My daughter (age 3) likes this book so much that I have to read it to her at least twice a day. This has been going on for over a month and luckily, I'm not really tired of it yet!

Rattlebone Rock is so fun to read. Children love the rhythmic text and really get into the book by making the spooky sounds the author writes of. Read it through once to a class of K-3 students. Then read it again and again, and have them chime in during the graveyard ghostly parts! This has been a hit with the k-3 students I have read it to. They will love the text and the great illustrations. A Halloween Book I wouldn't be without!

This book is great for Halloween! Our children really enjoy repeating the rocking, rythmic sounds made in this graveyard!

I originally heard about the Red Fairy Book in the Annotated Hobbit, it was listed as one of J.R.R. Tolkiens influance's.
Anyways I found it and started to read it, and I must say it is the best fairy tale book I own. It's much more lush and interesting than Grimms, though Grimm is great, this book is so far my favorite.
Quite possibly the best fairy tale book ever written.

This book is one of my favorites, and by far my favorite fairy tale book. It includes fairy tales from different countries, ones that are hard to find otherwise and are close to their original first telling. It shows that they truly researched and worked hard to come up with something so full of wonderful tales. The way in which they are written adds to the storytelling, and is hard to find anymore.

The 'Red Fairy Book was one of my first fairy tale books I read and I loved it. It's full of imaginative and diffrent fairy tales from all over the world. Such as "The True History of Little Goldenhood " and "The Twelve Dancing Princesses" {my personal favorite}. This book contains thirty-seven tales that will keep you entranced and send you to new lands for days un-end of enjoyment. The numerous and beatiful pen and ink illustrations are done by Henry J. Ford and Lancelot Speed. The 'Red Fairy book' is only one of the numerous books Andrew Lang has put together. Such as the 'Yellow Fairy Book' and the 'Lilac Fairy Book'. Of what I discovered this book is the best one out of them. So if your trying to decide wich one to purchase I reccomend this one!

As one who has recently matured from a Word of Faith background into someone who now holds to the doctrine of universal salvation; while not forsaking my word of faith background, I believe that the understanding of universal restoration that this book presents is totally life changing. In addition to the obvious message of the love of God that will unquestionably unfold in God's process of graces and judgments until the consummation, when death is destroyed and God is All in All over a reunited reconciled creation, this book presents a very powerful meditation in it's first chapter on the nature of the written word of God as being as divine as if it were not human and as human as if it were not divine, just like the awesome awesome Savior of the World, Jesus Christ that the rest of the book tells us about in a fresh new way. This book is indespensible. It's a must read for all who would know a little more about the finished work of Christ and for those who would just like a deeper appreciation of the written Word of God. The book breathes of a beautifully heart warming spirit and the language is very classic 19th century. The third chapter that deals with popular arguments against Restorationist theology is a must read. The book concludes with many quotes from the early Church fathers on the subject. Whether you are new to UR theology, or if you have been a restorationist for years and have just never read this book, this book is a true Classic; a rare masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you cannot fathom that God would punish most (or even one) of his creatures for year upon year upon year and, after that time, he has not really begun with his revenge, then this book may go a long way toward bringing you faith in God's lovingness. If you have no problem with such a God, good luck!

There is so much in this book that it will require several readings. For the hungry and thirsty each reading will be a pleasure. His discussion of the nature of revelation, at the beginning of the book, will speak to the heart of every believer - no matter what you think of his conclusions.

I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH THIS BOOK TO A SMALL GROUP OF SINGLES FOR THE FIRST TIME. FARMER DOES A WELL WRITTEN VERSION OF HOW TO UNDERSTAND, CELEBRATE, AND DO WHAT IS BIBICAL CORRECT IN WHEN WE ARE CALLED TO BE SINGLE. I WAS SO FEED UP WITH BOOKS TAKLING ABOUT HOW MISERABLE SINGLE LIFE WAS AND THE HOW TO START LOOKING FOR YOUR MATE TYPE MANUALS. IF YOU ARE TEACHING A SINGLES CLASS OR YOU ARE SINGLE YOURSELF, I TRULY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FROM THE HEART OF ANOTHER SINGLE!!

