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.

The Illustrated on the Shoulders of Giants: The Great Works of Physics and Astronomy

Average customer rating:

Deeply disappointed.
Physics! History! Math!
LOVELY PICTURES

The Illustrated on the Shoulders of Giants: The Great Works of Physics and Astronomy
Stephen W. Hawking
Manufacturer: Running Press Book Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

History of Science | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0762418982
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Book Description

The first edition of this revolutionary look at the scientific discoveries that changed our perception of the world, by the renowned physicist and bestselling author Stephen Hawking, sold over 65,000 copies. Now it's available in a gift-worthy special edition with color photographs and illustrations depicting theoretical models of the planets and their orbits--making Hawking's brilliant insights all the more accessible. This original compilation is based on seven classic works of physics and astronomy which, read in chronological order, trace the evolution of modern science. THE ILLUSTRATED ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS includes selections from On the Revolution of Heavenly Spheres by Nicolaus Copernicus; Principia by Sir Isaac Newton; The Principle of Relativity by Albert Einstein; Dialogues Concerning Two Sciences by Galileo Galilei with Alfonso De Salvio; plus Harmony of the World by Johannes Kepler. It also includes five important critical essays and an original biography of each physicist, written by Hawking himself.

Customer Reviews:

Deeply disappointed........2007-09-03

In Brief -- This is an illustrated version of "On the Shoulders of Giants". This book is not, however, "On the Shoulders of Giants" with some additional illustrations. There are pretty illustrations, which are largely irrelevant, but they replace more than 80% of the text and most of the useful illustrations that are contained in the original book. Whereas the original contains complete versions of works such as Galileo's Dialogs and Newton's Principia, this book contains only excerpts from these works, augmented with largely useless illustrations, but missing the useful diagrams from the original book.

In more detail -- This book consists of five sections, covering the lives and some of the science of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton and Einstein. Each section begins with a brief (10-12 page) discussion of the scientist's life and an outline of his work and its importance. It is followed by a 35-40-page section that contains one or more excerpts from their scientific works. Each chapter is illustrated with paintings or drawings that illustrate the life and times and other general aspects of their work. All well and good, but I was disappointed with this book for several reasons, namely:

1) While Stephen Hawkins name is prominently displayed, it is clear that he had relatively little to do with this book. It is misleading to highlight his name in large type on the spine of the book and only state on the dust jacket that he was an editor and provided commentary. Other editors are mentioned, but not named. Undoubtedly, there were many who purchased the book because of his association with it, not realizing that his actual contributions were limited
2) While there are illustrations, they in no way support the text. This is especially true for the sections that came from Newton's Principia. The Principia is based completely on complex geometric proofs. The ABCs of the text are included, but not the copious diagrams of the original, making these sections virtually useless for someone who wishes to follow Newton's line of reasoning. The same is true for the other sections of the book. Instead of useful diagrams the editors have included things like: photographs of the University of Padua, murky drawings from period books that do not illustrate any of the text, paintings of the Hubble space telescope and the Mariner 10 spacecraft and paintings (photographs in the case of Einstein) of the scientists (which are at least relevant to the historical portions of the text). It is clear that these illustrations were chosen for their artistic appeal and were included to make an illustrated book. It would have been much better if these illustrations actually helped to explain the text. Better still would have been the inclusion of the original diagrams from the books and papers being abstracted.
3) The original, non-illustrated, version of this book is five times longer than this version. It is much longer because contains the complete translations of several of the most critical scientific works ever written. (Because of the numerous illustrations, many of which are half or full page, the text is actually considerably less than 1/5 that of the original version of the book.) Since the illustrations included in this version do nothing to support the clarity of the text, they are a poor tradeoff for the complete works that are provided in the original, non-illustrated, version of this book.
4) Because of the pictures, which are interspersed throughout the book, it was necessary to utilize high gloss paper throughout. This made it difficult for me to read. Since the illustrations are not supportive of the text, their inclusion and the resulting use of high gloss paper made the illustrations, in my opinion, somewhat of a detriment.
5) The original scientific texts are useful for someone who wants to get a flavor of the original, but it is not as illuminating as a good physics text, especially since the diagrams of the original publications are missing.

