Oh, the book is too serious to describe it just in few words. It is extremely detailed and requires broad knowlegde of the subject. It covers Irish history from the earliest times of written sources or even earlier - from the times that we only know from sages and myths to approximately 12th century. This book is a must for all the people who are scholarly interested in Irish history, but can be hard to read for people who are not that serious about it. So, I stronly recommend it to all history students, but I would advise all the diletans to prepare themselves better before they begin reading this great and very important book.

Medieval Irish history is a minority-interest field to begin with, but finding a good secondary source that accurately separates myth from history is difficult at best. F. J. Byrne, always a thorough historian, has produced what could be the definitive history of the medieval Irish political world. It is a general work, to be sure, and in that lies its strength. Until recently, the histories available to students of medieval Ireland had a fair amount of questionable data and did not focus specifically on the ever-changing political and ecclesiastical influences that the rulers of the time had to deal with.
Byrne's work is also invaluable because, unlike many other histories, it is not provincial in scope, but rather manages to grasp the political climate of medieval Ireland in total. His presentation is effective, and his writing style is far from boring. This work belongs in the forefront not only of medieval Irish history, but also of regional historical studies worldwide.

This is just the cutest book that I've had to read to my daughter at least 3 times a day! We love the style of writing that's teamed with precious illustrations. I also like the extended use of vocabulary throughout the story. A favorite!

A tale told in clever rhyme that lots of fun (especially to read aloud.) But as much as I enjoyed the tale of an incredibly hard-to-please queen, it's the collage of ingenious illustrations that make me giggle. This is the kind of book you read to your kids, then pour over the illustrations after thay have gone to bed! A wonderful book....I can't wait for more.

I've just come back from Glastonbury, and having read this book first helped a great deal. I'm reading it again, and am feeling so enlightened. If you love Avalon, you must have this book.

Anyone interested in the background behind the mysts of Avalon will enjoy this book. I found it well-researched, fairly easy to read, and quite informative. A great collection to my library.

Based on exhaustive research of Biblical literature, this book expands the legend of the romance between King David and Batsheva. The second half of the book introduces us to Queen Berenice in her historical setting involving the Roman Emperors, Vespasian and Titus. The broad aspects of the story expose us to the complexities of Imperial might as mirrored by this last queen of Israel and her involvement with the mighty rule of Rome. The setting has both historical validity and romantic expanse. It is both gripping and tragic.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, you will enjoy this book. The plot's structure is inspired by the Biblical Story of the great King David and by tales of the provacative Queen Berenice, the last Queen of Israel. It sizzles with romance and the passions of these great, but tragically flawed rulers. Believe me, these are not the stories you were taught in Sunday School. (Panush never crosses any lines of propriety,however.) This book brings the ancient world alive. If you are a fan of historical fiction and enjoy reading some my favorite authors of historical fiction, such as James Mitchner, Pearl S. Buck, and Howard Fast, this is a book for you. I would also recommend this novel to book clubs, because it easily lends itself to stimulating discussions.

This is a great book. I need it in hardcover to complete my collection. Where can I find a hardcover? Someone please advise.

King rat shows us that in reality there is a particular time, place and situation coming together at the same time that can let us reach our potential whatever that may be. George Segal played the part of King Rat exquisitely! This was one of Clavell's best efforts.

Entering the dolphin pod becomes an exciting and thrilling experience through the writing of Berman. His story telling transfers the reader into the character's very soul, and touches emotions in unimagined venues. This story would make a fantastic movie which would establish the "Dolphin King" as the Neptune of our age. Watch out little mermaid.

Bruce Berman has managed to take the reader into the world of one of Natures most intelligent & docile creatures and actually transform the reader into placing himself in the roles of the characters. This Book is a must read. I bought two. One for myself and the other to circulate amongst Family. It's been well used. The ending leaves you wanting more from Bruce. I'm looking forward to his next Novel, let's not wait another 10 years !

This book not only chronicles the Salt Lake torch run, but it also is a complete history of the Olympic torch run. The book is filled with beautiful color pictures and inspirational stories of different torchbearers.

The book has a comprehensive history of the torch running ceremony from the inception games to its latest running for the Salt Lake Games. What I enjoyed most, where the Unique Color photos throughout the book. My favorite is the torch being carried or should I say swam across Glenwood Springs in Colorado. The photos and brief stories in the later chapters covering the 2002 Running brought back many fond memories of The Salt Lake Games and the Running of the Olympic Flame. I recommend this book for fans of the Olympics and readers of Human Interest Stories.

One would have never thought that only in between a binding you can put the whole meaning of life as put by the Talmud, this is what they call a mustbuy, the reall meaning of the word though.

If you can learn from the original, even better.

For us the not so learned, is a great opportunity to access hidden teachings.

This Sefer, written in high brow English, translates the explanation of HaGaon MiVilna to some Agadeta.

You'll understand the world and yourself better after going through it.

I bought this book for my 7 year old daughter while on vacation in California. Once we started reading it together we could not put it down. It has really interested her in the history of the period-13th century China- and the book has a very useful appendix called "The story behind the story" which explains what is known about Marco Polo. This stimulated a discussion about how much was real and how much was fiction in the book itself. Not many books have provoked such insights! The other big plus is that it is not overly sentimental or soppy but still managed to engage my daughter with its combination of suspense and magic. We've ordered all the other books by this author.

I really enjoyed this book. It showed a nice, loving relationship between aunt and niece. I liked the way the author stayed true to the time period and was conscious of not changing history. The author presents all female characters in positve manner. I feel this important to the young girls who will be reading these books.

I have recommended this series of books to my nieces and so far they have enjoyed the ones they have read.

I have included them in my children's book collection right next to the American Girl series and the Magic Attic Club.

What's great about this book is that it's not the usual children's fare. The story of the Persian king and the three thieves who help him to learn tolerance and generosity is told in clear simple language that children of all ages can understand. The illustrations are just gorgeous--they're done in subtle and rich color, with bold graphic patterns, and in a style that reflect the origins of the tale. My kids love it! I hope this author comes out with another book soon.

This is a delightful tale with a little mystery, magic and surprise. The story makes you think and the pictures WOW! your eyes. A wonderful read and a great tale to tell.