History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

The Russian House: Architecture and Interiors

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The Russian House: Architecture and Interiors
Ella Krasner
Manufacturer: Scriptum Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1902686462

Book Description

Revealing the Russian home in all its eclectic beauty and charm, this gorgeous volume will be a rich source of inspiration for decorators, architects, travelers, and anyone with an interest in interior design.

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A rare find
very touching!

Russian Houses (Evergreens)
Elizabeth Gaynor , and Darra Goldstein
Manufacturer: Benedikt Taschen Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Russian House: Architecture and Interiors

ASIN: 3822890499

Customer Reviews:

A rare find.......2001-04-17

First off, I must admit that I do not own this book - yet. I picked it up at random at a friend's house or, more correctly, hoisted it up, as it is printed on good paper and is very thick. Once started, I could not leave it until the end. Most books of this nature do not appeal to me very much, because they only warrant a cursory paging-through. I am sure there are many excellent books of this genre, it is just my ignorance which prevents me from appreciating them. But this one is different. The selection of the photographs is such that the pictures are never boring, and the descriptions, in spite of, or perhaps because of, their brevity, contain a surprising amount of information, which encourages one to read more about the many different subjects touched upon. This is not just a book about houses, it is a book on which one could base a study of the Russian people in its entirety, such as their history and culture in all its forms. Definitely a book I am buying.

very touching!.......1999-02-05

For those who have been to Russia and Europe in the past, or lived there, this book highlights all beautiful details of Russia. I bought this book for my father years ago as a gift and later wanted to buy one for myself. I couldn't find it anywhere until I saw it here. I was in tears when I received it since this book has everything about the design and the heart of the country that I came to love and to know. Excellent photography!

The Romanovs: Autocrats of All the Russians

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A Very Readable Account of Imperial Russia's Rulers
Read It!
The best there is....
Remarkable
One of a Kind!

The Romanovs: Autocrats of All the Russians
W. Bruce Lincoln
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385279086
Release Date: 1983-07-05

Book Description

For three centuries--beginning with the accession of Mikhail Feodorovich Romanov in 1613--the Romanov Dynasty ruled Russia. Its reign ended with the execution of Nicholas II and Alexandra in the early 20th century. Noted Russian scholar W. Bruce Lincoln has brilliantly portrayed the achievement, significance and high drama of the Dynasty as no previous book has done. His use of rare archival materials has allowed him to present a portrait of the Romanovs based on their own writings and those of the men and women who knew them.

Customer Reviews:

A Very Readable Account of Imperial Russia's Rulers.......2003-12-05

W. Bruce Lincoln's history of the 300 years of Romanov rule in Russia (1613-1917) is easily his most readable account of Russian history. While Professor Lincoln's research is meticulous as ever, in this volume he has to cover far more ground than in his other more focused histories and thus he avoids some of the digressions that he normally might allow himself. The result is a superb one-volume history of the Tsars and Tsarinas who determined Russia's development from a minor principality into the largest empire on earth.

The Romanovs consists of four parts: Muscovite beginnings (1613-1689), the Rise of an Empire (1689-1796), Empire Triumphant (1796-1894) and the Last Emperor (1894-1917). The first three parts each consist of several chapters, with the first covering biographical details of the Tsars and Tsarinas in that period, followed by chapters on political and cultural changes in that period. There are only two significant problems with what is otherwise a superb presentation: a non-chronological methodology and a lack of a single supporting map of Romanov domains (there are two maps of St Petersburg's layout). In the first case, Lincoln tends to keep coming back to Tsars in subsequent chapters on culture, politics, etc which is very confusing. Indeed, he seems in a rush to plow through the biographies of the Tsars, then revisit their cultural accomplishments, then come back again and discuss their political accomplishments, and then maybe discuss a few scandals or wars. As for the lack of maps, it makes it extremely difficult for the reader to evaluate the territorial expansions of the various Romanov rulers or Russia's growth over three centuries.