This book is best suited for someone who wants a coffee table book (albeit a thin one), with some pretty pictures, about 50 pages of historical information and a flavor of what the original texts contained. I am giving the book three stars because of its appeal to this audience. The texts of the excerpts from the original publications are useful, although its usefulness is diminished by lack of the diagrams that were in the original publications. The texts of the scientific works were not, however, completely useless. For instance, I did get a better appreciation of Copernicus's work from this book. He did more than just make a correct guess about the organization of the solar system. The excerpts from his book show that he was a great physicist for his time, and was fully cognizant of the reasons why it was previously assumed that the sun and other planets revolved around a stationary earth, and he made an attempt to logically refute this belief. Also, the complete works in question are very difficult to follow; so brief excerpts are all that many readers would want. This version is thus better suited for them than the much larger, but much more complex, original version of "On the Shoulders of Giants".

Scientists and those interested in the history of science will probably be disappointed because they have read this history in more detail elsewhere and they will find the lack of diagrams a severe deficiency. There are much better histories of science available (for instance, Gribbin's, The Scientists). Those who want the complete versions of the famous books that are included in the original version will also be disappointed in this version. Thus, if you want more of the original science, check out the original version of this book before you buy this one. You will probably find that it is better suited to your needs.

Physics! History! Math!.......2006-12-15

It does not get any better than this. Plus the images are stunning.

LOVELY PICTURES.......2005-01-20

As the historical development of gravitational theory is of interest to me, I bought this book impulsively from Barnes & Noble, while getting a cup of coffee. "Illustrated" it is, and beautifully so, and the concept is interesting. For five brilliant scientists each of whom has contributed to our understanding of celestial dynamics, Hawking provides a brief introduction before presenting translations of representative portions of their work. Although many of the illustrations are works of art, some are not very informative, chosen perhaps for visual appeal rather than pedagogical utility. Specific comments are as follows. Copernicus: excellent short bio and explanation of his contributions. Galileo, ditto. Kepler, ditto. Newton, ditto. Einstein: strangely, the biographical sketch here is thin, many of the figures seem irrelevant, and the technical translation is marred by typographical errors. This is strange, because much effort went into the production of this book, so it would seem appropriate to have had someone with scientific knowledge look over the proofs and mark obvious errors. It is also irritating that many different type styles are used for the equations, giving the impression that the production editor sloppily copied directly from the original papers.

Although I enjoyed reading this book and learned from it, the publishers should clean it up for a second printing.

Alwyn Scott
http://personal.riverusers.com/~rover/

Average customer rating:

Brazen Bax Enthusiast
Bax new edition adds much new info

Bax: A Composer and his Times
Lewis Foreman
Manufacturer: Boydell Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 1843832097

Book Description

Lewis Foreman's classic biography of the composer Arnold Bax (1883-1953) was first published in 1983. Documenting the life and times of a remarkable figure whose life touched a wide circle in England and Ireland, it was notable for having many of Bax's friends and contemporaries as sources, most of whom have since died. It also informed the remarkable revival of Bax's music and reputation which has taken place over the last twenty years. Now completely revised in the light of much new material including the huge archive of the pianist Harriet Cohen, Bax's mistress, which has only just become available for research, it is a notable portrait of a unique musical milieu. Bax's extensive musical output is now comprehensively recorded and widely known and here all the music is discussed from first hand acquaintance with all the revivals and recordings. This is the essential handbook to Bax and his period. LEWIS FOREMAN is a freelance author and advisor to record companies.

Customer Reviews:

Brazen Bax Enthusiast.......2007-08-23

Lewis Foreman's updated Bax biography is by far the most informed and cogently-presented written source for fans of this composer and I snapped it up as soon as possible after its recent publication. A published composer myself, I had the thrill of spending a few days at Bax's winter haunt of Morar, in the western Highlands of Scotland, staying at the same hotel and maybe even in the same room as the composer may have occupied on one or more of his sojourns; so reading of his winter working-holidays there was especially meaningful to me. I would have preferred a greater number of photographs to be included in the publication, but the composer's well-known camera-shyness may be an indication here.
Don't miss it...

