Sanders has perfected a unique style of narrative poetry. This book tells the story of Ginsberg's life as a private citizen and as a public figure, but it also chronicles his development as a poet. For those daunted by the Collected or even the Selected Poems, Sanders usefully points out what he thinks are Ginsberg's best poems as he goes along. Although I did not intend to when I sat down with it, I ended up reading it straight through to the end. A very moving ending it was, too.

Grossman explains the art of poetry in this classic lecture series. For any interested in the history of ideas.

The book on Pollution Prevention by Allen and Rosselot is perhaps the best book on the market for chemical and process engineers and professionals as well as chemical engineering students.It has been used at several Universities as the text book for the senior/graduate level course on Pollution Prevention in the Chemical Engineering Department.

The book is well-balanced in its treatment of topics. The first part of the course covers issues regarding the various definitions of the term "pollution prevention", the extent to which data are available from different sources as well the issue of life cycle analysis. The treatment adopted in the book exposes the reader to several "ideologies" and one is amazed by the extent to which the authors have worked hard to collect data from as many sources as has been done by them-- clearly a herculean task.

The second part of the book covers: unit operations and processes and the different aspects of pollution prevention in these operations; primary, secondary and fugitive emissions from industrial and chemical plants. A large number of problems are given and many solutions are provided. Readers who are not familiar with the unit operations and processes will have enough materials for the purpose of self-study.

The last part of the book covers topics that would be of interest to engineers who wish to learn problem-solving skills on topics related to large chemical or industrials, or parts of these plants. The open-ended problems in Chapter 10 are excellent and should be a source of ideas for instructors who wish to assign open-ended problems, as is encouraged by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Teachnology. These problems could stimulate classroom discussions or discussions within student groups.

Overall , the book is a a "must-read" for all engineers and scientists who wish to learn about the heart-and-soul of pollution prevention within industry. The author is an engineering Professor who has used this book and has seen colleagues at other Universities use it with excellent results.

A very interesting look at the house Thomas Jefferson built as his personal retreat away from the crowds who visited him at Monticello. This is especially informative for those interested in historic home restorations, particularly of the colonial era. It's fascinating to see the progress made over the years!

To help understand the complexity of organized crime and how it effects all of us, this is a must read. Cleveland's roots in the Labor Unions, the Jewish Crime Syndicate and modern day Mafia runs deep and Friedman was bold enough to discuss his trials and tribulations within those ranks. Schwarz captures Friedman's struggles with betrayal amongst his "family" and his quest to ultimately do the right thing. Allen Friedman was not one to pull punches- he tells it like it was.

PowerBuilder is the best client server tool; This is a real good book for the beginner. It has some details which are hard to find in reference manuals.

'Systematic theology!?!' you might gasp.

'That sounds boring!' you might say (joining with a friend of Allen's when informed of this project).

'What is systematic theology?' you might ask, particularly if you are a person interested in the church but have never been through seminary -- dare I make the leap that seminarians and pastors would not have this question? But before I digress into an area of less-than-charitable territory, let me return to the task at hand...

Systematic theology can, in fact, have a number of faces; systematic theology can have content that is conservative or liberal, traditional or modern. But systematic theology, when applied to a career of preaching, can help one avoid the 'flavour of the week' variety of theology that owes more to the latest book read by the pastor or the latest topical issue in the newspaper.

Allen addresses early the fact that people often have more of a theological framework, sensitivity or insight than they give themselves credit for:

'A number of laypeople who have not had formal theological education have excellent theological sense. Indeed, I am occasionally a guest Bible study leader or preacher in a congregation in which a sensitive layperson has more theological acumen than the seminary-educated pastor. '

Often what is missing for these people is the language, the terminology, the knowledge of the way to speak. Providing this becomes part of the tasks of the preacher. Also, one of the tasks of the preacher is to sort through the different ideas that modern, pluralistic society makes available. Gone are the days in America where the town would have but a few main churches that would vary only slightly (by today's standards) in theology and practice. Gone also are the days when people have basic working knowledge of the Bible or the creeds or traditions of their beliefs. While they have what Allen terms an implicit theology, they usually have had no formal training (often even in Sunday school settings).

