William Justice, a Protestant minister with a curiosity about the paranormal, searched for spiritual truth within and beyond traditional beliefs. His memoir of his explorations, Outposts of the Spirit, has now been posthumously published by Hampton Roads. In the Editor's Introduction, they explain that they published a book written nearly twenty years ago because the need to look at the paranormal in a way "that accomodates prior beliefs, doubts, and natural skepticism" still exists and that "William Justice provides this masterfully, in a manner both cordial and fair, clear and incisive."

Justice himself was not a psychic and had only three brief experiences that could be described as paranormal. He did, however, have an open mind, and he had the ability to convince others to discuss their experiences. He met and talked with Edgar Cayce, and other noteworthy spiritualists of his day. He was also a researcher who studied the writings of men like Socrates, Abraham Lincoln, and Charles Lindbergh. He says that "instances of spirit guides such as those who directed Lindbergh and Socrates are more numerous than many might imagine. In fact, many of the world's great owe their places in history to the influence of spirit agency."

He also investigated the ouija board, astral projection and the nature of life after death.

After a challenge by a friend, Justice began studying the Bible, looking for instances of paranormal experiences within it. He cites the particular example of Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah as described in Luke 9:28-36 as communication with the spirit world by a living being. He came to regard the Bible as "probably the most psychically oriented book in the world," adding that "the early church was built on the fact of spirit phenomena; without it, Christianity would never have come into being."

In his forward, George Ritchie writes that "Justice has shown that the Holy Spirit of God that lives in Jesus is still in contact with us every day in ways that go beyond our five physical senses." Readers who heretofore haven't been able to reconcile their religious beliefs with the metaphysical will find the answers they seek in Outposts of the Spirit.

I found this book to be really fascinating. Living as I do next door to the U.S., and having some familiarity with American politics and government, I found this book filled so many gaps in my knowledge so succinctly that I would think many Americans could profitably refer to this over and over again. The ridiculous election of 2000 filled many of we foreigners with confusion of how the self-appointed 'World's Greatest Democracy' could have such a baffling 'system' of electing the president and vice-president, and this book helped me so much understanding the complexities of what was going on. I commend the authors heartily for conceiving of such a book and filling it with so much information...the Supreme Court cases are marvels of conciseness. I hope that if you're interested in American Government, be you student, teacher or just an interested citizen, you buy this book. It's a steal at the price.

As a teacher who prepares high school seniors for the AP Government and Politics exam, I found this to be a quick, concise, yet comprehensive guide to the major/minor aspects of the US Government. Makes a great stepping stone to further research by virtue of the end notes that accompany each entry. As usual, OUP does it again.

This book is a very good source of information on the Picts. This book contains something that many other books do not, lots of pictures with accurate information. Anyone who is interested in the Picts, but does not live where their history comes from would do well with this book. The full color pictures accompanied by well written and thought out information is well worth the buy. The book gives a well rounded perception of the Picts.

This is the same book, I believe, that was published in Australia, at least, as "Punishment and Profit" by the same author. This may give some other hints if you wish to locate a copy.
Pub: 1970
LOC card No:77-129921

Assuming this is the same work, it is a fascinating document of early colonial life from a recent arrival's point of view. A particularly unusual newcomer at that as Bigge had the task of reporting to Bathurst on the current inhabitants.

The title as published in Australia is, in my view, a good description of what Bigge was asked to look at in Australia. Gov. Macquarie was the subject of a fair amount of criticism for the cost of administering the colony. This was also being triggered by jealous outbursts of local settlers that wanted the convict labour for their use as opposed to the public works that were being carried out. As these public works meant that the convict labourer was, to use the contemporary vernacular, "living off the store" and therefore at the government's expense, these criticisms found a ready ear in Whitehall.

To develop an understanding of what was really happening, Bathurst ordered this inquiry to which Bigge was appointed.

What is perhaps of more lasting interest than the results of the actual inquiry, is the historical record of the various colonial factions and conniving between them that would have made Machiavelli blush. I suspect that these petty jealousies and factionalism had a lot in common in colonial life in other remote colonies.

It is interesting to note the effect that this inquiry had on the local ruling elite (aka the "Merinos") of the time and the increased intensity that this external element in their lives put into these power struggles as one or the other lobbied for influence.

A good book for those interested in this period in Australian history.

I was given this book by my favorite aunt many years ago, and it was stolen when our place was broken into 3 months ago. It took a lot of looking to find it again. The meatball sandwich recipe is worth the cost of the book. My husband's son owns a blues bar in Phoenix and "borrowed" the receipe for his menu. It is actually fabulous!

Resurrection Genome is a thoroughly fascinating novel, combining elements of today's leading edge scientific research with a scintilating love story. And this is all while providing interesting insight into the Morman religion which serves as a thoughtful backdrop to plot line. This is a novel you will not want to put down, with sparkling dialog and a compelling theme. Rivals Patricia Cornwell novels, but without the bloodletting. Highly recommeded !!!

The legacy of the most infamous super-dungeon of all time continues in this unspeakably huge and darkly fun boxed set. The first set was just the beginning - now, submit your heroes to the Deep Levels! You get: 2 entire books of monsters, adventures, adversaries and treasures, 16 pages of new monsters, 4 giant poster maps highlighting the most dangerous levels in the dungeon, and a pile of cardsheets to help you whip up diabolical traps in an instant. Highest recommendation!

Having read several books on the history and origin of the legends of SanDiego. I would class this as one of the most interesting that I have read. This book bears the price of purchase and should be on every SanDiegoans book shelves.

A survey of prehistoric and Roman Scottish archaeology, always interesting reading. Intriguing sites are discussed and black and white photographs and pictures illustrate the text quite well. As an introduction to the field (spoken as a neophyte) I recommend it.