History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

A Natural History of the Unnatural World: Discover What Cryptozoology Can Teach Us about Over One Hundred Fabulous and Legendary Creatures That Inhabit Earth, Sea and Sky

Average customer rating:

fun book
A One of a Kind Masterpiece!
a story book
Buyer Beware
Irreverent, slightly amusing and marginally educational

A Natural History of the Unnatural World: Discover What Cryptozoology Can Teach Us about Over One Hundred Fabulous and Legendary Creatures That Inhabit Earth, Sea and Sky
Joel Levy , and Cryptozoological
Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312207034

Customer Reviews:

fun book.......2007-06-24

I never thought that I would argue with Loren Coleman (whose books are great), but "A Natural History of the Unnatural World" is a fun book. It's not a hoax - in fact, I can't see any adult (or even bright children) taking it seriously. This book belongs squarely in the realm of fantasy. But it's engaging fantasy. As a cryptozoology text, it's useless, and as authentic folklore, it's not much better. But this is a nice book to look through and speculate on how creatures like these could exist - not unlike Peter Dickinson's "Flight of Dragons." I have seen a couple of people giving high marks to Shuker's "The Unexplained," and I'll agree with that; check that one out if you want something serious.

A One of a Kind Masterpiece!.......2005-05-01

This bizarre book is a real page turner. It describes at least one hundred beasts believed by normal zoologists to be fictional. Dive into the abyssal lair of the giant octopus, explore the jungles of Latin America in search of the beautiful coatl, or watch two yale jousting at an African water hole. This unique piece will never cease to thrill and delight the reader. Why did the phoenix (Phoenos immortalis) go extinct? Why are unicorns (Equus monoceros) attracted to maidens? The answers to all of these questions and more are found within this books strange and intriguing pages. This unique work will never bore the reader.

a story book .......2004-12-19

This is a fun book for kids or adults - well illustrated and layed out. this is also pure fantasy in the style of a realistic journal by a faux society. if you are looking for any real cryptozoological information look elsewhere. but for kids it's cool.

Buyer Beware.......2004-07-19

This is a handsomely published book, with thick glossy paper and numerous pictures and illustrations. However, if you get it thinking it is goint to be a serious or archival study of cryptozoology, you will be disappointed. Its greater emphasis is on purely mythological creatures like mermaids, elves, the sphinx, unicorns, gorgons and other creatures of fantasy, only it purports to pass them all off as not only actual living creatures, but as still surviving in remote pockets of the world. The volume does so with a straight face, and purported eyewitness accounts. If you are fascinated by accounts of creatures that "might be", like bigfoot, lake monsters, mothman, or dinosaur survivors, then stay away from this book, which is basically a treatise on fantasy creatures prepared for a junior high audience with liberal dashes of pseudo-science thrown in for good measure. Again, its copious illustrations and colorful format are its best feature. More serious students of mysterious creatures would be better served by The Unexplained, by Dr. Karl P. Shuker, an equally well-illustrated book that is dedicated to more probable instances of cryptozoology.

Irreverent, slightly amusing and marginally educational.......2001-11-27

It's not easy to review a book like this. Anyone with a genuine interest in cryptozoology will certainly be disappointed at the whimsical and irreverent tone, which pokes fun at the visionary pioneers who have conducted scientifically painstaking research into the likes of Nessie, Mokele m'bembe and Bigfoot. A layperson however, will probably find much to amuse them and just possibly enough material to cultivate an interest in this most fascinating of topics. Amongst the silly stuff are some real facts about cryptids. The Chupacabras in particular is fairly well described and depicted. Separating fact from fancy and blatant fabrication however is not always easy and the running gag about some fictional crusty old gentlemens' club (the address given is actually the Royal Academy of Arts) does wear a bit thin after a while. If you are seeking genuine and scientifically researched material about cryptids, you would do far better by starting with Bernard Heuvelmans's seminal work or even dredging the Internet's many cryptozoology sites for references. In that respect, I would only give this book one star. If, however, you are looking for a book to foster an interest in mystery animals in a young relative or friend (my 11 year old son thought it was "cool"), then you could do a lot worse than this. My overall rating reflects the response from both extremes of potential customer.

