History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Mississippi Jack: Being an Account of the Further Waterborne Adventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman, Fine Lady, and Lily of the West (Bloody Jack Adventures)

Average customer rating:

A grand edition to an incredible seris..
Jacky has great adventures...and you will do!
Another rousing Jacky Faber adventure...
The thrill of history
Amazingly Entertaining

Mississippi Jack: Being an Account of the Further Waterborne Adventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman, Fine Lady, and Lily of the West (Bloody Jack Adventures)
Louis A. Meyer
Manufacturer: Harcourt Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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In the Belly of the Bloodhound: Being an Account of a Particularly Peculiar Adventure in the Life of Jacky Faber (Bloody Jack Adventures)
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Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy (Bloody Jack Adventures)
Curse of the Blue Tattoo: Being an Account of the Misadventures of Jacky Faber, Midshipman and Fine Lady (Bloody Jack Adventures)
The Sweet Far Thing

ASIN: 0152060030

Book Description

The intrepid Jacky Faber, having once again eluded British authorities, heads west, hoping that no one will recognize her in the wilds of America. There she tricks the tall-tale hero Mike Fink out of his flatboat, equips it as a floating casino-showboat, and heads south to New Orleans, battling murderous bandits, British soldiers, and other scoundrels along the way. Will Jacky's carelessness and impulsive actions ultimately cause her beloved Jaimy to be left in her wake?

Bold, daring, and downright fun, Jacky Faber proves once again that with resilience and can-do spirit, she can wiggle out of any scrape . . . well, almost.

Customer Reviews:

A grand edition to an incredible seris.........2007-09-27

I cannot get enough of Jacky Faber and her wild adventures. The main character, Jacky Faber, is a sassy and resourceful sixteen year old. It's hard not to love her and her antics. This 5th book of the seris is a lively and entertaining read for teens, especially girls.

Jacky has great adventures...and you will do!.......2007-09-25

Jacky Faber was to be reunited with her love, Jaimy. That reunion was interrupted by Jacky's arrest. But never fear, the spunky lass manages to free herself from her captors and with the help of friends, she becomes the captain of her very own riverboat.

But her love Jaimy, poor Jaimy, is not really a match for Jacky. His attempts to follow his true love across the frontier and down the river find him fighting obstacles at every turn. I felt so sorry for this young nineteen-year-old boy. I can't imagine him with Jacky. She'd emasculate him in no time.

We follow Jacky through her adventures and hear from Jaimy through a series of letters. It is a clever way to tell the intertwining stories of Jacky and Jaimy. Some wonderful characters make appearances: Native American Indians, slaves, soldiers, card sharks, etc. The questions are: will Jacky continue to escape from those that are determined to do her in? She has the ability to get herself out of any scrape and land on her feet. And will she and Jaimy finally be reunited? And what will Jacky's next adventure be about?

Author Louis A. Meyer has created a wonderful character in Jacky Faber and provides her with exciting adventures. Jacky's bright, beautiful, clever, impulsive, loyal and loads and loads of fun. I loved the river boating adventure and all the scintillating characters and experiences. Jacky's a heroine worth reading and I look forward to her next adventure.

My only criticism of the book is while it's been published for Young Adults, there are topics that really are more suited to adults. After pondering what I'd call this novel, I would lean more toward an adult novel than for young adults. I think it's more appropriate.

Armchair Interviews says: Jacky Faber is a rollicking good time.

