Book Description
Why is it that our current twenty-first century a.d. is so similar to the twenty-first century
B.C.? At a time when religious fanaticism and a clash of civilizations raise the specter of a nuclear Armageddon, many ask: Is history destined to repeat itself? What does the future hold? Will biblical prophecies come true, and if so, when?
Ever since Zecharia Sitchin, in his first trailblazing book The 12th Planet, brought to life the Sumerian civilization and its record of the Annunaki—the extraterrestrials who had come to Earth from their planet Nibiru, fashioned mankind, and gave us civilization and religion—questions have abounded. Are the ancient gods still here, or did they leave? Will they return? What will happen then? Will there be another Deluge or Apocalypse when Nibiru meets Earth? What about “Planet X” and the Mayan 2012? What about Jesus?
In The End of Days, a masterwork that required thirty years of additional research, Sitchin dares to give the answers by presenting compelling new evidence that the Past is the Future—that mankind and its planet Earth are subject to a predetermined cyclical Celestial Time.
Tracing historical events from the messianic fervor and use of nuclear weapons in the twenty-first century
B.C., Sitchin resolves ancient enigmas like the Nazca Lines or the origin and significance of the Cross, the Fishes, and the Chalice, places in context the events of the Last Supper and hidden clues like those in Da Vinci's painting, explains the space-related reasons for the everlasting centrality of Jerusalem, and—following in the footsteps of Sir Isaac Newton—deciphers the Time Code in the books of Daniel and Revelation and of the Day of the Lord and the End of Days prophecies.
In this remarkable and relevant conclusion to his bestselling The Earth Chronicles series, Sitchin shatters perceptions and uses history to reveal what is to come at The End of Days.
Customer Reviews:
Awesome FICTIONAL work........2007-09-26
What a great story! From a purely fictional point of view that is. But please don't take Mr. Sitchin seriously. Yes, he's done a lot of work and he's very passionate and I believe HE believes all that's in his books. But if you want facts, follow the work of true scholars.
There are plenty of reviews on this book and even more opinions I'm sure.
What's more important than a review is a call to reason. People - please... Just because you want or need to believe something is true doesn't mean that it is. When dealing with history and languages, I would highly recommend reviewing the work of true and accomplished scholars. Do this and you will likely get complete (as much as is possible) and the most accurate picture of the past as one can.
His credentials in no way qualify him to make such claims. If nothing else, look at his credentials and ask yourself how is this man qualified to make such claims?
I drive a fancy sports car and can give you the exact specs on the engine and body, from top to bottom. I could WOW the best of them with all the tech talk about the engine, transmission, suspension, etc. I could even carry on a detailed conversation with the mechanic if I had to. But I can tell you with certainty that if I was given a shop full of tools all to myself I couldn't fix my fancy sports car if it broke.
If you take your car into the shop be worked on, do you want the guy who talks like he knows what he's doing working on your car or do you want the guy with all the certificates on the wall that's PROVEN he knows what he's doing working on your car?
This is the case with Mr. Sitchin and his books. He talks a good line but has no credentials to prove he's anything more than just a fanciful talker.
Mr. Sitchin graduated from the University of London, majoring in economic history and he was a journalist and editor in Israel. How does this make him an expert in ancient Hebrew and the old Testament? In Sumerian culture? IMHO, this is a classic case of someone learning enough about an ancient language "to be dangerous". He absolutely sounds like he knows what he's talking about and sadly that fools a whole lot of people.
Like many, I was very taken initially with his ideas. But too much didn't add up. After months of research I was quite disappointed to realize that the basis of at least some of his theories (the ones I researched anyway) were too full of holes to be true.
There is an upside though - this a GREAT fictional story!
Real seekers of truth will check multiple sources and validate claims from many different sources. Do this and in time you will find the truth.
If you are looking to be entertained, look no further.
A LITTLE BIT CONFUSING..........2007-09-13
The book somewhat confused me because of some claims. The author also states that the reader should read his other books to understand this book clearly. Nevertheless, I still admire Zecharia Sitchin for all his efforts.
A Keeper.......2007-09-06
Buying a book is one thng haveing it be worth the storage space another. This is worth the storage space.
Creative .......2007-08-27
Sitchin can spin a tale of fiction that is inspired to say the least. He is universally hated in the astronomical, archaeological, and historical communities for his attempt to pass pseudo science off as fact. If fact is not what you are after, then buy this book and invest in a tinfoil hat.
A little disappointing ****** SPOILER ALERT *******.......2007-08-21
I've read all of Sitchin's books and was always pleased at the conclusion of each one. They were like adventure quests of hidden knowledge with the worst case scenario being a nice scifi story (and what a story!). This one left me wanting. I believe he just wanted to put his two cents in about 2012 even though he doesn't think it will be a date that anything significant happens. I think he's got a better theory floating around in his head but didn't want to share it for whatever reason. The beginning of the book is a bit boring as he has to tell the back story. The middle is more interesting with more detail about the tales of the annunaki and their petty power struggles. The end was a bitter disappointment to me. His theory on the davinci last supper painting, in which he thinks the space between jesus and mary/john is where elijah should be and the missing cup being the grail that elijah took, is just lacking. To me the alternate grail theories make more sense and have better documentation. Obviously this book is a must read if you've read the rest of the series as how can one not read the supposed last one but it doesn't hold up to his prior standard. When does Sitchin think the annunaki will return? Sometime in the age of pisces .... and that only leaves up to anywhere from 100 years from now to about 800 years from now depending on if you are going by the math or by sight.
Average customer rating:
- Calculations are only as good as your numbers
- Pants on fire?
- Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
- Very Interesting
- History as Science Fiction
|
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
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ASIN: 2913621058 |
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.
Amazon.com
Spiderwick fans will adore this gorgeous guidebook to the fantastical creatures featured in Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi's spectacular series. The superdeluxe, lavishly illustrated "field guide" features 142 information-packed pages, 41 full-color plates, 6 spectacular gatefolds, 6 watercolor landscapes, scores of black-and-white and color sketches, and enough information to satisfy even the most demanding faerie enthusiast. Not only will readers learn all about the 14 fantastical creatures featured in the series, but they'll be delighted and astonished by an additional 15 creatures featured in this elaborate volume--including mermaids, gargoyles, and more. And if that weren't enough, we've included dozens of snippets from Arthur Spiderwick's personal journal--information that links the Guide specifically to the Spiderwick Chronicles--as well as cameos from a few of the series' favorite characters.
Book Description
It all began with a strange, mysterious correspondence left for authors Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black at a small New England bookstore. Written by three siblings, the letter told of their great-great-uncle Arthur Spiderwick and an unfinished tome filled with eyewitness accounts of creatures otherwise thought to be the stuff of legend. In the #1 New York Times bestselling serial the Spiderwick Chronicles, readers were enthralled by the account of the those siblings, Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace, as they battled dwarves, goblins, elves, and a diabolical ogre in their efforts to hold on to their uncle Spiderwick,s life work. Now, through the combined efforts of the Grace children and authors Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, Simon & Schuster is thrilled to present that work to you!
Beginning with a thoughtful and informative introduction, progressing through six exhaustive sections featuring thirty-one faerie species, and culminating with an addendum that includes observations supplied by Jared Grace, this long-awaited compendium to the worldwide Spiderwick phenomenon delivers enough information to satisfy even the most demanding faerie enthusiast. Not only will readers learn the habits and habitats of the fourteen fantastical creatures featured in the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling chapter books, but they will be delighted and astonished by an additional seventeen creatures. Also included are dozens of snippets from Arthur Spiderwick,s personal journal as well as cameos from a few series favorites.
