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.

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A classic
An essential work in this history of anthropology

Argonauts of the Western Pacific
Bronislaw Malinowski
Manufacturer: Waveland Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0881330841

Book Description

The founding document of economic anthropology! Bronislaw Malinowski, one of the all-time great anthropologists of the world, had a talent for bringing together in single comprehension the warm reality of human living with the cool abstractions of science. His pages have become an almost indispensable link between the knowing of exotic and remote people with theoretical knowledge about humankind. This volume--originally published in 1922--can be considered the founding document of economic anthropology, and remains the best one to read. It emphasizes the great significance of primitive economics by singling out the notable exchange system of the Trobriand Islands for special consideration. Although the main theme is economic, constant reference is made in this milestone of anthropological research and interpretation to social organization, life and meaning, the power of magic, and to mythology and folklore.

Customer Reviews:

A classic.......2002-01-07

This is a real classic in the history of anthropology, published in 1922, and unlike another classic from the same decade, Coming of Age in Samoa, it has worn well, too. This is where modern ethnography begins. Malinowski tells us how to do ethnography, in no uncertain terms, as he explains Trobriand kula expeditions. I found it to be a delightful read and I was continually amazed at the intellectual sophistication of his work, given its age. I believe I learned more about ethnography from this book than from any other I have ever read, and I have been a professional anthropologist for 30 years. It is, I must warn you, a long book, and I doubt that many will be willing to read it from stem to stern, but I think every anthropologist should study the introduction at least. It is perhaps the "sacred charter" for the ethnographic project, complete with felicitous phrases such as the "ethnographer's magic," "the imponderabilia of actual life," "the native's point of view," and "the hold life has." In addition, it is certainly essential reading for anyone interested in magic, because it is as much about magic as it is about kula exchange.

I assigned this book to a junior-level college class in ethnography, but they weren't as pleased with it as I was. Many of the students understood the importance of the book, but most also found it tedious, dull, repetitive, hard to follow, and definitely too long.

An essential work in this history of anthropology.......2000-01-28

Don't be misled by the occasional discouraged student, this is an important work that must be read by someone seeking to understand the nature and history of the social sciences.

The New Argonauts: Regional Advantage in a Global Economy

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The power of networks within and between hi-tech regions
Excellent view of Silicon Valley's now and future in the Flat world!

The New Argonauts: Regional Advantage in a Global Economy
AnnaLee Saxenian
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0674022017

Book Description

Like the Greeks who sailed with Jason in search of the Golden Fleece, the new Argonauts--foreign-born, technically skilled entrepreneurs who travel back and forth between Silicon Valley and their home countries--seek their fortune in distant lands by launching companies far from established centers of skill and technology. Their story illuminates profound transformations in the global economy.

Economic geographer AnnaLee Saxenian has followed this transformation, exploring one of its great paradoxes: how the "brain drain" has become "brain circulation," a powerful economic force for development of formerly peripheral regions. The new Argonauts--armed with Silicon Valley experience and relationships and the ability to operate in two countries simultaneously--quickly identify market opportunities, locate foreign partners, and manage cross-border business operations.

The New Argonauts extends Saxenian's pioneering research into the dynamics of competition in Silicon Valley. The book brings a fresh perspective to the way that technology entrepreneurs build regional advantage in order to compete in global markets. Scholars, policymakers, and business leaders will benefit from Saxenian's firsthand research into the investors and entrepreneurs who return home to start new companies while remaining tied to powerful economic and professional communities in the United States.

For Americans accustomed to unchallenged economic domination, the fast-growing capabilities of China and India may seem threatening. But as Saxenian convincingly displays in this pathbreaking book, the Argonauts have made America richer, not poorer.

Customer Reviews:

The power of networks within and between hi-tech regions.......2007-01-26

AnnaLee Saxenian has long been a follower of localized firm and professional networks in the hi-tech industry, highlighting their superiority over corporate hierarchies in her book "Regional Advantage." More recently, in "The New Argonauts," she has turned to ethnic professional networks in Silicon Valley, especially in the Indian, Chinese and Israeli communities. These networks, originally founded for social purposes, evolved to become professional networks for advice, capital and know-how for immigrant entrepreneurs. As immigrant entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley identified business opportunities in their home countries, the networks extended to support these new ventures. They also tied into their home-countries' networks through alumni associations and family ties.

