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 Modern Gentleman: A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy & Vice

Average customer rating:

Manners, plus a little more.
good book
A most appropriate tome.
Etiquette 101
good laugh, not much else

The Modern Gentleman: A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy & Vice
Phineas Mollod , and Jason Tesauro
Manufacturer: Ten Speed Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1580084303

Book Description

The Modern Gentleman A Guide to Essential Manners, Savvy & Vice by Phineas Mollod and Jason Tesauro "A man may possess expensive duds, slick wheels, and a tongue to match, but these are not the prerequisites of a gentleman. A gentleman is defined by how he carries himself in fairways and stormy climes. A student of the classics and a pilot of the new, he recommends sizzling reads, pays his gambling debts, mans the grill, and curbs his dog. Reserved, flamboyant, or likely somewhere in between, a gentleman's charisma is cultivated, not canned. He fosters an infectious comfort in others as they quietly marvel at his manner and his hats, from the erudite bowler to the plucky fedora. Little charms performed thoughtfully ensure that inevitable faux pas are measured against a graceful reputation. He can be trusted with his word and your wife."

So begins THE MODERN GENTLEMAN, a visually stimulating, rib-tickling, thought-provoking sourcebook of manners and mischief for the 21st-century male. The book offers a panoramic snapshot of the gentleman: witty and poignant, traditional but spontaneous, flirtatious yet courting. Discussions range from the classic (Motoring, Oenophilia) and serious (Secrets & Lies, The Good Husband), to the racy (Kink & Fetish, To the Power of 3) and silly (Bumper Stickers, Fonzarelli Moves & Legerdemain ). And since it is inevitable that a gentleman will dabble in the friskier areas of excess, trouble, and chance, the book's naughty nucleus, "The Potent Gentleman," explores leisure and dalliance, from alcohol and snuff to recreational botanicals and sex.

All men aspire to be perpetually dapper, fluent in three languages, and hit 300-yard drives off the blue tees, not to mention quote poetry by the stanza and win a back-alley scrap. However, there is a dashing plateau more desirable than Hollywood perfection, a level of gallantry that makes one stand out, even in the elevator. So knot up your ascot, pour a glass of sherry, and crack open the MODERN GENTLEMAN: your Man Cycle is peaking.

Customer Reviews:

Manners, plus a little more. .......2007-10-09

I found this book very entertaining, quite useful and I recommend it highly. For those of you who are aspiring to be a gentlemen, just looking for some fatherly advice, or wish to brush up on how a modern gentleman carries himself, this text has it all. The authors gave an astonishingly educated outlook of the goings on of the modern gentleman in an informative instruction manual without the antiquated feel of an etiquette book.
However, it is true what most of the other reviewers say, "The contents and teachings of this book are mostly common sense", but then again, we all need to be reminded of manners and golden rule commonalities - shouldn't we?

good book.......2007-02-06

fast shipping, book is more of a guide for just neat stuff to know its funny i think, but also has good ideas.

A most appropriate tome........2007-01-26

In this day and age, it seems like so many of our bretheren have forgotton what it means to be a Gentleman. How to act, how to dress, how to BE. This post-mtv youtube-napster generation has absolutely no idea on what it means to be a MAN. A GENTLEman. They need a guide. They need only to follow the light. This book, is the light! In it, you, the common man, will read and learn what it means to be a true Gentleman. How to behave in public situations, how you should treat romantic possibilities, how to dress to make mother proud! Yes, you'll find all that and more, in this dear book. Every man needs to have this in their library. Refer to it now and again to assure that you, too, are a GENTLEMAN.

Etiquette 101.......2006-12-21

This is a great book for any young or older man. It covers topics as varied as "how to do your laundry" to "the proper way to excuse yourself during a coughing attack at dinner". I thought this would be a fun book for a bathroom read, but it actually provides some very good and honest insight. Picture this book as worldly advice your father should have given you.

good laugh, not much else.......2006-07-13

mildly humorous, yet nearly completely devoid of useful information. imaginative language: keep a dictionary on hand. look here if seeking a few good laughs from a couple of witty fellas, dont if pursuing applicable advice.