Strange Skies: Pilot Encounters With Ufos

Average customer rating:

Strange Skys
UFO's are real but what are they and where are they from?
Never really gets off the ground
An important contribution to the field.

Strange Skies: Pilot Encounters With Ufos
Jerome Clark
Manufacturer: Citadel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0806522992

Customer Reviews:

Strange Skys.......2006-07-01

It seems logical that if your seeking truth about things flying in our skys that you would ask people who fly there and know what kind and shape our Earth craft are. Also when judging distance from the ground or another moving object or speed of some thing encountered people who fly have the basic knowledge to find the answers much more so than some grounded person like me... The book was more than interesting... maybe spell binding. Like a movie .. you see things the second time you look and I'm now going to read the book again... PLEASE READ IT

UFO's are real but what are they and where are they from?.......2006-03-17

I enjoyed the book it is well presented and edited. The book does not answer my question but that may not be possible.
Even if you don't believe that UFO's are from another planet it is interesting to see how others react to unexpected encounters with something that should not be there.
As a pilot, who once saw something I could not explain, I was fascinated by the book. If you think that UFO's are something made on this planet read the book it could change your mind, or even convince you that you are correct.
I have no doubt they are real I saw something that was impossible for me to explain. But that doesn't mean they were from another planet or galaxy. If we are making them then we have technology I've never even dreamed of.

Never really gets off the ground.......2006-01-07

As a believer in UFOs, I found this book in the library and thought that it would be a fascinating read about pilot encounters with UFOs. Well, yes and no. Some of the cases presented were truly fascinating and others were ho-hum. It could be due to Clark's writing style. He doesn't really appear to care about what he writes. His style of writing is lackluster and the reading comes across as such.

For example, he will tell the story of such-and-such pilot; this is what he/she saw; the USAF investigated and came to so-and-so conclusions. OK. So what? Other stories, in which he appears to be interested, come across much better and exciting.

Clark gives me the impression of trying to dismiss what he writes, so I wonder why write a book if you don't really believe in the subject matter.

I thought the book would be much more interesting but it just never really takes off for my tastes.

An important contribution to the field........2004-04-12

Well-known ufologist Jerome Clark's 'Strange Skies' provides a fascinating look at an important component of the UFO enigma. This work represents a unique contribution, much as the late Ivan T. Sanderson did with his seminal 1970 book 'Invisible Residents', which detailed UFO sightings associated with the oceans, seas and other bodies of water.
Beginning with such early phenomena as foo fighters and ghost rockets, Clark lays down a historical record of "the more interesting, suggestive reports..." (although they comprise a rather small percentage of the total on file). A large number of these pilot/UFO reports are from the 1940s and 1950s (including, of course, the famed Kenneth Arnold episode), although some are more contemporary, such as the Valentich case and the JAL incident of 1986. Regardless of the sightings' vintage, the author does a superb job in fleshing out the factual details of the events. Clark's writing style infuses his recounting with a hard-to-put-down sense of awe and fascination for the reader.
While Clark generally avoids analysis or speculation, there are some notable exceptions. He persuasively discredits the so-called 'Maury Island incident', and attempts to do the same regarding the 1948 Thomas Mantell case (where pilot Mantell was killed chasing an alleged UFO), although somewhat less convincingly. While he makes a plausible case that Mantell was actually pursuing a a secret, experimental balloon, Mantell's last words to ground control ("a metallic object...of tremendous size") leaves some room for doubt. The comments I had the most trouble with, however, were regarding a sighting in 1965 by Jim Cumber, detailed in the Dec. 2000 issue of The Mutual UFO Network's (MUFON) magazine. This sighting involved an alleged 'snatching' of a jet interceptor by a UFO. After more than 30 years of studying the UFO phenomenon myself, I cannot share Clark's conviction that "the Air Force could not hide a missing interceptor and its crew." He adds the rather puzzling comment that "Whatever Cumber's sighting was about, it cannot have been what he thought it was about." He offers no speculation as to what "it was about," but the inference is that it was a secret military exercise. Perhaps.
These quibbles aside, 'Strange Skies' is a well-written, absorbing book. It is a welcome (and overdue) addition to the annals of ufology.

