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.

The Circle: How The Power Of A Single Wish Can Change Your Life

Average customer rating:

One Focused Wish Can Change A Life
A life changing book
What "The Secret" Wishes it Was!
Wishes Come True Because of YOU
thought-provoking.... a catalyst for change

The Circle: How The Power Of A Single Wish Can Change Your Life
Laura Day
Manufacturer: Tarcher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1585421162

Book Description

"Intuition isn't mystical. It's a sort of background sense of how things should work; it's facts hidden in the brain. Intuition is logic. Laura Day guides you step by step through a systematic approach to getting in touch with this important faculty." (Dr. James Watson, Nobel Laureate and co-discoverer of DNA)

What if a single wish could change your life? It can-if you know how to use it to harness energy within and all around you that you never knew existed. This is the promise of Laura Day's The Circle.

The Circle shows readers how one carefully crafted wish can serve as a match to ignite potent and lasting transformation in their lives. Each of the book's three sections features exercises that lead readers to discover the hidden potential in themselves, in others, and in the surrounding universe. By the end of The Circle, readers will know how to use their own wishful thinking as a force for powerful change.

Customer Reviews:

One Focused Wish Can Change A Life.......2007-08-13

This little book is a gem! It is concise and direct to the point. In addition it is simple. Author Day has written this small book that far outshines The Secret and simplifies all the other 'get rich' books. Esoteric teachings and metaphysical teachings have been teaching this for eons. It takes a deep desire to change and in order to create a new reality, one must practice, practice, until the camera of the mind has the perfect picture. For wishes to come true, one must not allow doubt or fear creep in. Bettye Johnson, award-winning author, Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls.

A life changing book.......2007-07-26

Too often, books that promise life transformation say that if you change the way you think, your life will change. Many of us have tried that method and failed in the long run, thinking we were doing something wrong. This book reads easily, but contains within its pages a very practical, realistic and holistic approach to changing your life that goes above and beyond positive thinking and affirmations. As with anything, the process brings up your blocks, but what you learn and integrate along the way just enriches your life and makes life more joyful and fun. I heartily recommend this book for anyone seeking a heartfelt wish that they'd love to see come true. What I also love about this book is that there is a community that supports each other on the web([...]).

What "The Secret" Wishes it Was!.......2007-07-17

The Circle is life changing. It provides the "how to" missing from publications like "The Secret". This book is an easy read, but if the reader is willing to commit to the work -- WATCH OUT. Your life will never be the same.

Awesome.

Wishes Come True Because of YOU.......2007-03-16

One wish ... that is all you need ... to work your energy like a laser to make it come true. The Circle explains the phenomenon once considered magic or metaphysics. This is a book on what do you from the inside out to get out of your own way and recalibrate your system towards a chosen reality. When you subconcious and conscious mind blend together ... it creates the kind of focus you need to direct all your energy into the life you truly desire. No woo-woo, no wizardry, no magical thinking, just plain old intention, action, and healthy surrender.

thought-provoking.... a catalyst for change.......2007-03-05

When I knew it was time for change in my life, I began searching for ways to make those changes manifest. I needed to reconnect with my true self and find answers. This book assisted me in my process. It served as further enhancement to another book (Islands of the Soul: A Guide to Personal Truth and Happiness) that I read at about the same time. Sometimes we all need some gentle reminders as to the desires of the deepest part of ourselves.

A Thousand Days in Venice (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

Average customer rating:

Delightful
Fairytale for Grown-ups
An excellent read at all times
Fantastic, candid memoir!
Living The Good Life....

A Thousand Days in Venice (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
Marlena De Blasi
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0345457641
Release Date: 2003-06-03

Book Description

He saw her across the Piazza San Marco and fell in love from afar. When he sees her again in a Venice café a year later, he knows it is fate. He knows little English; and she, a divorced American chef, speaks only food-based Italian. Marlena thinks she is incapable of intimacy, that her heart has lost its capacity for romantic love. But within months of their first meeting, she has packed up her house in St. Louis to marry Fernando—“the stranger,” as she calls him—and live in that achingly lovely city in which they met.

Vibrant but vaguely baffled by this bold move, Marlena is overwhelmed by the sheer foreignness of her new home, its rituals and customs. But there are delicious moments when Venice opens up its arms to Marlena. She cooks an American feast of Mississippi caviar, cornbread, and fried onions for the locals . . . and takes the tango she learned in the Poughkeepsie middle school gym to a candlelit trattoría near the Rialto Bridge. All the while, she and Fernando, two disparate souls, build an extraordinary life of passion and possibility.

Featuring Marlena’s own incredible recipes, A Thousand Days in Venice is the enchanting true story of a woman who opens her heart—and falls in love with both a man and a city.

