Recognizing native shrubs;

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Recognizing native shrubs;
William Carey Grimm
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Plants | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Botany | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006BNTZ6

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Recognizing Native Shrubs
William Grimm
Manufacturer: STACKPOLE BOOKS +
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WU87VC

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.

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Sicily: Art, History and Culture
Giovanni Francesio
Manufacturer: Arsenale Editrice
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 8877433078

Book Description

Through the evocative photographs of Melo Minnella, Sicily - Art, History and Culture captures the elusive spirit of Sicily, its inhabitants and its landscape. It offers a sweeping account of the island, from ancient history to the present day.

Muslims and Christians in Norman Sicily: Arabic-Speakers and the End of Islam (Culture and Civilisation in the Middle East)

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Much needed light on a little known subject

Muslims and Christians in Norman Sicily: Arabic-Speakers and the End of Islam (Culture and Civilisation in the Middle East)
Dr Ale Metcalfe
Manufacturer: RoutledgeCurzon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Linguistics | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

History | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

History | Islam | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0700716858

Book Description

This is the first work to offer a specific account of the social, religious and linguistic shift from a largely Arabic-speaking Muslim island in 1060 to a largely 'Latin'-speaking Christian one by around 1250.

Customer Reviews:

Much needed light on a little known subject.......2005-06-15

Metcalf's study examines the linguistic shift in Medieval Sicily from the time of the Muslim invasion in 827, to around 1100, a few generations after the arrival of Norman led Christian armies that recaptured the island from the Muslims. In this time period, the island went from an essentially Greek speaking area, to the end of the 10th century, when the island became (expect for some pockets in the east) primarily Arabic speaking, to a Latin speaking (or more properly a Romance, or early Sicilian Italian) speaking island. During the golden age of Norman rule, Greek, Arabic and Latin were the three official languages of the Norman court, and Metcalf impressively surveys court documents, travellers accounts, registries of land transfers to churches and monasteries (that used sur-names of occupants of that land, often Arabic, Greek, or Latin, or hybrids of the three, and geographical markers, again, hybrids of all three languages) to show the linguistic shifts in Sicily, and its progressive Latinization during this time period. All too often, the Muslim influence in areas of Europe recaptured from Muslim peoples is forgotten, erased or downplayed. Metcalf's study is an important book that illustrates the deep debt Sicily owes to its Arab period - and despite the attempts by later scholars to wipe clean the historical record -- the large measure of harmonization (social, political, and economic) that existed between Greek, Muslim and Latin Sicilian communities.

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My Ten Years' Imprisonment
Silvio Pellico
Manufacturer: BiblioBazaar
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1434625907
Release Date: 2007-06-11

Product Description

Translator: Thomas Roscoe

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My Ten Years' Imprisonment
Silvio Pellico
Manufacturer: Cosimo Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Authors | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Criminals | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 159605672X

Book Description

It was now my only consideration how to die like a Christian, and with proper fortitude. I felt, indeed, a strong temptation to avoid the scaffold by committing suicide, but overcame it. What merit is there in refusing to die by the hand of the executioner, and yet fall by one's own? -from Chapter XLVIII In 1820, Italian Silvio Pellico, editor of a literary journal, was arrested as a sympathizer of the revolutionary secret society, The Carbonari. He was sentenced to 15 years in the notorious underground prison at Spielberg, and during his incarceration, he wrote several plays and numerous poems, and after his sentence was commuted in 1830, this account of his ordeal. First published in Paris in 1833, it is a classic prison diary, and a timeless treasure of European literature. Pellico's simple, lucid prose makes immediate the indignities of his experience and highlight the hardships faced by political activists of the era. Italian patriot and playwright SILVIO PELLICO (1789-1854) also wrote the tragic plays Francesca da Rimini and Eufemio da Messina.

The Ordeal: My Ten Years in a Malaysian Prison

Average customer rating:

A fortune you will follow.
Leaving me hanging
In addition to my short review of 15 July 1998: What sequel?
Scary but warm, written by an unprofessional adventurer
An incisive, well-written autobiography.

The Ordeal: My Ten Years in a Malaysian Prison
Beatrice Saubin
Manufacturer: Arcade Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Penology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

A fortune you will follow........2001-09-28

I liked the book very much. Béatrices description of her travel through the Kyberpass, made you want to go the same way. I have thought about it many times and especially now, when it is in focus for the whole world. Now perhaps it is too late.
I have started to read the book again and I long to know how Bétrice life is today.

