how the holographic paradigm may provide a rational basis for interpreting a wide variety of phenomenon located around the fringes of established science. He looks at everything from strange historical "miracles" like stigmata and appearances of the Virgin Mary to modern psychic abilities and LSD experiences, from out-of-body and near-death-experiences to UFO abductions. In addition, he compares language used in the modern scientific discussion of holography with the language used by ancient mystical traditions.

Mr. Talbot's writing style is unusually clear and lucid. All of this makes for a highly engaging book. It kept me up late every night for more than a week. I am a person who has had an OBE/NDE (out-of-body, near-death-experience), and can tell you that his description of such events is an astoundingly accurate portrayal of what I experienced.

I am also a scientist, and know that most of my highly rational, empirical colleages would have trouble accepting a majority of Mr. Talbot's conclusions. This work addresses something so completely out of the realm of everyday experience for most people, and probes a world that is normally invisible to the five senses. Hence, objective, empirical science -- as defined by a conventional theorist or practicing technician -- simply cannot address these experiences. They are outside the range of focus of the tool that Western minds currently rely on.

The service that Mr. Talbot provides is a challenge to rethink the conventional definition of science so that it can take into account a much wider range of human experience. What he argues for is the acceptance, as valid scientific data, of the experiences of individual humans, across cultures and throughout history, that are remarkably consistent with one another. These experiences address aspects of reality that are invisible to the skeptical eye, but become obvious to the person who chooses to develop other forms of perception.

As a person who was unwittingly thrown into an OBE/NDE experience, I am naturally inclined to read a book like this one with an open mind, and felt immensely rewarded for doing so. However, if I had reviewed the same book before having my own personal experience of some of the phenomena it describes, I would have reviewed it as a new-age excursion into a realm of fantasy. I am completely sympathetic to some of the reviewers who see it that way, and respectfully disagree.

I believe there is an extraordinary synthesis happening among the realms of human experience, one that can validate each individual's story, however unusual, and also one that honors all the different ways of knowing. I see Mr. Talbot's work as one of the more important bridges yet constructed between traditional science and spirituality, between rational discourse about repeatable, empirically verifiable phenomenon and the quirky, esoteric or mythological elements of personal experience that actually define most people's experience of reality. This book is a "must read" for any passionate seeker of truth.

The book not only provides a perspective of looking at the universe as holographic, but also provides an avalanche of very interesting stories.

As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and a firm believer that there are no limitations to what we can experience and the changes we can create in our bodies and in our lives, even on genetic level, I wanted to share one of the stories from this book:

"Brocq's disease involves a horribly disfiguring hereditary condition. Victims of Brocq's disease develop a thick, horny covering over their skin that resembles the scales of a reptile. The skin can become so hardened and rigid that even the slightest movement will cause it to crack and bleed.

Brocq's disease was incurable until 1951 when a sixteen-year-old boy with an advanced case of the affliction was referred as a last resort to a hypnotherapist named A.A. Mason at the Queen Victoria Hospital in London. Mason discovered that the boy was a good hypnotic subject and could easily be put into a deep state of trance.

While the boy was in trance, Mason told him that his Brocq's disease was healing and would soon be gone. Five days later the scaly layer covering the boy's left arm fell off, revealing soft, healthy flesh beneath. By the end of tend days the arm was completely normal.

Mason and the boy continued to work on different body areas until all of the scaly skin was gone. The boy remained symptom-free for at least five years, at which point Mason lost touch with him.

This is extraordinary because Brocq's disease is a genetic condition, and getting rid of it involves more than just controlling autonomic processes such as blood flow patterns and various cells of the immune system. It means tapping into the masterplan, the DNA programming itself. So, it would appear that when we access the right strata of our beliefs, our minds can override even our genetic makeup."