Customer Reviews:

Delightful.......2007-09-19

If you are looking for a wonderfully human story of pure delight, this is the book for you... It gives you a real flavor for one of the most romantic cities in Italy.... You can almost smell the food... and feel the puch of the tourists... She is steeped in the Italian experience...

Fairytale for Grown-ups.......2007-09-12

In a world of multitudes of choices, Marlena chose the road (or actually, waterway), less travelled. She fell in love with someone she barely knew and moved half way round the world in the process. She opted for the unexpected - an adventure. I chose Marlena's story as my "beach read" this summer and it was perfect. It's quick and light - fun! She didn't weigh her story down with complaints about how different we all are - she chose the language of love (and food) to find commonality - yet she still added charming stories that suggested how Italian lifestyle and priorities are a bit different from Americans. Instead or wondering "what if..." - she did it! What a brave soul!

An excellent read at all times.......2007-07-22

Reading De Blasi's story is like going to Venice in person. Love her comments on italian men and all her recipes that come with the book.

Fantastic, candid memoir!.......2007-06-19

I was really impressed by the author's honesty in chronicling her new life in Venice and the changes that came with her marriage. She didn't sugarcoat the bad parts and unlike others, I understood the narrative reason why she continued to call her husband "the stranger". Who has not gotten married and at one time or another thought, "Who is this? Did I marry this person?"
I loved her attention to detail of Venetian life and culture and the care in which she described the people she came in contact with. A truly enjoyable book from cover to cover...and some day I'll be brave enough to try the recipes in the back!

Living The Good Life...........2007-06-12

Blasi's little story of her whirlwind romance does not read conventionally, as a novel with readily discernible plotting and themes would. This is not to say the book is difficult, since it is not: the prose is clear and straightforward. However, "1000 days" is far more introspective than a typical armchair traveler read, and this makes it more about Blasi's inner life and the changes in attitude and values she experiences after deciding to change her circumstances.
I found it an extraordinarily thoughtful and intimate book, almost like reading a personal diary, and the embellishments of an exotic locale and gourmet recipes did not turn it into another cliched "life with the eccentric locals of generic popular place #4". Instead I found myself absorbed in Blasi and her choices. I will look for more by this author.

Average customer rating:

Excellent from start to finish
Good Book

The Circle of Life
Dr. Roger Aubrey
Manufacturer: Xulon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Lion & The Lamb

ASIN: 1602661855

Book Description

God designed you to live by faith. It's as natural and simple as breathing. This book uses the Bible to explain in everyday language how you can develop a lifestyle in which the four healthy habits of the Circle of Life together build your faith: Hearing God's Word Believing God's Word Speaking God's Word Doing God's Word The Circle of Life combines biblical truth with down to earth practical application, so that you will not only learn what the Bible teaches about faith but also be able to put its dynamic message into action in your life! Dr Roger Aubrey is part of the leadership team at All Nations Church in Cardiff, Wales. Roger was born and raised in the city and is a graduate of the University, holding PhD and Masters Degrees in Christian Theology. He became a Christian while in his teens and together with his wife Dianne has been part of All Nations since 1984. During that time they have both seen hundreds of lives transformed by the truth outlined in this book. Roger is also Principal of Covenant School of Ministries, School of the Word. He has an internationally recognized teaching ministry, which regularly takes him to various parts of the world, helping to build up the Church. Visit Roger at: www.rogeraubrey.com

Customer Reviews:

Excellent from start to finish.......2007-08-30

Roger Aubrey explains faith in such a natural, practical, and personal way. He gives the reader tools to see life from God's perspective and to trust Him completely. This book will help you to mature in faith, and get the most out of your life. A great read, straight to the point.

Good Book.......2007-07-19

Good book for anyone to read, not too long. Check it out along with The Lion and The Lamb.

Average customer rating:

Anxious For the Third Book, Yet Hate To See the Trilogy End...
An incredible novel, a must-read for all fans of fiction and magic!
rebel angels
Great YA read
Review for Rebel Angels

Rebel Angels (Readers Circle)
Libba Bray
Manufacturer: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385733410
Release Date: 2006-12-26

