Hawkmistress! is valuable to Darkover fans as part of the history of the Swordswomen/Renunciates and as a tale of one of the more unusual forms of laran to be mentioned.

However, since I had just finished reading Stormqueen! (IMHO, the best of the series), almost anything would have disappointed me at that point. And I just couldn't warm up to Romily the way I did to Renata Leynier or Magda Lorne (my two favorite Darkover heroines). My original impulse was to post a three-star review, but the book did improve on re-reading, so four stars it is.

This darkover novel is my personal favourite in the entire darkover series, it involves a daughter of the MacArran clan, who has the laran of the MacArran clan as a help or hindrance on her adventure. Her father refuses to send her to a tower to have her laran trained, and then tries to marry her against her will. Read the book to find out more! It's a good read

I have recently gotten reaquainted with the Darokover novels and found myself very taken with this book. It has a lot of elements that make it a good read: a heroine who has a great power and is able to work with what she has and in various situations; the idea of working within an animal's mind and being one with it; the fact that using weapons which hurt innocents is immoral; trying to stay neutral in a war but how you may need to choose sides eventually. With a lot of adventure in between, to me, this book is great for Darkover fans.

These historical figures will haunt your memory for weeks after you have finished this book. David Wilkinson's abilities to craft a "soul" from words is unsurpassed by todays authors. In Oblivion's Altar, he tells a compelling story of the Cherokee people which will have even the toughest skinned reader hooked by the end of their first hour of reading. Once you've read this book, you will look at all History with a more critical and decerning eye. The virtues and vices of human nature are excellently displayed, and their resulting conflict, as one nation is born and another begins to die.

The writer of historical fiction is confronted with an exceedingly difficult task. If he is to succeed, he must reach not only those with an interest in the history of which he writes, but those to whom plot and character development are everything and history an afterthought. David Wilkinson has succeeded on a grand scale with his book. This superbly crafted story of the great Cherokee Nation and the forces which drove its people from their lands in the southeast along the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma brings to life one of the more sordid and shameful episodes in American History. Much has been written of this tragedy, but we seldom see the faces of its victims. Wilkinson has brought them to life for us in a way that is both fascinating and unforgettable. Probably as impressive an account of the Native American struggle as anything written since "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee."

It was almost surreal reading this exceptional story of courage, frustration, dispair, hope and struggle. Although the events depicted in the book occurred some 200 years ago, they could easily be translated to recent times. I have met and seen the Kah-nung-da-tla-geb's of modern times. Proud people who are struggling to teach their children the old ways, yet realizing, as difficult it is to accept, that assimilation is a necessity to survive, to succeed. The Cherokee "exceeded all the Americans' expectations" in this regard and learned to use the "civilized ways" to their advantage, and it wasn't enough. In my little community, many have become educated, successful and assimilated, and, like long ago, it isn't enough. We are still considered "a thorn in their heel". This is a must read book for anyone who has struggled and dispaired, and who has loved family, heritage and country. I am not a "reader" but, like his previous book, NOT BETWEEN BROTHERS, I couldn't put it down. To David Marion Wilkinson, thanks - with respect and admiration.

When I described my fascination with Balzac to a pal of mine, I said, "yeah, it is all about disillusioned and cynical people" and he replied: "I am already disillusioned and cynical, so why should I read it?"

Why indeed. This is indispuably one of the best of Balzac's novels, with clearly drawn characters and grim lives in an inexorable descent to self-destruction, which are the classic Balzac themes. It explores the life of a libertine as he ruins himself and his family for the sake of pursuing pretty girls. Unbekonst to him, he gets help from Bette, a cousin full of secret hatreds and bent on vengence. It is very sad to read. One minor character even commits suicide by repeatedly smashing his head into a nail, his only means to finish himself off he could find in his jail cell.

