Jacqueline Susann's Shadow of the Dolls: A Novel

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Jacqueline Susann's Shadow of the Dolls: A Novel
Rae; Susann, Jacqueline Lawrence
Manufacturer: Kensington Pub Corp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NXTXAC

Book Description

Brand-new contributions to the hoard of dragon lore by five top fantasy authors.Orson Scott Card's "In the Dragon's House" is a gothic yarn about the mysterious dragon that lives in the wiring of an old house, noticed by a young boy who shares its body in dreams and feels its true size and power.Mercedes Lackey's "Joust" tells the story of a slave boy who is chosen to care for a warrior's dragon-a dragon whose secrets may be the key to his freedom.Tanith Lee's "Love in a Time of Dragons" is a fable is imbued with her signature atmosphere-Old World, moody, erotic-as a kitchen maid goes a-questing with a handsome champion to slay the local drakkor.Elizabeth Moon's "Judgment" tells the tale of a young man forced by lies to flee his village . . . into an adventure of dwarfs and dragonspawn.Michael Swanwick's "King Dragon" invokes a truly sinister and repellent creature-a being with the soul of a beast and the body of a machine-part metal, part devil . . . all merciless.

Customer Reviews:

The Bull in the China Shop.......2007-02-04

However the entertainment level rates on the other stories in this book, there are two words to describe "King Dragon" that people are just dodging around, but readers should probably be aware of before diving in. Those words are: dragon porn.

This is not literal of course. The dragon isn't exactly a dragon and the protagonist does not actually have sex with it. However, the scene of the mind melds reads as one giant innuendo for paragraph after paragraph.

One can dance around this with words like "dark" and "metaphor", and it IS a well written tale...but I'm sorry, I just could not enjoy reading this when all I could think of was "This is porn!!"

However, if you have the right sense of humor about mature audience narrative, you might find it funny. All of my friends sure did.

No No Quintet.......2006-11-11

I found the tales to be mismatched and the compilation rather dull. It is however better reading than a telephone directory.....I think.

And now for something a little different..........2006-06-17

Overall, I thought this was quite a good collection of stories, and I found the majority of it interesting.

Unfortunately, the first story in it, by Orson Scott Card, was a tad dull, and I kept putting it down because it was just not gripping enough to hold my interest. It wasn't really bad, but then it wasn't really great. The dialogue between characters in the story was excellent, though, and I think the author should have featured more of that in the story, rather than some of the dry, uninteresting, even slightly confusing bits. I disliked the ending of the story, too. This made me wonder, would all of the stories in the book be similarly bland and unappealing?

Thank God the second story in the book, by Elizabeth Moon, was so utterly gripping! I could NOT put the book down during this story, it was so wonderful. It [...] me in right from the first paragraph, and I would have to say to any potential readers, buy the book if only to read this story.

Tanith Lee's contribution to the book is unusual but absorbing, and the story has a delightful twist that makes it very intriguing. It is typical of Ms Lee's work: it's edgy, unusual, confronting, and does not mince words. If you like Tanith Lee, you'll like this one.

The fourth story, 'Joust', by Mercedes Lackey, was the DULLEST in the book, but I'm still glad I read it because now I know not to waste my time buying the novel she wrote of the same name, which is an even longer version of this same story. Lackey mostly just rips off storylines from Anne MacCaffrey's dragon books, but with a lot less finesse than the original works. Given how innovative and unusual all of the other stories in this book are, this one really let down the team by being predictable and unoriginal. Blah! But if you like your stories formulaic and [...], not to mention non-confrontational, you'll probably like it.

The fifth of the stories is by Michael Swanwick, and it's the most unusual, so much so that it's hard to describe. It's never a comfortable story -- there's no sugar-coating on this one -- but it's absolutely original, and pushes all the boundaries. I've read nothing quite like it before. It was like one of those trippy dreams you get when you're running a raging fever. It didn't leave me feeling happy inside at the end of it, but I was nonetheless still satisfied, and glad that I read it.

A word of advice: don't give this book to the kiddies to read. These are stories for grown-ups, or at least maturish teens.