Another rousing Jacky Faber adventure..........2007-09-21

In this, the 5th novel in the picaresque/historical fiction series about the adventures/misadventures of the irrepressible Jacky Faber, we see our heroine again narrowly escaping transport back to England to be hanged for piracy. Jacky then begins another rousing adventure tale as she travels west to the Allegheny-Ohio-Mississippi Rivers on her way to New Orleans, meeting characters along the way that sound like they could have come from the pens of Mark twain, James Fenimore Cooper, and George MacDonald Fraser. She meets and shelters a runaway slave named Solomon (just like Twain's Huck Finn and Jim), a free-spirited backwoodsman and a Shawnee, Lightfoot Bumpus & Chee-a-quat, (Cooper's Natty "Leatherstocking" Bumppo & the Mohican Chingachgook), Royal Navy Lieutenant Flashby and Captain Richard Lord Allen (sharing the good and bad traits of Fraser's anti-heroic rogue Harry Flashman). The author, Louis A. Meyer, throws in the "Larger Than Life" Mike Fink of American Folklore and many other interesting (albeit flawed) folks. Jacky seems to have a knack for getting into trouble and thoroughly loves the attention she receives (except for the rough handling, imprisonment, and tar and feathering parts, that is). All in all, this is one heck of an exciting riverboat ride and the most rollicking Jacky Faber escapade yet. I highly recommend this and the other books in the series.

The thrill of history.......2007-09-20

A good book -- and this is very good -- ought to excite you in some way...even if it is a quiet thrill. This book isn't quiet. Jacky Faber is never dull, and she leads a most exciting, adventurous life. No. 5 in the series -- and I've read them all -- is full of twists and turns, plots and perils. If you like history (and I have all my life), then welcome to American history as a story told as wide and deep as the mighty Mississippi itself.

Amazingly Entertaining.......2007-09-08

As always, Mr. Meyer delivers a wonderfully thought out story about our beloved heroine, Miss Jacky Faber. As in all the books, she is surrounded by trouble, and often causes a bit of it herself. This time, she's running from the British authorities, and ends up masquerading as the Lily of the West, a riverboat queen, and the Toast of the Mississippi! Entertaining from beginning to end, this book leaves you wanting more!

Average customer rating:

hero is the vilain, heroin is an obsessed masorchist
Fun and fast book!
Classic Jude! Love it!
I READ THIS BOOK IN 24 HOURS
Classic Jude Deveraux!

River Lady
Jude Deveraux
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Lost Lady
Counterfeit Lady
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ASIN: 0671739786

Book Description

Jude Deveraux portrays the power of a woman set on a bold course for true love -- and the glory of ful?lling a magni?cent promise.

River Lady

Handsome plantation owner Wesley Stanford would barely recall the poverty-stricken young girl named Leah Simmons who adored him from afar years ago?.Now, in an unexpected twist of fate -- a chance encounter on the Virginia riverfront -- he will become Leah's reluctant husband. Determined to forge a new life in untamed Kentucky, Wesley discovers that the bride he hopes to abandon is passionate, proud, and brave -- and may be the woman he cannot live without.

Download Description

"Jude Deveraux portrays the power of a woman set on a bold course for true love -- and the glory of fulÞlling a magniÞcent promise. River Lady Handsome plantation owner Wesley Stanford would barely recall the poverty-stricken young girl named Leah Simmons who adored him from afar years agoS.Now, in an unexpected twist of fate -- a chance encounter on the Virginia riverfront -- he will become Leah's reluctant husband. Determined to forge a new life in untamed Kentucky, Wesley discovers that the bride he hopes to abandon is passionate, proud, and brave -- and may be the woman he cannot live without. "

Customer Reviews:

hero is the vilain, heroin is an obsessed masorchist.......2005-09-02

Terrible book, I forced myself to read and was thinking to dump it in the incinerator. A lot of nice guys arouns and the heroin just like that evil guy, she is masorchist and treats Justin who likes her, very badly. The hero is the villain, a real jerk, and the heroin just doesn't wake up and smell the coffee. He is not into her, he wants a damsel in distress for wife. I didn't sympathize with any character here but Justin and the ladies that helped the heroin.
Simplistisc writing.
I highly recommend a book, Again the Magic (by Lisa Kleypas), a real masterpiece, gut wrenching, sophisticated romance.

Fun and fast book!.......2004-10-04

Ever since the wealthy Wesley Stanford gave Leah a gold coin as a child, Leah knew that this man was her hero ~~ and fell in love with him. She meets him years later and he, mistakenly thought she was a prostitute like her sister, gave her one night that ended in a pregnancy. Forced to marry her, Wesley takes off for Kentucky for a year ~~ and Leah grows up into a beautiful and talented woman ~~ full of grace and determination.