Bax new edition adds much new info.......2007-04-03

Lewis Foreman's update to his excellent biography of Sir Arnold Bax is most welcome. Bax is certainly not a household name, but he wrote seven symphonies, a number of tone poems, and many works for the piano and other instruments. He was a master of complex orchestrations, and his works can be enjoyed on several levels. He was also complex, while at the same time simple, as a man. The new additions to the book help us to understand many of his contradictions, and his relationships.
Bax was born into a well-to-do English family, and never had to seek employment during his lifetime. That let him travel extensively during his youth and early adulthood, and lead to a deep and abiding love of things Celtic. That endures today in a great deal of his music, and the emotion is both close to the surface and also deep in much of his music that plumbs that source.
His tone poems make a fine introduction to his symphonies, and provide hours of enjoyment themselves. He was more than just a tunesmith, and his popularity during the 20's and 30's lead to an unexplainable decline until the 80's. The release of a large volume of his music on CD has resulted in a new audience, and renewed popularity for this almost forgotten composer.
Lewis Foreman has been one of the foremost proponents of his music, and has written the program notes for many of the recordings. His earlier biography was well written, and added much to this readers enjoyment of the music.
The new update has gleaned a lot of new material and many insights from the use of the material in the possesion of Harriet Cohen, his long-time mistress. She removed much of his personal papers immediately after his death, and also retained the large correspondence that she had with Bax over a period of many years. This volume may well be the last word, or nearly so, and is certainly worthy of a place in any musical library.
It also includes a very up-to-date discography and a catalog of Bax's works, compiled by Graham Parlett. A useful bibliography is provided, together with notes and an index. The book will be enjoyable and useful to many readers, and I also urge owners of the original volume to add this one to their collection.

Lovers: Great Romances of Our Time Through the Eyes of Legendary Writers

Average customer rating:

the grandmother speaks, herself a photographer
Great coffee table book
Great Romances? More like, Great Disappointments
Lovers

Lovers: Great Romances of Our Time Through the Eyes of Legendary Writers
Aaron Kenedi
Manufacturer: Bulfinch Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Photo Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Portraits | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Reference & Collections | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Each of the fifty profiles is an intimate pairing: Lauren Bacall on her relationship with Humphrey Bogart; Katharine Hepburn on her stormy life with Spencer Tracy. Lovers also includes contributions from George Burns, Dylan Thomas, and Jimmy Carter. Every written piece is accompanied by a lush full-bleed portrait of the couple. Lovers is a book about the fire of true love, the undeniable longing that makes two people the desire of each others life.

Customer Reviews:

the grandmother speaks, herself a photographer.......2006-07-09

I think that for every moment that people love one another, we are ahead. I find this book beautiful, for it captures couples who were in that moment, deeply attached to each other. The book is called Lovers, not Marriage. And the moments caught in this book are priceless. There are a thousand ways to photograph a single individual, and these photos are in rich black and white with dark darks and light lights and strong midtones.

I was taken by not just the faces, but the textures: the look of happiness in two men's eyes who are dressed in their rough tweed winter coats; the sophisticated poets standing ironically in a disheveled farmyard, just the curve of her breasts alone so alive; a close-up of a woman of legendary beauty with perfect skin and her lover's face close by with its deeply ravaged and pitted skin; and one of the most haunting photographs ever of a man and woman in an all white room with nothing in it but a white bed, and her long black rough and wavy hair flowing over the side of the bed to the floor, and her lover lying atop her like a child at fullest peace...this picture is grainy and atmospheric and perfect also.

I tend to look at photographs not just for the subjects, not just for the postures and gestures, not even just for the technical skill of the printing, but also for what emanates/ed in that moment the camera eye snapped closed and opened again. In this sense, even the more posed photos with fine grain, are poignant. This is why I did not name the famous people these photos are of and about. The photos stand for themselves and are not images of faces and bodies, but a stop motion in time in a great story. Those who know at depth the fore and after stories of the subjects are even more enriched in viewing these moments of time when the loved also loved in return.

It is true that there are many forms of love, tired and grim love, tenacity with disappointment love, dedicated love without care, forever love and cherishment, tender and awake love, and also there is a kind of true love that is fleeting, but nonetheless real, just like the camera's eye snapping closed and then open again... imprinting a deep image on each lover for all life...regardless of longevity, regardless of all else. I think that for every moment that people love one another, we are ahead.