So why read it? Well, again, it is for the wider social portraits that you can find, which are offered almost as an aside. Balzac in one section explains the politics behind the statues you see all over Paris, which is fascinating. You also learn of the career of courtisans, as they use their sex to advance themselves. The book is simply full of these thngs, in addition to the psychology of the many interesting main characters.

Also unusual for Balzac is the coherency of the story, which does not degenerate into ramblings like many of his other novels as they weave the tapestry of his Comedie Humaine like so many threads, that is, as vehicles in his vast project to fully portray an entire society with characters re-appearing in different situations and venues throughout his interrelated novels. The characters stand on their own here and are more clearly drawn. Hence, it is a great intro to Balzac and may get you hooked for more, that is, if you are masochistic enough to subject yourself to it!

Warmly recommended.

Making a movie of it doesn't erase the world's crime of ignoring this great book. The equal of Dickens and James, Balzac has more energy and spirit, and a brighter palette. Cousin Bette has more plot than David Copperfield and sexier women than Valley of the Dolls. Madame Marneffe may be the most attractive monster (rhymes with itch) in literature, and Cousin Bette herself is all the Furies wrapped in an ugly old maid. One of the top fifty novels of all time.

"Beauty is the greatest of human powers. All autocratic unbridled power with nothing to counterbalance it, leads to abuse, mad excess. Despotism is power gone mad. In women, despotism takes the form of satisfying their whims". This remark engulfs Balzac's opera: To collate the audience with the obliterating debauchery society of 18th century France. Lisbeth Fischer aka Cousin Bette lurks in every chapter as a concealed beast coveting her prey (The house of Hulot) under the same roof. Perhaps Balzac's major achievement in this master piece, is to portrait a flauntering society feigned by its ostentatious opulence but immerse on a licentious and decadent life. "The savage has feelings... only the civilized man has feelings and ideas." Balzac seems to banter at Parisians with this idea: how civilized, civilized society can be. I strongly recommend this book if you intend to follow De Laclos work in Les Liasions Dangereuses. As an amateur reader I founded the characters difficult to identify at the beginning, however is an strategy smartly set by Balzac and very much appreciated as soon as you start to realize and pace through the richness of the narration.

I bought this book when I moved out of the dorm rooms with my husband. He didn't know how to cook at all and I could cook. I could cook marvelous cheesecakes, fabulous beef stroganoff, meals that take hours, but nothing for I've just come home from work and need dinner Now. That is what this cookbook is for. Learning everyday recipes you can do if you have a lot of time or a little. She also give suggestions on what to do with the leftovers(lamb curry is exceptional) and, occasionally, what to serve the dish with. More than improving my cooking skills this book has been invaluable in improving my meal planning skills.

Of course, no book is perfect. I found her black bean soup to be rather bland. (Try the original Moosewood Cookbook's Brazilian Black bean soup) Her recipes use milk, cream, butter, and oil like your grandmother used to, so if you are nervous around any fat at all, this is not the book for you. And I recommend using corn starch for gravies rather than flour since it is simpler and comes out smooth no matter what. Finally, some recipes are time consuming and being a busy modern person I rarely get around to making chicken broth as she suggests. But it is still nice to know.

Otherwise, this is a simple cookbook with clear instructions for a novice. Nothing fancy (a few dishes and all the appetizers would do well at a dinner party, but for the most part this is every day cooking), just good home cooking.

I have 6 children, ranging from teens to toddler, and I cook a lot. I have always appreciated Marion Cunningham's recipes because they are realistic and the way families eat. I bought this book to add to my collection and have thoroughly enjoyed it. My family has enjoyed everything I've cooked from it. With this cookbook I successfully made delicious biscuits for the first time. Even when the subject is an area I'm already comfortable with I enjoy reading it. I agree completely with her goal of helping us cook for our families and friends so that we can share a delicious, wholesome meal with the people we love. Her recipes and comments are to be treasured and passed down to future generations with wonderful memories.

Have you tried to make scrambled eggs and they came out dry and bland? Bought some fresh trout from the supermarket, tried to follow a recipe, only to be disappointed with your dinner?

