The archaeology and scriptural/textual studies of the Dead Sea Scrolls have held the public imagination for much of the past half-century. Since the first Scrolls were discovered not far from the ancient site of Qumran in the late 1940s, there has been an air of mystery and intrigue around them unlike almost any other archaeological find. This is largely because of the association with the text of the Bible and the undeniable impact it has had on modern culture. The book The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls is a welcome addition to the ranks of basic introductory texts on the topic.

The author, Jodi Magness, is on the faculty of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Her professional interests centre largely on early Judaism, and include such topics as ancient pottery, ancient synagogue architecture and construction, the role of the Roman Army in the Eastern Empire, and, of course, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Qumrani settlement. An experienced field archaeologist, she has participated in twenty different excavations in the Middle East and Greece, including work at Masada, the great fortress in the south of Israel that was a 'last stand' spot during the Jewish revolt against the Romans.

An Introduction to the Archaeology of Qumran
In her first chapter, Magness looks at the basics of Qumran. Not a tourist hot-spot until fairly recently, for much of its excavation history it has been a desolate and remote location. One problem Magness highlights is that the primary person associated with archaeological excavation of Qumran, Roland de Vaux, who was also part of the controversial scroll research and translation team, never published a final report on his archaeological studies. There were several preliminary and introductory reports (not all of which have been made available in English translation to this day), but de Vaux died before finishing. Truth be told, this is not a problem unique to de Vaux or to Qumran, and publications such as Biblical Archaeology Review have highlighted the problem of archaeologists who do not follow through with their research by putting it into publication.

Magness cautions against looking at her work as anything definitive. This is more of an introduction and overview of the current state of affairs. She gives further in this chapter a brief introduction for the untrained in archaeological methodology, a survey of dating techniques, and a look at why Qumran is controversial. Arachaeology is far from an exact science; dependent upon interpretation and knowledge of ancient human behaviours, it is subject to multiple interpretations and constant revision in the light of new finds. Qumran is awash in multiple interpretations as to the nature of the community there and the use of rooms and artifacts found there.

Subsequent chapters cover the following topic in some detail, outlining continuing areas of question and controversy, as well as Magness's own theories.

-The Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Exploration of Qumran
-The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Community at Qumran
-The Buildings and Occupation Phases of Qumran
-What Do Pottery and Architecture Tell Us about Qumran?
-Communal Meals, a Toilet, and Sacred Space at Qumran
-Miqva'ot at Qumran
-Women and the Cemetery at Qumran
-The Temple Tax, Clothing, and the Anti-Hellenizing Attitude of the Sectarians

The Settlements at Ein Feshkha and Ein el-Ghuweir

Magness concludes by looking at two settlements also at the north end of the Dead Sea that have a relationship with Qumran. She describes the layout and buildings, as well as some of the finds associated with them. Magness is wary of direct connections being assumed between Qumran and these other nearby settlements. In some cases time frame conflicts, and in others simply a lack of any direct evidence leads to her suspicion. However, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence and she allows that there might have been relationship between the three sites.

Extra stuff
At the beginning of the book is a brief introduction followed by a series of plates, maps and line-art drawings. Sixty-six figures in all, these are all placed up front for ready reference, as many will be useful and referred to again and again throughout the text of the chapters.

In addition to these chapters, Magness includes indexes in several different categories. There is an index by Author and Contemporary Historical Figures; there is an index of Scrolls, Biblical Books, Extrabiblical Books, and Historical Figures; and there is an index of Sites and Place Names. These, in addition to the general index, make this a very practical and useful book for ready research.

At the conclusion of each chapter, Magness has a narrative bibliography directing the reader/researcher to more broad and in-depth information about the topics discussed. Given the recent publication date, this information makes this text a great ready-reference resource for further Dead Sea Scroll and Qumran research.

In this well-written study Jodi Magness helps us see how people lived at Qumran and why they did things as they did. Unlike many scholars, Jodi Magness is persoanl in her reporting and evaluating. She speaks from experience as a working archaeologist. The Intoduction the Archaeology of Qumran is a fascinating overview of the field. Maps and illustrations add to the value of the introduction and the chapters which follow. Each of the ten chapters has an extensive bibliography to encourage in-depth study. Reading this book will not only add depth to Bible study but it will challenge the reader to see and appreciate more the world around him. What do the items found in our own backyards tell about people who lived where we do? Jodi Magness teaches in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has participated in 20 different excavations in Israel and Greece.