Leaving me hanging.......2000-07-15

I thought this book was interesting, but the last chapter was somewhat to be desired. She didn't say too much, except for the fact of her release. I would have liked a little more said... maybe how she never did find out what happened to Eddy, or if she even thinks of him. Also I believe she could have put something in the very end about the first time she stepped out on free land, for instance maybe what was in her mind, or something to that effect.

In addition to my short review of 15 July 1998: What sequel?.......2000-02-08

Due to the few lines I wrote in July 1998, a lot of readers of 'The Ordeal' have contacted me.

I mention that I couldn't wait to go buy the book about what happened afterwards, and a lot of readers have had a hard time finding the sequel.

I read it in danish (titled something like: Når porten åbnes), but apparently - and unfortunately - it has not been translated into english. Here's what the french publisher answered when I asked them:

Dear Ms. Thomsen. I am sorry to have to tell you that "Quand la porte s'ouvre" has not yet been translated. It is however available in French on our website in hardcover and paperback. Beatrice Saubin's other book, "l'Épreuve", is available from Arcade publishing in paperback and hardcover under the title "The Ordeal".

-----

Put pressure on the publisher - as did I. The name of the publisher is 'Octolivres', and their email address is questions@octolivres.com

Over and out

Susanne

Scary but warm, written by an unprofessional adventurer.......1998-07-16

Hard to narrow down. Having some relations til Malaysia, I just had to purchase the book. I couldn.t leave it, so I read it fast and immediately went to buy the book about what happened afterwards.

Ms. Saubin had to write the story the way she experienced it. Some have given her a hard time over it, but not me..

Go get it.

An incisive, well-written autobiography........1997-06-27

On January 27, 1980, Beatrice Saubin, a French citizen, was arrested at a Malaysian airport, ready to board a plane and carrying a suitcase cached with heroin. After waiting two and one half years in penal custody, Saubin was tried, sentenced to hang, then given a commutation to life in prison. As she discloses all that happened to her, Saubin reveals her purposes for writing her book. She relates what it is to be a woman in prison- to be dependent, humble, wily, bored- and how an all-female confinement channels its populace to excesses and renders too many among its corps envious or passive and blank. She confesses her victimizable nature and depicts how love for a sister inmate differs from loving a man on the outside. Saubin authored "The Ordeal" in a clear and rapid style. More than mere biography, her story has, on nearly every page, a witty clause or metaphoric construction or a fresh description. This is a fine autobiography. It is revealing, incisive, well-worded, and pleasurable to read. Edward Grosek. Northern Illinois University. c60esg1@corn.cso.niu.ed

Average customer rating:
Moose Country: Saga of the Woodland Moose
Michael W. P. Runtz
Manufacturer: Northword Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Mammals | Zoology | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1559711329

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MOOSE COUNTRY. SAGA OF THE WOODLAND MOOSE.
M. Runtz
Manufacturer: NorthWord Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WP2Y48

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Moose Country: Saga of the Woodland Moose
Michael W.P. Runtz
Manufacturer: NORTHWORD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLKTPG

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MOOSE COUNTRY. SAGA OF THE WOODLAND MOOSE.
M. Runtz
Manufacturer: NorthWord Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WPNYII

Book Description

The 72 dragon patterns included in this guide cover all of the major types and traditions and can be used in a wide variety of media, including woodworking, quilting, painting, illustration, and computer graphics. The basics of dragon anatomy are covered, as are the details of dragon design, such as fire, scales, and fins.

Customer Reviews:

Love it!!!.......2007-10-01

I have no idea what the naysayers on the other reviews were so disappointed about. This book has wonderful variety, excellent descriptions and layout. If you can't find something to use on your craft project you aren't very creative. Wonderful ideas and examples of how to apply to different mediums. Would recommend to any crafter looking for non-copywrited patterns and designs of all types, age ranges and genres of dragon lore. I will be looking to purchase more of the author other works, from tattoo art to celtic patterns.

Great Book of Dragon Patterns.......2007-09-05

I really liked the Dragon Art in this book and they show how to draw the dragons. Images can also be copied or traced for other craft projects. Would recommend for ages 10 and up.

Gift for 13 year old.......2007-08-10

When this book arrived at my home I flipped through it, and got hooked on the details on the creatures. They say you should learn something new everyday and that day I discovered there are many different kinds of dragons and other magical creatures. My Granddaughter, who received the book as a birthday book says she can now do the drawings for the "Dragon" book she's writing.

Dragon Pattern Book.......2007-03-23

Very nice collection of dragon patterns, nicely done. I would recommend this book to all who are interested in dragon drawings or patterns.