If this sounds like you, chances are you're a beginner cook. You are trying to use your kitchen to make home cooked / hearty meals - but don't always know exactly how to prepare something. Or cut something. Or season.

If the above is the case, then this is THE book. Learning To Cook has several sections - appetizers, soups, salads, fish, chicken, meats, vegetables, breakfasts, deserts, etc. Each section has 5 - 10 recipes. What makes this book unique is that each recipe is a beginners "how to" on how to make the dish. And the instructions cover EVERYTHING! That is, you can start clueless, then read a recipe in 15 minutes and know exactly HOW to make a great salad - or soup - or fish - or chicken dish.

I've used this book for a month as follows: I've read one recipe about every other evening. I've stopped at a supermarket on my way home from work to purchase what the recipe calls for. I then re-read the recipe and then follow the instructions to make a great meal - every time.

In just a month, I've graduated from the level of kitchen neophyte!

The book is also full of tidbits - how to store fruit, photos of various salads, what to do with leftovers.

If you've never cooked in your life, or have tried and have been disappointed, or are embarresed to admit it you don't know what you're doing in a kitchen, then Learning To Cook is a must!

Having read the entire series, I find that this book is enjoyable, but not as good as the previous two books in the trilogy.

Still, it is worth the purchase and it is good to find out what happened to the main characters.

MZB rarely disappoints.

This is the third in the mini-series focusing on the Renunciates, within the larger Darkover series. It features the characters that have developed within the previous two novels, Jaelle, Magda, Camilla, and the Terran Cholayna. This novel is much more action packed than the previous two had been, with a fraught and perilous journey across mountains, facing dangers both natural and supernatural, in search of a mythic city mentioned in obscure legends--the city of sorcery.

This novel takes place seven years after 'Thendara House', and Jaelle and Magda are full-members now of the Forbidden Tower. They've both been fully trained in the use of their Laran, and their abilities have grown considerably.

If you've enjoyed the other two books in this series-within-a-series, 'Shattered Chain' and 'Thendara House,' you will love this one--it's definitely the best, and it truly delivers on the potential of the other two. If you've missed the first two, you'll still enjoy this one on its own--Bradley makes sure to provide recaps of relevant past events and relationships, allowing a new reader to dive straight into this story. But, there's no question, if you already know and love these characters from their previous adventures, you'll be even more deeply engaged in this great story.

This story is the sequence of adventures of Magda Lorne/ Margali n Ysabet. A terran who join the renunciants group (you can read why and how in Shattered Chain), need to adapt herself to this new ewality, discover who she really is (read about it in Thendara house) and finally goes to search for the city of sorcery, a mistic city, where " crows" cry and dark woman help humanity trhough centuries... she has to face many fears and one dark society... discover who trust and who not trust...This book is plenty of surprises and has links to many others. Im sure you will enjoy reading it!

I have suffered from dire chronic muscular pain in my neck and shoulder and low buttocks regions for well over two years and it's been hell to say the least. I have done everything imaginable to fight this - I have seen three accupuncturists, three massage therapists and four physical therapists, taken NSAIDs, RICE techinques and yet my pain still persists.

One doc i saw had the arrogance of telling me that i had to live with this condition, as yet still undiaganosed. But after a lot of patient persistence, doctor shopping (over 10 docs believe it or not), opening up books like this and a subtle hint from a very kind chinese massage therapist that i had injured ligaments i finally found out that i had upper body myofascial pain syndrome (great sigh of relief) and then i came across ligament reconstruction therapy (aka prolotherapy). Given my persistent nature, i have compiled a countless amount of research on this and this book is one great source of it.

And then came Dr. Hauser's explanation of myofascial pain on page 198 and a light went off in my head. I made an appt to see a prolotherapist (from the getprolo.com referral list), asked him a ton of Qs and eagerly looking forward to my first visit.

