Sweetbriar and Sweetbriar Bride are an endearing tale of the Denny and Boren families trek west and the settling of Seattle. This historical account is accessable to all ages. It is a great way to introduce children to the settling of the Pacific Northwest. It is a shame it is no longer in print.

This collection of essays deals with a useful array of topics that will be of special interest to those of the Anglican theological tradition. This book serves as a needed balance to the biography from MacCulloch that paints Cranmer as a rabid protestant with no real interest in the beliefs of the early church. It also helps to dispel many of the misconceptions about Cranmer's sacramental theology that are widely held by both "anglo-catholic" and puritan "evangelical" alike. In these essays Cranmer emerges as the chief reformer of a church that he envisioned as one founded on the Scriptures, the ancient Fathers, and right reason. Rather than being against the concept of a "via media" church (as MacCulloch claims) Cranmer is the very author of it.

My three-year old son is an avid Thomas fan and this book so closely mimics the videos that sometimes I can hardly tear him away from the book! It is a great "learn to read" book for preschoolers. Even my 16-month old daughter easily recognizes the characters in the books from those that are in the videos. My son also likes the fact that there are several short stories in this book (great for bedtime! ) For any die-hard Thomas fan this book is a keeper!

Photographer Robert Lautman has taken and assembled a remarkable set of photographs depicting scenes which a visitor would see upon touring the wonder that is called Monticello. Near the beginning of this book are two architectural drawings showing the first floor room layouts. Numbers appear on these drawings and they indicate the approximate camera positions for each black and white photographic plate.This is an outstanding photo-tour of Jefferson's custom built mansion. I would have given it a 10 rating had it not been for a few little features and omissions which detracted from the work. The major distraction centered on an obviously retouched photograph showing the surrounding hills as seen from Monticello. The photographer, in an attempt to show what the view might have looked like for Jefferson, had to manipulate the photograph to remove or minimize modern distractions such as houses, roads and other man-made edifices. While the intent to recapture a lost vision is a good one the execution wanting. It would have been nice to see more than one photograph of the second floor rooms.

This is a wonderful set for children who enjoy Thomas the Tank Engine, as seen on Shining Time Station. Each book; except Catch Me Catch Me, which is for the beginning reader, complete with cut out word cards; contains several short stories about the trains on the island of Sodor. Trouble for Thomas contains stories mainly about Thomas, but the others feature his friends and co-workers, too: Edward, Percy, James, Gordon, Diesel, etc. Full of photographic illustrations from the television show, this is a great way to get them interested in books, as well. In fact, Catch Me Catch Me is for the child who is starting to read already: plenty of illustrations and repetition of words, which doesn`t hurt when reading aloud, either. If this were still available, it would be a terrific gift.

This book is concise and explains all you need to know in simple english. The excercises help understand the material and they are easy to do. Highly recommended.

Not often do you get to read a book that makes a classic better. I will understand the perspective of God on our pleasures much better, thanks to Dave's interpretation; I will appreciate the writings of Traherne. God does mighty works and this book will help many feel a closeness that is only achieved by understanding His passions and desires. Dave, thank you for letting me in on this, I may have missed it without your help..

Though small in size, 91 pages, this is another outstanding, thought provoking book from who I consider one of the leading spiritual figures of our time. Brother David has opened my eyes to a new way of seeing the Holy Spirit alive in my life and the world as an experiental reality 24 hours a day. The implications of this can be life changing. His suggestion to substitute "Common Sense" for "Holy Spirit" helps to overcome the dualistic rift that religious thought seems to generate. And the many sayings of common sense cited in the book are priceless. Bring some Common Sense into your life and read and meditate on this book!

When those questions come up for Catholics about just why do we do thus-and-so on Sunday, what do we believe, etc., there is no other source for modern readers that you need turn to. Every Catholic household should have one. Also, if anyone wants or needs to know exactly what the Catholic church teaches on something, this is the place to turn.
The book itself, though, is a little dry to read. It is very well organized as a reference book, but it's not very exciting to read straight through. I'm a bit disappointed that it doesn't contain more delight in the beauty of our faith, awe at the depths of God's revelation of Himself, or simply more practical examples for day-to-day living.
Just as you wouldn't read the encyclopedia from cover-to-cover, neither will you read this book straight through. However, it's very easy to look up any individual question you have, and get the straight story.

