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.

Average customer rating:

Caution - There are Mistakes
Recommended for one chapter
Excellent if you need a refresher course in geometry
Review and practice
Good for drilling but not for teaching

Schaum's Outline of Geometry
Barnett Rich
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0070527660

Book Description

Three million high school students and 172, 000 college students enroll in geometry classes every year. Schaum's Outline of Geometry, Third Edition, is fully updated to reflect the many changes in geometry curriculum, including new terminology and notation and a new chapter on how to use the graphing calculator.

Customer Reviews:

Caution - There are Mistakes.......2007-10-01

I bought this book to use with my daughter for added drill and review of Geometry and was shocked to find an inaccurate mathematical statement after the Commutative Law of Multiplication (3a X 5 = 5 X 2a = 10a) and three errors in the solutions provided to practice questions in the first eight pages. I haven't ventured further, but based on my experience thus far, I will need to review every example and problem for accuracy, something I hadn't planned to do and shouldn't need to do.

Recommended for one chapter.......2007-06-16

I encourage you to buy "Geometry Made Easy" over this one, but yet you need this book for the chapter on transformations because the former doesn't include it. The biggest reason for discouraging the use of "Schaum's Outline of Geometry" is that it's so unmotivated and clustered up with lots of details. If this book is going to come with a new edition, it needs to be spaced out with a lot of whitespace around the words. Give the details a breathing space. A good mathematics book is the one that motivates, not strangle the reader. Unfortunately, the details threw "Schaum's Outline of Geometry" into a quagmire.

Excellent if you need a refresher course in geometry.......2007-03-17

I found myself needing to review geometry for the SAT and needed a succinct, clear, and accurate guide. This outline has more than exceeded my expectations. By the time I worked through most of the problems in this book, my geometry skills had doubled and the SAT geometry was relatively easy.

I highly reccomend this book as either a refresher guide or as a textbook.

Review and practice.......2006-11-10

This is a great way to reivew principles and then use the problems for additional practice. Some problems are fully worked, others have only the answer listed. Great addition for someone who learns best by doing problems.

Good for drilling but not for teaching.......2006-11-05

We know from the book's success and from other reviewers that it is good for preparing students who need many easy exercises to drill for a rudimentary exam in geometry. I want to discuss it from the point of view of teaching a student who is interested or could become interested in learning geometry.

In a rigorous presentation of geometry one starts by treating "point", "straight line" (and "plane" in solid geometry) as undefined terms. One states their assumed properties as postulates. One defines all other objects in geometry in terms of these and one derives all other assertions about about geometric objects by logical reasoning alone; one may not use without proof even what is obvious from looking at a figure, e.g., that if two points A, B are inside a triangle then the entire line segment AB is inside.

The teaching of geometry in high school has long been intended as an example of rigorous reasoning but to fully adhere to the above standard would make a course too subtle, long and boring. The challenge for the writer of a school textbook or a curriculum is to present a reasonable amount of geometry, especially geometry needed in applications, and to loosen the standards of rigor by not dwelling much on rigorously proving what is obvious.

How does this book handle the problem? A thin veneer of rigor appears in some places, to be abandoned after a few paragraphs. On pp. 64-65 the book stresses that "point", "line" and "plane" are undefined terms. But it immediately goes on to tell us that if a line segment is divided into parts the length of a line segment is the sum of the lengths of its parts. So, "line" is an undefined term but the book feels free to talk about its segments and their lengths without further explanation.

On pp. 85-86 the book lists 10 postulates of algebra. They are all instances of the fact that in an algebraic expression we may replace any quantity by one that is equal to it. The distributive, associative and commutative laws are not among the postulates but of course the book does not hesitate to use those. After the 10 postulates of algebra come the geometry postulates 11-19. Postulate 14 says that one and only one circle can be drawn with a given point as center and a given radius. Since a circle has been defined on p. 67 as the set of all points at a given distance from the center, it should have been obvious to the authors that there is no need to state this as a postulate. Postulate 15 says that any geometric figure can be moved without changing its size or shape. Needless to say, nowhere was "moving" defined in terms of the undefined concepts point and line.

