In Knight Life, Peter David gave us funny, action-packed fantasy surrounding Arthur, the Once and Future King, who has come back to life and is making a bid to become mayor of New York. In the long-awaited sequel, One Knight Only, Arthur has advanced to the presidency -- but this is no light-hearted yarn.
One Knight Only is a much grimmer book than its predecessor. That's not to say it lacks humor, but it's much subtler and less likely to have you laughing out loud as you read. Instead, you'll find yourself riveted to the page as the ultimate fantasy hero confronts the ultimate real-world evil.

Legends never die they just wait to be reborn in another time and place. King Arthur the Pendragon slept in a secret cave for over a millennium until he was needed again and Merlin woke him from his enchanted slumber. Arthur was running for Mayor of New York when he met his reincarnated wife and remarried her. When terrorists blow up whole blocks of New York City, Arthur and Gwen were right in the middle of the rescue efforts and their heroics captured the heart of America.

Arthur ran for president as an independent and won but during his term he lost Merlin who was turned into a stone statue by a Basilisk. Arthur and Gwen carried out the war on terrorism until Gwen was shot by an assassin's bullet leading to Arthur resigning the presidency. With Percival, the last Immortal Knight, he travels to Pus Island, which is presided over by Gilgamesh. There they hope to find the Holy Grail, which is Gwen's only hope of survival, but first they must battle enemies both human and immortal.

ONE KNIGHT ONLY is a twenty-first century rendition of the Arthurian legend and the once and Future Kind loses none of his majesty and valor in a modern setting. Gilgamesh, who is two-thirds god and one third human, is the perfect opponent for the Pendragon since they are both imbued with magic. Peter David has written a fantasy novel that incorporates modern day terrorism into the Arthurian legend.

Harriet Klausner

For Women Too, even though the title says for men.

Very easy reading - for the person who is "not a reader" or the very busy person who wants to read the Bible daily.

This small book is filled with God's words from the Bible to guide one with various issues (108) of life. It helps one grow closer to the Lord.

The book helps one discover the plan for his/her life and to discover his/her purpose in life.

As a pastor, I am always being asked to help Christian believers begin or improve their devotional life. I recommend this book and have given away several copies to men and also the women's version and the youth version.

This little volume can be easily kept in a glove box in the car or in a purse. It is especially helpful for using snatches of "wait-time" productively.

I am frequently called upon by community groups to give a talk on the British royal family, given that I have worked in parliament, studied history in London, and have met several of the royals. This is rare among persons in midwestern America. Fortunately, there is no lack of material, and my talks are never the same.

One of my sources for interesting side notes and comic relief for these talks is 'The Oxford Book of Royal Anecdotes', edited by Lady Elizabeth Longford. Had there been tabloids throughout history many of these stories might have featured prominently (albeit probably with the occasional alien thrown in for good measure of sensationalism).

Longford does not commit the sin of most historians of the royals of beginning with William the Conqueror--there was a Britain before 1066. She includes Celts, Danes, and Saxons. Alas, she does not include Scots or others explicitly after 1066, but their stories are woven into the stories.

Longford's sources include histories, biographies, poems, newspaper accounts, diaries, and personal correspondence in library and museum collections. Many anecdotes are pulled from other histories--those bits that are neglected because the substance of the weightier matters overpowers them. Thus, this collection helps the hidden jewels to shine.

One example of Longford's treatment would be in recounting the shifting image over time of the reign and fate of Edward II. She gives brief details of biographers from 1313 (during his reign), 1327 (the year of his deposition), a seventeenth century biographer, and a modern biographer. In this we see that while the verdict of history holds sway, it needn't stay constant. Today's hero becomes tomorrow's villain, and yet later tragic character.

Here one can also see various bits about John Brown, friend and servant and supposed lover (even, some speculated, husband) of Victoria--their relationship is presented from many sides, and Longford resists jumping to conclusions herself.

