The Malloreon, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Sorceress of Darshiva, The Seeress of Kell

Average customer rating:

Again - enjoy

Great book

Excellent, gripping conclusion

Beautifully done

Great Reading
The Malloreon, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Sorceress of Darshiva, The Seeress of Kell
David Eddings
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Malloreon, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Guardians of the West, King of the Murgos, Demon Lord of Karanda

The Belgariad, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Castle of Wizardry, Enchanters' End Game

The Belgariad, Vol. 1 (Books 1-3): Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, Magician's Gambit

Belgarath the Sorcerer

Polgara the Sorceress (Malloreon (Paperback Random House))

ASIN: 0345483871
Release Date: 2005-08-30

Book Description

Here is the epic conclusion of David Eddings’s enthralling series The Malloreon–two magnificent novels in one volume. This monumental fantasy follows the story of two age-old opposing destinies locked in a seven-thousand-year war for control of the world, its gods, and its men. Indeed the victor will determine nothing less than the fate of all creation.

Troubles mount as King Garion, Belgarath, and Polgara pursue Zandramas, the Child of Dark, across the known world. The wicked creature has abducted the King’s infant son for sinister purposes. If Garion and his companions cannot reach the Place Which Is No More, as the Seeress of Kell has warned, then Zandramas will use Garion’s son in a rite that will raise the Dark Prophecy to eternal dominion over the universe. Only the Seeress of Kell can reveal the mysterious locale, but first Garion and Polgara must fulfill an ancient prophecy in the mountain fastness of the Seers. Although Kell is closed to Zandramas, her dark magic can forcefully extract the intelligence she needs from one of Garion’s party. Setting traps and dispatching her foul minions, she is determined to claim the world for the Dark Prophecy. But Garion will let nothing stand between himself and his son. . . .

Customer Reviews:

Again - enjoy.......2007-09-25

Eddings writes mindless drivel, but it is ENTERTAINING mindless drivel - great for telling the world to go soak its head and just sitting back and having a good time.

p.s. The good guys win.

Great book.......2007-08-04

This is a wonderful book to read. You should read the first 8 books in this series to completely understand it. Once you starting reading these books you just can't stop.

Excellent, gripping conclusion.......2007-05-15

The Malloreon took a little getting used to - new characters, and most of the ones from the Bellgariad weren't allowed on this trip. All in all a good read that made me have to purchase the Belgarath and Polgara books to prolong the wonder the Eddings created.

Beautifully done.......2007-03-09

In the Mallorean Mr. and Mrs. Eddings continue and close the wonderful story they began in the Belgariad. The combination of high adventure and wonderful wit are a joy to read. With characters you will never forget (and probably notice traces of in your own friends!) these books are a must have for any fantasy library.

Great Reading.......2006-11-13

I was introduced to this series a couple of years ago and I've been in love with it ever since. I can't believe I never came across it sooner. Of course now that I've read it I come across it in book stores all the time now. This series is a beautiful series for all readers. I wouldn't limit it to fantasy lovers because it is simply a terrific series. It has everything you can ever want to read in a book - humour, fear, action and satisfaction that good does indeed have a say in what goes on in the world. The characters come alive in your head without even trying, the storyline is addictive so it's best to either buy all the books in the series from the start or make plans to get it as soon as you can.

It was great to get these books in 4 books instead of 10. I still re-read this series and I've recently bought them as christmas presents. It's an excellant buy for any avid reader or even for those you might want to encourage to read. For all those who do buy this series, check out Belgarath and Polgara - the companion editions.

The Seeress of Kell: (#5) (Malloreon, Book 5)

Average customer rating:

Definitely Anti-Climatic Ending !
As bad as it gets for epic, formulaic fantasy
Enjoyable, but flawed
Game, Set, and Match
um.......WOW talk about a good ending

The Seeress of Kell: (#5) (Malloreon, Book 5)
David Eddings
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0345330064
Release Date: 1991-04-03

Product Description

Book Five of the Melloreon. Time was running out for Garion and his companions in their quest to recover Garion's infant son and heir. If they could not locate the Place which Is No More, then Zandramas, the Child of Dark, would use Garion's son in a rite that would raise the Dark Prophecy to eternal domination over the universe. Read by Cameron Beierle. 15 CD's 16.9 Hrs.

Customer Reviews:

Definitely Anti-Climatic Ending !.......2007-10-05

I just thought this ending was so bad. But, hey, at least it did end ! So, I give him credit for that. There was just no final battle. I really wanted a battle. I agree that the lack of "choice" in the characters made it a little borring. Still liked it, but just not there.

