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.

Viking Ships At Sunrise (Magic Tree House 15, paper)

Average customer rating:

MY BOY LOVES READING
Very Good Book
Viking at sunrise
READ ME!!!!!!!
Vikings

Viking Ships At Sunrise (Magic Tree House 15, paper)
Mary Pope Osborne
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0679890610
Release Date: 1998-08-11

Book Description

Jack and Annie are off in search of another story in jeopardy, this time at a monastery in ancient Ireland. Trouble arrives when Vikings land, and Jack and Annie must find a way to escape!

Customer Reviews:

MY BOY LOVES READING.......2007-01-07

My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!

Very Good Book.......2006-05-03

I read The Magic Treehouse # 15: Viking Ships at Sunrise. This book is very good. Whenever Jack and Annie want to visit a place, they point to a picture and say, "I wish to go there." Morgan sent Jack and Annie to Ireland to solve a mystery. They had many adventures. The most exciting part of the book was when the serpent rose out of the water.

I learned some interesting facts when I read this book. Ireland is a country in Europe. Each day there is a dark hour in Ireland. Vikings were very dangerous.

I would recommend this book for three reasons. It teaches you interesting things about Ireland and its history. The characters were realistic, and you can relate to them. This book was very funny. The Magic Treehouse #15: Viking Ships at Sunrise is a great book.

Viking at sunrise.......2006-03-23

I think you should buy this book because Mary Pope Osborne has great illustrations in this book.The book is about Jack and Annie.The story is set to Ireland a long time ago and they gt in truble with some vikings.You have to read the book to find out what happens.

READ ME!!!!!!!.......2006-01-20

It was about Annie and Jack going to a island trying to find civilization and they meet some monks on the island. They go to their village and look at it and vikings come. I like the part when the sea monster saves them. I did not like the beginning of the book becouse they where not at the island.

Vikings.......2005-02-02

Main Characters:
Jack- keeps a notebook, carries a backpack, likes adventures, he likes information, he likes to study, solve riddles, and is a smart boy.
Annie- She likes animals, she likes imaginary things, willing to help, encourages Jack, polite, uses clues, and she's focused.

Mission:
Jack and Annie had to find the book of the sea serpent but they don't know where to get it.

I learned that Vikings were real, and I never knew that Vikings were real. I felt excited because they saw a sea serpent, and sea serpent helped Jack and Annie.The Viking ship book reminded me of Summer of The Sea Serpent because in both books the sea serpent helps Jack and Annie.I think elementary students who like to read, who like other Mary Pope Osborne books, and who like fantasy and adventure books would love this book.

Holy Image, Hallowed Ground (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum)

Average customer rating:

A Beautifully Produced Volume
Just like being there.
Rare Icons
Great Book if you can't be there!

Holy Image, Hallowed Ground (Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum)
Thomas F. Mathews , David Jacoby , and Justin Sinaites
Manufacturer: Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Byzantine | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Religious | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 089236856X

Book Description

Isolated in the remote Egyptian desert, at the base of Mount Sinai, sits the oldest continuously inhabited monastery in the Christian world. The Holy Monastery of Saint Catherine at Sinai holds the most important collection of Byzantine icons remaining today. This catalogue, published in
conjuction with the exhibition Holy Image, Hallowed Ground: Icons from Sinai, on view at the J. Paul Getty Museum from November 14, 2006, to March 4, 2007, features forty-three of the monastery's extremely rare--and rarely exhibited--icons and six manuscripts still little-known to the world at
large.
The exhibition and catalogue bring to life the central role of the icon in Byzantine religious practices. Themes include the icon's status as holy object, the ways in which the icon sanctified the place of worship, and the monks' quest for the holy. The Greek Orthodox monastery at Mount Sinai not
only functioned as a major pilgrimage site for centuries but was also a cultural crossroads at the center of the shifting sands of ecclesiastical and secular politics. The accompanying essays explore how the monastery's contact with the outside world, through pilgrimage, resulted in aesthetic
exchanges between the monastery and Coptic, Crusader, and Islamic art; and between the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic communities in Europe.

