Books on "gnosticism" often tend either to be in the academic stratosphere, or full of new age sensationalism. This volume is very useful in that it presents a variety of interesting viewpoints from (mostly) recognized scholars in the field. It's quite accessible and the closing chapter on modern gnostic revivals is of particular import for those seeking to comprehend the continued draw this ancient philosophy -- as radical or paranoid it may be -- exerts upon some elements of our society today. (I adopted this for use in an undergraduate course on gnosticism I teach.)

This anthology of Fr Bodo's writing over the passed 20 years gives the reader a thirst for discovering more of his writing. I have searched (in vain) for a title of his which is now out of print. The Almond Tree Speaks is a thought provoking piece of work, almost an autobiography, which displays Fr Murray's talents as a writer of prose and poetry

Nature writing has for too long been the exclusive preserve of the flower cutters. You know, those folks who sit in their back gardens, treating the natural world like God is some Almighty Gardener. All is right with the world and the lion will lie down with the lamb.

T'ain't so.

Nature is an inscrutable on-going event. Life and violent death are everywhere. We are not above it, looking down on Nature as if it were a clock-work automaton and we the appreciative audience. We are, in fact, part of it.

The writers Murray has selected for the 1999 edition of his annual masterwork all view nature from the inside. The make us feel we are there, sharing moments with them. What else could be better than that?

Dr. Murray's call for a guaranteed annual income is supported by well thought out prospects of the future. He's non-dogmatic, down to earth portrayal of an economy no longer in need of the number of workers it has had in the past, is very convincing. What really appealed to me; however, is that for the most part I came to these same conclusions 20 years ago. Murray's viewpoints are in line with the late Robert Theobald (died Nov., 1999) and Jeremy Rifkin. The difference is that Murray's book is easier understood for the lay person. If you want to get a completely different view point on how welfare should be handled in this country, this book should be of great interest. Even if you don't agree with the author, it makes for great discussions.

In At Large, Gary Ross presents a straight-forward account of an aging circus man who sells two elephants he has raised from babyhood, then repossesses them when the new owners fail to make their payments and the "girls" show signs of abuse. Ross pulls no punches in this amazing true story of how the nearly penniless Murray Hill manages to hide two elephants from the authorities and the furious buyers for five years. This book is very readable; in fact, it's hard to put down. It is evident that the author is determined to present an unbiased report, allowing the facts of the story to create a powerful effect on the reader. A good journalist, Ross does not force conclusions upon the reader, but presents the circumstances and charactors in a bluntly colorful and often humourous way. The beauty and grace of the elephants above all come out. But the tangled court battle for possession of these innocent creatures casts a substantial shadow of doubt and distrust on the American justice system.

Pallas Athene is commonly viewed as a bright, shining goddess of wisdom, crafts (including happy-fuzzies such as weaving), and the art of war. Yet no Greek deity is without flaws and secrets, and Athene has more than her fair share. Kerenyi offers a 94-page essay which delves into areas that -will- throw your views of the Goddess into doubt and disarray. Out of the raging headache brought on by entirely too much information, a new Athene will spring, full-grown and fully rounded, and you will never look at Her the same way again.

This is a good thing.

Despite its title Basic Russian is probably best suited for the student who already has a basic knowledge of the Russian language. Without any accompanying cassettes, beginning students may well have considerable difficulty with pronunciation. That aside, this book is concise and clearly presented. As the title suggests, it contains both a grammar guide and an accompanying workbook which makes learning the material much easier. Basic Russian also contains a handy vocabulary list of everyday words, as well as several appendices such as a glossary of technical terms and a list of spelling rules. By using up-to-date language (both Russian and English), and a straightforward layout, this is a very good reference work for anyone who is already studying Russian. I recommend it be used along with some audio material.

This hardbound graphic novel by Pepe Moreno is sophisticated and intriguing. Developed in 1990, this book takes the legend of Batman and gives his spirit life in the grandson of Commissoner Gordon, Sgt Gordon. Gotham may be high-tech, but it is still swalloed in crime.

Sgt Gordon is after serious criminals and part of the enemy is not human; but a computer virus established by the Joker himself to cause such havoic in the city. The art work is computer generated and the paper it is produced on is high gloss.

The plot is well developed and even though so many things are going on, it is easy to follow. This comic has some neat little extras after the story that contribut to a well made book just right for any comic fan. A must have.

This book combines the devotional writings of Andrew Murray with sermon excerpts from Charles Haddon Spurgeon. It offers guidelines on how to lift others up to God for his blessings. "God calls us into a wonderful partnership with himself," to intercede on behalf of others, those in need, those around us and throughout the world. This book shows us Jesus' example of prayer and reminds us what an honor and privilege it is to pray for others. "Pray for one another," James 5:16.

There are two titles claiming to be the "Best of Murray Leinster"
and this is the better of the two (The other appeared in Britain and has only three stories in common with this book).
This book is/was part of a series of "Best of's" from Ballantine and forms a good introduction into the work of Will F. Jenkins, who wrote SF under the pseudonym Murray Leinster. The stories range from as early as 1934 (The famous "Sidewise in Time", about alternate history lines parallel to ours) till 1956 ("Critical Difference") and amongst them are classics as "First Contact", ground for an idealogical flap with Soviet writer Yefremov back in 1959, and "A Logic Named Joe".
The book shows Murray Leinster at his best, being the writer of entertaining short fiction. Compared to some other writers of his period his work hardly seem dated and considering that his earliest story was sold in 1919 (!) that's quite a compliment.