Being a Christian who recently chose to be a member of the Catholic Church, I found this book to be most helpful. This book contains scriptures to support the faith and worship of the Church. The Catholic Church is a valid Christian and Biblical church. Consider the following verses from the Bible:"...make disciples of all nations...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you"(Matthew 28:19,20) "the Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.(John 14:26), "...the Spirit of truth will guide you to all truth.(John 16:13), "There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written."(John 21:25) "stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or a letter of ours."(2nd Thessalonians 2:15) From what the Bible says it is clear that in addition to the written Scriptures of the Bible the Church has an oral tradition that has continually been passed on from Jesus and the early Christians and bishops to the Church today. This Catechism gives testimony to those truths stated in the Scriptures. This is an excellent book.

I grew up Catholic, served as an altar boy, followed the sacraments and thought I was a Catholic.

I received this as a gift from my parents. While thumbing through it, I had no idea what being a Catholic was.

"Catechism of the Catholic Church" -- officially published by the Vatican -- is used by both protestant and Catholic schools to teach what Catholics believe. The top evangelical college in America (Wheaton College) even uses it for their Catholic theology course.

I realized while reading this I had no idea what a Catholic baptism was, what the Catholic Church said about saints, what Rome has to say about Catholics who have converted to another Christian faith. And I learned some things the priest in our Chicagoland parish was not teaching Catholic doctrine.

Whether you are Catholic or not, there is a fair chance you've bought into some of what pop-culture has said Catholic is and is not. This easy-to-read (thick, but well-organized) book will give you the Catholic position on the matter.

I fully recommend "Catechism of the Catholic Church."

Anthony Trendl

Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" is a great book. I have found it to be very helpful. I have applied some of the principles to sports, and it has helped very much. The principles that Sun Tzu discusses are mostly very simple. The ideas behind it though, if applied properly, could help anyone to achieve their goal. The principles can be applied to any field imaginable. The book was written in China around 500 B.C. This still does not mean that it is out dated, far from it. The principles in fighting a war still remain very similar. Sun Tzu is a military genius. His comprehension of what it takes to win a war will probably never be matched. I would recomend this book to anyone interested in being a leader. This is not just for military leaders either, but for someone who wants to be a leader anywhere. This is a must read for anyone.

This Review refers to the paperback edition of The Art of War as translated, introduced by Samuel B. Griffith and forwarded by B. Liddell Hart.

The Art of War, by Sun Tzu (a.k.a. Sun Zi), is a timeless military treatise dedicated to the introduction of key military principles and activities. The book encompasses diplomatic procedures as well as military matters, and encourages peace over war. Despite these encouragements, however, the book goes on to explain the ins and outs of conducting proper warfare, much of which still being applicable in modern times. Also included in this version is an extensive introduction to who Sun Tzu was and the times he likely lived in, a brief history of The Art of War's influence and production in other countries, commentaries on the text (some of which by Chinese titans such as Ts'ao Ts'ao (a.k.a. Cao Cao), and Wu Ch'i's 'Art of War.'

The Art of War provides the basic principles of the proper way to wage war as well as how one should deal with the differing variables that they will inevitably confront in such an instance. The work provides explanations for how to keep morale up as well as for how to keep the army properly organized. Many of his suggestions and explanations are also applicable to topics other than war, although recently there have been certain literary works that take it a bit too far. There is also a wealth of historical information provided (by both the treatise and the introduction) concerning how the ancients viewed and conducted war.

Griffith's translation is far superior to Giles's translation, and is a translation that is better than most when it comes to the translation of Chinese texts. The commentary is essential in clarifying the aspects of the verses in question; however, the commentary's placement gets in the way at times. Griffith's translation presents the text in numbered verses and is a properly organized interpretation. Griffith's literary style both in his translation and in his introductory work is generally quite good, although there is a bias towards certain opinions concerning Sun Tzu and his questionable existence.

The commentary can be cumbersome, but is generally decent clarification (perhaps the commentary can be in a separate column in future editions). Despite the commentary the translation is, by far, the best translation I have come across. Overall, The Art of War is probably the greatest ancient (and possibly greatest all-time) military treatise to reach production. The Art of War is a classic and should be standard reading for the military personnel of any country.

Sun Tzu "The Art of War" was excellent. This book is a great book on strategy. Whether you command a nations army, war games or a moderen business. If the reader uses some of these war tactics and strategies in the modern world, they may find it easy to relate. Thus it is easy to relate to this book. Even rivals in sports and entertainment can be outwitted by the wisdom in this book. It also adds examples of some actions, which show how these sayings and writings apply to the real world.

So no matter what you were looking for in this book, whether it be business, sports, war games, or actual wars, you can be sure to learn more on how to best deal with the situation through the strategies in this book.

The book is timeless....and should be required reading for all persons.