THE NINTH OF AN "EPIC" AND MAGISTERIAL ELEVEN-VOLUME SERIES
344658
Will and Ariel Durant were awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1968 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, primarily for this 11-volume series, "The Story of Civilization," which is probably the last attempt we will ever see---in this age of increasing specialization---of a single historian (or couple) attempting a "universal history."

They note in the "Apology" preceding this 1965 book, "Blame for the length of this volume must rest with the authors fascinated to exuberant prolixity by the central theme---that pervasive and continuing conflict between religion and science-plus-philosophy which became a living drama in the eighteenth century, and which has resulted in the secret secularism of our times. How did it come about that a major part of the educated classes in Europe and America has lost faith in the theology that for fifteen centuries gave supernatural sanctions and supports to the precarious and uncongenial moral code upon which Western civilization has been based? What will be the effects---in morals, literature, and politics---of this silent but fundamental transformation?"

They maintain that "A skepticism that confessedly is abandoned in actual life must be wrong in theory." (Pg. 160) They note with satisfaction, "Soon the magnificent structure of inherited beliefs and ways was to be shaken almost to collapse by the agitations of innovating minds; that old ordered peace, that stability of classes, that marvelous and unquestioning faith... would pass away; and all things, even music, would change, always excepting man." (Pg. 428) They observe that in Switzerland, "Religion was half the government and half the strife. Regular attendance at church was obligatory, and the towns were too small to let rebels find refuge in the anonymity of the crowd." (Pg. 476)

They argue, "to ignore history would be to endlessly repeat its errors, massacres, and crimes. There are three avenues to that large and tolerant perspective which is philosophy: one is the study of men in life through experience; another, the study of things in space through science; a third, the study of events in time through history." (Pg. 483) They observe, "(Diderot) had long since succumbed to the fascination of philosophy---which draws us ever onward because it never answers the questions that we never cease to ask." (Pg. 624) They solemnly note, "It seems incredible to us now that anyone should believe in the murder of a son by his father to prevent a change of faith; but that is because we are thinking as individuals, and after two centuries of decline in religious faith. The people of Toulouse thought en masse, as a crowd; and crowds can feel but they cannot think." (Pg. 729)

They state that "Voltaire is without question the most brilliant writer that ever lived... His ideas were seldom original, but in philosophy nearly all original ideas are foolish, and lack of originality is a sign of wisdom." (Pg. 753) They suggest, "There were other factors besides philosophy in promoting toleration. The Reformation, though it sanctioned intolerance, generated so many sects ... that intolerance seldom dared go beyond words. The sects had to dispute by argument." (Pg. 783)