With so much to offer, this book is destined to be pored over for generations to come!
www.spiderwick.com
Customer Reviews:
WOW!!! This is a classic treasure that will live on for generations!.......2007-09-22
I can now say that I am a lucky man. I got to meet one of my heroes in San Diego a few weeks back. His name is Tony DiTerlizzi, and as far as I'm concerned, he's one of the most talented illustrators alive. Not since Brian Froud's classic FAERIES book has such a magnificent collection of fairytale art been bound together. Tony's style has a very classic/retro feel, that is also somehow modern at the same time. The palette is perfect, and the takes on these classic faeries are fresh. It is simply a gorgeous book worthy of being enjoyed time and time again.
I had a blast looking through each page, pausing to drink in each pencil sketch, and all the wonderfully painted renderings alike. There is no throwaway art in this book -- none at all!
The imagination of everyday items like needles, thimbles, and scissors becoming proud objects of the fairies that stole them is masterfully done. I am proud to say that Tony has signed my copy -- and maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to own an original piece of art from the book.
Kudos, and masterfully done! This is a treasure!
A Rare Find.......2007-09-03
Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You is a truly unique find. I stumbled across the novels at a friends house and thought the ink drawings were fun and playful, but the field guide itself is quite striking. The illustraions alone would have sold me, i love the little quick sketches and diagrams, plus the old-time travel log look is really appealing. All of the "little-known-facts", author's musings/notes, and narratives make this a rare find for any fantasy lover.
Awesome pictures.......2007-06-05
I love this book! I can look through it over and over again and never get tired of the beautiful illustrations. This illustrated book ties into the Spiderwick Chronicles books. It is the actual field guide that they talk about in this series that all of the fantasy creatures are trying to get ahold of. It is not supposed to be in human hands. No telling what the humans would do if they knew their secrets!
My kids LOVE IT!.......2007-03-11
We read the Spiderwick Chronicles series and wanted more. So, when we found there was a Field Guide available we jumped at it. My kids have studied the characters in the book and have gone on faerie hunts in the yard and elsewhere. Fun! I'd recommend it for all 7-10 year-olds who are seriously interested in all things faerie.
A book to spark the imagination.......2007-03-08
My 5th grade son came home from school and insisted we buy this book. The reading teacher at his school had brought the book in to his classroom and they all went wild for it. It is very imaginative with wonderful illustrations of mythical creatures and is categorized in six different areas of fantastical creatures ("Around the house and yard" i.e. brownies, boggarts, changelings, pixies, etc. "In Fields and Forests" - cockatrices, elves leprechauns, manticores, sprites, treefolk, etc. "In Lakes and Streams" - kelpies, merfolk, nixies, sea serpents, trolls etc. "In The Hills and Mountains" - dwarves, giants, goblins, knockers, ogres, etc. "In The Sky" - dragons, griffins and phoenixes and "Outside At Night" - banshees, gargoyles, phookas, and will-o-the wisps among many many others. It is beautifully illustrated and has lots of information on the fictional (or is he?) Arthur Spiderwick's adventurous travels. My 2nd grade daughter really enjoys looking at the pictures although the text is too hard for her. This is a great book for older children, especially children like my son that are reluctant readers. Its the kind of book they pick up over and over. Because my children enjoyed this so much, we recently bought Spiderwick's The Care and Feeding of Sprites which is great but doesn't compare with the Fantastical World Around You (which covers many different species of mythical creatures with detailed descriptions and information on each). Happy reading and imagining!
Book Description
Zecharia Sitchin’s autobiographical recounting of a half century of investigative expeditions to unravel the enigmas of ancient civilizations and their gods
• Includes vivid accounts of explorations in Greece, Thera, Crete, Egypt, the Sinai, Israel, Jordan, and Mesoamerica
• Reveals behind-the-scenes findings in museums and archaeological sites
• Contains 60 color and 159 black-and-white images from the author’s personal archive, including previously unpublished photographic evidence of UFOs in biblical times
For the first time, Zecharia Sitchin, author of the bestselling The Earth Chronicles series, reveals the foundational research and adventurous expeditions that resulted in the concrete evidence for his conclusions that ancient myths were recollections of factual events, that the gods of ancient peoples were visitors to Earth from another planet, and that we are not alone in our own solar system. In the course of his investigations Sitchin also became convinced of the veracity of the Bible.
Sitchin’s expeditions take readers from the Yucatan peninsula to the isle of Crete to ancient Egypt and the lands of the Bible as he explores the links between the Old World and the New World. His adventurous exploits reveal archaeological cover-ups concerning Olmec origins in Mexico and ancient UFO artifacts in Turkey. Other quests send him through the holy sites of Jerusalem, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon in search of evidence of extraterrestrial gods in the artifacts and murals of these ancient civilizations. The Earth Chronicles Expeditions is a masterful historical and archaeological adventure into the origins of mankind and a “must†guidebook for all who wish to visit the numerous sites and museums covered in this book.
Customer Reviews:
On Changing Lives.......2005-12-16
I discovered Zacharia Sitchen many years ago, and have been an avid follower ever since. When it came time for me to make my own journey into research and exploration, it was because authors like Sitchen had such a powerful impact on me, and on my beliefs;as on many others around the world. Delving into areas where science and the Bible run parallel,it boggles the mind. I highly recommend this, and all of Sitchen's books.
Sitchin takes us on a personal tour of the past.......2005-05-07
If you aren't familiar with the controversial theories of Zecharia Sitchin, I would recommend that you acquaint yourself with some or all of his previously published work, known collectively as the Earth Chronicles, before embarking on this personal tour of many of the ancient sites that inform his work. This is not to say that you have to be a fan of Sitchin - or even agree with his ideas - in order to appreciate The Earth Chronicles Expeditions: Journeys to the Mythical Past, however, for it is a unique travel guide featuring a large number of breathtaking images of some of the world's most ancient, venerated, and thought-provoking monuments and artifacts - you will find no less than 158 black-and-white images as well as 60 beautiful, full-color photographs in these pages. The magnificence of the images is without question; Sitchin's theories about the origin and meaning of the sites and materials, however, are not. I am not going to debate the merits of Sitchin's theories in this review. Having read most of Sitchin's published works, I personally find his account of earth's past fascinating, reasonably logical, and even plausible - certainly his ideas are worthy of thought and debate, although I would not go so far as to call myself a true believer (although I probably would qualify as a fan).
This particular book is primarily aimed at Sitchin's true believers and biggest fans, which makes the narrative somewhat problematic for those unfamiliar with Sitchin's work. Having argued the merits of his radical ideas in previous books, he tends to treat his theories as facts here - and, while some of the discoveries he made on the research tours discussed here shaped his original thinking, on occasion he seemed to go looking for things that would support conclusions he had already drawn. My main point about the text, though, is this: in this particular book, Sitchin makes statements that would seem incredulous to the uninitiated: to put it all in a hopelessly oversimplified nutshell, Sitchin believes that inhabitants of a "twelfth planet" in our solar system first arrived here on earth millennia ago, basically created human life via genetic engineering, and influenced the whole of human history in the form of gods. Nine previous books explain his theories and detail the evidence that led him to make his dramatic conclusions; this book covers his research tours and breathes new life into ancient sites - it does not attempt to rehash the complicated arguments Sitchin has already documented elsewhere.