From her epilogue, Longford states: 'This has been the story of many dynasties and one royal line. That line goes back a thousand years, yet it has shown infinite variety rather than recognisable family traits. Indeed it seems to cover the whole human spectrum, though in heightened or exaggerated form because of the royal ambiance.... The hushed abdication broadcast from Windsor Castle has replaced the crunch of the axe on Tower Green. Even anthologists can have no regrets.'

If you've ever had a hankerin' for knowledge, trivia or just an insight into the kings and queens of England, this is the source. Dame Longford has provided historical and contemporary references, sotries and tales of the British royals from Boudiccea, the Warrior Queen to Alfred the Great, from Aethelred to Victoria to Elizabeth II. the Book opens with a detailed genology, including the Saxons and Danes, Normans, Plantagenets, Yorks, Lancastrians,Tudors, Saxe-Coburg-Gothas and Windsors. Each dated entry

The Oxford Illustrated History of the British Monarchy is a uniquely complete book. This is a book very worthy of Oxford, consisting primarily of chapters on royal and political history generally, interspersed throughout with boxed essays on each monarch, special topics, maps, photographs and paintings.

This book begins with the murky beginnings of royalty in Britain, arising out of the chaos of the post-Roman world. Here we encounter names such as Aethelberht, Raewald, and Hywel Dda -- this book doesn't just concentrate as so many do on the English monarchies, but also on Welsh and Scottish clans, lines, and kingdoms. Here we find that King Eric Bloodaxe, the Viking King of York was followed not too many years later by Edgar the Peacable, king of Mercia and the Danelaw.

With the inclusion of this extensive pre-Norman section, the book is a must for any British history library. Apart from that, the history is fairly basic -- well written, interesting, but no grand and new insights, more of an encyclopedia writ as an essay rather than articles on particular subjects (for which I am grateful--nothing so disjointed and unsatisfying in many ways as reading an encyclopedia). This however can make looking up topics a bit more difficult, but I've found as I've sought out one piece of information (using the very good index) I find much more (which is always to be desired).

The final sections include chapters on Royal Residences and Tombs, Genealogies, and Lists of Monarchs, including Scottish as well as English monarchs.

This book is filled with little bits of interest--for instance, an example of 17th century propaganda: 'In the absence of newspapers, radio, and television, other means of representing events and influencing opinion assumed greater importance. A pack of cards took as its unconvivial theme Monmouth's rebellion in 1685. The six of clubs shows Monmouth's entry into Lyme Regis; the seven of spades shows the duke's fate; and the five of diamonds that of his followers.' This caption accompanies pictures of playing cards with scenes of hanged or beheaded men, etc. An interesting means of information dissemination.

A very worthy book, perhaps the only royal book a non-historian would ever need; a definite need for any historian or royal watcher.

This book is a must for those readers interested in the history of the British Monarchy. The authors and editors have masterly created both an historical perspective of the institution as well as a personal viewpoint which is both critical and sentimental. Some may be turned off by the length of this book, but once you begin reading, you'll wonder where the time goes. And the wonderful photographs and illustrations bring their words to life.

As a busy mom, wife, church & community volunteer, I crave time out with a good book that I just can't put down. Once again Lynn Rice King delivers! "The Perennial in Winter" and her previous work "The Killing Frost" offer you the opportunity to sit down with a good book filled with intrigue and excitement "Vera" the books main character takes you through a spiritual "everday life journey." She could very easily be any one of us searching to find where we truly fit in within our own tiny space in time. And as before, I anxiously await Vera's next adventure.

Just finished reading this sequel to Killing Frost. I really enjoyed continuing to follow Vera through her spiritual journeys and the fact that I could relate to some of the problems she encounters. I love the idea that the ending leaves Vera's story open for more installments!

Are You interested in medieval history? Aren't You a hisorian? Would You like to read about a great French monarch? Haven't got enough time to read a lot about this topic? That's a fascinating survey of the era. A well-balanced book without any biases. It's really worth reading!

While it is Richard the Lionheart of England who captures the imagination, it is Philip who is the true great king of the late 12th century and a biography of him is long overdue. Bradbury does an exemplary job, providing enough detail to keep us fickle historians happy while keeping it readable for the general public.