'But I want my preaching to be biblical? Why can't preachers just preach on the Bible?'

This question is asked a lot, and addressed a lot by those who write on preaching (see also my review on Trouble with Jesus: Women, Christology and Preaching by L. Susan Bond, one of Allen's students). The Bible is difficult to make into life's little instruction book; it does not have a systematic theological approach inherent in the text, but rather has a diversity of views in the various writing contained in the canon. In talking about the problem and connection between biblical preaching and systematic theology, Allen proposes a conversational model, in which one asks key questions of the text -- what theology is really being presented here? What are the aspects and difficulties with the text? What is God's intention for the community in the text? What does God look like in this text?

'The interaction between the Bible and the congregation may spark the church to recognise possibilities in doctrine, systematic theology, or life and witness that the church had not previously envisioned.'

Allen argues that using systematic theology as a framework for starts and moves through a sermon can help the congregation in a myriad of ways. It can help reinforce ideas and beliefs of the congregation. It can broaden and expand the range of possibilities. It can help address conflicts or difficult issues. It can introduce new or forgotten topics. It can recast old ideas in new ways of thinking. It can even make a congregation question its own beliefs, which is not always a bad thing. Creeds and statements of faith, catechisms and covenants can all be used as frameworks for beginning -- the sources of theological inspiration vary for different denominations, but there is often a wide array for selection, and Allen highlights many of these possibilities.

The appendix is a gem of brief theological knowledge -- relating the contemporary theological families (revisionary, postliberal, liberation, and evangelical) and eleven historical Christian movements (Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed, Wesleyan, Anabaptist, Pentecostal, Radical Reformation, Quaker, and Community/Bible churches). Allen acknowledges that as broadly inclusive as this may seem, it nonetheless omits possibilities, particularly among hybrids that arise. Allen presents a two dimension chart and places himself in coordinates of revisionary and Reformed; perhaps even a four-dimensional chart that took into account variances with families and historical movements would not suffice, as it would neglect a fifth element of time -- trying to envision a five-dimensional model would challenge even the best of hyper-geometrists! Nonetheless, this encapsulation of movements is more information than many laypersons have (part of the theological illiteracy Allen references earlier in the text is the lack of understanding people have about traditions other than their own -- sadly, this often applies as much to the clergy as to laypersons in the congregation) and can serve as a guide for such education.

My one wish for the book would be a bit more commentary on the sermon examples provided, and perhaps a few more sermon examples -- perhaps a sermon from each of the contemporary theological families identified in the appendix. While Allen takes care to be broadly inclusive in approach and sensitive to nuances of belief, his preferences and biases do poke through now and again, and perhaps will prove difficult for some to get past -- his inclusion of feminist examples in a positive way, for instance, might make it difficult for those who do not believe women have a place in the pulpit or behind the altar to accept the rest of his writings. Those who want to believe that the Bible is a coherent and systematic text (some who hold infallible and inerrantist views of the Bible require this as part and parcel of the inerrant quality) may also find it difficult to accept. Allen in no place denigrates these views, but some might take the positive spin on one side as an implicit criticism of the other.

This book is part of a relatively new Preaching... series put out by Chalice Press, which concentrates on books in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) tradition (the same tradition that is the primary denominational support of my seminary, Christian Theological Seminary, in Indianapolis). The author, Ronald J. Allen, is on the faculty here. I have had the privilege of knowing him both in and out of the classroom, and used this book as part of an independent study project I completed with him a few summers ago.

'The gospel of Luke and the books of Acts tell the story of God's intention to restore the world community so that all relationships and situations embody the divine purpose of love and justice initially revealed in Genesis 1.' (p. ix)

First, a basic primer. The gospel of Luke and the book of Acts form two parts of a work by the same author. It is most likely that the gospel of Luke was first separated from its companion volume of Acts in early collections of the gospels. Both address the same person, Theophilus, although it is unclear that this was an actual individual, and may be instead a general name given to any reader who would be (translating the name into English) a 'lover of God'. Many scholars now refer to the gospel and Acts as Luke-Acts to show their connection and common composition.