Customer Reviews:

A Beautifully Produced Volume.......2007-03-10

The reproductions in this book are beautiful, the discussion intelligent and thorough. I bought and read it prior to visiting the exhibit, and thought that it provided 95% of the experience of actually being there.

The Getty, which has had an uneven history in its prior exhibits, really did a superb job on this one. The Getty website retains an excellent interactive description of the exhibition.

Just like being there........2007-03-09

Great book full of pictures and explanatory text. The purchase was prompted by a visit to the Getty Museum to view the exhibit. I was familiar with the monastary beforehand from a VHS tape and the exhibit provided a sense of being there and walking its holy and hallowed grounds. A time capsule of religious art and activity. The detail was very intricate and I marveled at the detail in the icons for those using crude and self-made art supplies. These icons are indeed a labor of love. They go back some 1400 years and have a span of 600.

The book serves to recollect my feelings at the exhibit, the next best thing to being at the monastary itself.

Rare Icons.......2007-03-09

This volume is the companion to the recent Getty exhibition of original icons from the St. Catherine Monastery in the Sinai Desert, the presumed site of the Old Testament burning bush. The book provides the scholarly background on the ancient images, some going back to the 6th century and showing stylistic features common to Roman portraiture. The color illustrations are especially well done and true to the tones of the originals that I saw in Los Angeles. The book can be enjoyed simply for the aesthetics for the mesmerizing pictures, or for religious meditation, but also for insight into the historical development of early Christian practices. Given the lavish color printing in a large format, the price is quite reasonable.

Great Book if you can't be there!.......2007-02-17

Wonderful book on good heavy paper. . . .photo quality excellent. . .very very informative. . .

How to Be a Monastic And Not Leave Your Day Job: An Invitation to Oblate Life (Voice from the Monastery)

Average customer rating:

STRONG ADVICE FOR ALL OF US NEEDING TO RESTORE THE SENSE OF THE SACRED AND ITS PRACTICE INTO OUR SECULAR AND BUSY LIVES
Must read..
Good introduction, but could use some improvements
great info
BRILLIANT

How to Be a Monastic And Not Leave Your Day Job: An Invitation to Oblate Life (Voice from the Monastery)
Brother Benet Tvedten
Manufacturer: Paraclete Press (MA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Monasticism | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1557254494

Customer Reviews:

STRONG ADVICE FOR ALL OF US NEEDING TO RESTORE THE SENSE OF THE SACRED AND ITS PRACTICE INTO OUR SECULAR AND BUSY LIVES.......2007-07-06

This book of course cannot set up a monastic schedule coordinating with your particular work and family life, as the variety is far too great within the intended audience of lay persons. FOr this you really need an individual Oblate Director and your own intense and daily prayer commitment in order to discern, discover and to realize all the ways and slow paths to conversion by which the ancient Rule For Monks of Our Holy Father Saint Benedict already winds its ineluctable road throughout your own individual life. But this book is a mighty guide, wise counsellor, constant coach, inspiring leader, generous gatekeeper, and encouraging friend in times of despair, disanimation, lassitude and the will to quit once and for all to path towards eternal life in God's merciful Love.

In the words of Our Holy Father Saint BEnedict, may we all get there together (or, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., warned us, die apart as fools).

Not much more to add to what has already been indicated here, except that this book has the power to open up for you the possibility of truly praying and living the Rule, and the Gospel, in your daily life, as difficult as this may be in our modern world. This book can set you free, to begin. Please read it and consider seriously taking on the commitment and the possibilities within your own limited life. What have we got to lose! I'll encourage you if you will encourage me too!

Must read.. .......2007-05-26

Benedictine life has as a major plank continual conversion. This book helps explain how Benedictine monks and Oblates seek Christ via prayer (the Psalms which were the prayers that Christ prayed) as well as Lectio Divina, stability and even works. A readable and enjoyable book. Benedict was a lay person and he wrote for regular people. Likewise this book was written for regular people who want to learn about Benedictine life. No fancy hurdles to jump.. No complicated idiosyncratic procedures.. The depth of the Benedictine life pursued is ultimately up to the monk or Oblate..