As bad as it gets for epic, formulaic fantasy.......2007-03-13

I read Belgariad and Mallorean, around the same age 16-17. Enjoyed Belgariad quite a bit and I still have fond memories of it. However, unlike the Belgariad, I was frustrated, disgusted and just plain annoyed by Mallorean.

I can't remember other examples when I had two such polar opposite reactions by works from the same author.

Everyone calling each other "dear" as a sign of affection really grated on me, mainly because the person using the word came off as a patronizing prissy. It was mostly Polgara doing it in The Belgariad, but in Mallorean, we find that everyone in David Eddings' world throws around "dear" as a sign of affection. I think I wanted to scream my lungs out every time Eddings had one of his characters use the word.

In the Mallorean, I remember hoping to see Garion and Ce'Nedra act like adults. No such luck, Eddings has 25-26 year-olds act like adolescent, imbecilic, incompetent and inept babies. The presence of Polgara, Belgarath and Poledra really made Garion & Ce'Nedra look dumb most of the time. Garion is constantly going OH-MY-GOD "What are we going to do, Grandfather?" or "Aunt Pol, do something!" or "Oh my god, they're blocking our way, what are we going to do?" C'mon, you're a king, you're an adult, can't you make some decisions on your own, Garion?! Don't get me started on Ce'Nedra, Eddings needs a helpless, stupid and just plain dumb girl in the Mallorean and Ce'Nedra fits the bill. Unlike other women in Eddings' novels, Ce'Nedra constantly needs protection, she's fragile, and Eddings uses her to ask the dumbest questions during banter to move the conversation forward (Polgara answers them with a "dear", of course). Don't get me wrong, I like Ce'Nedra's character best from Belgariad/Mallorean, and whenever Eddings deigns to write her perspective every now and then, I enjoy the story that much more. But she's completely useless besides breeding some kids for Garion. Even Velvet - who's younger than Ce'Nedra - is smarter and more competent than Ce'Nedra.

All the books in the Mallorean were just plain pointless. Eddings could have written the 5-book series in one 500-page book. There was a lot traveling, pointless banter to make Ce'Nedra look dumb, waking up in the morning, setting up camp, etc.

What I found most frustrating in the Mallorean was the lack of personal choice. The lack of choice was there on some level in the Belgariad, but Garion was more or less a teenager in the Belgariad so I didn't find it as bad. In the Mallorean, everyone has a =task= to do at a certain =time= and there's no wavering on that =task=. Everyone does what they're supposed to do, and the formulaic and predictable prophecy comes to fruition. What's funny is I remember the Mallorean hinging on a character's =Choice= at the end. Pfft, give me a break. Lamest ending ever. There's always a voice guiding Garion, or Belgarath or Polgara to help him, or if he wanted to do something that he wasn't supposed to do, his limbs become locked in place so he can't. Choice?!? Please...

In the Mallorean, the characterizations have exacerabated with age and the feeling of deja vu in the story is too strong to even acknowledge the Mallorean as a piece of literature.

Alright I'll stop whining now. In general, I do like Eddings, I think he writes acceptable literature for young adults, but you can only take so much of the same thing.

Enjoyable, but flawed .......2006-08-10

I must say that I literally had to drag myself through the Belgariad. Something about those books bored me beyond belief and I'm not even really sure why. So you can imagine my reluctance to start another five book series about the same characters. But I did, and boy, was I surprised by the outcome.
The Malloreon books are much better than the the Belgariad series (to me anyway). I was very pleased with this series despite the fact that the plot is stetched out to fill five books when it could have easily taken up only three.
The books are still flawed, however. I don't really like Ce'nedra or Polgara still. Polgara just seems very mean to Garion and Balgarath all the time. And Ce'nedra is angry with Garion one instant and in the next, starts laughing and says, "I do love you, Garion." and he says, "I certainly hope so." Talk about annnoying!
Mr. Eddings also left out some of my favorite characters from the last books. Barak and Silk's relationship was fun and funny and Mandorellan was comically dumb. Hettar was just cool. But they are hardly in these books and are replaced with characters that are pretty unimportant.
Also, very few of the minor characters had many lines. In fact, most of them spoke so rarely, you forget there are there! And I liked some of them (Velvet and Poledra, mostly).
The plot was predictable (did we really think Cyradis would chose the Darkness?), even the part with with Eriond (I think I guessed what would happen to him as soon as they said there was going to be a new God). The end was agonizing stretched out (both the Choice and the happy ending that summed everything up). Like another reviewer, I was a little annoyed that Garion killing Torak seemed utterly pointless. Oh, I was also upset that Beldin just left. I adored him and he was hilarious.
After all these negitive remarks, no one is going to believe I enjoyed this book, but I did. It was humorous and it was an enjoyable, light fantasy with a happy (if predictable) ending that made me a little sad because there won't be much more about the characters (I still have to read Belgarath and Polgara's stories, so I don't have to say goodbye yet). Anyway, this was a good book and I'm glad everything got all wrapped up.
The previous 9 books are an absolute necessity if this one is to make any sense so read those before.