Jodi Magness points out in the introduction to her book that there are two reasons why fringe theories about the Dead Sea Scrolls are numerous. The second is that "we tend to side with the underdogs." The first reason is that controversy sells. Magness shows why the available archaeological evidence supports the basic conclusions of Roland de Vaux. The scrolls and the Qumran settlement are related. The scrolls were owned by a sectarian group. The settlement is not a villa rustica. Etc. Yet Magness does not rubber stamp the work of de Vaux. For example she sets forth her own chronology of the settlement.

This book is not for people who subscribe to fringe theories. There are no Christian writings found among the scrolls. Nor are the scrolls a depository of the Temple either in 62 BCE or 68 CE. There used to be a sect known as the Essenes who lived at Khirbet Qumran...

This work of art opens your eyes to hidden meanings behind actions, reactions and unconscious behavior. After reading each passage and defining each story from my own perspective, I now examine the actions not only of myself, but of others in certain situations. A person of any background will surely be able to relate to many of the situations discussed in the book. This is a definite winner. A book that can be read over and over and still create new meanings. Great job!!

The relation of the psalms to real life was a satisfying feeling for me to read. Once I started to read, I didn't stop. Pretty soon the 200 pages was over, and I wanted more. Let's hope Dr. Capozzi shares more of his metaphorically rich works. Pure self-serving motivation!

I read a different Psalm in this book each day. No matter who you are or what walk of life you come from this book will reflect some of your daily views of life or values. I find some of the authors quotes about the psalms to be very comforting in times when I am down. He uses everyday life to reflect on the Psalms and bring them to life. All in all i enjoy reading a different Psalm and passage each day to give me a bright outlook on the new day ahead. Sometimes it just inspires me to press on when every thing seems so bleak and dim. I'll reflect on a funny story the author brings to life and i'll smile. I think that if your in for a great book look no further than " Beside Quiet Waters "

Great Book I will recommend people to read it.

Wow! Excellent book! I have read this aloud to my kids...we are all amazed at the content...even though I've been a Christian for 20 years, I am learning an amazing amount of information and love the tie-ins from Old Testament stories and how they relate and foreshadow Christ! What a great addition to our Home schooling...our discussions are incredible and so appropriate for the here and now! ALL of the children take part...from a six to 15 years of age! WHO SAYS THIS IS FOR GROWNUPS?!! Great book!

The Old Testament comes alive as 28 Bible Stories segue into the New Testament, and into our lives today. Each "Story" is divided into three bite size parts:

(1)"The Story" is a brief digest of events as they occurred (w/o commentary; covered in 2 or more pages).
(2)"The Inside Story" hits the reader with exciting & unexpected bullet points. "WOW, I never knew that", is this section's likely reaction.
(3)"Treasures for Life," reveal why God gave the story space in His best seller, and how it can transform our lives into ones of confidence, expectancy and joy.

This book will be a much-appreciated gift for Christians or Non-Christians, as God's word reaches them in a plain-spoken and uncritical way.

Hamilton's outline and word study allows the reader to determine for themselves the best interpretation of verses under challenge. While focusing on the Biblical evidence, Hamilton shows varying opinions on specifics and then challenges each with other areas of Scripture. The format, and easy-to-read structure make it a must for any Old Testament library.

This is a really good two volume commentary on Genesis. I like it better than Gordon Wenham's two volume work for several reasons: 1) It is easier to read. 2) There are many points where Hamilton focus on applying the text to the New Testament and to the practical Christian life, 3) you don't have to have a knowledge of hebrew to access this mammoth work. So if you're doing a Bible study on Genesis or if you're preaching through it, then this is the top of the line.

The commentary by Hamilton is one of the best that I'm aware of on Genesis. I'm taking an introduction course at seminary and I leaned very heavily on Hamilton's book. It is accessible to the beginning student, but experts should find it is hearty enough to help them too. I would definitely recommend this to any student of Genesis or of the Bible.

This book is extremely useful for anyone new to cameo collecting. There is an extensive history of the cameo, information on famous cameo artists, as well as the different materials used for cameos. It contains a small section on how to date cameos, and how to spot fakes. Overall, a great book for the beginner.

Now available in an newly updated and expanded second edition, Cameos Old & New by Anna Miller is an informative and authoritative guide featuring a wealth of information on the creation, collection, appraisal, and appreciation of cameo jewelry. Filled with black-and-white photographs as well as an inset section of color plates, Cameos Old & New instructs the reader on how to distinguish cameos produced with ultrasonic technology from hand-carved ones, and how to separate old cameos from recent creations. A superb and comprehensive reference, Cameos Old & New is an invaluable resource and reference for collectors, dealers, curators, and anyone wanting to know more about the cameos in their possession.

very good book and helpful too. i enjoy looking at the pictures and it has lots of useful info!