Good introduction, but could use some improvements.......2007-03-15

It's a good introduction to Benedictine spirituality, oblate life and the relationship oblates have to their monastery. But it is a little slow reading. And if one is already an oblate or oblate novice, there isn't much here that will be new. The audience really is for someone who has no affiliation yet. One of the things I dislike the most is that he speaks about how things are done at the authors monastery, while making it sound like every monastery does it that way.

For example, at his monastery, "an oblate's affiliation with a Benedictine community begins when he or she received a medal of St. Benedict.... The person being invested is then presented with a copy of the rule. A year after the investiture ceremony takes pace, oblation is made." He makes it sound like all monasteries do it like this. But in the monastery I am affiliated with, the oblate novices don't have a formal investiture ceremony, and one receives their medal only after final oblation is made, which is 2 years after the novice period. I know of other monasteries that have yet other practices. There are, of course, other examples like this throughout the book.

great info.......2007-03-12

Very good starter overview for someone who is not very familiar with St Benedict and how his rule applies for anyone who wants to live a devout life.

BRILLIANT.......2007-02-06

IF I COULD GIVE THIS BOOK 10 STARS I WOULD. FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A BENEDICTINE OBLATE, THIS BOOK IS A MUST-HAVE. BROTHER BENET WRITES WITH SUCH WARMTH AND A 'FIRESIDE-COSYNESS'---ONE DOES NOT WANT TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I AM READING IT NOW FOR THE 2ND TIME AND HAVE ORDERED BENET'S OTHER BOOK 'A VIEW FROM THE MONASTERY'.

GET THIS BOOK. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.

Average customer rating:

Great Monasteries of Europe
Bernhard Schutz , and Henri Gaud
Manufacturer: Abbeville Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0789208296

Book Description

This remarkable volume is the most comprehensive examination to date of the art and architecture of European monasteries, featuring an authoritative text and more than five hundred stunning, full-color photographs.

European cultural history is inextricably linked to the presence of monasteries, especially during the Middle Ages. In addition to serving as religious refuges, monasteries provided sanctuary for the pursuits of art, education, science, and book production. This lavishly illustrated book traces the development of the art and architecture of these important buildings, from early Carolingian examples in the eighth century to a modern structure by Le Corbusier in 1960.

This unsurpassed survey offers a fresh chronicle of a largely overlooked subject and hundreds of marvelous images, many of them newly photographed, of more than 150 of the most interesting and best preserved monasteries in Spain, Portugal, France, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Italy--all of which are accessible to visitors. Here are unique views of the art and architecture of such treasured places as Mont St. Michel, a wondrous Benedictine sanctuary off the coast of Brittany, and the fabled pilgrimage site in Assisi founded by St. Francis.

In an insightful text the author describes the cultural heritage of each of the monasteries portrayed and provides an introduction to monasticism and to the various orders dating from the early Christian era to the present. In addition, the volume offers plans of the sites, a glossary, and a bibliography. Historians and collectors of great books of art history will be intrigued by this unsurpassed collection of photographs and fascinating account of the artistic glory of European monasteries.

Book Description

A fully-illustrated account of the rock-cut monasteries, hermitages and other complexes in Cappadocia (central Anatolia, in modern Turkey). These were cut into soft volcanic rock, mostly during the ninth to eleventh centuries, when the area formed part of the Byzantine Empire. Although called ‘cave’ monuments, these monasteries were carefully finished to resemble ordinary built architecture. Some of the churches were decorated with wall paintings, which occasionally included portraits of their patrons or dedicatory inscriptions. This is the first book on the topic, in which Dr Rodley provides a definitive record of the monasteries and hermitages, tries to determine when, why, and by whom they were established, and places them within the larger contexts of Byzantine history and Byzantine monasteries.

Customer Reviews:

Highly detailed work of unique historical structure.......1998-01-28

The only substantial monograph of these unique structures, their design and cultural role in Ancient Cappadocia. Careful analysis of rare and difficult-to-access primary sources. Outstanding example of archaeological and art historical research. Terrific pictures.