Great Collection of Dragon Stories.......2006-05-05

I had a slightly different opinion that the other 2 reviewers. In particular, I thought the entire collection was well written and interesting. All five tales were filled with magic. They were well written, had interesting characters, and really great story-lines. I would highly recommend this collection to anyone looking for a great set of stories. What I really liked about the set, was that each author did something different. They took what we know or are used to with dragons and did something new and different. The result, in my humble opinion, was an exciting page turner. While a few of these stories did have a darker feel to them, I think it was done well and made each a more interesting and realistic read.

Of the five stories in this book my favourite was Elizabeth Moon's "Judgement". I have not read any of Ms. Moon's other work but, based on this story, I think I will do so soon. Her story deals with misunderstanding and the rush to judgement which sometimes comes with it.

Perhaps my second favourite tale was "King Dragon" by Michael Swanwick, who is one of my favourite writers of short fiction. His tale was decidedly darker than the others in the collection, but was extremely well written and you really hate the characters you are supposed to hate.

The stories by Orson Scott Card ("In the Dragon's House") and Mercedes Lackey's "Joust" were both fun little tales. Mr. Card's tale was a little slow in parts but filled with beautiful imagery and interesting characters. I really wanted to know what was behind that locked door. Ms. Lackey's tale was just plan fun. It was a well written and inspiring. A fun tale about someone who refuses to accept his position and strives to be something more.

The final story in the collection was Tanith Lee's "Love in the Time of Dragons." This was my least favourite but was still a good tale. My one complaint with the story was it was a bit graphic in parts when it did not seem necessary.

Interesting, but flawed, anthology.......2004-07-01

"Dragon Quintet" is an odd mix of stories only slightly linked by one thing: all feature a dragon, or at least a dragon-like, creature, and most of these stories are dark to out and out black-spirited.

The sole uplifting story of the lot, "Joust" by Mercedes Lackey, is good, interesting, and very representative of Ms. Lackey's style. However, I'd already read the novel version of "Joust," which oddly beat this collection to the press by at least a year. Four stars for that.

The next best story was by Elizabeth Moon, and is in her "Paksenarrion" universe but does not feature paladins or elves. Instead, this features dwarves, a dragon, and two very put upon villagers. I liked the villagers very much, and appreciated a return to this universe, one of my all-time favorites. Still, it's a rather dark tale, and I'd rather have had a happier ending. Three and a half stars.

The third best story was by Michael Swanwick. I liked the story up until the end, where Mr. Swanwick basically ruined it by tossing off a fable-type ending that didn't make a goodly amount of sense. In addition, this story only had two likable characters in it, and both were more or less abused throughout the story, something I really did not care for. Granted, this is dark fantasy, and Mr. Swanwick definitely made me hate all his hatable characters. But I'd have liked to have love his likable ones, and I didn't. Three stars.

The remaining stories seemed, to me at least, to be incomplete. Orson Scott Card's story was a sort of urban fantasy about a resident dragon and a boy, and as far as it went, up until the end, I liked it. But once again, a lousy ending ruined it. In addition, the information given by the editor led me to believe that Mr. Card is planning to turn this story into a novel. I really hope that doesn't happen, as this has to be the most downbeat story I've ever read by Mr. Card (not even excepting the last book about Andrew "Ender" Wiggin), and that's not what I've grown to expect from him. Two stars for that.

And Tanith Lee's story, while engrossing and having some truly unseen plot-twists, didn't totally make sense, either. I enjoyed the basic "women done wrong gets revenge" plotline, but the story was either too long or too short; too long in that it makes little sense in this form (even considering Ms. Lee's normal elliptical plotlines and fairytale-esque endings, dark or bright), too short in that in a novel, it might have worked well. Two stars, barely.

And that's basically it; it's an interesting experiment, but it's flawed, and if you don't like dark fantasy or aren't in the mood for it, don't get this book. It's not advertised as dark fantasy, but in my opinion, that's exactly what it is (with the sole exception of Ms. Lackey's stripped-down version of "Joust").

Three stars.