One of the problems i have with this book is the lack of information on bad things that can happen as a result of prolotherapy. I realize the authors are enthusiatic about their realm of expertise but in real life there has to be risks for everything we take, the disclaimer glosses over these, it's too bad the authors did not elaborate on what a bad result means.

Nevertheless for me, the risks are well worth taking given the alternatives and living with chronic pain.

Bottom line, do your homework and research this. If it proves effective for me, i will come back and add two more stars.

Dr Hauser and Prolotherapy are the real deal. This book is not only well written but believe it or not, fun to read. It is a book full of medical information that the layperson can understand easily. As I read I found myself saying, "He's talking about me... he's talking about me! " His stories and quirky sense of humor made the book very enjoyable for someone with little medical knowledge

After reading this fine work by the Hauser's and Mr. Pottinger I was convinced to travel to Oak Park, IL to receive treatments from "the man who wrote the book." What an experience. I was greeted by some of the most kind and courteous professionals I have ever met. I also discovered that his office had so much more to offer. Not only did he provide me relief from years of chronic back pain, but also I discovered a whole new way of life through the nutritional guidance I received. Dr. Hauser and his staff cured my chronic pain and have made sure my body is as healthy as it can be, all through the use of natural medicine. Finding Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services has changed my life permanently and for the better. For the rest of my pain free days I will never forget the genuine caring I have received from Dr. Hauser and his staff.

See for yourself what this "wizard" of natural medicine has to offer. Check out their website at www.caringmedical.com. Thank you to Dr. Hauser, Marion Hauser, & Mr. Pottinger for writing this book. Thank you to the staff in Oak Pak for their compassion and care.

I found this book and the treatment of Prolo for my wife. She had suffered for two years after a fall that caused chronic whiplash syndrome. She was off of work for months at a time and had severe headaches, vertigo, insomnia, terrible constant migraines, memory loss, shooting pains in arms, neck, and shoulder, as well as depression. We had mri's, cat scans, x- rays, accupuncture, accupressure, physical therapy, chiro., and nothing helped. Other doctors said there was nothing wrong and she was faking it!!!! Within days of first treatment we knew something was different. Within 6 weeks she was back at work and has been steadily improving. She is about 90% totally healed after four treatments. Insurance did pay about 75% of the cost also. Buy this book if you have chronic pain, buy it today and start to live again!!!! Dr. Hauser is MY personal hero, he gave me back my wife!!!!!!!!!

Jim Marion is a Christian mystic, attorney, and former Catholic monk. Not only did Ken Wilber write the Foreward to Marion's book, but his influence is evident throughout this 324-page spiritual journey. This "is a pioneering book," he writes, "a truly inspired revelation, and a gentle guide to the deepest terra in our souls, where there awaits, as there has through all eternity, Christ as Source and Suchness of this and every world" (p. xii).

Jesus taught that "the Kingdom of God is within" (p. 3). In his partly autobiographical book, Marion seeks to describe the Christian spiritual path to that Kingdom (p. xiii). For him, the Kingdom of Heaven is not just near "at hand," it is "here and now" (p. 2). Marion defines the Kingdom of Heaven as "a particular level of human consciousness, not a place to which Christians are destined after death" (p. 1). This is a four star book with many five-star passages. In one such passage, Marion follows the development of human consciousness from the archaic consciousness of infants (pp. 33-36), to the magical consciousness of children (pp. 37-39), to the mythical consciousness of pre-adolescence (pp. 41-47), to rational consciousness (pp. 49-61), to vision-logic consciousness (pp. 63-68), through the "dark night of the senses" (pp. 87-104), to subtle consciousness (pp. 105-114), and ultimately to fully-integrated Christ consciousness, to illustrate his argument that there are "different levels of human consciousness, different levels of spiritual understanding, and the nondual vision of the Kingdom of Heaven is the highest level" (p. 21). Spiritual growth can proceed at "a snail's pace" for many Christians, and Marion asserts that all "prayer, Bible study, preaching, fasting, music, Holy Communion or Mass, healing services, chanting, rituals, almsgiving, monasteries, convents, pilgrimages, meditation, icons, and sacraments have only one purpose--to accelerate people's growth in consciousness upwards and eventually into the nondual vision of Jesus' Kingdom" (p. 23).