Average customer rating:

A good read
The more exciting bits from the reformation
First-rate novel of Tudor England
Great mystery with religious background
The Larger Dissolution

Dissolution
C. J. Sansom
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0670032034
Release Date: 2003-04-28

Book Description

It is the winter of 1537 and England is divided into those faithful to the Catholic Church and those loyal to the King and the newly established Church of England. Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's feared vicar-general, crusades against the old Church with savage new laws, rigged trials, and a vast network of informers. Queen Anne Boleyn has been beheaded and monasteries are being dissolved-their treasures pillaged and their lands eyed greedily by courtiers and country gentry. But having put down one people's rebellion, Cromwell fears another might topple the realm. So, when one of his commissioners is murdered in the monastery at Scarnsea on the south coast of England, he enlists his fellow reformer, Matthew Shardlake, a lawyer renowned as "the sharpest hunchback in the courts of England," to head the inquiry.

When Shardlake and his young clerk and protégé, Mark Poer, arrive at Scarnsea, the two are greeted with thinly veiled hostility and suspicion as their investigation quickly uncovers evidence of sexual misconduct, embezzlement, and treason. While the community of brothers is revealed to be far less pious than they would seem, Shardlake himself is shocked to discover truths about Cromwell that undermine his own beliefs and threaten to cost him his faith, and even his life. But when a novice is poisoned and a year-old corpse dredged up from a nearby pond, Shardlake must act quickly to prevent the killer from murdering again

Exciting and elegant, Dissolution is a riveting historical novel and a brilliant debut by a writer who is sure to attract fans of Iain Pears, Ellis Peters, and Umberto Eco.

Customer Reviews:

A good read.......2007-09-07

This is an excellent first book - it's not up to the standard of Pérez-Reverte - but it's a thoroughly good read.

The more exciting bits from the reformation.......2007-08-01

Sansom's Shardlake series should be used as a teaching aide for history students studying Henry V111. When I was at school I found this part of British history to be no more interesting than any other. If I had had the chance to read this book then it would have cast a new light on the subject.

What Sansom does is write a thriller which even taken on its own would be a welcome addition to the mystery/thriller genre, but he peppers it with facts about this most turbulent period in history that really bring to life what it must have been like to have actually lived through the period. The fear the characters live with is so palpable you can draw parrallels with the world today where religious differences are at the forefront of our minds. This was published in 2003 so it's entirely possible that the dissolution of the monasteries and the distrust of all things Catholic serves as a metaphor for the current distrust of Islam. The xenophobia that Brother Guy experiences (being of dark skin, very rarely seen in England at this time) also reminds us that even 450 years later some of society's shameful facets have not even yet been entirely eradicated - we haven't progressed as far as we think we have!

I would have awarded this book 5 stars but, when you read the sequel, Dark Fire, you will be glad as I am that I kept the extra star in reserve for such a cracking good read! Start with this as an introduction to Matthew Shardlake and you won't regret it. I received the third in the series, Sovereign, today in the mail and I cannot wait to start it.

First-rate novel of Tudor England.......2007-07-06

I bought this book based on the reviews posted here and if, in turn, my lowly opinion inspires someone else to indulge, then I'll be more than happy. What a fantastic read this was. The characters were so spot on believable. Not one came across as anything but three dimensional with complex dispositions and attitudes and perfectly flawed. The character of Matthew Shardlake is an inspired creation; a hunchback solicitor at the service of his Majesty King Henry VIII and Vicar General, Thomas Cromwell. Shardlake, along with his assistance Matthew Poer, at the behest of Cromwell is dispatched to an isolated monastery in the village of Scarnsea in the south of England to investigate the brutal murder of Commissioner Singleton sent to review the house's finances prior to the dissolution of the monasteries during the English reformation. Upon their arrival they are met with suspicion, apprehension and feigned cooperation by not only the Abbot and Prior but by all those in position in that insular world and for good reason: The monastery is nothing short of a seething pit of corruption, thievery, lies, sexual misconduct and, of course now, murder. However, it's only the beginning. Shortly upon their arrival at Scarnsea, a novice monk is murdered and the tale of a missing orphaned girl surfaces further complicating matters and casting suspicion upon almost everyone. Soon another murder slowly starts bringing down this fragile house of cards. This is first rate storytelling, with historical figures and facts and fictional characters and settings, expertly melded, creating a wholly believable premise that neither lags nor incites boredom. Sansom expertly brings the novel to a wonderful conclusion, never rushing to unmask the culprit but rather allowing the denouement to unfold with stunning ease and confidence. I certainly look forward to reading more of Sansom's novels featuring the intrepid hunchback. If you love historical fiction in general or Tudor England in particular you will find much to enjoy in this wonderful debut novel.