This is another classic Jude novel ~~ full of sassy ladies and beauty and love that warms even the coldest soul. It's fun and great ~~ and wonderful ~~ as always!

10-3-04

Classic Jude! Love it!.......2002-10-01

What an awesome book! I loved the courage and determination she showed no matter what was thrown at her. I really disliked Wesley at first and couldn't see why he hated so very much since it was his doing that she was pregnant. He was such a jerk to her even when she worked so hard to become a "lady" for him. It was very intersting to watch him grow into a better man as time went on. I did warm up to him and found him actually quite comical throughout the book. The scene with the mud was hilarious!!

There was a lot of action and a great plot throughout the book which kept me interested to the very end. I did find the book ended rather quickly and left me wanted to know more about where their lives would go.

This is the third book in a trilogy. I am extremely anxious to read the other two: Lost Lady and Counterfeit Lady. Regan and Nicole had appearances in this book and I want to know more about their stories.

If your looking for classic Jude at her best, then you've found it with this book!

I READ THIS BOOK IN 24 HOURS.......2002-09-13

I literally could not put this book down!!! It was the second book I've ever read by Ms. Deveraux (first one being Legend... awesome book) and I cannot wait to get the two books that accompany this book. This one is the last of a trilogy. It kept me so enthralled. I loved the way Wesley was a jerk to her. Thats what made it so intiguing. Had he seen her and fell inlove w/ her "after" look it would of made this book a piece of re-cycled mish mash. Plus, the scenes w/ Miss Kim were hilarious. The way he grows to love Leah is what made my heart sigh that silly romance novel sigh. The mud fight was uproariously funny and lighthearted. ... This one I highly recommend!!!

Classic Jude Deveraux!.......2002-09-10

This book was classic Jude and I loved it! I hadn't read the first two books to this series before I read River Lady and now I can't wait to get my hands on them and learn about Nicole and Clay's story and Travis and Regan's in Lost Lady and Counterfeit Lady!

Wesley could definetely be a jerk and at times I wanted to just kick him for his blindess... but he made me fall in love with him in the second half of the book. And Leah was the perfect heroine... turning her life around and being so strong and courageous. A perfect match for Wesley. A true heart warmer. I couldn't put the book down!

Murder of a Sweet Old Lady (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 2)
Average customer rating:

Skeletons in the family closet

Absolutely Riveting

Down-home Murder Mystery

Good, but...

Interesting Small-Town Cozy!
Murder of a Sweet Old Lady (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 2)
Denise Swanson
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 1)

Murder of a Sleeping Beauty (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 3)

Murder of a Snake in the Grass (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 4)

Murder of a Barbie and Ken (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 5)

Murder of a Pink Elephant (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 6)

ASIN: 0451202724
Release Date: 2001-04-10

Book Description

Second in the delightful new Scumble River mystery series... When school pyschologist Skye Denison's beloved grandma is found dead in her bed, an autopsy proves it was murder. And Skye is determined to find out whodunit, even if the answer lies in the rotten roots of her own family tree.

Customer Reviews:

Skeletons in the family closet.......2004-12-24

Skye Denison enjoys her daily visits to her grandmother to hear stories of her family's history. On one of her visits she is horrified to find that her grandmother has died. She calls the local coronor, Simon, whom she is dating, much to the disgust of her family, who like to keep family business private. Soon she finds herself investigating her kin and alienating many of them in the process. If this isn't enough, she is in trouble with her school district's superintendant who wants her to falsify her school psychologist's records in order to please an influential parent. A third complication is her love life which now includes two men who vie for her affection. Having been a school employee with a job similar to Skye's, I recognize the problems she encounters with parents and administrators. My only objection to Skye's behavior is that she seems to think nothing of being late for school or trying to take last-minute personal days when she has other things to do. Most school employees are very conscientious about their attendance. This book is the second in the series and shows good progress in plot and character development. All in all, it's an enjoyable read.