Sitchin is an accomplished scholar who has studied ancient history and archaeology all across the globe; he has an almost unparalleled grasp of ancient languages, especially that of the Sumerians and other early cultures of the Middle East; and he is also an accomplished Biblical scholar. Through his study of diverse artifacts and writings, he believes that the ancient tales of the gods, as well as the events recorded in the Hebrew Bible, were all true - that the gods and goddesses of ancient history were real. The Earth Chronicles Expeditions is the equivalent of a virtual tour for his fans, taking them to some of the most significant sites all across the globe, from the Holy Land to Troy to Mesoamerica. Here, he describes what it is like to walk among ancient ruins, view fascinating artifacts thousands of years old, experience the history of long-dead peoples through fantastic murals that survive to this day, and marvel at the poignant power of religious sites such as the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
A lot of the narrative describes the problems Sitchin faced in making these research tours possible. Political and religious conflicts in the Near East made travel arrangements to such places as Syria, Egypt, and Israel over the last few decades tricky at best, and the artifacts he most wished to see were not always available for public viewing - at least not without a little finagling on Sitchin's part, although his efforts were not always successful in getting him the access he wanted. The whole work is a little self-indulgent in places, and Sitchin sometimes sees things that I do not, but The Earth Chronicles Expeditions makes for a fascinating and visually incredible excursion through time for those interested in Sitchin's theories. This, unlike the author's previous books, is very much a personal account, and as such it features some information and ideas that Sitchin has been pondering for years but felt himself unable to include in his more scholarly works. That makes this a must-read for Earth Chronicles fans.
Somewhere in middle lies the truth........2005-02-11
Fascinating book. I don't see ancient aliens the way Sitchin sees them. Not after reading the Ark of Millions of Years. They weren't merely explorers looking for a primitive race to feed them grapes all day. They had a mission. They came from somewhere, and they survived the flood of Noah by being off-world when it occurred. Then they returned and kept up their work, only with a much more resistant and noble race of man.
Read The Ark of Millions of Years to get the middle road story. The whole story.
The most worthwhile travel journal to share.......2004-12-06
I have had the honor and privilege of visiting Mayan sites with Mr. Sitchin and reading "The Earth Chronicles Expeditions" made me wish that I could have journeyed with him and his intrepid band of "fans" on all of them. This book is the next best thing and I treasure it and thank Mr. Sitchin for writing it. I, too, am an author and though, like Mr. Sitchin, I've devoted my life to my work and believe in its value with all my heart and soul, his work is far more important in the scheme of things than almost any books ever written. You cannot consider yourself an educated person without reading all of the books by Zecharia Sitchin and this is a great first book to read. Then try either "The 12th Planet" or "Genisis Revisited" and I know you'll be as eager to read all of them as I was. There is nothing like his work in all of the millions of books that have ever been published. I envy those reading and being astounded by his meticulously researched books for the first time. Enjoy!
New Fine Addition To Sitchin's collection.......2004-11-01
Like the twelve planet and when time began this one book is a beatifull addition to Sitchin's work.
There is still one book which Sitchin has failed to write and I hope he will do it soon before he gets too old.
The whole logic and moral behind Sitchin's work is "Are we Catchin up with the Past?"
In this he does a marvelous job in showing us how wrong all our history is and how it is comming ti temrs with the reality. From the visitation of Extraterrestrial beings so called gods by the ancients to the creationg of Homo Sapiens modern humans and the
technological advances.
But Sitchin ought to write one last book which uses all this past knowledge to Project a more probable Future for mankind. This way he will come around full circle and showed once and for all how Humans are cathhing up.
For example Humans were not given Technology such as agriculture until after the catastophic deludge. In a a way we are a point in which a new catastrophic event will occured whether it is a natural or man made the arrow of events certanly points in that direction.
So should we conclude that the increase of UFO sightings and manipulation of humans is indeed a preparation for the upcomming events and since as you all know OIL is problem is becoming apparent, New sources of energy will be shown or have been shown which will be used by the remants after the catastrophe?
Just as agriculture gave mankind a boost after the waters receded so will a new source of energy capable of taking man to the outter planets and the galaxy come true?
Will the ancient gods return one more time AS SAVIOURS to be worshiped in the Temples of the Future again?
Sitchin before is too late show us your fans what the future holds for "To understand the future we must understand the past"
Book Description
The Hellenistic era witnessed the overlap of antiquity’s two great Western civilizations, the Greek and the Roman. This was the epoch of Alexander’s vast expansion of the Greco-Macedonian world, the rise and fall of his successors’ major dynasties in Egypt and Asia, and, ultimately, the establishment of Rome as the first Mediterranean superpower.
The Hellenistic Age chronicles the years 336 to 30 BCE, from the days of Philip and Alexander of Macedon to the death of Cleopatra and the final triumph of Caesar’s heir, the young Augustus. Peter Green’s remarkably far-ranging study covers the prevalent themes and events of those centuries: the Hellenization of an immense swath of the known world–from Egypt to India–by Alexander’s conquests; the lengthy and chaotic partition of this empire by rival Macedonian marshals after Alexander’s death; the decline of the polis (city state) as the predominant political institution; and, finally, Rome’s moment of transition from republican to imperial rule.
Predictably, this is a story of war and power-politics, and of the developing fortunes of art, science, and statecraft in the areas where Alexander’s coming disseminated Hellenic culture. It is a rich narrative tapestry of warlords, libertines, philosophers, courtesans and courtiers, dramatists, historians, scientists, merchants, mercenaries, and provocateurs of every stripe, spun by an accomplished classicist with an uncanny knack for infusing life into the distant past, and applying fresh insights that make ancient history seem alarmingly relevant to our own times.
To consider the three centuries prior to the dawn of the common era in a single short volume demands a scholar with a great command of both subject and narrative line. The Hellenistic Age is that rare book that manages to coalesce a broad spectrum of events, persons, and themes into one brief, indispensable, and amazingly accessible survey.
Customer Reviews:
Concise Rendition of a Transitional Age.......2007-08-06
As the title suggests ("A Short History") this treatment of the period sacrifices depth for brevity. Not being familiar with the subject I enjoyed this well-written introduction. Not only is the book a good first overview, it has plenty of notes geared towards further study and a short guide to further reading indicating what the author considers current best texts--as well as the usual bibliography.
A solid effort by a great scholar.......2007-07-31
Hmmm... a former professor who cannot spell the word "engrossed." What did you profess, exactly? (see review above).
Peter Green is one of the world's most eminent scholars of ancient Hellas. His *Xerxes at Salamis* is a classic of historical writing and an engrossing read. While this book is not his best effort, he was hamstrung by the Modern Library's page requirements (not to mention assumptions about the readership of such a book).
A Sad Example of an Over-the-Hill Academician.......2007-06-28
Don't waste your time or money on this one, unless you really want to memorize 2000 Helenistic names or be put to sleep by an obviously self-engrosed former professor (just to set the record straight, I am a former professor myself). Note: before I wrote this, I loaned the book to an educated and urbane Middle East native, and asked him to give me his opinion. His most telling comment was, "I wonder if the author has ever been there, really talked to people, and tried to understand their perspective." My evaluation: the author is "talking at us" rather than trying to tell us a story so that we come away with an understanding. Too bad that Modern Library Chronicles had to publish this one.
Average customer rating:
- German or Latin
- Extraordinary find
- Another exquisite book from Taschen
- It's been a while since I drooled in a book store...
- The most beautiful book you'll ever own
|
Hartmann Schedel: Nuremberg Chronicle (Taschen Jumbo Series)
Hartmann Schedel
Manufacturer: Taschen
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Binding: Hardcover
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Book Description
MUST-HAVE HISTORY BOOK OF THE ENTIRE WORLD ... FROM 1493
Hartmann Schedel's Chronicle of the World, widely known as The Nuremberg Chronicle, after the German city in which it was created, was a groundbreaking encyclopedic work and, at the time, the most lavishly illustrated book ever printed in Europe.