Game, Set, and Match.......2005-07-17

It's with a sense of relief that I can finally turn to the last volume in this series. While the Malloreon is better written than the Belgariad, Eddings overplayed his hand in telling a story which is a derivative echo of its predecessor, and then using a repetitive architecture to expand the tale to five volumes. Had this series been whittled down to four, or even three volumes it would have been easier than on the reader.

Belgarion, C'Nedra, and the rest of those one the quest for their kidnapped child must now follow the last steps in fulfilling the prophecy that will enable Cyradis, Seeress of Kell, to make the final choice between alternate futures. Two candidates exist for the God who will replace Torak - who was slain by Belgarion in the first set of books. Errand, who has been in the care of Polgara and Durnik, will stand for Belgarion, the child of light, and Geran, Belgarion's own son is Zandramas's offer. If Geran is chosen darkness will fall and Belgarion will face having to kill his own child.

They voyage first to Kell, then to Perivor, and finally to Korim where the last clashes will be fought. There is a complex set of requirements to be fulfilled before Cyradis can make her choice, and Zandramas is intent on making sure that there really is no choice. Tense times come as Belgarath solves the last puzzles just in time and the find the altar in the place that is no more.

Seeress of Kell is noticeably better paced than Sorceress of Darshiva. It doesn't really bog down at all until after the choice is made, when Eddings proceeds to take 80 pages to wind down the tale in epilogue. Again, it's not Eddings writing ability that is at fault, but his inability to know when to stop. If you go on to the Elenium you will immediately discover that when Eddings keeps to three volumes and is carefully edited he is still capable of a story compels and entertains. Again, the best thing one can say about the Malloreon is that even with flaws it is much better than many attempts at epic fantasy, which is a far more difficult genre than you might believe.

um.......WOW talk about a good ending.......2005-05-28

I love this series, so I don't think I could just talk about this one book.

Once I started reading this series I couldn't stop I just had to keep getting the books and devouring each one. I read Belgarath and Polgara first so I already had the background and then I started the ten book series. I recomend this to first time Eddings Readers.

The characters are so complex and they all change through the whole series, matureing with Eddings. These books are so full of different emotions; battles, love stories, intrigue, friendship, immense power of hatred but love at the same time.

I must have read the whole series about three times already and I wish there was more to the story, more chapters so Belgarath and co will continue their adventures.

This is definately the greatest end to the series and I don't think it could've been any different. Well done guys for producing an amazing universe for us to see.

The Book of Kells: An Illustrated Introduction to the Manuscript in Trinity College Dublin

Average customer rating:

The Book of Kells: informing and illuminating
The Book of Kells: An Illustrated Introduction
Darkness into Light
awesome pictures, horrible writing
"The most precious object in the western world"

The Book of Kells: An Illustrated Introduction to the Manuscript in Trinity College Dublin
Bernard Meehan
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0500277907

Customer Reviews:

The Book of Kells: informing and illuminating.......2007-09-30

The Book of Kells is one of the most beautiful manuscripts in existence. This booklet enables those of us who are unlikely to ever see the real manuscript to feast our eyes on many of the illustrations as well as to learn a little of its history and preparation. Most of the illustrations are in colour and their vibrancy is still apparent across 12 centuries.

I consider that this booklet is worth acquiring for the illustrations alone. It also contains a lot of useful information for those interested in the physical preparation of such manuscripts as well as the underlying historical significance of this particular manuscript.

Highly recommended.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

The Book of Kells: An Illustrated Introduction.......2007-01-13

The book was just what I was expecting. Shipping was quick.

Darkness into Light.......2005-08-25

I was glad I had this book along with me when I went to see the real Book of Kells at the Trinity College Library in Dublin. The lines of tourists waiting to view this famous eighth century manuscript were about a quarter of a mile long, and the museum proctors were really hustling us through the area where a small sampling of pages were actually on view.

(If you take the tour, be sure to check out the main chamber of the Old Library with its first editions of Newton and Darwin, plus the harp that is (alas, falsely) attributed to Brian Boru, high king of Ireland).

