AN EXCELLENT BOOK I RECOMMEND TO EVERY FLY FISHERMAN. VERY INFORMATIVE. STEEVES PATTERNS HAVE PROVEN THEMSELVES TIME AND TIME AGAIN AND ARE A MUST IN YOUR FLY BOX.

This volume, volume III of "Theo-Drama", provides the centerpiece of the theological thought of the late Hans Urs von Balthasar. In its pages, he presents, using his concept of a "theological dramatic theory", his ecclesiology, his Christology, and his Mariology, all of which are intrinsically interconnected.

In a review of this sort, it is impossible to fully express the range of what this book covers (much less the totality of von Balthasar's thought). However, as a bit of a 'teaser', (to encourage the review reader toward the purchase of this book), I'll point out a couple of areas which were of great interest to me.

One area of interest was in von Balthasar's discussion of Christology. Unlike many systematicians who all too often assume that students of systematics already know history (a dangerous assumption, at best), von Balthasar locates his theological discussion of Christology from within the historical controversies of the 4th and 5th centuries.

Another area of interest was in his discussion of ecclesiology. In expounding his theology of "Church", von Balthasar develops his "Christological Constellation" (further expounded in "The Office of Peter and the Structure of the Church") based on the New Testament witness of Peter, James, John, Paul and Mary.

A third area of interest was in his discussion of Mariology, which he locates (following Vatican II) in his discussion of the Church. His presentation of Mary is at once theological and pious, without being overbearing. Of special interest in the Mariological section is his discussion of the role of woman vis a vis the role of man in the Divine Plan.

If you only read one volume of von Balthasar's theology, this would probably be the one to read. I heartily recommend this book.

M. John Harrison has for many years been an exponent of finely-wrought, often oblique and disturbing stories. Having mastered the tropes of the sf and fantasy genres early in his career, Harrison has since forged for himself a unique niche in modern writing. THINGS THAT NEVER HAPPEN is a fine showcase of his work; no truculent elves in this fantasy - Harrison is concerned with compassion for the human condition, the state of reality at the edges of things, the way silence and empty space speak as eloquently as sound and matter in our frequently odd world. As a stylist he reigns supreme - sentences and dialogue are shaped with incredible attention to nuance, cadence and effect. If you enjoy the weird intruding on the world of the commonplace, this book is for you!

I wish I was clever enough to find 13 reasons to read this book, however it only takes one. It is the single most important that one can read to critically investigate the environment(s) that we live, work, and practice in. The author masterfully articulates 13 ways of doing, without limiting himself to style or functionality of space/ place. In a word it is brilliant!

This volume includes three novellas by 18th century writers -- well known and popular in their day, but somewhat forgotten today -- but they deserve a revival. Horace Walpole's "Castle of Otranto" + William Beckford's "Vathek" + Ann Radcliffe's "The Romance of the Forest"

I saw a segment something like it on Twilight Zone (the Movie) and remembered how much better it had been handled in this book. The author presents time travel in a way that seems very believable. A book that keeps you reading to see what is going to happen next.

The author, himself a signalman at the battle, has supplemented his first-hand experiences with extensive primary source-materials, producing a unique account to set the record straight, enhancing some reputations and correcting others in the process. Rommel's generalship, in particular, is examined in detail with some conclusions reached which may surprise many readers.
Written in highly readable style, with photos, good maps, the usual notes and bibliography; useful appendices with Orders of Battle, and good index. Highly recommended for WWII readers, and essential for students of the North African campaign.
(The numerical rating above is a default setting within Amazon's format. This reviewer does not employ numerical ratings.)

Mandatory reading for any serious student on the path of esoteric knowledge. Harrison illumines the reader and sets the record straight on the secrets of Spiritualism, Theosophy, secret brotherhoods etc. Christopher Bamford does a masterful job as well in the introduction to the book. Further recommended reading for advanced students of esoteric knowledge are: "ZELATOR"; "KYBALLION"; and the books of Rudolph Steiner.

I enjoyed Louys' work thoroughly, especially in the translation this volume gives. I have never met someone who has even heard of Louys, no less read him. However, his writing is simply beautiful, it is a pure joy to read. There is much more than just sensual imagery too; both works have great literary value. For example, in The Songs of Bilitis, Louys shows how this one ficticious girl living in ancient Greece changes through her life by means of her poetry. This great description can be applied to how everyone slowly changes during life and becomes more and more cynical. Anyway, it is a great book and I highly recommend it.