Both a historical reference work and a contemporary survey of urban culture at the end of the 15th century, the Chronicle had a remarkable influence on the cultural, ecclesiastical and intellectual history of the Middle Ages. In over 1,800 superb woodcut illustrations the Chronicle depicted events from the Bible, human monstrosities, portraits of kings, queens, saints and martyrs, and allegorical pictures of miracles, as well as views of a great number of "modern" cities, many of which had never before been documented.
Today, copies of the Chronicle sell for up to $400,000. TASCHEN was granted rare access to an extraordinary hand-colored copy, and has created a complete facsimile of outstanding quality, true to the original in every respect. In case you don't read Old German, the comprehensive annex, with summaries of the book's main stories, provides a user-friendly way to explore this amazing historical masterpiece.
**Hardcover covered in padded and embossed velvet.
Customer Reviews:
German or Latin.......2007-04-08
I cannot reconcile this "old German" facsimile with the original Nuremberg Chronicle which was written in Latin. There was a "pirated" version produced in 1496 in German in which the pages were smaller.
Is there a simple explanation for this?
Yvonne van Wensveen (myblackhen).
Extraordinary find.......2003-05-23
I am a confirmed "bookaholic."...With my purchase of Taschen's edition of Schadel's Weltchronik...I may never buy another book...I became aware of the availability of the book at Taschen's website and was delighted to learn Amazon.com actually had it in stock (as well as Taschen's edition of Luther's Bible...my next acquisition).
This is a very substantial book. Attractively bound. And, the reproductions are wonderful. It is an enjoyable window into printing and woodcuts and world of 16th Century thought. I found my (mediocre) skills in German enhanced my appreciation of the work, but I think that even without understanding the text, the book-as-art stands up well by itself.
Füssel's commentary was interesting and informative and a substantial addition to an already fine volume. Lacking specific background, I could not read it critically but I enjoyed it very much.
Finally, the book, it seems to me, is an incredible bargain at the price.
Another exquisite book from Taschen.......2003-05-12
It isn't necessary to be familiar with old German to appreciate the beauty of this book. It is a wonderful object just to look at.
The one drawback for me is the colouring of the woodcuts. I enjoy coloured woodcuts, but unfortunately the job of colouring these was given to someone unusually inept, a genuine 15th Century donut, who performed the task with neither ability nor care.
But you have to go with what you can get - and this book is still worth it.
It's been a while since I drooled in a book store..........2002-12-23
If you're here, and know what the heck this book is, then I can readily recommend that you snap it up without reservation. Seriously now, how often do things like this get reprinted? The Liber chronicarum isn't exactly mass market, now is it? ;) There really are only two drawbacks to this edition. First, the cover is an artificial suede that is -really- suceptiable to damage. Be careful with it, and consider making or purchasing some sort of cover for it. The second drawback is merely personal preference - this edition reproduces a hand-colored version of the text. This book is absolutely beautiful in it's reproduction, but I've never been a big fan of colored woodcuts. If you like your woodcuts chromatically enabled, all the better.
The most beautiful book you'll ever own.......2002-08-03
Wow. This is a stunning book. I'm a real book-o-holic but this is the first book I feel priviliged to own. If you're interested in the medieval period this should really be in your bookcase. Or maybe even in a display case.
The book is a reprint of a 1493 chronicle. The entire history up until then is covered through their eyes, including, of course, the bible. Since Columbus hadn't returned yet, the discovery of the Americas isn't even covered yet, a fact that really made me feel in touch with just how old this chronicle really is.
I especially like the way the chronicle reflects the renaissance spirit, neatly weaving the long-known stories of the bible, the rediscovered Greek and Roman sagas (Illias etc) and 'modern' history into one coherent chronicle.
A slight warning, however: if you want an easy-to-read history book, you'd better shop around some more. The letters are gothic, and the chronicle itself is in middle-German. The introduction is in English however, and the woodcarvings are beautiful enough to warrant buying this book even if you can't make out exactly what it says.
If you ever want to buy someone who loves (medieval) history a special gift, get him/her this book. You'll make a friend for life :-)
Amazon.com
Gordon S. Wood's The American Revolution, part of the Modern Library Chronicles series, is an erudite, concise summary of the events and circumstances surrounding the seminal conflict, both physical and philosophical, in American history. The Modern Library Chronicles are accessible-but-serious works of scholarship, meant to serve as introductions (or refresher courses) on large subjects for interested readers. The American Revolution is an excellent case in point. Wood deftly describes seeds of the Revolution, most notably disgruntlement on the colonists' part brought about by increasingly maladroit and fiscally punishing British policies. He then follows the course of actual warfare and its aftermath, most interestingly the fraught, bitter battle to draw a governing blueprint for the new country.
Wood breaks little new interpretive ground himself, here, but as a synthesizer (and amiable, skillful narrator/guide) he stands on high ground. --H. O'Billovitch
Book Description
“An elegant synthesis done by the leading scholar in the field, which nicely integrates the work on the American Revolution over the last three decades but never loses contact with the older, classic questions that we have been arguing about for over two hundred years.”
-Joseph J. Ellis, author of
Founding Brothers
A magnificent account of the revolution in arms and consciousness that gave birth to the American republic.
When Abraham Lincoln sought to define the significance of the United States, he naturally looked back to the American Revolution. He knew that the Revolution not only had legally created the United States, but also had produced all of the great hopes and values of the American people. Our noblest ideals and aspirations-our commitments to freedom, constitutionalism, the well-being of ordinary people, and equality-came out of the Revolutionary era. Lincoln saw as well that the Revolution had convinced Americans that they were a special people with a special destiny to lead the world toward liberty. The Revolution, in short, gave birth to whatever sense of nationhood and national purpose Americans have had.
No doubt the story is a dramatic one: Thirteen insignificant colonies three thousand miles from the centers of Western civilization fought off British rule to become, in fewer than three decades, a huge, sprawling, rambunctious republic of nearly four million citizens. But the history of the American Revolution, like the history of the nation as a whole, ought not to be viewed simply as a story of right and wrong from which moral lessons are to be drawn. It is a complicated and at times ironic story that needs to be explained and understood, not blindly celebrated or condemned. How did this great revolution come about? What was its character? What were its consequences? These are the questions this short history seeks to answer. That it succeeds in such a profound and enthralling way is a tribute to Gordon Wood’s mastery of his subject, and of the historian’s craft.
From the Hardcover edition.
Download Description
A magnificent account of the revolution in arms and consciousness that gave birth to the American republic.
When Abraham Lincoln sought to define the significance of the United States, he naturally looked back to the American Revolution. He knew that the Revolution not only had legally created the United States, but also had produced all of the great hopes and values of the American people. Our noblest ideals and aspirations -- our commitments to freedom, constitutionalism, the well-being of ordinary people, and equality -- came out of the Revolutionary era. Lincoln saw as well that the Revolution had convinced Americans that they were a special people with a special destiny to lead the world toward liberty. The Revolution, in short, gave birth to whatever sense of nationhood and national purpose Americans have had.
No doubt the story is a dramatic one: Thirteen insignificant colonies three thousand miles from the centers of Western civilization fought off British rule to become, in fewer than three decades, a huge, sprawling, rambunctious republic of nearly four million citizens.