The first facsimile of the Book of Kells was published in 1974, and although this book only advertises itself as 'an illustrated introduction to the manuscript...' it contains good color plates of many of the most famous pages, e.g. the symbols of the four evangelists and the beginning of the 'Breves causae' of Matthew, among others.

Author, Bernard Meehan, the current Keeper of Manuscripts at Trinity College states that "the sacred text itself was copied in the Book of Kells with a remarkable degree of inaccuracy." It consists of the Latin text of the Gospels, illuminated in the very ornate Hiberno-Saxon style ('Hiberno' refers to the Irish, or Hibernians).

Legend has it that the Book of Kells was produced by St. Colum Cille on the island of Iona off western Scotland. Although it was probably begun in the Irish monastery on Iona, it was taken to the monastery of Kells in County Meath, after a series of Viking raids. The monastery on Iona was pillaged in 795, and again in 802. According to the author, "In 806, sixty-eight of the community were killed in another raid. The following year, the survivors migrated to Ireland and began to erect conventual buildings at Kells..." where the illumination of the manuscript was probably completed.

If you are interested in the historical background of the Book of Kells, the author devotes a whole Appendix to it.

Alas, according to this book's second Appendix, "Losses, Additions and Marginalia," the Book of Kells has not remained intact down through the centuries. "At present there are 340 folios, but around thirty folios, including some major decorated pages have been lost." The monks also used blank spaces in the manuscript to record details of property transactions in the late eleventh and twelfth centuries.

Meehan's book is definitely worth viewing and reading. It also contains a wealth of the smaller decorative illustrations that do not always relate to the sacred text, e.g. hares, dogs, horses, and at least one moth. The color and minute details of these decorations are a source of endless fascination, and the scholarly text, although a trifle dry, is also very interesting.

awesome pictures, horrible writing.......2005-05-16

I like how the author gives various images of the book of kells, but gets really confusing and goes all over the place while writing about it. I think a lot could be learned from this book, but the author crams so many examples into the work that it starts to get annoying. Ever line seems to have parenthesis around something and folio this or that. For that alone i give the book two stars, multiple examples are good, just not when you plague every line with one. It hardly gives the reader a chance to understand the first few.

"The most precious object in the western world".......2002-12-01

Resting at Trinity College Dublin is one of the truly singular products of early European art. This is 'The Book of Kells,' an ornately illuminated rendition of the four gospels, rendered sometime in the Ninth Century. It has been both an influence and an inspiration since the time of its making, illustrating both the story it tells, and the subtle mind of symbolists who wove the story and the art together.

One of the key problems the student of illustrated art suffers in any attempt to study 'The Book of Kells' is the simple matter of access. I believe that the replica edition of the book cost nearly $20,000 when it was published, and most other resources limit themselves to only the most famous of the pages. Only a few detailed studies exist, and this one, written by Bernard Meehan (Keeper of Manuscripts at Trinity College), is one of the best, both in terms of quality and quantity of reproduction as well as a literate and thorough discussion.

Meehan covers the book's history, influences and parallels, the decorative scheme, and many of the decorative themes used by the illuminators. He also spends time on the more technical aspects of ink and paper. He does this in a pleasant, straightforward yet academically thorough style that is often a fount of information. Where he does not go himself, he provides indications of other possibilities for research and thought. Meehan's agenda is simply to present one of the wonders of human creativity for all to see and enjoy, and he succeeds admirably.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful

Beautiful Journal with the Ugliest Uncovered Open Spine

Handstiched Book of Kells Lined Generatio

A Work of Art

Nice old-school feel
Handstiched Book of Kells Lined Generatio
The Paperblanks Book Company
Manufacturer: Paperblanks Book Company, The
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Binding: Hardcover

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The Book of Kells: An Illustrated Introduction to the Manuscript in Trinity College Dublin

Smythe Sewn Mozart Wrap Lined (Embellished Manuscripts)

Handstitched Tiffany Magnolias Lined (Handstitched Tiffany Stained Glass)

Handstitched Tiffany Peacocks Lined (Handstitched Tiffany Stained Glass)

Smythe Sewn Swirling Peacock Ebony Lined (Smythe Sewn Lyon Florals)

ASIN: 1551563444

Book Description

These images from the Book of Kells provide a rare glimpse into the mysteries of the Middle Ages; the shifting colors and intricate ornamentation evoke the power and strength of ancient Britain. Each illuminated page is bordered with gold foil stamping to match the beauty of the originals.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-09-28

I bought this journal as a gift, and loved it so much, I wanted to get my own. The picture you see does not do it justice. There are flecks of shiny material in embedded on the cover that give it the appearence of gold. It is wonderful. The pages themeselves are much wider than most journals that I have seen and they are excellent writing quality. Over all, just a great product.