Absolutely Riveting.......2004-03-17

I just love Skye Denison, Denise Swanson's amateur sleuth. She's a school psychologist who has to battle parents who can't wrap their flaccid minds around the fact that perhaps their little Betty or Reginald isn't as perfect as paradise. With these little battles to...well, battle, the last thing poor Skye needs is someone to murder her beloved grandmother, Antonia Leofanti. But someone has. Sky finds her grandma dead as the proverbial doornail in the poor old lady's bedroom, with the covers pulled up over her head, only a cloud of wispy gray hair peeking over the top. Later on the same day, or perhaps the next day, Antonia's maid and caregiver, Mrs. Jankowski is found in an abandoned well or some such, along with a half a pan of poisoned brownies jammed in beside her. As if all this isn't enough, Skye is almost positive that the person(s) who murdered her grandma and Mrs. J is a person in her family. This is a fun, fast mystery that I had a terrible time putting down.

Down-home Murder Mystery.......2003-09-10

This was my first time reading one of Denise Swanson's books and I will definitely read the rest of the Skye Denison series. From the very first chapter, I was hooked on the small town flavor of the book. Ms. Swanson's writing style takes the reader through twists and turns that entice the mystery connoisseur. Perfect light reading for a vacation.

Good, but..........2003-07-16

I thought this book was good, but I didn't really get into the storyline that much. The idea of her grandmother being murdered by a family member is a very good one, but Ms. Swanson didn't really live up to my hopes. This book could have been much better handled with the idea, and the fact that someone from the family was the responsible for the murder was an interesting one.

So far, of the three books that I've read in this series, the first one is still my favorite (Murder of a Small-Town Honey). I hope that the fourth book (Murder of a Snake in the Grass) becomes my new favorite once I find time to read it.

-Ater

Interesting Small-Town Cozy!.......2003-07-12

In the 2nd book in the Scumble River mystery series, we see amateur sleuth, Skye Denison working hard at fitting into her hometown and finishing up the school year. Skye is a school psychologist, returning home to live and work after humiliating herself while delivering a valedictorian speech 12 years prior. It seems that Skye left with a chip on her shoulder about "the small minds of those in a small town" and has to return home with her tail tucked firmly between her legs after losing her last job. Since she left her last job in disgrace (although it was not her fault), the only job she can get is in the school system that she shunned when she left town. While trying to re-establish herself in her hometown, she helped to solve a previous case that cleared her brother of murder.

In this case, Skye has been spending a lot of time with her grandmother to re-establish broken ties and to learn more about family history. When her grandmother dies suddenly after being given a clean bill of health from her doctor, Skye gets suspicious. And when she learns that her grandmother's caretaker has vanished, family members start to hypothesize that she murdered the grandmother. While suspecting everyone (including her own family members) Skye determines that she will ferret out some old family secrets and in doing so will prove who killed her grandmother. Add to this that Skye is having difficulties with some students at school, and you have an interesting, engaging cozy mystery!

I enjoyed this book much more than I had the first book in this series. I felt that the first book was valuable for its character development but did not offer as much of an interesting read as this one did. I like the characters in Scumble River, and enjoyed all of the relationships between family members as described in this book. I also enjoyed the fact that Skye faced a huge ethical dilemma, and it was interesting to see how she would handle this situation. If you like cozy mysteries involving small towns, give this series a try.

The first book in the series is "Murder of a Small Town Honey". Enjoy!

To the Heart of the Nile: Lady Florence Baker and the Exploration of Central Africa
Average customer rating:

Thrilling Tale, Flawed Book

Out of impulse, out of adventure, or a sense of attraction Sam kidnaps Florence

The incredible determination of the early Explorer!

Not a novel, but a great story of love and adventure in Victorian times

...journey through a life
To the Heart of the Nile: Lady Florence Baker and the Exploration of Central Africa
Pat Shipman
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0060505559
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Book Description

Prepare to embark upon a breathtaking adventure, brimming with hair-raising rescues, impossible quests, danger, discovery, catastrophe, mutiny, and uncompromising love -- all the more remarkable because every word is true. Acclaimed New York Times and Los Angeles Times Notable author Pat Shipman now brings to vivid life the times and great achievements of a singular explorer, a woman of unparalleled courage and spirit who helped redefine her world.