This book is a wonderful book for any christian wanting to live a life devoted to God. While Farmer is clearly in touch with the issues that singles uniquely deal with, he doesn't waste our time by helping us to feel sorry for ourselves. He focuses purely on Biblical principles which apply to the most important areas of our lives, and at the same time, makes those principles very practical and applicable to our REAL lives. Ever wanted to understand more about things like: how to make decisions in line with God's will, what God's purpose for your singleness is, how to have real friendships, what to do when you are thinking about the "M" word, etc. etc.??? Then you should definitely read this book! There are even appendices dealing with single parents and divorce which so accurately reflect God's compassion and the authority of scripture to deal with these issues. This is definitely a must-read for any Christian single!

I am a single man and throughly enjoyed the book. Farmer makes a compelling case for living life to the full as a single person. Using scripture as his basis, he shares in a clear and humorous style ideas that sharply contrast with much of what American culture provideds as a guide to living a full life as a single person. He also takes his practiced eye and looks at the end of singleness and the beginning of marriage. How can a man and woman get to know one another in a healthy and Godly manner as they look toward the possiblity of marriage one day.

I highly recommend the book.

Richard Overy has done a wonderful job in explaining why and how the major powers went to war. All countries had the same intentions - to retain and/or expand their empires and to make the world into an image of theirs. In this regard I would say all the countries were just like Germany in their outlook and all the politicians were micro-Hitlers. The only difference being that Hitler took the lead and initiative in fulfilling his desires, though in a very brutal way. Had he not done so, some other country would have, maybe a few years later. Ultimately all of them stood for the same thing- colonial expansion and global control. Just because some of them were democratic does not make them any less worse.

What I cannot understand is how all the politicians & statesmen refused to take Hitler seriously till it was too late. Again and again Hitler gave evidence of his intentions and again and again everyone felt that he would listen to reason. How could they have ignored all his statements and actions? How could they have misread him? Some answers are found in the last chapter - "Conclusion" which is absolutely wonderful. I would suggest that this should be read right in the beginning after the "Preface" and "Introduction" - both brilliant- as it helps clarify certain doubts/questions which arise when one reads the other chapters.

One is also saddened by seeing the absolute lack of faith and trust between the Allies- a misnomer if there ever was one. Had these powers looked beyond their own selfish interests and if they had had a bit of faith in one another, we may have not witnessed this carnage.

One thing I seemed to notice was that there is strong bias towards USA. Many of its (in)actions are explained and justified at length which is not so with the other countries who possibly also suffered from the same limitations. I would love to see this chapter rewritten but this is a minor flaw in this otherwise brilliant book.

This book was written as a companion to series of television documentaries on the origins of WWII. Given this background, you might expect a relatively conventional overview or 'coffee table' type of book. The principal author, however, is Richard Overy, perhaps the preeminent scholar of WWII and man who has made a career of looking at well known historical episodes from fresh points of view. Overy is also that unusual scholar who tries to, and succeeds at, writing books for both the community of scholars and the broad reading public.

The goal of this book is to provide a sophisticated understanding of why the WWII occurred and to dispell myths about the actions and motivations of the major actors. The authors chose to organize this book on a country by country basis. There are excellent introductory and concluding chapters providing some overview but most of the book is dedicated to careful analysis of the politics and diplomacy of the major combatant countries.

Why did WWII occur? A major cause was the unsatisfactory nature of the attempted settlement following WWI. Several of the major combatants in WWI felt aggrieved by the results of the Paris peace conferences and treaties. The desire for revision was driving force in diplomacy and internal politics for the two decades following WWI. The aggrieved parties naturally included Germany but also included the Soviet Union, Italy, and Japan. WWI inflicted terrible wounds on the powers who wished to maintain the post-WWI settlement. France's losses were grievous, and since the French economy lacked the dynamism of Germany's and her birth rate was lower, she remained in a vulnerable position. Britain withdrew from continental politics for much of the 20s. When the British did return to active participation in continental affairs, it was with a weakened economy and a depleted defense establishment. Perhaps only the active participation of the USA could have maintained the post-WWI settlement, but the USA pursued isolationist policies until the very eve of WWII.