Despite these two flaws, the Romanovs is a delightful read for anyone with a scholarly interest in Russian imperial history. Perhaps the three most significant rulers that Lincoln assesses are Peter the Great, Catherine the Great and Nicholas II. Most histories tend to elevate Peter to hero status, but Lincoln's evaluation is more mixed. While Peter gets great credit for pushing Russia to modernize, the costs he incurred may have been too great. In particular, Lincoln questions Peter's obsession with building his capital on totally unsuitable terrain; the fact that the Russians were able to eventually succeed in constructing Peter's dream capital often disguises the fact that the human and financial losses were exorbitantly wasteful. The reader will be left to ponder the question that if Peter had built his capital elsewhere, Russia's development might have been much less painful. As for Catherine, Lincoln prefers to minimize the scandal and corruption associated with her court and view this as the golden age of Russian cultural development. Finally, Nicholas II appears as even more of a fatalistic dolt bent on self-destruction than he did in Lincoln's previous books. In sum, The Romanovs provides a solid and very readable account of Russia's development under the Tsars and Tsarinas.

Read It!.......2002-07-22

A genuinely great book. Lincoln certainly could write, and make
all those old Russians seem really interesting. As Lincoln's
former students (including me) know, his lectures were tediously
boring, so that makes the books all the more remarkable.

The best there is...........2002-03-06

Mr. Lincolm, unlike Robert Massie who wrote "Peter the Great," left me with the clear impression that he understood the source material he had at hand, and was able to verify through corroboration every thing he said. Some of the more incredible stories, or speculative rumors are left out. This does not make his work any less enjoyable, but it does lend Mr. Lincoln's work a feeling of solid thoroughness in its research--something that is lacking in Massie's book. If a story was left out, I felt quite confident that Mr. Lincoln knew of the story, but could not corroborate it to his satisfaction.

This book is very thorough and incredible in its vast sweep. But it is broken apart into major periods. Each period is further broken down into topics, such as political history, economic history, social history, and so on. This format makes the book quite useful as a reference as well as enjoyable to read. This is the best book on the story of the Romanov family in the English language to date. And I can see this book firmly establishing itself as a timeless classic, alongside Shelby Foote's "Civil War," or Gibbons, "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire."

Remarkable.......2001-12-17

Lincoln opens his book with a candidely written note to the reader explaining the intentions of his book. Quite rightly, he admits that a real account of so vast a subject would take several volumes of this size: instead, he has set out to put concisely and organically the history and biographies of the Romanovs, reflecting his own preferences, prejudices, and feelings. Such a task relies more on the author than the subject: thankfully, Lincoln is the most canny and insightful writers on the subject that I have ever come across. His book is a triumph in every sense; fair, complete, well-researched, and drawing from so many great resources that it seems as though Lincoln has drawn together every rich fountain of knowledge on his subject and made a great pool for every curious mind.

The scope of this book is stunning, but Lincoln's organization brings great coherence. First he details and outlines the lives, the personalities, and the administrations of a certain era of the Romanovs; then, in a series of subchapters, he details the events, the wars, the civil unrest, the art, and the accomplishments of that same period. Doing this, he has managed to collect in one relatively short volume what a myriad of books have tried to capture individually. The writing is fluid and lively: professional and not novelesque, but still managing to draw on the imagination of the reader while conveying clearly a great avalanche of knowledge.

The author does write from his own perspective, but his views are not overbearing, unfair, or masked with selective facts and underhanded reasoning: in short, the author is not trying to sell you to his point of view, and his understanding of the Romanovs is based in pure reasoning, not political bias or ideology. He clearly thinks little of Catherine II -- but he writes of her with remarkable understanding and honesty. His view is not unfounded: he presents her has a devout autocrat with a shrewd and tactful mind and great mastery over foreign policy who nevertheless was hypocritical in the lip-service she paid to the Enlightenment. Indeed, this is not a radical conclusion and many have come to it before. His views of Peter the Great seem mixed; the author reflects on the magnitude of Peter's accomplishments and the cost of status that eventually took its toll on the Russian identity. His portrayal of Nicholas I is particularly great, having written a separate biography on him, and treating him as every other does with a subject they know so well. The book covers well other topics, from the building of St. Petersburg and its great architechts, to a responsible chapter on the Gold and Iron ages of art and what they meant, in a larger sense, to Russia (He curiously leaves out the Mighty Five composers, which would have fit his theme quite well, but probably for brevity rather than oversight).