Great coffee table book.......2005-11-01

This is the type of book that people will actually pick up and delve into. Photo books don't have the same punch, and longer articles are too much to invite the casual brouser to read. Each profiled couple is one page worth of commentary and the facing page a black and white photo, so that your guests can read one or two entries easily. Yeah, the Anne Heche/Ellen Degeneras entry is a bust, but most of the rest are classic couples. As a coffee table book it is 5 stars -- among the best -- but I'll take a star off since as a regular book you would probably want more photos and details.

Great Romances? More like, Great Disappointments.......2003-08-13

For me, I was disappointed in my copy of "Lovers." Mostly, because I consider 'true lovers' to actually stay together. Many of the couples featured in this book became separated or divorced. Sorry, not my idea of true love, or romance either.

Plus, I'd prefer more photos than just the single one per couple. The lowercase font used as a title for each bio was really annoying, and the format (one large photo and an essay), tedious. Also, there were few contemporary 'lovers.'

Since its publication this book has become obsolete. (As the ill-fated Anne Heche and Ellen deGenerres romance will suggest).

Overall, I've seen books which handle this subject much better. I'd give this one a pass, or pick it up at the library before purchasing.

Lovers.......2000-01-28

I thought that this book was very captivating was full of emotion

Drinking, Smoking and Screwing: Great Writers on Good Times

Average customer rating:

Drinking, Smoking and Screwing: Great Writers on Good Times
Bob Shacochis
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Essays | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

United States | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0811807843

Amazon.com

Here's to the three greatest pleasures in life: a cigarette before and a martini after. Drinking, Smoking & Screwing celebrates these less-than-holy pursuits and unlocks the sweet mystery of sin with a sordid selection of essays, stories, excerpts, and poetry from noted libertines such as Mark Twain, Charles Bukowski, Henry Miller, Vladimir Nabokov, Spalding Gray, and Dorothy Parker. Also deliciously wicked is the introduction, penned by Bob Shacochis, author of Swimming the Volcano and not one to shy away from a drink, a smoke, and a... Well, you get the point. He writes, "Not to defend smokers, drinkers, and fuckers would be a terrible mistake.... The world might be simple and clean, but it wouldn't be deliciously, fascinatingly, pathetically human, would it? Nor would it be much fun." And, damn, is this book fun. --Tod Nelson

Book Description

Before the notion of "political correctness" encroached on the ways people spoke, wrote, and conducted themselves in public and private, some of America's best writers embraced unsafe sex, excessive alcohol, and a good cigar. From the classically libidinous Henry Miller to the hilariously contemporary Fran Lebowitz, Drinking, Smoking and Screwing includes novel excerpts, essays, poems, and short stories in a bawdy and thoroughly entertaining anthology with no warnings -- and no apologies.

Time: Great Buildings of the World: The World's Most Influential, Inspiring and Astonishing Structures

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Time: Great Buildings of the World: The World's Most Influential, Inspiring and Astonishing Structures
Editors of Time Magazine
Manufacturer: Time
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Reference | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Tourist Destinations & Museums | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1932273239

Great Inventions: Geniuses, Gadgets and Gizmos: Innovations in Our Time

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Excellent Product

Great Inventions: Geniuses, Gadgets and Gizmos: Innovations in Our Time
Editors of Time Magazine
Manufacturer: Time
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Patents & Inventions | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

History of Science | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

History of Technology | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1932273034

Book Description

rom the way we communicate....to the way we travel......from the way we entertain ourselves to the way we do business in every aspect of our lives....it is all so radically different from the time of our grandparents. Now, the editors of TIME tell the fascinating stories behind the most important innovations of the past 100 years, from computers, space shuttles, and cell phones, to zippers, Teflon and the Internet. Here is a celebration of ingenuity in every form, from the kitchen to the garage, from the multiplex to the mousepad. Here are intriguing portraits of the brilliant scientists, oddball inventors and shade-tree mechanics who created our modern world.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Product.......2007-02-26

Well worth the money. Reminds me a bit of a 1926 book, "Thinkers and Doers" by Floyd Darrow that chronicalled the many developments up to that perios. It whetted my interests, as hopefully this book will do for others, in to fields they may enjoy working in the rest of their.

CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!