Although often forgotten in modern times, the Durants' series was once a staple of "Book-of-the-Month Club" introductory promotions, and widely read. It is still of immense value for someone wanting a comprehensive and unified "view" of history from a single author/couple.
4909122
This volume by G. R. S. Mead, published in 1906,
contains 3 books in one.  The first volume (or book)
is titled: Prolegomena -- and contains: The Remains
of the Trismegistic Literature/The History of the
Evolution of Opinion/Thoth the Master of Wisdom/
The Popular Theurgic Hermes-Cult in the Greek Magic
Papyri/The Main Source of the Trismegistic Literature
According To Manetho High Priest of Egypt/An Egyptian
Prototype of the Main Features of the Poemandres'
Cosmogony/The Myth of Man in the Mysteries/Philo of
Alexandria and the Hellenistic Theology/Plutarch:
Concerning the Mysteries of Isis and Osiris/"Hermas"
and "Hermes"/Concerning the Aeon Doctrine/The Seven
Zones and Their Characteristics/Plato: Concerning
Metempsychosis/The Vision of Er/Concerning the
Crater or Cup/The Disciples of Thrice-Greatest
Hermes.
  The second volume (or book) contained in this
one volume is: Sermons -- and contains: I Corpus
Hermeticum; and II The Perfect Sermon; or the
Asclepius (English translations of these works --
with copious, useful footnotes).
  The third volume (or book) contained in this
one volumes is: Excerpts and Fragments -- and
contains: (I) Excerpts by Strobaeus; (II) References
and Fragments in the [Church] Fathers -- which
includes Justin Martyr, Athenagoras, Clement of
Alexandria, Tertullian, Cyprian, Arnobius,
Lactantius, Augustine, Cyril of Alexandria,
Suidas, Anonymous; and (III) References and
Fragments in the [Pagan] Philosophers -- which
includes Zosimus, Jamblichus, Julian the
Emperor, Fulgentius the Mythographer.
  And finally, there is a Conclusion.
 This is an excellent compendium of useful and
provocative readings and sources.  The reader
may then want to branch out and read other
compilations and introductions to the Hermetica
(such as Brian P. Copenhaver, Cambridge Univ.
Press) or concentrate also on Gnosticism, such
as the works of Kurt Rudolph (GNOSIS, Harper/
San Francisco) or Hans Jonas (THE GNOSTIC
RELIGION, Beacon Press).
  G. R. S. Mead in a faith-full man, but he is
also an in-clusionist.  He sees the great mystics
and illuminators and God-filled questers as all
being "Sons of God" -- with not just one particular
one being more "divine" than another.  But this is
a God-centered group, not a demonic one.  Each man
has the divine spirit -- the spark of the eternal
light -- within him, and the degree to which he
listens to it and is guided by it serves as the
touchstone of his insight and his piety.
176090
This epic works on so many levels because the source material's brilliant and Robert Fagles conveys the story with a mellifluous and engaging punch. If you first met this text as a kid through a Saturday afternoon broadcast of Nathan Juran's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Seventh-Voyage-of-Sinbad-50th-Anniversary-Edition-Blu-ray/dp/B001DB6J4Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad (50th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray</a>], as I did, and only later learned about the tie-in to Homer's Odyssey, you probably thought the Odyssey was a hoary adventure tale and little more. However, that's not the case.

In fact the Odyssey brings storytelling to a high artistic level, wherein stories themselves are dramatically meaningful because Odysseus's recounting of them is the way he'll break the ice in life-and-death situations. In this cornerstone of classic poetry, we feel the hero's struggles as he swims the raging seas of the ancient world, charms kingdoms for safe passage and ultimately raises his sword against those who'd trample his clan and honor.

The story's glorious and heartrending. My only gripe with this edition is Fagles's anti-formalist position. Putting this story together in dactylic hexameter was a colossal achievement for the artist we call Homer, who after all probably created the original version without the benefit of writing. As such, this effort to vernacularize Homer, although successful, left me wishing for a vehicle that better evoked the music.

My Titles
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Shadow-Fields/dp/1419645498/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Shadow Fields</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Snooker-Glen/dp/1419649256/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Snooker Glen</a>
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Dasha/dp/1419655817/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Dasha</a>
2787431
Title:  The Magic Manuscript--The Nine Companions

Author: Barbara Burgess

Publisher: Sulby Hall Publishers

ISBN:  978-0-9918574-3-2

As author Burgess hurls her nine companions to the far corners of both time and space, I knew I wasn't in England anymore. I also had the feeling that I wasn't in Kansas any more for there is much in this book that reminds the reader of the innocent fantasy that is The Wizard of Oz. We have the incremental collection of an increasing number of travelers jointly seeking a mystical place, a succession of obstructions blocking their path, and overall, the presentation of colorful and romantic settings and situations that keep the imagination fully engaged.

The correspondence to Arthurian lore is unmistakable. The core pair consists of Arthur and Jen, quickly supplemented with Lance, who sleeps a lot. In Wales, they hook up with a wizard originally male Monk Martin, now female Bronwen. Swords, amulets, pentangles abound. But not to leave Oz too far behind, Dorothy's dog, Toto, is now Bronwen's cat Mini, who goes from alive, to killed with a boulder right out of Raiders of the Lost Ark, and back to the very much alive object of the entire quest.