Barb Caffrey

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Dragon Quintet
Marvin Kaye
Manufacturer: ST MARTINS PRESS *
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000W8HNGE

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Dragon Quintet
The Dragon Quintet
Tanith Lee , Orson Scott Card , Michael Swanwick , Elizabeth Moon , and Mercedes Lackey
Manufacturer: Science Fiction Book Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GJFN66

Customer Reviews:

Dragon Quintet.......2007-09-15

An abiding presence in myth and literature from around the world, the dragon has been reborn in 20th-century fantasy fiction. The classic
winged fire-breathing reptile often associated with evil tends nowadays to be more disposed to humankind, sometimes aloofly offering magical wisdom, sometimes actively involved in human lives, whether as servants or friends. For this exclusive SFBC anthology - not available in stores - Kaye asked five top fantasy authors to contribute original novellas to this store of dragon lore: Introduction: Firedrakes Fierce and Friendly (Kaye); In the Dragon's House (Orson Scott Card); Judgment (Elizabeth Moon); Love In a Time of Dragons (Tanith Lee); Joust (Mercedes Lackey): King Dragon Michael Swanwick); and Afterword - Have I Got A Dragon For You! (Kaye). Great stories by great authors!

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Doctor Who: The Wheel in Space (BBC Radio Collection)

Manufacturer: BBC Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Doctor Who | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0563535075

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Cybermen in a slow story of fortuitous coincidences

Doctor Who: The Wheel in Space (Doctor Who, No 130)
Terrance Dicks
Manufacturer: Carol Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Doctor Who | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0426203216

Customer Reviews:

Cybermen in a slow story of fortuitous coincidences.......2000-10-22

Two things that can be said about the Cybermen: they are one of the classic Doctor Who monsters, and they are usually featured in relatively poor stories ('The Tomb of the Cybermen' being the exception).

'The Wheel in Space' is no exception. Adapted by the prolific Terrance Dicks, his work in this case is extremely straightforward and unlikely to inspire much additional good feeling for this relatively slow-paced and quite predictable story.

The Doctor and Jamie arrive inside a rocket, where they encounter a hostile servo-robot. With the TARDIS out of action, the two are forced to complete the rocket's journey to an enormous space station (the eponymous wheel in space) where they assist the crew against the steadily unfolding plans of the Cybermen.

The story is full of coincidences (for instance, the Doctor disconnects a TARDIS component, which they bring with them, which fortuitously makes a handy weapon and tool) and generally shows signs of lazy plotting. These are not the fault of Mr. Dicks, although the text might possibly have helped to conceal some of these had he made a stronger attempt.

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Difficult and valuable

Towards a Jewish philosophy based on Halakhah

Halakhic Mind
Joseph B. Soloveitchik
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Theology | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Halakhic Man

The Lonely Man of Faith

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Fate and Destiny: From Holocaust to the State of Israel

Derashot Harav: Selected Lectures of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik

ASIN: 0684863723

Customer Reviews:

Difficult and valuable.......2007-06-15

This is an extremely difficult book, but very rewarding. It is hard to read without an extensive knowledge of both modern philosophy and the physical sciences (especially modern physics).

Rabbi Soloveitchik discusses the rationalist systems of metaphysics which were once popular, noting that philosophy and theology (in the wake of modern science) have move past them to more "holistic" ways of viewing the world. He then argues that the opposite extreme - non-rational "spiritualism" - is not an appropriate basis for religion either.

In the end, he proposes a rational approach to theology, which however has its source in the halacha rather than in external metaphysical speculation. Physicists perform experiments and think critically to determine the characteristics of the natural world which surrounds them. Similarly, religious Jews occupy a world of halachic literature, which can be mined for philosophical as well as ritual/technical meaning.

The best practical example of this approach is probably Rabbi Soloveitchik's book "On Repentance", which uses this method systematically. To take one example from there (IIRC), a sacrificial animal whose ownership is shared cannot be sacrificed if one owner dies before it is sacrificed. However, sacrifices can be made on behalf of the entire nation, even though some Jew somewhere will probably die after the animal is selected and before it is sacrificed. This indicates that communal offerings cannot be seen as jointly owned by all the Jews in the world, but rather, as belonging to the Jewish people as an independent entity. Thus, the technical laws of jointly-owned sacrifices are used to prove that the Torah views the Jewish people as having independent status. This clearly has implications for how Jews view the relationships between God, themselves, and their people.

