Amazon.com
When the editors of the Oxford English Dictionary put out a call during the late 19th century pleading for "men of letters" to provide help with their mammoth undertaking, hundreds of responses came forth. Some helpers, like Dr. W.C. Minor, provided literally thousands of entries to the editors. But Minor, an American expatriate in England and a Civil War veteran, was actually a certified lunatic who turned in his dictionary entries from the Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum. Simon Winchester has produced a mesmerizing coda to the deeply troubled Minor's life, a life that in one sense began with the senseless murder of an innocent British brewery worker that the deluded Minor believed was an assassin sent by one of his numerous "enemies."
Winchester also paints a rich portrait of the OED's leading light, Professor James Murray, who spent more than 40 years of his life on a project he would not see completed in his lifetime. Winchester traces the origins of the drive to create a "Big Dictionary" down through Murray and far back into the past; the result is a fascinating compact history of the English language (albeit admittedly more interesting to linguistics enthusiasts than historians or true crime buffs). That Murray and Minor, whose lives took such wildly disparate turns yet were united in their fierce love of language, were able to view one another as peers and foster a warm friendship is just one of the delicately turned subplots of this compelling book. --Tjames Madison
Amazon.com Audiobook Review
The compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary, 70 years in the making, was an intellectually heroic feat with a twist worthy of the greatest mystery fiction: one of its most valuable contributors was a criminally insane American physician, locked up in an English asylum for murder. British stage actor Simon Jones leads us through this uncommon meeting of minds (the other belonging to self-educated dictionary editor James Murray) at full gallop. Ultimately, it's hard to say which is more remarkable: the facts of this amazingly well-researched story, or the sound of author Simon Winchester's erudite prose. Jones's reading smoothly transports listeners to the 19th century, reminding us why so many brilliant people obsessively set out to catalogue the English language. This unabridged version contains an interview between Winchester and John Simpson, editor of the Oxford dictionary. (Running time: 6.5 hours, 6 cassettes) --Lou Schuler
Book Description
The Professor and the Madman, masterfully researched and eloquently written, is an extraordinary tale of madness, genius, and the incredible obsessions of two remarkable men that led to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary -- and literary history. The compilation of the OED began in 1857, it was one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor James Murray, discovered that one man, Dr. W. C. Minor, had submitted more than ten thousand. When the committee insisted on honoring him, a shocking truth came to light: Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.
This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
Download Description
"
The Professor and the Madman, masterfully researched and eloquently written, is an extraordinary tale of madness, genius, and the incredible obsessions of two remarkable men that led to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary -- and literary history. The compilation of the OED began in 1857, it was one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken. As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor James Murray, discovered that one man, Dr. W. C. Minor, had submitted more than ten thousand. When the committee insisted on honoring him, a shocking truth came to light: Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.
This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
"
Customer Reviews:
Interesting, but cannot match its own hype.......2007-09-10
I think that I could've really enjoyed this book on its own merits had the author not continued to insist throughout that the story was horrifying, amazing, shocking, thrilling, electrifying, and tragic by turns. Rarely can these "sensationalist histories" live up to their own hype. I found the book a fascinating look into the development of the OED with the bonus of the intriguing back story of one its most unusual volunteer contributors. Isn't that good enough? Why must everything be oversold? Note to the publisher: Next time undersell, over-deliver.
Surprisingly absorbing.......2007-08-28
Locked inside the compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary is an astonishing, bizarre story poignantly told in The Professor and the Madman. Well written, this disturbing story flows easily, holding the reader's interest to the end, even through the definitions!
After reading this book I have also gained a new appreciation for the beloved dictionary.
Sensationalized Version of a Gripping History.......2007-08-13
The Professor and the Madman is the yellow journalism version of the history of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), Sir James Murray, Dr. William Chester Minor, the treatment of the criminally insane during the Victorian period. I was particularly offended by the overly graphic details of Dr. Minor's self-mutilation (if you don't have a strong stomach, skip that section) and playing up of the fictionalized (and often repeated as fact) version of how Sir James and Dr. Minor first met. If the story weren't so interesting, I would encourage you to avoid the book.
Writing the first edition of the OED took 70 years and employed an unusual organizational method that has since become popular for monumental knowledge tasks -- relying on volunteers to do the bulk of the work of finding quotations that use each word in different ways over time. As someone who has always admired the OED, I enjoyed learning more about the process involved in its development. Unfortunately, that material is scattered throughout the book rather than concentrated where you can find it for a brief read through. The examples are good, however, if the material is needlessly diluted.
Thinking about that monumental effort will give you just the right foundation for appreciating how mental illness can affect parts of one's faculties while leaving others undisturbed, as the paranoid Dr. Minor employed his extensive free time in the Broadmoor Asylum for Criminally Insane and personal wealth to become of the most organized and helpful contributors to the OED.
Dr. Minor's story is the actual focus of the book. Unless you are quite interested in ironies, mental illness, and how the Victorians treated the criminally insane, you will probably find this book has more of Dr. Minor than you really care to know. It's a tragic story, but not one that I would have sought to read if the OED development process material hadn't been in the book. As background for that comment, you should know that I have a strong interest in criminal insanity and wrote my law school thesis on the subject. The book tells its story to make you feel the pain of being Dr. Minor quite well, but The Madman and the Professor won't advance your knowledge of mental illness or legal concepts of responsibility very much.
I was attracted to this book in part due to my work in leading the 400 Year Project, seeking ways to make improvements in everyone's lives at 20 times the normal rate between 2015 and 2035. I came away impressed that just a few people can make a remarkable contribution to an all-but-impossible project. I will redouble my efforts to locate such people for the 400 Year Project.
Tackle the impossible to find out what you can really do!
Slow.......2007-07-11
I did like this book and would have given it 3.5 stars is I could. The history was interesting and easy to get through, even for a casual reader of histories such as myself. However, for some reason I felt like I was dragging myself through parts. I am unable to put my finger on it, but some parts were just really slow for me. I would recomend that you read this book if for no reason than it is full of interesting facts that may come in handy at a cocktail party. In all seriousness, I did like it but read it on vacation so you can cruise through the slow parts.