Great mystery with religious background.......2007-07-03

What a great book! Not only is the main character interesting and the mystery solid, the time and place are well portrayed.

England under Henry VII and Cromwell was transitioning from Catholic to Protestant -- with the king as the head of the church as well as the country. This book treats all points of view fairly, but also without any rose colored glasses. It's as interesting to read for its portrayal of rich and poor, papist and reformer as it is for its plot.

If you liked "the Name of the Rose" (which I found tedious) then this book should make you leap for joy.

The Larger Dissolution.......2007-06-27

Until I read this intriguing mystery, I just assumed that Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries was a pure power grab by an insensitive, greedy monarch. While that perception remains somewhat true, the novel allows us to see all of the paradoxes present, and to experience much of the ambiguity of those times. Matthew Shardlake is an altogether likable and convincing sleuth and person of principal. The late 1530s in England came alive with such color and immediacy that I then went on to read the next two equally well presented mysteries in this series by C. J. Sansom.

Average customer rating:

Tasty!
Excellent Sourcebook for Vegans or New Cooks
yummy
Delicious!
Twelve Months of Monastery Soups

Twelve Months of Monastery Soups
Victor D'Avila-Latourrette
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Soups & Stews | Meals | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0767901800
Release Date: 1998-01-05

Amazon.com

Offer your guests a big bowl of warmth and comfort--stir up some homemade soup! Brother Victor-Antoine d'Avila-Latourrette, author of From a Monastery Kitchen, follows the months of the year with simple recipes using seasonal ingredients. The soup recipes are international as well--try some Polish Pearl Barley Soup in February and Traditional Austrian Cheese Soup in November. Brother Victor-Antoine recommends chilled soups in the summer for refreshment; June's creamy Chilled Carrot Soup features the zest of ginger and lemon, and the Cold Zucchini Soup in August is delightful with the recommended lemon basil. The simplicity of the recipes makes them suitable for beginning cooks, who will learn that a great variety of flavors can be produced just by changing the order in which the vegetables are sautéed or by using vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon. Twelve Months of Monastery Soups is a delicious introduction to the art of soup making. As Brother Victor-Antoine notes, "soup remains a faithful friend during all of life's occasions."

Book Description

"Of soup and love, the first is best." Brother Victor-Antoine makes a passionate case for this Spanish proverb in Twelve Months of Monastery Soups, bringing easy, delicious, soul-satisfying soup recipes from the monastery to your kitchen. From simple, clear broths to thick, hearty soups, there's a recipe to appeal to every taste. Arranged by month with an eye toward seasonal variety and at least one recipe for every vegetable native to North America, the 175 soups include classic favorites such as Cream of Corn and Tomato and more unique recipes such as Jerusalem Artichoke, Provenþal Rainbow, and Danish Onion-Champagne. With inspirational quotes proclaiming the goodness of soup sprinkled throughout and beautiful period block prints, Twelve Months of Monastery Soups is a celebration of the art of soup-making.

Customer Reviews:

Tasty!.......2007-03-15

I bought this originally just wanting another soup cookbook, as I tend to live off soups. While other soup cookbooks seem to thrive off 20 different competing flavors, these soups thrive on their very simplicity. It makes both eating and making the soup like a meditation. You'll be amazed how a soup so simple can taste so good. You dont need tons of spices and different steps to appreciate the basic(and yummy!) taste of the vegetables.