Lastly, the book treats the touchy subject of the last Tsar and the Revolutions with great skill. Unlike so many other authors who write on the topic with a predetermined political conclusion, Lincoln is a disciplined historian, and his duty (he knows) is to treat the past fairly. At no point in his sweeping and breathtaking final chapters does he fall into tendentious or snide language. He gives a great account of the mismanagement of the last regime, the interim governments, and the feelings of the Russian people, which confrims that the move to the Left was driven both naturally and by outside forces. Extremely responsible.

I was extremely skeptical when I picked this book up: I could not have been more pleased with it.

One of a Kind!.......2001-10-30

This book is absolutely astounding for it's breath taking, and most unusual layout and scope. Lincoln has managed,apart from a somewhat strange dislike for Catherine II to put forth an honest and forthright account of the lives of the Romanov autocrats. This book is truly to be applauded.

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Faberge Eggs
A Passion of Mine
Fabulous Faberge
Beautifully photographed and intelligently described

Faberge Eggs
Susanna Pfeffer
Manufacturer: Universe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0883630907
Release Date: 1998-09-08

Customer Reviews:

Faberge Eggs.......2007-04-05

The information contained in this book was easily accessed and was straight-forward in its content. This book is lovely and displays nicely as a coffee table book. The only problem I found with it is that some eggs were omitted. The one coming to mind is the Military Egg. I have seen this egg and though it is unusual in its lack of jewels, its simplicity deserves mention. I believe that there is one, maybe two more omitted, but as I am writing this, I am unable to bring those to mind. This is a beautiful book, but is not definitive as the best book to answer questions regarding the Faberge eggs.

A Passion of Mine.......2006-04-30

As an egg artist of Fabarge style egg art, I highly recommend this book to other artists as well as those who are not interested in actually making this type of art. You will still be moved.

Fabulous Faberge.......2005-08-30

Having just recently been in the Armoury at the Kremlin and seeing the Faberge Eggs they have there and being absolutely blown away by them I was very pleased to be able to purchase this book even though is was the 1990 edition.
The book shows the eggs in close up often with the fancy inside shown in more detail and a small essay on each one, how it was made and the significance of what it portrays.
They are the most fabulous things not neccessarily because of the jewels involved (which are just wonderful) but mainly because of the incredible workmanship involved in the mechanics of them I can never forget the Trans Siberian Egg with the little solid gold five carriage and engine train which goes by clockwork!
The book was just great especially showing eggs I haven't seen if you are interested in these extraordinary eggs I recommend it to you wholeheartedly.

Beautifully photographed and intelligently described.......2000-05-12

This book is worthwhile whether the reader wants an introduction to Faberge easter eggs or is already familiar with these masterpieces. It provides a history of Peter Carl Faberge and his works. It includes photographs of forty easter eggs, most of them being the Imperial easter eggs which were gifts from Alexander III and Nicholas II to their wives or the dowager empress. Other less well known but also spectacular eggs are included. The photographs show the eggs and surprises to their best advantage. The corresponding descriptions provide information about the significance of each egg. There were some eggs in this book that I had never seen in other books, including Imperial easter eggs that apparently have not been part of recent museum tours. I first bought the Christopher Forbes book in paperback, but returned it because I was disappointed with it. I will be keeping this one.