THIS BOOK IS A MUST-READ.......2007-03-18
IF YOU ARE SOMEWHAT INTERESTED IN MENTAL ILLNESS AND NON-FICTION, THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ. FROM THE OPENING LINES TO THE END OF THE BOOK, THIS TRUE STORY WILL HAVE YOU TURNING PAGES. THE TITLE IS SOMEWHAT MISLEADING BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY THINK "SO WHAT" ABOUT THE MAKING OF THE OXFORD DICTIONARY. BUT DO NOT LET THE TITLE FOOL YOU. THIS IS A FASCINATING STORY FROM THE 1800'S ABOUT PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA, BRILLIANT MINDS AND WRITING OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DICTIONARY OF ALL TIMES. THIS BOOK IS ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES
Book Description
It is a truly exhilarating experience for Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning-helping Charleston's Sea Turtle Protection League shepherd hundreds of tiny green loggerheads safely into the sea. But just as she's about to celebrate all her hard work, she spots a dead body bobbing in the waves. Now it's up to Theo to get to the bottom of the murder before the culprit's greed stirs him to kill again.
Customer Reviews:
Good characters but lacking in mystery.......2007-08-30
This is the first book of this series I have written. I thought the characters were interesting and well developed. I enjoyed the interaction between them and felt they did come to "life". I also enjoyed the tidbits about tea and cooking. However, I felt the mystery story line was an after thought. At times I felt the mystery had been inserted into the book after the book had been completed. There was no real meat to the mystery. I would have liked more detail regarding the investigation. The setting and characters were very detailed but the plot regarding the mystery and clues into the investigation were lacking. I have not decided whether I will read another in this series. I would love to know more about the characters but the mystery aspect left me wanting.
A delightful escape.......2007-06-08
This series of Tea Shop mysteries is refreshing. The characters are eccentric and lovable, the setting is divine and lovely, the mysteries are tricky and enjoyable. Ms. Childs can transport her readers to a gentler time and place with the turn of a page.
Intentional comedy or typographical errors?.......2007-05-24
At first the frequent misspellings or typographical errors are annoying and slightly distracting, but by the time one reads about the "grizzly" (instead of grisly) murder, the hapless reader finds that any properly somber reflections about death are replaced by unfortunately hilarious thoughts and ghastly puns (e.g., perhaps the victim couldn't bear to be in the story for even one more paragraph).
informative and intertaining.......2007-05-13
This mystery is loaded with recipes for tea party snacks and the art of mixing different teas to produce odd tastes. If you are a tea lover, this will be a very enjoyable and entertaining book.
Tea-Dyed and Been Done.......2007-04-11
The fourth installment in the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs is much like its predecessors. It is a quick-paced cozy read, light on dimension, and large on fluff. That being said, these slight novels are still enjoyable reads due to the information they impart about tea.
Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston's Historic District, finds herself once again at the heart of a mystery. While volunteering her time for a charity cause, she encounters the corpse of Harper Fisk, a local antique dealer and sea-treasure hunter. When it turns out that foul play may be the cause of his death, Theodosia sticks her nose into the investigation, concocting all manners of strange theories and conspiracies. And she is never able to hit on the right suspect until the very end of the mystery, an all-too-quickly rushed denouement with little build-up.
Laura Childs has found a certain niche with this stories, but is by no means a seasoned story-teller. Her characters barely pass the two-dimension mark and there is far more telling than showing in her narration. Still, "The English Breakfast Murder" is enjoyable to fans of tea and anyone who likes to solve mysteries, albeit predictable ones.
Book Description
In her hot, gritty new urban drama, Essence ® bestselling author Wahida Clark tells the story of a woman who thinks she has everything, but who really has everything to lose— starting with her best friend, and ending with her life… Brianna and Shan couldn't be more different. From her $1200 weave to her closet full of Gucci, Prada, and Chanel, Brianna believes that men were born to bankroll her lifestyle. Shan likes to make her own money by working for a living at a men's prison—and prefers Sean John, Baby Phat, and Fubu to Jimmy Choo. Still, despite appearances, Shan and B are sisters where it counts—or so they think…
For B, lying is part of the hustle, and the hustle is what gets her sex, clothes, cars—pretty much whatever she wants. She couldn't care less who gets hurt along the way, as long as it isn't her. But it's one thing to hustle tricks, and quite another to betray the one person who really cares. When one of B's schemes goes too far, blood is spilled—and Shan is caught in the crossfire. Now, with friendship and lives on the line, Brianna's got one last chance to change her ways—or suffer the consequences…
Customer Reviews:
Truly a gifted Author !!.......2007-09-23
This book was great Ms. Clark puts it down in her stories and I have to say this story was so real and full of action all the way to the end I can't wait to read the second book.I hope she does put out a second one to this one since it's left with a cliff hanger. You will love this as well as all of Wahida's books.Brianna is smart but gets hooked up in some crazy stuff you have to read it to see what I mean. Go and get this one.
Very hard to follow..........2007-07-16
After reading the "Thug" series, I expected this book to be just as interesting, but it wasn't. There were too many undeveloped characters in this book, and quite franky, just too many characters, period. About three quarters thru the book, you find out how the characters are intertwined. I still can't wait to read Wahida's next novel though.
OMFG!.......2007-07-13
This was a great book i read about a year ago and i have to say it was off the hook!!!!!! I could neva put the book down!!! And da ending blew me away it surprised the hell out of me!!! The title goes perfect with the storyline
RAW.......2007-07-09
AFTER HOLDING ON TO THIS BOOK FOR MORE THAN 3 MONTHS I'D FINALLY PICKED IT UP... OH MY GOD WAS I MISSING OUT... WAHIDA DID HER THING ON THIS ONE REAL TALK... BRIANNA... WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT HER, SHE WAS OFF THE CHAIN, AND THAT DAMN SHADEE THEY BOTH GOT EXCACTLY WHAT THEY DESERVED... BUT SHAN WAS SO NAIVE ABOUT EVERY D*** SHE HAD ME MAD LIKE WAKE UP AND SMELL THE D*** ROSES... WOW... IS ALL I CAN SAY... I KNOW THERE IS A PART 2... IT HAS TO BE... SO COME ON WITH IT... IM ADDICTED
Little Off.......2007-06-26
I'm going to give this 4 stars because I like Wahida, I think this was a little rushed but it kept me turning the pages.
