This book is a history of some important metaphors in Western (as opposed to Orthodox) Christian mysticism: darkness and light, interiority, and ascent. Turner traces these metaphors from the Hebraic and Greek traditions (specifically, Moses' encounter with God on Mt. Sinai and Plato's "Allegory of the Cave") through Denys the Areopagite (Pseudo-Dionysius), Augustine, Bonaventure, Eckhart, "The Cloud of Unknowing," Denys the Carthusian, and John of the Cross, with mentions also of Julian of Norwich, Marguerite Porete, and Teresa of Avila, among others.

Turner's thesis is that the contemporary understanding of these metaphors, which assumes that this language points to experience, is so different from the medieval understanding, which rejected "experientialism," that it doesn't make sense to speak of a single "mystical tradition" encompassing both. I'm not sure I finally bought the argument, but I enjoyed the ride. Turner explores lots of interesting issues along the way, e.g., the use of paradoxical language in theology; systematic "vs." mystical theology; the unknowability of the self; the ascetic practice of detachment; and John of the Cross's "dark nights" in relation to depression.

I would not recommend this book unless you have some background in theology and philosophy and have read at least a few of the authors Turner discusses. This is definitely not an introductory text on Christian mysticism. Turner writes well, but the book is dense and academic. I'm not sure I would have read the whole thing if it hadn't been assigned reading for one of my doctoral courses, but I'm glad I did. I now have a much better understanding of the Neoplatonic tradition in Christianity and of how the various famous mystics are connected with one another, and Turner provides lots of food for thought about the Western Christian mystical tradition.

This book will impress you. Turner challenges the recent trend of reading mystical texts as being about "experiences." Rather, he proposes that that the works of such authors as Augustine, Eckhart, Dionysius and Denys the Carthusian exemplify Christian appeals to neoplatonic metaphors of light and interiority in an effort to speak not of a subjective experience, but of an ontological reality that transcends experience's grasp. The insights Turner brings to this topic quicken the spirit and redeem the thought of spiritual greats!

When so much poetry is sloppy and meandering, meant more for the poet's analyst than for an intelligent reader, Cassity's work is sharp and focussed. It's also tightly compressed, so that reading even a short poem is a deeply engaging intellectual activity. This work demands the reader's concentration, but it is not work to read it. The poems are not deliberately difficult, obscure, or capriciously playful--they are simply good. If you're looking for something to read that will get your synapses firing, and will reward you in the end, give Cassity a try.

Turner Cassity has taken on a startling range of subjects in his highly-crafted poetry. A few of his titles, advertising poems, serve well to advertise this collection: "Knowledge Is Power, But Only If You Misuse It," "Meaner than a Junkyard Dog, or, Turner's Evil Twin," "Do Not Judge By Appearances. Or Do.", "Some People Have No Small Talk," and "Vegetarian Mary and the Venus Flytrap." Admirers of Richard Wilbur and Howard Nemerov will enjoy Cassity's work as well.

Using humor and an easy-to-read style, C. A. Turner masterfully introduces us to the concepts behind the current economic scene in America.

Economics For The Impatient by C. A. Turner is a no-nonsense guide that condenses basic economics into simple, easy-to-understand terms that anyone can understand. In Turner's mind, capitalism is a kind of "ordered anarchy". Individual chapters address the various virtues and flaws of capitalism, including the free market and its problems, taxing/spending/borrowing (a.k.a. fiscal policy), governmental tinkering in the economy, and much more. Economics For The Impatient is enthusiastically recommended as a superbly written book which is highly accessible for young people just beginning to learn and move past the value of a dollar, as well as ideal for middle-aged folks struggling to remember one word of what their economics teacher said back in high school, plus anyone else in need of a quick and readily absorbed economic primer.

It is almost impossible for me to put into words how this book has inspired me. It provides a sense of clarity and helps balance the struggles I have had regarding spirituality, health and faith. In a world full of doubt this book provides me with a breath of fresh air and hope. I have recommended Dr. Lefavi's book to many of my clients with much positve feedback. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is in search of inner peace and happiness.

Dr. Lefavi has laid the stepping stones through logic and reasoning our need for spirituality. My scepticism toward high profile religous leaders allowed me to slide into spiritual denial. Although this is not a book about salvation it does help one come to grips about their relationship with God.

John Turner is the most informed Naturalist I've had the priviledge to be acquainted with. He shares with the reader a lifetime of adventure and exploration through all the seasons on Long Island, and, supplies so much explicit information within the 190 plus pages of this book it is almost overwhelming. Accompanying John on one of his many treks into the true wilds of this mostly Suburban environment is the only way to obtain a better understanding of nature.

Where can you find a native cactus? When do the alewives run? What carnivorous plant grows wild in Quogue? John Turner's book is a wonderful guide to the delights of Long Island. The hiker, cyclist, birdwatcher or kayaker will all find this book insightful and informative. This is an excellent gift for yourself or a friend.

What I liked best is that there was never any time when reading this book that I was board. It kept me reading until I finished it. ( 3 AM THAT IS!!! )

What is really fun about reading the Alien Nations books is that you can actually picture George and Matt doing these things. The authors have a good grasp on the characters throughout the entire series.