In sum, there are a few pages in the book where the student is told that geometry is built up by deductive reasoning but they seem to have been inserted as an afterthought and bear no relation to the bulk of the book. With the logic of the book muddled, how are students to know what they can use in a proof? Here "principle"-s come to the rescue. The book contains about 200 "principles". Examples: principle 6 on p. 146: The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other. Principle 4 on p. 153: the median of a trapezoid is parallel to its bases and its length is equal to one half the sum of its bases. A few pages later the student is asked to prove some trivialities and if he guesses that of the countless "principles" he has read, the ones he needs to use are among the ones immediately preceding the problem, he will be right.

How far does the book get into geometry? Let A,B,C,D be points on a circle and E be the intersection of AC and BD. Facts about the angles and lengths of this configuration are given much space and, together with Pythagoras' Theorem, represent the limits of the book's scope. As another reviewer noted already, the cover promises solid geometry but the book has none.

Redeeming features of the book are chapter 15, pp. 291-305, which gives the basic ruler and compass constructions and chapter 16, pp. 306-317, which lists and properly proves the theorems of substance in the book. The way I see it, these 27 pages contain the mathematics of the book; the rest is drill.

If your student has or could develop an interest in math, science or technology, the geometry book for him/her is Harold R. Jacobs: Geometry (W.H. Freeman). Math has been my preoccupaton for 60 years but it was still a revelation that geometry could be presented in such a stimulating and attractive manner. There is no straying from or diluting the subject as in other big colorful textbooks. The price is high but worth it. [...]

Will the Circle be Unbroken: Country Music in America

Average customer rating:

Just a Mention
Comprehensive country music history
Very well received
Coffee Table Gem Delivers The Goods.

Will the Circle be Unbroken: Country Music in America

Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0756623529

Book Description

An illustrated, literary work on the history and development of Country Music. Produced in association with the Country Music Hall of Fame, the highest authority on country music. Includes essays by Rosanne Cash, Mary Chapin Carpenter and a foreword by Willie Nelson. Artifacts and memorabilia from the Country Music Hall of Fame archives give an authentic picture of the country music scene. Clear and entertaining text delves deep into the history of country music from its folk beginnings to the multi-million-dollar industry of today.

Customer Reviews:

Just a Mention.......2007-04-15

I picked this up at the Great Bridge, (Chesapeake) Virginia library today. My sainted Dad is always wanting me to look up something on the net for him. Today it was stuff about the Country Music "Outlaws". Damned if that book didn't have a whole chapter on it. I just drove it over to his house and he's thrilled! Problem is, now I have to wait to look at it! I'll be buying this one for him-and for me...

Comprehensive country music history.......2007-01-19

This book provided just what I was looking for -- a thorough, well presented background on country music from the early days to the present. It is amply illustrated and serves as a history book/encyclopedia as well as a handsome coffee table book. I think any fan of this musical genre would be glad to own a copy.

Very well received.......2007-01-06

My mother has always loved country music and this was a big hit when she received it for Christmas. Great "coffee table" book also.

Coffee Table Gem Delivers The Goods........2006-11-26

Slick, informative and beautifully rendered, "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" may be the best country music book available today. It really rates 10-Stars. Five for the outstanding writing (over 43 writers contribute) and five for the terrific photos, great illustrations and the overall, art-concept. Quite a package. Subtitled "Country Music In America," it serves as an excellent reference book, covering country music from 1920 to present. Also featured are a foreword by Willie Nelson and articles by Rosanne Cash and Mary Chapin Carpenter. Rosanne, like her late father, does not suffer fools lightly. Here she aims her pen at the "music busines." She reveals the thinking of "corporate types" at a meeting very early in her career. They suggest she look "more f--kable." She was "too appalled to defend" herself, she relates. This was 1979 and Rosanne was 23-years-old. Lord knows what these charming folks tell young, upcomming artists these days. So the book is honest,too. And there's two great chapters, "When Two Worlds Collide" and "All Shook Up," highlighting country music's diverse influences. The stars of Sun Records and even Bob Dylan are given their due. One of Dylan's big hits and one of his very best records, "Lay Lady Lay" was off the "Nashville Skyline" album. This book is a coffee table gem which delivers the goods. High praise and kudos to Alanna Nash and Paul Kingsbury for putting the thing together. A great deal of credit also goes to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, for provding most of the photos and illustrations. So do yourself a favor. Slap your favorite country artist on the CD player, pour yourself a tall one and than turn a page or two of this book. I did. And all was fine with the world.