"Halachic Mind" may be seen as the intellectual justification for the personality type which is described in "Halachic Man". It is worthwhile, after reading "Halachic Mind", to reread "Halachic Man" - and to see what a different perspective on it you may then have.

I was much helped by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' excellent article in understanding the book (and writing this review). As I said, the book is very difficult. But it is extremely helpful as a window into Rabbi Soloveitchik's thought, and as a perspective on Jewish philosophy as a whole.

Towards a Jewish philosophy based on Halakhah.......2004-11-19

This is from the book- jacket." This work .. articulates for the first time Rabbi Soloveitchik's attitude toward Western culture and modern scientific values. He shows how twentieth century science and philosophy, under the influence of Bergson, gave rise to a wholesome epistemological and methodological pluralism that has recast the entire enterprise of metaphysics. A newfound(or newly recognized) appreciation of the role of choice and creativity in the forging of useful and coherent world-systems offers the first hope in modern times of creating a comprehensive and intelligible God- oriented and God- worshipping metaphysical system.Religion can now look at science not as an intellectual rival or threat, but as a model for the important act of constructing a world - view based on spiritual values and tenets of faith.
Drawing upon examples of Jewish practiceRabbi Soloveitchik shows how fine points of Halkahah deal with the most essential aspects of human existence, contributing to the necessary and wholesome task of constructing a universe congenial to the God- worshipping individual."

The Halakhic Mind: An Essay on Jewish Tradition and Modern Thought.

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The Halakhic Mind: An Essay on Jewish Tradition and Modern Thought.
Joseph B., Rabbi. SOLOVEITCHIK
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MX5SV6

Customer Reviews:

Peter Mayle must love this book.......2001-07-22

As a companion to her A Table in Tuscany, this volume is its equal in language and in art. It is also, regretably, its equal in difficulty. As with the other volume, this is no cookbook for beginners. I would rather use it to chart a tour of the South of France combined, perhaps, with Peter Mayle's adventures with knife, fork and corkscrew. Additionally, it reminds us that summer will always return, that gardens will always provide and that friends will be there to enjoy the results with us.

The Taste of Provence: The Columbe D'or at Saint Paul De Vence

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More Books like this Please!

The Taste of Provence: The Columbe D'or at Saint Paul De Vence
Martine Buchet
Manufacturer: Assouline
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 2908228475

Customer Reviews:

More Books like this Please!.......2000-05-10

I enjoyed this book very much. The Colombe d'Or comes up again and again in guide books covering the Provencal/Cote d'Azur regions. This book takes an in depth look at the history of this restaurant/hotel, including historical photos of loyal patrons like Picasso, Yves Montand, and Francois Truffaut.

The book is printed in France, the the paper quality is very good. The focus of the book is on the visual rather than the written word, containing mostly photographs (black and white as well as color).

The book also includes photographs of artwork owned by the Colombe d'Or. As well as being a top notch restaurant and hotel, this establishment could also be counted as a museum.

My only complaint is that there were not more photos of the hotel itself, or the surrounding town. The focus seems to be on the social life of this establishemnt.

Book Description

When a greeting card just isn't enough...send something unique. It's as simple and inexpensive to mail as a card--but it's much more: an entire book to keep and treasure forever! Light as a feather, wonderfully personal, and colorfully visual, these small, self-enclosed little volumes go right into the mail with no wrapping required. Just write your dedication on the inside, address it on the back, seal the flap, stick on a stamp, and put it in the mailbox. Give one for holidays, for birthdays and anniversaries, for messages of cheer, or for any occasion when you want to remember friends and family. And, there's truly something for everyone: expressive dogs and cats for the animal lover; lush roses for the gardener; Monet's paintings for the art buff; a wine companion for the oenophile; and tributes to coffee, tea, chocolate, and more for the home chef--and Belle Époque nudes for...well, you know who! Each is a lasting value--for the recipient and the giver!