Thus, organizations that were once highly localized began to reach across continents - and their benefits with them. Access to tacit knowledge (technical and managerial), a common understanding of entrepreneurship, shared language and culture have all been considered factors that are bound by geography and contribute to the success of regional economies. Now, they are transcending vast distances thanks to the kinds of networks described by Saxenian. New "Argonauts" (people who work in two or more regions, shuttling back and forth several times per month) literally carry market and technological knowledge, contacts, business models and capital around the world.

As a result, "Silicon Valley, once the uncontested technology leader, is now integrated into a dynamic network of specialized and complementary regional economies. These new technology regions are not replicas of Silicon Valley, nor are they becoming new Silicon Valleys [...] Even as the returnees seek to use their experience in Silicon Valley to reshape these institutions, distinctive regional and national histories ensure that the identities and technology trajectories of these regions are unlikely to converge."

Saxenian emphasizes the role of entrepreneurial networks over multinational enterprises. Multinationals have traditionally been seen as the prime diffusers of new technologies to "following" economies. In Saxenian's view, they will be supplanted here, as they were in the U.S. hi-tech industry.

Excellent view of Silicon Valley's now and future in the Flat world!.......2006-08-25

Excellent view of Silicon Valley's now and future in the Flat world! This author is excel in comparing Silicon Valley with new 'Want be Silicon Valley' regions. Especially her comments on the differentiators that are based on lot of interviews are extremely valuable for these challengers. In summery, openness, strong wishes to keep in the leading edge that the author viewed as Silicon Valley excel are the true differentiators of the region from many others.

The Voyage of the Argo: The Argonautica of Gaius Valerius Flaccus

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A vital piece of translation
Epic. Lyrical. Brilliant.

The Voyage of the Argo: The Argonautica of Gaius Valerius Flaccus
Gaius Valerius Flaccus
Manufacturer: The Johns Hopkins University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0801861780

Book Description

The story of Jason and the Argonauts and their quest for the Golden Fleece is one of the oldest and most familiar tales in classical literature. Apollonius of Rhodes wrote the best-known version, in Greek, in the third century B.C.E. The Latin poet Gaius Valerius Flaccus began his own interpretation of the story in the first century of the Christian era, but he died before completing it.

With The Voyage of the "Argo," the acclaimed poet and translator David Slavitt recovers for modern readers the only surviving work of this little-known writer. The result is an engaging rendition of Jason's adventures, of particular interest when compared to the Greek version of the story. While Apollonius' tale offers a subtle psychological study of Medea, Valerius Flaccus' achievement is to present Jason as a more complete and compelling heroic figure. Slavitt, for one, enjoyed the rediscovery immensely -- and he invites his readers to do the same.

"I am content to let my rendition into English speak for Valerius, but for those whom I imagine standing in an aisle of a library or bookstore, trying to decide, I can offer some reassurance. This piece is playful, unpredictable, oddly contrarian, sometimes almost mannerist. Valerius' description in book 8 of Medea's putting the serpent to sleep so Jason can filch the fleece involves a gesture no other Latin poet I know would have thought to try -- a brief moment in Medea's head when she allows herself to feel sorry for the snake... It is this kind of droll surprise that drew me to undertake the translation of a work that is not, I freely confess, well known." -- David Slavitt

Customer Reviews:

A vital piece of translation.......2003-07-18

David Slavitt's translation of Gaius Valerius Flaccus' Argonautica, has served to make this eminent Latin poet far more accessible to the twenty-first century reader. One of the only pieces of classical verse where we have a direct comparison to another - in this case Apollonius of Rhodes' version written some four hundred years earlier, the story of Jason and the Golden Fleece (further immortalized in a Hollywood epic) - it is given an entirely new look by Flaccus and is now brought to the attention of the modern reader.
The Argonautica is split into eight books and deals with Jason's search for fleece and his dealings with Medea. Book I opens with his uncle Pelias, enticing Jason to search for the fleece in Colchis, hoping that his nephew will find his death and thereby prevent the prophecy that Pelias will find his doom from his own kin. We are treated to a lengthy tabulation of all the heroes and demi-mortals that have chosen to participate in the voyage, yet Flacchus is very aware that a list of names does not grip a reader's attention. After the ship sets sail we are treated to the Olympian Gods threats and favors, Flacchus following a well-trodden path of depicting the Gods as taking sides over a game, each keen to encourage their favorites and stop their opponents.
In Book II the Argo's main visit is to Lemnos which has undergone a purging of the island's husbands caused by the trickery of Venus. The Argonauts spend some time Jason and Hypsipyle forming a union. However, they leave and the book ends with Hercules' rescue of the sacrifical maid from the Hydra monster at the legendary city of Troy.
Book III has them visiting the friendly land of Cyzicus. However, post-departure the goddess Cybele turns the Argo around and the shipmates blindly attack their new-won allies at night in utter confusion. A further adventure sees them stopping in a thickly wooded land (to repair Hercules' oar). During the sojourn, Hylas is lured to a watery death by nymphs and Hercules searches for him forcing the Argonauts to debate the merits of teamwork and eventually leave him there.
During Book IV Jove rescues Hercules and sends him to save Prometheus. Meanwhile, the Argo approaches Bebrycian ruled by the tyrannical King Amycus who kills all with a cestus. One half of the famous twins, Castor, defeats him in combat, thus saving an oppressed people. Sailing on there is a minor interlude as Orpheus recounts story of Io who was transformed by Jove into cow to avoid the wrath of Juno (she became Egyptian Isis, according to Flacchus, thus neatly placing Egyptian mythology secondary to Roman). Once this is recounted they land again and meet Phineus and his woeful tale of the Harpies that deny him decent substenance. Once the winged brothers, Calais and Zetes, defeat them Phineus foretells the coming adventures and they sail on to navigate the treacherous Cyanean rocks to the mouth of Pontus and reach the land of King Lycus.
Book V opens with pestilence as both the helmsman, Tiphys, and Idmon dying. Arriving at the Colchis shores the Argonauts meeting King Aeetes and request the Fleece. He coerces them into fighting on his side against his brother, Perses, the Fleece being the reward. The remainder of the book reverts to hero tabulation, namely of Aeetes warriors and we move swiftly into the battle against Perses in Book VI with yet more listing of whom slew whom, all the while avidly encouraged by Mars and Palla Minerva. The battle ends and we move into the Olympian actions with Juno enticing Medea - who is known as the greatest witch of her time - to assist Jason when Aeetes asks him to sow the dragons teeth (as a delaying tactic to giving him the Fleece). Juno takes Medea to the midst of the battle and using Venus' girdle, ensnares Medea's heart, as we move through some hundred-plus lines of a battle paean to Jason. The book ends with Aeetes' victory over Perses.
Book VII moves from the passion of war into the passion of the heart as Medea struggles to understand her feelings for Jason. It is at this moment that Aeetes hidden scorn for Jason pours forth, as he challenges Jason to prove yet further his valor by harnessing the bulls to sow the dragon's teeth. There follows Medea's subjective soliloquy as she strives to decide between aiding Jason (and thus Greece) or not aiding him and thus betraying her father. It takes a visitation from Venus disguised as Circe to convince her to aid Jason and to betray her country, her king, her father. Having decided she meets Jason in secret and he implores her to accept his hand. Thus captivated she explains what he needs to do with both it and on the further perils that await him. The next day dawns and with it Jason's fufillment of the task, to Aeetes dismay. We reach Book VII and Jason claims both Medea and the Fleece, fleeing away in the Argo, receiving the acclaimation of peoples on his return voyage. A chasing ship headed by Medea's brother, Absyrtus overhauls and blocks them in. Jason is convinced by his men to leave Medea behind and he agrees. When Medea finds out there is a terrible argument....
At this point the poem ends (due to Flaccus death?) and the poem is completed by Slavitt using the knowledge from other authors in order that the reader isn't left hanging on.
Slavitt's blank verse has rendered Flaccus extremely readable and the translator has retained much of the general sense of the original without reverting to the modern vernacular. What he has certainly achieved is to make this lesser known Latin poet far more accessible to the modern reader and has achieved it in a manner that gives new life to the myth of the voyage of the Argo.