Florence Szász was a child in Eastern Europe when she witnessed the slaughter of her family during the Hungarian revolution. After the war, she was kidnapped from a refugee camp in the Ottoman Empire and sold to be raised for the harem. In 1859, at age fourteen, she stood before a room full of men and waited to be auctioned to the highest bidder. But slavery and submission were not to be her destiny; one of the assembled was moved by compassion and an immediate, overpowering empathy for the helpless young woman. His name was Sam Baker, a wealthy English gentleman and eminent adventurer who braved extraordinary perils to aid her escape. Ultimately they would wed and venture together into some of the most inaccessible regions on Earth.

At this tender age, Florence Baker had already seen and experienced more than most women of the Victorian era. But the greatest adventures were still before her. By the side of the man who had set her free -- and whose love would remain passionate and constant for the remainder of their lives -- she forged ahead into literally uncharted territory. Together, they confronted disease, starvation, and hostile tribesman, surviving the cruel ravages of beasts and nature in a glorious attempt to unravel a mysterious and magnificent enigma called Africa. They returned to England to enjoy the accolades of a society that, if Florence's past became known, would condemn her as a prostitute.

Adorned with striking photographs, maps, and illustrations, Pat Shipman's To the Heart of the Nile is an extraordinary achievement -- an unforgettable portrait of an unforgettable woman; a story of discovery, bravery, determination, and love, meticulously reconstructed through journals, documents, and private papers, and told in the inimitable narrative style that has already won this author resounding international acclaim.

Customer Reviews:

Thrilling Tale, Flawed Book.......2007-07-26

This book notably advances understanding of the Bakers, wife/husband explorers extraordinaire. Most works focus on Samuel, treating Florence as an exotic appendage, but she was talented, fearless and an active agent in their adventures. The well-written text does justice to her inherently dramatic life, but problematic features lessen its credibility. First, there is much invented dialogue. While based on a sound grasp of primary sources and appreciation of Florence's character, such licence inevitably strays from the facts. Readers will wonder which parts are reliably documented and what is invention, but it makes for a stirring tale. More weighty is that Shipman is not an Africa specialist. This leads to numerous flaws, minor in themselves but cumulatively damaging. Many place and personal names have archaic spellings no longer used in their countries or by Africanists. Shipman routinely adopts the Bakers' negative views of Africans, repeating hoary insults about laziness, theft, lying and dissipation. (The section on Florence's early life and Islamic education in the Ottoman Empire is more nuanced and sympathetic.) She also seems to endorse their Victorian ethnocentrism: "From his plantation days, Sam knew how to command large numbers of natives," p.62. Authors should hew closely to the sources, but they must build on them instead of being constrained by their perspective. The Bakers achieved marvels of physical endurance in Africa, but disrupted many societies by using force to pursue their goals; the book elides this aspect of their 1870s military expedition to the Upper Nile. Cf. R. Collins's harsh but judicious chapter on Samuel Baker (R. Rotberg ed., "Africa & Its Explorers"), showing that the people Florence and Samuel met had their own valid concerns and goals.

Out of impulse, out of adventure, or a sense of attraction Sam kidnaps Florence .......2007-03-17