Excellent Sourcebook for Vegans or New Cooks.......2006-08-24

'Twelve Months of Monastery Soups' is my second-favorite cookbook, by virtue of the copies I've given to other cooks. (Bernard Clayton's 'Complete Book of Soups and Stews' is #1) Complete Book of Soups and Stews

In my many years of cooking, I've enjoyed soupmaking because:
1. It doesn't take a lot of work to make a soup,
2. It is pretty hard to ruin the dish if you follow the recipe; and
3. You can make a good recipe even greater with a little ingredient experimentation and fine-tuning.
4. The more you do it, the more confident you get with your skill.

In 'Twelve Months...', Brother Victor raises the soup cooking consciousness by providing a fine variety of seasonal selections presented in a very readable recipe format.

Here are my reasons for recommending this fine soup cookbook:

Recipe Simplicity: I loathe the `Joy of Cooking' because of the cryptic recipe language it is written in. Brother Victor lays it out plain and simple here, making the construction easy for the new or challenged cook. Anyone can make one of these fine soups.

Seasonalness: The soups are arranged by month when the vegetable ingredients are most readily available and fresh. For not-too-adventuresome cooks, the combination of ingredient seasonality and recipe simplicity tempts you to try new things you'd probably never try before.

Recipe Selection: The mix of recipes is very good. Even though the selection leans heavily toward the Vegan side, there is something here for everyone. Try Clayton's book if you seek more meaty varieties.

One last thing. Several Amazon reviewers were critical of the `blandness' of the recipes. Pshaw, I say! If there isn't enough garlic, salt, pepper or spice in the recipe, I add more (and make a note of it in my cookbook.) Soup recipes should not be blindly followed, but spiced by the cook's good taste!

yummy.......2006-04-25

I bought this book for my mother, who has loved it for the last 7 years. She has systematically made every soup in the book. Aside from the beer soup... they were all delicious.
Have fun!

Delicious!.......2005-10-04

I tried several of these recipes, including cream of broccoli soup and pumpkin soup. They were quite good and simple to make, using ingredients that weren't hard to find at the store. My family enjoyed them as well.

There is quite a variety of soups to choose from--175 recipes in all, according the blurb on the back of the book. They are grouped by month; recipes with seasonal vegetables appear in the appropriate month. Each page has a proverb or commentary about using the recipe, and many have a charming medieval woodcut as an illustration. In addition to the soup recipes, there is information on making soup stock, sauces and homemade croutons.

One thing that might have made this book a little better is if the names of the recipes were indexed, instead of just the main ingredients. The names of the recipes do appear in the table of contents, however.

This is a good collection of tasty soup recipes, and also an enjoyable book to read and browse through if you enjoycooking.

Twelve Months of Monastery Soups.......2005-02-21

As a "homemaker" I have used Brother Victor-Antoine's soup cookbook as reference when I need to get a good meal on the table. I especially find it very easy to prepare from it because it doesn't matter whether one is living in the country, as I am, or the city with access to large and "luxurious" supermarkets.
A person can simple start from what is available in the pantry or refrigerator and find that from these simple ingredients a delicious soup can be made. There are many soups for many tastes, varying with ingredients through the seasonal months.
With most of them the author gives short explanations of origin of soup or childhood memories. I find these delightful and instructive since many recipes can be modified to ones pantry.

