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.

40 Days and 40 Nights: Darwin, Intelligent Design, God, OxyContin®, and Other Oddities on Trial in Pennsylvania

Average customer rating:

A Declaration of War
Fascinating Trial; Mediocre Account
21St CENTURY SCOPES TRIAL: DARWIN: 40 INTELLIGENT DESIGN: 0 (ID STRIKES OUT)
Don't Judge This Book By Its Cover
Like a box of chocolates: tasty, and with lots of nuts

40 Days and 40 Nights: Darwin, Intelligent Design, God, OxyContin®, and Other Oddities on Trial in Pennsylvania
Matthew Chapman
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Educational Law & Legislation | Specialties | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Curricula | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Science & Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Look Inside History Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Religion & Spirituality Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0061179450
Release Date: 2007-04-10

Book Description

In this fascinating story of evolution, religion, politics, and personalities, Matthew Chapman captures the story behind the headlines in the debate over God and science in America

In Kitzmiller v. Dover Board of Education, decided in late 2005, a Republican judge rendered a surprising verdict in a case that pitted the teaching of intelligent design (sometimes known as "creationism in a lab coat") against the teaching of evolution. Taking place in a small Pennsylvania school district, the case had national repercussions, all the way up to President Bush, who said he believed intelligent design should be taught as "an alternative theory" to evolution.

Matthew Chapman, the great-great-grandson of Charles Darwin, spent several months covering the trial from beginning to end. Through his in-depth encounters with the participants—creationists, preachers, teachers, scientists on both sides of the issue, lawyers, theologians, the judge, and the eleven parents who resisted the fundamentalist proponents of intelligent design—Chapman tells a sometimes terrifying, often hilarious, and above all moving story of ordinary people doing battle in America over the place of religion and science in modern life.

Written with a filmaker's eye for character and detail, and including insights only a descendent of Darwin could bring forth, Chapman paints an entertaining, yet disturbing picture of America today.

Customer Reviews:

A Declaration of War.......2007-08-28

I like to think of Forty Days and Forty Nights as the first salvo of a battle to take our country back from the evangelicals who have intimidated our elected officials into ritualistic declarations of faith and foolish legislation. Matthew Chapman tells how ordinary people in a small Pennsylvania town stood up courageously to the faithbound who tried to insert their brand of religious creationism into public education. These ordinary citizens risked their reputations and in some cases their livelihoods to preserve the constitutional wall between Church and State. By following the citizens' litigation opposing the local school board's purchase for use in classroom biology of a textbook espousing "intelligent design" as an alternative to the teaching of evolution, Chapman uses the recorded testimony of the combatants to expose the "inanity" (the judge's final word) of the school board's case. The lesson is clear: only such fearless opposition can break the hold which the evangelicals have gained in our country over public policy.

Fascinating Trial; Mediocre Account.......2007-08-06

Chapman's account of the issues and personalities that shaped the famed Kitzmiller v. Dover case in Pennsylvania is a truly entertaining read. There's so much great material here that one can't help but be fascinated by the trial transcripts, interviews, and examples of Intelligent Design (ID) "literature" that Chapman includes here.

In particular, Chapman does a fine job of illustrating the contrasting personalities that made up the school board which introduced ID to Dover-area public schools. Without editorializing too much, Chapman shows how the board did the public a disservice by letting their religious views blind their commitment to the education of an increasingly lethargic student body. It's sad to hear how Dover-area kids were let down by a cohort of fundamentalists who, as the trial proceedings demonstrate, actually had very little to no knowledge of what constitutes evolution and what constitutes ID (much less what the scientific method is all about). So as the board was busy legislating religion in Dover, students were tuning out amidst a crumbling school infrastructure and an uninspiring curriculum. That's the most unfortunate aspect of this tale.

For me, the problem with this book is simple: there's so much great material to work with here, but Chapman is a mediocre storyteller at best. There are long sections of the book where he quotes from transcripts or interviews without any narrative insight. He describes at least six or seven of the trial participants as "good-looking." His tone alternates between flippant and cavalier -- rarely sensitive to detail and nuance. His account of the trial's finale is reduced to saying, "You've heard this before, so I'll only quote this part of X's closing statement..." And the conclusion to his narrative, "Revelation," puts forth a bizarre rant that attempts to link the rise of religious fundamentalism in America with the demise of the so-called Protestant work ethic.