This is a great book. I would have given it five stars, except for two things. It only covers the Torah, not the prophets, psalms, proverbs, or the wisdom books. I wish it covered the whole Hebrew bible. And also, it sidesteps the REALLY tough questions, like why the genocides, and wasn't G-d the G-d of the poor little firstborn Egyptian kids too? Other than that, a superb book.

I was not raised in a religious household -- so I was clueless and curious. This book covers only the Old Testament and is a perfectly explained and readable history of the Jews -- a Cliffs Notes of the Bible. This is a gentle tour of Biblical doctorine, and there is little mention of the "shalt nots" which often scare away potential belivers. Light, but informative and rewarding, this is an excellent book for teenagers, Jews who are not familiar with their faith, or people like me who just want to know more about the world of religion.

This book gave me so much insight on the Bible and did it in an inviting, non-apprehensive way. I never thought I would enjoy it so much. The author truly appreciates the spiritual needs of those who may not be the most knowledgeable on the topic. I highly recommend it and have given three different people my copy to borrow. It's so popular, we even bought a second one to lend out!

I confess to a penchant for accounts of pioneer history and this amazing biography offers far more than the oft-published times, dates and places.

Bold Spirit-Helga Estby's Forgotten Walk Across Victorian America, is simply riveting. Helga's true story, brimming with struggle, loss, hope, peril and audacious moxie, portrays a complex woman pushing prevalent cultural boundaries, while holding loyally to her values surrounding family ties and religious conviction.

Born in Scandinavia, Helga emigrated to Minnesota as a child. Following her marriage at 16, she, Ole and their growing family eventually homestead south of Spokane, Washington. Within a short time, the depression of 1893 finds them desperate for work and for funds with which to pay their mortgage.

When an anonymous donor offers $10,000 to any woman who will walk across America under stringent constraints, Helga and her 18 year-old daughter Clara accept the dangerous challenge and strike out together for New York City. Defying the era's "suitable" behavior standards for women, and confronting myriad hazardous obstacles, Helga and Clara display a determination to save their home that results in a confusing combination of respect and condemnation from those who follow their journey. Their arrival in New York heralds both an ironic ending and another beginning to this fascinating story.

Utilizing accounts garnered from extensive research and personal interviews, Linda Hunt recounts this absorbing saga with the objective of preserving the truth of Helga's gifts, tragedies and legacy. The story, stilled for many years by members of Helga's family, might have been lost altogether. We are indebted to Professor Hunt for her gift of presenting this glimpse of a truly surprising Victorian woman. Historically intriguing, poignant, engrossing and beautifully illustrated with vintage photographs, Bold Spirit is absolutley recommended for individuals and Book Groups alike.

Linda Hunt weaves a fascinating story from the old newspaper accounts of the extreme challenges and dangers faced by Helga and Clara Estby as they walked across America in a bid to win the money that could save their family farm. Once I started reading, I could hardly put the book down. (I'm an opera singer, and I read this book during my waits between entrances in a run of performances for Mozart's Don Giovanni.)

As I read this book, I expected to learn more about the role and place for women in late nineteenth century American culture, and I expected to learn about the silencing of stories that happens within families. However, I was surprised to find the story so relevant to my own history. I gained a new insight for myself from Ms. Hunt's description of "breaking the central code of a culture"; that a story simply cannot be heard when the actions of the characters in the story go beyond or "break" what is accepted in the prevailing culture.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in a glimpse of what life was like for independent thinking women at the turn of the last century, and I also recommend it for anyone who cherishes family stories.

I read very little non-fiction, but have really enjoyed two non-fiction books this summer, this book (BOLD SPIRIT) and SEABISCUIT by Laura Hillenbrand. They are similar stories about overcoming the odds and doing what no one thought possible. I hope BOLD SPIRIT gets the attention it deserves.

I don't know what the wiring is for an 1988 Buick Century. I also don't have a manuel. I was going to put a cd player in it and I needed to know the wiring fir it.

I need to know that is the maximum voltage from alternator buick century 1991 year.

With lots of pictures, this manual is something I wish I had bought long ago. It helps first-timers do things like change the oil, and hardcore pros overhaul engines and transaxles. It shows how to take apart consoles and such which almost look inpermeable at first. Power antenna on the fritz? It's in here. Need new brakes? It really is not hard, and if fully detailed and illustrated in this book. This is just a really essential tool for you, and is just as valuable as your ratchet wrench.