Amazon.com

In this sequel to the Victorian fantasy A Great and Terrible Beauty, Gemma continues to pursue her role as the one destined to bind the magic of the Realms and restore it to the Order--a mysterious group who have been overthrown by a rebellion. Gemma, Felicity and Ann, (her girlfriends at Spence Academy for Young Ladies), use magical power to transport themselves on visits from their corseted world to the visionary country of the Realms, with its strange beauty and menace. There they search for the lost Temple, the key to Gemma's mission, and comfort Pippa, their friend who has been left behind in the Realms. After these visits they bring back magical power for a short time to use in their own world. Meanwhile, Gemma is torn between her attraction to the exotic Kartik, the messenger from the opposing forces of the Rakshana, and the handsome but clueless Simon, a young man of good family who is courting her. The complicated plot thickens when Gemma discovers a woman in Bedlam madhouse who knows where to find the Temple; Ann shows signs of being enamored of Gemma's loutish brother Tom, and their father's addiction to laudanum lands him in an opium den. A large part of the enjoyment of this unusual fantasy comes from the Victorian milieu and its restrictive rules about the behavior of proper young ladies, as contrasted with the unimaginable possibilities of the Realms, where Gemma has power to confront gorgons and ghosts and the responsibility to save a world. (Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell

Book Description

Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy—spending time with her friends in the city, attending balls in fancy gowns with plunging necklines, and dallying with the handsome Lord Denby. Yet amid these distractions, her visions intensify—visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened that only the realms can explain.

The lure is strong, and soon Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world that Gemma takes them to. To the girls' great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship.

But all is not well in the realms—or out. Kartik is back, desperately insisting to Gemma that she must bind the magic, lest colossal disaster befall her. Gemma is willing to comply, for this would bring her face-to-face with her late mother's greatest friend, now Gemma's foe—Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task. . . .

This sumptuous companion to A Great and Terrible Beauty teems with Victorian thrills and chills that play out against the rich backdrop of 1895 London, a place of shadows and light . . . where inside great beauty can lie a rebel angel.

Customer Reviews:

Anxious For the Third Book, Yet Hate To See the Trilogy End..........2007-09-11

I am (by far) no longer a teenager, and I don't usually read YA books (just never really thought about it before). Further, I don't usually even read Fantasy--except that I have read the first 4 Harry Potter books, of course, because, at the time my son was reading them and he insisted that I read them too. And I admit that I thoroughly enjoyed them! HOWEVER, I must say that I absolutely enjoyed the first book of this trilogy, "Great and Terrible Beauty" even MORE!!! I then ran right out and bought the sequel, "Rebel Angels", and loved it just as much!! I have already told my husband and kids that I want the third book of the trilogy (The Sweet Far Thing) for Christmas (even though it's release date is set for AFTER Christmas--I simply suggested to them to pre-order it for me and make that my gift). I can't wait!

HERE'S SOME ANTICIPATED NEWS FOR FANS OF THIS TRILOGY: I just found out that the movie adaptation of "Great and Terrible Beauty" is in production (Mel Gibson productions), and is set for release sometime in 2008!!!

Unfortunately, as much as I hate to be a pessimist, I rather wonder if the movie could hold up to the book. In most cases, it seems that whenever books are made into movies, it's always lacking and often a disappointment. The book is always better, and I worry that such will be case here. One's own imagination is always better than the movie, and each of us visualize the books in our own unique ways. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if it can work on the big screen...

An incredible novel, a must-read for all fans of fiction and magic!.......2007-09-09

Libba Bray's novel Rebel Angels was a stunning sequel to her first book, A Great and Terrible Beauty. It was filled with suspense and mystery; once I set down to read it, it wouldn't let me go until the last page. Even at the end, it left me hungering for the next book, The Sweet Far Thing, which releases in December 2007.
The story begins with a prologue from the point of view of Kartik, a gypsy member of a group of questionable motives called the Rakshana and a love interest of the protagonist, Gemma. It is interesting insight on a character whose thoughts we didn't get to see in A Great and Terrible Beauty, and the reader gains clarity and insight into the Rakshana's inner workings. However, when chapter 1 comes, the focus is back on Gemma and her friends, now on Christmas holiday from their boarding school. Haunted by strange dreams, Gemma investigates and unlocks secrets about her mother, about her enemies, and about the strange dreamlike realms her friends and she travel to. The book switches between views of the realms and their real lives, where typical teenage problems occur such as romantic relationships, prejudice and its effects, and substance abuse.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Rebel Angels. Libba Bray transports the reader into Victorian times, an all girls boarding school, and mystical realms without losing a bit of credibility along the way. Her characters are believable, reacting to the situations in different but equally realistic ways. They are not perfect, all possessing unique flaws that make them more interesting to read about, but they are not so flawed that they cause the reader to dislike them. It is a thoroughly enthralling novel, and I suggest everyone who has read A Great and Terrible Beauty read the sequel.

rebel angels.......2007-09-08

"Rebel Angels" strongly continues the saga of Gemma Doyle, begun in "A Great & Terrible Beauty." In Bray's second installment, Gemma's friendships are tested, & the magic of the realms is given more shape. As in the first installment, "Rebel Angels" deals with social attitudes in the Victorian period, which is a great plus. The characters of Ann & Felicity are the main players in the social commentaries, & they end "Rebel Angels" with greater depth than before. Felicity, in particular, turns into a more sympathetic character.