I wish Chapman had engaged the trial -- the issues and the personalities -- with more tact and intelligence. This is a fun read, but it's too much "wink wink, nudge nudge" and not enough well-rounded description and analysis. For a far better account of this trial, see Margaret Talbot's article in The New Yorker, which appeared just after the trial's completion.

21St CENTURY SCOPES TRIAL: DARWIN: 40 INTELLIGENT DESIGN: 0 (ID STRIKES OUT) .......2007-07-31

Not since early Hunter S. Thompson or Tom Wolfe have I had as much fun reading a witty, provocative piece of journalistic writing as I've had in screenwriter Matthew Chapman's "40 Days and 40 Nights: Darwin, Intelligent Design, GOD, OxyContin AND OTHER Oddities ON TRIAL IN Pennsylvania". It's an enthralling, often humorous tome, that owes more to the mordant humor of Frank McCourt, in his bestselling memoirs "Angela's Ashes" and "Teacher Man", than it does to the rather dry, but never dull, prose of Chapman's great-great-grandfather, Charles Darwin, in his scientific classic, "Origin of Species". In the fall of 2005, Chapman attended the Kitzmiller vs. Dover Area School District Trial, as an accredited journalist and filmmaker, intent on making a documentary film on the trial, the town and its people. However, this would soon become a personal trek of self-reflection and discovery, in which he would make a most remarkable conclusion on the teaching of creationism in science classrooms. A trek which took him back to Dover, PA often, holding substantive conversations with the key players on both sides of the issue. And while Chapman truly strives for a cinematic narrative, fading in and out between brief discussions of the 20th Century Scopes Trial, the Discovery Institute, and his illustrious ancestor's revolutionary scientific research, the book's emphasis remains focused upon himself and his conversations with the people of Dover. So those in search of an extensive, truly profound, overview of the trial's origins and history might be best served elsewhere, most notably by reading Edward Humes' definitive, well-written account of the trial in his book "Monkey Girl: Evolution, Education, Religion, and the Battle for America's Soul", but they would miss much of the personal drama that Chapman has vividly recorded, using his prose as though it was his video camera lens, exquisitely recording all of the detail present.

Chapman's narrative is more linear in focus than Humes' comprehensive account, and adheres more closely to a chronological perspective. One that starts with the Dover Area School District board's decision in the fall of 2004 to teach Intelligent Design alongside evolution, unexpectedly starting a civil war within the town itself, led by the ardent Fundamentalist Christians on the board, against those in the Dover community who were appalled by the board's decision. Among the most sympathetic figures is unexpectedly the board's firebrand, Bill Buckingham, who ruefully admits to Chapman that he's addicted to the painkiller OxyContin, and blames it, not himself, for some of his most outlandish comments, at the board's meetings, that were reported accurately by the local press. Chapman's truly moving, poignant portrayal of him strongly hints that he is, indeed, a lost soul afflicted by drug addiction. It is through moving portraits like those of Buckingham, and his arch-nemesis, former board member Barrie Callahan, that we get a strong sense of the political and religious strife which embroiled the people of Dover for more than a year, beginning in the summer of 2004, when the board left the Dover High School science teachers twisting in the wind, simply because Buckingham had objected to the teaching of "Darwinism" - and that mentioned only briefly - in the newest edition of a popular high school textbook co-authored by Brown University cell biologist Kenneth R. Miller, who, himself, is the subject of a sympathetic portrayal by Chapman in which he explains the rationale for science's faithful adherence against "dealing with issues of meaning or purpose" during his court testimony.