This book is spot on with the characters. I loved the names that the authors used for the Newcomer characters.

The book keeps you moving and wanting to read _just_ one more chapter.

If you liked this one, go for the L.A. Graf Trek novels.

If you have ever dealt with the FAA, you will love these stories. If you have taken a flight test, had your facilities inspected or tried to get a part certificated, you will enjoy these stories. If you are a pilot, mechanic or a recovering aviator, you will find these stories irresistible. Gene Turner relates dozens of interesting, fascinating and historical accounts of amazing, puzzling and dumb things done by FAA inspectors. He also provides captivating behind-the-scenes reports of aviation testing. For coverage, click on Table of Contents in the left-hand column of this page.

Gene Turner has been a pilot and aeronautical engineer for over 50 years. He has work for and with the FAA for 38 years. He was there.

As a pilot (SEL and gliders, hang gliders and paragliders), skydiver (1,200 jumps, D-454), author and publisher of 7 books on parachutes, I fly quite often. I recommend this book to every aviator. DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com.

Fabulous Affairs With Aircraft And Federal Aviation Airheads is a collection of short stories that provide an inside look at FAA how engineers test new aircraft, as well as government flight test pilots' experiences. Here are also examples of manufacturers trying to develop new designs, FAA engineers and inspectors who were more of a burden than a help to the progress of aircraft design development. Eugene Turner draws upon his more than thirty-eight years with FAA as an FAA Designated Engineering Representative who has worked an additional seven years aircraft design engineer in the aviation industry. Fabulous Affairs With Aircraft And Federal Aviation Airheads is an informative "must read" for any student of American aviation history in general, and the workings of the Federal Aviation Agency in particular.

credit is due to author lou valentino for writing and designing this superlative addition to the popular citadel "films of..." series of books which includes illustrated editions on hollywood stars as diverse as greta garbo and tyrone power, laurence olivier and alan ladd. this is one of the very best of the lot - thanks to its authors wealth of knowledge not just about turner, but also the movie factories which nurtured her shimmering star, with their corps of still photographers, costume designers, fan writers et al. beautifully produced with rare and amusing stills including several previously unpublished candids and behind the scenes glimpses of the "great" turner, and anchored to a text that is both affectionate, witty and insightful. a lovely job, and a veritable "holy grail" for fans of lana. thanks, lou!

This is that rarity, a film book that is at once a labor of love, a valuable piece of reportage and a beautiful example of design work. Its author, Lou Valentino, was for years an associate art director of LIFE Magazine. He is also the world's foremost collector of Turner photos and memorabilia. His knowledge and love of his subject -- perhaps the ultimate studio movie star -- is apparent on every page. Extremely hard to find today, it is well worth searching for.

The Mennyms have turned this reader into a fan of doll books which will delight readers who have yet to convert. When the family is forced to move back to grandma's house in the country (so Dad can recuperate from his heart attack) Emily and Rose are distracted by a curious, neglected doll house in the attic which hasn't been touched since Aunt Alice played with it many years ago. Emily is immediately captivated and able to communicate with the dolls through thoughts and dreams. Rose, who is very angry about their recent move and jealous of her sister's attention to the dolls, is more difficult to win over. Their story of sibling discord is one children will relate to but the dolls' story is the dominant one. The author skillfully creates exciting and dramatic scenes (when the dolls plan, with the help of the family dog, to search outside for their lost baby brother Walter and when they become stranded outside in the woods in the midst of a grassfire). She handles the touching scenes (like when they get refurbished at the doll maker's office) just as well. The dolls' characters are unique and humorously drawn (William speaks like a bible-thumping minister because he picked up the lingo when he once traveled to church in Aunt Alice's dress pocket.) The two plots are seamlessly woven together in a timeless but old-fashioned atmosphere and unfurl themselves at just the right pace. This is funny, exciting, sweet, and has a very satisfying ending.

A charming and delightful story for anyone who knows dolls come alive when people are not around. When Emily and Rose begin to play with their aunt's long abandoned doll house, the doll family who live there discover that their baby, Walter, is missing. The doll family's problem nicely mirrors the difficulties the sisters' family face without being too heavy handed. By sending the girls mental images, the dolls are able to communitcate their need to find Walter and enlist the help of the girls. Rose's anger and the fighting between the sisters are well drawn, and are wonderfully commented upon and analyzed by the warm, old-fashioned dolls. Emily is convinced that reuniting the doll family will ease her own family's transition into a new phase of their lives, and it gently does. A must read for doll lovers of all ages.

I have been impressed with the breadth and depth of The Fire and the Rose. It is a wonderful synthesis of many fields of knowledge, from theology to quantum physics. I am surprised that this Matrix theory is not more widely read and available. I hope that more people will read it.

The Fire and the Rose stirs up strange and exciting new insights into the fields of philosophy, sociology, psychology, and spirituality. Dr. Turner lends equally from both modern physics and ancient religions to demonstrate a system of human core needs that has changed the way I see myself and the world around me. His writing is sincere, serious, and beautifully poetical all at once. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to bring some deeper thought and emotional sanctity into their view of human life.