A friend gave me a copy of this book, as I was looking for some poetry to set to music. I was inspired by the Barbara Stoller Miller translation of the Gita Govinda, pub by Columbia Univ., and my friend thought that this book pushed the envelope just a litte bit further.

The forward and introduction are very informative and make this centuries old poetry come alive in a relevant and contemporary way. The poems themselves are very, very old and Schelling's translations make them shimmer with life. If you've ever researched or read other translations of Sanskrit poetry, you will be thrilled with these translations.

As it turns out, I've received permission to use three of the poems in the book to set to music (in their original Sanskrit language).

This book offer a potent and eggshell fragile look at the range of emotions relating to love, romance and romantic longing.

Highly recommended.

This is a wonderful little book of poetry. The poems of love, physical intimacy, desire, melancholy, longing and rejection in this collection date back over a millennia. A thousand years make these poem as poignant as ever. The poems in this collection are fleeting intimate glimpes into who we are as humans.

This is beautiful poetry from ancient India. It is rich and sensual, evocative and erotic, and not always in the overtly sexual way of the Kama Sutra. It engages life, society, and importantly, nature in all its lost beauty in India, the fragrant jasmine vines, the kadamba and ankota tree, the thunderstorm that releases a sudden coolness on a warm summer evening, the white cranes that cross the darkening sky. Then there is the secret rendezvous, the furtive gesture, the passionate love-making, the loss of youth, the immortal desire for fulfillment, the traveller and his betrayals, the gods engaged in their own love-making, Shiva and Parvati as the divine couple. These are timeless themes made more poignant by our desire for them today.

Frederick Dellaenbaugh was a young man when John Wesley Powell tapped him to participate in Powell's second trip down the Colorado River. Powell had made the journey already a few years before, so the second voyage was less pure exploration and more science; the crew included Almon Harris Thompson (called affectionately "Prof." throughout), a professional geographer who also happened to be Powell's brother-in-law. With several boats and men of widely varying experience, the expedition sailed the Green river (thought at that time to be the upper Colorado) to its junction with the Colorado, and the Colorado itself as far as the middle of the Grand Canyon. Swirling rapids, maggotty food, blistering heat, sudden blizzards beset the adventurers, who still though it all made their geographical, geological, and ethnographical observations which resulted in (among other things) the first maps of the four corners region and the Grand Canyon (reproduced in the book).
While wild adventure, humor, and a real sense of the Old West permeate the book, there is a certain sadness, too. The Native Americans whom Dellenbaugh encounters are people clearly already defeated -- fearful, distrusting, sad. We catch glimpses of the Navaho trying to accommodate themselves to the new reality of white (especially Mormon) settlement, creating new networks of trade focused on growing frontier towns. But the seeds of the end are planted already in the irrigated fields of the Mormon settlers, and sometimes it seems as if the natives knew this too. Also, the topography through which the explorers travelled has now partly vanished behind the dams that have ruined Glen Canyon and other stretches of white water and canyon scenery. No one can now do what Dellenbaugh and his companions did; the sense of loss hovers unintentionally about every page.
Dellenbaugh was a keen observer (though perhaps a bit naive) with a talent for making even the monotony of running rapid after rapid spellbinding. One does feel that he may have veiled some of the conflicts that must have arisen in two (non-continuous) years of isolation, though if so this trait is refreshing in a world where we now expect everyone to tattle on everyone else. Every now and then just a shimmer of impatience with one of the crew seeps through. But the real hero who emerges from this book, somewhat surprisingly, is not the leader Powell -- the young Dellenbaugh seems never to have gotten close to him -- but rather the Prof., who rises to every challenge with decency and humaneness, and of whom Dellenbaugh seems to have been genuinely, and for good reason, in awe. Like Powell he is buried in Arlington Cemetery. He deserved that honor, but where he lives is in the pages of this book.

Love and respect for the Green and Colorado Rivers is greatly enhanced by Dellenbaugh's narritive of the 2nd Powell expadition. Well written, accurate history, and spell binding from start to finish. An adventure that can only be partially accomplished today is TOTALLY available in "A Canyon Voyage!"

At the time of the 2nd voyage down the Colorado, Dellenbaugh was on about 19 years old. He didn't write the book until many years later. What a wonderful/spellbinding look at the most beautiful place in North America (The Colorado Plateau). Not only that but I found it extremely hunorous as well. Great Great book!!!