'I focus on preaching themes in Luke and Acts. The designation 'theme' is not a technical category of biblical scholarship. I use theme to speak informally of ideas, images, associations, expressions, practices, or values that span Luke 1 through Acts 28, or significant parts thereof.' (p. 1)

This is not a book that goes through Luke-Acts with a verse by verse exposition. Rather, it strives to show broad areas of concern and connection for the author of Luke-Acts, so that this knowledge will enhance the understanding of individual passages. Those engaged in preaching can also find aid and material here for developing a sermon or sermon-series on thematic bases.

Allen uses literary criticism, rhetorical criticism, reader-response criticism, and historical criticism as tools. He also engages the hermeneutic of suspicion, that is, the assumption that writers will shape their texts in various ways to further the interests of their own community, social class, gender, race, etc. All these tools together provide a broad framework for interpretation and insight into the text of Luke-Acts.

Allen has put together the text for the average preacher - it does assume intelligence on the part of the reader, but does not assume that the reader will be a high-level academic biblical scholar. Allen gives clear and concise background to the issues addressed in accessible and engaging prose.

'Many Christian communities today do not know the content of the Bible or how to interpret it. The sermon that provides background material helps the congregation overcome these deficiencies.' (pp. 5-6)

Parts of this background include the authorship of Luke-Acts, the narrative structure of the text, the social and historical location of the text, the sources with which Luke was likely familiar, the relationship with the First Testament (see note below), and the theological underpinnings. Allen identifies in his chapter headings the primary themes he draws from Luke-Acts:

- Preaching on the Realm of God
- Preaching on the Holy Spirit
- Preaching on the Great Reunion of the Human Community
- Preaching on the Restoration of Women
- Preaching on Poverty, Abundance, and the Use of Material Resources

In each of these chapters, Allen draws on the tools developed in the introduction and the background information from the first chapter to show the ways in which these themes emerge from the text in many stories and passages.

Some churches are not free to develop sermons or a series of sermons based on self-selected texts because they follow a lectionary pattern (in America, most likely the Revised Common Lectionary or some close derivative). To aid the preacher in these situations, Allen has provided an Appendix which shows the passages of Luke-Acts in the lectionary keyed to the pages on which those particular passages are referenced through this book.

My only complaint with the book (and I am picky about books in this regard) is that there is no index. I would hope for an index in the next edition or printing of this book!

This is an excellent resource, particularly for next year (Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary, in which much of the gospel reading comes from Luke). It should find a welcome home on the shelf of any preacher, Christian educator, or student of the Bible.

---------------

My reference to the 'First Testament' above is drawing from the work here at Christian Theological Seminary, which strives to work against supersessionism, the idea that Christianity has somehow made Judaism irrelevant, unnecessary, etc. To this end, the label Old Testament is taken by some to be too susceptible to derogatory interpretation, who have come to use the terms First Testament and Second Testament instead.

One of Ron Allen's colleagues once described him in terms of being the Isaac Asimov of preaching and homiletics - 'he never has an unpublished thought,' the statement went. Allen himself recently told me in jest that his philosophy is 'write first, think later.' To anyone who reads Allen's works, this statement is obviously false. Such is true with his latest volume, 'Preaching: The Essential Guide.'

This text is a mere 125 pages, but encapsulates much of Allen's decades of preaching and teaching experience. The purposes of the book reflect this duality of Allen's experience. One purpose is to teach new preachers the basics of preaching. A second purpose is to help students - the book can be used as a text in a course.

The book is useful for more than just beginning preachers. Rare is the preacher who does not benefit from a review of the basics. Just as any preacher will want to constantly re-read the Bible together with the latest commentaries, as well as sermons by others, so too should any good preacher occasionally review the process of preaching, from initial idea and formation of a sermon to delivery and feedback.

Allen does not give one standard model which preachers must follow. He states:

'I do not believe that God has a blueprint for every sermon that the preacher needs only to discover. God made human beings to be creative as preachers and as listeners. The sermon is always an act of interpretation. But in ways that fit every situation, God desires for pastor and people to have optimum understandings and experiences of grace.'

In speaking of the intention of preaching, Allen puts God first, and God remains a constant influence at every stage.

Methodologically, this book differs from many preaching texts, including several of Allen's own previous works. Rather than going from theory to practice, it changes the order, and highlight practical aspects from which general principles and theory may arise. Allen begins with a sample sermon to illustrate points. These are meant as influences and guidelines rather than inerrant and rigid standards that must be maintained.