The story of Florence Baker and Sam Baker was well known to me. In most histories of the discovery of the Nile these two are treated somewhat as a sideshow, an entertainment, not to rank with Richard Burton or John Hanning Speke. But how that view changes with Pat Shipman's worthy biography of this incredible couple. We meet Florence being orphaned and raised to be in a harem, not discovering she was a slave until the day she was to be sold and then an event happens that would make the three musketeer's proud. Sam Baker on holiday, hunting attends the slave auction and finds him self bidding on this 15 year old girl (half his age). He loses and she is condemned to life in an Ottoman harem as a slave. But then out of impulse, out of adventure, or a sense of attraction he kidnaps Florence and they begin one of the most marvelous romances and live their lives full of adventures. They choose to find the true source of the Nile resulting in a truly amazing story. My only complaint with the narrative is that I found the two Nile expeditions became a bit of a tedious read. I think this is because they dwell on many issues and events and don't seem to focus on the two's relationship; or maybe it is because the first 100 to 150 pages are so exciting and spellbinding that one is bound to be let down by just a trek though impossible terrain. The ending is marvelous proving that true stores can have an amazing arch and warmth. After Sam Baker's death Florence lives on to take interest in Sam's young grandnephew that grows up, learns Arabic, and is assigned to the Sudan Political Service. During this work he hears stories of the famous Sam and Florence. For those interested in jihads we even follow the events of the great Mahdi army's crushing defeat of the British and Gordon's death and loss of Khartoum. I recommend to anyone interested in adventure, the history of the Sudan, great romances and the Nile source discovery. And I must mention you must read Alan Moorehead's great books THE WHITE NILE and THE BLUE NILE that more fully tell the story of the discovery of the source of the Nile.

The incredible determination of the early Explorer!.......2006-09-10

Based on journal entries, private papers, and newspaper articles of the day, Pat Shipman has provided us with a true story of love and bravery. When Sam and Florence Baker set out together to search for the source of the Nile, they encountered unbelievable conditions as they painfully made their way on camel back across the burning desert, and often on foot through the jungle to the heart of Africa. Knowing that they eventually became Lord and Lady Baker is a consolation, as you suffer with their trials, debilitating fevers and horrendous tribal wars. Here we have a story of enduring love amidst great hardship. A book worth reading from beginning to end as you watch Sam Baker rescue this beautiful Hungarian girl from a highly specialized slave auction for girls who had been prepared to grace any Sultan's harem! This remarkable and beautiful young woman went on to save the life of her husband on more than one occasion. The charming black and white sketches and illustrations, plus two maps, add considerably to the value of the book.

Not a novel, but a great story of love and adventure in Victorian times.......2006-05-22

This book is an hybrid, it's neither a novel nor a non-fiction. It's the attempt of a scientific mind to write a novel on a women explorer she is fascinated with. It sometimes happens that historical characters particullarly appeal to people who deal with something completely different. I think that is at the back of this interesting book. The author is not an historical novelist like Irving Stone, because the structure of the book is plain chronology and the dialogues between the characters sound accademic at best, if not false, but her fascination with Florence Baker gives at the end its fruits. Some stories are so good that however written remain an excellent read.
Women explorers are rare, and were more so in Victorian times. Florence Baker, an Hungarian girl, adopted in an harem to be later sold as a slave, rescued by the great explorer Samuel Baker lead an intense life accompaning her husband to the darkest part of Africa. The couple took part in the British exploration of the Nile together with Stanley, Grant, Burton and rule of the Sudan and the abolition of slavery with Gordon and others. During their years in England they were part of the best English society and got to know and influence the foreign politics of England. Their life was full of success and public recognition. And they loved each other, apparently from the first to the last day of their lives. Even if this is very romantic in this case it seams to be true and the author makes a point of letting us feel this love and mutual respect.
The book optimally contextualizes the african and egyptian situation in the period Florence and Sam stayed in Sudan, but better still immerges us in the English society once they got back. We get an excursus of the Baker family, which contributed with various great men to english foreign affairs, the prince of Wales, the Royal Geographic Society, the Mahdi and Charles Gordon another hero of those times. The excellent bibliography gives many further reading suggestions.

As a footnote, I would like to point out that Wikipedia reports Samuel Baker and Florence is mentioned only as his wife. Femminism still has a long way to go!

I would like to thank the author for having written about this woman, because some stories cannot be forgotten!

...journey through a life.......2006-04-21

(I wish I could give this adventure 3.5 stars.) When one takes into account the life and times, the journey itself is more amazing than the writing.