However, it isn't Kenneth R. Miller who emerges as the hero of Chapman's vividly told tale. Instead, the honors rest upon the attorneys for the plaintiffs, most notably, lead attorney Eric Rothschild, and, quite unexpectedly, philosopher of science Barbara Forrest. Rothschild is depicted as a most congenial, yet still quite, astute, legal warrior in the courtroom, who is able to pry gently from leading Intelligent Design advocate - and star defense witness - Lehigh University biochemist Michael Behe a surprising admission that astrology could be viewed as scientific, based on Behe's own broad definition of what science is, one that includes the potential study of supernatural phenomena; a definition which runs counter to the one subscribed to by the National Academy of Sciences and mainstream science: a rational enterprise that is completely divorced from the supernatural realm (During this memorable "duel" of a cross-examination between Rothschild and Behe, Chapman observes Behe "smiling defiantly" as Rothschild reads the infamous disclaimer posted on the website of Lehigh University biological sciences department acknowledging evolution's scientific validity, but noting too Behe's academic freedom to pursue "research" on Intelligent Design. He draws the conclusion that Behe feels intense pain from this rejection by his own departmental colleagues.). Chapman demonstrates why philosopher Barbara Forrest may have been the plaintiffs' most effective witness. Led on by attorney Rothschild, she begins her testimony with an elegant overview of the history of the creationism, especially during the last two decades of the 20th Century, emphasizing the origins and early history of the "Intelligent Design" movement. And then she reveals the pivotal "smoking gun" in an accurate, yet dramatic fashion, documenting the text changes made in the early drafts of the Intelligent Design textbook "Of Pandas and People", noting the ample instances in which "creation" was substituted with "design", not scores of times, but at least more than one hundred different instances in the text itself. Later, she ends her testimony in a memorably tedious cross-examination by lead defense attorney Richard Thompson that drags on for nearly a day and a half.

Chapman concludes "40 Days and 40 Nights" on a most idiosyncratic, personal note, and one that he has alluded to ever since the very first page of his memoir. He contends that we should allow creationism into the science classroom, so that it can be "dissected", in much the same fashion as it was during the Kitzmiller vs. Dover Area School District trial, by allowing teachers to "explore the limitations of faith through the revelatory methods of science", and resulting in "verdicts" identical to Republican Federal Judge Jones' conclusion that Intelligent Design wasn't scientific. Emotionally, it is a sentiment that I found myself quite unexpectedly, at first, to be in complete agreement. However, on second thought, I concur with Ken Miller's observation that introducing Intelligent Design into science classrooms would be a "science stopper". It would conflate most students' understanding of what exactly is the difference between religious faith and science, though I suppose that some truly gifted students, like those attending prominent American high schools such as Alexandria, Virginia's Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, and New York City's Bronx High School of Science and Stuyvesant High School, might readily understand and appreciate these distinctions. And yet I am inclined to agree more with the harsh view articulated by distinguished British paleontologist Richard Fortey in his essay published in the January 30, 2007 issue of the British newspaper Telegraph, contending that it is an absolute waste of time arguing with Intelligent Design advocates, and that they ought to be dismissed as "IDiots"; by extension, so would be the teaching of Intelligent Design alongside evolution in a science classroom. I would rather see talented students from Thomas Jefferson, Bronx Science and Stuyvesant engage themselves fruitfully in genuine scientific research of the highest caliber, than in trying to understand the metaphysical, religious nonsense known as Intelligent Design and other flavors of creationism. I think, in hindsight, so would Charles Darwin.

Don't Judge This Book By Its Cover.......2007-07-26

Alas, Darwin's great-grandson has not been well served by his publisher. Athough Chapman's description of the dramatis personae of the Kitzmiller v. Dover trial is both engaging and illuminating, the book's presentation suffers from a lack of attention by its publisher and/or editor.

The cover itself seems to advertize a work of pulp fiction, not an entertaining account of a trial with historic implications. It's reference to " . . . Oxycontin, and Other Oddities on Trial in Pennsylvania" is not only false, but unnecessary; the actual content of the book would be its best advertisement.

Another reviewer has commented on the hilariously unflattering photo of the author, which implies that the publisher does not take this book seriously. And a firmer editorial hand might have spared us such phrases as the Center for Thought and Ethics having provided certain documents "thoughtfully and ethically," and a book with a panda on the cover being referred to as "unbearable."

Apart from the general cutesiness of the author's attempts at puns, the account of the trial and its aftermath make for entertaining and informative reading.

But the final chapter, in which Chapman argues that Intelligent Design should be taught in schools so that its falsity can be demonstrated is tedious. Worse, Chapman apparently fails to appreciate the irony: he is, in essence, arguing FOR the first step of the "wedge strategy" advocated by the Discovery Institute, that is, to "Teach the Controversy," thus elevating "Intelligent Design" to a level apparently competitive with evolution. Given Chapman's obvious viewpoint expressed in the book, his failure to appreciate the implications of his final disquisition is disappointing. Not to mention that demonstrating the falsity of Intelligent Design in athe classroom might well run afoul of the Establishment clause of the Constitution.

40 Days and 40 Nights has the appearance of having been rushed into print with little attention to serious editing. The publisher should be embarrassed.