Time and Chance (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

Average customer rating:

Good book, but drags a bit at times
More great work from Penman
Royal unstoppable force meets ecclesiastical immovable object
Lackluster depiction of Henry and Eleanor
Romantic rather than Historical

Time and Chance (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
Sharon Kay Penman
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0345396723
Release Date: 2003-02-04

Amazon.com

The Sunne in Splendour confirmed Sharon Kay Penman's place in the upper echelons of historical fiction, combining a breathtaking panoply of the past with an acute psychological observation of her characters. Time and Chance is the second part of her planned trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, beginning in the glory years of their reign. Penman conjures for us an astonishing era in which Henry battles with the Welsh and the French king, appoints Thomas Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury, and, by taking a mistress, makes a bitter enemy of his wife.

Readers know the scalpel-like precision of Penman's character building from her earlier work, and the emotional lives of Henry and the troubled Eleanor are powerfully realized. As in the first book of the sequence, When Christ and His Saints Slept, conflict is ever the driving force. Henry and Eleanor's remarkable partnership was proving highly fecund, both politically, and physically, as Eleanor gave birth to five sons and three daughters, laying to rest her reputation as a barren queen and founding a dynasty that was to last three centuries. But auguries of trouble ahead were apparent: war with the Welsh; acrimonious battles with Eleanor's first husband, King Louis VII of France. But the truly destabilizing factor was Henry's decision to appoint his friend and confidant Thomas Becket as Archbishop of Canterbury. Henry had assumed that the worldly, ambitious Becket would be the perfect ally, and was devastated when the new archbishop cast off his own worldly past as he embraced his role as Defender of the Faith, swapping dissolution for piety.

As Penman vividly demonstrates, Henry saw Becket's action as a humiliating betrayal. One of the most famous murders in history followed, with further conflict in the kingdom caused by Henry's liaison with the daughter of a baron. In bedding Rosamund Clifford, Henry put his marriage and even his kingship at risk. As always, Penman handles her research lightly; the personal drama is the engine of her narrative, with each fresh scandal and intrigue delivered with a beguiling combination of relish and restraint. She is assured in her detailing of the political and ecclesiastical clashes of the court, but it is Henry II who strides her novel like a colossus--just as he did the kingdom he ruled. --Barry Forshaw, Amazon.co.uk

Book Description

In When Christ and His Saints Slept, acclaimed historical novelist Sharon Kay Penman portrayed all the deceit, danger, and drama of Henry II’s ascension to the throne. Now, in Time and Chance, she continues the ever-more-captivating tale.

It was medieval England’s immortal marriage—Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, bound by passion and ambition, certain to leave a legacy of greatness. But while lust would divide them, it was friendship—and ultimately faith—that brought bloodshed into their midst. It began with Thomas Becket, Henry’s closest confidant, and his elevation to be Archbishop of Canterbury. It ended with a perceived betrayal that made a royal murder seem inevitable. Along the way were enough scheming, seductions, and scandals to topple any kingdom but their own. . . .

Only Sharon Kay Penman can re-create this truly tumultuous time—and capture the couple who loved power as much as each other . . . and a man who loved God most of all.

Customer Reviews:

Good book, but drags a bit at times.......2006-09-04

Another enjoyable book from SKP, but I didn't find this quite as interesting as her others, and a bit slower than When Christ and His Saints Slept. It's probably just me, but I didn't find the whole Thomas Becket saga all that fascinating, albeit it is an important part of English history. I did like the fact that the author continued with the Welsh side of the story, as so many authors of English history paint the Welsh as pagen barbarians.