The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (Modern Library Classics)

Average customer rating:

Hail o American sage!!!
Nietzsche's Mentor
I do NOT recommend buying the Kessinger edition....
A Life Companion
A Great Writer, to Say the Least

The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson (Modern Library Classics)
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Manufacturer: Modern Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Essays | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0679783229
Release Date: 2000-09-12

Book Description

The definitive collection of Emerson's major speeches, essays, and poetry, The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson chronicles the life's work of a true "American Scholar."

As one of the architects of the transcendentalist movement, Emerson embraced a philosophy that championed the individual, emphasized independent thought, and prized "the splendid labyrinth of one's own perceptions." More than any writer of his time, he forged a style distinct from his European predecessors and embodied and defined what it meant to be an American. Matthew Arnold called Emerson's essays "the most important work done in prose."

Customer Reviews:

Hail o American sage!!!.......2006-08-17

Glory to thee o Emerson.
Hail o poet philosopher!
Look, look...Even CICERO bows to thee!
Demosthones presents thy laurel!!

Emerson know some truth, yes, yes...and wasn't I told of this fact, yes I was but I ran away until I could bear the truth no longer of Emerson's greatness...

Emerson...friend, friend

Nietzsche's Mentor.......2006-06-20

Ralph Waldo Emerson could be called America's first Great Man of Letters (sorry Washington Irving). He is the one who started the transendentalist movement in America, influenced Whitman and Thoreau to name a few, and was one of the first framers of the idea and the character of the American man.

This very generous volume contains the best selection of Emerson's essays, poems and other writings to give to the reader the image of a great poet-philosopher.

Particularly the modern library volume, which is the one I spoke of, this volume contains commentary from Emerson's contemporaries such as the Great Matthew Arnold!

And of course, for all of you Nietzsche lovers out there, as a boy, Nietzsche loved Emerson's writings and you can even see some of Emerson's ideas and words in the writings of Nietzsche.

I do NOT recommend buying the Kessinger edition...........2006-06-01

I'm a long-time buyer of Amazon's products, but lately I am seeing that they may have a quality control problem! The book "Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson", published by Kessinger (ISBN: 1425341438) does not deserve more than one star, although there are other Emerson compilations (including the Modern Library Classics version with the same title) that are undoubtedly fine.

Amazon seems to have a strange methodology/algorithm for placing some of its books first in "relevance", and I am a little suspicious as to what criteria they are using. Furthermore, you may have noticed that the specific reviews of books now are often reviews of a different printing/edition than the one listed along with said reviews.

At any rate, the Kessinger "booklet" is a thin,cheaply made, 60 page paperback that includes short excerpts of a few of Emerson's writings, and is hardly more than a xerox-type copy, sandwiched within a glossy cover....

Not only that, but the Modern Library Classics' version costs less than the inferior Kessinger printing...

A Life Companion.......2006-03-01

I think it is probably safe to assert that to read Emerson is to be forever indebted to him. His wording, his clearness of thought, his determination, his warmth... He has all the qualities one could ask for in a writer, and all one could ask for in a mentor. Nietzsche held Emerson's books the closest, and said they were above his praise; Borges added "Whitman and Poe have overshadowed Emerson's glory, as inventors, as founders of cults; line by line, they are inferior to him". James, the very Whitman, Proust, Frost, have all also praised him sincerely. Judging from other reviews, the love for Emerson hasn't diminished, more than a century after his passing.

For those who are not familiar with his works, it should be noted that Emerson is, without a doubt, a very unique writer. I was surprised when I realized that there is more poetry in his philosophy than in most verse books, yet he is always lucid; and that his poems, although hued by an impressive depth of thought, remain always passionate. He was renown as a brilliant lecturer, and his essays have all the force and simplicity of the oral form. Few people are so rich in memorable aphorisms, and one finds a treasure of a quote in every sentence: "A drop is a small ocean"; "We are not built like a ship to be tossed, but like a house to stand"; "Whoso be a man, must be a non conformist"; "Punishment is a fruit that unsuspected ripens within the pleasure which concealed it"...

