I was surprised to find this on the Amazon list-- I could'nt imagine how it had gotten past me. Having tracked Greeley's writings since Religion and Education in 1960, I've watched him go through theology, sociology, mysteries, pop culture-- and yes, poetry. This is not his first book of poems but, to use Blackie Ryan's favorite word, "arguably" his personal best in this genre. DO NOT expect 50s piety or 70s cliches: he will by turn charm and annoy... and that, too is part of his intoxication with words and the REALITY behind them.

This excellent book by Andrew Greeley takes the form of a spiritual diary kept by one man, over the course of a year or so, in order to tease out the sense and significance of some specific moments in his life. The author is in pursuit of the sacred in life, and he sees the holiness of life in the everyday, which he celebrates and memorializes. In fact, the word sacramental is one that crops up a lot in the book. One of the lovely things for me is the sense of joy and wonder he manages to convey. It reads in every sense as a lover's diary. A man in love with God, usually seen as feminine, and deeply in love with the world in all of it's precious fragility. A book such as this always runs the risk of becoming overly introspective; this one never does. He is very much engaged with and committed to the real world. This accounts in many ways for the charm of the book. His spiritual insights are always mediated via the world of the everyday, the world of the 'ordinary'. This is the diary of a real existentialist.

The Compact NASA Atlas of the Solar System is a very good reference for those working with spacecraft. Spacecraft images don't come with names already on them and it is often difficult when looking at some MGS images which crater is which and what they are called. When it comes to most of the inner planets, and Saturnian, Uranian, and Neptunian moons, the coverage is quite good and very useful. However, I can't say the same for Venus and Jupiter's moons. While there is excellent coverage for Mars as far as number of sections, Venus is not covered as well even though we have similar scale maps. I agree with the authors that if the same scale was used for both, the Venus maps would take up a large number of pages. However, the same number of quadrants would have been nice. Secondly, the coverage of the Jovian moons is lacking. The maps are from the Voyager era and while that may not be as big of a problem for Ganymede or Callisto, it is a problem for Io and Europa. The coverage of Europa from Galileo has greatly improved over Voyager's coverage and an updated map would have been nice. Io's map is also from Voyager. The fact that much of the anti-jovian side has been covered in great detail by Galileo but it was not included in the atlas save a small image of that mosaic not incorporated into the map. in addition, surface changes in the 20 years between Voyager and Galileo have made the included map quite out of date.

Save those two flaws, it is a pretty good reference for those interested in the solar system.

As an amateur astronomer, my interest tends more to deep-sky objects rather than planetary astronomy, but I spent some time looking at this atlas, and it really is a striking catalog of our current knowledge of the solar system. The atlas contains beautiful closeups of every planet except Pluto, although the coverage for Venus isn't that extensive, but then since Venus is mostly clouds, I don't know how much would be served by that, unlike the cloud-cover of Jupiter, which shows many stable bands and also the pink and red spots. There are also maps of a number of the moons of Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, allowing you to see their heavily marred and cratered surfaces, which are very reminiscent of Mercury or our moon.

The atlas only contains maps for the large Galileian satellites of Jupiter and the same for the larger, closer moons of Saturn, but I don't know if this is because of limitations in the spacecraft that took the photos or the distances involved from the spacecraft to the moons. The maps of Mars are perhaps the most interesting in terms of surface details, and features like the enormous, 17-mile high and 400-mile across volcano, Nix Olympica, and the great gorge on Mars, really stand out. Another thing that was interesting was the discovery of the first asteroid with its own small planet. The atlas features over 150 maps, 214 color illustrations and a gazetteer. Overall, this is a stunning and beautifully done atlas of the solar system, which, despite its not being cheap, should still be of interest to amateurs and professionals alike.

Featuring over 150 maps, 214 color illustrations & a gazetteer that lists the names of all features officially approved by the International Astronomical Union, The Compact NASA Atlas of the Solar System is the essential reference source for maps of every planet, moon, or small body investigated by NASA missions throughout the solar system.