I was charmed by the juxtaposition of time periods. The story is told in a B.C/A.D time frame with the result that the reader never quite knows if the air is being filled with dragons or helicopters. And ancient references to eternal truth and internal happiness are crazily related to contemporary concerns about air pollution and global warning. One is never quite sure whether the next communication among characters is going to be effected by ESP or by cell phone. Moses texting the Ten Commandments wouldn't be that much of a stretch in the wonderful, dimensionless world that Burgess has put together. In this world, reincarnation and resurrection are child's play.

The author's lyrical writing style perfectly matches the tale she tells. Although some sentences are overly populated with proper nouns, aggravated to some extent by characters with proliferating names, there is a dominant sense that the book is being powered by an author enamored with the softer side of the English language. There is no slight intended by noting that the book often has the tone of a children's book, passages from which could easily lure a child into a magical kingdom on the way to sleep. There is certainly no sex or material violence to interrupt the process. When "dratted" is used instead of more pungent adjectives, when a fanny pack is called a passport bag, and when a hero's horniness is expressed to his pillow pal as, "All right. Good night then, Bronwen. You do know that I am not at all tired, don`t you," we know we're squarely in General Audience territory.

If ever a book cried out for illustration, this is it. At one point, the book states: "Pictures transcend language." The author's sensitivity to color, landscape, and atmosphere would both challenge and facilitate an artist willing to join the author in a conspiracy to produce beautiful visual and prose representations.

Although Book Two is not a part of this book's title, it is clearly a sequel to the author's 2011 release, The Magic Manuscript: Book One--Voyage to Eve Ilion, and the final pages of The Nine Companions make even clearer that another book in the series lies ahead. Lovers of innocent and well written fantasy novels will surely welcome its arrival.
4959605
This review is of third and final volume of Del-Rey definitive edition(s) of Conan, The Conquering Sword of Conan; as the stories are published in the order Howard wrote them, it stands to reason that as his skill as a writer grew over time, so should Conan. You'll find this in all the stories in this volume, the best of which are, The Black Stranger, Beyond the Black River, and Red Nails. There are five stories in all, The Man Eaters of Zamboula and The Servants of Bit-Yakin rounding out the stories. Also included are drafts and synopsis' of the listed tales as well as a letter from Howard to P. Schuyler Miller to and a map of the Hyborian Age. Also included is a fine essay by Howard scholar Patrice Louinet and notes on various chronologies, texts and typescripts. All in all, a very good book, I've been waiting years for a book like this. Del-Rey and Howard scholars are to be congratulated for stepping up bring forth definitive volumes of all of Howard's work. Here be adventure!
2274065
I first read these books as a teenager in the 1970s - my parents had a copy of the individual volumes. I was recently delighted to find the boxed set when I needed to replace the originals, which had practically fallen to pieces with age and use.

I credit these books with making medieval English history roar to life for me. Costain's vivid descriptions of the personalities and actions of the Angevin kings, their nobles, and their enemies launched my lifelong fascination with this era. And the writing! These are not dull history books. They read like really good novels. The intrigue, mysteries, lovers, battles, political posturing, and betrayals are all described and explained in engaging, fluid prose. Anyone who can tell stories like this really should be a history teacher. No one can possibly come away from these books without a new fascination for the Conqueror's family and their unique brands of turmoil and governance. I realize that all this sounds like hyperbole, but truthfully, I don't have enough words to explain how great these books are and how they made such a difference in how I viewed history - for a lifetime.

