Excellent Reference for the Cayce Works
922565
Have studied the Cayce Materials for over four decades -- along with many other metaphysical writers. Cayce was a trance medium who when in trance state contacted sources from the other side or overself.

This is an excellent reference. Cayce presented much data for the enrichment of self and this book shows the variety of his trance work.

His materials are not easily read -- for the subjects are complex ---and written in a style of English no longer used. But study of the data will make clear the subject.

I recommend the book highly....RR
1689405
Book clearly connects Christ Consciousness and Metaphysics.  Cayce re-defines biblical symbology to reflect upon us that we are spiritual beings given free will as our birthright  and how this empowers us TO CREATE OUR OWN REALITIES.
738178
In this volume, and its companion, Wilson's English language translation of Schneemelcher's magnum opus, is presented in a most scholarly, critical edition.  This book is a must, not only for the serious student of sub-New  Testament literature, but also for pastors who wish to be informed as to  the highest scholarship in this field.
This volume, dealing with the  apocryphal Gospel material, shows clearly Early Church thinking and beliefs  concerning the life and ministry of Christ, as well as the views of certain  heretical sects.  It also provides an insight into early "popular  piety" which has played such an important role in the development of  the Christian Church.
3313391
I had read two of C.S. Lewis' works- Mere Christianity and the Chronicles of Narnia-and wanted to read more of his books.

This book is great in that it contains some of classics like the Screwtape Letters, Miracles, etc. in one edition.

I have not completed the entire work yet, but have enjoyed what I have read so far. C.S. Lewis is one of the intellectual giants of the 20th century and you will see why when you read some of his literary masterpieces contained in this edition. I recommend it highly.
3560611
In Lexicon Urthus, Michael Andre-Driussi compiled an encyclopedic reference work, invaluable to the serious reader of Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun, one of the high points of speculative fiction.  The Lexicon identified the denotations and connotations of the many real but unfamiliar words that Wolfe used.  Additional brief essays on major characters and themes made the Lexicon a must-read for serious readers of TBotNS.

Wolfe went on to publish The Book of the Long Sun and The Book of the Short Sun, both set in the universe of New Sun, but more closely tied with one another than either is with the original series.  The challenges here are different: in Long Sun, we must decode the relationships, including kinship, among numerous key characters, and follow the fast-paced course of Silk's path from simple priest to revolutionary leader.  In Short Sun, while it's clear that several different characters are in fact the same person, the sequence of events requires substantial parsing, and the exact nature of several characters' interactions require a couple of reads and substantial reflection.

Andre-Driussi tackles these challenges for us Gate of Horn, Book of Silk, another tremendous effort of scholarship.  The format is again encyclopedic, with separate sections for Long Sun and Short Sun.  I would say his most valuable contributions this time lie in the detailed timelines that he has assembled for each series; these allow the reader to see the sequences of events more clearly, understand just who is involved at different points, and have a much clearer idea of what Wolfe is up to and why.  He also provides explanations of the expressions used by numerous characters as well as speculation on how they are related and why it matters.