Great Book of Dragon Patterns.......2007-01-18

I bought this book as a Christmas present for a grandson. Both the grandson and I are very pleased with it.

Average customer rating:
Planetary Planting: A Guide to Organic Gardening by the Signs of the Zodiac and the Phases of the Moon
Louise Riotte
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Astrological Gardening: The Ancient Wisdom of Successful Planting & Harvesting by the Stars

Sleeping with a Sunflower: A Treasury of Old-Time Gardening Lore

ASIN: 0671219537

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Planetary Planting
Louise Riotte
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WLOVSE

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Planetary Planting: Organic Gardening by the Signs of the Zodiac and the Phases of the Moon

Manufacturer: Simon and Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HH9HKU

Average customer rating:
Dr. MacDonald's astrological almanac and weather guide for the year: Containing rules for planting and harvesting by the moon : predictions about crops, ... and daily guide fro planetary influences
J MacDonald
Manufacturer: J. MacDonald
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008A6IT4

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Farmer's planetary monthly daily planting and breeding guide for 1922
J. C Arnwine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Astrology | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0008ASBVC

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Planetary Planting: A Guide to Organic Gardening by the Signs of the Zodiac by
Enid Blyton
Manufacturer: Pan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WF21JQ

Average customer rating:

DEPRESSING and OUTDATED

My niece loved this book

Outdated, pessimistic views abound.

Reassuring guide to bearing and raising twins.

Great Book!!

The Parent's Guide to Raising Twins: From Pre-Birth To First School Days-The Essential Book For All Those Expecting Two Or More
Elizabeth Friedrich , and Cherry Rowland
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Pregnancy & Childbirth | Women's Health | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Marriage & Family | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Child Care | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Twins & Multiples | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Raising Twins: What Parents Want to Know (And What Twins Want to Tell Them)

Double Duty : The Parents' Guide to Raising Twins, from Pregnancy Through the School Years

The Art of Parenting Twins: The Unique Joys and Challenges of Raising Twins and Other Multiples

Everything You Need to Know to Have a Healthy Twin Pregnancy

Mothering Twins

ASIN: 0312039069

Book Description

For anyone expecting twins-and for those already raising them-The Parents' Guide to Raising Twins is a practical and comprehensive resource. Cherry Rowland and Elizabeth Friedrich, both mothers of twins, have tapped into a wealth of guidelines and advice from doctors and nurses, as well as the personal experiences of thirty-five other parents of twins and triplets.

They map out the special problems and pleasures of:

-Being pregnant with twins: how to obtain an accurate diagnosis; prenatal care; complications to watch for
-Managing the early months: how to adjust to sleeping patterns; breast-feeding for two or more; the question of dressing twins
-Treating young twins as individuals: how to cope with the competitiveness (and closeness) between twins, and common misconceptions about "twinness."

The authors list clubs and organizations specially devoted to issues of rearing twins. With their help, no parent will feel alone in caring for more than one baby at a time.

Customer Reviews:

DEPRESSING and OUTDATED.......2006-03-15

I first tried to read this book while I was pregnant with my twins. I often had to put the book down in tears because it was so negative and made life with twins seem unbearable. Thinking maybe I was overly emotional while pregnant, I have since tried to read it again now that my twins are 10 months old. I found the book to be the same(no more tears though, because I know the reality). Twins are hard, but not as hard as this book makes them seem. Also, a lot of the material is terribly outdated - birth options; dr's office not able to accomodate twin appts or being annoyed when you bring a double stroller into the office - please! That has never happened to me once! You get lots of attention pushing around a double stroller with twins, but it is all positive! The book made me feel like I'd be treated as some kind of freak with my twins, and that my days would be horrible. The reality is that you work very hard, but twins are a joy, they are manageable, and nobody treats you like a freak!

My niece loved this book.......2006-02-22

I did not read this book, but purchased it for my niece, who will be delivering twins tomorrow. She raved about it.

Outdated, pessimistic views abound........2005-10-16

I purchased this book about a year ago while I was 5 months pregnant with my twin boys. Immediately I discovered that many of the views were a bit outdated. It is very evident that it was written before twins and multiples were as common as they are now. Many of the concerns (doctor's offices, shopping, travel) discussed are simply not an issue any more. Most pediatrician offices are very well equipped and able to handle twin visits. Nearly all grocery stores have those awesome shopping carts with infant seats already attached (a push/pull of two carts isn't that hard). And as far as getting around, there are literally dozens of twin and triplet strollers available now.