Those looking for a good introduction to Emerson can't do wrong buying this Modern Library Edition. In fact, those who are familiar with Emerson but are looking for an inexpensive paperback to carry around probably should pick this one up too. It includes all his major works; a very generous selection of his lesser writings; 23 poems, and a great introduction by Mary Oliver. I was a little puzzled when I saw that they included very little from Representative Men and kept English Traits in its entirety, instead of the other way round. It then occurred to me that in English Traits one gets a glimpse of the journal-writer, the philosopher, and the poet interwoven all in one. Those looking for a more complete, durable edition of Emerson's works should probably go with the Library of America ed. (2 volumes), or the very expensive and very thorough Centenary ed. (12 volumes!!). You can easily find all his oeuvre on the internet, though, so you don't need to buy book after book just to glean everything he wrote in his lifetime.

To put it simply, if you have any interest in philosophy, literature, poetry, religion, or life, read Emerson. You may not be convinced by his arguments, but there's no point in nodding your way through a book. What remains after you finish reading it is what counts, and few writers can be found whose works are as pervasive and fondly remembered as Emerson's are.

A Great Writer, to Say the Least.......2005-11-05

I remember dreading having to read Emerson in college. However, when I read "The Poet," I was hooked. He weaves such power and emotion into his works. I was often brought to tears. Life is so beautiful, and everything is so obtainable to him. We need only listen to the world to obtain the answers. These are only a few of the breathtaking philosophies that he blesses the reader with. I would recommend this collection to anyone willing to take the time to comprehend it. It will change you life, only if in a small way.

The Essential Peirce: Selected Philosophical Writings, 1893-1913

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The Essential Peirce: Selected Philosophical Writings, 1893-1913
Charles S. Peirce
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0253211905

Essentials of Modern Business Statistics (with CD-ROM)

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yup, its a text book alright

Essentials of Modern Business Statistics (with CD-ROM)
David R. Anderson , Dennis J. Sweeney , and Thomas A. Williams
Manufacturer: South-Western College Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Statistics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Study Guide for Anderson/Sweeney/Williams' Essentials of Modern Business Statistics, 3rd

ASIN: 0324312849

Book Description

From the renowned author team that has been writing market-leading business statistics textbooks for more than 20 years, ESSENTIALS OF MODERN BUSINESS STATISTICS, 3e provides a brief introduction to business statistics that balances a conceptual understanding of statistics with the real-world application of statistical methodology. The latest version of Microsoft Excel is integrated throughout the text, showing step-by-step instructions and screen captures to enhance student learning. The Third Edition contains the same student learning features that have made ASW products best-sellers for years; features include the problem-scenario approach and real-world examples that introduce statistical techniques.

Customer Reviews:

yup, its a text book alright.......2007-07-04

it's a text book. i needed it for class. if you need it for class too, then i'm sure it'll work out great.

Thich Nhat Hanh: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series)

Average customer rating:

Being in the present moment
Great Book
Spirituality Made Simple
This volume has it all
powerfull

Thich Nhat Hanh: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series)
Thich Nhat Hanh
Manufacturer: Orbis Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1570753709

Amazon.com

Considering the huge number of books that beloved Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh has put out, we really need a "best of" collection. Here we have it, in Thich Nhat Hanh: Essential Writings, which brings together snippets from Nhat Hanh's poetry, his Christian-Buddhist dialogues, his introductions to Buddhist sutras, and of course, his own well-spoken takes on core Buddhist ideas. If there is one word that sums up Nhat Hahn's Buddhism, it is "interbeing," the name he gave to his own monastic order. Being fully present in the moment is mindfulness, and interdependence tells how all things are intimately connected, the understanding of which encourages us to engage the world at every moment. Sister Annabel Laity, a master in her own right who has received transmission from Nhat Hanh, provides a brief but illuminating biography of Nhat Hanh for this collection, along with insightful introductions to each of the chapters. Themes that order the chapters are those that run through all of Nhat Hahn's teachings: mindfulness, compassion, delicate attention to detail, patience, and forgiveness. For those interested in this Zen monk's life and works, Essential Writings is essential reading. --Brian Bruya

Customer Reviews:

Being in the present moment.......2007-08-27

If you haven't read anything by Thich Nhat Hanh, this would be the book you want to read first. Gradually, the reader enters into the peaceful realm of this gentle teacher. From short, but meaningful essays to beautiful poetry, the journey through this collection is one that provides material to live by. The book concludes with the fourteen mindfulness trainings. My personal favorite is #7 which begins "Aware that life is available only in the present moment and that it is possible to live happily in the here and now,..." Enjoy!

