The Heavens on Fire: The Great Leonid Meteor Storms

Book Description

Meteor succeeded meteor in such rapid succession that it was impossible to count them; at times the sky seemed full of them, and the earth was illuminated as with a morning light. Eye-witness accounts such as this, and every spectacular detail of the Leonids, the greatest meteor showers of all, can be found in the acclaimed The Heavens on Fire. In this volume, author Mark Littmann vividly tells the history of meteors, and especially the Leonids, whose terrifying beauty established meteor science. He traces the history and mythology of meteors, profiles the fascinating figures whose discoveries advanced the field, and explores how meteors have changed the course of life on Earth. Crisp illustrations capture the excitement of past meteor showers and help elucidate important concepts. The returning Leonids are now reaching their peak with great activity expected in 1999 and 2000. For all those who wish to take part in this rare experience, Littmann offers advice on how and where to find the best view. Filled with practical tips, clear explanations, and descriptions of a sight that more than one observer has called "brilliant beyond conception," The Heavens on Fire will delight every reader. Mark Littmann teaches astronomy at the University of Tennessee. His previous books include Comet Halley: Once in a Lifetime and Planets Beyond: Discovering the Outer Solar System. Both books were chosen by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific as Astronomy Books of the Year.

Customer Reviews:

Unimpressed.......2007-09-08

I bought this book after being attracted by the used price because I was interested in considering the topic of natural phenomena as they relate to religious belief.

I was amazed to find some embarrassing editing and printing errors (especially by Cambridge Univ. Press), lackluster writing at best, and to my disappointment, less coverage of peoples' interpretations of these events. Perhaps a better book will come regarding this subject, and will be more specialized - whether it be a scientific, cultural, or even religious history.

The Windows of Heaven: A Novel of Galveston's Great Storm of 1900

Average customer rating:

An Excellent Author and Story!
Rawness of emotion and reality of utter destruction
Outstanding Reading
And you thought the Titanic had it bad.....
A skillful weaving of fact and fiction

The Windows of Heaven: A Novel of Galveston's Great Storm of 1900
Ron Rozelle
Manufacturer: Texas Review Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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Similar Items:

ASIN: 1881515273

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Author and Story!.......2007-04-08

I've been to Galveston and took tours of the many homes the author listed in this book and knew the streets and the very railroad tracks/beach areas he spoke of, but even if I hadn't been there, the author writes in a way that will makes you *feel* like you ARE there, as the story progresses.

I have read MANY books on this storm and I can safely say THIS BOOK "The Windows of Heaven" has got to be the best researched, investigated and well written book i have ever read and come across.

It's not all statistics, and weather, he writes of survivors and their lives that led up to that fateful day so you actually feel as if you're reading an ansestors diary or as if the people actually sat down and told him the stories.

His imagination is also so realistic that you walk away believing every single word he wrote although clearly some of it [like the drowning peoples viewpoints] couldn't have came from anyone.

It's a book that has SOLD me on the author RON ROZELLE'S talents and is a book that should be carried by all Texas schools and educational systems everywhere, as mandatory reading of what that night must have been like.

It left me feeling as if I had been there and suffered along with everyone--and in spite of the heartache and despair I actually felt sorrow when the story ended, and I faced the fact that I would never be a part of these peoples lives ever again.

If you don't read this book you will never know how lacking the others are and will miss out on an excellent example of great writing--destiny will deem this a classic in due time--trust me.

Rawness of emotion and reality of utter destruction.......2006-07-27

Galveston, Texas is the sight of our nation's worst natural disaster in our history. Ron Rozelle summered in Galveston as a child and that began his fascination with the 1900 Galveston Hurricane. He was driven to tell the story in a manner that was true to history and striking enough to recreate the terror of those in the path of this storm. This book is a fictionalized account of the Galveston Hurricane of September 1900. While the weather events are factual. The people he portrays are a mixture of real people and those that Mr. Rozelle created to add depth and heart to his story. His research into the facts of the hurricane's ferocious assault of Galveston and the utter destruction of life and property is vividly portrayed. The characters bring a rawness of emotion, making the reality of the vast loss achingly real. This is a realistic and intense tale of Mother Nature in full fury.