In the way of magic, Gemma's task becomes more defined, something I greatly appreciated after feeling that the magic was too vague in "A Great & Terrible Beauty." This time, the story was truly suspenseful, & the ending was a great shocker. I'll surely buy "The Sweet Far Thing" in hardback.

Great YA read.......2007-07-16

Thought this one started a little slow but really picked up towards the end. I am looking forward to the sequel.

Review for Rebel Angels.......2007-07-14

Between a Great and Terrible Beauty and Rebel Angels, I'd have to say Rebel Angels so far is my favorite out of this series. Our favorite characters are brought back from the last novel and are just as wonderful and well developed as ever.
This novel is full of mystery and wonder and it certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end! The imagery and romance in this novel is also wonderful, and it definitely pulls you into another place and time.
I absolutely love this novel and I hope you all enjoy just as much as I have.

Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

Average customer rating:

Powerful social history
Informative in a roundabout way
Matriarch of a Powerful but Dysfunctional Family
Good book!
Eleanor of Aquitaine

Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
Alison Weir
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0345434870
Release Date: 2001-04-03

Amazon.com

Combining the pace and descriptive quality of a novel with the authority of a textbook, Alison Weir's study of the revered and reviled Eleanor of Aquitaine should be valuable to anyone with an interest in medieval European history. Wife of Louis VII of France and subsequently of Henry II of England, and mother of Richard "the Lion-Hearted," Eleanor played a prominent part in the politics of the 12th century. The author of a number of other books on the medieval period (Life of Elizabeth I, The Children of Henry VIII), Weir brings all the color and ever-present dangers of Eleanor's world to life, filling the text with absorbing background detail and revelatory contemporary anecdotes. She is concerned throughout to make critical analysis of the primary sources, the later myths about Eleanor, and other modern biographies. This results in a fresh and thoughtful perspective on the energetic life of a determined and ambitious woman living with the sexism, excesses, and violence of a society in which the word of a single man could condemn thousands to death. Eleanor of Aquitaine is a vivacious but scholarly book with extensive notes and references, giving an objective and rich account of the staunch Eleanor, her feuding family and her complex and unstable world. --Karen Tiley, Amazon.co.uk

Book Description

Renowned in her time for being the most beautiful woman in Europe, the wife of two kings and mother of three, Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the great heroines of the Middle Ages. At a time when women were regarded as little more than chattel, Eleanor managed to defy convention as she exercised power in the political sphere and crucial influence over her husbands and sons. In this beautifully written biography, Alison Weir paints a vibrant portrait of this truly exceptional woman, and provides new insights into her intimate world. Eleanor of Aquitaine lived a long life of many contrasts, of splendor and desolation, power and peril, and in this stunning narrative, Weir captures the woman— and the queen—in all her glory. With astonishing historic detail, mesmerizing pageantry, and irresistible accounts of royal scandal and intrigue, she recreates not only a remarkable personality but a magnificent past era.

Customer Reviews:

Powerful social history.......2007-06-13

Alison Weir has written a powerful social history of Eleanor's times. "Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life" presents an encyclopedic marshalling of facts. Few authors would think to include, say, Adelard of Bath, the "first English scientist," who had traveled widely in the Arab world, introduced the astrolabe to England and tutored young Henry a decade before the lad became King Henry II. Weir knows how to position Adelard and a hundred walk-on players like him in her flow of time and events. The bit parts are all present, and they fit.

Meanwhile Eleanor comes through as her own creature, able - (this is a rare quality in humans of either sex) - to substantially command her Fate in an adverse world. I just wish that Weir had integrated Eleanor, her character and her actions more thoroughly into the weave of the queen's several families and the social histories of her kingdoms and her courts. When Eleanor is present she commands the page, always recognizable, always strong, challenging the male social hierarchies of Church and state. That's as it should be; that's as it was. But too often Eleanor is absent. If only Weir had integrated her two distinct sets of ingredients, Eleanor's person, and Eleanor's world, more smoothly. They needed more time in the blender. Never mind. Weir has written an impressive book.

Robert Fripp, author of
"Power of a Woman. Memoirs of a turbulent life: Eleanor of Aquitaine"

Informative in a roundabout way.......2006-12-29

By reading the other reviews I thought that was going to be a very interesting book about an interesting woman in history; however, I am about half way through and am a little disappointed because there seems to be little talk about Eleanor and more about the surroundings and her husbands. Understandably if there is little information there is not much that you can say, but I would be more interested if it presupposed a little bit more and not cited so many other sources. I guess I wish it would have read more like a story instead of an academic book.