Beautiful Journal with the Ugliest Uncovered Open Spine.......2007-09-12

I truly love the Paperblanks line of journals, and this one arrived with a beautiful cover, great paper, you can open the book so it's completely flat, but when I saw what I can only describe as a "missing spine" - I almost returned it.

The spine is "open" "uncovered" and you see the paper with the stitching -it looks horrible, and I would *not* display this in a bookcase spine facing out.

I was very surprised because nowhere in the book description does it indicate that in essence the spine is missing.

If you lay it flat on a table, it looks good. Would I buy this particular journal again? No, but I would buy the other ones Paperblanks sells that I gave 5 star reviews. This one was just too much of a disappointment.

Handstiched Book of Kells Lined Generatio .......2007-08-09

Beautiful! One of the most beautiful journals I've ever seen. The pages lay flat for easy writing and the cover is absolutely gorgeous!

A Work of Art.......2007-07-23

This is ruly a beautiful book. The cover art is just beautiful. The stitched pages add a mark of quality not seen in other journal books. I like the transparent look of the lines. You can write in a straght line without the book looking like a child's notebook.

Nice old-school feel.......2007-06-01

I was pretty happy with the overall quality of the book. The cover is nice, and has a pocket in the back for personal items such as photos or letters. The pages are quality, and the binding give an old-school feel to the book. The only thing that some people may find as a negative is that there is only stitching for a binding...there is no cover present at the fold, so you can see the pages. Some may not like that style, but it does give off a very old feel to the book.

The Book of Kells: Selected Plates in Full Color

Average customer rating:

Worth the money but it could have been so much more
transcends time & religion

The Book of Kells: Selected Plates in Full Color

Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486243451

Book Description

Painstakingly reproduced from a rare facsimile edition, this volume contains full-page decorations, portraits, illustrations, plus a sampling of textual leaves with exquisite calligraphy and ornamentation. The 32 full-color illustrations include the first image of Virgin and Child in a Western manuscript and early representations of Apocalyptic visionary symbols of the Evangelists.

Customer Reviews:

Worth the money but it could have been so much more.......2000-06-02

This book of color plates seems amazing, and almost is. However, the quality of the plates falls short of the mark. The colors are dull and faded, and the image resolution far lower than it should be. The Chi Rho page, probably the most beautiful page in the Book of Kells, shows almost none of the amazingly minute detail that it should. Other books--like the Thames & Hudson--show far more detail with more vivid colors than this. On the other hand, this book has larger pages than others, which is nice.

transcends time & religion.......1999-11-26

32 full color plates from one of the world's greatest books. Although it is Christian art, the Kells reflects centuries of preChristian style & mystery in its bestiary of cats & dragons, its peacock feathers, poses & intertwining lines. There is something in this art that transcends time & religion. The price is a bargain.

Book Description

A master storyteller weaves a tale of adventure and the coming of age of a young soul in this epic novel of the early centuries of the first millennium.

Download Description

A master storyteller weaves a tale of adventure and the coming of age of a young soul in this epic novel of the early centuries of the first millennium.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2007-01-18

At nearly 900 pages this book is amazing in many ways. First, you read that much in such a short time, for once you have picked it up you will find yourself unable to put it down. This book is a fictional retelling of St. Aidan's life. St. Paul's Cathedral in London, Ontario has a St. Aidan's Chapel that has a beautiful set of tapestries depicting the life of this servant of God. St. Aidan died in 651 after serving at home in Iona, among the Gauls - first as a slave and then as a Bishop, and he even visited Byzantium in his lifetime, and the seat of the Eastern Roman Empire.

I was familiar with this church and with the artwork depicting Aidan's life. Yet it was not until almost halfway through the book, that I slapped my forehead and said 'Aidan the monk = St. Aidan'. The book is so craft- fully written that one easily becomes so lost in the story that it did not even click that I knew about this tale.

Lawhead is a master wordsmith, who is most know for his Arthurian legend series, or his Celtic series, yet this stand-alone novel is every bit as much worth the time and attention as his other better-known works. This book was a departure for Lawhead, in that it was written from the beginning as a stand-alone. Therefore, if you do not like getting sucked into a series, where you need to read 4 or 5 books to get the whole story, this book is a great starting point in Lawhead's works.