Another Life and The House on the Embankment (European Classics)

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Another Life is Perfect
Dom na Naberezhnoi (House on the Embankment)

Another Life and The House on the Embankment (European Classics)
Yuri Trifonov
Manufacturer: Northwestern University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0810115700

Customer Reviews:

Another Life is Perfect.......2005-08-03

Everyone seems to focus on "House on the Embankment," which is an excellent novella but nowhere near as stunning as "Another Life," which is one of those rare works you can rate "perfect." I suppose "Embankment" gets more attention because it's ostensibly a dangerous attack on Stalinism, although that's just a small part of the story. "Another Life" is a merciless, painful and way-too-familiar account of struggle, pettiness, and failure in a stable, middle-class world. I guess most Americans don't want to read about that because it strikes too close to home. Better to focus on the evils of Stalin, since in the end, it makes us feel good about how civilized we are.

Dom na Naberezhnoi (House on the Embankment).......2002-11-26

The story "House on the Embankment" begins with a man, Glebov, who is middle aged, balding, fat, and seeking to buy some furniture. It is around 1970, in the Soviet Union. While looking for the furniture, he notices an worker who appears familiar to him. It turns out to be a former friend, Shulepa, from his childhood days, who ignores Glebov after the latter calls out to him. Now Glebov is an elite member of Soviet society, so the question is raised as to how this successful academic is associated with this alcoholic loser.

The narrative then goes back to a time long since past, in the 1930s, before the Second World War. It is a tale of Glebov, Shulepa, and several other friends with names like "Bear" and "Walrus" growing up in or around a large apartment building in Moscow known as the "House on the Embankment." The House is a place of residence for those of the privileged class. The children are not much unlike those whom you or I may have grown up with. Trifonov does an excellent job of bringing every character in his novel to life. And there are certainly no shortage of characters in this story.

The narrative then gradually proceeds forward in time, to the War, to the 1950s when Glebov and Shulepa attended College, and finally up to the present time in which the novel began. There are many events which occur over the years, many tragic events; for example the disappearances of people during the Stalin era, and also things like unrequited love. As these events unfold, the reader begins to discover what was the cause of the animosity between Glebov and Shulepa in the beginning of the story. But Shulepa isn't the only one who hates Glebov, this man who has so little character.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this novel is the appearance of a second narrarator. The initial narrator is a 3rd person who is in the background; not an active participant in the events. The second narrator is different--he is actually one of the several friends in the story, and it is the readers' task to discover who the second narrator is. I read this story about 3 times before I narrowed down the choices to two different characters. After the 5th reading, and some research in the secondary literature to back up my conclusion, I discovered who it was. (I won't spoil it for you by telling you who it is here, but if you want to know, you can contact me.) Throughout the novel, these two narrators trade places, one distant and passive, the other one active and passionate in his narrative style.

This is a very beautiful novel, certainly worthy of the name "masterpiece." As I indicated earlier, I read this 5 times, and I found each read as interesting as the previous. Each time that you read it, you discover some subtle point which you missed the last time you read it; this is one of those stories in which the plots are so numerous, it is easy to miss something.

About the only thing that could stand some improvement is the translation of this work from the original Russian. (The original appeared in the literary magazine Druzhba Narodov in Jan. 1976, p.83) The translation is not bad, otherwise I might not give a good review here, however the translator, Glenny, leaves out certain intimacies between characters, and on some occasions, inserts or transforms sentences during the translation, of which I didn't see the necessity. I suffer from the belief that you should retain as much fidelity to the original during your translation, at least to the point where you begin to lose the reader because the expression you are translating does not have an equivalent in the second language.

Book Description

The dramatic tale of the Russian Revolution unfolds from the perspective of its most famous victims: the Romanovs. Witness the final, harrowing days of the royal family through a masterly, vivid, and intimate account written by an acclaimed historian who knew the people and lived through the events firsthand. Among the book's many pleasures: memorable portraits of Witte, Stolypin, Rasputin, and Kerensky, as well as the royals themselves.