But the history of the American Revolution, like the history of the nation as a whole, ought not to be viewed simply as a story of right and wrong from which moral lessons are to be drawn. It is a complicated and at times ironic story that needs to be explained and understood, not blindly celebrated or condemned. How did this great revolution come about? What was its character? What were its consequences? These are the questions this short history seeks to answer. That it succeeds in such a profound and enthralling way is a tribute to Gordon Wood's mastery of his subject, and of the historian's craft.
"An elegant synthesis done by the leading scholar in the field, which nicely integrates the work on the American Revolution over the last three decades but never loses contact with the older, classic questions that we have been arguing about for over two hundred years."
JOSEPH J. ELLIS, AUTHOR OF FOUNDING BROTHERS
Customer Reviews:
An excellent concise overview.......2007-08-02
Professor Wood, considered by many to be one of the better historians of the American Revolution, has written perhaps the classic summary of the conflict that founded one nation,ended the first empire of another and has changed the world. What sets this book, at less than a 170 pages, is its conciseness and ability to sum up many and large complicated issues well.
Wood does a wonderful job if explaining how a struggle between 13 of Britain's 21 North American colonies was virtually inevitable due to many circumstances that were surely incomprehensible at first, and to hard to untangle afterwards when the issues were of the present day, until all at once, individuals who would rather not, were forced to choose sides. The unusual thing about the American Revolution, is that both sides were choosing between two different types of traditionalism, and were forced to fight a contemporary battle among issues that had divided English speaking peoples since early Norman times, over 600 years in the past. As Wood easily explains, a series of disputes over trade acts and taxes hardly seems like the justification to start the world anew, especially considering that the Revolution saw a huge proportion of military and civilian deaths, leading to economic destruction and civil war in many of the colonies.
Wood only spends 14 whole pages on direct discussion on the military conflict proper, though a reader will not come away with misunderstandings about how the conflict developed or why it was concluded the way it was. The strategic limitations of the British military, not least of which was that were told to wage general war on people most of their office class considered to be as much their countrymen as a Scotchman or Welshman, in the fast American frontier, are explained crisply.
Along the way, Wood does a fine job of explaining why the culture of the American colonies was more united than they gave themselves credit for, why it was overwhelmingly optimistic, with a bent on radical equality of the sort that British people had not hoped for in over 400 years. Wood quotes a British traveler in America from 1759 who writes of the American urgency to rise to the point where the American British reached their destiny to write the laws of the rest of civilization. From that frame of reference, of a new American nation, built with the best of British hopes of tradition, law and religion is how Wood has framed the story of the American Revolution. The book is recommended in the highest way.
A Well Informed, if Very General, Overview.......2007-07-11
Gordon Wood has taken on the subject he's best at again, The American Revolution, with this short, concise history. With the book itself running only about 170 pages, it serves as a nice refresher for the regular scholar, and an above average briefing for the layman. In addition, it provides an extremely helpful bibliography, which is broken down by subject within the Revolutionary movement.
By nature, this book is a bit more simple than many of Wood's other works, but it is also considerably more clear. He is able to make his point about liberalism and forward thinking in a much more digestible way than he attempted in Radicalism in the American Revolution.
Strong and Clear.......2007-04-22
Light, rapid history, a good refresher on the dates, the book carries Wood's major contention, the liberalness of the revolution itself. He also makes some good points on Washington's real strengths.
One End of the Spectrum.......2006-04-01
In the liberty-to-empire range of different objectives that historians attribute to Americans in their revolt against Britain, Wood falls squarely in the "liberty" camp. Wood portrays political conflict with Britain as merely one element of the American colonists' larger evolution into a world-historically important people who in this period began to envision themselves as the vanguard of universal human goals like abolition of war.
"Indeed," he says, "even today the common resort to economic sanctions in place of military force is a legacy of these enlightened principles." I cite this sentence not only because it is a strong representative of Wood's interpretation of the American Revolution, but also in order to highlight it as something that Wood might consider revising. For one thing, long before he wrote, economic sanctions' potentially lethal impact was well known, and some have used it to justify U.S. military action as a less damaging alternative.
Although Wood says that "it has become fashionable to deny that anything substantially progressive came out of the Revolution," he doesn't debate any specific fashionable alternatives to his "liberty" interpretation. However, some facts that he brings up do contrast with it.
For example, Wood notes that the U.S. position on formerly Indian lands was that they had become U.S. lands "by right of conquest," and he says that "by the 1780s many western Americans shared the expectation of the Indian fighter George Rogers Clark that all the Indians would eventually be wiped out."
George Rogers Clark was of course a military hero of the war against the British, besides being a fighter in the Indian wars that continued for another 100 years following independence from Britain. If Wood believes in the "liberty-world without war" thesis, he should juxtapose it with this "conquest" and other similar passages.
Given the importance of the tax revolt in this period, it would also have been helpful for Wood to clarify whether the colonists were only objecting to taxation on the principle that it was "without representation," or whether they were also, and perhaps primarily, avoiding paying the (immense) fiscal costs of the war to win the western empire from the French. Did the colonists' representatives offer to estimate and pay a fair share? I've never read that they did.
In any case, although Wood does not test his "liberty" point of view against alternatives, he does describe in historical depth "liberty" as one important strain in the American colonists' thinking. Whatever else they did, many American colonists had liberal ideals and felt they were advancing them through their revolt against Britain.
And even if one supposed, hypothetically, that these ideals were less important than land fever, it is important for Wood to have highlighted that the ideals existed, if only in order to show that expressed ideals don't necessarily guide actions.
A short book that will expand your mind........2005-02-25
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It is written by a professor at an Ivy League university (Brown), and yet from reading his book I am unable to determine his personal political leanings. Either he thinks the same way I do, or he is that "rara avis", a historian whose only ax to grind is that of the search for objective truth about the past.
He is a superb writer. There is not a dull sentence in the book, and the narrative flows like a good novel. It is a brief book, intended to be an introduction for general readers as part of a Modern Library series, and yet as a knowledgeable but non-specialist reader of the period, I learned something new on almost every page. Professor Wood has made himself one with the Revolutionary era, and has at the same time cultivated the ability to describe it clearly to us moderns. I suspect he was an excellent classroom instructor for freshmen students.
These quotations illustrate his insightful thought and graceful style:
"... the Revolution was not only about home rule; it was also about who should rule at home."
"The Revolution, like the whole of American history, is not a simple morality play; it is a complicated and often ironic story that needs to be explained and understood, not celebrated or condemned."
Note the skillful use of the semicolon, the mark of a good prose stylist, and the concise expression of some very complex concepts in two brief sentences.
In a few pages he discusses in a very lucid manner a number of very complicated subjects, for example, the conflict between Burke's theory of "virtual" representation and the experience of "actual" representation in the new frontier towns of the American colonies, the development of a new conception of sovereignty as residing in the people to explain the proposed Constitution of 1789, the commonality of ideas shared by the Puritans of the English Civil War and the American revolutionists of a century later, the basis for the continued and unique American belief that we are "exceptional", outside the mainstream of history, and uniquely chosen as guardians of human freedom.
Wood delves rather deeply into the evolution of American religious belief and practice and its effect on American society in the post-Revolutionary era. He also succinctly outlines the effect of the Revolution on slavery and women's rights.
He devotes only 12 pages to The War of Independence, and yet in that brief space gives a surprisingly complete and detailed picture of the military, political, and diplomatic course of the war. His comments on the strategic problems of each side are quite incisive, and his narrative is much clearer than Higginbotham's, for example.