I found the book to consistently present the worst of every situation. From clothes, to bathing and feeding nearly all the parents seem overwhelmed and frustrated. It really isn't like that! My boys are 7 months old now and I can honestly say... raising them has been nothing like it seemed in this book.

I say, find a more a recently written book and one that is based here in the US if you live here. The cultural differences and new commoness of multiples really make for a big difference.

Enjoy your babies, and relax! My twin theory is this:
Whatever you just did... You just do it again.

Reassuring guide to bearing and raising twins........2005-04-06

As an expectant mother of twins, I have read several books on the subject of twins pregnancy and raising twins. I have found this book to be one of the most straightforward and reassuring books that I have read. Other books I read made me feel overwhelmed, as if I am not up to the task. This book has had a very calming effect on me, because of its practical and non-judemental advice. The quotes from parents of twins throughout the book are revealing and helpful as well. Because the authors are from the UK, some of the quotes will sound funny to Americans, such as the one from a woman who said that she drank plenty of Guinness to help her regain her strength after her babies were born.

Great Book!!.......2003-12-01

This book is great! It covers everything from pregnancy through the school years. The quotes could have came out of my mouth! It's full of wonderful ideas from how to feed two babies at once to how to keep your twins busy.

Book Description

"Hodges. . . shows us a lover of language, a scholar, contradictory, big-hearted, as swift and many-sided as his libretti."—Publishers Weekly

Three of the greatest operas ever written—The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così fan tutte —join the exquisite music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with the perfectly matched libretti of Lorenzo Da Ponte. Da Ponte's own long life (1749-1838), however, was more fantastic than any opera plot. A poor Jew who became a Catholic priest; a priest who became a young gambler and rake; a teacher, poet, and librettist of genius who became a Pennsylvania greengrocer; an impoverished immigrant to America who became professor of Italian at Columbia University—wherever Da Ponte went, he arrived a penniless fugitive and made a new and eventful life. Sheila Hodges follows him from the last glittering years of the Venetian Republic to the Vienna of Mozart and Salieri, and from George III's London to New York City.

"Anyone with literary, biographical, musical, or historical interests will delight in this well-written and vivid portrayal of a multifaceted man."—John Greenhalgh, Classical Music

Customer Reviews:

What a life!.......2003-08-29

DaPonte was a bon-vivant; a scholar, a poet, a gentleman-rogue who was always disappointed that the world did not revere him for all the effort he put into Italian culture internationally. As librettist to Mozart (and Salieri and others), he initiated a brilliant new style of opera; as a book-publisher and friend of Casanova he lived life large, in Italy (where he was thrown out for his amorous adventures), in Vienna (where he had to leave because of court intrigue), in Trieste(where he had to leave because he was starving), in London (where he left because of theatrical machinations), in New York (where he left because of a lack of business), in Philadelphia (where he ran a grocery and book store)--he was eternally optimistic, eternally misused and misunderstood, but always the happy warrior. HIs autobiography, from which Hodges quotes extensively (and is a merciful editor to his prolix style), is sometimes a catena of complaints against his "enemies" -who were everywhere, apparently. A most interesting book. Anyone with an interest in theater or opera at the end of the 18th century will love it.

Da Ponte: librettist for 3 of Mozart's most famous operas.......2003-01-20

This work by Sheila Hodges is a biography of the man who was the librettist for three of Mozart's most famous operas: Le Nozzi di Figaro, Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte.

The book traces Lorenzo Da Ponte's life from birth in Ceneda, Italy in 1749 to his death in America in 1838. The material used in this biography include Da Ponte's own memoirs and various others letters and text that documented his life in Europe and America. In the back, the book list chronologically dates that of were of importance to Da Ponte, dates of his writings (poems, letters etc.) and finally dates of his libretti. There is also an extensive bibliography and a complete index of the names of people in the book who were part of his life.

The book deals extensively with all sections of Da Ponte's life including his growing up, his work in Vienna, (where he met Mozart and worked for Emperor Joseph), his life in London, and finally his last years in America. Among these segments we see a young man who could not resist the fairer sex; a gullible soul who repeatedly lent money to people and rogues that could not or would not repay him, thus leaving him in an almost constant state of poverty throughout his entire lifetime. As that saying goes "he was his own worse enemy".