The story in this novel is powerful and moving. It is the story of a young man who was taken as a slave and later returned as a Minister, and eventually as a Bishop. It is the story of the spread of Christendom, and the story of service. Once you begin you will not be able to put this book down. So be warned!

reading is believing.......2006-12-21

i had to read this as a class project and was just blown away. i hadn't read a book for a long long time, and never read a novel, but this epic tale, really inspired me. it showes the resilience of human spirit put into very trying situations.

A book that grows.......2006-11-11

As a lover of his "Song of Albion", maybe I expected more. But for me, this book has been unique: Because I finished it, thinking "not too bad". But a long time afterwards I've found I often think about the story, and in my mind it has grown month by month!

How can a book expand like this over time?

outstanding.......2006-09-10

This is the first Stephen Lawhead book I've read and without a doubt it was an example of fine writing.Through the wonderful pages of this book I was taken on a ride from an Irish monastery , through to being enslaved by vikings then onto ancient Byzantium and beyond.The author was able to create a feeling of empathy for the main character Aiden and I found myself swept away in the pages eagerly following Aidens steps-awaiting the next twist of fait.An absorbing read , totally enjoyable and well worth a place on anyones bookshelf.One of the best books I've read in the last couple of years , along with This thing of darkness by Harry Thompson.

Lawhead's fiction is to Catholicism what Dan Brown's is to Christianity........2006-06-26

I purchased and read the book mostly because I like historical fiction and was interested in seeing how a Protestant deals with Catholic subject matter. The result is disturbing. The main character's crisis of faith and its resolution are interesting and would be believable--were he not an intelligent and educated Catholic monk. In effect, Lawhead's monk regards faith as would a 20th century Evangelical Protestant. The book reflects a complete lack of awareness of Catholic sacramental theology in general and of the Eucharist in particular. The sacraments, especially the Eucharist, are and always have been at the heart of Catholic worship. This is especially true in monastic communities. According to Catholics, the sacraments are the primary means by which God freely infuses grace into his creatures. And yet the main character--a priest and a monk--did not perform a single mass through the entire 850 pages. Nor did he attend mass when he had the opportunity (when in Constantinople). This omission would have been monumental, absolutely enormous, in the mind of any once devout Catholic--especially a priest. Faith is sustained by the sacraments, yet Lawhead's monk doesn't show any awareness that the sacraments exist! This makes the "historical" part of the fiction disturbingly dishonest.

Lawhead also seems as ignorant of the relationship between secular authority and the Church in the 10th century as he is of the sacramental life of the Church. While the emperor would have been able to practically intervene in the actual practices of the Apostolic See, he would not have been in any way considered the "Supreme Head of the Church." He was considered a secular ruler and in this subordinate even to common priests: et ideo nos a vobis recte judicamur.

Average customer rating:

Really Nice Journal
Enchanting, Rugged Book for Journaling and Clippings
Not for Journaling
Penny
A Beautiful Journal

Handstiched Book of Kells Lined Quoniam
Blank Journal , and Paperblank Book Company
Manufacturer: Paperblanks Book Company, The
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1551563452

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Really Nice Journal.......2007-03-24

I just got the journal recently, and it's really beautiful and intricate. I haven't had it long term, so I can't say much about durability, but it seems like it will hold up well. I have friends who own the same type, and they say it can take a beating. It's very cool looking and comfortable to write in.

Enchanting, Rugged Book for Journaling and Clippings.......2007-01-27

This is the second version of this journal that I've purchased (the other has a slightly different cover, but it's essentially the same journal). I loved the first one I had so much that I actually went out of my way to find the companion journal when I'd filled up my first journal. These journals are unique and beautiful, and I wish they weren't so hard to find (Borders used to stock them, but now they don't).

This journal is made up of 178 7x9 pages, and has a hard cover that's ridiculously sturdy and rugged. I've brought this journal on every vacation I've been on in the past 5 years, from the coast of Maine to Texas to Tortola on my honeymoon, and while I've made no special attempts to protect it from scratches or tears (in fact, I've been quite terrible to it), this book has not a dent, nick, scratch or tear. The only thing that reveals this journal as being a well-traveled book is slightly rounded corners. The cover is beautiful, and over the years, even the rainbow-iridescent threads that highlight the intricate cover design are completely intact and still as shiny as the day I bought the book. Yes, this book has some iridescent sparkle to it... You can't see it well in the picture, but trust me, they're there and they make the cover look holographic and sparkly, giving depth to the cover design.