Outstanding Reading.......2002-03-28

Ron Rozelle did a wonderful job writing this book. It is a well written piece of history. This storm event was the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. Mr. Rozelle paid tribute to the people that died during and in the days following this storm. He also paid tribute to the survivors. There were a lot of sub plots happening during the time, an Mr. Rozelle did a good job incorporating them in just the right place. This book is well worth reading. I highly recommend it.

And you thought the Titanic had it bad............2001-04-26

The events that transpired in September, 1900 have been too long forgotten in the annals of American natural disasters. Ron Rozelle has painted a picture that very accurately describes the horror and heroism that occurred when one of the most intense hurricanes virtually destroyed Galveston and claimed upwards of 10,000 lives. I discovered this book after reading the recent release Isaac's Storm, a non-fiction telling of the storm and also highly recommended. Ron Rozelle has fleshed out the story without damaging the historical accuracy and brings to us a harrowing story of the people who watched their town literally dissapear beneath the waves. Very highy recommended!

A skillful weaving of fact and fiction.......2000-10-28

Ron Rozelle's second book is a well-done blend of fact and fiction. He uses many actual people and events from the Storm of 1900, the worst natural disaster in the history of the US. He writes sketches of the lives of several characters in a flash-back format and then switches to the current time, describing the coming of the storm and the blase manner in which the people approached it. Weather forecasting was in its infancy, and no one on Galveston Island realized the full impact of the pending storm. Residents had ridden out many a storm and didn't look at this potent killer in any different way from the storms which had come before. Galveston's lack of preparation and failure to build a seawall resulted in terrible destruction of life and property. Rozelle uses these elements to create a story in which the reader learns to care about the characters and then watches the courage with which they faced this catastrophe. This is a very moving book and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in this subject.

Heaven's Reach (New Uplift Storm Trilogy/David Brin, Bk 3)

Average customer rating:

True Space Opera
It still is a worthy read
great Saga
Great sci-fi series!
In addition to what's already been said...

Heaven's Reach (New Uplift Storm Trilogy/David Brin, Bk 3)
David Brin
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0553101749
Release Date: 1998-06-01

Amazon.com

Heaven's Reach is the final volume of the Uplift trilogy, which begins in Brightness Reef and continues in Infinity's Shore. It chronicles the adventures of a handful of primitives from the planet Jijo who have left or been taken from their homes only to be swept into the intrigues of galactic politics. The novel also continues the story of the fugitive Earth starship Streaker, pursued across the galaxy for its precious cargo of ancient artifacts. Just when it looks like things can't get worse for Streaker, the foretold Time of Changes rocks the galaxy. Devastating "space quakes" shake every planet and star, and some of the particularly unscrupulous alien races attempt to use the disaster to further their bizarre goals. There's danger and excitement on almost every page (in contrast to much of the first two books in the series) and Brin finally delivers on many of the mysteries of the Five Galaxies. The Progenitors, the Hydrogen Breathers, Streaker's cargo--these and more are explained at last. Or are they? Each seemingly ultimate truth tends to dissolve a chapter later, revealing a new and more complex truth. New adventures and mysteries await. --Brooks Peck

Book Description

In Brightness Reef and Infinity's Shore, David Brin boldly returned to the Uplift universe he so brilliantly invented in the Nebula and Hugo award-winning trilogy Sundiver, Startide Rising, and The Uplift War.  Now he concludes this second trilogy with his most imaginative and emotionally powerful novel to date--the shattering epic of a universe poised on the brink of revelation...or annihilation.

After centuries of mutual peace, the "sooner" experiment on planet Jijo is coming to a tragic end.  The six fugitive races that escaped there from the Five Galaxies have been discovered by ancient enemies.  The terrifying Jophur have plans for the exiled inhabitants: a program of genocide and forced breeding to suit their own perverted needs.

The Jijoans' only hope is the very ship that inadvertently led the Jophur to their obscure planet.  The Earthship Streaker, crewed by uplifted dolphins, commanded by an untested human, engages the Jophur in a desperate race to a mysterious point in space that could well mean the destruction of them both.  Yet more than just the fate of Jijo hangs in the balance.  For Streaker carries a cargo of ancient artifacts that may unlock the secret of the Progenitors, the mythical race that first brought sapience to the galaxies.  Some believe a dire prophecy is already coming to pass: an age of terrifying changes in time and space that could end galactic civilization.

