In the Preface Beasley-Murray (B-M) asks why yet another commentary on John's Gospel and answers, "It seemed that there was room for an attempt to pass on some of the treasures of modern study of this Gospel and with them to combine one's own findings and convictions." To this end he remains faithful throughout the Introduction and commentary proper. We are treated to some of the best insights into John's Gospel, both B-M's and many an eminent scholar's. His enthusiasm for the project shows up again when in the Introduction he describes some of the commentaries on the Gospel in the past fifty years as "among the greatest expositions of the Word of God that have ever appeared" (liii).

The 61-page Introduction is important. It covers the literary sources, development of the traditions, religious relations, authorship, date and place, selected aspects of theology, purpose, and structure of the Gospel. It is rich in theological ideas. It was "as if scales falling from the eyes" as B-M listened to his mentor, C. H. Dodd, explain the structure of the episodes of the Book of Signs (chapters 2-12), each episode consisting of sign plus discourse, and each encapsulating the whole Gospel. He realized that that was probably due to the Evangelist's preaching, as the Evangelist expounded the significance of the traditions in the light of Christ's death and resurrection. Now a familiar observation in Johannine studies, the concept that much of the Fourth Gospel was the product of preaching must have been a creative thought then. New insights have continued to flow unabated as scholars delved into the depths of this Gospel. Nowhere is it more apparent than in the discussion of the Gospel's dual nature, simultaneously depicting the historical ministry of Jesus and the situation and faith of the Johannine community some 50(?) years later. "The Evangelist sets the historical ministry of Jesus in Palestine in indissoluble relation to the ministry of the risen Lord in the world" (xlvii). If Luke traces the origins of the Church in two volumes, one [his Gospel] of Jesus and the other [Acts] of the risen Christ acting through his disciples, John presents the historical Jesus and Jesus the risen Lord together in one book and a single perspective. B-M masterfully sketches in succession how each of several scholars has treated this theme, in the process displaying a fascinating interplay of ideas.

Several other important themes that recur in the commentary proper make their first appearance in the Introduction. While the Kingdom of God is scarcely mentioned [only in vv. 3:3,5], "every line of the Fourth Gospel is informed by it" (xxxiv). The Paraclete actualizes the words and deeds of Jesus in the life of the Church -- the Fourth Gospel itself "is a supreme example of the truth and application of the Paraclete doctrine which it contains" (liii). The concept of Son of God (closely associated with Son of Man) is the prevailing characteristic of Johannine Christology. The glorification of Jesus coincides with his crucifixion (unlike Isaiah's Servant who is exalted because and after he had suffered). The realized eschatology of John is not to be divested of its future aspect (contrary to Bultmann). All these, and more, are elements that B-M uses in the commentary discussions of John's theology, which turns out to be largely Christology. In the end you have to agree with him, "The theme of the Fourth Gospel is Christ" (lxxxi).

In common with other scholars, B-M accepts a four-part structure of the Gospel: (A) The Prologue; (B) The Public Ministry of Jesus, otherwise referred to as the Book of Signs (Dodd, Brown); (C) The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus, also known as as the Book of the Passion (Dodd) or the Book of Glory (Brown); and (D) Epilogue. He expresses a reservation, though, concerning the nomenclatures "Book of Signs" and "Book of Passion/Glory", since he considers that the WHOLE Gospel may be viewed as a book of signs and as a book of the passion and glory of Jesus. As he interacts with the established figures of Johannine scholarship, B-M does not hesitate to disagree as well as to cite approvingly, for he is a Johannine expert in his own right. He argues his case very well indeed, but to get the benefit of it you have to read thoughtfully. B-M is never shallow and merits careful study. Knowledge of some Greek would help, but you can still gain a great deal without. Running to about 600 pages, as compared for example with Brown's two-volume, 1200-page work (Anchor 29, 29A), this commentary is necessarily less detailed. But as a presentation of modern Johannine study coupled with the author's independent understanding, it is certainly a noteworthy effort.