Silk and Horn are among the most well drawn and fascinating characters in speculative fiction.  Their combined story is complex and laden with symbolism.  The exegesis provided in Gate of Horn, Book of Silk goes a long way toward helping the reader who has puzzled over Wolfe's novels to solve several mysteries and make more sense of these fine novels.  Highly recommended for anyone wanting a better understanding of Wolfe's work.
346314
As the title suggests, this is a collection of works by Christians who lived in the Egyptian city of Alexandria. The following works are included: "On Marriage," and "On Spiritual Perfection" by Clement  of Alexandria (which are technically Stromata books III and VII, the former  which is only in Latin in the Ante-Nicene Fathers set.), "On  Prayer," "Exhortation to Martyrdom," and "Dialogue with  Heraclides," by Origen (all three books are absent from the  Ante-Nicene Fathers set). There are nice introductions to each book and  each author. Chadwick gives very detalied notes and explanations of  Origen's "On Prayer." This is an excellent book for 2 reasons.  First it is a great sample of the skilled thinkers of Alexandria. Second,  it acts as a good supplement to the Ante-Nicene Fathers set.
2680917
I have three editions of Paradise LostAlastair Fowler's, Scott Elledge's and David Kastan's, and this is definitely the most suited for my object and needs. David Kastan undertook a throughout update and revision of Merritt Y. Hughes' praised notes to Paradise Lost, and, although I haven't yet read Hughes' original work, I'm inclined to think that Kastan lives up to his illustrious predecessor. This edition includes a fine introduction to the poem, a glossary of uncanny words found in it, copious notes on historical, mythological and biblical allusions, and commentaries on Milton's style and poetics (they are neither as extensive nor as "scholarly" as Mr. Fowler's notes, but I find them more straightforward and elucidative to the average reader). Truly a work worthy of Milton's epic.
917327
I have started reading a lot of historical fiction and nonfiction, and have found Haywood's Altas to be very useful.  It works well as an introduction, being quite readable and succinct.  In addition, it is an excellent reference to use when reading nonfiction tombs that presume we all know where all the Hittites came from, or how the Illyrians migrated to Italy.  Just easily finding Zhou, or Thrace on a map has been a big help for me.  A good atlas, well worth the reasonably price.
3864640
This set of 6 CDs takes the book of the Cosmic Jesus one step further.  The book explores the Words of Jesus in their original Aramaic.  The CD book takes those concepts and Douglas-Klotz' scholarship into the realm of the auditory.

The author/speaker carefully explains the meanings of the sayings of Jesus in their original Aramaic then teaches the listener the language forms of the various words.  He then takes it to the next step of providing chants for use in meditation.  These chants are accompanied by modern but appropriate guitar music and enable the listener/participator to enter more sensually into the original language.

This is an extremely useful set of CDs for anyone who wishes to develop their spiritual meditative life.  Interestingly I would have expected that it would be suitable only for a Christian participator.  However the understanding of the Aramaic words gives such a clear liberal theological and spiritual basis of the unity of the Creator that it is accessible to anyone of any religious or spiritual tradition.  Having used the CDs and having read the original book, I am also left wondering how "The Passion of Christ" a la Mel Gibson could use the Aramaic in order to present such a traditional conservative and violent view of the life and death of Jesus without leading the viewers into a more universal expression of compassion that is so evident in the CDs.  Fully recommended
389620
Not for the casual Lovecraft reader, but a great source for his crucial period of development in amateur journalism. The original publications are beyond rare, so it is very useful to have this affordable collection for research.
4341399
One of the useful ideas Edgar Cayce provided about the scientific process as a personal epistemology is to learn how to use comparisons as a means of investigation and knowledge production. Quite naturally, then, Dr. Mancini, being of the scientific cultural mindset, when he wanted to explore the value of past life awareness, that he chose to reach out and compare what experienced folks had to say about it, and to relate that to his own experiences. The result is a series of interviews, transcripts of a radio show, in which Joseph discusses various topics related to past lives, regression, alternate realities, etc. The experts cover a wide ranging diversity of orientations. It is one of the few places where Ive found the works of Edgar Cayce and the Seth material side by side. A good reference book, and great if you wanted to teach a class on the subject.
61117
Very detailed homilies about the Gospel of John.  Given the time--middle ages--and the audience--unlettered churchgoers, these are very readable.  They are instructive, which makes them very repetitious, and each is several pages long about just a verse or two.

Because it is completely indexed and accessible by the links, a seeker can ideally look up just one or two confusing passages of John.

Don't be scared away by the size of the book.  Each section can stand alone and be read by itself.  It also has a lot of the numerology that was rife in both the Biblical times and Middle Ages:  numerology that is still used today by Occult fans.
1027716
The late Jaroslav Pelikan demonstrates why he is the master ecclesiastical historian of our era in his five volume series _The Christian Tradition_. While Adolf Harnack made tremendous strides respecting Dogmengeschichte, there is no history of early church doctrine more readable and scholarly than Pelikan's five volume series. Jean Danielou's series is excellent. But still not on par with _The Christian Tradition_ by Pelikan.