Filled with teachings of peacefully protesting fair laws for all people, David
Adler gives us a picture book of Martin Luther King, Jr. In it, he shares the
early life of MLK Jr, his young experiences with racism and segregation and on
to his dreams as well as highlights some of his well-known protests. In these
protests, he speaks of a world free of hate, prejudice and violence.

This book is a great lesson in history for our children and also covers a few
other events in the plight for civil rights. Casilla's illustrations do a
decent job of giving us a pictorial view of the events chronicling King's life.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
...

The entire "A picture book of..." biography series byDavid Adler is outstanding. Perfect for lower elementary studentsdoing their first real report. Makes a great read-aloud for non-readers as they are easily completed in one sitting. They are loaded with information including a timeline of important dates. The illustrations in this book are not cartoon-like as in his other biographies of Washington or Lincoln, but are appealing to young children.

I was drawn to this book by my interest in Persian literature and expected to find a serious examination into the Shanama. Having read the book, I find that it is worthy not only for its educational value, but also as captivating pleasure reading. The author does an excellent job keeping the reader interested and involved with the main characters. She fully develops the plot and characters and has a gift for description. This book evinces the author's expertise in the arena of Middle-Eastern literature and is laudable for identifying new mythological aspects of the Shanama. For those interested in Persian poetry, this book is a must-read and perhaps should be required reading for anyone studying Middle-Eastern literature. Aside from its academic value, I found the writing style of the book to be clear, concise, and attention-grabbing. The author has done well examining the Shanama (not the easiest of things) and writing a fascinating book.

I studied under the author in college in the early 80s. The story of the Persian Book of Kings was so interesting that I saved all the class material and was happy to find the book. I highly recommend it as a must read for anyone interested in this period listerature and in near eastern literature. This story is one of the most memorable I have ever read. The characters live in your mind with a substance unparalled. I even named my dog Rustam after reading this years ago. (if that helps any LOL) Hi and thanks to the author, for sharing her knowledge of this story, and that of the Arabian nights with me :)

Dr. Robert Schuller brings his love for God and passion for hope to this volume produced by Thomas Nelson publishers. The interesting features include highlighted verses (in orange), either for positive-thinking verses or possibility thinking verses. This bible also has pages that include historical information that relates to Schuller's self-esteem theology that has become a staple of his ministry. This is not an intense study Bible in the sense of having a constant running commentary. But it is a highly readable (NKJV) text with an emphasis on the reader doing the neccessary evaluations. Basically, the Bible is allowed to comment on itself. If you want a bible to inspire and enlighten you, this one is fairly unique. If you're offended by possibility theology than you may want to steer clear of this. However, you may just want to own another bible in addition to this one.

I love this book! Everything about it is so positive and hopeful! The articles will move you, inspire you and heal you! The highlighted verses are also very handy! Make God's dream your dream! Go buy it NOW!

I was browsing at my local bookstore for a Bible. I wanted a Catholic version with the Deuterocanonicals/Apocrypha and I wanted a Bible that was comfortable to hold, light weight, with a nice comfortable font for easy reading (some Bibles are printed so that you need a magnifying glass, others are so big and heavy you need to take up weightlifting!). This was the only one that fit the bill. I was looking for the NAB version, but am now glad I got this one, which is TEV (Todays English Version). It's a wonderfully fluid translation, not at all stilted like some versions. If you don't mind a pink Bible with cute childrens illustrations, this is a great Bible. It has very nice maps. It comes in a white leatherette version too. Unfortunately, it's not a red-letter edition, and it's not the typical study version with multiple scripture links. But for children that shouldn't matter.

Wonderful Bible for Catholic children to grow with! This is a great first full text Bible with footnotes for beginners. Brief introductions with outlines precede each book. The color Precious Moments illustrations call attention to Jesus Love. The Presentation page makes this a great gift with the Record of Sacraments filled out for children to see that their journey has begun.