Average customer rating:

A superlative classic.
A tribute to a great visual astronomer
Timeless!
A superlative addition to the amateur astronomer's library
A "must have" for any amateur astronomer!

Deep-Sky Wonders (Stargazing)
Walter Scott Houston
Manufacturer: Sky Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1931559236
Release Date: 2005-05-04

Product Description

From 1946 to 1994, Sky & Telescope magazine featured a column called Deep-Sky Wonders, in which amateur astronomer Water Scott 'Scotty' Houston captured the wonder and delight of exploring the farthest reaches of the deep sky. Sky & Telescope contributing editior Stephen James O'Meara presents a month-by-month selection of Scotty's columns along with insightful observations and warm recollections of his time with Scotty. More than a field guide, Deep Sky Wonders is the work of a man who was a major influence on the development of amateur astronomy for nearly half a century. 6 by 9 inches

Customer Reviews:

A superlative classic........2007-03-20

I became familiar with Walter Scott Houston's column as a young teenager, and followed it until his death. This as a great compilation of many of his classic and timeless columns, carefully edited by Steve O'Meara.

Not a "guidebook" in the strictest sense, but a "suggestion book." It is one of my favorites. Highly recommended.

A tribute to a great visual astronomer.......2005-01-31

I must confess that I have been reading Walter "Scotty" Houston's Deep Sky Wonder's column in the Sky and Telescope magazine ever since I started on this amazing ride that is amateur astronomy in the mid 80's. His columns used to inspire me to observe from my light polluted backyard with my small beginner's telescope all those years ago. So when I saw that they were going to publish a "compilation" of his works, I knew I would have to get the book. And get the book I did. It was a no brainer really as I knew his witty writing style from his columns. An excellent cloudy night read and a tribute to a great visual astronomer!!!!! Your words of wisdom will live on Scotty...

Timeless!.......2005-01-27

Walter Scott Houston was a dedicated amateur astronomer whose monthly column, "Deep-Sky Wonders" appeared in Sky & Telescope magazine for almost 48 years, from 1946 to 1994. Though he passed away in 1993, his writings live on to educate and inspire both new and old generations of stargazers. Noted amateur astronomer and author Stephen James O'Meara compiled Scotty's monthly columns and edited them into book form, Deep-Sky Wonders (1999, Sky Publishing Corp.).

There is a chapter for every month of the year, with Scotty's engaging descriptions of the objects and how to find them. Many are challenging, with a brightness of 10-11 magnitude or less. Each chapter begins with O'Meara's personal comments and ends with a table of that month's objects, in ascending order by M- and NGC- number, showing the type of object, its RA and Dec, and page and chart numbers in the Millennium Star Atlas, Uranometria 2000.0 and Sky Atlas 2000.0.

Scotty blazed trails in amateur astronomy, never content with the status quo. This book illustrates his spirit for seeking out elusive objects and his love for the wonders of the heavens. He often asked readers of his column to submit their comments and observations. Many of those observations are recounted in this book. Scotty was a master, with vast knowledge of the realm of space, but was ever down-to-earth in his discussions with his readers. In the pages of this book you will find friendly, familiar Messier objects and exotic, hard-to-find challenge objects, all skillfully described in Scotty's own words, with anecdotes on how he came to see them.

