Herein lies three absorbing accounts of the first wagon trains to California (1841), Oregon (1842) and Washington (1853). The sixty nine men, women and children of the 1841 Bidwell-Bartleson party were the first to attempt any such overland migration to the west. Bidwell describes many features such as the disputable election of Bartleson as captain; securing Fitzpatrick as guide; praiseworthy comments on traveling companion Father DeSmet; provisions and daily routines; making roads for the wagons; buffalo stampedes; "cyclones"; half the party dividing at Soda Springs to continue traveling north with Fitzpatrick and the missionaries; getting lost a few times in Utah and Nevada due to vague geographical directions; making pack-saddles from the wood of their abandoned wagons; Bartleson and others deserting; etc. The Hubert Bancroft account of the 1842 Elija White party of one hundred twelve descibes daily routines also, along with rules and regulations for the journey; the controversial slaughtering of twenty two of the emigrants' dogs as ordered by White, thereby resulting in Loren Hastings elected as captain and the division of the party; the somewhat dubious tactics at Fort Laramie to obtain the emigrants' oxen and wagons in exchange for worn-out, haggard horses, and supplies at exhorbitant prices; securing Fitzpatrick as guide; etc. The 1853 James Longmire account to Washington has the emigrants traversing the treacherous Cascade Mountains, using ropes and rawhide from freshly butchered cattle to lower their wagons down steep canyon walls. Although only 104 pages, this little book gives armchair "overlanders" an intriguing glimpse into the many hardships, sacrifices and speculations these early day pioneers had to overcome.

This 104 page volume, illustrated with black and white engravings and paintings by Frederic Remington and others, brings together the accounts of the first three wagon trains from "the States" to the West.

John Bidwell's account of the "First Emigrant Train to California: Kansas River to Marsh's Rancho, May 19 to November 5, 1841," is the longest of the three, providing a great deal of insight into the daily life, hardships and encounters of this pioneer journey to the Sacramento area.

Hubert Howe Bancroft and others, write about the "Elijah White Party," which left the Independence, Missouri, area on May 14, 1842 for the Oregon country, where Elijah White was to commence his duties as the first U.S. Government agent in the region. Bancroft's account, with insertions from other diaries, gives us a glimpse not only of the journey, which is fascinating, but of the political squabbles among the leaders. Among other things, we learn about White's infamous order to kill all the dogs in the party. The group reaches the Whitman Mission, near Walla Walla, and most continue on to Fort Vancouver.

The shortest account, but the one that interested me the most, is "Through Naches Pass," by James Longmire. It tells of the 1853 Longmire party, giving a brief account of their travels to Fort Walla Walla, but providing more detail on their struggles to be the first wagon train to arrive in the Puget Sound area, crossing the Cascade Mountains just north of Mount Rainier. This was the first party to arrive in the West with most of their wagons. Here we see a tired, ragged party on the western slopes of the Cascades celebrating by clubbing and eating their fill of humpback salmon, although Mrs. Longmire preferred to buy a pheasant from a nearby Indian hunter.

I'd recommend these first-hand accounts of the overland journey to the West to anyone interested in the westward movement, as well as to teachers and students studying this period of history.

I am still amazed that Q was able to write such a readable and hillarious book about a trip that turned into a disaster. Only an author blessed with superior skills and humour could pull it off, but he did and 'in spades!' As Q's 'Old Guy' I am putting the finishing touches on a sequel to his book, Fishing With Paul Quarrington by His Old Guy. It delves further into our fishing and casting lives together since we met fifteen years ago and includes Paul's second trip to the Broadback, this time to my territory and with superb fishing.

I talked Paul into making this trip with us. We had fished and worked on his angling skills for over ten years and I felt he was ready to go affter the 'Big One'. Howeverr it was not to be. We ran into just about the worst conditions that anybody could imagine and due to circumstances were unable to go to the Deval territory, one with which I was familiar. I didn't think it was possible for anybody to construct a readable tale as a result of this venture, but Paulie not only pulled it off, but wrote his 'Old Guy' book with all the flair and humour that only a superb author could. I am just putting the finishing touches on a sequel to his wonderful account of that mis-adventure, 'Fishing With Paul Quarrington by His Old Guy'. It fills in the holes that 'Q' left out and includes his next trip with us, this time into my territory and with superb fishing.

Frank Sinatra and Friends Is like a perfect sampler of old time radio shows all of which happen to have Frank Sinatra as the guest star. Each show is presented in it's entirety (30 min). We get plenty of Sinatra singing of course, but also acting in comedies and dramas alongside the Big stars of the 40's and early 50's. WE also get the joy of experiending the old radio shows like the Jack Benny Program, Burns and Allen, the Bob Hope show and many others. So this is not just for Sinatra fans. Anyone interesed in Radio will love and treasure this collection. This is not just a bunch of predigested moments with Sinatra. This is the complete show. Each one is charming and intimate. The commercials are wonderful too. Listening to these shows is like traveling through time. These recordings show us a Sinatra that his recording do not. It is almost like meeting him in person. Everyone Involved in these shows seems like they are having a wonderful time! And it is full of surprises. I recommend it without reservation!!