I like the paper in this journal too, which is thicker (almost like card stock), which makes it great to write on but also will take glue and tape without wrinkling or looking like a mushy mess. I disagree with the other poster that says the book won't take ink... I use ball-point pens with no problem. Even the pens that tend to leave those irritating ink blots seem to write easily and smoothly on these pages. As a fun little bonus, the back cover has a little folder pocket to put notes and mementos. While it's expandable, it's meant to take a lot of stuff, it's a nice little odds and ends, and since the folder opens to the binding, stuff won't fall out easily.

The binding is the coolest feature of this book... It's a stitch binding, not a traditional bind, which reminds me of the stitch binding you see on Chinese journals. Very cool. I worried that over time, the binding would wear apart, but on my first book, it's been 5+ years and it's in perfect condition. Because the binding is stitch binding, not a traditional spine bind, the books pages lay completely and totally flat, making it super easy to write on. However, I wouldn't use it for scrapbooking at all, as was suggested before. If you add too much, the book won't lay flat since there's no room for it to expand. I'd use it for maybe the odd newspaper clipping or picture, but serious scrapbook/journaling together should probably go in a different book.

This is a great journal, as is its sister journal (to find it, look in my reviews as I reviewed it with this one) that, because it's so rugged, I don't mind spending a little more on because I know it'll last and look beautiful.

Not for Journaling.......2006-11-28

After using two of the beautiful Book of Kells series as journals, I began the third and was quickly disappointed. The first two were excellent; in the other two, the paper is too hard to take ink. The books are much better suited as a platform for scrap-booking, where items are pasted in. Forget about writing in these unless you check them before hand.

Penny.......2006-03-23

My sisters and I wanted a journal to write our memories of our mother over the years, with clippings and pictures, pencil drawings and poems and really loved that this journal lays flat. It's also prettier than what is on the website....the gold reflects much more.....very satisfied!

A Beautiful Journal.......2004-03-05

This is a nice mid-sized journal. The picture on this site does not do the illumination on the cover justice. It does not capture the flecks of light that are thrown off by the foil that lines many of the shape's borders. The hand-stitched binding makes the journal very comfortable to write in because it opens flat...unlike some journal that have a stiff spine that keeps you from writing across the entire page. The lightly lined paper is a nice quality and it even has a "memento pouch" in the back of it to store your paper treasures.

There are just some books that feel good in your hand...this is one of those books. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Outstanding Resource

What kind of stamps are these?

from the illustrator of the kit...
Symbols of the Book of Kells: 18 Rubber Stamps
Jim Paul
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Misc. Supplies

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ASIN: 0811833259

Book Description

Celtic and Christian traditions intertwine in the fascinating Book of Kells, an ancient illuminated manuscript created by Irish monks. This rubber stamp kit includes 18 graphic images from the manuscript, along with a booklet tracing the extraordinary and tragic history of the making of the Book of Kells. Use these age-old symbols to add elegance and mystique to your modern correspondence.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Resource.......2006-08-25

We used this kit to accompany a study of Medieval History. The story of the Book of Kells is a fascinating one. A small booklet is enclosed in the kit describing not only the story of the Book of Kells but also the unique symbols included in the kit. When we used the stamps, clear, crisp images emerged. More than just stamps - this is a mini-history lesson.

What kind of stamps are these?.......2003-08-30

The pictures of these stamps like nice on the cover of the book but I want to know what style stamps these are and are they would mounted. Also it would be great to know appx. what size they are. I love stamps.

from the illustrator of the kit..........2002-12-06

Hi! I'm Cari Buziak, and I did the illustrations for the Book of Kells Rubber Stamp Kit. One of the most important things we tried to do with the stamps in this kit was make sure they'd print nice and cleanly, so they wouldn't close up when stamped. I use rubber stamps myself, and it drives me nuts when you stamp a design and it becomes a big smear! So most importantly I think I can say we did a great job on the stamps themselves.
When my product samples arrived, I was really eager to see how the booklet turned out, as that was one part that I never got to see the progress of. The book is GORGEOUS! They used metallic gold ink not only on the book cover, but also throughout every page, and it's just lovely with the rich purple they use in partner with it. The book gives a nice introduction to the Book of Kells and it's history, and as well goes over the history behind the different types of designs and imagery you see in Celtic art. I think with the kit you'll be able to have not only a bit of info on this ever-so-cool manuscript, but also be able to do some nifty things with the stamps in your projects. One thing I get great feedback on are gift tags I make from my stamps... I use decorative paper or handmade paper, stamp the Celtic designs down in black or gold stamp ink, and then flick some more gold ink across the whole page for a sparkle effect. Usually use Winsor and Newtons gold ink and a toothbrush for the flicking. Then I cut out my gift tags using decal scissors, and punch holes in the top.. .they're so beautiful! I've sold hundereds in sets of 5 at crafts shows... they're gorgeous! I hope you enjoy our kit too... all feedback welcome! - Cari

Average customer rating:

A Blank Book Gem

Handstiched Book of Kells Lined Iudaea
The Paperblanks Book Company
Manufacturer: Paperblanks Book Company, The
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Writing Skills | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1551563460

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

A Blank Book Gem.......2003-11-04

Paperblanks produces some very appealing blank books ... in general, their books work in well, break nicely and feel well-made. The Book of Kells series (there are four altogether) does not disappoint.