I am anxiously awaiting the publishing of the last in this series, The Devil's Brood, which I suspect will be the most fascinating, as it covers the period when the animosity between Henry and Eleanor heats up and the power plays for her sons. I read on the author's website that she's had health issues that have slowed down completion of the book, hopefully out in 2008.

More great work from Penman.......2006-03-31

Picks up where "When Christ and His Saints Slept" left off, after Empress Maude is (sort of) vindicated by having her son, Henry II, crowned King of England. The wily Henry has expanded his Angevin Empire (which includes most of France as well as England) by marrying the wilier Eleanor of Aquitaine.

I was a little disappointed that more attention wasn't paid to what, exactly, drove Henry and Eleanor apart. Yes, Rosamund Clifford, blah blah. But Henry's mistress barely puts in an appearance at all, and Henry's feelings for her garner even less attention. We're given one confrontation between Rosamund and Eleanor, and it's such a non-event - and so unlike Eleanor - that it sheds absolutely no light on the antagonism between them. She's Eleanor of freakin' Aquitaine! Couldn't we at least get a decent catfight? Instead we get sulks and martyrdom and the silent treatment.

Let's face it, the real lover's quarrel here is between Henry and Thomas Becket. Henry, like confused wives everywhere, is stunned when he ropes Tom into commitment by handing him an archbishop's miter and is then blown off and shown zero gratitude. Becket, who thought things were fine just the way they were when he was Henry's chancellor, quickly turns from amusing playmate to aloof and condescending wet blanket, ordering Henry around and asking him to fold his socks and make his dinner. OK, not that last part. But you get the idea. Henry mopes around, whining, "I thought he loved me! Why did he have to change?" and Becket shrugs and says, "I told you how it was going to be before you appointed me. Now fetch my slippers." And then poor scorned Henry has him killed. You know it's coming, but by the time it actually does the real shock is that the two hadn't killed each other years ago.

Ranulf, Penman's entirely fictional secondary character, is put to even more use here. He's essentially our window into Wales, and frankly these sections are even more interesting, if only because it's certainly less trod-upon ground. The competition between the sons of Owain for the crown of North Wales is fascinating, and Hywel, the poet-prince, was my favorite character in the entire book.

I love that Penman's historical novels manage to be fresh and interesting without being sensational or anachronistic. I liked this one slightly less than "Christ and His Saints", but I think only because I already know more about the whole Eleanor/Henry/Becket ménage than I did about Maude and Stephen. Still, for anyone interested in the period, you can't do much better than Penman's novels.

Royal unstoppable force meets ecclesiastical immovable object.......2006-02-14

"What miserable drones and traitors I have nourished and promoted in my household, who let their lord be mocked so shamefully by a lowborn clerk!"

Thus, in TIME AND CHANCE, is author Sharon Kay Penman's version of the angry words that compelled four of Henry II's knights to commit one of the most famous assassinations in Western European history, that of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury.

The second in an ostensible series of three works of historical fiction - the last has yet to appear - about the first Plantagenet King of England and his consort, Eleanor of Aquitaine, this volume spans the period 1156 - 1171. Woven into the plot are the four pivotal events (for historians, novelists and screenwriters, at least) of that period: Henry's subjugation of the Welsh king, Owain Gwynedd, Henry's taking of Rosamund Clifford as his mistress, Henry's disastrous relationship with Becket, and the crowning of Henry's oldest son, Young Henry, as Ol' Dad's heir apparent.

Judging from Penman's other novels, she has a fascination with medieval Wales. Here, she fleshes out much of the Owain Gwynedd subplot through a completely fictional character, Ranulf Fitz Roy, carried over from the first book in the series, WHEN CHRIST AND HIS SAINTS SLEPT, which dealt with that period of English civil war before Henry II's accession when his mother Maude, the daughter of Henry I, fought to dethrone the then English monarch, Stephen. As Sharon would have it, Ranulf was an illegitimate son of Henry I by a Welsh mistress, and therefore half-brother to Maude and half-uncle to Henry II. In any case, I accepted his presence in the first book because the main player in the series, Henry II, had yet to take center stage. Now, with the fully developed characters of Henry II, Eleanor and Becket, Ranulf's presence doesn't do much more than pad the novel to an unnecessary length and, for that reason, I'm reluctantly knocking off a star. Henry Plantagenet and Eleanor are, for me, the two most interesting individuals in history, and their dysfunctional family life provides more than enough entertainment without the introduction of a make-believe ringer.