Matriarch of a Powerful but Dysfunctional Family.......2006-12-22

This is a very well researched narrative on the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Unlike other women of her era, she controlled property, was able to retain it and, therefore, was a participant in and not a bystander to events. The nuns of Fontevrault extol the "brilliance" of the "royal progeny" with which she "illuminated the world". There were no newspapers then, and being cloistered, they had only Eleanor's word on this. While she is the mother of 2 kings (3 if the "Younger King" counts), these sons are not exactly distinguished. They cannot inspire their nobles, they make war on each other and one of them essentially loses England's continental empire.

Weir doesn't speculate on the daily prodding Eleanor might have given her sons to make war on their father, but she presents evidence to demonstrate that she tried to temper their wars against each other. Her efforts on behalf of the kidnapped Richard are extraordinary. There is no record, but legend has it that she sought leniency for her imprisoned (by her son) grandson and other legends have it that she killed him.

I found it interesting how this family spends Christmas or Easter together... after and sometimes in the middle of all this drama. Another thing of interest in this family is the role of guilt. Henry II wears a hair shirt and orders himself lashed in the presence of witnesses including his family, Richard publically decries his unspeakable sins and Eleanor's writes the Pope that her sins have caused the troubles that have befallen Richard.

Eleanor was in no way an ornament or passive queen. She managed kingdoms and rode along on 2 Crusades. It appears she engineered her divorce from the King of France, an accomplishment in its own right (witness the trouble Henry VIII had in this regard) and maintained some sort of useful relations with him throught his life. She was imprisoned for 10(?) years, and came back without missing a beat.

Weir conveys all this, drawing a picture of the times, what they wore, what they ate, how they traveled, the appearance of the castles and how they were defended and much more.

Good book!.......2006-10-24

I must admit that before I found this book, I had NO idea who Eleanor was. However, shortly after completing this book, I knew enough about Eleanor & her sons that I was able to successfully answer Jeopardy! questions while watching from the comfort of my home. The author did a wonderful job of writing about her -- although the book was a bit slow at some points. I do recommend this book to any history lovers!

Eleanor of Aquitaine.......2006-09-30

This is by far the best biography I have yet read of Eleanor. Marion Meade's book does not answer many of the questions raised in her book or this one. This book answered many questions previously unanswered, and is backed up by documentary evidence. It is eminently readable, as are all of Alison Weir's books, and it is hard to put it down. It is solid, readable and reliable history. Highly to be recommended.

The Cirlces of Seven: Volumn 3 of Dragons in our Midst (Dragons in Our Midst)

Average customer rating:

ANOTHER GREAT THRILLING READ
Excellent Service
Easily the best book I have ever read.
The best book so far in an awesome series!
Great!

The Cirlces of Seven: Volumn 3 of Dragons in our Midst (Dragons in Our Midst)
Bryanm Davis
Manufacturer: CLW Communications/AMG
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0899571727

Book Description

Filled with action,danger, and suspense this book is sure to keep readers in their seats, following Billy and Bonnie to the exciting conclusion. This is the third saga in a four book series.

Customer Reviews:

ANOTHER GREAT THRILLING READ.......2007-07-14

This series just keeps on raising the bar. The book starts in high gear and never lets up. The final third of the book is just plain UNPUTDOWNABLE!!! Davis just piles on the tension and always is giving us more details about Dragons, Merlin, King Arthur and Excalibur. He very realistically adds to their Myths and makes it seem like this has been part of the Myths for all times. He is very creditable as he leads us along this fantastic journey! Adults who love the lure of Myths should give this series a try. They won't be disappointed.

Excellent Service.......2007-01-17

It took about three days for me to receive the book that I ordered from Amazon. And not only did it come in a timely fashion but it was in excellent condition. No surprises here and that's what I like to see. I would definately come back in the future, especially for the prices.

Easily the best book I have ever read........2006-06-06

Now, don't think. Do not pass go. Put this book directly into your shopping cart. The series of Dragons in our Midst is by far the best series that I have read, including the Harry Potter books(can't stand them now that I've seen six truly great books, the four in this series and the two Inheiretance books) And this is the best book in the series, by a single scale. This is definitely worth reading again and again and again. THIS BOOK AND SERIES TOTALLY OWNS!!! BUY IT!!!

The best book so far in an awesome series!.......2006-05-08

The Dragons In Our Midst series is one of the best series of bookks that ther are, and Circles of Seven is the best book so far. Dragons In Our Midst makes Harry Potter seem extremly flimsy and shallow. (Which is actually fairly true in any instance. JKR was overpaid.) Anyway, THIS IS AN AWESOME BOOK!
BUY IT!

Great!.......2006-05-05

Carrying on the series smoothly, CIRCLES OF SEVEN answers questions from the previous books and still leaves enough suspence to have readers on the edge of their seat, waiting until they get the next book in the series. Never start reading these books if you have a busy day ahead, and most certainly do NOT start them in the late evening! You'll want to finish it all, even on pain of not enough sleep.