Book Description
California was thrown into a paralysis of fear in 1969, distraught over the unsolved murders of the Zodiac killer. The Zodiac became the most elusive and frustrating adversary ever encountered by the law enforcement community in the San Francisco Bay Area. A series of letters, allegedly written by the murderer himself and published in local newspapers, only added to the mystery and panic. Over 30 years after he exploded onto the headlines of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Zodiac serial killer remains an enigma that is unparalleled in the history of crime in America, and the case remains unsolved. Violence expert Michael Kelleher and psychologist David Van Nuys attempt to provide a glimpse into the mind of this mysterious murderer. Kelleher and Van Nuys reconstruct the crime scenes, delve into the records, and psychoanalyze the Zodiac's letters to newspapers and the law enforcement agencies. The facts of the case and the fragmentary glimpses of the Zodiac's psychodynamics that came through his letters forced the authors, reluctantly, to draw a conclusion that is sure to be controversial-namely, that the Zodiac suffered from multiple personality disorder. They also debunk many popular legends and myths about the case, laying out the limited facts that we do have on the notorious Zodiac.
Customer Reviews:
Probably the best book about the Zodiac Killer .......2007-10-09
Flowing prose and a penchant for sticking to the established facts make this book a must for anyone interested in the Zodiac. DEFINATELY read it if you think that the recent film ("Zodiac") is some type of definitive presentation of the what really happened in this truly remarkable case.
"This is the Zodiac speaking".......2004-01-29
Michael Kellehers book on the Zodiac killer is well worth the time and effort and money to obtain and read!
Having researched the Zodiac case since 1987(zodiacmurders.com) I would say his book is a crisp tight narrative that fully lays out the case with exactness as he makes the story interesting while giving the reader a multi-faceted view into all aspects of the killers mind and criminal activities.
Many have related they just 'couldn't put it down' until they read the entire book!
One correction I would like to make- while STILL focusing on this fine work-is that it says Bill Nelson wrote a book on the possible connection of the Zodiac to Charles Manson and some of his associate/s.Only a small portion of the book presents this link.The majority of the content in Nelsons (now out of print) book, is about the Manson Family.It is my book ,The Zodiac Manson Connection, that has, as its MAIN theme,a possible link to the Manson Family.
Get Kellehers book is all I can say-a must for the true crime buff and members of law enforcement!
BUY THIS ZODIAC BOOK.......2003-12-07
Look no further, this is the Zodiac book that is worth your investment of money and time. Simply excellent, both factually and as entertainment.
the zodiac speaks!.......2003-04-14
This is in my opinion slightly better than Robert Graysmith's Zodiac but it does get bogged down with the information of the analysis of the letters.However, this book discounts a few theories about the Zodiac.It denies that Zodiac was a brilliant killer. It denies that Zodiac intentionally created a Z around the city when he did his crimes, the author stating it was more a connect-the-dots connection that was weak by any stretch of the imagination.Another popular theory was that Zodiac only killed near water. This book discounts that theory too, saying that San Francisco is surrounded by water on three sides.Yet another speculation was that Zodiac was brilliant in eluding the authorities when there was evidence to the contrary. Two policemen stopped him after he killed Paul Stine, a taxi driver, and if it wasn't for a wrong description about the killer (the description was of a black man) Zodiac would have been apprehended.There is more speculation about that too, that Zodiac would not have been so easily arrested; he would have put up a fight.
I also think that the suspect in Graysmith's Zodiac Unmasked was not Zodiac because he was cleared through finger-printing. Zodiac had sloppily left two partial finger-prints on a taxi after he killed Paul Stine.
This book does more of a psychological profile than Zodiac and much of it made sense, I think the author got it right about the Zodiac.
The author, Kelleher, and David Van Nuys, Chair of the Psychology Department in a Northern Californian University, differ occasionally in their opinions about the Zodiac, but mostly agree.
Van Nuys claims that Zodiac had a multiple personality disorder, brought on from a childhood trauma. Van Nuys claims that possibly he was sexually abused and had a dominant father.He states that the normal well -adjusted personality didn't know what the Zodiac personality was doing and vice versa.
The book goes on to say that Zodiac, if he still was alive,he would be looking back on his crimes now and may have been horrified by them. Van Nuys claims that possibly the good personality might have won over the Zodiac personlity. Or possibly Zodiac had committed suicide or was dead as a result of age...if he was alive he would probably be in his mid sixties.
This book doesn't really come up with any good suspects although that has been done before with other books and failed to yield results. The suspects in Graysmith's book Zodiac, I believe were not Zodiac so this subsequent book doesn't go into suspects...I think it adds to the mystery.
****&a half.
Jack Redux.......2002-12-21
I'm still reading this, and enjoying it, but was struck by its divergence from previous theories. The other recent work on Zodiac devotes several hundred pages to a suspect which that author names as the Zodiac killer. This book mentions his name once, in a one sentence dismissal. It's getting to be like Jack the Ripper, where a new theory emerges every few years (Maybe this will be next on Patricia Cornwell's list). I don't have a favorite suspect or theory to defend, but I enjoy an articulate examination of a compelling mystery. This is one.
Book Description
From Jack the Ripper to the FBI's Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (VICAP), The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers gives readers an exhaustive overview of what is undoubtedly the most macabre and fascinating branch of crime and modern criminology. The book details individual cases of serial murder, law enforcement agents and their techniques, the factors that contribute to the development of a serial killer, and how society chooses to deal with and punish these vicious criminals. In-depth coverage is provided on the realities of serial murder versus popular myths depicted in film and television, key figures on both sides of the law, pivotal cases and events, and criminal activities that have shaped law enforcement responses.
Among the most infamous criminals profiled are:
Jack the Ripper
Albert DeSalvo (a.k.a. "The Boston Strangler")
Ted Bundy
John Wayne Gacy
David Berkowitz (a.k.a. "The Son of Sam")
and many more.