Like a box of chocolates: tasty, and with lots of nuts.......2007-07-05

This book is about the famous Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School Board case.

The school board, controlled by science-illiterate, religious fanatics and following the advice of other, science-illiterate, religious fanatics at the Thomas More Law Center, overruled Dover High's own science faculty and forced through a policy mandating that the freshman biology course include a statement that misrepresented and criticized evolutionary theory and provided information about an untested creationist alternative called "intelligent design." (Intelligent design is a "scientific" theory whose primary advocates are yet another bunch of religious kooks at the Discovery Institute.)

After the school board passed that policy, several parents sued, alleging that the policy violated the First Amendment's provision regarding separation of church and state. After a full trial, the court eventually ruled that, duh, ID was a religious theory and had no place in science class.

The book has three main ingredients. The trial itself serves as the unifying theme for the book, so the first ingredient, of course, is a description of the courtroom action, including very brief summaries of some of the testimony of the experts for both plaintiffs and defendants on the main points of the trial. Chapman does comment on some of the technical aspects of the trial, but only occasionally and very briefly. In general there is very little analysis of the merits of the scientific, legal, or philosophical arguments that both sides presented, so if you're looking for detailed information about those issues, you may want to look elsewhere.

The second ingredient is a brief summary chapter in which Chapman argues in favor of teaching creationism/ID in science classes.

The book's third and most important ingredient is the "human interest" or background stories about many of the characters on both sides of the tragicomedy of the trial; and it is this ingredient that makes the book such a tasty read. The anecdotes and revealing glimpses into the personalities, backgrounds, and motivations of the main actors are generally presented with warmth, sensitivity, and, frequently, with a great deal of humor. Many of the anecdotes were downright hilarious. Unfortunately, several anecdotes were of a more disturbing nature.

The anecdotes revealing the dishonesty of the board members and the hypocrisy of the Thomas More Law Center will probably not be surprising to anyone who has followed the evo/crevo dispute in any detail, but the reports about the school board's arrogant, religious bigotry may be shocking simply for how open and public it was. The cowardice of the Discovery Institute's William Dembski and Stephen Meyer in failing to testify was also interesting, and Dick Carpenter's unexplained disappearance was simply mystifying. (Carpenter is associated with Focus on the Family, another group of religious cranks.) Other anecdotes report on the school board members' appalling lack of intellectual curiosity about the changes they were making to the science curriculum. That will probably not surprise anyone who has followed the dispute in any detail either, since many of the pro-ID statements from school officials in Kansas a couple of years ago were just as appallingly ignorant. The vicious hate mail and personal attacks that the plaintiffs and their school-age children endured show once again that freedom isn't free. In sharp contrast to Dembski's and Meyer's cowardice, the plaintiffs showed a lot of courage in standing up to the religious bullies on the school board and in the local pulpits. If the Christian God is indeed a God of love, then some of those clergymen are going to have to answer some day for their hateful actions and comments.

Again, if you're looking for detailed, technical analyses of any part of the evo/crevo debate or a formal, historical treatment of the trial, this book is probably not going to satisfy you, but the human interest stories in this book are truly a feast.

P.S. Even if you don't buy the book, at least take a look at the inside jacket cover. The picture of Chapman is hilarious.

Average customer rating:

I love this game.
A Necessity
Laws of the Night Revised and Revised again.
Vampire Live, 3rd edition
The Laws by Which we Play

Laws of the Night (Mind's Eye Theatre)
Jason Carl , Jess Heinig , Peter Woodworth , and Richard E. Dansky
Manufacturer: White Wolf Games Studio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Vampire | Gaming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Horror Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1565045890

Customer Reviews:

I love this game........2005-09-14

This is my primary sourcebook for the game because it is concise and easy to use, and a load of fun!

A Necessity.......2003-05-27

Laws of the Night contains just about everything you need to run or play in a Vampire LARP. I say "just about" because the number of contradictions and vaguaries make house rules a necessity. However, if you're a creative soul, I've found that this is really the only book that you truly need. If you're prepared to deal with situations that the rules don't cover and are capable of covering interpretations of the book's many contradictions, then you'll be fine.

It's fairly well-written and not too hard to reference. The photographs for the book leave a good deal to be desired. The models and scenes are corny and are a great source of amusement, but do little to contribute to the feel of the game.

If you're interested in LARPing, then pick it up. The mechanics are useful to know and can cover a wide number of games, not just Vampire. However, if like me you collect roleplaying games as interesting reads I'd pass it by.

