Years back I decided to convert from Espicopal to Catholic. This book was given to me as a gift. Only recently did I finally open this book and I'm sorry I didn't sooner. In my experiences, the Catholic faith has never been so well compiled and explained. I've been moved by the spirit throughout the readings and come closer to my faith through understanding. I am extremely greatful to the authors for such a wonderful publication. Praise be to God!

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Brian O'Connell's Voices From The Heart, profiles 25 active volunteers from around the United States. The volunteers range in age and all are working on a variety of projects that help make the world a better place. The new book is perfect for a coffee table or holiday gift. I read many profiles on my way back from San Francisco and I couldn't put the book down.

As usual, Taylor's highly sympathetic inveighing adds a considerable amount of charm to a classic pagan text. And if you want familiarity with high paganism, this book should be on your list.

The crucial issue explored here is THEURGY: as Taylor remarks, it appears to be an element of religion which has become lost to us moderns. Theurgists presumably were able, through long years of training, to invoke deities. One is reminded of "the communion of saints" notion in the Apostles' Creed.

A very humorous technique employed by Iamblichus is to set up the text as a dialogue-by-mail from the Greek mystic Prophyry to the Egyptian priest Anebo; the Greek's assertions and questions are followed by the Egyptian's replies. And as the Egyptians considered themselves far superior to the Greeks in matters philosophical, it comes as no surprise at all that the Egyptian corrects the Greek on every occasion!

"It must be granted that there are gods" Porphyry opens.

"Not so", counters the Egyptian. "An innate knowledge of the Gods is built into the very fabric of our very being, and so to frame the question thus, as though it could be disputed, is in error." (This of course is a throwback to "The Divine Pymander" in which it is asserted that 'whatever can be seen, has a creator'.)

My advice - You should probably get a copy of Manly P. Hall's taped lecture on this text from the Philosophical Research Society, Los Angeles, CA, if you really want to appreciate this mind-expanding work.

In this work are collected the neoplatonist Porphyry's "Letter to Anebo" (in which he voices modern-sounding criticisms of religious ritual) and his student Iamblichus' answer to these criticism (which takes the form of an elaborate rationale and defense for these sacramental practices as legitimate *philosophical* means of establishing union with the divine). This work is of interest because 1) it articulates an authentic philosophical understanding of the role of ritual as it is is related to the neoplatonic goal of re-unification with the divine oneness 2) certain of its important arguments remain relevant to contemporary discussion in the philosophy of religion, 3) and it holds historical interest in that it was influential on all subsequent neoplatonism.

Particularly interesting (and most enduringly relevant) is Iamblichus' argument for the impropriety of Porphyry's admission of the existence of the gods (though Iamblichus of course holds that gods are real). The problem with Porphyry's concession is that it treats gods as ontic beings either having or lacking existence like other beings, rather than what neoplatonists held them to be, the ontological source of being holding all being in existence through its own. Of ontological being, Iamblichus argues, we are comprehended in it, and cannot therefore ascribe or refute its existence; we are in it and are all that we are through it, and cannot speak of it at all unless granted some vantage point as a gift from the beyond (hence the rituals Iamblichus prescribes as the divine self-revelation given to humans for establishing that vantage point). A rather sophisticated and modern-sounding argument (and one quite natural to the ideas under consideration) for how empirical-sounding proofs and disproofs for the existence of the divine are misguided about what it means for a god to be a god, and for how the ritual practices prescribed in religions are integral to their philosophical significance rather than negotiable packaging, of perhaps inestimable value to contemporary theistic apologetic.

"On the Mysteries" by Iamblichus is one of the, if not THE most important surviving ancient Pagan text from the late Classical world. Iamblichus was considered to be one of the great Neoplatonist philosophers and Theurgists. His works continued to inspire debate for centuries after his death, and was lauded by philosophers and condemned by the Church in the Middle Ages. In this work Iamblichus gives not only a complete Canon of pagan religious thought and belief... he explains the "whys" behind it all. He works to provide the sense and logic behind ancient spiritual beliefs and practices. The Emperor Julian, the last Pagan Emperor of Rome (360 AD) considered Iamblichus to be divinely inspired. The Emperor Julian studied this work for years and used it as the basis for his own writings, which are also available from Amazon.com. Anyone researching the subjects of ancient paganism, philosophy or theurgy will find this book to be an invaluable addition to their library. The translator of this ancient work, Thomas Taylor, does an excellent job of providing footnotes and commentary which makes the text even more accessible. Highly recommended!