Customer Reviews:

Pares' History of the Romanov Downfall.......2003-01-15

While this is dated (1939?) it is a very good look at the last months and days of the Romanov dynasty. Pares was in Russia at the time, so he also brings the focus of an observer on the scene to the book. As a British historian writing between the wars,
and without access to most Russian archives, he does an excellent job of showing the reader these events and personalities from his close observer perspective.

The House of the Dead (Penguin Classics)

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Surviving the House of the Dead
Great Cultural Perspective
Days of fear and hope
"... a life like none other upon earth"- Dostoevsky
The House of the Dead

The House of the Dead (Penguin Classics)
Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140444564

Customer Reviews:

Surviving the House of the Dead.......2007-06-20

The "House of the Dead" is an early semi autobiographical work of Fyodor Dostoevsky, telling the tale of a nobleman who is imprisoned in a labour camp in Siberia for a crime of passion. The tale is semi-autobiographical because Dostoevsky as a young man was also imprisoned in Siberia for being a member of a radical political organisation an experience which was to form and influence his amazing insights and understanding of human nature.

Although not Dostoevsky greatest work "House of the Dead" is still a fascinating portrait of life in the Tsarist gulags system - a life of great hardship and deprivation yet filled with simple moments of humanity showing mankinds ability to adapt and survive in the most extreme of circumstances. Dostoevsky tells his story in a chronological order from his characters arrival as a new alienated and withdrawn noble to his gradual adjustment to prison and the return of hope as he realises that he can survive and will have a life after the completion of his term.

It is also interesting to read House of the Dead in conjunction with later works such as One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn dealing with the gulag system in communist times to see the continuation of the institution despite the changing of social regimes.

Great Cultural Perspective.......2006-12-07

Mr Dostoyevsky spent four years in prison under the most horrific of conditions, with inadequate food and shelter, and little or no privacy. He treats each prisoner he meets with respect and even though they have committed heinous crimes he recognizes that people are capable of redemption and are entitled to live with dignity. The book reflects upon his powers of observation and his fellow men who have slipped into misfortune. As usual much humor and insight into the human condition, a wonderful book.

Days of fear and hope.......2006-05-19

Fyodor Dostoyevsky's "The House of the Dead" is one of the most powerful narratives about life in prison. A quasi-autobiographical work, the writer used the days he spent in Siberia prison to create powerful moments of sadness, fear and hope. Not many were able to be released from there, but he was one of them, and with this work he reminds everyone what it is about to be a political prisoner.

"The House of the Dead" may not be one of best works from this Russian writer, who produced masterpieces such as "Crime an Punishment" and "The Brothers Karamazov", but still it is a vivid account of hard times. Many scenes are unforgettable, and resonate to the condition that many people live today around the world - think of the soup that the prisoners have in the first part of the book, for instance.

Dostoyevsky manages to create a living portray of many people who are forced to share the same place at the same time, however much they can't stand each other. He is able to bring to life both human beings and animals. His description of his meeting with a dog can bring tears to the eyes of the most tough reader.

David McDuff's translation is superb, and so is Penguin Classics edition. The book is complemented by notes on the text and a excellent introduction. However, as happens to many books in this collection, it is advisable to read the introduction after reading the novel, because it may have spoilers.

"... a life like none other upon earth"- Dostoevsky.......2006-05-11

In this book, the narrator shares a part of his imprisonment experience in Siberia in the 1850s.

He describes the inmates in his barrack with remarkable perception and insight. Most importantly, he rises above the question of moral and character, resulting in a broader implication of his discoveries in the prison. There is a preoccupation with what it means to be human in conditions that constrict the full potential of man. The lack of homogeneity among the convicts, much less humankind in general, is paradoxical to the fact the man everywhere is essentially the same regardless of what social fetters are set on him. The destitute and the tender circumstances that mark a man's life only make him stronger and more desperate in violently reign in life to make it his own.