For English history buffs, TIME AND CHANCE provides a gripping perspective on the calamitous collision between the King and the Archbishop of Canterbury, especially as the dialogues that occurred between the two men in the book, as well as the circumstances of Becket's murder, are, according to Penman, transcribed from numerous eyewitness accounts.

I've been looking forward to the release of the third book in the trilogy for quite some time, and I wish Penman would get on with it.

Lackluster depiction of Henry and Eleanor .......2005-10-08

I love this author, but I have to say I was disappointed with this novel. Eleanor of Aquitane is such a popular historical figure - however, in this novel her character is extremely flat. After reading this novel, wondering why author started mystery series based on Eleanor? Maybe I will understand when the last novel of this trilogy comes out. Hopefully her character will be more fleshed out next time.

This novel centered way too much on the battle between Henry and Becket - was somewhat tedious - would have rather Henry/Eleanor storyline had been the center focus - especially since she did not explain Thomas's behavior/point of view.

I will definately read the last novel when it comes out, hoping will portray Eleanor and Henry's relationship in more detail.

Romantic rather than Historical.......2005-05-02

I picked up this book to read about intriguing English history. But I found the matter too sketchy. The thick book talks mainly about relationships using historical developments as a mere backdrop.

It did build a few characters including that of King - Henry Fitz Empress - quite impressively, but the rest characters appeared more like fillers.

It was sketchy and the episodes not tied well.

All in all - not worth the time I put into it!

The Giant Encyclopedia of Circle Time and Group Activities for Children 3 to 6: Over 600 Favorite Circle Time Activities Created by Teachers for Teachers

Average customer rating:

The Giant Encyclopedia of Circle Time / Group Activities
circle time
Great Teacher's Help

The Giant Encyclopedia of Circle Time and Group Activities for Children 3 to 6: Over 600 Favorite Circle Time Activities Created by Teachers for Teachers

Manufacturer: Gryphon House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0876591810

Product Description

Open to any page in this book and you will find an activity for circle or group time written by an experienced teacher. Filled with over 600 activities covering 48 themes, this book is jam-packed with ideas that were tested by teachers in the classroom.

Customer Reviews:

The Giant Encyclopedia of Circle Time / Group Activities.......2006-07-11

This book truely is an encyclopedia of great ideas to use in the classroom. It is laid out in a very reader friendly format, listing ages, materials needed, and related books and songs. It has an extensive table of contents with clear headings. I can see myself using this throughout the years.

circle time.......2005-10-14

great resource book for cirlce time ideas. lots of fun activities for preschoolers!

Great Teacher's Help.......2000-06-08

This book is full of new, interesting and original tips and ideas that are VERY EASY to use in any teacher's class. It enables the teacher with many resorses to use during circle time without having to bother about looking for extraordinary material; in fact most of the activities won't require any material at all. The classroom resourses will work for any kind of classroom regardeless of size, age (3-6) or even subject.

Average customer rating:

Not fantastic, but not bad either
Not What I expected
You will be transported to Sherwood Forest
A wonderful medieval time-travel romance
i am telling you , this book is theeeeee BEST!!

Circles in Time (Timeswept)
Tess Mallory
Manufacturer: Love Spell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Time Travel | Romance | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0505522012

Customer Reviews:

Not fantastic, but not bad either.......2007-06-20

I'm a fast reader, normally I'll finish a romance novel in 8 hours from the first time I open the cover. Circles in Time took almost a month, 12 books in between and having nothing left to read to finish.

I'm not saying the book is bad, once I got to Chapter 4 it was quickly finished. The beginning is a bit slow, too much back story on Kendra, that could have been better incorporated, and often the secondary characters overshadowed the main characters.