For a Sinatra fan who has everything this collection is an unexpected treasure because It gives you more of the Sinatra you crave. Not just singing, but acting: drama, comedy, and more! And a very personal encounter with Sinatra that you can't get with any other meduim. This collection offers something that the records and movies don't offer. You feel that you are In the room with Sinatra as he casually chats with the big stars of the day and joins them joins them in a comedy routine....than a song!! And this collection also introduces you to the world of old time radio. You will start to love them all: from Jack Benny to Burns and Allen.....Even If you were not that interested in Sinatra this collection presents an overview of old-time radio....where each show happens to have Frank Sinatra as the guest star!!! THIS IS A MUST HAVE!!! I want more!

I believe this is a 12th Century French Carol -- and not an old English Carol,as stated. Well, regardless of which side of the Channel it comes from, it's charming. If ever you have the chance to hear this sung by little ones, don't miss it -- it was meant for their sweet voices.

I have an old copy of this book and read it to my toddler this Christmas season. It is beautifully illustrated, with a copy of the music at the back. Highly recommended.

This book opens up the world of the Old Testement, showing how God in his infinite wisdom has paved the way for Christ ever since creation. Baylis sheds much light on the prophecies that came true in Christ, and the beautiful love story that God has written for us. A wonderful tool for any wishing to study and explore the Old Testement.

This book is an excellent survey of the Old Testament. Baylis traces each book of the Old Testament in its own theological development of how Jesus is to be the coming Messiah. I highly recommend From The Cross To Creation for college students looking to understand the Old Testament because Baylis' writing style is smooth and easy to read. I also recommend this book to seminary students as a scholarly work because Baylis' footnotes are extensive and provides for wide-ranging supplemental research. As such this book makes a wonderful Bible study. I have used Baylis' work in such a fashion with a college group and his insights were well received. I believe this book is worthy of a five star rating.

In laying the foundation to his basic thesis, Chisholm elaborated on what is probably the quintessential paradigm for pulpit ministry: mastery of the ancient text. It is unfortunate that many language professors do not incorporate active learning techniques to help students make the crucial connections and applications of the languages, nor do they attempt to relate it to the importance and credibility of practical ministry. There is most likely too much assuming on the part of the professors. They think the students will naturally make the proper cognitive connections, but as Chisholm stated, "Many students come away from the process weary" (9). Chisholm rightly states that knowledge of the ancient text is essential for those who preach and teach God's Word (7).

In building on his theme, Chisholm supports his claim by relating it to the overall background of proper hermeneutical processes, or in his words, proper "exegesis" (11). A fundamental principle of hermeneutics is the study of backgrounds, which includes geography, manners and customs, archaeology, language, as well as other related subjects. It is important to realize that the text is grounded to the historical-cultural context, which is inextricably connected to its meaning (151). The point he makes relates not only to discerning the "text," but also understanding the "context." "What did the text mean to the original audience?" is a necessary question in proper exegesis, and goes against the ever-popular Reader-Oriented techniques (150) employed by many preachers today. This leaves the message devoid of biblical authority and the audiences are left spiritually malnourished! I found it particularly interesting that even the Bible invites the reader to step into the original text by employing the interjection "hineh" (look) in many of its passages (160), thus illustrating the point of putting oneself into the shoes of the biblical characters. This is a fundamental key to unlocking the meaning of the text.

The book achieves its purpose on two levels. First, Chisholm focuses on the mechanics or building blocks of the Hebrew language, such as syntax, pronouns, verbs, in addition to semantics and such. Secondly, he deals with the field of linguistics and how one should understand narrative, poetry, anthropomorphisms, prophecy and the like. Chisholm refers to the latter as "beneath the surface" interpretation (149). Chisholm makes a convincing approach that a mastery of the Hebrew language (and linguistics in general) is imperative for any preaching-teaching ministry and is inextricably connected to "truly biblical" preaching-teaching (223). Of course, Chisholm does point out that multiple perspectives on a passage are okay (224). He is really referring to application, for applications can widely vary and are sometimes a personal issue. But the preacher must never force a modern issue or theme on the ancient text if it does not relate to the author's original intent. This would be considered as "hermeneutical pluralism" (150) or a "postmodern reader-centered" interpretation (8,150).