Epic. Lyrical. Brilliant........2000-06-09

Slavitt's landmark translation of the seldom seen Argonautica of Imperial Roman Gaius Valerius Flaccus is a seminal work of the periods' literature. For many readers of antiquity, sadly, Roman literature ends with Ovid or Petronius. Valerius has been largely neglected for two thousand years. But he has his charms. His work is incomparably witty, with undeniable poetic genius and skill. With the exception of the Argonautic(k)a of Apollonios Rhodios, Valerius' Jason has never been surpassed. But to compare the two stylistically is a mistake; Apollonios set out to create a flawed hero with whom the audience could empathize. Valerius aims for an exciting and captivating adventure, succeeding spectacularly. This magnificent translation may yet launch Valerius into the pantheon of great ancient writers.

Texas argonauts: Isaac H. Duval and the California Gold Rush (Publication / Book Club of California)

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Texas argonauts: Isaac H. Duval and the California Gold Rush (Publication / Book Club of California)
Richard H Dillon
Manufacturer: Book Club of California
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Taking the Stars: Celestial Navigation from Argonauts to Astronauts

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A Must For Sextant Freaks
Beautifully put together book about navigation
Splendid, stunning and highly informative

Taking the Stars: Celestial Navigation from Argonauts to Astronauts
Peter Ifland
Manufacturer: Krieger Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1575240955

Book Description

An early astrolabe, its name derived from Greek words for "star" (astron) and "to take" (lambanein), was an instrument with which a navigator "took the stars" to determine a vessel's position in the great expanse of the sea. From the simple wooden kamál developed by ancient Arab mariners to the modern navigator's electronic global positioning system, Taking the Stars: Celestial Navigation from Argonauts to Astronauts$I traces the long path of ingenious inventions developed for celestial navigation. Renowned collector Peter Ifland applies his talent for clear, engaging prose to describe the incremental improvements, world-changing advances, and well-intentioned failures that have marked the evolution of celestial navigation instruments for over 1,000 years. Two panoramas converge in these lavishly illustrated pages. One is a parade of wonderful--and often, wonderfully clever--devices for celestial navigation: among others, the kamál, the cross-staff and back-staff, the astrolabe, and the marvelous variations on the divided celestial circle--the half-circle, quadrant, quintant, sextant, octant, and their kin. The other panorama is a carefully delineated roll-call of the great craftsmen and inventors of celestial navigation instruments--the likes of Thomas Godfrey, Captain John Davis, John Dollond, Edward Nairne, John Hadley, and Jesse Ramsden.

Customer Reviews:

A Must For Sextant Freaks.......2005-07-28

There are a few books on instruments used for nautical astronomy that you must have if you are interested in this field: Mörzer Bruijns "The Cross Staff", Stimson " The Mariner`s Astrolabe", Albuquerque "Instruments of Navigation" and Cotter "A History of the Navigator`s Sextant". This last book - although full of facts - is sadly lacking in good illustrations. "Taking the Stars" has both: a thorough and detailed history of instruments used for making astronomical observations right up to the latest developments and beautiful illustrations that show in detail what the text is talking about. It is rather rare that one finds such a well informed text in a book which can easily pass as a "coffee table book". My first copy of this book was destroyed by water; I ordered a new copy the next day.

Beautifully put together book about navigation.......2003-10-08

Today the very idea of using a sextant seems crazy when you can just switch on your GPS and be told where on the planet you are. This book takes you through some of the scientific instruments used to find your position on the earth. The author has taken the time not only to display excellent photos of the instruments but also describes their use. If you have an interest in either astronomy, celestial navigation or even scientific instruments I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Splendid, stunning and highly informative.......1999-07-30

I have spent days savoring this delicious work. Ifland has set a new standard against which all subsequent instrument books must be judged. The illustrations are magnificent; the text is lucid and I particularly like the fact that, in many cases, instructions are given for actual use of the instrument being discussed. Thank you, Peter Ifland!