Customer Reviews:
The Encyclopedia Schools Haven't Found Out About Yet..........2006-07-28
....and I'm glad they haven't! This book both disturbed and fascinated me. It's nothing less than a compilation of all the notable people throughout history twisted enough to turn to killing innocent people for personal pleasure (most crimes are sexual, too). Although I normally love this stuff, this book disturbed me more than any others have (including "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote, which came close). I mean....at the risk of sounding hopelessly naive, THIS IS REAL. I can read story after Stephen King story, but these are real crimes and real killers.
Now, there is always the question: Why are we, as a people, so fascinated with the idea of the serial killer (I hope I'm not ripping off the Introduction to the book here)? Are our lives so dull and void of danger that we need pages of other people to speak to us about their lives of hate, death, insanity and more hate. Do we want to be disturbed? ARE we disturbed? I could go on forever-I don't have the answers.
All of this aside, this is a well-written book, written from the point of a mind neutral and apparently immune to so much human suffering.
And God, how they suffer....
Interesting.......2006-07-06
I felt the book was very interesting, very well organized, but to me it lacked something. Not sure how to put my finger on it but a good reference.
Good Introduction, But Neither Definitive Nor Very Thorough -.......2005-12-25
I picked this book up, on remainder, at the local Border's. It was only six dollars, and for this price, the book has served its purpose. The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers reviews, in a few paragraphs, numerous killers throughout history. It is organised like a typical encyclopedia, alphabetically by the killer's last name. Additionally, serial-killer 'phenomena' (for lack of abetter word) are explored (eg, cults, cross dressing).
The writing is stilted, and dry: for such an interesting subject, this book manages to really make serial killing clinical and, yes, boring. As a reference book, The Serial Killer Encyclopedia contains factual information. That said, each entry must be taken with a grain of salt. For instance, the Jeffry Dahmer entry does contain some obvious factual inaccuracies (one may easily compare to, say, other books on him, internet resources, crime resources, etc). So, the information in the book should be double-checked if you're going to be using it for a paper or similar.
"The Serial Killer Files" by H. Schechter is, overall, a better book - I own that, as well. It is more entertaining, more fun to read, and contains much more 'interesting' information: the historical tidbits and facts are really captivating. Unfortunately, the organization of Schechter's book has something to be desired.
Overall, The Encyclopedia of Serial Killers is a passably good introduction to the hundreds of killing sociopaths who have graced the earth. It provides a necessary gateway for those unfamiliar with the field, but should not be the end of one's research (though it may serve as a good 'starting point' for one to establish which killers, if any, one is interested in learning more about).
Great for the ignorant..........2005-03-14
This is a great Coffee Table book. The title should be An Introduction to Killers. There is a mixture of Serial Killer, Mass Murders, and Spree Killers in this book. There is a definate difference between all three. I am not sure if anyone told the author that a the definition of a Serial Killer/Mass Murder/Spree Killer is three (3) or more kills. The book wastes' its time on kills of one or two victims which is irrelevant for the subject matter. Before publishing a book this individual needs to be researcher of the subject such as Holmes, Jenkins, Egger, Sears, etc., these individuals are the forefathers of studying Serial Killers.
Great Resource.......2004-12-02
I can't really say much more that what has already been said.
I feel this is a great resource for those who are eager to know almost a history of serial killing. So many people only know a few names (i.e. Jack the Ripper, Ed Gein, Ted Bundy). This book takes you back to show that Serial Killers are not a new phenomenon. It introduces you to serial killers not only from the past but also from different regions.
I found this book to be one which encouraged me to learn more and more about those killers who are not as well know. Overall, a great book and very informative.
Book Description
A dramatization in verse of the murder of Thomas Becket at Canterbury. “The theatre as well as the church is enriched by this poetic play of grave beauty and momentous decision” (New York Times). “Within its limits the play is a masterpiece.... Mr. Eliot has written no better poem than this and none which seems simpler” (Mark Van Doren, The Nation).
Customer Reviews:
Haunting!.......2007-03-06
My high school put on the play, "Murder in the Cathedral" for their fall drama in 1969. In retrospect, my guess is that few of the players and still fewer of the audience had any real idea as to the momentous events that the play dramatized. Yet, the language has lingered with me from that day to this, now close on forty years later:
"...the stubborn King, and the French King, in ceaseless intrigue, combination...
....meetings unending, and endless, at some place or the other in France...
....you will be left to your own devices, which must be paid for at higher prices...
....It does go against the grain a bit to kill an Archbishop, especially when one has been brought up in a strong Church tradition..."
The play, in fact, dramatized the struggle between Saint Thomas A' Becket and Henry II over the rights of Church and State. Truly, it was a classic confrontation between what ultimately became, under the Tudors, the power of the state relative to the rights of Holy Church. Now, as a high school junior, I had wanted, of course to play Thomas. I wound up as the lowly Second Priest. But, knowing now what I did not know then, I understand that I could not have done the Archbisho's character justice, as I was then a Protestant. In fact, the reasoning of Thomas, particularly with regard to the Temptors, was classic Catholicism.
The play is wonderfully rich in language and meaning. It can be read in one long sitting. And reading it is well worth the time and effort. Pick up this little book, and be richly blessed by the experience.
"Blood for blood.".......2006-08-19
The murder and subsequent martyrdom of Thomas Becket is always a chilling tale and one that poet T.S. Eliot does a masterful job in relating. "Murder in the Cathedral" is a look at Becket's return from France, after his fallout with King Henry II, and his murder by knights of the King. The play may be a difficult read for those unfamiliar with Becket's life, and those unused to Eliot's poetically styled play. Yet it is an intriguing look at one of the church's martyrs, told by a man who came to faith later in his life.
The first act of the play centers around Thomas Becket's return from France. He had fled there for a period of years in an effort to avoid the King, and their 'difference of opinion', to put it simply. Becket was first appointed Chancellor by Henry II, and then made Archbishop. King Henry II hoped that by granting Becket both titles he would have more control over the church; but Becket saw things differently, and roused the king's anger when he excommunicated several bishops. Throughout the first act, Becket is set upon by four temptors who reveal his fate to him, serving as a catalyst for readers to learn some of Becket's background and to know that he wasn't purely without fault.