After 26 years of teaching in the New York public schools, John Taylor Gatto has seen a lot. His book,Dumbing Us Down, is a treatise against what he believes to be the destructive nature of schooling. The book opens with a chapter called "The Seven-Lesson Schoolteacher," in which he outlines sevenharmful lessons he must convey as a public schoolteacher: 1.) confusion 2.) class position 3.) indifference 4.) emotional dependency 5.) intellectual dependency 6.) provisional self-esteem 7.) constant surveillance and the denial of privacy.

How ironic it is that Gatto's first two chapters contain the text of his acceptance speeches for NewYork State and City Teacher of the Year Awards. How ironic indeed, that he uses his own award presentation as a forum to attack the very same educational system that is honoring him! Gatto describes schooling, as opposed to learning, as a "twelve-year jail sentence where bad habits are the onlycurriculum truly learned. I teach school and win awards doing it," taunts the author.

While trapped in this debilitative system along with his students, Gatto, observed in them anoverwhelming dependence. He believes that school teaches this dependence by purposely inhibitingindependent thinking, and reinforcing indifference to adult thinking. He describes his students as"having almost no curiosity, a poor sense of the future, are a historical, cruel, uneasy with intimacy, and materialistic."

Gatto suggests that the remedy to this crisis in education is less time spent in school, and more timespent with family and "in meaningful pursuits in their communities." He advocates apprenticeships andhome schooling as a way for children to learn. He even goes so far as to argue for the removal of certification requirements for teachers, and letting "anybody who wants to, teach."

Gatto's style of writing is simple and easy to follow. He interlaces personal stories throughout the book to bring clarity and harmony to his views, while also drawing on logic and history to support his ideas about freedom in education and a return to building community. He clearly distinguishes communities from networks: "Communities ... are complex relationships of commonality and obligation," whereas, "Networksdon't require the whole person, but only a narrow piece."

While Gatto harshly criticizes schooling, we must realize that his opinions do come as a result of 26 yearsof experience and frustration with the public school system. Unfortunately, whether or not one agrees with his solutions, he has not outlined the logistics of how these improvements would be implemented. His ideas are based on idealism, and the reality of numbers and economics would present many obstacles. Nevertheless, it gives us a clear vision and a direction to follow for teachers and parents who believe in the family as the most important agent for childrearing and growth.

John Taylor Gatto was an award-winning public school teacher when he wrote much of the text for this book. He reveals the curriculum of public schools nationwide under the headings: Confusion, Class Position, Indifference, Emotional Dependency, Intellectual Dependency, Provisional Self-Esteem, and One Can't Hide. He asserts that the true goal of childhood learning should be to discover some meaning in life...a passion or an enthusiasm that will drive subsequent learning pursuits. Instead, schools cram irrelevant facts into young minds, substituting book-knowledge for self-knowledge. This book explains a lot for anyone who got good grades, went to college, and then didn't have any idea what to do with his life. It's also a wake-up call to parents with school-age children. Do we really want our children to grow up to be good factory workers and do as they're told? Do we really want them to buy into the "Good grades=good jobs" myth? Do we want them to believe that the goal in life is to acquire more and more stuff to fuel consumerism? Or should we give them more reflective, unstructured time in childhood to find out who they are, what they like, and how they can contribute to their communities? Dumbing Us Down is a quick, worthwhile read.

Mr. Gatto's authoritative rant will serve to further destabilize the already shaky public education system -- no loss, as it should be obvious to any but the most simple-minded. As one of two dedicated parents of an almost-four-year-old, we had been disgusted with the "choices" the state deigns to present to us in education: bad and worse. These are, of course, not choices at all. Mr. Gatto explains briefly how far education and learning have fallen in the US, and how the "education" system serves only to propagate and serve itself, not the children who are its nominal clients.
If you doubt that the US state school system is de facto totalitarian, just try to homeschool without jumping through hoops, pleading for exemptions, and submitting to standardized testing. See how long you go until you get "the knock".
Any current or soon-to-be school-age parent must read this book to assist them in their decision to send their kid to or keep their kid in the 12-year prison of progressive factory schooling. Those who are the product of the system, as I am, will read, grieve, get angry and get primed to take action. It is a disillusioning book, in the sense of having the wool pulled off one's eyes at last.