The last chapters on the social and political changes set off by the Revolution are his best. I'm not a big fan of the "new history" emphasis on social and economic issues. I think history is mostly about war and politics, in that order. But Professor Wood shows that my prejudice is absurd, that history is history, war and politics can't be separated from culture and money, and that it is all interesting.
He probably doesn't emphasize enough the origin of the problems in the Constitution that led to its ultimate failure in the crisis of 1860. But that is a complicated subject, and he lays a sufficient groundwork for further study of that issue.
The bibiographic essay at the end is superb.
I didn't notice any typos - apparently the publisher has corrected in subsequent printings the "Yorktown, Pennsylvania" error noted by a previous reviewer.
Recommended without reservation.
Note: (April 15, 2007) For a broader view of Gordon Wood's thought I highly recommend the review that recently appeared in the Winter 2006/07 edition of the "Claremont Review of Books", V. VII, #1, pps. 27-30, by Steven F. Hayward, entitled "The Liberal Republicanism of Gordon Wood."
Book Description
During the Second World War, six million Jews--as well as other targeted groups such as Gypsies, Poles, the handicapped, and homosexuals--were systematically murdered by Adolf Hitlers Nazis and their collaborators. The Holocaust Chronicle, written and fact-checked by top scholars, recounts the long, complex, anguishing story of the most terrible crime of the 20th century. A massive, oversized hardcover of more than 750 pages, The Holocaust Chronicle: A History in Words and Pictures is an excitingly unique, not for-profit endeavor that is a personal project of the publisher, Louis Weber, C.E.O. of Chicago-based Publications International, Ltd. As a book publisher, I am in a unique position to create this ambitious project, Weber says. The son of Polish Jews who settled in America in the 1920s, Weber conceived The Holocaust Chronicle in order to give something back to the Jewish community, and to bring the truth of the Holocaust to as many people as possible. The mission of The Holocaust Chronicle is to report the facts, clearly and free of bias or agenda. Featured are more than 2000 photographs selected after intensive research in the collections of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. and Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, as well as other archives and private collections located around the world. Many of these images are in full color and most are published in book form for the first time. The photographs chronicle the Holocaust in starkly visual terms, capturing victims and perpetrators alike, as well as Allied leaders and the multitude of peripheral figures. Caption-text is detailed, and rich with facts and human interest. The books 3000-item timeline of Holocaust-related events is unprecedented in its scope and ambition. Spanning the years 1000 B.C. to 1999 A.D., the timeline pinpoints deportations, atrocities, and important developments in the Nazis Final Solution, as well as individual acts of cruelty, compassion, and heroic Jewish resistance. Illustrated chapter-opener essays place the most important years of the Holocaust and its immediate aftermath, 1933-1946, into sharp perspective. Nearly 300 sidebars detail significant people, places, issues, and events. More than 30 full-color, specially commissioned maps show the reader where events took place.
The sentiments and hatreds that gave rise to the Holocaust were not confined to the 12 years of Adolf Hitlers Thousand-Year Reich. The books illustrated prologue surveys the antisemitism that was expressed over many centuries in Europe as bloody pogroms, exclusionary laws, and other persecution. The illustrated epilogue documents the long, painful healing process that has lasted for generations and may never be completed.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book on The Holocaust.......2007-04-12
They say, "a picture is worth a thousand words." But sometimes you need to put words into context to understand the picture. This encyclopedia does just that: It chronicles the history of the Holocaust from beginning to end, providing literally hundreds of pictures with detailed commentary. Several scholars and historians paid their contributions to this project, making it a very comprehensive book. What you will find inside may very well change your views on humanity.
The authors will take you on a journey to examine one of History's darkest events. And while you may wonder how a "civilized" society could possibly be capable and willing of committing such heinous crimes, the authors do offer some explanations. A brief history of anti-Semitism is outlined and its links to the Third Reich are pointed out to explain the roots of the Holocaust. The slaughter of the Gypsies, Jehovah Witnesses, homosexuals, mentally ill and others are also documented, including the controversies surrounding the Vatican, in which the authors objectively cite both defenders and critics of Pius XII and the Catholic Church, leaving the reader to form his or her own opinion. From the rise of Hitler to the aftermath of the Final Solution, this book covers it all.
Anyone looking for a complete, yet introductory study on the Holocaust should pick up this book. Although it is massive in size, don't be intimidated; most pages are filled with pictures. I must warn, however, that many of the pictures are very explicit, and personally, I would not recommend anyone under 14 to view them. But aside from that, this book is very well put together and it will inform you as much as it will shock you. I highly recommend it.
The Holocaust Chronicle.......2007-02-16
Excellent source of information. My 16 year old granddaughter is studying the Holocaust in school this year and she has a younger sister and brother that will find this helpful at a later date. I feel so strongly that this period of our history should never be forgotten, so I am pleased to leave this book out for anyone to pick up while visiting me.
The enabling preconditions, actual events and aftermath of the Holocaust........2006-09-13
Three books in one: A detailed 1) history, 2)timeline and 3)personal vignettes that create a rich hologram-like view of the enabling preconditions, actual events and aftermath of the Genocide of the Jews of Europe at the hands of the Nazis.
Back in July of this year, I wrote a review of Ellie Wiesel's "Night," a new edition that had been translated by his own daughter. This small book captured the essence of one man's subjective experience with the subject of this much larger effort, contributed to by dozens of historians and scholars and published by a non-profit organization. This is not a `sit down and read a book today' publication. Each of it's 750 richly illustrated pages are packed with personal stories about individual people, a detailed on-going time-line, detailed with specific events beginning in 1500 BCE (The modern Jewish term for "BC", standing for "Before the Common Era."), and passing through the establishment of the State of Israel and into the late 1990's, and a continuous narrative history of more details than most people have ever imagined were available in the telling of this particularly horrific tale of humanity gone wrong. There is, in fact, so much information, that each page calls for a slow overview, and then at least several readings to capture the totality of what is being presented. It is a book to which ongoing time must be devoted to really appreciate what it gives us: As Dragnet's Sgt. Joe Friday would have said, "Nothing but the facts."
The Preconditions:
Through hundreds of historical, scholarly, organizational and literary references, this book makes it clear that without certain preconditions having been developing in European (and, indeed, in world-wide) culture for many centuries, Hitler could never of orchestrated what in the Jewish Community is referred to as the Sho'ah. Ascribing Germany's readiness to follow their fascist leader and his cronies into the annihilation of about six-million Jews as well as millions of Catholics, Gypsies, Jehovah's Witnesses, physically handicapped and mentally ill people, homosexuals and others to the aftermath of Versailles is shown to be a gross over-simplification. Anti Semitism (not always known by that now well-known name) had existed across the face of much of the globe for many centuries. The realities across the world, indeed including here in our own United States, were active contributors to creating the preconditions that allowed the Holocaust to happen. Impressive in this particular book is that unlike so many others, the authors painstakingly provide documentary evidence and facts that support this and other key concepts. As is the case with the other two parallel tracks of this volume, the actual events of the Holocaust itself and the aftermath, the preconditions are examined and documented through all three of the `tracks' of this book: The narrative history, the timeline and the individual storied and personal vignettes.
The Event Itself:
The Holocaust itself - the trail leading up to the actualization of what was referred to, privately amongst the Nazi leadership, as the "Final Solution?" - and their ultimate efforts to completely eliminate Jewry from the face of the parts of the world they controlled are carefully documented as well. This is the part of the story best known to modern audiences, but is given here a context far more comprehensive than what has been attempted before - and it is all written in non-technical terms that make the massive information it contains available to most people who 1) can read, 2) are interested in the subject, and 3) are willing to spend the appreciable time it takes to go through and absorb the rather massive amount of information contained in these pages. The events of planful, deliberate genocide are not and can not be fully separated from the preconditions described both earlier in the book and periodically referred to as the timeline progresses.