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A TASTE OF PROVENCE
MICHEL LE LOUARN ARIELLE PICAUD
Manufacturer: EDITIONS DU GARDE-TEMPS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RY1ZTO

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A Taste of Provence
Carey More , and Julian More
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Reference | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

A TASTE OF PROVENCE CLASSIC RECIPES FROM THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

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A TASTE OF PROVENCE CLASSIC RECIPES FROM THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
Leslie Forbes
Manufacturer: Little Brown & Co (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OU5J0M

A taste of Provence: The food and people of southern France, with 40 delicious recipes

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A taste of Provence: The food and people of southern France, with 40 delicious recipes
Carey More
Manufacturer: Holt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0805006605

The tastes and colors of Provence: A unique experience in the south of France

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The tastes and colors of Provence: A unique experience in the south of France
Sylvie Lallemand
Manufacturer: Dove Byrd Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

Marketed as the ?fastest metal cars in the world, Hot Wheels*r revolutionized the die-cast toy car market. Collectors throughout the world recognize the Hot Wheels*r brand. The models produced between 1968 and 1972 represent the vintage years for this line of toy vehicles. The bright Spectraflame*r paint colors and redline tires, unique to Hot Wheels vehicles, identify these models. These original models still drive the collecting hobby today. The 221 wonderful color photographs provide a complete visual guide for collectors. The 118 unique castings produced during this four-year period are explained in detail and a complete variation and price guide is provided to expand knowledge and interest in collecting Hot Wheels. Also included is coverage of the Gran Toros*t cars, launched soon after Mattel bought the Italian company Mebetoys. Introduced in 1970, the line was continued until 1973, though the name continued to 1980/81. This new book is a welcomed addition to Hot Wheels literature by one of the worlds foremost experts in the field.

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Excellent discussion of fibers, classic patterns

Nice proyects

Great projects, great info

Beyond Wool: 25 Knitted Projects Using Natural Fibers
Candace Eisner Strick
Manufacturer: Martingale and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Knitting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Quilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1564775011

Customer Reviews:

Excellent discussion of fibers, classic patterns.......2006-08-11

I got this book as a gift. It has a really in depth discussion of fibers. I'm quite moved by the patterns...they are very classic. I can see myself wearing/making almost every one. Instructions and materials lists are excellent and clear.

As someone with a house full of mohair and angora "stash"....I'll be using this book quite a bit. Photography is first rate as well...no sweaters with "hidden angles" hiding design flaws!

Nice proyects.......2005-09-11

This is a nice book with a lot of patterns. I personaly liked only 3 or 4 out of the twenty something. But over all a nice book.

Great projects, great info.......2004-11-02

This book is really two books in one- it's a collection of beautiful, classic knits for women, as well as a reference tool for information about all kinds of knitting fibers other than wool. The sweaters and accessories are elegant and wearable, while the background information on the fibers (including their advantages, potential problems, and care instructions) is useful to any knitter or designer looking to expand beyond wool.

Book Description

When planning buildings in which people are to work and live, the efficient use of natural daylight and solar energy is increasingly important. The challenge is to compensate the different lighting requirements in winter and summer. Integrated daylight deflection systems distribute light into the interior of buildings, utilize and store solar energy to save artificial lighting, air-conditioning and heating costs. Extensively researched and impressively illustrated with a large number of computer simulations and photographs of built examples, this volume is more than an introduction to the basic principles, functions, designs and calculation methods of advanced light-guidance technology for architects, lighting designers, building and climate engineers. In particular it provides detailed documentation of the new Retro-Technology systems, explaining the role they can and do play in integrated faÃ§ade and building design and planning processes.

Book Description

The first truly popular biography of the influential twentieth-century mystic and educator who-while widely known for founding the Waldorf schools and other educational and humanitarian movements-remains a mystery to many who benefit from his ideas.

People everywhere have heard of Waldorf schools, Biodynamic farming, Camphill Villages, and other innovations of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). Indeed, Steiner-as an architect, artist, teacher, and agriculturalist-ranks among the most creative and prolific figures of the early twentieth century, pioneering work in alternative education, holistic health, and environmental research.