Although the narrator's own moral framework is present, it is often overshadowed by his own curiosity to learn about the forces that make man who he is. His characters are without categories, without good or evil but they make you laugh bitterly, smile sardonically and hang on askance. Everyone's life has its complications but the most elusive kinds are those about human nature, the choices one takes, the unexplainable behaviors in man. While situations always resolve itself with time, human is quite an irresolvable puzzle. And all these you can find in a typical Dostoevsky's works, The House of the Dead is second only to Crime and Punishment.

For these reasons, this book is worth your time and money.

The House of the Dead.......2005-09-03

The House of the Dead is a somewhat autobiographical account of Dostoevsky's time in a Siberian labor camp. It was written after Dostoevsky spent 4 years in a labor camp for belonging to a political group that Czar Nicolas I decided to make an example of. While the book is narrated from the point of view of a 3rd party, incarcerated for the murder of his wife, it is widely accepted that the stories and characters are based on events and people that Dostoevsky encountered while in Siberia.

It is similarly noted that much of Dostoevsky's later works, including Crime and Punishment, deal with aspects of the human condition that he witnessed while in Siberia. The depths of depravity to which a man can sink, the evil he can commit, and the rationality that can exist in such an irrational place all play a part in the development of Dostoevsky's later characters and topics. An interesting thing to note is that he concerns himself not only with his fellow prisoners, but also with the guards, and the governor of the prison, and that oftentimes it is these characters that are more evil than the men they are guarding.

I found the book interesting, if a bit bland at times. The biggest challenge for me was keeping track of all the characters, and trying to remember their stories as sometimes Dostoevsky would mention a character in passing, give a few details about this person, and then say something like "but I will speak of him more later" and leave you hanging for a few hundred pages before getting back to him. The characters were very well developed, and great detail is given on all of them.

If you enjoyed any of Dostoevsky's later works, then you will most likely enjoy this as well, and I can recommend it easily. It reads more like a diary than a novel, but I found that this format suited the stories nicely. Readers who are new to Dostoevsky, will also find this a good place to start as it is very straightforward, and acts as an excellent backdrop for the rest of his work.

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The best and succinct introduction to structuralism and form

The Prison-House of Language
Fredric Jameson
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0691013160

Customer Reviews:

The best and succinct introduction to structuralism and form.......2001-12-28

I'm surprised with the fact that nobody wrote the review on this book.
As far as I've read on structuralism, this is the best, easy, succinct overview of structuralism. yep. the part 2 of this book is on the formalism. but my major is not literature. so I have no sufficient knowledge to assess the quality of that part. but as far as I 've read Jameson's books, it won't be the second to none. It's amazing how he could manage to write in such short volume to be understandable to layman. Jamesons's theoretical position is not that sympathetic to the tenet of structuralism. his orientation is Marxist. His assessment of structuralism betrays the title, 'The prison-house of langauge. his point is not that simple or vulgar as Terry Eagleton's. Jameson tried to syntehsize the point of Marxism's political approach, hermeneutics, and formalist approach of structuralism in his master piece, 'Political Unconsciuousness'. and his evaluation of structuralism does not lose intellectual fairness.

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enjoyable
Another Great One!
Pella and Phillips continue to please!
The Series is Still Going Strong!
A House Divided

A House Divided (The Russians, Book 2)
Michael Phillips , and Judith Pella
Manufacturer: Bethany House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1556611730

Book Description

The Heroes Have Returned...But the Turmoil Rages On

As the war in the Balkans draws to its bitter and devastating close, Prince Sergi returns to St. Petersburg and to his love, the young servant Anna Burenin. But the battles still rages—both within Sergi's heart and in the revolution that threatens to overthrow the tsar's tenuous control over his vast empire.

Anna's brother Paul, disillusioned with a peasant's lot in tsarist Russia, joins with his revolutionary friends. Yet even as he seeks to make a difference for the future of his beloved Motherland, his violent actions may endanger the life of the sister he loves so well.