Paul and Sean Cronin, sons of Michael Cronin, a self made millionaire, have their futures mapped out for them by their father when only young boys-Paul is destined for politics and a future presidency and Sean is to be a priest and then Cardinal.Norah Riley, daughter of a friend of Michael is brought into the house when she is orphaned as a child and is destined to be the future wife of Paul.Sean rises through the ranks of the clergy, still protesting his religious doubts and is even more uncertain after a brief affair with Norah. Paul also reises through the ranks in politics with help from money and criminal connections. It's a story of power struggles, conscience struggles, lust and ambition-in the church as well as in the government.

Those familiar with Greeley's books know Cardinal Cronin well. This is the story of his family and his rise to the Cardinal's hat. This is a typical Greeley book, full of intrigue, action, mystery and church lore. Wonderful story told by a master.

Being the first book that I have read by Andrew Greenley, this is a must read. Greenleys character Father Sean is really a mans man, who trails thru life with loving one woman brings him closer to his God. Of course Greeley brings out that the Church is always there with its corruption and old ways that need to change. I found this to be delightful book that needed just a little more personal interaction between man and woman on the spirital and sexual level. Definately a must have, and I for one will pick up another book by Rev. Greeley to enjoy another jounry down the path of dark secrets of the Catholic faith. A. L. Wood

This is one of the early Blackie Ryan stories. The main character is his cousin Cathy Collins and her beau(no other word quite fits)Nick Curran. In spite of being in love with Nick, she becomes a nun to please her rabidly religious mother(it doesn't please her, but then nothing does). After many twists and turns, she is reported missing in South America and is presumed dead after some horrific torture. Blackie and Nick are sure that she has survived however and are determined to find her before her inheritance is given away to the insane priest who sold her to her torturers.

This novel answers alot of questions I had about Cathy Curran. Her time as a nun and tortures in SA are alluded to in many of the Blackie novels, but I was unable to find this book until recently. Great Book!

Since I wrote the review below (as cakl@earthlink.net), my theological beliefs have undergone a radical change - and I do mean radical. To the point where I now think of Father Greeley, not as liberal, but as conservative. Go figure ... God works in mysterious ways Her wonders to perform. Yet this book, and Father Greeley himself, remain part of those wonders, in my opinion!

Let me say right up front that I'm not crazy about Father Greeley's theology -- he's way too liberal for my taste. I try really hard not to read his books but this one was hard to resist. It shows Father Greeley at his best (in my opinion) -- "Cath" is a wonderful, vulnerable character who struggles to find her true vocation during the turbulent 60's. As I said above, I really disagree with his "take" on what happened to the Church during that time -- but I can't deny the fact that this is an EXCELLENT novel by a writer at the top of his form!

Gentle Reader, this book may or not please you. This sample of text might help you decide:

"Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I necked and petted a naked angel."
"Did you enjoy it, my son?"

. . .and a unique perspective help make this novel by controversial Catholic priest Fr. Andrew M. Greeley quite enjoyable.

As stated in other reviews, there are elements of Fr. Greeley's theological viewpoint in which I find myself in sharp disagreement. But there is no doubt that he is an outstanding storyteller.

In this book, Greeley ventures into the realm of Science Fiction with the introduction of the amazing character of Dr. Gabriella Light, PhD. -- the angel Gabriel, no less -- as a personal guide for the lapsed Dr. Sean Desmond on his trip to Sweden to pick up the Nobel Prize. It seems that terrorists are after Dr. Desmond because of the potential implications of his scientific discoveries.

Fr. Greeley's style is not for everybody. He dabbles a little to far into the erotic than might be considered strictly appropriate for a celibate clergyman. His incorporation of his criticisms of modern Catholicism into his books can serve as a turn-off.

BUT, Fr. Greeley is a great storyteller in the old Irish tradition. His imagination is incredible. And his fundamental faith in the goodness and grace of God is inescapable.

For me, this is one of his best offerings.

I read Angel Fire as a library book and loved it enough to buy it after the fact. A charming, funny, entertaining novel.