While his accomplishments are felt all over the world, few people understand this unusual figure. Steiner's own writings and lectures fill several bookcases, intimidating those who would like to know more. Works on Steiner are often dense and "insider" in tone, further deterring the curious. No popular biography, written by a sympathetic but critical outsider, has been available.

Gary Lachman's Rudolf Steiner provides this missing introduction. Along with telling Steiner's story and placing Steiner in his historical context, Lachman's book presents Steiner's key ideas in a readable, accessible manner. In particular, Lachman considers the spread of Steiner's most popular projects, which include Waldorf schools-one of the leading forms of alternative education-and Biodynamic farming-a popular precursor to organic farming. He also traces Steiner's beginnings as a young intellectual in the ferment of fin de sicle culture, to his rise as a thought leader within the influential occult movement of Theosophy, to the founding of his own metaphysical teaching called Anthroposophy.

Finally, the book illustrates how Steiner's methods are put into practice today, and relates Steiner's insights into cosmology to the work of current thinkers.

Rudolf Steiner is a full-bodied portrait of one of the most original philosophical and spiritual luminaries of the last two centuries, and gives those interested in the history of ideas the opportunity to discover one of the most underappreciated figures of the twentieth century.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent overview.......2007-07-01

A good introduction to Rudolf Steiner's life and times. And it is not written by a follower of Steiner, which is both a strength and a weakness. Lachman can be clear and objective, but his distance doesn't always equal insight.

A great biography.......2007-04-08

Lachman's biography of Steiner is one of the best yet attempted, and I've read twelve (including most of the German biographies). It serves as an excellent introduction to the man and the essential scope of his work, putting both in the context of the intellectual currents of the times. It is balanced and sensible in its judgments, and Lachman demonstrates both understanding and independence in his evaluation of a sometimes controvertial figure.

Rudolf Steiner: In Context and In Situ.......2007-04-03

Though I've been studying Rudolf Steiner's work for almost 20 years, I've not been particularly interested in his life from a biographer's perspective. Believing that a tree is indeed known by its fruit, I've been concerned to know whether or not Steiner was secretly torturing animals or humans as part of his "spiritual science," but the lack of any such stories, and the love and wisdom evident in his work itself, has satisfied any curiosity I have had regarding his character.

Recently, though, I've taken to learning more about the context of Steiner's work, especially the more esoteric practices. Learning about the history of the Theosophical Society, occult or mystery schools through the ages, and current spiritual practices - these have been more and more of interest.

Gary Lachman's "Rudolf Steiner: An Introduction to His Life And Work" has satisfied my need to establish such a wider context for my study of spiritual science. His style is readable, his research credible. His background on the Theosophical Society, descriptions of Steiner's phases of life and work, and discussions of relevant, contemporary philosophical trends, all contribute a needed depth and breadth to Steiner's work. Most importantly for me, his sympathies are with what I take to be the main thrust of Steiner's work: the practice of spiritual science.

Two things in particular stood out to me in Lachman's book: First, Lachman identifies the primary character of Steiner's philosophy as phenomenology. I've always thought this, and I think it's an especially fruitful path to explore for the continued influence and practice of spiritual science. Though there are essentials of phenomenology accessible in the narrow academic stream of phenomenology, there are broader more accessible streams that will carry the burden of practice.

The other aspect of Lachman's book that I found extremely valuable is his own practical experiences of the spiritual realms that Steiner devoted his later life to promoting and teaching. There is no getting around the fact that Steiner was an initiate of an esoteric school, and that his life as an initiate informs everything that he taught. Lachman recounts his own attempt at basic imaginative thinking - the first step in perceiving spiritual realms according to Steiner - when he grasps the supersensible reality of a rose. For this reviewer, there is no other reason to be reading Steiner than to learn how to do that.