This is not a book I would highly recommend, but it is worth the time to read it.

Not What I expected.......2007-04-14

After reading the reviews for Circles in Time, I expected a very good romance. Not the case! It was more like The Adventures of Robin Hood instead of a romance. Except for the very beginning and the very end, the two main characters were not together much. Too much of lesser characters such as Robin Hood, and the irritatingly evil Sheriff of Nottingham. When I buy a romance, I want ROMANCE (not a book about some evil character trying to do everyone wrong). Enough already!

Also, it's a bit of a wonder how Navarre and Kendra ever fell in love. He is stuck on calling her a witch and throws her in a dungeon. She is wishing she could go home. Then all of a sudden they are supposed to love one another--not believable.

Luckily, the writing was good or else I would never have finished it.

You will be transported to Sherwood Forest .......2006-02-05

Circles In Time was one of the most unique books I have ever read. It incorporates not only the present with the past, a very long time ago but intertwines Robin Hood and Maid Marian in Sherwood Forest.
I read it today non stop. That also meant staying awake well into the wee hours.
Tess captivates her reader with suspense, romance and situations that are not outlandish.
I respect the amount of time the author spends in researching to prepare to write these period books.
As usual, I don't like to share the story as the professional reviewers do that well.
As a layperson, I highly recommend Tess's writings and assure you that you won't find vulgarity in her writings. That is very important to some of us who don't care for the erotic romances. She has spice but not steamy.
This book lover wants Tess to write MORE time travel books very soon!
I have read Jewels in Time and absolutely LOVED that story.
Today, I will read To Touch The Stars after I go out to purchase her other writings.
Thanks, Tess for sharing your imagination with us.

A wonderful medieval time-travel romance.......2004-01-04

This is a great book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
If you love a good time-travel romance, join Kendra O'Brien, top-notch American investigative reporter, as she travels back through time to 12th-century medieval England and finds her private knight in shining armor, Navarre de Galliard.
I'll just let you in on the beginning, since I'd hate to spoil the fun.
Kendra O'Brien, a fiery, tough investigative reporter, is pulled out of "the world beat" by the newspaper's chief editor, who also happens to be her uncle, Mac. Mac claims Kendra has repeatedly placed her life in unnecessary danger through most of her later assignments - including being shot at and playing hostage. In fact, Mac believes Kendra has a death wish ... has had it since the loss of her husband and child in a car accident. Editor/uncle Mac decides to save his niece by sending her to modern-day England to investigate...um...crop circles.
When Kendra storms into Mac's office to protest the inferior/odd assignment she's been given, she is faced with a choice; it's either the crop circles, or being fired.
She chooses the crop circles.
This is where I stop. Go on, plunge in! You'll find yourself drawn into the wonderful world author Tess Mallory has so elaborately created. You'll fall in love with Navarre, the handsome dark knight. You'll wholeheartedly hate Garrick, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. You'll be utterly charmed by the dashing Robin Hood. There are quite a few plot twists. The author's love for history shines through.
So... Do you love romance? Love historical settings? Read Kendra's story. You're going to simply...love it.

i am telling you , this book is theeeeee BEST!!.......1999-04-15

The best thing about this book is that there is robinhood(who is drop dead goregeuse), mariam,and an an exellent bad guy.but i was too obssesed to notice because navarre (the hero of the book) already captured my heart,ofcourse i won't tell you how!.this book is also soooo funny everybody is like saying to kendra(the herion of the book!) "where are you from lady" because she's talks weird and all that,oh never mind,i shouldn't tell you anyway, so sorryyyyy!!!!.and if you read this book, whatever you do don't cry in the end, becuase then you never stop.trust me , this book is the best if you don't read it then you'll never know what "romance" is!