VAMPIRES AT MIDNIGHT: Dr Porthos; Postscript; When It Was Moonlight; Over The River; The Believer; The Vampire of Croglin Grange; The Vampyre; The Storm Visitor; Three Young Ladies; An Episode of Cathedral History; And No Bird Sings; The Living Dead

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VAMPIRES AT MIDNIGHT: Dr Porthos; Postscript; When It Was Moonlight; Over The River; The Believer; The Vampire of Croglin Grange; The Vampyre; The Storm Visitor; Three Young Ladies; An Episode of Cathedral History; And No Bird Sings; The Living Dead
Peter (editor) (Christopher Lee; Montague Summers; Basil Copper; Augustus Hare; John Polidori; Thomas Preskett Prest; Bram Stoker; M. R. James; August Derleth; E. F. Benson; Sydney Horler; Stephen Grendon; Manly Wade Wellman; P. Schuyler Miller) Haining
Manufacturer: Warner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0751501468

Lady of the River (Reardon Valley Series, 2)

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Lady of the River (Reardon Valley Series, 2)
Dianna Crawford
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Mothers & Children | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Romance | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Regency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

An Echo of Hope (Reardon Valley)
A Home in the Valley (Reardon Valley #1)
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Freedom's Hope (The Reardon Brothers #2)
Freedom's Promise (The Reardon Brothers #1)

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philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0842360115

Book Description

Wilderness explorer Max Bremmer's dreams are shattered when he suffers a severe injury that forces him to settle in Reardon Valley. When he catches sight of the mysterious Belinda Gregg, he is driven to uncover the secrets of her family's secluded life on the river. As Max enters the uncharted territory of Belinda's heart, Belinda must expose the truth or risk losing love forever.

Lizzie: A Victorian Lady's Amazon Adventure

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COMMENTED DIARIES OF AN BRITISH LADY IN THE AMAZON

Lizzie: A Victorian Lady's Amazon Adventure
Tony Morrison , and Ann Brown
Manufacturer: Gloucester
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

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General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0563204249

Customer Reviews:

COMMENTED DIARIES OF AN BRITISH LADY IN THE AMAZON.......2006-07-24

Lizzie Hessel was a British lady who, at a young age right after her marriage, followed her husband to the depths of the Amazon for him to take the job of rubber tapping manager at Orton, a famous rubber zone in northern Bolivia.

This book is basically a collection of letter Lizzie sent her family in England throughout her journey (which took over a year just to get to Orton). In it, she witnessed death (of Fitzcarraldo no less, the man immortalized by Herzog's movie), faced hunger and difficult living conditions with humidity, insects and no shelter in the jungle. The owner of Orton also dies on the way, which makes their situation uncertain halfway through the trip.

The authors added commentary to the letters, which provide the reader context to her situation. Maps also give the reader a good sense of where the couple is and where they are headed. It also shows how crazy their trip is, going around the interior of the continent to avoid a yellow fever outbreak. Overall, an outstanding story, with an ending that I will not give away, but is heartstopping.

Jude Deveraux James River Trilogy (Counterfeit Lady, Lost Lady & River Lady, 3-in-1 Trilogy)

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Jude Deveraux James River Trilogy (Counterfeit Lady, Lost Lady & River Lady, 3-in-1 Trilogy)

Manufacturer: Rhapsody
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Sweetbriar

ASIN: 1582881324

Eleanor Roosevelt: A Hudson Valley Remembrance (NY) (Images of America)

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Inspiring

Eleanor Roosevelt: A Hudson Valley Remembrance (NY) (Images of America)
Joyce C. Ghee , and Joan Spence
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Eleanor Roosevelt's character was shaped by the history and culture of the Hudson Valley. More than that, Eleanor Roosevelt loved the Hudson Valley. A woman who knew and cared for the whole world chose this place, Val-Kill, as her home in a cottage by a stream. Eleanor Roosevelt: A Hudson Valley Remembrance reflects her unaffected simplicity and caring interest in her neighbors' concerns. Remembered by friends, colleagues, neighbors, and young people, these qualities inspired a community-based group to lead efforts to save her home in 1977 as the country's first national historic site dedicated to a First Lady. The Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill continues her work on issues that affect life today.

Customer Reviews:

Inspiring.......2007-05-12

This is a wonderful book. I have always admired Eleanor Roosevelt and enjoyed learning of her origins in the Hudson Valley and to understand how deep her roots in the area were.

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