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CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!
Dr. W. Harry Plantinga
Manufacturer: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Product Description

The most important spiritual writings of Christian history are available on this Classics CD by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at Calvin College. It contains 118 Christian classics, including three versions of the Bible, several commentaries, Bible dictionaries, readings, spiritual guides, sermons, poems and journals -- all in a convenient, searchable form. Books are available in HTML and PDF formats. The easy-to-use CCEL Desktop software powering the CD enables users to browse and print books and install additional books from the Web. The top-of-class search engine can search for words or phrases in books, in authors works or in the whole library. In addition, it can search for dictionary definitions of words and commentary or references to scripture passages. The interface is a Web browser. The CD is compatible with Windows 2000+, Macintosh 10.3+, and most Linux versions.

On the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres (Great Minds Series)

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Planetary distances is "the chief point of all"
A trip back in time
Awesome.
What A Joy As Well As A Work of Art

On the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres (Great Minds Series)
Nicolaus Copernicus
Manufacturer: Prometheus Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Modern Renaissance | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Cosmology | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Cosmology | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1573920355

Book Description

New to our On the Shoulders of Giants series, this groundbreaking work of astronomy proposed a heliocentric universe in which planets orbited the sun-daring to challenge the Ptolemaic ideal of the earth as the center of the universe. This essay by Copernicus (1473-1543), revolutionized the way we look at the earth's placement in the universe, and paved the way for many great scientists, including Galileo and Isaac Newton, whose theories stemmed from this model. Featuring a biography of Copernicus and an accessible, enlightening introduction, both written by the renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, On the Revolution of Heavenly Spheres provides a fascinating look at the theories which shaped our modern understanding of astronomy and physics.

Black-and-white illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Planetary distances is "the chief point of all".......2007-02-06

Copernicus puts the sun in the center of the universe. This is a great achievement not on metaphysical or philosophical grounds but rather because it provides new quantitative information about the universe, namely planetary distances. Suppose the earth is at the center and we have created a model for how the planets move with epicycles and stuff, as Ptolemy did. Such a model can give no information about planetary distances, because we could scale the orbit of Saturn, say, to make it twice as big and it would still look exactly the same seen from earth. But suppose now that we have a similar model but with the sun at the center, which is what Copernicus provides. The (relative) planetary distances are now determined, because if we scaled the orbit of Saturn then it would look the same seen from the sun but different seen from earth. So with the earth in the center we cannot determine planetary distances because we are the center of scaling, but with the sun in the center we would notice scaling and thus the planetary distances are locked, or, as Copernicus puts it, "this correlation binds together so closely the order and the magnitudes of all the planets and of their spheres or orbital circles and the heavens themselves that nothing can be shifted around in any part of them without disrupting the remaining parts and the universe as a whole". Thus he can claim triumphantly that earlier astronomers "have not been able to discover or to infer the chief point of all, i.e., the form of the world and the certain commensurability of its parts. But they are in exactly the same fix as someone taking from different places hands, feet, head, and the other limbs---shaped very beautifully but not with reference to one body and without correspondence to one another---so that such parts made up a monster rather than a man."

A trip back in time.......2006-11-15

Very good book. It really took me back to the 1400's, when everyone thought the earth was the center of the universe, and the sum and stars revolved around the Earth. The style of writing, and the enormity of the meesage was very illuminating.

I have to admit, though, after getting into the math and the scientific explanations, it gets pretty dry. I've only gotten 1/2 way through the book. But, because it's actually written by Copernicus, it is fascinating.

And, he made all these observations almost a century before telescopes were around.

PS i was led to read this, because of the book, Galileo's Daughter, which discusses the life of Galileo, his invention of the telescope, and the persecutions he faced.

Awesome. .......2006-10-18

OK, first of all, "GangstaLawya" seems to not be taking into account the fine work of Kepler, Newton, and Einstein when he suggests that we "remain agnostic" on the issue of heliocentrism. True, Copernicus himself does not excactly refute Ptolemy here (he actually was more worried about how other astronomers and Protestant theologians would react to his heliocentric system than how the Catholic church would see it... and his model wasn't fully accepted until over a hundred years after his death), but this model was later augmented by Kepler and Newton to the point where it does work better than Ptolemy's. And with all due respect, the Ptolmaic system is extremely convoluted, needlessly complicated, and downright ugly at times... so even if there's a simpler way of looking at things that works just as well, that's still a conceptial improvement. Occam's razor, y'know?