O'Meara's preface to the book explains his relationship with Scotty on the S&T staff and as editor of Scotty's column in the 1990s. O'Meara idolized Walter Scott Houston, and attempts in his own books to emulate the nearly-poetic writing Scotty was famous for. Two other well-known astronomy figures, Brian Skiff and Dennis DiCicco added their comments in forewords to the book.

But Scotty's own colorful words make up the bulk of Deep-Sky Wonders. Here is a long passage from the first page of chapter one, "January":

"I learned my constellations in Tippecanoe, Wisconsin, a town that long ago vanished into the urban sprawl of Milwaukee. Back then Tippecanoe was a rather treeless tract of farmland bounded by the great clay bluffs of western Lake Michigan. The sky ran right down to the horizon and, with an almost irresistible force, called for you to look at it. In January 1926, after a midnight walk home from ice-skating, I wrote:

`Snow crystals sparkle like blue diamonds, but with a dreamy gentle radiance totally unlike the harsh gem. A rail fence as black as Pluto himself runs along the road. The forest is black in the distance. The landscape is a masterpiece in ultramarine and sable.

`As if in contrast, the heavens above blaze with a thousand tints. Incredible Orion leads the hosts with blue Rigel, ruby Betelgeuse, and bright Bellatrix. His silver belt and sword flash like burnished stellar steel. And more advanced is dark and somber Aldebaran, so heavy and gloomy. In fitting contrast are the delicate Pleiades, who sparkle "like a swarm of fireflies tangled in a silver braid".

`How can a person ever forget the scene, the glory of a thousand stars in a thousand hues, the radiant heavens and the peaceful Earth? There is nothing else like it. It may well be beauty in its purest form.' "*

*(Scotty referred to a stanza in the poem Locksley Hall by Alfred Lord Tennyson.)

Get the book, Deep-Sky Wonders, and get to know Walter Scott Houston. Let him inspire you with his timeless message to get out under the stars. Enjoy reading the book on cloudy nights, and use its lists on clear ones.

A superlative addition to the amateur astronomer's library.......2002-01-13

Deep Sky Wonders is a collection of issues spanning several decades of the late Walter Scott Houston's monthly column in Sky and Telescope magazine. The noted astronomer and author Stephen James O'Meara organized Houston's writings by subject matter and further by month of optimal viewing for better readability. O'Meara also only edited the text for consistency in a couple places, so it remains Houston's work. I think he did an excellent job in the compilation. A section on any given constellation or deep sky object may contain excerpts from many of Houston's articles, yet O'Meara managed to make the transitions seamless and got the flow right.

I read this book over about a month and it was a most enjoyable experience. Houston's writing is superb, which is not surprising considering he held degrees in English. Also, his love and enthusiasm for amateur astronomy comes through better than in any work I've read so far barring perhaps Burnham's wonderful Celestial Handbook. Houston knows the sky and was an active observer right up to his death in 1993.

Both beginning and veteran observers will enjoy using this work to plan observing sessions, to check what interesting or challenging objects are up during a session, or to read in a comfortable setting on a night of no observing. I plan to take this book with me on every observing session. Highly recommended!

A "must have" for any amateur astronomer!.......2000-04-19

Walter Scott "Scotty" Houston is a name many astronomers know well. Author of the Sky & Telescope Deep Sky Wonders column from 1946 until his death in December of 1993. He was a passionate amateur astronomer to the end of his long life. Houston's last column appeared in Sky & Telescope in July 1994 issue, and since that time, amateurs have had to scour back issues to excavate Houston's gold mine of observational knowledge. Enter Stephen James O'Meara. O'Meara has been on the staff of Sky & Telescope magazine since the late 70's, and was editor of Houston's column from 1990 until his death. O'Meara began the compilation by working with photocopies of the nearly 550 individual columns spanning Houston's career. He sorted, organized, and collated each of the works and produced a chapter for each month of the year, into which he inserted Houston's colorful prose, descriptive history, and observational commentary. O'Meara begins each section with some light annotation, but most of the words in this book are Houston's, and as a collection, they jell beautifully into a seasonal observer's guide that challenge Burnham's for the sheer elegance and depth of feeling that emanates from the pages. Upon receiving the book, I quickly turned my attention to a few of my favorite deep sky objects and marveled at the timelessness of Houston's descriptive prose. Before I knew it I had been reading for over an hour and could have spent several more lost in the beauty of Houston's finely knit web of description, quotes from other authorities, and the words of his readers. An example from his description of NGC2403, a little known but beautiful galaxy in Camelopardis:

"My 4-inch Clark refractor shows it as a lovely gem. I logged it as an "ocean of turbulence and detail" as seen with a 10-inch reflector under dark Kansas skies in the 1950's. In 1992 I saw it with a 20-inch telescope from the Florida Keys - a view that transformed it into a hurricane of cosmic chaos." (pp 28-29)

Book Description

From start to finish, Mann tracks the wonders of architecture, engineering, and construction that went into the creation of the tallest building in the world for the time. Fascinating profiles describe the individuals who dreamed of and built this architectural marvel. Archival photographs recreate the heady world of the steelworkers out on the girders, high above the city streets.

Wonders of the World series

The winner of numerous awards, this series is renowned for Elizabeth Mann's ability to convey adventure and excitement while revealing technical information in engaging and easily understood language. The illustrations are lavishly realistic and accurate in detail but do not ignore the human element. Outstanding in the genre, these books are sure to bring even the most indifferent young reader into the worlds of history, geography, and architecture.

"One of the ten best non-fiction series for young readers."
- Booklist

Customer Reviews:

A Winner!.......2004-07-29

Review By Robert Young, Lane ESD
www.lane.k12.or.us/bookreview

Part of the Wonders of the World Books series, this title tells the story of the creation of one of America's most enduring symbols: the Empire State Building. From the demolition of the Waldorf-Astoria in 1929 to the completion of the Empire State Building that took its place in 1931, the book clearly chronicles the events in the creation of the world's tallest building at the time. Large, color illustrations as well as historical black and white photographs add another dimension to the text. An excellent large-format book could have been made even better by adding interesting details in sidebars along the way. A winner!

Four Corners of the Sky: Creation Stories and Cosmologies from Around the World

Average customer rating:

I loved it
Disappointing and dull in spite of much promise

Four Corners of the Sky: Creation Stories and Cosmologies from Around the World
Steve Zeitlin
Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0805048162

Book Description

What is the universe? How did it get that way? Here are thought-provoking answers from throughout history and around the world.

"In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth." -King James Bible

"In the beginning, before men, before the Gods, all was chaos." -Greek myth

Folklorist Steve Zeitlin gives answers to the questions everyone asks about the nature of the universe: What is it? Where did it come from? Will it end? A picture of the universe is a cosmology, and every culture has its own. People build these stories from the world around them. The ancient Egyptians who saw the Nile flood yearly told stories of gods who rise, die, and are reborn. The Maori living on the wind and sea-battered island of New Zealand tell of sea, land, and sky gods in eternal combat.

Readers will discover the Iroquois who pictured the world on a turtle's back; the Southeast Asians who described the world as a flat disc held up by three elephants; even Genesis and the Big Bang theories are included. Zeitlin retells each myth, legend, folktale or theory as a story filled with wonder and imagination.

Now every child who tries to build a picture of the universe will see how he or she fits in the grand tradition of human thought and imagination.