The books in this set were edited and revised from the originals. The author's statement on the boxed set explains that the original books were envisioned as a series that covered the rulers of England from the time of the Conquest in 1066. Here is the author's statement in full:

"A HISTORY OF THE PLANTAGENETS

"I began these books of English history with the hope of carrying the series forward, under the general title of The Pageant of England, to a much later period than the last of the Plantagenet kings. Pressure of other work made it impossible, however, to produce them at the gait I had hoped to achieve. And now the factor of time has intruded itself also. Realizing that my earlier objective cannot be reached, I have decided to conclude with the death of Richard III and to change the covering title to A HISTORY OF THE PLANTAGENETS.

"This has made necessary some revision in getting the four volumes ready for publication. The first five chapters in the initial book, which began with the Norman Conquest and covered the reigns of William the Conqueror, William (Rufus) II, and Henry I, had to be dropped. The first volume in this complete edition of the four begins with the final scenes int he reign of Henry I, whose daughter married Geoffrey of Anjou and whose son son succeeded in due course to the throne of England as Henry II, thus beginning the brilliant Plantagenet dynasty. The title of the first volume has been changed to THE CONQUERING FAMILY. In addition to the deletion of earlier chapters, a few slight cuts and minor revisions have been made throughout the series. Otherwise the four books are the same as those published separately under the titles, THE CONQUERORS, THE MAGNIFICENT CENTURY, THE THREE EDWARDS, and THE LAST PLANTAGENETS."
1386840
Sky of Swords fulfills the ultimate goal of any volume in a series: it is not only an excellent story in its own right, but it retroactively improves the volumes that have gone before it by bringing to light hidden depths. This book focuses on Princess Malinda, who had minor but important parts in the first two books, and fleshes out her story in a way that adds shades of newly-discovered meaning to the earlier books. For those who mistakenly thought (as I did) that this series was to consist of stand-alone volumes, well, we were wrong. I suppose it'd be vaguely possible to read each of these volumes individually, but the full effect of the story is only found in reading them together. I'm beginning to believe that Duncan couldn't write a straightforward generic fantasy if he tried to; so much the better.
4624111
The Lord of the Rings Epic (it cannot properly be called a trilogy as the entire story is considerably more than three volumes) is an acknowledged literary masterpiece and a very good read for any fan of heroic fantasy.  However, it does require a more dedicated and intelligent reader to  properly keep chracters and sub-plots in order than most fantasy,  especially the bubblegum "D&D" novels that have gained many  readers in the past several years (myself included).  To those who seek to  find rascism or other social maladys in the pages of the series, I remind  you that you need look no farther than in the mirror. Heroic fantasy is  written for escapism and entertainment, not as a social commentary or work  of design. I reserve judgement on those readers who have criticized it as  "poorly made" and/or "too long" until they have  published their own epic fantasy.  In brief, this is an excellent series  for serious fantasy readers. If you don't typically get involved with the  characters and story, this series is probably not for you.
888165
I discovered this amazing series several months ago, and have not looked back since. It was hard to decide which books to review, but I've decided on the later ones, as they've had some bad reviews, and I wish to even the score. This book is the ninth in the series, and is once more read by the fantastic readers, Kate Reading and Michael Cramer. It mainly concentrates on Elein's struggle to claim her rightful throne of Andor, Matt's escape from Ebboodar, and Rand's quest to clenze the male half of the one power from the Dark One's taint. Robert Jordan is a master of intrigue and suspense, combined with amazing scope and emagination, but perhaps his gratest strength is his characters. His stories are told from multepull points of view, which really gives his readers a chance