Once again, Andrew Greeley has given his readers a sample of his finest work. This story, peppered with perfectly magical imagery of the Irish countryside, succeeds in capturing the true romance of Irish history. Greeley succeeds magnificently in his attempt to link truth and fiction as he explores the mystery of the Michael Collins murder.

Follow Dermot Michael in his quest for the truth about his grandparents, and be swept away by the two parallel love stories which will leave any reader wishing the book would never end.

A truely magical tale, this book is a treasure for any reader who is a romantic at heart.

This is the first book of an on going series by Andrew Greeley. The main characters are Dermot Coyne, a lucky man who by a mistake made his fortune on Wall Street, and Nuala Anne a mystical Irish woman who is attending school at Trinity College in Dublin when they meet.The two become embroiled in a assasination plot which occured 80 years ago. The story unfolds as the pair travel over Ireland to search for clues to figure out who really assisinated Michael Collins. Tidbits of Irish history and culture are added along with Dermot's Chicago culture to create a story that makes you wonder what really happened. The best part is Nuala's accent and the hints of more to come in future books. I really enjoyed this book because the plot is carried by a murder mystery 80 years old. I also enjoyed the romantic undertones. Nuala and Dermot act like two normal people physically attracted and yet the there are no scenes that are graphic or in poor taste. This was the first book of Andrew Greeley's that I read and since then I have read many more of his books.

It was my first contact with the author Father Andrew M. Greeley and that's the only reason I put a 9 and not a10. I was amazed by his vividness and skill the clarity and effectiveness of his prose. There are no romantic cliches here, only real emotions of everyday people. I will surely read more of your books Father Andrew M. Greeley.

Being a Greek I can't say that I have so much knowledge of the Irish History. I am certainly intrigued to learn much more. This is the accomplishment of the author that I value most. His book being very much entertaining, it goes beyond entertainment. It gives information, it analyses a point of view, an aspect about what happened in a certain occasion that remains one of the mysteries of modern history.

God Bless You Father and May Keep You Well.

For some, the name of Fr. Andrew Greeley instantly suggests a "liberal" Catholic priest seeking to be a gadfly in the Church. For some, the name conjures up some fairly steamy sex scenes in some of his novels. For some, a competent, if media-hungry sociologist. Readers of "God Game" will add "imaginative Science Fiction writer" to this eclectic mix.

In "God Game" Fr. Greeley presents us with the unusual scenario of a priest (not unlike the author) spending an evening playing a compter adventure game. His home is struck by lightening, something is scrambled, and suddenly the images on his screen are real -- and the real characters think that he is God.

Yes, this might seem a little philosophical for many sci-fi fans -- but for those readers who expect depth in their books (regardless of genre) will want to read and re-read this one.

I still find myself in sharp philosophical and theological disagreement with Fr. Greeley -- and probably always will. But in this book, the Irish storyteller comes to the fore in a wonderful way.

I'm so incredibly glad this novel has been reprinted. I admit I'm not one to particular care for computer games or religion, but this novel, written with such deft skill, won me over whole-heartedly. Perhaps the best of all the "computer-game comes to life" novels, Greeley gives all the reader characters that can actually be cared about; further more all the characters have quirks and weakness which one can easily see in the "real-life" people around oneself. This book is definately a must read.

This is such a wonderful book. Once you adjust yourself to the eighties computer technology that the narrator has to put up with, you will be as captivated with the book as the narrator was with his characters. And indeed, who wouldn't be captivated with this particular group. First there are the duke and duchess of neighboring kingdoms who have been feuding for generations but who are compelled by the narrator (who everyone thinks is God)to make peace. The duchess is a passionate, quick tempered, but vulnerable warrior with a talent for painting thunderstorms, and the duke is a gentle dreamer who doesn't enjoy war but has become so used to it that on rare occasions his warriors instincts become out of control. Then there is the bitter matron who is tired of being a minor character in a minor subplot and metamorphoses into a graceful, passionate woman, loved by all, including the author. And then there is a perky little ilel . . .but you'll have to find out about her yourself. If you are longing for a book with characters you can care about, even love, then I strongly urge you to read this delightful book.