Morrigan's Cross (The Circle Trilogy, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Morrigan's Cross
Morrigan's Cross
Neat Series
Not as good as it could have been...
Excellent story

Morrigan's Cross (The Circle Trilogy, Book 1)
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Large Print Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

Vampires | Romance | Subjects | Books

Gothic | Romance | Subjects | Books

Literature & Fiction | Large Print | Formats | Books

Romance | Large Print | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 159413149X

Book Description

As a storm rages, the tale of a powerful vampire's lust for destruction-and of the circle of six charged by the goddess Morrigan to stop her-begins. One of the chosen is a medieval sorcerer whose quest will take him through time-and into the arms of a woman courageous enough to link her destiny to his own.

Customer Reviews:

Morrigan's Cross.......2007-09-24

The characters in this story are extremely well done. Would love to meet them - if only it were possible! the scope of the story is exciting and intersting as Nora Roberts expores the characters and their fight to understand each other and become what they need to be.

Morrigan's Cross.......2007-09-15

This was the beginning of one of the best trilogies I've ever read. If you like to get away from the everyday dulldrums and reality, ths is a good place to start. It only gets better with The Dance of the Gods and Valley of Silence.

Neat Series.......2007-09-11

I love that this book was so reasonably priced on Amazon! The story was better than others I have read in the same genre. Anyway, decent story, good price. What more can a person ask for?

Not as good as it could have been..........2007-08-25

Speaking as someone who prefers Nora Roberts when she writes as J.D.Robb - I thought the story was fine but it didn't leave me with a burning need to go out and get the second book.

Part of this might be down to the fact that it's the first in a trilogy, so the story has a lot to do - we need to be introduced to the characters, to the world they live in and the circumstances they find themselves. I thought the set-up was interesting and the circle of 6 a clever idea. I very much liked the poetry of it - (the sorcerer), "the witch, the warrior, the scholar, the one of many forms and the one you've lost". However, I found the characters (with the exception of Cian) didn't hold my interest. One of the problems with an ensemble cast, is that some characters are neglected.

There are moments where the dialogue sparkles - Cian especially, has an acerbic wit. And some of the set pieces are beautifully written, for example - Glenna's arrival at the club and her first (proper) meeting with Cian, Hoyt and King.

In the second half of the book following Blair's arrival there are scenes reminiscent of what the group already experienced in the first half before she turned up. I ended up with the feeling that the characters should have learnt these lessons already.

If this had been the first paranormal romance I'd ever read I think I would have been impressed with the world building and story structure, though the characters would still have left me slightly disappointed.

Excellent story.......2007-07-24

I can't wait to read the rest of this series. Roberts does a wonderful job of pulling the reader in and keeping their attention. A softly blended story of romance and drama that will keep you until the end.

Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles

Average customer rating:

I finally get it!
A fun learning experience
Knitting in Circles
2 at a time
Good-bye repeat sock knitting!

Knitting Circles Around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles
Antje Gillingham
Manufacturer: Martingale and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fashion | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Knitting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Needlework | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1564777391

Book Description

Why knit one sock and then start all over again to make a match? Instead, knit two socks at the same time on two circular needles! With this creative approach, you can slip a sock on each foot as soon as you bind off.

* Get off to a great start with one basic sock pattern; then experiment with seven more designs

* Make cuffs, feet, and toes match exactly from sock to sock; no more measuring as you go

* Discover how easy it is to convert any sock pattern for double-pointed needles to this ingenious method

Customer Reviews:

I finally get it!.......2007-09-30

After many attempts at knitting socks, I finally get it! This book has stayed at my side while knitting my first "pair" of socks. As a matter of fact, I have them on right now and have 2 more pair on needles.
The instructions, photo's and description of each part of a sock are right on. I was fortunate enough to have taken one of Antje's sock classes in her shop and can tell you this book is a must! It makes knitting two socks at one time a breeze.
While I have only been knitting for 3 years or so, I have always wanted to make socks only to end up with one as I used double pointed needles.
I am so glad I found her shop and the book. Thanks for sharing!