Very enjoyable, the series continues to be a very clean, Christian oriented fantasy series that even non-religious readers may be able to enjoy wholeheartedly.

The Secret Handshake: Mastering the Politics of the Business Inner Circle

Average customer rating:

i borrowed it from the library, then listen to its cd's, and finally bought a copy to keep
Politics 101
Superb
Social skills count
A Brilliant Beginner's Guide to Politics

The Secret Handshake: Mastering the Politics of the Business Inner Circle
Kathleen Kelly Phd Reardon
Manufacturer: Currency
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385495285
Release Date: 2002-01-15

Book Description

In The Secret Handshake, top corporate consultant and USC management professor Kathleen Reardon explores and reveals the hidden rules on the ins and outs of corporate politics that you won’t find outlined in any employee handbook.
Based on hundreds of candid interviews with executives at Fortune 500 companies who have achieved their goals and joined the inner circle, The Secret Handshake lays bare the unstated conventions that govern and shape corporate hierarchies. Taking readers inside boardrooms to learn firsthand how the top decision-makers view and assess the employees under them, it offers invaluable advice on such career-building tactics and skills as getting noticed, networking, persuading others, knowing which battles to fight, and mastering the art of the quid pro quo. For all those who aspire to be part of the decision-making body of their organization, The Secret Handshake is the ultimate intelligence report on whom to trust and whom to watch out for, how to manage the inevitable conflicts that will arise, and how to read between the corporate lines.

Customer Reviews:

i borrowed it from the library, then listen to its cd's, and finally bought a copy to keep.......2006-01-18

This is a fantastic eye-opener. As a technically-competent guy, I am always puzzled that certain managers like me a lot, while others seem the other way. This book gives me the answers.

I read the book from library several times during my vacation; then listen to its CD's on my way commute; and finally decide to own a copy of the book to put onto my shelf.

Politics 101.......2005-09-27

As a career consultant, I'm always looking for books to recommend to clients and ezine readers. While we tend to assume corporate managers are all savvy, in fact many are surprisingly naive and we all can stand to learn more.

Secret Handshake is not as strong as Reardon's first book, They Don't Get It, Do They. The first book included novel and original ideas about a subject the author obviously cares about. But it's worth a quick read - not much more.

Reardon begins by categorizing both companies and employees in terms of their political styles. I'm always suspicious of profiles, but her ad hoc approach offers a face-saving way for people to say, "Hey, I'm just not political."

Overall this book includes useful perspectives, although some readers will not be impressed by the common sense reminders. Most corporate employees can figure out that one-upping the boss is bad timing. But some ideas (like he PURRR technique) will save some careers. The section on getting heavy-handed will be especially valuable.

And some will disagree with Reardon's interpretation of a situation. For instance, a young woman visits a recruiting booth while the company recruiter talks to Reardon. She politely excuses herself for interrupting and insists on leaving her resume. The young woman was interested in a sales job; in my opinion, her persistence should have been applauded!

I read this book after hearing Barbara Ehrenreich speak on her latest book, Bait and Switch. What a contrast! Ehrenreich questions everything that Reardon takes for granted. Reardon warns against "showing up the boss (p 59), while Ehrenreich would point out that stifling disagreement wouldn't be in the best interests of the company in the long run. Reardon accepts corporate values -- or at least implies, "Hey -- that's the way it is." I can just see Ehrenreich rolling her eyes and raising her eyebrows.

There are a couple of minor bloopers on pages 66-67. On page 67 is a reference to Daphne Merion - I think she means Daphne Merkin, a rather outspoken writer for the New Yorker.

And I question Reardon's version of the story behind Madeline Albright's nomination as Secretary of State. Reardon seems to suggest that Albright got the job in part because of her connections to Clinton. But other sources suggest that Clinton actually resisted naming Albright until he was pressured by female legislators. And in fact, some have questioned whether others were equally qualified.

But perhaps the biggest criticism of this book is that, although insights are valuable, it's..well, dull! We need more war stories and more anecdotes. The material has the potential to be as gripping as a novel -- and Reardon's first book (They Don't Get It Do They) managed to come across as much more reasonable.

Superb.......2005-09-22

Excellent writing. Tireless advise to those in psychology, business, education, or just plain living with people.

Social skills count.......2005-09-20

This book is more evidence that success in social relationships is important to career success and meeting your personal and professional goals. Reardon does a nice job of breaking down this otherwise complex and cloudy subject into digestable chunks, and throws in a few self-assessment quizzes to boot.