As your run of the mill kidnapping mystery, this is not exactly a cliffhanger. Hiding a railroad car in Chicago requires a rather large suspension of reader credulity, and fortunately the search for the equipment is not the centerpiece of the book. The more intriguing issue is the whereabouts of its passenger, a relatively new auxiliary bishop known by most of his peers as Idiot Quill. There is no absence of suspects, so what we have here is an inner city Murder on the Orient Express.

This untimely disappearance of a prince of the Church causes no little embarrassment for the Cardinal of Chicago with his superiors in Rome. So, as is his wont, the Cardinal turns over this dirty affair to his fix-it auxiliary bishop, Blackie Ryan. That Ryan is a bishop is itself a mystery: he eschews popery, as they would say years ago, ministers to teenagers [his rectory is full of mouthy girls answering phones and violating confidentiality], and spends considerable time making sick calls-when is the last time your bishop visited you in the hospital?-wearing a Michael Jordan jacket, no less. He is so well connected to every ranking cop, judge, reporter, doctor, and psychiatrist in Chicago that solving crimes for this bishop is more a matter of managing his cell phone than rummaging with the CSI unit.

The art of reading Greeley novels used to be deciphering the author's ecclesiology du jour, or what he thought about the American Catholic Church at any given time. There is still some element of that challenge in this work. Here the ugly nemesis is the annulment process-Quill had made a career of mismanaging annulment appeals in Rome-but there are other Greeley signatures as well: spiritual healing through sexual encounter, the failure of priests to visit the sick, whiskey, powerful women professionals, interminable pedigrees of Chicago neighborhoods, and angry feminists come to mind.

But age is beginning to tell. Father Greeley, I fear, describes a church life that passed away a generation ago. Blackie's rectory reeks of clerical hospitality, the days when the priests gathered for nightcaps to recount the day's adventures. Today one priest frequently pastors several parishes, and usually alone. In Father Greeley's Chicago the fix is in for the Church: a Roman collar will make a parking ticket magically disappear. No such coziness exists anymore in the present atmosphere; "the Meghan" [Ryan's teen employees] would all be fingerprinted and subjected to background checks.

Greeley's church novels are becoming less mystery and more timepieces. No greater evidence is needed than the heart of the kidnapping plot itself in this book. In the real world of today's Church, the motive would be totally irrelevant.

Father Andrew Greeley's Bishop John Blackwood Ryan (a/k/a "Blackie") is back!

An auxiliary Bishop and the Chicago Transit Authority L train in which he was riding have gone missing. The missing Bishop is Bishop "Idiot" Quill - a pompous puppet of all the sillier positions of the Roman hierarchy. The nickname is a wink and an opportunity for Father Greeley to take literary potshots at Rome - a lighthearted continuing illumination of his theological and sociological convictions as revealed in his works - including _Furthermore!: Confessions of a Parish Priest_.

This morally uplifting tale interweaves the lives of clerics and parishioners along the way of solving the mysterious matter of Bishop "Idiot's" disappearance. This reader will admit that I uttered an agonized moan upon the mention of Cindasue (see my previous review of _The Bishop and the Three Kings_) but, "Hallelujah!" she never surfaces enough in this book to open her mouth ;-)

I laughed out loud during an interchange between Bishop Blackie and the former chairman of Bishop "Idiot's" parish council: "He (Bishop "Idiot") told us that we had no canonical powers and no right to meet except at his request. He warned us to leave or he would call the police. We left."

"And went not gently into that good night?"

"I beg pardon?"

"You all were quite angry and so you raged against the failing of the light?"

The parish functionary still doesn't "get it" - but we do, Father Greeley. You are an American treasure whose intelligence and wit bode well against the failing of the light.

Andrew Greeley continues his Bishop Blackie Ryan mysteries in The Bishop and the L Train. Greeley's protagonist is a misanthropic Chicago cleric who assists the Cardinal Archbishop in the leadership of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

A funny, caustic and insightful character, Blackie is a kind of bumbling uncle whose eccentricities cloud his extraordinary intelligence.