The Broken Kings: Book Three of The Merlin Codex

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Can't go wrong with this
for fans of Camelot and Greek and Celtic mythologies

The Broken Kings: Book Three of The Merlin Codex
Robert Holdstock
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0765311097
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Book Description

Argo, the ancient ship, has returned and hides beneath Urtha's fortress in Alba. Jason and the Argonauts are aboard her, enchanted into sleep. Niiv is still Merlin's lover, still seeking magic and mysteries, still a delight and torment to him.

Something is wrong in Alba. An unknown force is affecting the land. The omens are frightening. The feckless Sons of Llew arrive, having stolen their uncle's chariot and horses once again. They bring news of hostels, gateways between the worlds of the living and the dead. An enormous gathering of the Shades, of the dead and the unborn, are being drawn to them.

Meanwhile, Kymon and Munda, Urtha's son and daughter, are coming of age. Kymon is angry, boastful, ready to fight the Shades of Heroes, and violently annoyed by his father's diplomacy. Munda, on the other hand, is possessed of the Sight and welcomes the new, strange force in the land. She breaks taboo to visit one of the hostels. She comes back speaking of the Killer of Kings, the son of Jason.

And as Merlin walks in and out of time, clinging to his magic and the remains of his youth, the forces set in motion will determine the fate of kings and kingdoms alike.

Customer Reviews:

Can't go wrong with this.......2007-06-19

Nothing against other reviews or the snippets on the back cover of this book, but calling Holdstock a great fantasy writer is like calling Einstein a great file clerk. There is no one I would rather read and re-read than Holdstock, because each time something else will emerge whether it is a reference, character depth, or just plain brilliant sentences. This one is no exception, you can't go wrong by reading this. It's fantastic myth and legend that somehow makes you feel more human in the telling.

for fans of Camelot and Greek and Celtic mythologies .......2007-05-16

As Merlin temporarily resides inside fortress Taurovinda, he is worried as the Shadows of Heroes leave the other realm to claim the Kingdom of Cornovidi as their own. His concern is not with these Shades, but the unknown adversarial puppeteer that enabled them to enter the realm of the living and apparently guides them.

Meanwhile, High King Urtha Pendragon of Cornovidi seeks a diplomatic solution while his heir Prince Kymon wants to go to war. His daughter Princess Munda foresees the future lies with Jason's sentient ship Argo, who has returned battered but ready to confess a dark secret to Merlin only at the right time. The mage knows as he traverses time with the Argo that he must find the truth in his past to save the kingdoms from the horde of dead, but it is up to Jason to prevent the latter's offspring from usurping Urtha's rule so that the envisioned glorious future can occur.

This is a complex blending of several myths that is difficult to pick up even with gimmicks telling the back story of the first two novels (see CELTIKA and THE IRON GRAIL). Readers will appreciate the intricate series The Merlin Codex much more so by starting with the first book. Merlin tells the exciting tale that fans of Camelot and Greek and Celtic mythologies will enjoy; just set aside plenty of time as this is a rich multifaceted fantasy.

Harriet Klausner

The Argonautika: The Story of Jason and the Quest for the Golden Fleece (Hellenistic Culture and Society)

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Softback Commentary?
Certainly one can do better
Should be more widely read...
Great translation with more commentary than you'll read.

The Argonautika: The Story of Jason and the Quest for the Golden Fleece (Hellenistic Culture and Society)
Apollonios Rhodios
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0520076869