Laws of the Night Revised and Revised again........2002-04-30

Those of us with a long history in the live-action roleplaying genre remember the days of "Masquerade." I myself own every version of every Mind'e Eye Theatre product published, and one can easily see this book's vast improvement over the original game. The disciplines are certainly much improved, and a good stab was taken at Mob Challenges.
However, I feel the need to point out a few problems with the book. More than afew exist, but I'll get back to that.
Firstly, Storytellers and players should make perfectly clear which rules they'll be following. Make notes of specific pages, as the book is ridden with contradictions.
Secondly, rules vagaries still exist everywhere. As though contradiction wasn't bad enough, the rules thoroughly fail to cover even the most likely permutations. While White Wolf has a long history of "purposeful vagary," this might sometimes be qualified as sheer laziness.
Lastly, it should be pointed out that while the rules allow characters to be much more powerful overall, this is totally untrue in crossover games. The new Laws of the Hunt Revised allows mortals to out-Trait 11th Generation Kindred. Think about it for a minute.

In summation, this is an excellent book, but I must suggest that anyone running a game using it make very clear which rules and permutations you're using, and allow players access to your notes on Discipline use. My organization produced four pages of vampire system specific rules modifications and additions as well as a 53 page rule book covering the basic systems like Abilities, damage and Merits & Flaws. While this may not be a requirement of your game, some notation is almost certainly needed in any environment.

NOTE (circa 2005)

Alas, White Wolf has decided to pare down their offerings as their user base has sharply declined. In so doing, they made this book, and all others of this generation obsolete. They will not, of course, be supported in any fashion. As with all things, the World of Darkness declines.

Vampire Live, 3rd edition.......2001-05-14

This is the new edition for minds eye theatre covering vampires in the world of darkness. A must for any vampire fan or live roleplayer, since it contains the core rules for play and all the information needed to set up or play in a game. For experianced players, the system has been revised and while broadly similar to previous editions, the changes made have been heralded as improvements over the faults in the 2nd edition rules. In brief, the best larp system's newest edition, which is an all round improvement on previous editions. Essential.

The Laws by Which we Play.......2000-11-28

If you like V:tM and you haven't bought this book yet, hie thee to a bookseller (or click somewhere around here) and buy this.

The LotN 3rd ed are a huge improvement over 2nd ed vampire. These rules make running or playing in a LARP easy and fun.

Customer Reviews:

Its groovy baby.......2003-02-19

umm.. I like it. it will make dwiggit happy.

A revised version is available.......1999-11-11

It should be noted that there is a revised edition of this book (September 1999, by Jason Carl). There seem to be some fairly significant changes, so if you are looking for a manual to explain the rules of an existing LARP, find out which edition they are using before you make your purchase.

VERY INFORMATIVE AND MADE THE GAME EASIER.......1999-08-16

I STARTED PLAYING THE GAMES 3 WEEKS AGO I GOT THE BOOK 1 WEEK AGO IT MADE PLAYING THE GAME A LOT MORE FUN AND I KNEW WHAT I WAS DOING.

A quick reference for any LARP gamer.......1999-08-02

I loved this book, it's the perfect reference for any gamer. It is very complete but still stays concise. You can find the answer to almost any question in a matter of seconds. It is easy to carry over and insures the fluidity of the game.

Oh so nice with sugar and spice.......1999-06-21

This book is great for those Children of The night who are bored of "sit-down" role-playing. With this book you get everything you need, from merits and flaws to info on bloodlines! This book is set up well for new and old players alike who want to get into LARPing (live-action role-playing) I give it two thumbs up!

Average customer rating:

Hansen continues to write the best mystery thrillers.
Night Laws
Another Rocky Mountain High
Edge-of-your-chair thrilling, chilling story
Good, Gritty Thriller

Night Laws
Jim Michael Hansen
Manufacturer: Dark Sky Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Mystery & Thriller Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0976924307
Release Date: 2006-01-20

Book Description

Night Laws is the debut book in the much acclaimed Laws series written by Colorado attorney Jim Michael Hansen. The Laws books are hard-edged, fast-paced thrillers featuring Denver detective Bryson Coventry and his female African American partner, Shalifa Netherwood, who does her best to keep Coventry out of trouble.