Great Book.......2007-04-02

Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the best writers in Buddhist litature. I prefer him over any one else. This is a great introduction to his work. Thich Nhat Hanh breaks down the most basic and difficult teaching of Buddhism in simple terms that can be applied easly to everday life. I recomend this book to any one and everyone.

Spirituality Made Simple.......2007-02-11

This is a wonderful little book that makes everyday spirituality very simple to pursue and achieve. Through awareness and joy we can learn to treasure each moment of our lives and Thay gently points us in the direction to go so we may find those seemingly elusive treasures. This is a sweet, simple message for very mean and complicated times and comes through like a ray of sunlight after a terrible storm. It reminds us that life is good, there is love and beauty in the world, and we have it within us to find them.

This volume has it all.......2007-02-10

If you want to own one concise volume of Thich Nhat Hanh, this is it. It pulls together lessons from many of his earlier writings, and like the title says, his most essential writings are within these pages.

powerfull.......2007-01-21

I've been practicing a peaceful lifestyle for a few years now and it's been sort of an up and down path. Since I started reading this book it has gotten me back on track. I take so much joy in everything I do now. This book is absolutely incredible. I wish everyone in the world could read it.

The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism (Modern Library Classics)

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The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism (Modern Library Classics)
Bernard Mcginn
Manufacturer: Modern Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812974212
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Book Description

This clear and comprehensive anthology, culled from the vast corpus of Christian mystical literature by the renowned theologian and historian Bernard McGinn, presents nearly one hundred selections, from the writings of Origen of Alexandria in the third century to the work of twentieth-century mystics such as Thomas Merton.

Uniquely organized by subject rather than by author, The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism explores how human life is transformed through the search for direct contact with God. Part one examines the preparation for encountering God through biblical interpretation and prayer; the second part focuses on the mystics’ actual encounters with God; and part three addresses the implications of the mystical life, showing how mystics have been received over time, and how they practice their faith through private contemplation and public actions.

In addition to his illuminating Introduction, Bernard McGinn provides accessible headnotes for each section, as well as numerous biographical sketches and a selected bibliography.

Praise for The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism
“No one is better equipped than Bernard McGinn to provide a thorough and balanced guide to this vast literature….This is an anthology which deserves to be read not only by those who study Christian history and theology, but by believers who long to deepen their own lives of prayer and service.” -- Anglican Theological Review

“Bernard McGinn, a preeminent historian and interpreter of the Christian mystical tradition, has edited this fine collection of mystical writings, organizing them thematically....McGinn offers helpful introductions to each thematic section, author and entry, as well as a brief critical bibliography on mysticism. Published in the Modern Library Classic series, this is a great value.” – Christian Century

"No-one is better equipped than Professor McGinn to provide a thorough and balanced guide to this vast literature. A first-class selection, by a first-class scholar." -- Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

“This accessible anthology by the scholarly world’s leading historian of the Western Christian mystical tradition easily outstrips all others in its comprehensiveness, the aptness of its selection of texts, and in the intelligent manner of its organization.” -- Denys Turner, Horace Tracy Pitkin Professor of Historical Theology, Yale Divinity School

"An immensely rich anthology, assembled and introduced by our foremost student of mysticism. Both the scholar and the disciple will find God’s plenty here." -- Barbara Newman, Professor of English, Religion, and Classics, John Evans Professor of Latin, Northwestern University

"An unusually clear and insightful exposition of major texts selected by one of the greatest scholars in the field of Christian mysticism, based on his vast erudition and uniquely sensitive interpretation. Like his other books, this one too is destined to become a classic.” -- Professor Moshe Idel, Hebrew University, Jerusalem

The Essential Ken Wilber: An Introductory Reader.

Average customer rating:

Brain Food and Heart Energy
Wonderful, short, and easy to access
A good Introduction
A Taste of Wilber's Work
thought provoking

The Essential Ken Wilber: An Introductory Reader.
Ken Wilber
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1570623791
Release Date: 1998-09-14

Book Description

Ever since the publication of his first book, The Spectrum of Consciousness, written when he was twenty-three, Ken Wilber has been identified as the most comprehensive philosophical thinker of our times. This introductory sampler, designed to acquaint newcomers with his work, contains brief passages from his most popular books, ranging over a variety of topics, including levels of consciousness, mystical experience, meditation practice, death, the perennial philosophy, and Wilber's integral approach to reality, integrating matter, body, mind, soul, and spirit. Here is Wilber's writing at its most reader-friendly, discussing essential ideas of the world's great psychological, philosophical, and spiritual traditions in language that is lucid, engaging, and inspirational.