A fun learning experience.......2007-09-28

Since I have done socks on doublepoints before, I decided to start with the "Anne" pattern and fingering weight sock yarn instead of the worsted weight wool recommended for first attempts. I figured I could just take the numbers from Anne and drop it into the basic pattern instructions as I went along. It worked beautifully!
The instructions in the basic pattern are very detailed and easy to understand and follow. And thank you for taking the time to add many pictures to the directions as I am more of a visual learner!
I also like the various patterns in this book because they show how to work this technique with cables and lace, and they are not too complicated to practice with. I've started working on the fixation/lace pattern and it's very pretty...I keep trying one sock on! ;)
Next I am going to use one of my favorite "regular" patterns and convert it to the circular needles. Hopefully it will be as easy to understand as the rest of the book is. I really enjoyed adding this book to my knitting library.

Knitting in Circles.......2007-09-15

The illustrations of the method was excellent. The patterns included were very simple and not very interesting or attractive.

2 at a time.......2007-09-14

I do like this book. I have not had time to try patterns but it is very well written and directions are good.

Good-bye repeat sock knitting!.......2007-09-01

I reallly enjoy sock knitting, but everytime I get close to finishing the first sock, I already dread having to knit the second one. I've tried the Magic Loop technique and it's okay but...not my favorite. When I saw this book and realized that I could knit two socks at the same time, I got pretty excited, especially since I've heard mention of this technique before. I was happy to discover the book since I've been too lazy in the past to research it.
Got my copy yesterday and went to work right away. The instructions are very detailed and along with excellent photos and drawings, Ms. Gillingham makes it pretty easy. I also loved the anatomy of the sock. It cleared up some of my confusion from previous projects. So far with the easy to follow directions in this book, I feel that I will be able to master this technique fairly quickly. I cast on my socks this afternoon and am already done with the cuffs, now working on the leg. I love it! Thank you for writing this book and sharing the technique with the rest of us sock knitters.

Language Development: Circle Time Sessions to Improve Communication Skills (Spirals)

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Language Development: Circle Time Sessions to Improve Communication Skills (Spirals)
Marion Nash
Manufacturer: David Fulton Publish
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Curricula | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Education | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1843121565

Book Description

This book offers an inclusive approach to developing children's language and thinking skills and their emotional literacy in three core areas of the curriculum. By running small, practical group sessions, involving games and activities, children can build up their confidence gradually.

Family Circle All-Time Favorite Recipes (Family Circle)

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Family Circle All-Time Favorite Recipes (Family Circle)
Family Circle Editors
Manufacturer: Gramercy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0517228254
Release Date: 2006-07-04

Book Description

From the magazine known throughout America for its "great food and great recipes" comes this dazzling new collection of 600 contemporary and classic dishes.

Each year, Family Circle publishes hundreds of recipes in all categories, literally, from soup to nuts. In this magnificent new volume, the editors have selected more than six hundred that have proved to be most popular among the magazine's readers and collected them in one eye-appealing and practical volume.

Family Circle All-time Favorite Recipes is packed with triple-tested recipes for dishes ranging from Chicken and Parsleyed Dumpling Stew to Mustard-Ginger Glazed Beef Roast; Corn Fritters to Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers; Three-Cheese Penne to Spicy Thai-Style Fettuccine. And, of course, there are oodles of yummy desserts, from classic holiday and party cakes to cheese-cakes to Peach Crumble Pie to White Chocolate Mousse Cups.

The book is divided into eleven chapters, covering all courses and illustrated through-out with 150 full-color photographs that suggest simple but elegant ways to present many of the dishes. The preparation time and a complete nutritional analysis accompany each recipe; make-ahead tips are included when applicable. Where appropriate, recipes are supplemented by helpful sidebars illustrated with 50 step-by-step photographs. Pointers on food safety and specific ingredients are sprinkled throughout. The appendix features an informative herb and spice chart plus hints to enhance cooking and entertaining.

With its abundance of recipes, generosity of information, and eye-pleasing array of photographs, Family Circle All-time Favorite Recipes is destined to become a treasured resource for home cooks. Not only the perfect gift for brides or young singles starting out, this book is also the ideal choice for accomplished cooks seeking fresh, new recipes to liven-up their repertoire.

Family Circle All-time Favorite Recipes is compiled by the editors of Family Circle, whose mission, so well demonstrated in this book, is to help busy women create the best possible lives for themselves and their families.

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