The Laws books are being released in the following order: Night Laws (ISBN 0976924307, March 2006), Shadow Laws (ISBN 097692434X, October 2006), Fatal Laws (ISBN 9780976924364, 1st Q 2007) and Deadly Laws (ISBN 9780976924333, mid-2007). More Laws books will then follow.

Customer Reviews:

Hansen continues to write the best mystery thrillers........2007-09-16

You'll be glad to know that Bryson Coventry is at it again, only this time he has two bodies to contend with. This maniac doesn't just kill; he tortures and brutally murders them. As usual, Coventry gets involved with one of the suspects, Tianca. Bless his heart, he just can't help it.
One of the victims is a close friend of Haley Wilde, a lawyer with the ink still wet on her diploma but she's determined to find the killer and almost gets killed in the process. The solution is totally unexpected and that's just what you get when you read one of Hansen's books.

Night Laws.......2007-08-31

Beware following Bryson Coventry into places where he will be questioning witnesses and suspects about murders that occur in his jurisdiction. You'll follow him right into danger.

A riveting tale of murder and mahem that will have you staying up late to see how the murder of a young woman leads to other murders and kidnappings. You'll just have to know what the secret is that lawyer Kelly Parks withheld from Coventry when questioned about a strange phone call made to her number on the phone of the victim after she was murdered.

What involvement does Kelly's boss have in this investigation of a serial killer who is using horrible methods to kill young women. Will Coventry be in time to save the latest victim? Do the victims have a common factor that marks them for the killer? These are some of the questions you'll just have to know the answers to.

Highly recommended as a book you won't be able to put down. A delightfully macabre tale by talented Jim Michael Hanson with well-drawn, lifelike characters who move the plot along. Lots of action, lots of suspense. Enjoy. I sure did.

Another Rocky Mountain High.......2007-05-10

NIGHT LAWS by Jim Michael Hansen. Kelly Parks is an attorney at Denver's largest law firm where she is warned by a vicious killer tht she is his next target.It is up to Denver homicide detective Bryson Coventry to find out why Parks is a target and exactly what secrets her firm is concealing. Parks realizes she must learn the truth to save her life and to satisfy herself about her possible unwitting participation in a murder. Action in some ways is reminiscent of Grisham's The Firm, i.e., powerful law firm above the law. Talk about a Rocky Mountain high.

Edge-of-your-chair thrilling, chilling story.......2007-05-09

Bryson Coventry is a Denver homicide detective hot on the trail of a maniacal serial killer. Kelly Parks is an attorney who received an anonymous telephone call following the vicious murder of a woman. Parks had only one contact with her a year earlier--at a dark and isolated gas station.

Coventry is determined to find the murderer and to find the connection between Parks and the victim. Parks is determined to keep her connection from Coventry because it could end her legal career and bring down her mentor and the large, prestigious law firm she works for.

Now, another woman, connected to the isolated gas station, is missing. Coventry's quest to save her and solve other disappearances is complicated by his interest in Parks. Parks is determined to find answers to save her career and perhaps her own life. She only hopes she didn't unwittingly participate in a murder.

Hansen has written a fast-paced and compelling novel that is packed with twists and turns, keeping the reader on the 'edge of their seat.' His ability to bring together what appear to be two stories is a treat.

Armchair Interviews says: This scintillating novel is highly recommended.

Good, Gritty Thriller.......2006-11-19

Kelly Parks is an up-and-coming attorney in one of Denver's largest law firms. She is both beautiful and smart. Her life was going along just fine until the day Homicide Detective Bryson Coventry walked in.

Coventry is investigating a murder where the perpetrator used the victim's cell phone to warn Kelly that she was on his murder list. With every question she is asked, Kelly realizes that Coventry's murder is tied to a not so legal situation she had participated in for the firm; a situation where Kelly might have actually participated in a murder herself. Needing to know, Kelly begins her own investigation into the particulars of that incident from her past.

As the two dig deeper into their respective inquiries, unbeknownst to them, they are on a circular path leading back to a place where no one is safe.

This is a gritty crime novel that grabs your attention in the first few pages, like a fire-fight in a movie. Jim Hansen has created characters and details that are three-dimensional and vibrant.

Every page is filled with details that give you more and more insight into the characters. But these same details keep you constantly off-guard. You may think you are closer to solving the crime than Coventry is, but read one more page, and you come to find you are actually way off the mark.

This reviewer says to turn off your crime thrillers on television and tune-in to this book.