Each of the seven chapters begins with a question - in fact, each chapter title is the primary question to answered. These questions are basic questions that every preacher (and every listener) should take to heart.

What is the Good News from God in the sermon?
Does the sermon honour the integrity of the Bible or the topic?
Is the sermon theologically adequate?
Does the sermon relate the text or topic to the congregation in a responsible way?
What is the significance of the sermon for the congregation?
Does the sermon move in a way that is easy to follow?
Does the preacher embody the sermon in an engaging way?

From these questions, it is easy to see that Allen will not propose any particular framework for sermons. Allen discusses different styles and models of preaching, but there will be no particular fill-in-the-blank outline given out here. The preacher must do her or his own thinking, reflecting, and crafting.

Each of the questions addressed is of vital importance in the creation of a good sermon. A sermon can be the best rhetorical construction imaginable, but it might be unfaithful to its topic, or fall short theologically. Allen, being a member of the Disciples of Christ denomination and very ecumenically minded, provides help in broad strokes, but ultimately the responsibility for determining practical applications will rest with the preacher and congregation.

However, some 'helpful hints' are very handy, if not always what a person constructing a sermon will want to hear. Many preachers have handy books of illustrations and stories ready-made to be incorporated into sermons, a sort of cheat-sheet for preachers. With the advent of the internet, such possibilities are much greater. Allen cautions against using these.

'I encourage preachers to avoid using stories form collections of sermon illustrations. Almost every time I hear such a story, it fails to resonate with real life. It sounds stale. Many tales from collections are just too simple or too contrived. Often the wording is artificial.'

Of course, Allen generally assumes that preachers won't lift sermons whole and entire from other sources and deliver them as their own!

Various appendices give step-by-step instructions for sermon preparation (Allen is big on this, as any of his students will attest); suggestions for preaching cycles over time; and a short but significant piece on outside resources. These resource suggestions include Biblical commentaries, church history resources, theology aids, and various preaching resources.

This text is presented in Ron Allen's usual engaging and readable style. Allen does not shy away from academic terminology, but the reader is not overwhelmed with unfamiliar terms or language constructs. In this way, Allen's text embodies what he is trying to get across to the student of preaching - not quite a keep-it-simple-stupid principle, but keep it accessible and interesting.

I highly recommend this text to seminarians, new preachers, veteran preachers, as well as those who listen to sermons and seek a greater appreciation of the process.

Writing after the fact, historians often conclude that a war was preventable. This is generally false, as the dispassionate writer is removed from the context of the times. The war in 1812 between the United States and Great Britain has often been viewed as a pointless, forgettable war, yet in fact it had enormous consequences. The war was the defining moment of the Madison presidency and a significant break from the policy of the previous Jefferson and early Madison administrations. In describing the war, Rutland is masterful in describing the context and emotions of the times, the combination of which caused a war that was inevitable.
At the time, the Napoleonic wars were raging on the European continent and both Britain and France sought to wring every advantage they could out of what they considered an upstart nation. For years, Jefferson and Madison tried every tactic they could short of war in an attempt to delay a call to arms. Finally, national pride won out over all other factors and the war began. Madison's conduct of the war was not nearly as effective as it could have been, and yet the tie was all that was needed. James Monroe, the successor to Madison, enunciated what is now known as the Monroe doctrine, which warned all nations to avoid colonization efforts in the Western Hemisphere. With little American sea power to back it up, it was the first example of cooperation between Britain and the United States, as the enforcement was due to the power of the British navy. It is doubtful that this could have happened without the war.
The ways in which Rutland places the war in the context of power struggles in Europe and in the United States is masterful, as he describes how fragmented the United States was in those years. It is also possible to see the seeds of an eventual split and internal war, not over the issue of slavery, but over commercial and social differences.
In so many ways, Madison's best years were behind him when he became president. And yet, his handling of the war of 1812 was most likely the best that could have been done, as he sought to defend a fractious nation against an old foe who afterward became a staunch ally. For that reason alone, his administration should be considered a success and this book is the most realistic appraisal of his years in the White House that I have ever seen.