to get inside their heads. Though each book focuses on different characters in turn, Jordan always leaves you with juicy titbits about the others which leaves you waiting anxiously for them to take centre stage. I for one can't wait to see if Perrin rescues his wife, and as I wait for Egwane to claim the white tower, the suspense becomes unbarable. It's just as well I have the next book to hand. Jordan also takes care to develop his supporting characters too. Cadswane really gets established in this book, and also the fabled daughter of the nine moons that we've heard so much about. Personally, I think Matt could do better, but perhaps she'll improve in time. All in all, another outstanding book by a master story teller.
3026967
This is volume 9 of a projected 30 volume series.  The series traces the growth of the Soka Gakkai (Value Creation Society) from 1960 forward.  The author, Daisaku Ikeda, crafts each chapter in a compelling manner, using an unpretentious writng style which is to the point.  The reader not only gains an understanding of the Buddhist philosophy as taught by the 13th century reformer Nichiren but also glimpses into the lives of those who practice in contemporary times. Their stories are often moving and inspirational testimonies to their Buddhist faith.  Another thread running through the series is the criticism and attacks the Soka Gakkai organization endures as a result of its successful efforts to introduce others to the practice of Nichiren Buddhism. The author, Mr. Ikeda, also interweaves concise summaries of the current events which provide a backdrop to the Soka Gakkai's efforts to expand its movement to realize a society based on Buddhist humanism. Compelling story of an organization and its members who are dedicated to promoting understanding between individuals, societies, and nations.
4590671
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book, As there are nine books in all. I look forward to reading them all.
3908769
This is an excellent book. The author presents two aspects of the epics, the action in 1200BC, and the story in 800BC. He presents The Iliad, for example, in these two aspects; a war that happened in 1200BC, and the epic itself as a poem from 800BC, and also the window from which we observe that war. In the war the Homeric heroes are clothed and defined as heroes by their armor. ("Without our armor we are as naked as women.") In the poem itself they are linguistically clothed and defined by their epithets. Each line in Homer has six slots to fill, does he just add two adjectives and an adverb to each SOV sentence to fill them? No, the author's careful analysis of the Heroic epithets draws out their meaning and contribution to the story. What readers often sense today as needless repetition, to Homer's hearers in 700BC must have seemed like animation and dramatic emphasis.
Prof. Peter C. Patton, Ph. D.
1976221
Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time is a great series and worth your time to read because it works on so many levels.  You can either take it on face value, and enjoy the story of a distant and alien land where the forces of good and evil struggle in an eternal war for power.  Magic and war abound, prophesies are fulfilled, and monsters rise up from the dark.  Or, you can read deeper into the underlying currents and come to understand and appreciate the seriousness of this work.
Although many complain of the length of this series, one must remember that a work of this magnitude isn't called epic because of its brevity.  I read all nine books stright through starting in the summer, and I am severely disappointed to have to wait until sometime next year to read the next one.  Its the sheer length and detail of the world that is its strongest asset.  So, if you're looking to enjoy a new world that will be on your mind for a long time, start reading it.  It doesn't cause so much contraversey and conversation because its a crummy book.
4356172
This third and last volume in the series delivers more of the same epic fantasy that made the first two volumes so enjoyable. The book is the longest of the three, but is a quick and satisfying read. It's nice that books published as a series come out in such quick succession these days and if you are looking to sink your teeth into an action-packed trilogy of the high fantasy/ AD&D flavor, you could do much, much worse than this memorable series.