The second edition (1999) is identical with the first (1987), with the addition of supplementary bibliographies and reviews of a number of significant books on John that had appeared since the first edition (for example, John Ashton's important "Understanding the Fourth Gospel"). The commentary follows WBC's usual format. Some find the format "unfriendly", but it is not so. The usual gripe that references are given in line with the text (not in footnotes) hardly deserves notice. If you are ready to go beyond introductory expositions of the Fourth Gospel, give this book serious consideration.

I have both the original 1987 edition and the "revised" 1999 edition. To the publishers credit, the 1999 edition does state flat out that the only thing new is 50 pages of updated bibliography and reviews of major book on the Gospel since the original publication. This is all located in one new section in the introductory material. Otherwise, the two editions are identical page for page (even the numbering). If you have the 1987 edition, don't get the 1999 edition unless you need/want an updated bibliography.

If you are looking for a secondary commentary on John's gospel, then Beasley-Murray's is the one for you. Not as detailed as the others like Morris, Schnackenburg and Brown; but detailed enough for Bible study and message preparation. The Do not purchase it as your main commentary for you will soon need to go out and buy one of the others mentioned above. I have not seen the second edition as yet.

I left my book at school and have to do a paper using 5 words from it... AHH!!! NOT a good thing... but I'll make it (somehow...). The book really is good, though. I'm not big on learning vocab, but it makes it really easy to learn.

This is a great book that helps you to build up your vocabulary for the exam. These vocabulary words are essential and useful. You will not regret it! IT REALLY HELPS!

Very enjoyable books, these three, and the most recent is the best yet. Amateur sleuth Jo Fuller is a real person - living a real life - yet getting involved in solving crimes on the side. Love the full figured point of view - nice change from what we usually see - and a much more realistic view of women.

Jo Fuller is working underground for her wealthy philanthropist boss Mrs. Madrone at a job skill center in Bremeton, Washington. However, her efforts to see if the center is worthy of financial support are interrupted when Teddy Etheridge enters the center. The last time Teddy and Jo saw one another was in Kathmandu when their spouses found love in one anther's arms. Teddy pleads with Jo to help him find his missing love Lucille Meeker, a full-bodied woman like Jo.

Jo learns that Lucille caused problems for the center by pretending to be a client while stealing a computer from Fransesca who remains Teddy's estranged wife. Jo goes to visit Fransesca only to find someone murdered the woman. Jo's former husband Griffin Fuller is the prime suspect as he has just broken off with Fransesca. Perhaps it is for old time's sake but Jo decides to investigate the crime because she knows that Griffin is a sleaze but not a killer.

MO

Harriet Klausner

Out of all the works on classic watercraft I have purchased, this is my favorite. Savage displays the Chris-Craft runabouts and utilities not usually seen in the other books (e.g., an inspiring '53 18' Sportsman). Very good in concept, design and execution, this read won't have you guessing as to what your next favorite antique and classic Chris-Craft will be.

Compared to the Rodengen Legend of CC book this one has a great variety of pictures of many models. Even Kit boats. Its not as big but then again not as expensive either. I am very happy to have another excellent CC book for the coffee table of my boat.

This was one of the first books I read when I first began my intense study of the debate. Although not exactly the easiest book to read, it does present many formidable and cogent arguments in favor of the infant baptism position. A few of the arguments he presents are:
(1) Baptizo and its cognates can but do not often mean "immerse." Rather, their are many instances where it cannot. Hebrews 9 uses "baptisms" for the ceremonial washings of the OT, which were either by pouring or sprinkling.
(2) The heart of the Baptist position, Rom. 6, does not show that immersion is the correct mode of baptism, since (a) Christ was not 'buried' the way we commonly think (He was simply put in a tomb, not put 6 feet under), and (b) Rom. 6 also connects "baptism" to the crucifixion of Christ as well. "Baptism" in this passage is best understood the same way it should be in 1 Cor. 10 ("baptized into Moses"), as "identification with."
Murray also discusses the difficulty of immersion in the first century situation, Johannic baptism, and exegetes the major texts around which the debate revolves.