No one is held harmless. From the Nazis themselves, to the many nations of the Earth, including our own, that denied sanctuary via more open immigration policies in the late 1930's when it became undeniably clear what the goals and activities of Hitler's regime was.
The Aftermath:
This section of the book concerns itself with what happened as a result of the genocide, both in the short run and continuing into modern times. The establishment of the State of Israel, the multiple issues associated with that; the Germany of the post-war era, both as a modern economic force as well as the bearer of so much of the responsibility for one of mankind's darkest hours, the relationships of the Catholic Church and of the American government to the past, present and future of humanity: None of these escape the attention of the authors and compilers of this impressive, comprehensive and engaging book.
Suffice it to say that this review only scratches the surface of the material covered and the depths to which it is articulated in this volume. I make no apologies for being relatively brief. If you have the interest and the time, this is one of those handful of published works that just might change your life. It is simply not possible to have so much revealed, in so many forms at so many levels, and not be somehow reshaped by the experience.
The most reader-friendly and clearest description of one of humanities greatest calamities I have ever read. I think you will agree.
A Crying Shame...And A Constant Reminder!.......2006-06-10
As a child who lived in the Chicago housing projects prior to moving to Germany I became lost for words as I turned the pages of one of the most moving books I've ever experienced. Places I've seen as a playful child running across the country side now become surreal in my mind as I think about the innocent lives that were slaughtered on that same ground. And now that I've observed the photographs of my Jewish brothers and sisters in this book "The Holocaust Chronicle" some things will never be the same for me. I also believe that you will view life differently after you've read this book.
For one this book describes the ghetto's of Europe during the Holocaust using pictures and words that one would never imagine. It has so much depth and meaning even in the words that it is quite amazing. For instance the word "ghetto" (which in the United States has become a word referencing the slums where poor Americans live) will no longer have the same meaning for me as it use to. Some call the Housing Projects that I came from in Chicago a ghetto...but this is a poor, poor use of the word now that I've observed the ghettos of Europe during the Holocaust. Read the book and you'll see exactly what I mean.
The Holocaust Chronicle is an excellent resource for virtually anything you would like to know about this event in history. This book should instantly become a part of all libraries in every community, private and personal.
Having lived in Germany for nearly 5 years as a lad I've alway's considered myself quite a history buff especially concerning military affairs since my father spent his whole life serving the U.S. Army. But I must say this amazing book proves that I am very ignorant of what went on from 1933-1946. The humiliation, the physical and mental anguish, even the use of art and symbols were all reconstructed to try to destroy the Jew but thank God they were delivered from the hands of their enemies. Although this book does not turn its face away from death but sometimes deals with it head on it still contains with in it the hope of deliverance, the determination of faith and the triumph of those who suffer persecution.
I have now done much diligence to understand this part of history so that I can connect with other human beings on this planet in a way that is respectful. I must say Louis Weber the publisher and all the contributing Authors and Consultants who poured their hearts and souls into the development of "The Holocaust Chronicle" deserve much credit.
Although there is much suffering between these pages the details within this book give us great understanding. It helps us all to realize, respect and appreciate why we should be committed to never allow this to happen again regardless of our religious beliefs, cultural, racial or ethnic background. As you turn the pages you will be exposed to the criminals but at the same time you will find yourself rejoicing when heroic men and women went beyond what their government would not give them the authority to do. Please hurry up and get this book, read it today and share your ideas with others as I dedicate this review to my Jewish mother Anita Gold.
Your Servant,
Deremiah, *CPE
Nothing short of extraordinary........2006-03-11
This book is massive! It is far larger than any of my college texts. Yet, every one of the nearly 800 pages is poignant and necessary. This easy-to-read chronicle of one of the most incomprehensible tragedies in all of history is extremely well-written in prose that is eloquent and yet still quite succinct. Nearly each page contains photographs that display different perspectives on the Holocaust, each one helping to comprise the complete picture of the atrocities which took place. On many pages there are more photographs than words, and each one truly tells its own story. In reading this chronicle and studying the photographs you will experience a range of emotions you never would have believed you were capable of experiencing. It is true that we can never feel how the concentration camp prisoners felt; we can never know the starvation, the death, the oppression that they and others affected by the Holocaust knew all too well--but the Holocaust chronicle brings us perhaps one step closer than we've ever been to understanding this world of unthinkable brutality and suffering.
Amazon.com
The picture of Islam as a violent, backward, and insular tradition should be laid to rest, says Karen Armstrong, bestselling author of Muhammad and A History of God. Delving deep into Islamic history, Armstrong sketches the arc of a story that begins with the stirring of revelation in an Arab businessman named Muhammad. His concern with the poor who were being left behind in the blush of his society's new prosperity sets the tone for the tale of a culture that values community as a manifestation of God. Muhammad's ideas catch fire, quickly blossoming into a political empire. As the empire expands and the once fractured Arabs subdue and overtake the vast Persian domain, the story of a community becomes a panoramic drama. With great dexterity, Armstrong narrates the Sunni-Shi'ite schism, the rise of Persian influence, the clashes with Western crusaders and Mongolian conquerors, and the spiritual explorations that traced the route to God. Armstrong brings us through the debacle of European colonialism right up to the present day, putting Islamic fundamentalism into context as part of a worldwide phenomenon. Islam: A Short History, like Bruce Lawrence's Shattering the Myth and Mark Huband's Warriors of the Prophet, introduces us to a faith that beckons like a minaret to those who dare to venture beyond the headlines. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
No religion in the modern world is as feared and misunderstood as Islam. It haunts the popular imagination as an extreme faith that promotes terrorism, authoritarian government, female oppression, and civil war. In a vital revision of this narrow view of Islam and a distillation of years of thinking and writing about the subject, Karen Armstrong’s short history demonstrates that the world’s fastest-growing faith is a much more complex phenomenon than its modern fundamentalist strain might suggest.
Customer Reviews:
A great introduction to the history of Islam........2007-09-27
This is a really great book to understand Islam. I truly loved this book, and because of its small size, I was able to devour it within two days!
The most interesting chapter as far as I am concerned was on the present conflict between the Jews and the Muslims.
Muslims never hated the Jews. In fact, Muslims and Jews lived together side by side in peace since the beginning of time (so to speak). Prophet Mohammad ordered Muslims to respect Jews and live with them in peace since they are `people of the book' (meaning they have had their own revelations and are thus believers in God). Prophet Mohammad ordered Muslims not to try to convert Jews to Islam against their wish. In fact, Muslims believe in all of the prophets of Judaism, and most if not all are mentioned in the Muslim holy book known as the Qur'an.
Prophet Ibrahim, the father of both Muslims and Jews, had many children. The Jews come from the lineage of one of Ibrahim's sons, while the Moslems come from another of Ibrahim's sons. Therefore, Muslims and Jews are cousins.