Chisholm states at the outset that many people feel that language is secondary to "practical" ministry or is simply a luxury and not an essential. To change this perspective, the paradigm shift must come from within the colleges. An institution established on Bible education will suffer academic deficiency if it compromises a high standard for biblical language. Many colleges do this by structuring their academic program in such a way as to provide students the road of less difficulty. If the Bible is the foundation, a mastery of language must be of the highest priority! This book provides an excellent treatment on Hebrew by virtue of its success in bridging the gap between language studies and applying it to preaching-teaching. Certain sections may be a little tedious to read, especially if the reader has not utilized Hebrew over a substantial period of time. I think this book should be in the library of every preacher, and it really should be required reading for college Hebrew courses.

This is a good book to study biblical hebrew and theaching biblical theology in the church and in the society.

This book is worth reading. Dr. Keyser and Dr. Ballard bring a wealth of insight and scholarship to this rich text. One of the book's major strenghts is the unbiased approach brought to this discussion of OT Theology. The scholarship is evident, and the authors navigate the reader through a large portion of the most important testimony ever written.

From Jerusalem to Gaza is an extremely special book. I don't say this because I am a student of the co-author (though it does help), but because it is such an apt guide on the theologies found in Old Testament literature. Both authors are very learned scholars in Old Testament studies and have a lot to offer from an intellectual standpoint, but there is a familiarity felt when reading the book as if the writer were sitting next to you explaining his views and convictions based on his knowledge. The titling of the book could not possibly be more fitting. Based on a paradigm passage of Peter and the Ethiopian Eunuch, the book lives up to its title, covering the boundaries and beliefs of those in Jerusalem (the Israelite center of worship), Gaza (one of the five Philistine city-states), and everywhere in between. Additionally, because the book is such an easy read, it would appeal to a Biblical Scholar or a simple lay person trying to get a grasp on the God of the Old Testament. In more ways than one, the title speaks of the overall goal and spirit of the book.
Dr. Ballard and Dr. Keyser make it a point to contribute a chapter in From Jerusalem to Gaza to each of the main theological issues that are addressed in the Old Testament. Each chapter begins as the book does, with a "paradigm passage" that directly addresses the issue at hand and will be examined to draw information about that issue. The book begins with more broad topics such as the Israelite God YHWH and His relationship with the inhabitants of the Earth, and moves toward topics that would entice those who are in all ways striving for a closer relationship with Him, such as the way He expects us to live our lives. As the book progresses into the second half, it is filled with such beneficial advice and encouragement (for both the Christian and Jewish reader) that it could almost be read strictly as a devotional piece. The warmth in which the book was written transfers to the reader and he cannot help but to be convicted and challenged to seek more diligently to live according to the way God has commanded us to live.
One thing about this book that jumps out at the reader is the tendency of the authors not to be timid in addressing things that would cause discomfort among many readers. Dr. Ballard and Dr. Keyser admit that some of the things found in the Hebrew Bible are a bit fuzzy and clearly wish to get to the bottom of the questions that arise when reading the text. For every subject that arises in the conversation on any topic, the authors are faithful to provide differing views of the Old Testament scholars who have addressed that particular topic. As a matter of fact, much of the book is made up of various quotes from the books of well-known scholars in the field of Old Testament study such as Robert L. Cate and Robin Cover. This lets the reader know that the authors have done their homework not only on the text, but other scholarly applications of the text. Though the authors usually state which view they support, the reader would be hard pressed to find any bias or preconceived notions in the thoughts of the authors, seeing as the authors provide ample space for the reader to examine each of the angles represented and come up with his own view of the text. To take it a step further, there are many times in the book where the author will recommend resources to those "readers who would like to pursue more" information on the topic being discussed. They also will give you their own take on the book, citing whether or not the book is easy reading or should be reserved for one with a firm grasp on Old Testament Scholarship.
I would recommend this book to anyone with a desire to dig deeper into the theological issues addressed in the Old Testament. I'm certain that the aim of Dr. Ballard and Dr. Keyser is to make this book so rich in scholarship that the Biblical scholar will appreciate it, so full of important information that the college student will value it, and so full of warmth and sincerity that the devotional reader will cherish it. If so, then the goal has been accomplished. This book would be beneficial to anyone, no matter where they are on the journey of religious liberty... from Jerusalem to Gaza.

T. Desmond Alexander is an Evangelical Christian who is a lecturer in Semitic studies at The Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In this book, he tries to get past the nitty-gritty details of the Pentateuch (and tries to avoid dealing with some of the fruitless and destructive biblical criticism) by getting to the themes contained within the Pentateuch and showing what these are and also drawing New Testament parallels. (I didn't agree with everything he says, like he thinks that humans were created to be vegetarians but were changed by the Fall such that they now want to eat meat.) But I thought this was a solid work that brought out many of the themes within the Pentateuch that are sometimes clouded by biblical criticism (such as Wellhausen's source critical "Documentary Hypothesis" theory). This book was required reading for a Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary "Theology of the Pentateuch" Master level course.