This is a must read for all those interested in the subject. Murray's work is a classic.

This book was a short review of the Presbyterian view of baptism at the turn of the century. The primary purpose of the book was to defend their doctrine against baptist doctrines. The biggest problem with this book is that it is so out of date, that it contradicts some of the current teachings of a most of the Presbyterian churches today. Second of all, John Murray's arguments are very verbose and miss applied/ circular logic making it hard to read at times. But this has to be the best book around at presenting the antibaptist view of baptism.
(NOTE: This is my second review of this book and my oppinion of it has increased dramatically since reading it the first time. This book shines where so many fall.)

I enjoyed this book as an introductory to studying the life of St. Francis of Assisi, and found the book easy to read and yet deeply meaningful. Murray Bodo uses the point of view of a narrator who can read Francis's thoughts and feelings, knows his desires, dreams, and relationships with God, fellow brothers, St. Clare, and Pope Innocent III. While Bodo makes history come to life using anecdotes, dialogue, poetry, metaphors, and vivid imagery, some of the book may be artistic license, but after reading other histories on Francis I think Bodo's portrayal is accurate and that Francis would have thought and acted in the way Bodo presents. It seems to me that the book is more geared toward providing spiritual growth by studying the life of St. Francis and revealing his human thoughts than a historical biography of him, and Bodo does a very good job in leading the reader to tackle some of the same questions that Francis had. The illustrations are beautiful; there are some black and white renderings of watercolor washes showing some of the important events in Francis' life interspersed throughout the book. My only qualms about the book are that sometimes the chronology is hard to follow, but maybe as a more careful reader I would not have had that problem. A map would have been nice, for much geography in the Assisi area is mentioned. Otherwise, I appreciated the book for its emphasis on having a dream, taking action and living it, and the power of prayer and love in one's life.

I must say that I enjoyed this book very much and so have most of the people I have spoke with. It is a good poetic book with a lot of great insights into the heart and soul of Saint Francis. Bodo has a wonderful way of expressing the poetic heart of Francis through his own poetry. A must read for anyone interested in Saint Francis of Assisi.

I like it this book because it talks about her life.I also like it because you also learn about her life.If you read the book you will like it.The genre is biography.[Vanessa Luna]

I teach GED class for adults. This book was a great (small) book for adults to read that have hesitations toward learning about history or even reading. Reading level ranges between 4-7. This is an excellent story and great teachings on the beginning of computers and computer programming.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

This is a collection of essays which compare [homosexuals] in the US with those in Latin America. It looks at male homosexuality from a historical, pre-colombian, and tribal perspective as well. Murray is an erudite anthropologist and therefore does not fall into the loopholes in scholarship that many white men who "study" homosexuality in Latin America have. The author is a bit of an essentialist and that may rub constructionists the wrong way. Of his books on international male homosexuality, this is the best one buy far. I think every [homosexual] Latino who wants to know their own [homosexual] Latino history should own a copy.

There are some excellent books on male homosexuality in particular sites (Hector Carrillo and Joseph Carrier on Guadalajara, Mexico; Richard Parker on (Rio) Brazil; Manuel Fernandez on (San Pedro, Honduras)) but this collection ranges much more widely, including material on indigenous cultures as well as the dominant machista one that varies only slightly from Texas to Tierra del Fuego, and incipient "modern gay" homosexuality.

About half the chapters are by Stephen Murray, who has considered reports from many societies and done fieldwork in Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. He is very critical of the romantic view of "tolerance" ("anything goes"/ "there's no sin south of the border") but includes chapters by the two main purveyors of that view (Paul Kutsche and Richard Parker). The book contains a multiplicity of scholarly views and data ranging from the usual literary texts to ethnography and survey research on sexual behavior of males who have sex with males in Latin America.