The second act moves at a much faster pace than the previous, with the king's knights denouncing Thomas and trying to persuade him to reverse his decision. When Becket refuses, the knights return and kill Thomas at the altar of the church, a death that he gladly accepts as a martyr for his Lord. The most intriguing part of the play is when, after the brutal murder is completed, the knights turn to the audience and explain their reasons for killing Becket and why it was the right thing to do in an effort to preserve England. "Murder in the Cathedral" is a play that will make readers want to examine the events surrounding Becket's death, and leave them wondering if all those explanations at the end might be right after all.
Thomas Beckett as martyr philosopher; Shakespearean genius.......2004-10-16
The audiobook version of "Murder in the Cathedral" (with Robert Donat playing Thomas Beckett) is a surprising delight, especially for those who love rich language and philosophical musings.
Centered around the age-old story of how Thomas Beckett, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered by knights for defying the king's authority, the play explores a variety of themes: church vs. state, the quest for power, the pursuit of pleasure, the heroism or vanity of martyrs, and the search for life's meaning in the face of death and the "void".
The performances of the actors in this audiobook are superb, especially that of Robert Donat. Hearing his deep resonating voice, you truly feel the charismatic power of the archbishop and former chancellor to the king.
The performance alternates between straight dialogue, poetry, and the Gregorian style chanting of monks. While the poetry and chanting is tedious in parts, it at least breaks up the dialogue into digestable chunks and moves the plot along.
Readers shouldn't be put off by the medieval theme of this piece. The substance of the play is as modern and relevant as any play you'll find. The plot contains a novel twist as well.
With its many poetic and philosophical flourishes, there's more than a trace of Shakespeare in this work. And here's a little known fact: another T.S. Eliot work, "The Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats", was the inspiration for Cats, the longest running Broadway musical.
So push the rewind for me. Time to visit that bloody cathedral again.
Written by a dilettante........2004-09-29
"Murder in the Cathedral" is more of a coffee house production than a dramatic classical play. Since I do not care for poetry, or Shakespeare, I knew I was jumping headfirst into a dead-end. Still, I did not expect to be bored out of my gored. T. S. Eliot was attempting to use the genre "poetic drama" to his benefit, but instead conjured up an illiterate form of speaking. I disliked the play 'A Man for All Seasons,' (involves the death of Thomas Moore) but at least that play can be coherently understood, and actually teaches something. I do not recommend.
Murder in the Cathedral.......2004-05-11
The play is about Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury and is not worth reading if you like a literal story, where what you read is what you get and reading between the lines is unnecessary. That is what I liked about this play. It allows you to interpret the dialogue so that you develop your own understanding behind the plot.
Thomas Becket lived in the 12th century and rose to power because of his friend King Henry. Becket at first had been a Chancellor in Henrys court and had then been given the title of Archbishop. Henry wanted him to have both the titles whereas Becket refused because he felt he could not perform both jobs to the same expectations. This was because Henry had radical views about the separation of the church and the state and Becket did not agree with these views because he did not believe he could serve two very opposite masters. The result was an argument between the two.
Literally, Henry and Becket are in a skirmish during the play, but the actual conflict is between Becket and his conscience. The play goes deep into Christianity and the Catholic faith, which I found to be enjoyable. Just as Christ had tempters, so does Becket. They offer him power and material wealth, when all they want in return is for Becket to alter and transform his principles.
I liked how you saw main characters in this play, such as the Chorus, progress from fearing the unknown to joyfully accepting God. While the play has Christian connotations within, it stresses primarily on universal human values such as humility and devotion.
The entire play is written in verse and Eliot managed to capture such complex themes and dialogue in such concise yet poetic words.
Amazon.com
This book yields two surprises that have nothing to do with what made its author so notorious, but which have plenty to do with how public bureaucracies fail. First, it includes Furhman's contemporaneous crime scene notes (with observations as meticulous as any TV sleuth's), which make mention of a "visible fingerprint" Furhman saw on the Bundy back gate (and discussed with his partner at the time). Second, it reveals that Lange and Vannatter, the detectives from "downtown" who took over the case from Furhman, didn't check out the print that night or subsequently, and indeed never read Fuhrman's notes at all. That's why you didn't hear about the fingerprint during the criminal trial. (When authorities returned to sample blood from the back gate two weeks later, the print was gone.) In short, the main lesson of this book is an organizational one worth remembering: it doesn't matter if the grunts do a good job, if the big-shots don't follow up.
Customer Reviews:
Just the facts, Ma'am.......2007-10-10
Fuhrman's book is a good, straightforward telling of the Simpson investigation. For the most part, he seems impartial, drawing his conclusions from the evidence alone. My only criticism is that I felt he defended himself too often, but that's to be expected, I guess, when people are blaming you (wrongly) for setting a murderer free. Some chapters seem to be all about Fuhrman, but most of the book is about the case and evidence themselves. I learned a lot from this book that I wasn't aware of during the trial, and I agree with Fuhrman that if the prosecution had done its job, Simpson would be behind bars today. This was a much better read for me that Vincent Bugliosi's book, Outrage: The Five Reasons Why O.J. Simpson Got Away With Murder, which was too emotional and seemed more like a rant than an objective look at the case.
Self-Serving Denial.......2007-09-26
I read this book with some interest, anxious to get some more insights into this notorious case and given Fuhrman's later role in allegedly solving the CT murder case involving one of the Kennedys, the author had regained enough crediblity in mind to where I would give this work a look. Unfortunately, while the book is interesting in fleshing out certain aspects of police work and the narrative of how the investigation proceeded, Fuhrman is much too concerned with playing himself up as a victim to the detriment of a more thorough analysis of this case. Fuhrman has many recriminations to launch against those in the LAPD and the DA's office who made mistakes causing this case to be botched, yet he displays no real recognition of the role HE PLAYED in botching it, by denying that he ever made racist comments, which ended up becoming the subplot of this case that sank it. Consistent with that, in a hair splitting manner worthy of Bill Clinton, he continues to deny that he lied or committed perjury even though he was convicted of the latter.