Against this apocalyptic backdrop, sapient beings, both human and alien, must come together to face the ultimate crisis.  An uplifted chimpanzee scout must overcome prejudice and his own limitations to survive the bizarre terrors of increasingly unstable hyperspace.  A brilliant scientist attempts to wrest order from onrushing chaos.  Streaker's commander will push the limits of courage and skill as she plunges her crew headlong into the unknown.  And two lovers from Jijo, prisoners of the Jophur, embark on a perilous journey, which will either transform them...or destroy them.

Already dozens of white dwarf stars stand ready to explode, as if guided by an unseen hand, while countless reclusive Old Ones gather in search of ultimate transcendence.

As worlds are sundered and hyperspace becomes impassable, the survival of sentient life in the universe rests on an improbable hope: that age-old antagonists of different races can at last recognize the unity of all consciousness.

Once again David Brin has combined brilliant intellectual speculation, dazzling characterization, and breakneck action in a novel that reaches the pinnacle of achievement: a galactic panorama of wonder and wisdom, insight and adventure, in which he reveals mysteries that may lie at the heart of the universe.

Customer Reviews:

True Space Opera.......2007-04-14

Brin truly comes into his own here. Despite some ups and downs in previous books in the series, this one is all that is wanted. Heaven's Reach has vivid multiple characters, amazing plot devices and unexpected twists, and overarching philosophical depth. Many of the confusing plot lines or mysteries of previous books are revealed, and everything finally comes together.

In this final book characters and species are clearly delineated, although there are so many new species discussed in Heaven's Reach, you really can't hope to understand what is happening without the companion Contacting Aliens: An Illustrated Guide to David Brin's Uplift Universe. I found myself constantly turning to Contacting Aliens to reveals some element of a new species.

I said everything finally comes together. I lied. Heaven's Reach will tell you *a lot* more about the Uplift Universe, and how everything works together. I was highly impressed at how different divergent ideas that I wouldn't have thought were at all related, mesh perfectly together. Indeed, that's a major point of philosophy, even theology, in the book. But you'll be happier knowing ahead of time: this book will not reveal the mystery of Herbie, or answer the issue of whether or not Earthclan is true Wolflings. Oh sure, there are hints back and forth, and suppositions, but all of them are ultimately negated, and you are left really, really wishing Brin had tied up those ends.

If you go into the book knowing this, you'll be able to fully enjoy an astonishingly well-written work of over-arching themes and true novelty.

It still is a worthy read.......2007-01-30

Lets be honest, if you have come this far with the Uplift series you are not going to stop now no matter what the reviews say. I love the Uplift series and while I would have preferred that Heaven's Reach would have tied up more loose ends it still is a worthy read. It is obvious that the later books in the Uplift are more about stretching out the series and offer little closure to the multiple story lines. One thing Heaven's Reach does is to offer more of the imaginative mind of Brin and is a recommended read. I think it is obvious that Brin is not done with the Uplift stories.

great Saga.......2007-01-04

David Brin writes true science fiction, not space opera. His ideas are as intriguing as they are feasible. This series is a great addition to the original uplift trilogly.

Great sci-fi series!.......2006-12-25

Read 1, you'll want to read the rest. Great Sci-fi series. The main character grabs your attention & hold it from 1 book to the next. Read all of them!

In addition to what's already been said..........2006-11-10

As you have no doubt read many of the other reviews, I will only summarize many of the flaws already mentioned: new main characters, deus-ex-machinas after deus-ex-machinas, wildly spinning plotlines that are hard to keep track of, lack of continuing character development, some parts that are just plain boring...

What I haven't seen said so far, and what annoyed (and insulted my intelligence) more than anything else, was use, reuse, and overuse of the *same* suspense plot device: We're about to find out some crucial part of of the storyline, and right before the character gets it out, there's an alarm claxon, or (s)he get's interrupted by someone, or some trivial duty must be attended to. COME ON!!! Give us more credit than that! I don't need a cliff-hanger at the end of every section. I almost put this book down out of frustration more than once, but only stuck with it because I wanted to see where the story went. But I definitely got to the point where I stopped identifying with the characters.