Customer Reviews:

Brain Food and Heart Energy.......2004-07-31

Ken Wilber's writings are a new discovery for me and his passionate intellect has my neurons sparking and fizzing like electric Alka-Seltzer.

As a grad student in the Humanities at FSU I'm a doing a Directed Independent Study this summer on the works of Wilber, and I am so impressed with this passionate thinker that I'm shouting my endorsement from this electronic mountaintop. It is now apparent to me that no modern scholar can be up-to-date in the world of anthropology, history, sociology, psychology, religion, economics, politics, humanities, science and mysticism without becoming at least familiar with the comprehensive synthesis of ALL these fields managed with profound insight by this American genius. Although there are many in academia who have not yet heard of Ken Wilber, I predict with great confidence that the man's work is going to be studied for centuries to come. We have the opportunity to explore his ideas as his contemporaries. Already, the universities of Pennsylvania, Indiana and several others offer courses in his work, called "integral psychology." Many more universities will follow.

I am not idolizing Wilber, so don't misunderstand my enthusiasm. Nonetheless, I would say that his partial take on the truth is a vaster, richer parcel than I have seen in many years of being interested in comparative philosophy, mythology and religion.

Wonderful, short, and easy to access.......2004-02-06

Ken Wilber has made many inspiring observations about spirituality, philosophy, psychology, politics, history, you name it. His work is very unique in that he attempts to integrate the various theories and research findings in such a wide variety of fields of inquiry as has never been done before. This book is a very good introduction to the basics of this all-encompassing theory. Even though Wilber has lots to say about everything, this book boils it down to the few crucial points necessary to understand the basic framework of his theory. Another writer who integrates some of these ideas excellently at a smaller scale (focusing mostly on psychology and spirituality) is Toru Sato. His book "The Ever-Transcending Spirit" is an amazing one in this regard! I would recommend that book in addition to this one if you are a novice interested in theories that integrate many fields of inquiry.

A good Introduction.......2002-03-21

A great introduction to Ken Wilber. An overview of his main ideas as well as some material from his new book "One Taste". Easily Recommended

A Taste of Wilber's Work.......2001-04-10

This book is misleadingly titled, in that it does not, in my opinion, contain the essential core of Ken Wilber's thought. It's not even a greatest hits collection. What this book is most useful for is to dip one's toe into Wilber's vast and brilliant work in order to see if it's worth one's time to more thoroughly investigate his work. If you want to take the word of many of the most profound thinkers of this time that Ken Wilber is doing some of the most comprehensive and important thinking and writing of anyone alive today, then skip this book and proceed directly to "A Brief History of Everything." That book is more like the essential Ken Wilber in that it is a succinct and accessible, but fairly comprehensive summary of his system of integral theory. "A Theory of Everything," a more recent book, is KW's own choice for the "best" introduction to his work. Both those books, although not as technical and dense as much of his lengthier work (and aimed at a more popular readership), are still reasonably demanding and linear in exposition.

"The Essential Ken Wilber" is a collection of excerpts from his other books. It is organized in bite-sized parcels that can be read and thought about, picking the book up and putting it back down, without your feeling like you have to plow through the whole thing or you'll lose the thread. It will give you a tantalizing taste of his thinking and his writing style without having to work too hard to get it. If you have read any of KW's other work, you don't need this one. Instead, buy and read any of his other books you haven't gotten to yet.