The Ring of Truth.......2007-09-19
Perceptive, unbiased people know the truth when they hear it, and one of the most famous of those people is Oprah Winfrey. At first, all she had to go on were the lies, half-lies, and twisted truths of the "Dream Team", Oprah Winfrey was a Fuhrman-hater extraordinaire. However, when Fuhrman, with bigger balls than a Texas bull, accepted whole-heartedly an invitation to sit in a snake pit and to be hissed, struck at, and spit at (Oprah Winfrey's show) speaks volumes. Anyone who watched that show marvelled how Fuhrman stood up to a barrage of garbage and simply told the truth. We witnessed a miracle: as Fuhrman calmly, and with quiet authority, told that truth, the hands of those, who fifteen minutes earlier could have strangled him, were now coming together in applause as the ring of truth began to sound, and it was Oprah Winfrey who led the way. When Mark Fuhrman apologized on nation TV, for using the 'N' word in writing dialogue for a movie script (something which not only regularly done, but is also EXPECTED by a movie-going public who wants realism) it was the icing on the cake. Fuhrman went from being hated to actually loved in a matter of an hour....and why? Because he told the truth and humbled himself.
He has done the same in MURDER IN BRENTWOOD. If readers cannont fully smell the coffee after reading this book, then there's something very wrong with their sniffer. Fuhrman was a cracker-jack detective, probably the best LAPD had. Without him, Simpson never would have been in custody, and with him LEADING the case, instead of the starry-eyed, Simpson-smattered, Vannatter and Lange, Simpson would never have, NO, could never have walked no matter how big the 'dream team', because in evidence a 'clear, first-rate, blood fingerprint would have been included, the finger print that Simpson left on the back gate as he made his ludicrous, wild-eyed, escape. That finger print was cleary noted and referred to in Mark Fuhrman's notes, and was witnessed by his partner. Why was in never lifted? The reader can only imagine. But Fuhrman's painstakingly accurate, crime scene notes have the ring of truth............and so does his book! Yes, it is 'a little self-serving', and after what he had been put through, it darn-well ought to be.
I highly recommend this book for any who want the truth!
Interesting statement about our legal system's faults.......2007-09-17
Like another reviewer said, 'a bit self serving' however an excellent expose on the failure of the system due to incompetence, celebrity worship, ineffective police work and corruption in the legal system (let's use the race card every time). Mr. Fuhrman's account of this event is revealing and disturbing.
Well written, behind the scenes.......2006-11-04
This book give a very detailed "behind the scenes" look at this terrible tragedy. The murders were horrific and the clarity with which Mark Fuhrman writes is excellent.
Book Description
Ingeniously contrived and shrewdly executed by some of the finest talents at work in crime fiction today--Anne Perry, Loren Estleman, Gillian Linscott, Edward D. Hoch, Peter Tremayne, Stuart Kaminsky, Jon L. Breen, Bill Crider, Howard Engel, Carolyn Wheat, and L. B. Greenwood--the eleven stories in this premier volume celebrate the keen mind, ratiocinative methods, and singular manners of the most admired fictional sleuth of all time, Sherlock Holmes. More than a century has passed since the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes, yet no literary detective before or since has inspired the loyalty and devotion of such legions of fans--not least among them the popular mystery writers who pay tribute to him in the stories they have authored especially for this collection. In these tales the inscrutable Holmes and his redoubtable companion, Dr. Watson, again display at their peerless best the science and arts of detection, whether they are investigating a crime in the wilds of Africa or uncovering villainy in the heart of London, whether it's the case of the bloodless sock or that of the vampire's mark. So, return again to the comfortable clutter of those rooms at 221B Baker Street and again observe Holmes in an old silk dressing gown, his gaze piercing and his fingers stained with chemicals or ink, as he peruses a telling trifle or takes up his violin. Again enjoy the unparalleled powers of his deduction, in eleven totally new, compelling adventures.
Customer Reviews:
Top notch.......2006-08-24
Although Carrol & Graf has been consistently publishing anthologies of Sherlock Holmes pastiches which keep on opening newer vistas of Sherlockian psyche that might be exploited further, the present collection stands tall over the others, in terms of literary craftsmanship as well as the plots. Highly recommended.
Yaas, Murder even in hallowed Baker Street!.......2003-12-11
I found this collection to be very good, although I am sick of stories of "The Remarkable Worm". For my money, August Delerth's version, ammittedly with Solar Pons, not Holmes, is best. The rest of the book makes up for the one story I didn't like so it's five Sherlock stars from The Blade!
Lacks depth.......2001-09-20
Whereas I am always greateful when new Holmes stories are released, particularly in anthology form, and as long as they do not deal with utterly bizarre places or events, I found that these stories were rather lack-luster. Within the first three days I had the book, I read through five pieces, none of which were as remarkable as I hoped they would be. The usual contributors are here, and one can usually expect outstanding entries by Loren D. Estleman and Edward B. Hoch, but here their stories are as flat as the rest. Hopefully in their next effort, the writers will write more engaging tales.
Customer Reviews:
Still A Horrific Crime!.......2007-06-19
I remember reading about the Lake-Ng crimes which are still unspeakable, unforgivable, unconsciousable, brutal, merciless towards the men, women, and children who were completely innocent. Lake and Ng were two men of a kind who enjoyed sadistic pleasure in torturing people at their compound in Northern California. Fortunately, Ng is in prison on death row I believe and Lake committed suicide. The story behind their lives is equally fascinating to result in two of the most demented serial killers and sadists around. I read a lot of real crime books and these two men were monsters in human form who enjoyed the sadistic pleasures of torturing women to death and humiliating them. The story of Lake-Ng is only partially told because there are other unknown victims but even after 20 years since the initial discovery of the house of horrors, the Lake-Ng crimes still penetrate a nerve in the community there like ghosts who refuse to go away.
Middle of the road.........2007-04-29
I am a fan of material that is a bit more hardcore and gory. This had potential to remind me of scenes from Silence of the Lambs when the girl was in that hole in the ground...but yet it didn't deal with enough of the experience of the victims. It seems to zoom through the victims and once you get half way through, all of a sudden the rest of the book dealt with court proceedings (I assume, I stopped after a few chapters of that part).
But on a positive note, these guys WERE hardcore and Leonard Lake had some serious issues. There was some interesting reading in the beginning
and is worth the read if you consider yourself a true crime buff.
If you are like me....then of course The Shrine of Jeffrey Dahmer is a great read, but also read about Albert Fish (Deranged). I just read about Armin Meitwes (a German cannibal) and two books about Eddie Gein. Of course, I've read a small stack about Manson and his family. I'd like to suggest a book titled Love & Death about the MURDER of Kurt Cobain. Skeptics are the ones who should read it the most!!!