The legendary writer if the Beat Generation, Jack Kerouac, when writing his experimental work, Mexico City Blues, attempted to achieve a synthesis between his prose and the jazz sounds of the mythical saxophonist, Charlie Parker. In a letter to William Burroughs, he describes at length, sitting in the subteranean world of the San Fransisco bar scene, a bourbon clinched in one hand and a pen in the other, lost in a fit of Dionysian abandon, recording the notes and improvisational screams of the music, pushing the bounderies of received notions of art beyond the imposed limits of the bourgeoise - this was indeed a new art form in the making.

In a collaboration between writer and artist, Tofts and McKeitch have produced a work that beautifully intergrates prose and image. Memory Trade explores the antecedents of a much over used and abused term: Cyberculture. This word, (which was originally coined by the Canadian science fiction writer, William Gibson in 1980) has become so much a part of popular culture, that we flipantly assume we understand what it means. Nothing can be further from the truth. Memory Trade brilliantly removes the 'Spice Girls factor' from the term, and takes the reader on a kind of archeological expedition to a time before the birth of Christ, uncovering the secrets of cyberculture's very beginnings.

This book is not your standard history text that conservatively presents the reader with a chronological format of time, place form and event. As Tofts states, Memory Trade is "not trying to present a genealogy of concatenation, of neatly linked motivations and actions, but rather to contruct a narrative of syncopation, of shifting emphases and digressions in word and image." In other words, the insights gained in this text concerning the prehistory of cyberculture, have come about, sufaced, as a result of abductive thinking, as oppossed to typical, deductive methods of reasoning. More to the point, Memory Trade is an investigation into cybercultures's unconscious; a quest towards unexpolored realms; a hunt for the unexpected - "an examination of technologizing the world".

This is not to say, of course, that the book reads like a postmodern text, jumping in some non-sequential, non-linear format. Memory Trade is exhaustively well researched and argues its subject matter in an elegant, persuasive manner. In many 'academic' texts, for example, the prose, in an effort to appear erudite, are couched in specialized terms that actually hide more than they reveal. This book, on the other hand, enlightens, because it is written in a well organized 'user friendly' manner. In fact, for those of you who have only a casual interest in cyberculture, this book should educate as well as entertain.

I should also stress that McKeitch is not simply the 'illustrator' of the book. These extraordinary images that he has produced carry as much weight and significance as the words. More precisely, the book is a multi-timed text, that, to a great extent, should be read in a milieu of both image and text, as the book achieves a synthesis of both word and picture.

Look for this book and read it. It will be well worth the trouble.

In this tightly written volume, Australian author and academic Darren Tofts (internationally known for his essays with the fine science/cyberculture journal 21.C) surveys cyberculture's hidden legacy in literary theory, surrealism, and semiotics.

Tofts takes great care to critically reference his material, and the lavish artwork vividly conveys the book's high production values.

Necessary reading to track the pre-World War II aesthetics and artistic culture that would give rise to Eisenhower's military-industrial complex, showing how artistic movements mutated as 'life conditions' (mass psycho-social, memetic, and economic baselines) changed into radically new forms.

'Memory Trade' is extremely useful for an academic or university-level audience, particularly for students undertaking media studies, literary criticism, cultural studies, and art history.

I thought that this book was really good. It taught me things that I never knew. I learned about the real differences between blacks and whites. I also had a chance to see out of the eyes of a black boy and it was hard for me to realize that he was put through all of that for no reason. I think that there should not be racism for the things that he had to go through. It also made me see things from a new perspective because living the live that Richard Wright had to live must of been hard. I am glsd that he wrote his book.

I really liked this book. I am in eight grade and we had to read part one for school but it was so good i read both parts.