Excellent and accessible biography.......2007-03-30

Gary Lachman has become one of best new writers on matters of esoterica and ageless wisdom, and the socio-cultural impact of these things in modern times. That impact began long ago as a result of the life and work of people like Rudolf Steiner. Steiner has the strange misfortune of being a towering figure in the intellectual and spiritual development of the modern Western world, and at the same time, being relatively unknown by most people. In my own attempts to better acquaint myself with his work I have not, to this point, had much success. Lachman's biography resolved most of that problem for me. He writes about Steiner in respectful but not non-critical way, and for me, it really brought Steiner the man closer. Lachman demonstrates a firm grasp of the intellectual and cultural issues of the German speaking European world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but he does not write about these things in an obscure or complicated way. The only thing I did not like about this book was the absence of any photos from Steiner's life. Apart from that, this is a great book for meeting, and appreciating, a truly remarkable man, Rudolf Steiner.

A Definitive Introduction to Dr. Steiner .......2007-02-27

This book will become the definitive book to introduce Rudolf Steiner's life and ideas to people, especially as another reviewer noted for English speakers. Uniquely balanced, insighful and comprehensive to the spiritual & philosophical antecedents that contributed to Steiner's thought and development of Anthroposophy. Validating my thoughts to the German idealist underpinnings of Anthroposophy, this work will also encourage English readers to reexamine both the cultural/scientific contributions of Goethe as well as seriously consider an indepth study of Steiner's "Philosophy of Freedom" as a long neglected major work of 20th century philosophy.

Lachman still continues to amaze and delight me, as both the best writer on esotericism today with a writing style that is fresh, insightful and approachable yet scholarly. There is no work by Gary Lachman I do not have and I will certainly seek out any future works by him as well.

This book may cause some consternation among "true believers", but even long time students of Steiner & Anthroposophy will find new insights to his life and work. As much as I admire Steiner and his work, Lachman addresses one such wrinkle I have dealt with, the slight embarassment brought on by the aesthetics of anthroposophical inspired art, speech formation, drama and painting. To the contemporary these expressions seem ponderous, naive and simply outdated. Lachman is gracious in describing Steiner's mystery dramas as "an acquired taste", I personally find them unreadable, verbose and probably unwatchable as well. Yet Steiner stated the essense of his philosophy is contained within these works.

Regarding Steiner's seminal Christology, described by Steiner as the "Mystery of Golgotha" is a major challenge to the casual reader. For Steiner the advent of the Christ was the fulcrum of human history. In these days of cross cultural comparative religious relativism, this is a difficult pill to swallow. But for those who wish to pursue a greater understanding of Steiner's unique Christology, it helps to read Emil Bock (1895-1959) the clearest exponent of this theology.

Yet the enigma of Rudolf Steiner remains, why is Steiner still so little known with such significant contributions made in most fields of human endeavor? This work comes closer than most to providing some clues to this fascinating man and that question.

Life and Work of Rudolf Steiner: From the Turn of the Century to His Death

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Life and Work of Rudolf Steiner: From the Turn of the Century to His Death
Guenther Wachsmuth
Manufacturer: WHITTIER BOOKS, INC.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OJWYEM

The Life and Work of Rudolf Steiner: From the Turn of the Century to His Death (Life & Work of Rudolf Steiner)

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The Life and Work of Rudolf Steiner: From the Turn of the Century to His Death (Life & Work of Rudolf Steiner)
Guenther Wachsmuth
Manufacturer: Garber Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Philosophers | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0893450367

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Rudolf Steiner: His Life and Work
Gilbert Childs
Manufacturer: Steiner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0880103914

Book Description

The Austrian philosopher and writer Rudolf Steiner was one of the most original thinkers of the twentieth century. His writings cover a wide range of subjects, and he made valuable and influential contributions in many fields, including education, science, medicine, and social reform. The foundation of his researches was the "science of the spirit" that he called anthroposophy. He maintained that material science could never comprehend the whole of nature, as it excluded the realm of the spirit. Bridging the physical and spiritual worlds, anthroposophy would show the way toward a true understanding of humanity and its relation to the universe.

This is a concise, illustrated introduction to Steiner's life and work, describing how many of his ideas have been put into practice and are still giving inspiration and guidance to many people all over the world.

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