Kathy Martin
InTheLibraryReviews

Average customer rating:

Hard to put down
Suspect what you hear in the news
Must-read for anyone who thinks prosecuters are always right

Gone in the Night
David Protess
Manufacturer: Dell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Criminal Law | Law | Subjects | Books

Murder & Mayhem | True Accounts | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 044021243X
Release Date: 1994-05-01

Customer Reviews:

Hard to put down.......2003-11-24

Even when you know the outcome, this book is a page-turner. For all those who like a mystery and a story of courtroom justice (and injustice) this is a great read.

Suspect what you hear in the news.......2003-07-11

The first 4/5 of this book was very frustrating to read. If it hadn't been a true story, I wouldn't have tormented myself with it. But, because it really is true and, I think, important for us to realize, I gave it four stars.

I say "frustrating" because one awful thing after another, after another, after another keeps happening for at least 300 pages. Police start the lies because they're so anxious to close the case of a missing child that they pin the blame almost immediately on the easiest targets, the parents. From there, they ignore all facts that might disprove their theory. The prosecutors do the same and claim things that aren't true. Witnesses lie. The media, with one notable exception, is a mouthpiece for the prosecution. The jury doesn't get what really happened because of inept lawyers, prosecutorial misconduct, and plain ol' stupidity.

The whole case looks just plain ridiculous when the authors point out the facts. And the whole time the defense lawyers insist to their clients that they should say nothing, to me, the most frustrating of all the frustrations.

Yet, all those frustrations are so important for us to realize. I can't think of a big upcoming court case that is covered day by day in the news that the media has not already decided for us. And, usually, their decision is based on whatever the police and prosecutors tell them. It's so easy to forget that they might be wrong. And then all the t.v. channels' Web sites have a place for us to vote on the guilt or innocence of someone who hasn't even been to trial yet.

The last fifth of the book had some positive mixed with the negative so was easier for me to read.

Must-read for anyone who thinks prosecuters are always right.......1997-11-19

This book must be read by anyone who thinks the police and prosecuters are always right. Not only were they wrong in this case, but they acted maliciously. It is crucial for us to realize how far off track our legal system has gone, with help from the media.

Friday Night and Beyond: The Shabbat Experience Step-By-Step

Average customer rating:

Just what I needed to start keeping Shabbat...
Absolutely Wonderful Book
Shabbat is within YOUR reach...
Excellent resource for almost anyone
A good review of the basics

Friday Night and Beyond: The Shabbat Experience Step-By-Step
Lori Palatnik
Manufacturer: Jason Aronson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Jewish Life | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1568210353

Book Description

Friday Night and Beyond is a practical guide to Jewish Sabbath observance. Lori Palatnik walks us through the celebration with an easy-to-follow how-to approach, allowing us to experience a traditional Shabbat. Common questions and concerns are explored by the author, who has also included personal reflections by other individuals on each aspect of the observance.

Customer Reviews:

Just what I needed to start keeping Shabbat..........2006-03-18

Lori's book is just what the Spritual Doctor ordered to help me on my journey towards keeping the Sabbath. I have experienced the beauty of Shabbat in other peoples home but with the help of this book I can begin celebrating Shabbat in my own home.

Absolutely Wonderful Book.......2002-02-07

My only regret about this book is that we didn't purchase it sooner. My wife and I are on the path of becoming more observant. We bought and read several Shabbos books before we found this one. The other books were o.k., but none came close to combining inspiration and instruction in such a pragmatic manner as Lori Palatnik is able to do. I strongly recommend this wonderful book to anyone wanting to learn and embrace the how's and why's of a traditional Jewish Shabbat.

Shabbat is within YOUR reach..........2001-01-09

This is the book for those of us for whom BEING Jewish isn't enough. This book is a wonderful introduction to DOING Jewish... the rituals that have kept Judaism going through the centuries.

If you worry that keeping Shabbat is beyond you, just dig into this book, written just for you by a woman who is much-loved here in her former hometown of Toronto (and much-missed now that she's moved down to Florida).

Excellent resource for almost anyone.......2000-02-09

This book provides exactly what the title advertises: a step-by-step guide through the Shabbat experience, from Friday night through the end of the day on Saturday. Whether you already keep Shabbat, or you are someone seeking to learn more about Jewish religious observance, this book will make Shabbat a more meaningful and spirtual experience.