This was a pleasant suprise about a battle that I knew little about. I don't know if I would call it the "Gettysburg" in the West. The Battle of Shiloh is the only battle that comes close to Gettysburg when it comes to mass of troops and casualties. However, this little known battle was strategically important for the Confederacy as they tried to spread their power west and their ultimate goal of obtaining the gold of California and Nevada and also obtaining official recognition by Mexico. The author does a good job explain the background of the Confederate troops (Texans) and the expidition they were on, as well as the Union troops (mostly Colorado volunteers) meant to stop them in their tracks. The Battle of Glorietta Pass did have significant casualties on both sides, however the ultimate key factor for Union victory was the destruction of the Confederate's supply train. I recommend this book to any Civil War enthusiast who wants to read about a different, little known but significant battle of the Civil War.

I think this account of the battle of Glorieta will never be surpassed. After writing an superb book 'bout the battle of Valverde, Taylor, together with Edrington, somehow manages to write another great book. This time the important battle of Glorieta is described very vivid and also the maps, as in Bloody Valverde, really help you to get into the whole dynamics of this conflict. It's really very, very interesting and every serious Civil War interested person should study this book carefully !

Thomas on Taylor Avenue "The New Neighbors" is a great book to read to my Kindergarten class. This book kept there interest and they learned about another country. I will read it over and over again. Thank you odyssey Publishing.

I have read this book to my grandchildren and they cannot get enough. They have leaarned about other cultures as well as meeting new friends. They love this book.

WHERE THE ORANGE BLOOMS is the compelling story of one man's will to survive and succeed despite the overwhelming obstacles brought on by the war in Viet Nam and its aftermath. Ben Cai Lam's story is a tribute to the individual strength, love and will of the human spirit. His story is a very strong example of why the American effort in this chaotic country was truly a noble cause. The story of this soldier, patriot, ally and hero is a bright, shining truth in an unpopular war which was often negatively and irresponsibly reported. This story stands as undeniable account of the dedication and determination of the honorable and selfless efforts of the South Vietnamese people to attain freedom and democracy in their wartorn homeland. I salute Mr. Lam and the author, Thomas Taylor for making this book available. It is one of the most honest and accurate accounts of the war in Viet Nam that I have had the honor and privilege to read. It is a sterling example of the respect and admiration allied soldiers and commanders have for one another in their unending quest for freedom and righteousness; despite all obstacles, foreign and domestic. It would be most appropriate if this story was reprinted and again made available to all seeking the truth about our efforts in Viet Nam.

from what I remember it was up to date and very accurate. I served with the author while in vietnam, so far in all his books his memory his pretty presise. tom if you get to see this please get me another copy of this book. I had a copy when they first came out, I was to send it to you for you to autography it, never got around. I loaned it out , now after a year I forgot whom I loaned it to.

yours truely

SSG John Pasquale Class of 65-66

Who could be better qualified to write about the hearts, minds and souls of dogs than Elizabeth Marshall Thomas? Not only is she the celebrated anthropologist who was the first to chronicle the lives of the Bushmen; not only has she studied and published scientific and popular articles on animals from African elephants to Arctic wolves; but she quite literally grew up among dogs. As we learn in the first captivating sentences of this splendid, surprising book, one of her most attentive caretakers as a child was a Newfoundland dog, whose job, as the dog saw it, was to keep the helpless human child from drowning in the sea while the dog's group, her family, lived at the beach. The dog was actually her nanny, writes Thomas--the sort of insight that at once makes perfect sense and yet takes one's breath away, and the sort of insight that characterizes this book. The Social Lives of Dogs is as wide-ranging and as deep as Thomas' best-selling The Hidden Life of Dogs. That book asked the simple and profound question: What do dogs want? The answer: other dogs. But the social grace of dogs is such that they are capable of forming deep, lasting, complex and highly individualized relationships with many species other than their own (including birds, who are, as Thomas points out, more closely related to dinosaurs than to dogs), and this is the fertile ground explored in this riveting new book. In it, we meet a great new cast of characters: brave, stoic, soldierly Sundog, a former stray; Misty, a victim of AKC breeding who grew up in a crate and didn't understand grass; curly-tailed Pearl, who made an art of barking. The Thomas household is, as she writes, a "churning cauldron" of (at its high point) five dogs, a dozen cats, five parrots and a varying number of people. There's a dog-chasing cat named Rajah and a cat-biting cockatoo named Carmen. These animals don't always behave in the ways we think they "should"--they are far too creative, inventive and individual. And that's the delight of their keenly-observed stories--stories which collectively form a rich biography of their relationships with one another. Although The Hidden Life of Dogs was highly praised by some of the world's top animal behaviorists, including George Schaller, in some circles the book was controversial, as The Social Lives of Dogs will surely be. A few scientists still consider the mere suggestion that animals think is "anthropomorphic." But for the rest of us, who know that non-human as well as human animals may enjoy rich inner lives, this book offers profound evidence that our closest animal friends still surprise us--and have much to teach us about social graces.