Let's see - he fell prey to the Hollywood syndrome of the genius character who figures everything out in nanoseconds. I'm sorry, but I don't buy off that a mathematician from a primitive world, no matter how intelligent (within the limits of human intelligence) can suddenly start figuring out that the universe is about to undergo an etherquake, without the years of exposure it takes to grasp/grok the fundamental science/mathematics. An arbitrary, contrived, and (to me), unbelievable plot device (which in addition didn't really serve the storyline much purpose).

Another thing - he needs a better editor. He kept using the word "occulted" (related to the occult?) where I think he meant "occluded".

Overall, a very disappointing end to the series. Unless he's going to rewrite the end book, don't bother with it. Pick up another series.

Heaven Taken by Storm: Showing the Holy Violence a Christian Is to Put Forth in the Pursuit After Glory (Puritan Writings)

Average customer rating:

Awesome
Thought provoking, challenging and encouraging in one.

Heaven Taken by Storm: Showing the Holy Violence a Christian Is to Put Forth in the Pursuit After Glory (Puritan Writings)
Thomas Watson
Manufacturer: Soli Deo Gloria Ministries
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1877611506

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2004-12-31

This is a GREAT book. Every page was hard to read, not because of the difficulty of the style, but because of the difficulty I had being confronted with my sin. When you read this book you will be amazed at the depth of need for God's grace, and will be encouraged to seek it. This book gave me great hope because Watson shows us that Christ walks with us through our battle with our sin and sinfulness.

Thought provoking, challenging and encouraging in one........1999-10-12

Whenever you pick up Thomas Watson you know you'll be encouraged, chastened, corrected and excited by his words. Here we have no disappointment. 'Heaven ...' is a masterpiece of encouragement to 'keep at it.' The passage from Matgthew 11 verse 12 is put in its context, opened up and applied to leave the reader in no doubt as to its application. Wonderful stuff! May it achieve its goal and make us more 'violent' christians in the true biblical sense of the word! Take it and may the Lord apply it to you.

Average customer rating:

The climax of "Storm" eclipses a volanic eruption
A Compelling Tale of an Alternate Roman World
Powerful series, exciting action
Very Enjoyable, at least to a history dweeb such as myself
Excellent ending to a fascinating trilogy

The Storm of Heaven
Thomas Harlan
Manufacturer: Tor Fantasy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Family Saga | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Alternate History | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0812590112

Book Description

The great three-sided war continues, Rome against Persia against the tribes of the desert now commanded by Mohammed of Mekkah. The tide is turning against the Eastern Empire--the Emperor Heraclius lies bedridden in Constantinople and his brother Theodore has lost a great battle to the tribes. In the West, Rome lies devastated by the long-pent eruption of Vesuvius. And in the hidden valley of Damawand, the Persion sorcerer Dahak plots his revenge.But there is hope for the West. Prince Maxian has learned that the Oath need not be broken; it can be changed by a skilled sorcerer. In Judea, young Dwyrin is coming into his full powers, honed by sorcerous combat with his friend Odenathus, who now leads the shattered remnants of the army of Palmyra. And among the Goths north of the Danuvius, a new legion is being forged, by a very old general.

Customer Reviews:

The climax of "Storm" eclipses a volanic eruption.......2002-04-30

Having just re-read Thomas Harlan's third installment in his epic "Oath of Empire" series, the "Storm of Heaven," in anticipation of the next and final novel, I must say that the books just keep getting more enthralling. "Storm" follows the further actions and fates of the characters introduced in the earlier novels. Without revealing too much, we learn what has become of Thyatis, Maxian, Mohammad, Nicholas, Dwyrin, and their companions. And let us not forget Gaius Julius, Alexandros, Dahak, "The Boar," the Queen of Cats, and many other characters...

Yes, Thyatis does battle in the arena, in among the most vivid and adrenaline-producing descriptions of gladiatorial combat this reader has ever experienced. Yes, Maxian does grow a bit wiser, and yes, Dwyrin comes into the fullness of a power only hinted at in the previous novels; Harlan's brilliant imagery of sorcerous combat produced as much a rush for me as his heart-pounding descriptions of more "conventional" battle.