The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries

Average customer rating:

Useful
A hit
terrible directions! innacurate! embarrassing marketing ploy
Fabulous way to see Italy!
The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries

The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries
Eileen Barish
Manufacturer: Anacapa Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Tourist Destinations & Museums | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1884465269

Book Description

Staying at an Italian monastery is an exceptional experience that allows travelers to enjoy an unspoiled, more traditional Italy. For about $30 a day -- often including meals -- a monastery vacation is filled with Italy's rich history, spectacular architecture and quaint local customs. Although Europeans have long enjoyed this inexpensive alternative to costly hotels, the unique opportunity of staying in a monastery is relatively unknown. Now, American tourists have access to this remarkable resource. The comprehensive, new third edition is the key to planning an unforgettable adventure that combines true value with gracious hosts. "All monasteries revisited for up-to-date information "Monastery websites and email for easy reservations "Dozens of new institutions added "Over 200 monasteries in separate section for retreats Plus: "Complete contact information including phone & fax "Italian and English reservation form letters "Driving and public transportation directions

Highly recommended. -- Library Journal

This guide will intrigue travelers on a strict budget looking for a holiday with a twist. -- Budget Traveler

Customer Reviews:

Useful.......2007-02-11

This book is useful. We stayed in several guest houses in the book as we drove in northern Italy. I would recommend it but would also make three observations. First, some of the directions are not suffieiently detailed or clear. I think this is a significant weakness of the book. We spent quite a bit of time finding some of the guest houses. Second, understandably, some of the prices are out of date but the places still are bargains. Third, in some of those where we stayed, the people did not speak English. This was not a problem as out Italian is marginally passable but don't expect English to be spoken at all of them, especially on the phone. Nevertheless, I have recommended it to several friends who plan to go to Italy and I will get the latest edition when we go again. It is an investment because the rates are much better than hotels.

A hit.......2006-02-25

To be placed in another country planning to spend the vacation i some of Italy's monestaries this book you almost can't live without!

terrible directions! innacurate! embarrassing marketing ploy.......2005-03-18

I paid 22.95 for this bugger, and would love to have my money back. The the directions to the "Monasteries" are awful. For example directions from Termini station in Rome to a specific monestary states "take metro and get off at
Piazza Barberini" ( might be a good idea to let those unfamiliar with Rome know WHAT LINE THEY SHOULD USE! and where the Monastery is after you exit the metro. this example typifies the type of directions that are provided. Mrs. Barish have you ever taken a bus or a subway? Here is another example of directions provided, "get off at Firenze Santa Maria Novella and then take bus #14" Bus # 14? to where? how far? This book has absolutely NO MAPS so be prepared to dig. Locations described as "centrally" located are actually (when and if you find them with your own map work)often on city outskirts.Very lazy Mrs. Barish. Any one thinking about buying this one should definately save their money.

Fabulous way to see Italy!.......2003-07-16

This is a great book! Took it with me on my last trip to Italy and stayed in some magnificent and historic monasteries where we had home cooked meals and hands-on insight into Italian people and culture. And most nights cost less than the hotels in the same area. The book also tells you about places to visit and local events. This book really enhanced our visit. I already have the author's other book about the Monasteries of Spain. Can't wait to use them both again. Happy travels to you all.

The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries.......2003-07-16

This is a GREAT book! Took it on my last trip to Italy and stayed in the most beautiful, historic places, had home cooked meals and learned more about Italian life and culture than staying in a regular hotel. There's also loads of information about local activities and sights to see for each monastery. And for the budget conscious, the monasteries were less expensive than hotels in the same area. I definitely recommend this book for your next trip to Italy. The author also wrote one about Spain and I can't wait to use it there!

Sanctuaries: The Complete United States--A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats

Average customer rating:

Spiritual Tourism
Sanctuaries: a complete US guide
Undependable and Inaccurate Information
Sanctuaries: A guide to great places to visit!
Sanctuaries the Complete United States ...

Sanctuaries: The Complete United States--A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats
Jack Kelly , and Marcia Kelly
Manufacturer: Harmony/Bell Tower
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0517885174
Release Date: 1996-10-15

Book Description

As the pace of life quickens and people feel depleted physically, emotionally, and spiritually, going on retreat to recuperate and regenerate has become a common practice. The quiet and seclusion of a monastery, abbey, or retreat center provide the time, space, and conditions for the mind and heart to come to stillness. This volume features 127 such places, which the Kellys have visited. About one third of these are new, and the other two thirds come from the Kellys earlier regional guides, Sanctuaries: The Northeast and Sanctuaries: The West Coast and Southwest. In addition, there are over 1,000 listings of other places not visited. Many are Catholic or Episcopalian, but there are also Buddhist, Hindu, Sufi, and even Jewish havens, and a few that have no religious affiliationin all, a choice of over 1,200 retreats, in every state of the union, where it is possible to find refuge, peace, and true refreshment.