But I digress. As with most of my reviews of books like this, my concern isn't necessarily the actual book (which is usually self-evidently worthwhile), but with the presentation. I must say that it's a little awkward to see Stephen Hawking's name appear on the cover in larger type than Copernicus' and not get anything more than a very short introduction by him that doesn't say very much. In fact, there is not very much of a difference between this edition and the one published by Prometheus Books; the text is exactly the same and contains all the same diagrams. The cover is flashier (and says "Stephen Hawking!") and the type is cleaner. That's it. Those are the only real differences. In fact, the only reason I can see for this edition existing is Running Press (and Stephen Hawking) making a few bucks.

Despite all this, there isn't really anything here that detracts from the work. So basically, you can buy this copy or the Prometheus Books edtion and it won't matter; you'll get pretty much the same thing and pay pretty much the same price either way. I'll leave it up to you whether you want the flashy cover (complete with Stephen Hawking's name on it) or the plain one because that's really about as deep as the choice goes.

What A Joy As Well As A Work of Art.......2000-03-25

Never before did I know a man could explain the heliocentric universe as well in this book. Of Course, Copernicus explained it centuries before my birth. But, it seems so foolish to believe the geocentric view, and I'm Catholic. Read "Dialogues" by Galileo to get the full picture of what these two men said, it it truly fascinating.

Two Guys Four Corners:: Great Photographs, Great Times, and a Million Laughs

Average customer rating:

SHORT AND SWEET
Two Guys, a Big Mouth, and Going too Far....
A book version of Beauty and the Beasts....
Great Photography, But.......
Beautiful pictures, infantile text.

Two Guys Four Corners:: Great Photographs, Great Times, and a Million Laughs
Don Imus
Manufacturer: Villard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Photo Essays | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Pictorial | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0679453075
Release Date: 1997-05-20

Book Description

A gorgeous and surprising Father's Day gift book, this collection of photos and sassy commentary by radio star Don Imus and his brother, entrepreneur Fred Imus, offers a powerful and memorable work for lovers of the American West and for fans of Don's broadcasts. 70 photos, many in color.

Customer Reviews:

SHORT AND SWEET.......2007-08-21

I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT ! I WANT TO GIVE A COPY TO ALL MY FRIENDS.

NO, DON IMUS, IT IS NOT OVERPRICED. IT IS SO REFRESHING TO SEE SOME-

THING UNIQUE INSTEAD OF THE SAME OLD, SAME OLD.

Two Guys, a Big Mouth, and Going too Far...........2007-04-13

I never cared for Don Imus. His views and radio talk were all based on insulting other people, no matter who they were. So this book is as hollow as the man who wrote it. Today, with Don Imus having been fired from radio, after saying one bad thing too many, I can at last say that the whole country have at last seen the man for what he was and said "Enough, Be Gone Now."

A book version of Beauty and the Beasts...........2003-11-05

Having been one of those fat tourists who's enjoyed both Arizona and New Mexico;I was taken by the photos as soon as I opened the book.They are good and brought back many memories.As to the two guys;I'd never heard of them,maybe they've just been out in the sun too long.It's like when the cow kicked over the pail of milk,it sort of spoiled everything.I guess that was why the warehouse was dumping copies of the book for $2.00 .The drawings scattered throughout were good.I would like to make one suggestion,if I may.If the book is ever reprinted;maybe it could be done in Sanskrit ,that way it wouldn't detract so much from the photos.

Great Photography, But..............2001-03-22

As promised, this book has wonderful photography. It really shows off a lot of the beauty we have in this country. However, the language used throughout the book is disgusting. I have not decided whether I will cross out the words with a black marker or discard the book. I certainly would not want a visitor to pick up the book in my home and think I could possibly condone such language. I'm assuming this is the reason the book was offered at such a fantastic price.

Beautiful pictures, infantile text........2000-12-13

Let me start out by saying I am an Imus fan and have been listening to his program since the 70's. That being said this book was a mild disappointment. The beautiful pictures of the American Southwest are definitely worth the price of admission. But the comments often get in the way. How many times does the phrase "fat tourists" need to be said in order to make a point?(At least three in this book along with other derogatory mentions.)The text seems to be an afterthought and probably could have been omitted all together. But the picture on page 12 alone makes the rest of it worthwhile.

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