As Rome attempts to recover from the disaster of Vesuvius, the reincarnated Julius Caesar finds great opportunities, which entwine his fate with other characters. Alexandros marches off to war, for Rome, but not with Romans. Mohammad communes and continues to act as a channel for his god, but who is using who?

There are so many twists of fate and events of such magnitude that even the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius at the end of "Gate of Fire" seems to pale in comparison. Much is resolved, but more remains unresolved, and as the climax of each novel eclipses the one before it, "The Dark Lord" should have an ending that will be literally earth-shattering. I, for one, can't wait!

A Compelling Tale of an Alternate Roman World.......2001-10-11

The Storm of Heaven, (TSoH) is the 3rd book of author Thomas Harlan's compelling tale of an alternate world where magic is real, and Rome never fell.

It is 624 A.D. In the previous 2 books, the Emperors of the Eastern and Western Roman empires had joined forces to devast and defeat Persia. But the tactics of the Eastern Emperor cost some of his allies dearly, resulting in the destruction of the city-state of Palmyra. Prince Maxian, youngest brother of Galen, Emperor of the West, had discovered that there was an Oath which cast restrictions on the Empire, attacking and destroying anything that the Oath perceived as a threat to Rome.

Maxian set out to destroy the Oath, convinced that the Oath was actually harming Rome. He was blessed with healing magical talent, and quickly grew in power, resurrecting Julius Caeser and Alexander the Great.

But there are other plots and stories, all intertwined. A young student named Dwyrian, from far off Hibernia (Ireland) is drafted into the Roman army, and gains magical powers far faster than he should.

Dwyrian's teacher, coming after him, meets a merchant named Mohammed of Mekkah. And there is an evil, inhuman sorcerer, Dahak, who is in league with Persia. There is Thyatis, an agent in service to the Emperor of Rome, and more characters and subplots than you can shake a stick at.

Book 1, The Shadow of Ararat, was sheer brilliance. Book 2, The Gate of Fire, was well done, but not as good as the 1st volume, due to a host of new elements which were introduced without enough foundation being laid.

The Storm of Heaven is not as good as Book 1, but it is better than book 2. Maxian deals with the devastation that he wrecked by accidently causing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Thyatis deals with her own survivor's guilt, and ends up in the arena of the Colosseum. Dwyrian grows in power. Mohammed leads, along with Dwyrian's one time companion, Zoe, who is now the Queen of the destroyed city of Palmyra, the march for vengence against the Emperor of the East. Empress Martina of the East struggles to hold the Eastern Empire together for the benefit of her young son, while her husband is wracked by an illness of mysterious origin. Her Uncle, Prince Theodore, the brother of her husband, has his own plans for who should rule the Eastern Empire.

Gaius Julius Caesar and Alexandros, have their own dreams of power, which they have not given up, even though they have been cast aside by their master, Prince Maxian. Oh, and the Persians are on the march as well.

ALthough a long book, TSoH, suffers from covering too much ground with too few pages. THe author's note at the end indicates that the author exceeded the size limit which had been decreed by the editors, and excised portions are available via a website.

Still, despite that flaw, author Harlan has created a highly detailed alternate Roman world, with compelling characters and a complex and entertaining storyline. I look forward to Book 4 of this series.

Powerful series, exciting action.......2001-09-01

The leaders of Rome, both east and west, seem hopelessly sunk into grief and guilt. Meanwhile, a revived Persia and the desert armies of Mohammed win victory after victory over the dispirited Roman armies. Even Prince Maxim, who has tried to break the Oath of Empire that holds Rome together while preventing any progress, seems unwilling to do anything to prevent destruction.

In this third novel in the OATH OF EMPIRE SERIES, players with more minor roles in the earlier books come to the fore. The revived Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great have to act independently because Maxim refuses to give them direction. The wizard-boy Dwyrin has found incredible powers. Thyatis has lost her memory and must fight for survival on her own.

With two books under his belt, Harlan has mastered the impressionistic style. His plot still jumps from one action-center to the other across the Roman and Persian worlds, but these transitions are less jarring and the overall plot moves forward more smoothly than in the earlier novels.