Customer Reviews:

I loved it.......2002-07-10

I loved this book. I've seen so many different books on origin stories from around the world - there are dozens of them. This once is totally unique - it's about how different cultures picture the world. From the Maori, to the Egyptians, to the Desana Indians, the book explores the different visions of the universe that each culture has set forth in its myths and stories. There are even wonderful chapters on both medieval and modern science - even a chapter on Genesis. Most of the chapters are accompanied by myths and stories - all of them beautifully written. This book is perfect for a curious Middle School reader whose interest in the cosmos is just awakening - but it's great for all ages. It's one of my favorite books

Disappointing and dull in spite of much promise.......2001-06-24

Zeitlin fulfills his mission to compare the creation myths from many times and peoples, but he doesn't do it in an exciting or engaging manner. While each story builds on the next, the retellings themselves are a bit bland, and could have used a more drama. In spite of an impressive list of acknowledgements and sources (including Joseph Bruhac and E.C. Krupp, Edith Hamilton and Carl Sagan, and a nod to Joseph Campbell), Zeitlin is no storyteller.
The wide range of stories is impressive. Here the reader finds Genesis and the Talmud, theories of the first scientists and present day ones, and tales from India, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Chapter layout is consistent. Each chapter begins with "Imagine ..." inviting the reader to slip into the culture and beliefs of the origins of the tale. A one sentence abstract further sets the stage, and Zeitlin puts each tale into context before going on to relate the story. Each myth is given thoughtful consideration as to how it fits in with the others.
The illustrations by Chris Raschka are a bit disappointing. He made an effort to research each period and culture to render appropriate patterns and drawings, but like the text, the illustrations fall flat. Rectangles in shades of gray cover and confuse instead of illuminating. The graphics, many of which incorporate traditional patterns, would have made lovely borders instead of single page pictures. Color would have made the illustrations less static.
Too scholarly for children, and of little appeal to YA's, it is unclear for whom this book is intended. Zeitlin presents big ideas, big words, and some adult themes, but usually it is either younger children or college students who explore such folk tales and myths. The author is to be commended for promoting openmindedness, and for his ability to portray many different belief systems with respect. Perhaps this will fit into curriculum frameworks, be a jumping off point for teachers, or be useful to storytellers.

What and Where: The Sound of Wh (Wonder Books (Chanhassen, Minn.).)

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What and Where: The Sound of Wh (Wonder Books (Chanhassen, Minn.).)
Robert B. Noyed , and Cynthia Fitterer Klingel
Manufacturer: Child's World
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1567667295

Book Description

Simple text about the sky and repetition of the letters "wh" help readers learn how to use this sound.

The Florida Night Sky: A Guide to Observing from Dusk Til Dawn

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The Florida Night Sky: A Guide to Observing from Dusk Til Dawn
Elinor De Wire
Manufacturer: Pineapple Press (FL)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Curiosities & Wonders | Fun Facts | Reference | Subjects | Books

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Star-Gazing | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 156164238X

Book Description

The Florida night sky is a source of fascination, inspiration, and enjoyment—a marvelous, immense playground open to all. Whether your aim is a casual appreciation of the heavens, or a serious study of astronomy, the place to begin looking up is your own backyard. The Florida Night will get you started on a rewarding journey of cosmic discovery, beginning with how the known universe is organized and where Florida fits into the picture.

Book Description

Examining natural phenomena through the lens of ancient mythology and from the perspective of modern day science, this unique book encourages students to appreciate the magic in both myth and science. This twofold approach helps to clarify the commonality of all human experience with nature, across cultures and throughout time. Eight myths, each from a different cultural background, are accompanied by scientific explanations. By comparing the different explanations for such occurrences as comets, meteors, and eclipses, students will learn to appreciate the similarities in experiences of these phenomena, as well as the contrast between ancient and current comprehensions of the world. Grades 4-8. Helpful diagrams and engaging illustrations enhance student interest and understanding. Ideas for activities, projects, and field trips, along with lists of recommended bibliographies and Web sites, serve as springboards for further study. An invaluable resource for studies of science and ancient history, Wonders of the Sky provides a refreshing approach for students in school library, public library, and classroom settings. Grades 4-8

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