In volume 1, we are treated to a non-linear discussion of doctrinal history from 100-600 CE. Pelikan touches on the notions of impassibility (apatheia), predestination, Christology, the Trinity and much more. He carefully defines key working nomenclature in the treatise and he packs the book with marginal notes for ease of reference. In the final analysis, Pelikan teaches us what the church has universally professed, taught and believed. Moreover, the author tries to be fair in his analyses while he offers some trenchant criticisms in volume one.

My favorite portion of this work is the discussion regarding Christology and the Trinity doctrine. In chapter four, which reviews the Arian Controversy, Pelikan argues that the Arians and orthodox pro-Nicenes had more in common than previously has been supposed. He reviews the factors that precipitated the famed controversy and supplies references demonstrating the common elements that obtained between Arius and those who opposed him.

Pelikan is never deterred from his primary goal of elucidating doctrinal history; nor does he allow political or social developments to distract him. Hence, if you enjoy reading about Dogmengeschichte, buy this work. You will have a chance to learn from the master historian. I own all five volumes and find them to be indispensable for serious historical research.
2620394
This book made me want to stop my life and read all of Chesterton's works. Of course, that's not likely to happen anytime soon, so I value even more Dale Ahlquist's expert summarizing of some of Chesterton's most important work. His chapters are easy to read and whet the appetite for more. I find myself referring back to what I've read here when I read one of Chesterton's books.

This book serves as both an indispensable reference and a work of great writing in its own right. Ahlquist has done a service to the rest of us by making Chesterton accessible.
4035100
This is 4th in the 5 volume set history of VC2. Great background info; helps to enlighten those who were not alive for the council to understand the dynamics and the development of the "spirit of the 2nd Vatican Council. Not as much info is available as of this edition about Pope Paul's personal reflections or diaries of the council. Nonetheless, enough other primary sources are available of people close to Pope Paul VI and other historian's research. It reads well, as almost a suspense piece, as the actual discussions from both the liberal and conservative "sides" are advanced and conflicts begun and resolved. For the general reader to the historian, this is a great addition to the set and you will not regret your purchase.
202648
This is the best English language resource I know for anyone interested in the development of the Augsburg Confession in the months leading up to its presentation in June 1530. The author's detailed and penetrating analysis of how the earlier writings of Melanchthon and Luther shed light on the confession and its subsequent interpretation make this volume worth consulting again and again. Hopefully, this book will receive more attention at the 500 anniversary of the AC in 2030.
4085897
Gone West: Three Narratives of After Death Experiences

by J.S.M.Ward

Received in 1914, this book is a phenomenally detailed description of the dark planes of the First Spirit Sphere, and also the Astral Plane. Quite useful classifications of these and even the higher spheres are used in this book, and although these may not easily align with the Spheres described through James Padgett:&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/True-Gospel-Revealed-anew-by-Jesus-Volume-I/dp/B005G0NIC6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">True Gospel Revealed anew by Jesus Volume I</a>, nevertheless they seem very descriptive and useful. The Astral Plane has to my knowledge not been as carefully explored and communicated in any work that I have ever read, and this seems a great pity, since many mortals apparently pass to this plane where they may reside for a considerable period, till eventually passing up into the Spirit Spheres, or down into the dark planes. It also thus gives a lot of background to the phenomenon discovered by Dr Irene Hickman, and also Dr Carl Wickland of obsession and possession.

One of the REALLY amazing things about this book, is that even though it has very little on the life in the higher spirit spheres, the spirit very clearly communicates that there is yet another realm beyond the Spirit Spheres, and that it is a one way journey there, though what he calls "the wall of fire". This is of course the Celestial Realm, and that is the focus of James Padgett's work, so it's good to find this corroboration.

This book can also be purchased on Amazon as a printed copy, as it is available though Kessinger Publishing:<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Gone-West-Three-Narratives-of-After-Death-Experiences/dp/1564596680/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Gone West: Three Narratives of After-Death Experiences</a>&nbsp;It is a pity that the publisher does not user OCR, and merely scans the old books, with the result that some pages are nearly impossible to read. My only suggestion to the publisher of this Kindle version, is that because he has not used the full title of this ebook, it does not automatically turn up as a kindle alternative when viewing the printed copies. Which would probably increase sales.