If you have not yet read Ken Wilber, what's all the fuss about? This book will give you some clues. Suffice it to say here (see my reviews of ABHE and ATOE for a more detailed overview) is that if you are interested in philosophy, mysticism, or a scientific, social or political approach to understanding human nature and the deep truths of existence, and wonder how any or all of these (and many other) approaches to those subjects might fit together, KW is the person who is contributing the most of anyone today to anwering that question. Although the title of this book may not accurately describe its contents, it does accurately describe its author.

thought provoking.......2000-07-26

this was the first book i read by ken wilber. i have seen some comments by readers of other titles saying that they found him egotistical, but i thoroughly enjoyed & savored this book...no one owns the truth and when you see/hear it, you know it, regardless of who presents it, and i don't think that really matters. anyways, it was just right for starters...not too technical but definitely not trivial...enlightening & thought provoking.

The Essential Dewey: Ethics, Logic, Psychology

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The Essential Dewey: Ethics, Logic, Psychology
John Dewey , Larry Hickman , and Thomas M. Alexander
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Ethics & Morality | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Logic & Language | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Modern | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0253211859

Thomas Merton: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series)

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ORBIS SENDS US THIS VERY USEFUL SAMPLER BUT GET THE PRIMARY SOURCES
An Introduction?
not the best collection of writings
Powerful! Just what I needed in a period of confusion!
Powerful! Just what I needed in a period of confusion!

Thomas Merton: Essential Writings (Modern Spiritual Masters Series)
Thomas Merton
Manufacturer: Orbis Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Monasticism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1570753318

Customer Reviews:

ORBIS SENDS US THIS VERY USEFUL SAMPLER BUT GET THE PRIMARY SOURCES.......2006-11-16

We must ever be grateful to the long standing Catholic Publisher Orbis Books, an arm of the MAryknoll Missioner Society, for the excellent catalogue it has developed over the decades. What Orbis published in the eighties is without compare in the world of CAtholic printings, yet much is now lost and no longer available, tragically, as long gone as Pope Paul VI's crucial encyclical Populorum Progressio, also no longer available. See instead the NAtional COnference of Catholic Bishop's own Economic Justice for All.

With that opening salute to Orbis Books, please support their excellent work by receiving gratefully this wonderful sampler of Merton's prolific and prophetic writings. But I urge you to use this as springboard into the corpus itself. Amazon may be the only source left of much of his original writings, and the reader is urged heartfully to search this mighty amazon for all of the Merton you can. Or simply one text, perhaps the one concerning War in the Post-Christian world, or the Letter to a Young Activist, or of course New Seeds of Contemplation, or his study of the Zen Masters.

Orbis is correct, as always. We need this sampler, as finding one particular text of Merton is so difficult. If you are stranded on a desert island, better this sampler than a limited Merton Library.

They say the great intellectual and spiritual Pope Paul VI always flew with trunks full of books, just in case. This is one book to take with you on your journey.

Try, please, to study Merton as he prepared his work for publication, and not in bits and pieces. Thomas Harte certainly helped prepare useful texts post-humously after his assassination in 1968. Study also if you are able the wonderful works of the good priest, Father Ernesto Cardenal, who studied under Merton in his Trappist novitiate, writing poems together until forbidden as un-monkly in the military Abbot's limited perception. In particular, Cardenal's Image Book To Live is to Love is excellent food for contemplation, especially and above all for its super-imposed introduction by Merotn himself.

An Introduction?.......2006-04-18

For some this book may be an introduction. For others, like myself, it may be more insight on a spiritual journey. Wherever you are, Thomas Merton has no intention of handing out free tickets. He was, and still is a mystic. He offers suggestions, and he teaches. His words are guidance, and they give direction. Some will accept them and understand, others will not. If you pick up this book looking for answers to your questions you may only find more questions. Instead, just contemplate on the words he speaks. All books by and about him offer a glimpse of who he was, and what he was/is trying to convey. You'll get out of this book whatever you put into it, and nothing more. He is my mentor, and he can be yours.

not the best collection of writings.......2005-02-26

I wasn't too impressed with this book -- it doesn't flow very well as a whole. Perhaps a good intro to Merton, but I prefer just reading his writings in whole.

Powerful! Just what I needed in a period of confusion!.......2001-11-02

I am a Catholic who returned to my faith via Eastern ideas of a God of all being. At times I have difficulty aligning my beliefs with those of the Catholic faith, although the strongest truths of Catholosism a believe. Merton helps me bridge this gap and helps me to see the I can be Catholic and believe in that deeper, more existential God. This book was invaluable!

Powerful! Just what I needed in a period of confusion!.......2001-11-02

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