The series takes its name from the Book of Kells, an amazing hand-painted manuscript of 680 pages that dates from the Middle Ages. The image used for this blank book, Iudaea, is from the Preliminaries to the Gospels. The colours in the series tend toward deep golds and reds ... this is the one image that incorporates muted greens.

The covers are heavy board, covered with the richly coloured image, which is embossed and intermittently gilded, so that it seems to sparkle. The book has 128 ecru pages (counting front and back separately), faintly lined, secured by an attractive coptic binding (chain stitched signatures and covers with an open spine) that echos the antiquity of the cover images.

The smooth paper - acid free and archival quality - takes ink well, including that from fountain pens. On the interior of the back cover, as in many small moleskin books, there is a gussetted folder, which the publishers call a "memory pouch," for stashing odds and ends.

At 7x9, this striking journal is small enough to carry with you in a day pack, yet not so small that it cramps your hand. An attractive addition to any journal-lover's collection.

Average customer rating:

An extremely good picture book.

Definitive book on Celtic art history

Excellent Chronological Book!
Celtic Art: From Its Beginnings to the Book of Kells
M. Ruth Megaw , Ruth Megaw , J. V. S. Megaw , and Vincent Megaw
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 050028265X

Book Description

In the decade since it was first published, Celtic Art has established itself as the standard introduction to a vast field of European artistic endeavor. The authors have continued to keep abreast of discoveries and new interpretations of old material from Britain to Bulgaria, and the fruits of their research and travel are incorporated in this revised edition. Ranging from the Black Sea to the Baltic and from Anatolia to County Armagh, the Megaws investigate the antecedents of Celtic art, the styles and motifs employed, the relationship of the Celts and their art to the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean, and the magnificent maturity of Celtic art in Britain and Ireland. They include major discoveries that have been made as the result of highway and rail construction and the results of detailed surveys of known sites, such as the recovery of the remarkable stone sculpture from the Glauberg northwest of Frankfurt. Continuing work at old sites such as the saltmining complex of the Dürrnberg just south of Salzburg has produced new treasures, and important finds in Central and Eastern Europe and in the British Isles have necessitated a change in emphasis with regard to questions of origin and development. The wealth of pictorial material includes location maps for each period and numerous new illustrations; the comprehensive bibliography has been updated and expanded. 24 color and 448 b/w illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

An extremely good picture book........2005-05-24

The photos of the book are breathtaking and the book gives a good overview of Celtic art spanning the Celtic period. However the reader should bear in mind that the book is not comprehensive. Books available in German such as the Praehistorische Bronzefunde series give one a glimpse as to how wildly creative the Celts were especially in all of the art in general of Hallstatt period and of the variety of of styles found on fibula in the La Tene period. I highly recommend one with a serious interest in Celtic art to continue to search for more source material in addition to this book. However if one were to own one book as an overview of Celtic art I would recommend this book as one of the books to have.

Definitive book on Celtic art history.......2002-10-09

As a Celtic artist I'm always on the search for books speficially on Celtic art, not just the Celtic people in general. This book by the Megaw's is the best I've found yet, giving lots of impartial information without romantic colorings about 'mystical meanings' and such. Just a great overview of how the art style is thought to have evolved, how it changes throught history, and lots of great photos. And a word on the photos of artifacts... many of these photos are 'new', in the sense that they're not the same ten images you see in every other book about the Celts. New photos of new artifacts not often shared with in publications. Great for Celtic artists who enjoy checking out ancient artifacts to use as source material and to track the evolution of its design and patterns!

Excellent Chronological Book!.......2002-05-04

I enjoy this book a great deal because it includes history, art, timelines, and discoveries in the Celtic civilization. There are several maps that describe the Evolution of the Celtic Empire and its power before the rise of the Roman Empire. It talks about the beauty of the iron work that the Celtics created and the complicated knotwork designs that are very popular in Scotland and Ireland today. This book will give you a great overview of the Celtic Culture, I greatly recommend it!

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