Torn between love for her family and devotion to the Fedorcenko family, Anna faces life-changing decisions. Her faith in God and His intervention is all that supports her as she stands in the gap to keep her loved ones—and all of Russia—from becoming…a house divided.

Customer Reviews:

enjoyable.......2006-08-02

I am reading through the Russians series. I enjoyed the first book and was dying to begin the second. The story line is interesting and the characters have depth. But what I enjoy the most is the accurate history woven throughout the story. You feel as if you are in Russia during the 1800's. I also value the Christian undertones. I have read other Christian fiction and many of the works come off as preachy, including lenthy sermons and life lessons. This book weaves religion into the story and gives you an appreciation for the characters and their strength and faith during the difficult time period.

Another Great One!.......2004-07-11

After reading the first book in the series, I rushed to the library to get the second one. I was immediately engrossed in the story of the Burenins and the Fedorcenkos. Prince Sergei returns from the war to Anna, but quickly leaves to try to cope with the terrible things he saw during the war. Anna's brother, Paul, runs away to St. Petersburg and becomes even more involved with the revolutionary cause. Yevno Burenin, Anna's father, becomes ill and she must return to her home in the peasant village of Katyk. Prince Sergei comes to Katyk to help Anna and her family before returning to his home once again. Princess Katrina becomes involved with a dangerous revolutionary, but she will not listen to others who try to warn her of the peril she is in. Another beautifully written book in The Russians series. If you loved the first one, you will definitely love this one just as much if not more!

Pella and Phillips continue to please!.......2002-08-23

Book two of the Russians series has action, romance, friendship and best of all, an interesting storyline.

This series is typically categorized by bookstores as "religious fiction". I will say that there is an underlying message about God (after all religion plays a huge part of Russian history) but it was simply woven into the story subtly and relevantly. I have read other Pella books and found this to be the case with them as well.

This book was the start of my infatuation with historical fiction and I am thankful for it. I do recommend all seven in the series with five stars - read them, although it may take a while!

The Series is Still Going Strong!.......2002-07-10

As you probably guessed after reading my review of the first book in the "Russians" series, I grabbed the second one up as quickly as I could...and I certainly wasn't disappointed. The book begins right where the first one left off, and it quickly presents us with new changes and challenges that the chracters are facing. Prince Sergei and Anna's relationship is a major component of this novel-it is talked about more than it was in the first novel. Paul Burenin, Anna's brother, also takes a much bigger part in this novel, and his revolutionary ideas that had begun to take root in the last novel are now the only causes he's living for. I thought the authors did an excellent job of portraying Paul and his conflicting thoughts about sacrifices for the revolutionary cause, and his anguished wonderings about what lengths he will go to as he fights for change. And Katrina's love life takes a few new turns...but I can't really say anymore. All I can say is that, if anything, the history in this book is more masterfully blended into the story than it was in the last book, and anyone who loved the first book in this series MUST read the second!

A House Divided.......2001-12-07

After reading the book A House Divided by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella, I learned that it was really an interesting love story. It takes place in St. Petersburg, Russia. Anna Burenin is a young servant girl who goes through many trials and tribulations. She is torn between the man she loves and her family, hence the name A House Divided. If you have a hard time following stories I would not recommend this book for you unless you don't mind taking notes. Personally, I think that book is worth taking notes.

Anna's love interest is Prince Sergei who's reign over his vast empire is being threatened by a revolution. Anna's brother Paul is part of the revolution to overthrow the Prince's reign and win back the Motherland. Although she loves her brother dearly and doesn't want to tear her family apart, she understands that what her brother is doing is very wwwwrong. Anna knows in her heart that Prince Sergei doesn't deserve the way he's being treated. Anna also faces the reality that her best friend Katrina is in love with the Prince too. The only person Anna can rely on now is God. Her faith and trust in God is all she has top get her through this.

Will she choose a great new future with her Prince or will she choose her family who raised her and has always been there for her? I think that the decision will definitely suprise you.

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