In The Bishop and the L Train, Greeley presents a funny story of an assistant or auxilary bishop being passed on to the Chicago Archdiocese by Rome -- despite the fact that he isn't wanted or needed in Chicago. Rome wants to get rid of him! Chicago knows him and would agree with Rome - if they had a choice.

Bishop Quinn arrives and proceeds to be disruptive in Chicaqo. He quickly wears away good will on the part of parish members and fellow priests. In fact, Quinn angers many who have crossed his path.

Quinn, and the entire train he is riding on disappears one night on his return from Spanish lessons. Cardinal Ryan assigns Blackie to the case. He's to find Quinn and the train.

Blackie of course does as he is told and although finding the missing Bishop seems relatively easy; it is a greater challenge to figure out who did it.

Greeley presents a clever story, an assortment of unusual characters, laughter, church politics and some good old detective work in each of his mysteries. L Trains fills the bill. The conversations about Bishop Quinn are absolutely hysterical and probably give greater insight into some church appointments than they might appear to. In addition to the central story of Bishop Quinn's disappearance, the story contains two poignant love stories with characters that eventually become significant to the investigation of the perpetrators of the missing Bishop.

Greeley should write an ongoing serial featuring Bishop Blackie to keep fans going in between the full-length books. L Train is indeed another fine addition to the series.

I have probably 2/3rds of the Greeley novels, including Irish Lace and Gold. After the first few pages I thought this was going to be a quickly slapped together journal of the events leading up to the nuptials of our heroes, Dermot and Nuala. In fact, I put it down, and only picked it up again after some unexpected down time.

For those of you who presevere, you will find the usual complicated mystery threads, that always tie together quite nicely by the end.

I love Greeley's lack of pretension. I live on the "fringes" of the Chicago Irish community. By that I mean I belong, by heritage, and I am enjoying the recent resurgance of anything Gaelic and Irish, but some take it too far. Many in the community tend to wrap their nationality, newfound respectability and religion about themselves, and use it as a cover to excuse immoral or otherwise bad behavior. Greeley always manages to blow these people away!

What I have always enjoyed about Greeley is his social stance. The protagonists are flawed, yet quietly pious and moral. That would describe Nuala and Dermot. Her brother Lawrence represents the other side of the coin, hiding behind his heritage as he imposes his hatred on everyone else. To me, how the lovers handled his intrusion was the far more interesting mystery of the book.

Having been a huge fan of Father Greeley for many years now, I was pleased to see how well he can still spin a yarn. "Irish Whiskey", third in a series surrounding a firery Irish lass named Nuala McGrail, continued to be entertaining as well as insightful. Greeley creates characters that are so alive and real that I find myself hearing them speak in Irish in my head! "Go long wid you now!" Having been raised in the Catholic Church, I find Greeley truly refreshing and insightful with his thoughts about how all of us truly feel regarding the matters of love and sex, and yet we have been programmed to feel guilty about those thoughts! While many think it is shocking that a Catholic priest should write such racy material, I find it refreshing that Father Greeley writes about the things that are beautiful and wholesome, such as the love between a man and a woman. The love story that is the basis of these series of novels, reveals a much more imp! ortant message. It attempts to explains how relationships and marriage can become deeper and more meaningful all within the eyes of God. Greeley and his Nuala McGrail series is a well thought out homily of how he sees men and womem fulfilling their committments to God through their committment to loving one another. Whether you are Catholic or not, you'll love the mystery and if you read carefully enough you will find the wonderful hidden message of how love can conquer all.

Hasn't it been a brilliant ride through the "Irish" series? Won't it be better for you to begin with "Irish Gold" then follow it with "Irish Lace" before arriving here at "Irish Whiskey"? In Gold you will become enamored with Dermot and Nuala Anne. In Lace you will hope for their relationship to develop and succeed. In Whiskey . . . well, wouldn't that be telling now? I eagerly await "Irish Mists" arriving in stores next year. Write quickly Father Greeley.