Marion's book will appeal to anyone, Christian or not, interested in spiritual growth. Many Christian readers will find this book deeply inspiring, others will no doubt consider it radical Christianity, and still others may reject it as sophistry. However, few readers will disagree with Marion's observation that "we need to realize our divinity, own it, take up the responsibility of it, and live it" (p. 226). If you like this book, try any of Ken Wilber's books.

G. Merritt

Jim Marion's book is important reading for any Christian who has set out on a spiritual journey, and it is a must read for the Christian who in not receiving the support of The Church and feels alone in this journey. PUTTING ON THE MIND OF CHRIST will help put all that your are experiencing in your spiritual journey within a Christian context and will help keep you on "The Way" that Jesus taught. Marion's section on the Nine Levels (stages) of Consciousness for the Spiritual Path should be read by every Christian from radical fundamentalist to extreme liberal (rationalist) in order to better understand the way to God, the Way of Love, that Jesus taught. This is the Narrow Way that Jesus spoke of, and it is not an easy way as Marion so clearly shows; but, if you want to follow the Way of Jesus to God, you had better read this book. Marion's Stages of the Spiritual Path reminds me of Deepak Chopra's book, HOW TO KNOW GOD, and Joan Borysenko's book, SEVEN PATHS TO GOD, which I think will greatly compliment your reading of PUTTING ON THE MIND OF CHRIST. So read with an open mind, let the Spirit guide you, and blessings on your spiritual journey.

Jim Marion is former Catholic monk, and contemporary mystic, who has spent a lifetime following the Christian spiritual path. His book, Putting on the Mind of Christ: The Inner Work of Christian Spirituality, "is concerned with the development of human consciousness."
He says that consciousness is a continual process of inner development. It's been studied and mapped by psychologists, but they've left out what Marion feels is the most important aspect: inner spiritual growth. His book is intended to show "how the Christian spiritual tradition both complements and completes the work of the psychologists."
He begins with a discussion of the Kingdom of Heaven, pointing out that it's the highest level of consciousness to which humans can aspire, not just a place where people go after death. He then describes in full the levels of consciousness people go through in order to mature spiritually, including a lengthy section on the "Dark Night of the Soul."
Marion calls St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila his mentors and uses examples from their lives as well as his own experiences to illuminate the path of Christian spiritual growth. He emphasizes that inner growth is hard work, and that this work must be done by individuals, not by the Church.
Marion concludes with a clarification of misconceptions that can hinder people in their journey to Christ Consciousness, including discussions about the divinity of Christ, good and evil, the saints, and reincarnation. He says "we are already perfect in God's eyes...we are already sinless...we are already immortal. The spiritual path is not designed to 'get' any of these things for us" but help us become conscious that we are all these and more.
"Putting on the Mind of Christ is both a personal journey and a manual for those who seek to follow the same path." It belongs in the library of all those seeking spiritual growth, regardless of their religious affiliation.

I don't think there is another decent review of Dorothy Parker's life in print.

I could go on and on about the individual bits of interesting data the book highlights: her relationship with Benchley, the Algonquin Round Table, Vanity Fair, the New Yorker, plus her socio-political views, her misguided love life, her bitterness/love toward men. I suppose I could tell you a lot about what this book says in these regards.

I could lament how I think she is still an underrated fiction writer, as most people get stuck on her quips and witticisms, but her better skill was in unpeeling the subtleties of the everyday moment. I could, couldn't I?

There is plenty I could say about her insecurities, her foolish business mistakes and something bizarre about her dog. Oh yes, that would be interesting, that whole dog thing.