As usual, layers of the core mystery (who, or what is Donovan!) are revealed gradually and often unexpectedly. All is made clear with this, the author does not leave you wondering. The other major characters (especially Amanda and Gavin) also have much more revealed about what makes them tick, and with Amanda there is major character development that really endears the her to the reader. There is also, as usual, a good dose of humor, and the back and forth between the Drynn, and between the other characters, can be both amusing and touching. There are a good number of new characters and monsters by the way, including some AD&D- class heavy hitters, but also some (if I may say) crazy-ass inventions from the author. I won't give this away.

Also, as with the last installation, there are some tremendous set-pieces, and intense action surrounding them. And one of the things I liked best was that there were a lot of nice surprises with both the plot and with the characters. The book reaches a frenzied climax, with much death and destruction, but things don't always happen as you might expect.

I highly recommend reading these books in order. The first volume takes place on Earth, and is a bit of a white-knuckled ride. The last two take place on the otherworld of Theia, and that's where the reader is plunged into a fully realized fantasy world and an epic story that grabs you and doesn't let go.
3374308
The New Interpreter's Bible is a twelve-volume series, updating the popular Interpreter's Bible from a few decades ago. There are several key features common to all of the volumes of this series. First, each includes a two-column, double translation of the Biblical text (NIV - New International Version, and NRSV - New Revised Standard Version) arranged by topical unit or story. Then, they provide commentaries that look at the passages as a whole, as well as verse-by-verse. Third, interesting Reflection pieces that relate the passages to each other, to history, and to current concerns occur at the conclusion of each passage. Fourth, introductory articles for each book are provided that discuss transmission, historical background, cultural setting, literary concerns, and current scholarship. Finally, there are general articles about the Bible, each Testament, and various types of literature (Narrative, Gospel, Wisdom Literature, etc.) are provided to give general placement and knowledge about the text overall.

The list of contributors, editors, and consultants on the project is a veritable Who's Who of biblical and theological scholarship, representing all major traditions and schools of thought liberal and conservative. Leander Keck, of the Yale Divinity School, is the primary editor of the series.

The volumes were published individually, and can be purchased individually, which is a good thing, given that they are a bit expensive. But for any serious biblical scholar, preacher, student, or enthusiast, they are invaluable.

High praise goes to the general editorial staff for working with such strong authors/scholars, that their work fits together well as part of this set while retaining their individual characteristics (much like the writers of the Bible itself!).

This is an index volume for the twelve-volume set; as such, it is helpful but not absolutely necessary for the user to use the set. For scholars and students, however, this is very helpful.

--Other volumes available--

The following is a list of each volume in this twelve-volume set, and the contents of each.

Volume I: General Articles on the Bible; General Articles on the Old Testament; Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus

Volume II: Numbers; Deuteronomy; Introduction to Narrative Literature; Joshua; Judges; Ruth; I & II Samuel

Volume III: I & II Kings; I & II Chronicles; Ezra, Nehemiah; Esther; Additions to Esther; Tobit; Judith

Volume IV: I & II Maccabees; Introduction to Hebrew Poetry; Job; Psalms

Volume V: Introduction to Wisdom Literature; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs; Book of Wisdom; Sirach

Volume VI: Introduction to Prophetic Literature; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Baruch; Letter of Jeremiah; Lamentations; Ezekiel

Volume VII: Introduction to Apocalyptic Literature; Daniel; Additions to Daniel; Hosea; Joel; Amos; Obadiah; Johan; Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah; Haggai; Zechariah; Malachi

Volume VIII: General Articles on the New Testament; Matthew; Mark

Volume IX: Luke; John

Volume X: Acts; Introduction to Epistolary Literature; Romans, I Corinthians

Volume XI: II Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; I & II Thessalonians; I & II Timothy; Titus; Philemon

Volume XII: Hebrews; James; I & II Peter; I, II & III John; Jude; Revelation
1465081
What makes a good epic? For me, it starts with great characters, put in challenging situations where they prevail through enginuity, strength of character and guts. The above combination has driven this series through ten very readable books. There is plenty of potential material left. This series, definitely  leaves one wanting more!
3038070
I happen to be quite a fan of big, sprawling epics, no matter what the medium may be.  "Lone Wolf And Cub" is certainly turning out be quite an interesting one indeed.  Continuing the plot from the previous volume, samurai-for-hire Ogami has been seperated from his son Daigoro during a brutal attack by his former masters, the Yagyu.  As we begin this book, Ogami is on the search for Daigoro, but on his way he will run afoul of assassins and lone samurai.  This volume lays out some great stories, as well as new developments in the series that will keep me reading indefinitely.  For those unfamiliar with the series, it's best to start back at the first volume.  For me (entrenched in the series already), this is another piece in Ogami's search for vengeance and another piece in the big puzzle of Lone Wolf And Cub.