In the first part of book, she discusses the gradients of politics at work, which can be very helpful in allowing the reader to discover what type of political animal they are, and also shedding light on seemingly "crazy" behavior at work. It's validating to learn that there are more "pathologically political" organizations than the company you may have had the misfortune of working for.

More importantly, Reardon goes on to outline how honing your observation, interaction and acting skills can contribute to your ability to move up within an organization. She is right about the in-group, out-group dynamics of the workplace, but people in the out-group often make the mistaken assumption that the in-group has conspired to create the social, cultural and organization norms that exist, when, in fact, the in-group has usually just evolved in response to various social, organizational and business pressures and personalities.

The most important lesson of this book is the idea that observing and emulating leaders, leadership culture and political norms is of critical importance in finding your place at the top of the org chart. Immitation is not only the sincerest form of flatery, it also demonstrates, through your actions, that you believe in the company and its people.

A Brilliant Beginner's Guide to Politics.......2005-08-31

As a professional motivational speaker I recommend this book to my clients.

Dr Reardon's book is an excellent introduction to the topic of corporate politics. It takes you from the beginning and helps you to think like an Office Politician. Whether your goal is to merely survive at the office or if it's to advance to the very top. You'll find something valuable in this excellent well-researched resource.

I definitely recommend it!

In Everything Truth, Faith and Love
Destin

Fair and Tender Ladies (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

Average customer rating:

ONE OF THE BEST OF THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ramblings of an English major...
great read
Absolutely brilliant. Best book I've read in a long time.
Better than any history book

Fair and Tender Ladies (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
Lee Smith
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0345383990
Release Date: 1993-06-01

Book Description

"A TOUR DE FORCE"
- Los Angeles Times

"The story of Ivy Rowe, born near the turn of the century in the Virginia Mountain enclave of Sugar Fork, is told completely through letters that Ivy is forever writing family and friends...Lee Smith exhibits her own understanding and affection for the traditions of the Appalachians. She is at home with the down-home speech and ways of her characters. They come vividly to life, and none more so than Ivy, whose voice and heart and humor sustain Fair and Tender Ladies."
- Philadelphia Inquirer

"Because of Ivy's narrative ability and her zest for living, Fair and Tender Ladies opens for us like a flower with a gloriously unexpected center. There are unforgettable characters...Few readers will be dry-eyed as they watch this extraordinary woman disappear around that last bend in the road."
-Chicago Tribune

"These beautiful letters...display Ivy's soul up close, the way a just-caught firefly illuminates a jar. So real does she become that it is hard to believe that Ivy did not actually live to write her letters."
-USA Today

"This is about a moving a work of literature as has ever been written." ANNIE DILLARD

Customer Reviews:

ONE OF THE BEST OF THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-06-18

How I hated for this book to end! I LOVE Lee Smith's writings. She is truly one of THE BEST authors of our time. If you have not read her, PLEASE DO. She NEVER EVER disappoints.

This wondeful book is written in the form of letters by one Miss Ivy Rowe. The letters span the lifetime of Ivy. She LOVES to write letters and writes to friends, family, acquaintances. Ivy chronicles her entire life from a young teenager to her death (SOB!! -- yes, SOB!!) in these letters.

Ivy lives and dies in the Appalachian Mountain area. She lives through World Wars, ups and downs, feast and famine, good times, bad times, pain, sorrow, joy, happiness. Her letters tell all and tell all very, very well. You meet her family and friends all through her letters to various people. She is outspoken, kind, tough, sweet, loving, caring. Ivy's life was never easy, yet she handles every hurdle with common sense and humor.

At first it was a little slow going reading this book as her letters are written in true form of someone who lived in the early 1900's with very, very little education. However, Ivy is one of the lucky people who can read and write and loves to do both.

Her spunk, wit, and just IVY will make this one of your favorite books of all time. I loved the format of the book, it is different than any other book I have ever read. I know this is one book that I will not soon forget. Ms. Lee Smith has the outstanding talent of making her characters so life-like and totally people you believe in. How sad I was when this wonderful tale ended. This book also contained much history of our country and I believe I learned a great deal -- in a fun and interesting way -- about our country's colorful history.

Do yourself a favor and read this book and then read all of the other treasures that Ms. Smith has waiting for you. You will not be sorry.

Thanks!

Pam

Ramblings of an English major..........2007-04-02

_Fair and Tender Ladies_ tells the secrets of the soul of Appalachia. Tracing the life of Ivy Rowe from youth to old age through her letters, the book is an Appalachian masterpiece. Ms. Smith was supposedly inspired to write this book after coming across a bundle of letters at a yard sale. She claims not to have read the letters (after all, they were private!), but she felt a story like this should be told.
Here, Lee Smith tells the story of Ivy Rowe, rural Appalachia, the impact big business coal mining, love, hope, and life. If you know nothing of Appalachia, let this be your introduction. If you live there, let it be your celebration. If you are alive, let this story draw you along, softly whispering the story of your own humanity to you--one letter at a time.

great read.......2007-02-25

Our book club read this book and everyone loved it. We discussed it for 2 hours. I would highly recommend it.