I look forward to the next volume in this fascinating series set in a 7th century world where magic works and where the power of the Oath has kept Rome from falling.

Very Enjoyable, at least to a history dweeb such as myself.......2001-08-04

This book is very long, the type is small, and Harlan still cut out so much stuff to hit this length that he has whole chapters on his website that just couldn't fit. I haven't read those chapters, though, because the book works very well as is: somebody, either Harlan or his editors, did an excellent job of cutting without butchering.

His world isn't quite our world in the same era, of course: the Roman Empire never fell in his. But he brings the era alive and carries a complex story through many twists and turns without losing the reader's attention. A very enjoyable book, full of lots of interesting historical nuggets.

Excellent ending to a fascinating trilogy.......2001-06-17

In the seventh century, the Roman Empire is under siege on two military fronts and one natural front. Mohammed of Mekkah and his army defeated Theodore and the war with Persia led by the inhuman sorcerer Damawand continues unabated. Adding to the gloom is the eruption of Vesuvius that has destroyed several cities.

The last real hope for Rome and Constantinople lies with Prince Maxian, who has tried to destroy the magical Oath that protects the city. An epiphany strikes him and he realizes he is taking a destructive path that could kill many innocents. He turns to the past, raising Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, to abet his cause of saving the great empire from its two front war.

THE STORM OF HEAVEN is an extremely complex alternate historical fiction novel that includes a well-written introduction explaining key events from the first two novels. However, in spite of that, most new readers and repeat fans will find it much easier to follow the myriad of plots by perusing the previous novels (see THE SHADOW OF ARARAT and THE GATE OF FIRE) because this is an extremely elaborate tale. This reviewer stopped early on because she understood that like Rome wasn't built in a day, this is not one day reading. The audience will feel they have been transported to the ancient world as the vivid depths of detail bring the senses alive. That and the numerous subplots that brilliantly tie together make Thomas Harlan's novel (and The Oath of Empire series) a must read for the sub-genre audience.

Harriet Klausner

Average customer rating:

A Magnificent Storm

Taking Heaven by Storm: Methodism and the Rise of Popular Christianity in America
John H. Wigger
Manufacturer: University of Illinois Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Methodist | Protestantism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
History | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Wesley and the People Called Methodists

The Story of American Methodism: A History of the United Methodists and Their Relations

Methodism and the Shaping of American Culture

Methodism: Empire of the Spirit

Grace Sufficient: A History of Women in American Methodism, 1760-1939

ASIN: 0252069943

Book Description

Following the Revolutionary War, American Methodism grew at an astonishing rate, rising from fewer than 1000 members in 1770 to over 250,000 by 1820. In Taking Heaven by Storm, John H. Wigger seeks to explain this remarkable expansion, offering a provocative reassessment of the role of popular religion in American life. Early Methodism was neither bland nor predictable; rather, it was a volatile and innovative movement, both driven and constrained by the hopes and fears of the ordinary Americans who constituted its core. Methodism's style, tone, and agenda worked their way deep into the fabric of American life, Wigger argues, influencing all other mass religious movements that would follow, as well as many facets of American life not directly connected to the church. Wigger examines American Methodism from a variety of angles, focusing in turn on the circuit riders who relentlessly pushed the Methodist movement forward, the critical role of women and African Americans within the movement, the enthusiastic nature of Methodist worship, and the unique community structure of early American Methodism. Under Methodism's influence, American evangelism became far more enthusiastic, egalitarian, entrepreneurial, and lay oriented--characteristics that continue to shape and define popular religion today.

Customer Reviews:

A Magnificent Storm.......2002-03-05

There are books of high quality, and then their are magnificent books. This work by John Wigger is something with which to be especially pleased.

The author, building on some of the themes found in Nathan Hatch's Democratization of American Religion, gives us a glimpse of the early Methodists in America, fleshing out how they were both archetypal representatives of the growth and change in the early decades of the republic and showing us many of the ways in which the Methodists shaped the very identity of Americans. Wigger, and his forerunner, Hatch, draw a strong connection between popular religion of the early 19th Century (of which Methodism was one of the chief representatives) and the development of capitalism and a popular civic sense. Essentially, Wigger's work is a further exploration of Hatch's argument, deepening it to gain understanding of one of the great religious movements of the period.