Overy and Wheatcroft provide excellent analyses of internal politics and diplomacy in each nation. Several themes emerge. The Great Depression did not cause the problems and tensions that led to WWII but horribly exacerbated them. Particularly in the democratic states, the freedom of action of leaders was sharply limited by domestic political considerations and a good deal of what is seen now commonly as the cowardice of the leadership of Britain and France was due to the demands of internal politics. The leaders of the dictatorships were less constrained and their actions tended to reflect their own preoccupations and irrational goals. Deterring or stopping the Germans would have required alliance with the Soviet Union, but this proved to particularly difficult for a variety of reasons.

An unstable international system, weakness on the part of the parties interested in upholding the system, and international economic catastrophe were the ingredients for WWII. Add to this mixture the malign figure of Hitler, a man bent on at least continental domination, and whose motives were clearly not understood by the leaders of Britain and France. The rest is the tragic history of the 30s and 40s.

This book, written by one of today's most reputed historians of WW2, focuses on the years immediately preceding the war. Each chapter is devoted to one of the future belligerants and describes how they perceived the approaching crisis, what their objectives were, and what choices they faced. This approach is very successful in showing how each nation saw the situation at that time, as opposed as we see it today.

Although all sections are stimulating, a few are especially worth mentioning. The section on Germany makes it clear that a "readjustment" of Germany's post-WW1 eastern frontiers was inevitable and that indeed western powers themselves recognized it as inevitable. The section on Poland is very interesting and iconoclastic, balancing today's popular image of Poland as a helpless victim (which indeed she became AFTER its defeat in 1939) with a well-documented picture of an arrogant, racist state that western European states in the 30s generally despised. The chapter on England highlights the key importance that the English attributed to the Empire, and shows how Great Britain tried to defend this anachronistic creation against the revisionist powers, even in the face of its own economic decline.

The book is valuable both for its convincing general arguments and for its analysis of specific issues. At the general level, the picture of the 30s that emerges is that of a world constrained by a geopolitical straitjacked that was growing increasingly inadequate. The author argues that Britain and France, who were (and clearly perceived themselved to be) the biggest beneficiaries of the status quo, tried as long as possible to defend it against appeasing the revisionist powers while preparing for the worst with rearmament. The appeasement phase bought them time mostly at the expense of countries outside their direct sphere of influence, which they abandoned to Germany and Russia. However, Britain and France finally became convinced that the Axis powers were after a more radical reshaping of the international order. This, almost by definition, implied sacrificing parts of the English and French empires themselves; this Britain and France were not willing to do, so when they got ready they declared war. The rest is known.

This book makes its case very convincingly, and clearly states (the Introduction is fantastic) that the "fairy tale" version of WW2, where Britain and France are the white knights that go to war to save Europe's freedom, is ludicrous. They declared war, as every power in the history of the world has always done, in order to defend their own interests. They cared about Poland as much as they had cared about SChekoslovakia - something that the events both in september 1939 and in 1945 made abundantly clear.

The book is also full of delightful smaller issues, like: antisemitism in pre-war Poland (I did not know that it was the Poles, not the Germans, who first wanted to deport Jews to Madagascar, and this well before the war); the way racism affected the international relations between the US/England and Japan; and the almost universal belief, in Germany as in France as in England as in Italy as in Japan, that no great power could survive without some sort of Lebensraun (very interesting in light of how all these countries prospered after the war even after the colonial empires collapsed).

This is a wonderful book. It is dense with concepts and provocative thoughts. After you read it, you will want to get back to it time after time.

The material has been a positive experience for me. It has energized me, got me thinking and helped me better understand my job.

The audio product is informative and imaginative

Overall, the audio course provided insight into many aspects with regard to my day to day work situations. A very positive experience!

You'll never look at the world the same again.
Closely examines the personal, physical and global implications of what the psychics with the author and against the author.

Not a how to, but defintely a good read for anyone looking to get into the "occult" with inspiring, gripping and at times frightening accounts of what has transpired.