Customer Reviews:

Spiritual Tourism.......2007-04-08

I appreciate that this book exists (I would have no idea how to find these places otherwise, especially the Eastern-thought ones), but the book (and the two others by the same authors) is written sort of as a piece of "spiritual tourism." The descriptions of each place seem to focus on the accommodations and amenities; for example, I think almost every place is described as having "delicious [vegetarian] meals."

That's nice, and I'm glad to know that I would eat well if I went there, but I would have liked a bit more description of each sanctuary's spiritual approach, as it is relevant to my reasons for wanting to go to one.

Maybe a set of short general descriptions of the various approaches at the beginning of the book (Benedictine, Trappist, Jesuit, Mahayana, Theravada, Zen, etc.), including their similarities and differences. Then, in the description of each individual place, how they carry out that particular tradition, any differences of approach from the "standard," and so on.

Don't misunderstand - there is some description of spiritual approach, but it isn't as consistently present as the descriptions of the meals, the beds, the view, and so on.

The other two books by these authors have a decent amount of overlap, but they're useful, too. (I have all three.) I don't know if it's mentioned elsewhere, but each of the three books lists, beyond the places featured and described, the names, addresses, and phone numbers of many other places in each state. I'm sure that some of the information is probably out of date by now, but at least the names and general locations give one something to go on in a search.

Sanctuaries: The Northeast (A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats of the United States)

Sanctuaries: The West Coast And Southwest (A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats of the United States)

Sanctuaries: a complete US guide.......2003-07-04

Though this book was written some 8 years ago, the information contained is still quite useful. There are many travel books on the market but virtually none focus on this type of market: spiritual travel and retreats in the US. I've been to several of the retreats and have been enthralled with the people I've met there. It's easy to get caught up in the Disney World consciousness of travel but if you want something a bit different, this book has that kind of information for you. Yes, some of the places may have changed but not all of them. If you have an area in mind, this book is most helpful to finding out what's available. In this very unique field of travel, this is an excellent reference book for opening the mind, heart, and spirit to greater things. These folks who have the retreats and monastaries don't usually advertise and are not found on the internet so any help is good help. This book is exactly what it says it is, a guide book. I'm so very thankful to have it too, it's been an exceptional tool.

Undependable and Inaccurate Information.......2002-12-25

As another reviewer alluded, many of the monasteries/convents in this book are included without the nuns'/monks' knowledge or permission. Further, at the end of each state's chapter "other places" are listed for guest accommmodations. The listings are totally inaccurate. Having contacted many of the "other places" I discovered that some have facilites for guests and others do not. The information in the book is not dependable.

Sanctuaries: A guide to great places to visit!.......2001-11-01

During these very stressful times, when the simple desire to find peace within becomes a burning obsession, this book can help you locate some perfect places to do just that.There are many guide books out there to choose from for a myriad of vacation styles but this book is extremely unique as it only offers places where a seeking soul can find inner peace, can find the true divine nature of who they are, to find deepest form of traquality one can obtain on a vacation or perhaps in life itself. If a person were looking for dinner shows, black diamond restaurants, thrills and high-entertainment for the whole family, this isn't that kind of guide, nor are the places mentioned between the covers going to be appealing.This book is only for those who seek the greatest thrill of all: inner tranquillity and divine connectedness. It's a "must have" book for the inspired traveler. I give it a 5+ rating! Laurie.

Sanctuaries the Complete United States ..........2001-11-01

This is an excellent guidebook -- not only the best of its field, but also the only one that I know of. In my opinion, this is an absolute essential for the spiritual adventurer. Armchair seekers -- such as I -- will also enjoy its many, many stopovers and tales. I recommend it highly, but wonder why something like this wasn't written sooner ... when I was still young and single enough to put it to better use.

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