Instead, I'll just tell you this book is what is says, a thorough examination of the life of Dorothy Parker. You will be happy you bought it. It says everything I didn't say and more.

I fully recommend this book.

Anthony Trendl

I was amazed to learn what I didn't know about Dorothy Parker - despite the fact I thought I knew a _lot_ about her. I was wrong and you might be, too. Did she really marry a homosexual man twice? What really was the relationship between Dorthy and Robert Benchley? Was she a Communist? And is Lillian Hellman as wonderful as M's Hellman makes herself out to be? These questions (and of course much more) are answered by this book.
You may think you know Dorthy Parker, with her "Men don't make passes.." and other witticisms that seemed to spring effortlessly from her mouth, but she was a lot more than a "flapper" or perhaps an "early feminist" - she was a true bundle of contradictions.
It's not the "feel good" story of the year, after all, if you've been interested in Dorothy Parker enough to read this far, you already know how the story will end. But it still is a wonderful read.
I suggest reading this with "The Portable Parker" as it definitely gives you an insight into the way her mind worked.
I intend to find out the exact address of her ashes and pay a visit to that esteemed place, since I now know where her ashes are located. And you will, too, if you take my advice and read this book.

Meade's book, obviously the result of years of research, takes the reader behind the public image of Dorothy Parker as just the rapier wit of the Algonquin Round Table to show us the complexity of her life. The joy and the tears are both well presented. This is a great read, even for those who are not familiar with Parker. A remarkable book about a remarkable woman.

After taking an art history class, I found this book to be very handy in many ways, although if preparing for an AP test, it does leave some major works of art out. I found using The Annotated Mona Lisa, and Janson's Art History also helped majorly in preparing for the AP test.

Marilyn Stokstad has put together a real masterpiece of art history with her book, Art History. In collaboration with Bradford Collins, and with contributed chapters from Stephen Addiss, Chu-tsing Li, Marylin Rhie and Christopher Roy, this large volume published by noted art publishers Henry N. Abrams, Inc. is deserving of pride of place on any art bookshelf.

The scope of this work is as broad as is the expanse of human history. Indeed, the first chapter begins with a survey of prehistoric art and prehistory. Spanning all the ancient cultures, there are chapters devoted to the art of the ancient Near East, Egypt, the Aegean, Etruscan and Roman art, Christian, Jewish and Byzantine art, Islamic art, the art of India, China, Japan, the Americas and Africa. And from there, it gets complicated!

This book tackles all the issues of art: philosophical considerations (the relationship between art and reality, and the meaning and importance of beauty in art), focus on artists in general and in particular, society's relationship to art, including the role of the patron, the importance of museums, and an investigation that goes behind the phrase, 'I know what I like.'

'Art history, in contrast to art criticism, combines the formal analysis of works of art--concentrating mainly on the visual elements in the work of art--with the study of the works' broad historical context. Art historians draw on biography to learn about artists' lives, social history to understand the economic and political forces shaping artists, their patrons, and their public, and the history of ideas to gain an understanding of the intellectual currents influencing artists' work.'

In addition to presenting a history of art, Stokstad and her contributors also present an introduction to various aspects of art appreciation, without with art history loses much meaning. Each chapter has an explanation of the techniques that were developed and important during the time under examination (for instance, lost wax casting, glassamking and Egyptian faience, Japanese woodblock technique, and Islamic carpet making, among many others, are illustrated in detail to enhance the knowledge and appreciation of the finished art works). Each chapter and time period also has a section entitled Elements of Architecture, which include discussion on elements from pyramids to skyscrapers and much in between.

The text is clear and concise, carefully explaining technical terms when they are used, and then using them sparingly. Every page is a visual feast, with full colour plates of photographs of paintings, sculpture, artists, locations, or architectural examples in great form, as Henry N. Abrams, Inc. publishers are famous for doing. There are literally thousands of illustrations, as there are often many per page; almost no page is without one, and the book is nearly 1200 pages long.