For those who are already fans of Elizabeth Marshall Thomas and her fine anthropologist's approach to studying animal culture, THE SOCIAL LIVES OF DOGS may be the finest jewel in her crown of works. This book chronicles an approximate fifteen-year study which included, in the order that they came to live in the Thomas household, Sundog, Misty, Pearl, Ruby, and Sheilah--dogs of varying breeds and mixes. Thomas tells, in her own beautiful and compassionate way, the story of each dog's incorporation into the lives of the other dogs, people, cats, and birds in her home. She succeeds beautifully in her sincere effort always to explain her animal observations and then to try to understand and interpret from the animal's point of view. What more could one ask of an anthropologist/ethologist?

For me, Thomas taps into something very deep and important--something that's difficult to find words for. But I know that it has to do with a message that says it's okay to feel deep emotions about your animals, to talk to them and hear their answers, and to sense and acknowledge their deep feelings. Even though many of us have known and felt this intuitively, it is neither the message that our Judeo/Christian tradition nor our Linnean scala natura science of classification has wanted to deliver to us.

In the introduction she poses the questions: "Can we understand the mind of an animal? . . .[do] animals have consciousness?" and then proceeds to say that for some scientists . . . "the view that animals are incapable of conscious thought, or even of emotion, has acquired an aura of scientific correctness, and at the moment is the prevailing dogma, as if some very compelling evidence to the contrary was not a problem." This reader is happy to say that her own experiences with animals have certainly provided "compelling evidence to the contrary."

On a final note, THE SOCIAL LIVES OF DOGS, even though written around the lives of the canines concerned, reads a little bit like Thomas's personal memoir. She puts a lot into perspective in the excellent epilogue, which I found to be the real icing on the cake. Even as Thomas finds "grace" in canine company, so does she tell their story with much grace. This book is a wonderful read!

This is an excellent book about dogs, readable even by those who do not like them. Elizabeth Maxwell Thomas writes fascinating stories about daily life with her pets, anecdotes both humorous and sad. As I read about her wonderful dogs--the incredibly intelligent Sundog, sweet Pearl, confused Misty, and goofy Ruby--I found myself looking at my dog, wondering why she wasn't nearly as interesting as Thomas's. (If I had to choose a favorite dog from the book, the human-like Sundog would be my choice.) There are also scientific bits about how wolves gradually became domesticated and why, dogs of Third World nations, and so on. This is a great book, one that everyone should read.

This is an excellent history of the railroad chapel cars used in the United States in the latter 1800's & early 1900's. It is a good review of how the gospel was brought into newly developed railroad towns that had no established churches and in many cases wild & wooly towns. There are many wonderful old historic pictures and bibilical quotations. You will find out how the Episcopalians, Catholics, and Baptists had these chapel cars built. Anyone who likes trains, actively involved with the church, or has lived in towns where the local railroad brought in chapel cars will really enjoy reading this book!

If you are a history buff, a railroad buff, a Baptist, an Episcopalian, or a Roman Catholic, you will find interesting information in this book. From 1890 until the middle of the 20th century a unique form of ministry for several denominations brought religious services to the most out-of-the way areas in the country. Chapel cars were outfitted and dispatched to bring their message to people who otherwise would have had no access to churches. One of the chaapel cars had elegant and exquisite fittings and brought the beauty of a cathedral to the frontier; others were simpler. Both the opposition to the chapel cars, and their widespread and grateful acceptance are told, with countless letters, editorials, and other news clippings. The details and dimensions of outfitting the chapel cars willl enable railroad buffs to create accurate models. A fascinating bit of Americana is captured forever between the covers of this attractive coffee table-size book.

I am a member of Emmanuel First Baptist Church in Sparks, Nevada. My church was one of those founded by Chapel Car Emmanuel mentioned in this book. I am, at present, researching material for a historical novel based on the chapel car ministries. This book, with its photos and descriptions, has been extremely valuable in helping me to write a story of a little known part of American history. I highly recommend this to all railroad buffs and to others who may also be members of churches founded by these cars and the dedicated men and women who made such great sacrifices in the growth of our nation. Diana Dilcher Emmanuel First Baptist Church Sparks, Nevada.