Ever wondered what beginning Shabbat dinner with Shalom Aleichem is all about? Kiddush? Grace after meals? What about that washing of the hands before Hamotzi? Or, maybe you are curious about WHAT to do, not just why? This book answers all of these questions and more.

Indeed, for each ritual or step in the Shabbat experience, the book provides the what, how, and why. The author even includes the full text of prayers (in English, Hebrew, and transliteration) for both before and after the meals. Also included in each section of the book are first person antecdotes describing various individuals' personal stories behind their endeavors to observe particular rituals.

I highly recommend this book, especially for those who want to-the-point explanations of specific Shabbat rituals, including for those interested in learning what to do, and how to do it.

I now use the book to refresh myself on particular rituals so that I can share their meanings with Shabbat guests, making both mine and their Shabbat experiences more meaningful.

As an aside, the book would make a great gift for that friend or family member who keeps talking about wanting to learn about or "do more" on Shabbat but who feels overwhelmed by the prospect of having to catch-up years of not learning about Judaism. It certainly helped me in that regard.

A good review of the basics.......1999-10-09

This book illustrates the basics of jewish tradition in a clear, concise and non-threatening fashion. Very refreshing

Involuntary Repossession: In The Steal Of The Night

Average customer rating:

in the steal of the night
Great Book!

Involuntary Repossession: In The Steal Of The Night
John Russell III
Manufacturer: Paladin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Reference | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Contracts | Business | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Practical Guides | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Automotive | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

jp-unknown2 | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

How To Open Locks With Improvised Tools: Practical, Non-Destructive Ways Of Getting Back Into Just About Everything When You Lose Your Keys (formerly published as Lock Bypass Methods)

ASIN: 0873643097

Book Description

Originally written for auto repossessors, police and locksmiths, this unique guide tells how to open and start any locked, keyless car in minutes! Explains pin tumbler systems, side bar systems, impressioning and lock picking, recovery methods, door lock removal, cutting keys by reading tumblers, ignition bypass methods, bypassing locked tilt steering wheels, key codes and locations, tumbler removal and more.

Customer Reviews:

in the steal of the night.......2003-07-05

waste of time book is way out dated newest car mentioned is 1976

Great Book!.......2000-06-19

This is a really great book for the money! it really came in handy one time when i lost my car keys and had to break into my OWN car so i could go to work!

Average customer rating:

Snowbound Strangers find love
Very sweet book
Two strong characters

One Lonely Night
Susan Kay Law
Manufacturer: Harpercollins (Mm)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Romance Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0061084751

Customer Reviews:

Snowbound Strangers find love.......2004-07-16

A hired gunman named Kieran McDermott is hired to find someone's missing girl in Dakota, but not understanding the weather and how cold it can get doesn't dress warmly enouhg almost freezes to death outside until he comes to the house of a spinsiter named Margaret Thayer's who takes pity of on the handsome, cold stranger at her door.

Margaret has grown use to being alone without a husband and children to love or care of. So, why when she nursed Kieran back to help he made her want things she had been without for years. Could she allow him to finally turn her usually dark and only night into a night of passion found in her dreams.

One Lonely Night is a wonderfully written book. Kieran is a man who was use to being on his own without having a person to depend on because of his past and the lifestyle he has now. He didn't want to protect or love the beautiful Margaret, but something about her draws him more than he cares to admit. Margaret wants to be able to forget the night of passion Kieran gave her, yet she can't. The couple battles through several trials to come together. If you buy this book you won't be disappointed. One Lonely Night will pull you in from the first page and keep you entertained until the end. If I could I would give it more than 5 stars!

Very sweet book.......2003-02-24

This is a very sweet, well-written and satisfying romance. Margaret, at the very old romance novel age of 35, is a poor, struggling spinster shocked by the handsome and frozen man who falls into her doorway during a winter storm. The book has a nice rhythm. My one slight criticism is that too much of the plot is resolved away from the reader.

Two strong characters.......1998-12-19

Margaret shows us that taking a chance leads into a life she would have never dreamed of. The mysterious Kieran is to dream about.

Laws of the Night: Mind's Eye Theatre Storytellers Guide (Vampire: The Masquerade Companions)

Average customer rating:

Laws of the Night: Mind's Eye Theatre Storytellers Guide (Vampire: The Masquerade Companions)
Kieran Dewhurst
Manufacturer: White Wolf Games Studio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Vampire | Gaming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Horror Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1588465039

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books