As an aid for those who will use this book for more scholarly purposes, there is an extensive bibliography in the back, in three classifications of listings -- general surveys and art history references, a selected list of art history journals, and then a chapter-specific directory of further reading for each art topic/period. Additionally, it has after the bibliography as Website Directory of Museums, which includes museums in every state in the United States and most major museums around the world. The index includes listings by artist, period, topic, and particular works of art.

This book has been intended to be useful as a text for a course in art appreciation, but also designed to be a joy to read for the casual reader who might not want an academically rigourous presentation. As Stokstad says in her preface, the intention was make this book itself a work of art, and in that task she has succeeded admirably.

This book is simply wonderful. It is indeed physically ponderous (this 2nd edition is one very, very large book, not two slipcased books as shown in some illustrations). However, its content easily compensates for its considerable bulk. All historical periods of art history are chronicled, with copious illustrations well-produced and nearly all in color. The text is incisive and easy to follow, yet never boring.

I recommend this book to any and all art lovers, whether beginners, advanced students, or just those who desire a comprehensive reference for library or home use. I personally consider this publication a better choice than the otherwise excellent Janson "History of Art" for most readers-- the writing is just more user-friendly, in my opinion (and the content is more inclusive, especially regarding non-Western art).

When I bought this book, I was so excited to begin my meditations focusing on Morgan, Igraine, Guinevere and Nimue. I didn't even get through the book. The meditations themselves are unique, but the book itself wasn't at all what I expected.

Instead of developing the connection with each of the women associated in the Authurian Legend, I felt "turned off" due to the technical slant of comparing different versions of the authurian myths and trying to put together some elements that were not included in all of the versions. I felt disconnected, like there was no sense of cohesion tying together the women I so respect. I wanted to learn more about the women in the legends, to feel like i was sitting across from them, having a conversation over a hot cup of tea. Instead, it felt like a cold, technical research paper not at all bringing to life the legends of the past. In short, I was deeply disappointed-- MZB is my favorite author, and I respect the Matthew's other works.

Like the Grail, the reward this book offers is apparently not available to all, judging from the variation of reviews. Personally, I found the painstaking research and revelation of parallels between various historical sources enlightening in the extreme. Through the work of John and Caitlin Mathews, the reconstruction of truths long lost to us comes to us as a precious gift. If ever there were a literary representation of "racial memory," this book must have at least a strong claim on this title.
I have been fascinated by Arthurian legend since my youth, but have never appreciated it before as I do now as a consequence of reading this wonderful work. If you can apply your intellect and your spirit in synergy and not in conflict, I suggest that you might find as much treasure in this book as I have.

I have always had an interest in mythology and Arthurian legend and have found that few books really touch on the individual personalities or archetypes of the women of Arthurian legend beyond the usual over dramatized stereotypes of "Morgan = Evil sorceress, or confused seeker", "Morgause = "Malignant Manipulator, Power-monger", "Guenevere = Insecure Harlot".

"Ladies of the Lake" give these women back the power taken from them by traditional legend and modern retellings and allows the reader to see them in a richly spiritual and human light. I found that like book "The Goddess in Everywoman", each "lady" carries attributes that most women can relate to in some form or another. There are 9 attributes examined:
1. Energizer
2. Measurer
3. Protector
4. Initiator
5. Challenger
6. Deliverer
7. Weaver
8. Preserver
9. Empowerer

I for one am pleased to see a book such as this that gives a fresh look at women who have been underrated in many tellings of Arthurian legend. While many books will touch upon the aspects and strengths of each of Arthur's many knights, this book gives the same, long awaited look at the women of the legends. I love many of the retellings of the Arthurian legends, such as the "Mists of Avalon" and subsequent books in the series by Marion Zimmer bradley and this book seems to give a lot more insight into the personalities and spiritual arttributes behind the traditional ladies.

I would recommend this to anyone interested in Arthurian Legend or who want to know more about the women of the Arthurian legend from a unique perspective.