Absolutely brilliant. Best book I've read in a long time........2006-07-19

Fair and Tender Ladies tells the lifelong story of Ivy Rowe, a woman growing up and growing old in Appalachian Virginia. The story is told totally through a long series of letters she writs to family, friends, lovers and acquaintances.

Ivy's life is one of abject poverty and hardship. Most of her siblings dies young. Her father is disabled through the majority of the book, Her mother is a tormented and exploited soul. Ivy has several chances to escape all this but the pull of place and family keeps her firmly entrenched where she is.

This out to be a thoroughly depressing book--instead it is a truly inspiring book. For, though objectively a person with virtually nothing, Ivy sees herself as uniquely blessed. The life force that carries her into old age is one that sees the glass perpetually as half full--her hardships are, to her eyes, less threatening and frightening than those she sees around her. She is essentially saved several times by people she dos not know or whom she has previously rejected. Though she is often exploited she does not allow those experiences to harden her heart.

This is not to say Ivy is soft or naive. She merely sees hard times as the burden of life and chooses to write her letters to make sense of it all where she can and merely record it if she can't.

I would have thought the letter format would wear after a while. It did not. It in fact created a sense of intimacy that enhanced the reading experience.

All in all, this is one of the best books I read in years. I was thoroughly enchanted throughout. I can only rejoice in the large body of work that lee Smith has for me to work through. If her other efforts are even a fraction as good as this book, I have a lot of great reading ahead of me.

Better than any history book.......2006-02-01

FAIR AND TENDER LADIES chronicles the life of IVY, written in letters spanning the decades of her life,(beginning as a small child) to her various loved ones. They are written in Appalachian dialect and sometimes, I had to read it again to make certain I got the meaning. After awhile however, your eye and your ear get in synch and it's much easier.

The book paints a portrait (a very accurate portrait) of life in rural West Virginia. It could have as easily been in Kentucky.

The mettle of this wonderfully human woman keeps her afloat. It's is ironic, funny, tender and engrossing; most of all totally believable..

The Circle Of Life: The Heart's Journey Through The Seasons

Average customer rating:

A real heart's journey.
Overkill
Prayer
A positive Catholic look
Wicca Watch!

The Circle Of Life: The Heart's Journey Through The Seasons
Joyce Rupp , and Macrina Wiederkehr
Manufacturer: Sorin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1893732827

Customer Reviews:

A real heart's journey........2007-01-10

This book is so very special. It is definitely a wonderful companion prayer book for those who want to be in harmony with all of the elements of creation.

Overkill.......2006-01-25

I was pretty disappointed with this book. I guess I went in with high expectations. In the beginning of the book, I thought it might be worthwhile, but as I read on.......the repetitive nature of the book got old very fast. The book could have gotten its message across with a lot less pages. I found the ceremonies that they had in there useless....I hope they don't recommend this book for someone that is lonely. I think the authors idea for the book was a good one, but the execution of their idea didn't deliver in print.

Prayer .......2006-01-15

I like the concept of viewing life and prayer through the four seasons. I like how the prayers can be used as an individual prays or for group prayer. The words speak to the heart when one does not have the words within. It encourages one to be aware of the presence of God in the day to day ordinary. Simple and direct yet challenging one to move from the head to the heart and be conscious of the movement of prayer. Helps to open our eyes and see life differently. A great addition and help especially when planning for prayer for groups.

A positive Catholic look .......2005-11-27

If you are looking for a stern, in-your-face, pre-Vatican ll book on religion, this is not it! What you will find is a beautiful spiritual companian written by two wise and sensitive nuns and gorgeously illustrated by another talented sister. This is a healing book for many, especially those who feel their Catholic faith has let them down at some point in their life. I think this would also be great for anyone who embraces Waldorf- style education or parenting. I absolutely loved it!!!!!!

Wicca Watch!.......2005-11-18

If you remain at all confused as to the nature of this book, simply try google-ing the names of the authors. We find here a trend in the Wiccan religious tradition being written by purportedly Catholic nuns. Here is a quote by Wiederkehr in one of her other books, "God is Someone who has taken the time to sit on a quilt with me waiting for beauty. She is a Mother of Presence." -- Yes, you heard right, God is a woman; does that make Jesus a woman too? It's all so confusing. Buyer beware! This isn't the placid book it claims to be about happy, let's-hold-hands-in-the-sunshine banal spirituality, it is a quiet indoctrination into Wicca.

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