I am from the local area that this book talks about. I have visited the sites and I've almost taken on the role of my own investigator. The follow up books are really worth a read and the one called "The Seventh Sword" is a masterpiece. I highly recommend that Title as it covers the regions of England and the fight of Light and Dark.

The follow-on to THE BLACK ALCHEMIST, this book holds the readers' undivided attention as it records the investigations of the author and various friends into the practices of Black Magic in England. Living near several of the places mentioned within the book, and knowing of the local folklore, it held special interest. Excellently written, dealing with a difficult and controversial subject, and the whole atmosphere of the writing is offset with high quality drawings and photographs. I could neither put the book down not read it alone in the house.

To review such a Tagore's work is a terrible task, though you've got the pleasure and adventage of going through pure still unknown masterpieces, a feeling that makes you believe that you've entered the Temple of Solomon delivering its secrets. Besides, to complete a biography of such a "myriad-minded" man, I believe that you need both to love the author, or at least his creations. I doubt that, although they have a high knowledge about the great man, Dutta and Robinson (this seems to be William Radice's opinion too) have preserved the bases of his syncretist and pantheist thought, they forgot the message and rather focussed on tiny anechdoctical passages of his tremendous life. I propose you to go through another biographies, such as Krishna Kripalani's or even E.J.Thompson's rather than focussing on such critical pieces of works that would tend to produce a negative effect on your love for Tagore's poetry --which I totally share with you. Take care though to the biased statement of Kripalani, who lacks objectivity being an in-law of Rabindranath and one of his rare truly close friends. However his report is both detailed and representative of the Bengali thought towards its greatest modern artist. I am working out on a thesis reflecting the influences on Tagore, and am ready to share my point of view. And best would be not to spend so much time on your computor but read once more one poems of Gitanjali. Just kidding.

With immense pleasure and great anticipation I read this Anthology. I feel the world is ready for Tagore's poems, short stories, and plays once more. His interest in world peace, his sensitivity for the human condition, and love of humanity is the kind of message the world needs, perhaps *even* more today than when the author first wrote his words. As with most translations of this author's famous work - there is a wonderful and necessary "Introduction" which gives many examples of his life experiences, interests, and achievements, helping one to sense the broad scope of knowledge and range of ideas to which the reader will be exposed.

Krishna Dutta and Andrew Robinson so wisely selected his play, "The Post Office" as the first chapter. This play is like a pearl found in an oyster shell ... the outside appearance gives no impression of the valuable gem to be found within. The message is breath-taking in its simplicity and sublime due to its universal message which transcends culture and time. The beauty of this Anthology is the wide range and depth of Tagore's writing to which the reader is exposed. His writing is awesome and inspiring, filled with love for mankind, by one who sees the complete picture, but nonetheless is filled with hope. We read Rabindranath Tagore's memoirs in "My Remininscences" - we learn about his relationship with his father, a journey into the Himalayas, and his boyhood days. Tagore's travel writings about Russia, Japan, England, Java, Persia, and a day at the spa in Balatonfured, Hungary are fascinating to read. We have the privilege of reading Tagore's personal letters to his neice, the poet Yeats, the poet Ezra Pound, many of his friends, the philosopher, Bertrand Russell, and many other people with whom he corresponded. From this one garner's more about the personality of the man whom Tagore was, a person who lived his values and beliefs, not one who merely just wrote about them. We read a fascinating exchange of ideas with Albert Einstein on "The Nature of Reality." Tagore's mastery of the short story has won him recognition in Bengal and throughout the world. He conveys social, political, and human relationships of the villager and city dweller with equal ability. He gradually exposes feelings and conflicts, and carefully builds suspense until the mystery is revealed or the situation is resolved often with unexpected consequences. Although fewer poems are included than one would expect, two important ones, "The Sick Bed" and "The Recovery", written toward the end of his life are included. Also, "The Ocean of Peace" a song Tagore himself planned to sing after a play, was instead sung for him at his funeral, which he requested while he was ill. If someone is unfamiliar with Tagore's writing this book is highly recommended as a starting point. It contains a full measure of the author's broad interests and truly represents the universal message, "the unity of mankind" which he attempted to convey in his writing.
Erika B. (erikab93)