Although he tends to repeat himself, he brings out a number of excellent insights into the themes which unite the five books of the Pentateuch. He also brings out how the books relate to each other, such as Exodus presupposing knowledge of the Patriarchs and their promises, and so on. He thus is committed to the Mosaic authorship and traditional view of Scripture and brings out the unity within the Pentateuch. He surveys the Pentateuch (in the traditional order) and then brings out the themes.

Some of his themes include the concept of a "Royal Lineage in Genesis," where the geneaologies highlight a redemptive line ("seed/offspring of the woman", a chosen seed), ultimately pointing to Abraham, David and then to Christ. A second theme is "Paradise Lost," and the cursing of the land and exile within Adam, Cain, Noah, Babel, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. In contrast, the reversal of the curse is found within God's blessing, from one man (Abraham) to one nation (Israel) to all nations (by Christ and subsequently the church). Faith then is highlighted in the life of Abraham (Gen. 12, 15, 17, 22). Then the theme of Exodus is "Who is the LORD?" (and "who knows the LORD?") Knowing God - knowing His saving acts and deeds, and thus His attributes, character, is central to Exodus. (This echoes J. A. Motyer's "Revelation of the Divine Name.") Then the Passover is discussed, and the covenant of Sinai (the Ten Commandments, covenants, the Book of the Covenant, and the moral or apodidic rules). Then there is an interesting dissertation on the Tabernacle (although a better and more fascinating treatment is probably M. G. Kline's Kingdom Prologue or Images of the Spirit). Then the calling within Levitticus is "Be Holy" (Alexander explores this theme in holiness, clean-ness, and unclean-ness, and the parallels in the sacrificial system and in food). Then in Numbers, Alexander highlights the role of the Levites, the preparation of the Conquest, and the complaints of the unbelieving Israelites. Alexander ends with Deuteronomy and Covenants (theme of love and loyalty) and why God elected Israel and what the expectations were on Israel (as in any covenant, there are stipulations and sanctions, that is, expected behavior of complete fidelity and obedience, as well as love and loyalty to the LORD, and blessings were upon who complied, and curses - even exile - to those who were disobedient; in addition, Israelites were to be a light to nations).

Overall, a very easy to read work and very enlightening. Good read if you want to get past all the little details of the Pentateuch and see the great overarching themes (and understand why these had to be there).

This is far and away the best introduction to the Pentateuch from a conservative viewpoint that is available today. It is accesible without compromising its scholarly integrity. It is a pleasure to read, and helpful in every way.

I am a Russian-Soviet history specialist. But this era of America's military history is shrouded with inaccuracies and myths and this book does an excellent job of clearing up past questionable material. The author did an excellent job in showing that the U.S. Frontier army did more than chase down Indians to murder and kill them thereby opening up and keeping the frontier safe for the influx of European settlers. The author does a great job of showing that many military officers and enlisted men actually defended the Indians. This will certainly be news for many people who think that the army only tried to kill the Indians. The army posts were a hub of activity concerning domestic duties duties like farming, cleaning, maintanence of equipment and the like. This author did an outstanding job and since this is not my area of specialty, I learned quite a bit from this work. I would strongly recommend this work to anyone interested in the frontier army, its role in the post and outside the post and how that interaction actually took place. This is a must have for any living historian of the frontier era. My compliments to the author on his thorough research and lucid writing style which makes it easy to read, even for a dyslexic like myself.

Michael Tate was my history professor at the University of Nebraska, as I found his lectures fascinating, I decided to buy his book. Anyone on any level will not only enjoy this book, but learn a lot as well. Dont pass this book up, add it to your cart now!

The subtitle says it all: "An Illustrated Guide to Pioneer Life in America, Including Log Cabins, Furniture, Tools, Clothing, and More." From about 1725 to the closing of the frontier, Tunis examines dozens of aspects of American frontier life in this sequel to his "Colonial Living," and even touches on history (the little-known Black Hawk War, the Santa Fe trade, etc.). His clear, detailed pen-and-ink sketches provide a perfect visual accompaniment to written commentary. (Check out the household articles on pp. 24-5, the tub mill on p. 40, the spinning wheels and loom on pp. 46-8, and--my favorite--the elementary prairie well-drilling rig on p. 157, to take just a few examples.) As is often the case with juvenile social histories, he manages to touch on things you don't learn in books written for an adult audience, so the volume should be useful to researchers of every age. My one complaint is the positioning of the page numbers, which are buried in the crack of the binding! This is a book I was delighted to add to my collection, and I recommend it to everyone who has an interest in pre-1900 America.

Frontier Living illuminates all aspects of daily life on the American frontier, from the log cabin to the ranchero. Black and white illustrations by the author provide embellishments to text which describe frontier daily life; from tools and clothing to food. A recommended pick for students of early American frontier days.