Book Description

The Argonautika, the only surviving epic of the Hellenistic era, is a retelling of the tale of Jason and the Golden Fleece, probably the oldest extant Greek myth. Jason, a young prince, is sent on a perilous expedition but comes through various ordeals with the aid of the king's daughter, Medeia, winning the golden fleece and carrying off Medeia herself. He is a very modern figure, not at all Achillean: almost an anti-hero. Along the way, the story incorporates vivid accounts of early exploration and colonizing ventures. Peter Green's lively, readable verse translation captures the swift narrative movement of Apollonios's epic Greek.
Apollonios Rhodios (c. 305-235 B.C.), the author of the Argonautika, was appointed Chief Librarian in the legendary library at Alexandria around 265 B.C. His first draft of this poem, composed when he was a very young man, drew scornful reactions from the literati of the day, Kallimachos in particular, who thought epic passé and long poems vulgar. Apollonios withdrew to the maritime island of Rhodes (his work is notable for its nautical expertise), where he hammered out the text as we know it today, returning to eventual success in the city that had rejected him. The compromise that resulted is a fascinating combination of age-old myth and modern treatment that produces a gripping and unforgettable narrative. Peter Green has translated this renowned poem with skill and wit, offering a refreshing interpretation of a timeless story.
The cloth edition of the Argonautika includes Peter Green's lively and incisive commentary, the first on all four books since Mooney's in 1912. While clarifying text and background, the commentary takes full advantage throughout of the recent upsurge of scholarly interest in Apollonios.

Customer Reviews:

Softback Commentary?.......2007-03-11

i was shocked on aquiring the softback to discover that it was lacking the commentary, thus making the book semi-useless to me. and when i write 'shocked' i am being polite. the saving grace is that at least i got a good cheap copy of the poem in verse form.

Certainly one can do better.......2003-12-11

Green writes like a pompous ass. He throws in whatever tropes will push the academic buttons but he totally misses Apollonius. A truly excellent translation has yet to be written.

Should be more widely read..........2000-07-13

The Argonautika should be as widely read as the Iliad and the Odyssey (or for that matter the Aeneid). Before reading this particular version one should first study the structure of the work, completly discarding Green's Introduction to it, unless, of course, you happen to be a working classical scholar! The translation of Apollonios Argonautika is an excellent read, made much more understandable by the excellent Glossary, which provides background information on all the characters and gods mentioned in the epic, and on geographical locations as well. This glossary is either an excellent first source of information or as a refresher to what the reader might already know. Excellent maps detailing the route the Argonauts took are found in the back of the book. Although an excellent read, it's not one that should be done at a rapid pace! The bibliography makes no mention of Robert Graves narative work on Jason and the Golden Fleece, Hercules My Shipmate.

Great translation with more commentary than you'll read........1999-02-23

I liked it. The translation was well done and quite readable. I was surprised, however when I ran out of translation and hit the extensive commentary at the back. As I am not a scholar of Greek or Roman writings or mythology the depth of the commentary was generally too much for me. I would have preferred the split page method, where the text and commentary relevant to it appear on the same page. The glossary at the back was helpful to identify which god, goddess or hero was referred to. Some of them are obscure and some unfamiliar names and spellings are used in place of more familiar ones (Kirke = Circe for example).

The Golden Fleece: And the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles

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A thrilled Mom
Book goes to off topic.

The Golden Fleece: And the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles
Padraic Colum
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0689868847

Book Description

Enter a world where harpies torment mortals, the Argonaut Orpheus sings, the mighty god Zeus wages war on the Titans, and Prometheus steals fire. Author Padraic Colum weaves the tales of Jason and his Argonauts with classic Greek mythology to create this captivating epic about life, war, and astounding beings who lived in a time long past.

Customer Reviews:

A thrilled Mom.......2006-02-20

When I allowed my 9 year old to buy this book, I knew he only wanted it because of the cool 3-headed tiger on the front. Much to my delight, a few hours later he announced to me that this was the coolest book that has ever been written. He spent an entire weekend reading!! This is a child that previously had to be forced to read.
This is a great book for boys who have been unmotivated by the typical literature available. The plot is interesting and full of action. The material provides a nice introduction to ancient literature and mythology. It has also given us a good discussion point for history lessons.

Book goes to off topic........2005-04-12

I'm 12 and I thought that this book was ok except for one major problem. That problem is that they would be traveling and one would tell a completely unrelated story to another. Also there were some really boring parts. The book is decent but I wouldn't recremend it.

A new survey of the West-Indies, 1648: The English-American (The Argonaut series)

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A new survey of the West-Indies, 1648: The English-American (The Argonaut series)
Thomas Gage
Manufacturer: R.M. McBride
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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