[...].
Blasphemy.......2006-09-08
"Die For Me" is a true story of gruesome torture, terror, sex, rape, cold murder and videotapes. To identify both Leonard Lake and Charles Ng (pronounced 'eeng') as ex-marines is blasphemy at its greatest. Similarly, and more critical, is the statement the author made contrasting both Lake and Ng with being God;
"...They had witnessed two young women enduring a nightmare, and two men (Lake and Ng) playing God with their lives."
More correct would have been contrasting them with the devil. The references of being an ex-marines or acting like God is a complete and total blasphemy. Both Leonard Lake and Charles Ng are not worthy of being recognized as ex-marines and worst yet, acting like God.
"Die For Me" is the horrifying story of the "Miranda project" by Leonard Lake and Charles Ng. Before Leonard Lake befriended Ng, Lake had a plan to prepare for Armageddon (day of reckoning) by building a military survival bunker. However, the plan by Lake went further than that since a secret holding cell was going to be built within the bunker. The cell would satisfy Lake's misogyny by enslaving, terrorizing, torturing, raping, and killing women he lured to his torturing den. Women were not the only victims in Lake's and Ng's Miranda project (based on the book "The Collector" by John Fowles), but men, children and babies as well. Both Leonard Lake and Charles Ng grossly took the lives of at least sixteen human beings.
The author, Don Lasseter did well in not describing the gruesome, gross, and churning details of what the victims went through before being killed and disposed of as worthless trash. The toned down descriptions are bad enough to churn the readers' stomach and raises the readers' displeasure to infinity.
Granite inscription at the sight:
In Wilseyville We Found You
Ou Lost Ones
Though Taken In Darkness
You Will Forever Live In Light
Rest In Peace
Victims Of The 1984-85
Wilseyville Mass Murder
Over twenty years, twenty million dollars, and still counting, all to protect the rights of a gruesome serial killer........2006-08-28
Charles Ng was the disturbed spoiled son of wealthy Hong Kong parents. After being kicked out of several boarding schools in Hong Kong and England he eventually heads to the US. He joins the armed forces after lying about his citizenship but is eventually dishonorably discharged from committing anti-social acts. In California he meets up with kindred psychopath, and loser with the ladies, Leonard Lake. Lake has a house and builds an underground bunker and crematorium. Together this sicko duo plots to abduct victims, including a family from the classifieds by pretending to be potential buyers. They killed the babies and raped and tortured the women while forcing the husbands to watch. Not only were bits of human remains found but Lake and Ng made several home movies of themselves committing these atrocious crimes. This was back when video cameras were still very expensive.
I did not actually read this book (I hope I'm not being too unfair. I gave it the average rating), but I read enough on the Internet to be horrified and outraged and I'd like to comment on the case. In spite of what the FBI statisticians would have us believe not all serial killers are Caucasians. Ng is Chinese, Richard (Night Stalker) Ramirez, Adolfo (El Padrino) Constanzo, and Rafael (Railroad Killer) Resendez were Hispanic and Hulon (Yaweh ben Yaweh) Mitchell Jr. was African American. They don't always act alone, Ng and Lake were a folie-a-deux and Constanzo and Mitchell were cult leaders. They're not always in their 30's and 40's. Ng and Constanzo were in their early 20's.
Lake was apprehended while shoplifting from a hardware store to replace one of his homemade torture devices and committed suicide. In a macabre irony, if Lake were alive he would probably have a retinue of disturbed groupies vying for his hand in marriage. Ng fled to Canada where he was also apprehended shoplifting and subsequently shooting a security guard. There have been several cases where killers were apprehended for shoplifting or petty traffic violations. Since Ng was facing the death penalty for his crimes a lengthy and costly legal battle ensued. Canada and Mexico abolished the death penalty and rarely extradite fugitives to the US when they face the death penalty. Eventually Ng was extradited to California after he served his sentence in Canada, where he spent most of his time eating and drawing cartoons of his victims.
After millions of taxpayer dollars were spent prosecuting and defending Ng he was finally sentenced to be executed. Ng's lawyers used many stalling tactic and then claimed that after so many years had passed the witnesses in the case weren't reliable. The best witnesses are Ng's home movies, however, since Ng has gained about 70lbs his lawyer tried to cast doubt on whether or not Ng was the actual perpetrator in the films. Ng has also filed several frivolous lawsuits, including one over the temperature of his food. Millions more tax dollars will likely be wasted as Ng's lawyer is planning to appeal the "harshness" of his client's sentence.
If Ng had committed his rape, murder and movie making spree in Spain or Ecuador he would have been freed more than five years ago. Twenty plus years ago when he committed his crimes both Spain and Ecuador had a maxim sentence of 15 years in prison regardless of the crimes. If Ng had crossed the border of his native Hong Kong into Mainland China and committed his crimes he would have been lined up against a wall along with several other criminals and shot in the head. It would have taken a month or less and probably less than $50 to process, and a couple of law abiding Chinese citizens on dialysis would have received his kidneys. A lot of Americans, including a well known actor, like to whine about "human rights abuses" in China. I wish they would direct their concern toward people who fall victim (and their families) to monsters like Lake and Ng.
Poor quality.......2006-08-15
I'm an avid true crime reader & was looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, the author never connects you to the character. Their manner of writing seemed textbook like. With the exception of 2 victims, they totally left out what happened with the other victims. I couldn't finish the book, it just wasn't worth my time. IMHO, it's a waste of paper. I wouldn't waste your money on it. You'll only be disappointed.
Book Description
In the fall of 1897, eight whaling ships became trapped in the ice on Alaska's northern coast. Without relief, two hundred whalers would starve to death by winter's end. Mercifully, an extraordinary missionary, Tom Lopp, and seven Eskimo herders embarked on a harrowing journey to save the whalers, driving four hundred reindeer more than seven hundred untracked miles.