Personally, I had hoped to gain some insight into the working relationship between himself and Mozart but there is apparently little record of their actual association. What did come out, that is intriguing, is the apparent sway Da Ponte's skill with the libretti had in determining the music that Mozart eventually wrote for the three operas mentioned above. This ability seemed to arise from his upbringing and his education as a young man, where eventually he developed his talent to write these fabulous Italian libretti: libretti that were not only used by Mozart, but by many other composers of the day, including Salieri and Martin Y Soler, just to mention a few. It appears plausable, that without Da Ponte's influence on Mozart, that these three masterpieces would be substantially different than what we know today.

The book is well written, generally easy to read and will be appreciated by anyone interested in Da Ponte, Italian opera or the political intrigues of life in 18th century Vienna. Certainly a special interest book, but one that is an fascinating read.

Book Description

Thousands of years have past and its time that all have the opportunity to share in a story of love so great and power full that it will set your heart free and give you a mighty push to find your soulmate. Laying the pages of this book is the partial history of a epic love: A story of soulmates that found each other at the beginning of time, and who follow and find each other life after life after life. You can now receive their everlasting love, right along with them life after life, again and again. And remember a heart never forgets.

Customer Reviews:

love always remains.......2004-11-23

Proving that come what may the two would find each other once again despite time, distance and even death.
Though a collection of several individual stories, the author did a nice job of tieing them all together.

wow.......2004-10-12

This is a must read for romance readers! The book follows the souls of two people through time as they fall in love over and over. Too good! The characters are vivid and the story lines keep you guessing. I couldn't put it down!

Under the Inquisition: An Experience Relived

Average customer rating:

Under The Inquisition
Under the Inquisition
Unfortunate choice of format
Boring....
Boring....

Under the Inquisition: An Experience Relived
Linda Tarazi , Jess Stern , and Frank DeMarco
Manufacturer: Hampton Roads Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spain | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Reincarnation | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Parapsychology | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Near-Death Experiences | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1571740589

Customer Reviews:

Under The Inquisition.......2004-11-25

Excellent book from all prespectives.
Although it appears readers either love the book or don't. I am reminded of the other truly great authors of our time that also evoke such extreme emotion! This book is in great company!

Under the Inquisition.......2004-07-17

A terrific read! I could not put this book down. Wonderful character development and spectacular circumstance. The story is intriguing in its own right, but considering the historical background and the connection to past lives it is amazing. Highly recommeneded.

Unfortunate choice of format.......2002-11-21

I sympathize with those who couldn't finish this. It's VERY unfortunate that the author chose the "historical novel" format because it effectively destroys what could have been a serious work by a serious researcher. "Antonia," our heroine, revealed under hypnosis back in the 1970s and 1980s a mass of details concerning a past life during the Spanish Inquisition. The author, who was the second hypnotherapist to work with Antonia, spent years (including trips to Spain) to verify the details. Some of these could be verified only in genuinely obscure, non-English sources and are quite amazing. The effort that the author put into this, and the seriousness of her research, are apparent in the Introduction and the End Notes -- which, unfortunately, are the only parts of the book that I found interesting. She says that she chose the "historical novel" format because the events as described in the hypnosis sessions were disjointed and she didn't want to bore us with a series of verbatim transcripts as in The Search for Bridey Murphy. Unfortunately (I seem to be over-using that word), verbatim transcripts can be RIVETING while this reads like an inane Harlequin Romance (which I'm familiar with only because my wife was hooked on them until I told her I'd set fire to the house if she brought home one more; drastic problems call for drastic solutions). Anyway, if you can force yourself to wade through this, you can be assured that it's based on serious research and could have been a lot better. It reminds me of Mark Twain's comment about composer Richard Wagner: "Wagner's music is really a lot better than it sounds." Unfortunately, ...

Boring...........2002-10-16

What a load of [junk]. I was written like a poor romance novel. I have never seen the words, "I'm sorry" or "Forgive me" used so many times in a novel. I simply could not get through it. I got bored reading the same stuff over and over and over and it was just too predictable, whether it was through regressive therapy or merely someone's erotic fantasies...and I have never seen so much joy expressed and using the whip over and over and over. I left it unfinished in my hotel room in Vancouver. It is just not plausible and too much fantasy and 'romantic' ~ and poorly written [junk] novel romance jargon thrown in there.... I am a student of the Inquisition and it is just does not make sense.

And when the Inquisitor says comments on how 'cute' something is. I don't think a) that would happen or b) cute was a term of the time.

Give me a break.

Boring...........2002-10-16

... I got bored reading the same stuff over and over and over and it was just too predictable, whether it was through regressive therapy or merely someone's erotic fantasies...

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