As I flipped through the pages of this 400-pg assortment of Tagore's Letters, Essays, Anecdotes and other like items, I could not help comparing the same to Barbara Holland's "Endangered Pleasures". The parallells are quite striking; however, An Anthology is in a completely different league of it's own. It's always a welcoming experience to read about Noble laureates, but Tagore wasn't just another Noble prize recipient - a man whose works had left the indelible etching in the minds of millions of Indians and steered the country to independence, inspired hopeless souls and rekindled the hopes of victory in a god-forsaken land. Striking yet more are the personal letters of Tagore, letters to his nephew Indira Tagore which I must admit were humorous far beyond what we expect out of a man whom we usually associate with sterner and solemn works. The book clearly draws a calm and serene picture of Calcutta back in those days. Krishna Dutta and Andrew Robinson has produced a magnificent compilation of Tagore's works that appeal directly to the Westerners and Easterners alike. The book begins with a translation of 'Dak Ghar' (The Post office), and recursively descends down the various phases of his life through essays, letters and other small works. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in learnign more about the man and his most interesting escapades and experiences in life - a truly refreshing journey indeed.

An excerpt - "In certain years in Calcutta, birds strange to the city used to come and build in our banyan tree. They would be off again almost before I had learnt to recognize the dance of their wings, but they brought with them a strange lovely music from their distant jungle homes. So, in the course of our life's journey, some angel from a strange and unexpected quarter may cross our path, speaking of the language of our own soul, and enlarging the boundaries of the heart's possessions. She comes unbidden, and when at last we call for her she is no longer there. But as she goes, she leaves on the drab web of our lives a border of embroidered flowers, and our night and day are for ever enriched."

I read this book for a class on the emergence of state society. The book was great for its review of Aztec ideology and its resulting effects on the society. Too many authors ignore the importance of the way people think. However, archaeological evidence does not support their conclusions about the Inca's ancestor worship. But the book was good read, very fast paced and enjoyable. I recommend it.

I read this book as part of a research project into the rise and fall of the Mexica, or Aztec. This book offered an interesting view of the Aztec, as a warfaring society which was propelled by a religous zelous that got out of hand and eventually caused the destabilization of a great empire. While I happen to disagree with certain arguments in this book they are all well justified with valid arguments. This field is constantly changing and is full of writers who don't have the background or the backing for their arguments, this is not one of them. Conrad and Demerest use fresh, compelling, and well thoughtout arguments to make an interesting point. If researching the Inca and Aztec this is a must read to achieve a good view of these two expansionist empires.

The book really gets into the nuts and bolts of the empires, showing you how ideas could give birth to and help expand the two cultures. But it also shows how the same ideas could hinder and even start to destroy the empires later in their existance. Yet it is not hard to read and even delightful at some points. They answer alot of questions I had about the Aztec and Inca, making sure to support everything they say with lots of details. A must of any history library.

The book is indeed well-balanced, and comprehensive (considering the dearth of information and research on this subject and its relatively recent rise to a prominent place in public discussion). Highly recommended for anyone seeking greater understanding of this issue.

It is best used as a resource, rather than read straight through. The arguments presented often get bogged down in wordy legal and political jargon. Not that there isn't a place for such books; I just wish it were more accessible for the average person, so I could give a copy to my grandparents to read, for example.

A great collection of arguments both for and against Same-sex marriage. Although the author admits his bias (pro) and includes many of his own arguments and essays, the book is really rather evenly done. I suspect that most people will not be swayed either way because there is plenty of reinforcement for both sides. This is a book I would like to have in my library.

Sullivan has put together a definitive compilation of pro-and-con-arguments over the issue of same-sex marriage--one which demands reading by both sides in the debate. It should not, however, simply and blindly be used to bolster one's own position on the issue. Use this reader to learn why the opposition feels the way they feel and believes what they believe. Understanding the intensity of and reasoning behind these positions will doubtless improve the intellectual quality of the debate on both sides (a point our friend from the Heritage Foundation [below] and his ilk miss entirely).