Throughout history, Muslims and Jews have fought together side by side. During the crusades they fought together to protect the holy land. During the Muslim occupation of Spain Muslims and Jews fought together side by side against the Europeans. During the British occupation of Palestine, both Moslems and Jews fought together against the British. There has never been any enmity within Jews and Muslims throughout history. It is only after the invasion by the Jews of Palestine, and the formation of the State of Israel on Palestinian land, that the aggression between Muslims and Jews started. That started the flame of hatred between them, and Muslim clerks twisted the sayings of Prophet Mohammad and the Qur'an for political reasons. In other words, they put words into the Prophet's mouth. Things he never said or did not mean were suddenly attributed to him. The Arab world, being uneducated, would blindly follow the teachings of the clergy, and this is where we are today. The hatred between Jews and Muslims is political. It is the same hatred the French had towards the Germans when they invaded Paris during World War II. If the United States were to be invaded today by the Russians or Chinese (or any other nation), the Americans would have the same hatred towards their aggressors as the Muslims have today of the Jews. Like the Muslims, the American citizens would be fighting the aggressor to regain their land by any means possible, even if it means twisting the words of Jesus Christ. For example, love thy neighbor, but only if he loves you. If someone slaps you, turn the other cheek, but then beat the hell out of him! You get the point. The conflict in Palestine is man and woman against man and woman, not Judaism against Islam.
This book will really give you a crash course on Islam. It starts off by explaining why a new prophet was needed in the Arab World. According to Armstrong, the Arabs felt left out for they did not have a prophet of their own. The Jews had many prophets, and there were manuscripts left to them from past prophets. The Arabs did not have monotheistic religious texts of their own in the Arabic language, and thus felt left out. Thus the arrival of Prophet Mohammad, an Arab, was a great welcome to many Arabs. The Qur'an, the holy book descended to Prophet Mohammad, was in the Arabic language, and thus directly accessible to all Arabs, unlike Jewish texts.
Prophet Mohammad did have Arab enemies, of course. Not all Arabs embraced his religion at first. As is so well known today, self-interest and politics plays a big role.
A very important point Armstrong makes is that Islam is a religion of peace. In fact, Islam is derived from the Arabic root "Salema", meaning peace and purity. Prophet Mohammad was against wars. In fact, he made an important treaty with the Meccans to prove his point. Prophet Mohammad preached non-violence. All the Muslim wars and conquests that took place after the death of Prophet Mohammad were politically motivated, not religious in any way. It is very easy to twist the words of a prophet, and all religions have done that with their prophets (look at how many different versions of the Bible are out there). Furthermore, there were many wars waged between Muslims themselves as to who should succeed the prophet. Most of the Prophet's friends and close relatives were eventually murdered as a result. All these actions would have been condemned by the Prophet. Again, man was fighting for his own self-interest and ambition and not in accordance with the holy teachings of Islam (again, as has happened in all religions).
The book then goes on with the history of Islam after the era of the Prophet (632-661). Armstrong explains the era of the Umayyads, the Abbasids, and the esoteric movements. The Muslim world had reached its height in glory, and the whole known world feared the Muslims. The Muslims contributed to philosophy, science, mathematics, and medicine, and Arabic texts were translated into Latin and Greek. The Muslim empire at the time was what the United States is today to the rest of the world.
The Crusades are also explained, as well as the interesting era of the Mongols (1220-1500). The chapter on the Mongol was very interesting, filled with facts and stories I never knew. For example, the Mongols contributed a lot to Islamic art and architecture as well as to the strategies of war. After the Mongol conquests, the Mongols and the Muslims lived together in peace, and were even integrated together. Many Mongols later became Muslims.
Armstrong then moves on to the era of imperial Islam (1500-1700), and introduces the reader to the Safavid Empire, the Moghul Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.
The book ends with a chapter on Islam agonists, and explains how the west finally conquered the Islamic world starting in 1750. This chapter is extremely interesting and entertaining, and will give you a glimpse at the present state of the Muslim world.
Armstrong mentions the book `The Satanic Verses', by Salman Rushdie. Even though the Ayatollah Khomeini condemned the author, and issued a Fatwa (a decree) to have the author killed (with a million dollar reward), all the Islamic clergy of other Islamic nations were against the Ayatollah's decree, citing freedom of speech and expression as an Islamic right. Now isn't this interesting? Again, for political reasons, Muslim citizens are stripped from their freedom of expression, speech, and thought. Outsiders looking at the way of life of Muslims should realize that the way Muslims live is not according to the teachings of their Prophet Mohammad, but according to the selfish greed of their leaders! This is really a very important point for westerners to understand.
This is a very important book and should be read by everyone interested in knowing more about the state of the Arab world and Islam. I highly recommend this book!
Good book for general explanation.......2007-09-04
This book will explain the basics of Islam, which is all I was looking for.
Islam: A Short History is very good.......2007-08-31
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have since given it to several people, including some military folks with responsibilities in the area. I think this book, better than any other I've read, makes it clear why the Middle East is in the state it is.
Politically correct lies.......2007-07-29
Why defend a religion who's holy book hates and despises Jews, Christians and Pagans, and commands husbands to beat their wives.
Of course there have been cases of brilliant people even under Islamic domination, e.g. Omar Khayan, but to attribute their achievements to Islam, is like attributing Galileo's achievements to Catholicism.
Concise but sufficient.......2007-07-05
I'm going to take exception to all the criticism of the majority of the reviews I see here. While it is a compressed history (one reviewer noted that the middle was "dense") I found the book very enlightening. Another criticism is that she presents an Islamic point of view. Well, if one wishes to understand another culture, religion or whatever, one must 'walk a mile in their shoes'. I know some Muslims and she is quite correct that Islam in not inherently violent. I can only assume that those reviewers are reading the book with their blinders on and refusing to accept that there is any other way to see the world. This book is an attempt to show another world view. If you read this book and miss that, shame on you.
Customer Reviews:
excellent for reading, browsing, or as a reference book.......2007-08-27
Replete with timelines, maps, sidebars, and photographs, this is a wonderful resource. Whether you're watching a DVD of "I, Claudius" or reading Gibbon, it's a highly useful reference book where you can get a quick read on any emperor. Often, I'll pull it down from the shelf to research a particular emperor, then find myself still reading it an hour later.
What I like best about it are the photographed busts of the emperors which along with the lively writing really bring the Roman rulers to life. They also allow one to trace the change in Roman art from the idealized classicism of Augustus to the grim realism of the mid 3rd century's portrait of Philip the Arab when the Empire was falling apart to the stolid and blank cartoonlike portrait of Constantine the Great in the 4th century when the Empire had been restored, but had become Christian and more medieval.
A real gem, this book is highly recommended for fans of Roman history.
Great!.......2006-11-10
Excellent book, very few errors. Good source of information, very nice colorfull pictures and sketches. Worth the cost.
Chronicles Rule!.......2006-03-19
I bought a second one for a friend a week after the first copy arrived. Great, concise book.
A useful Reference document.......2006-02-01
This is a useful reference that places the lives of the Roman Emperors in chronological order. The detail is useful but not onerous and it is quite an easy read.
Great book for curious beginners in Roman history.......2005-02-21
This book is a superb addition to the library of history buffs. The book is short but packed with information on many different topics on the Roman Emperors. The book covers all Roman Emperors and does contest some myths commonly held regarding some of the more well-known emperors. The book spends a proportionate amount of time in the book compared to the emperor's rule and importance. In each mini-biography of rule, Scarre adds sections concentrating on interesting aspects of that person's rule. For instance, Augustus' section discusses the early lineage of emperors by tracing and discussing the Julio-Claudian family tree. Trajan's section has a two page insert on Trajan's Column. The book acts as a great reference of Roman leadership. Scarre adds hundreds of images consisting of both artistic renderings and archaeological finds from all periods of the Emperors' rule. Scarre ends with a highly abbreviated discussion of the last emperors of the split Roman empire.
Scarre adds at the end a select bibliography and a robust index.
The book is well bound and should be a long lasting addition to the library.
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