The book reads very well and does not suffer from the slogging pace so common to many academic works. It deals with a number of themes and introduces the reader to a sampling of some of the interesting features of the history of the early Methodists including a look at the itinerants, how the movement was both attractive to and empowering of women and African Americans, etc.

My only real criticism of the book is a regional bias in its sources of evidence. But this is true of almost any historical work, due to the realities of access to source material for a given researcher. If the reader realizes that there can be other perspectives drawn from different materials, this limitation need not be a problem.

This is a superb work and is useful both to those interested in Methodism and those interested in the broader topic of early American history.

Average customer rating:
In Search of Heaven on Earth
Rachel Storm
Manufacturer: Bloomsbury Pub Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
History | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0747505500

Average customer rating:

She dazzles us once again

Another Winner

Great book! Find the whole series if you can.

Wild Storms of heaven
June Lund Shiplett
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Defy the Savage Winds (Signet)

Raging Winds of Heaven (Signet)

Thunder in the Wind

Gathering of Winds (Wind Book, No 8)

ASIN: 0451090632

Product Description

Two women in a tempest. Loedicia. Ravishingly beautiful, dangerously hot-blooded, torn from the husband she loved, thrust into the arms of an irresistible adventurer, then into the hands of a rapacious, insatiable warrior-chief. Rebel. Her lovely and lost daughter, trapped in unholy wedlock to a sensually perverse English lord, seeking escape first in a rapturous, ruinous affair, finally in a wild flight from civilization with the only man ever to master her.

Customer Reviews:

She dazzles us once again.......2003-08-23

June lund shiplett does it once more with her powerful romances. A truly great read!

Another Winner.......2000-11-25

This is book 3 of 8 in the Winds series by June Lund Shiplett.

This book follows Loedicia on her journey to return to her 2nd husband, Roth. She is forced to make a cross country trip from New Orleans to South Carolina (in 1794). This is so real and visceral, you really understand how difficult of a journey it would have been.

The second half of the book is about Dicia's daughter, Rebel, and her loveless marriage to Brandon, a duke. Brandon is the ambitious governor of Grenada, and Rebel is pregnant -- only she's carrying the child of her French-Indian lover, Beau.

These are really an amazing series of books, and I don't usually read historical romances. Pick all of these up and you've got a great read.

Great book! Find the whole series if you can........1998-05-15

Shiplett has a very unique talent. She creates totally believable characters, wraps them around real historical people and events and tops it off with such detail that you are actually transported back in time. You are there, in your minds eye you can see, hear and even feel the story. Reading Shiplett is like taking an emotional journey...a journey you'll want to take over and over again.

I am not the stereotypical historical romance reader. I am a career professional with 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren. Reading is my relaxation and my hobby. I read a great deal and have read most of the hot authors; Lael-Miller, Woodewiss, McNaughton and many others. None can compare to Shiplett!

The only negative thing I can honestly say about this author is that she has not given us enough. Please, if you can, let her know we are hungry for more!

Book Description

Leaving their rural Nebraska home far behind, the Delacourt sisters - Sharon, Danielle, Sabrina, and Denise - have chosen to pursue their dreams in a big city. Set on making an impact on the world, will they meet disappointment or delight? Working within Washington, D.C., political circles, Sharon wants to make A World of Difference. But will rumors of scandal ruin her vision of peace and love? Danielle's crusade on behalf of the residents of an Atlanta nursing home pits her against the wealthy owner. Can she remind him that the true riches Beneath Heaven's Curtain have nothing to do with money? Sabrina has taken a short-term mission assignment in Hong Kong. Could the discovery of new love In the Heart of the Storm carry her beyond the call of duty? The Arrow of God's will is leading Denise toward a teaching position in Houston's inner city. Can she bring her heart to love these students - and their unconventional mentor? Life in the city offers new challenges, new lessons, and new loves. Will these four young women see their new world through God's eyes and rise to their opportunities like the surrounding sky-scrapers?

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Heaven Sent
Peter Crowther; Storm Constantine
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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