At the heart of the rescue expedition lies another, in some ways more compelling, journey. In a Far Country is the personal odyssey of Tom and his wife Ellen Lopp-their commitment to the natives and the rugged but happy life they built for themselves amid a treeless tundra at the top of the world. The Lopps pulled through on grit and wits, on humility and humor, on trust and love, and by the grace of God. Their accomplishment would surely have received broader acclaim had it not been eclipsed by two simultaneous events: the Spanish- American War and the Alaska gold rush. The United States and its territories were transformed abruptly and irrevocably by these fits of expansionist fever, and despite the thoughtful, determined guidance of the Lopps, the natives of the North were soon overwhelmed by a force mightier than the fiercest Arctic winter: the twentieth century.
Customer Reviews:
Life in Alaska in the late nineteenth century was frought with constant danger and unimaginable challenges........2007-06-17
They certainly were a hardy lot. Those who chose to come Alaska in the latter part of the nineteenth century faced obstacles and hardships that most of us simply cannot comprehend. So why did they come? Despite the fact that the industry was in decline, fleets of whaling ships from such distant ports as New Bedford, Mass. and San Francisco, CA still made the trek to the Bering Sea each year in an effort to eke out a living. Those in the business of saving souls viewed Alaska as fertile territory to spread the Good News. And as the nineteeth century drew to a close there was yet another important reason why thousands would risk life and limb to come to the Alaskan wilderness. The Great Alaskan Gold Rush was on! "In A Far Country" is author John Taliaferro's remarkable account of the events that were unfolding in Alaska during these years.
Tom and Ellen Lopp were missionaries who came to Alaska in the early 1890's. Tom was a Presbyterian from Indiana while Ellen was a Congregationalist who hailed from Minnesota. Both were assigned to a mission at Cape Prince of Wales on the western tip of the Seward Peninsula. Only a month after meeting in July 1892 Tom and Ellen were married. As things turned out Tom and Ellen would start a family and spend the next dozen years ministering to the Eskimos at Cape Prince of Wales. The work was dirty, difficult and exhausting but proved to be extremely rewarding nonetheless. During their years at Cape Prince of Wales the Lopps opened a mission school and assisted in the effort to establish a herd of reindeer in the area. The man who had attracted both Tom and Ellen to Alaska through an advertisment in "American Missionary" magazine was one Sheldon Jackson. Jackson, who was at the time the general agent for education for the new U.S. Territory of Alaska was absolutely convinced that bringing reindeer to Alaska was the key to the regions economic future. Reindeer were indigenous to neighboring Siberia and had been used there for centuries as both a source of food and for transportation. Jackson envisioned teams of reindeer driven sleds moving people, commodities and even the mail throughout the Alaskan territory. At the same time Sheldon Jackson argued that the reindeer could replace the dwindling numbers of caribou as the primary source of food for the native Eskimo population. "In A Far Country" details how large herds of reindeer would eventually be established in several areas of the Alaskan wilderness. Finally, John Taliaferro spends a great deal of time chronicling what became known as the Overland Relief Expedition. At the end of the summer of 1898 a total of 8 whaling ships who were operating in the Chukchi Sea off the northwest coast of Alaska became trapped in the ice and were unable to leave the area. It was feared that unless help arrived in time more than 200 sailors would eventually starve to death. The Overland Relief Expedition was organized and Tom Lopp was tapped to lead the final leg of this Herculian rescue effort. What an incredible adventure!
I found "In A Far Country" to be quite compelling reading indeed. The publishers quite wisely furnished a detailed map of the region at the beginning of the book and I found myself referring to it again and again. I find that inclusion of maps like this often greatly enhances my understanding of the events being discussed in the text. All in all this is a nicely written book about important history that has been largely forgotten. Recommended!
Excellent adventure .......2007-03-24
This is a little known adventure story of missionary people, personalities, government polititians, native Americans, & foreigners. It has graphic illustrations of problems and errors made when dealing with different cultures in unknown and adverse climates. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
Life on the Edge of Civilization.......2007-03-09
It must have taken individuals of rare inner strength to even have the desire to go establish a Christian mission at Cape Prince of Whales, 55 miles across the Bering Strait to Russia and only 70 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Even more surprising to me was the number of women, single or married to missionaries, who went as well. Tom and Ellen Lopp were both single, that is until six weeks after they met.
This is a story of the mission at Cape Prince of Wales, the Lopp's and of a dramatic rescue where Tom and seven Eskimo herders drove a heard of reindeer some 700 miles to rescue stranded sailors whose ships had become frozen in the ice. This was a trip to rival the other famous trip in the cold, but up until now has been little known.
All in all, a most interesting book about life on the very edge of civilization.
epic adventure.......2007-02-06
This book rightly takes its place among the other tales of heroic arctic travel. It is well researched, the writing is sprightly, and the characterizations both compassionate and vivid.
Unsung Heroes.......2007-02-06
This was a fascinating book. It takes an honest look at subjects as diverse as; culture clashes, mission work, family struggles, man verses nature, government inner workings, and humanity's dual nature (good and evil). A whole cast of unsung heroes finally get their day. Unfortunately, it comes about 100 years too late. Although the author resides in our current day of political correctness, his characters do not. Frankly, I find them refreshing.
The Alaskan frontier is shown as the mishmash that it must have been. Competing groups vied for their own goals and dreams. They inevitably mixed and influenced each other resulting in the lines that formerly demarcated distinct people groups being erased and blurred. The outcomes of this amalgamation ranged from laudable triumphs to scandalous tragedies.
For some reason (maybe growing up in the hot South), I have always enjoyed books about Polar Regions. The first book I ever read was Jack London's Call of the Wild. I read In a Far Country in less than a week because the story kept my interest. It is one of the few books that I really hated to complete. I did not want to leave the characters.
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- The Rommel Papers (Da Capo Paperback)
- The Sociopath Next Door
- The Tibetan Book of the Dead (Mystical Classics of the World)
- Torts Personal Injury Litigation (West Legal Studies)
- Trail Guide to the Body Student Handbook: How to Locate Muscles, Bones and More
- Under Saturn's Shadow: The Wounding and Healing of Men (Studies in Jungian Psychology By Jungian Analysts)
- Understanding A Raisin in the Sun: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents (The Greenwood Press "Literature in Context" Series)
- Undoing Depression
- Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook
- White Tigers: My Secret War in North Korea (Ausa Institute of Land Warfare Book.)
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