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

Book Description

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Easy read.....
Building a dream
One star is too generous.
Interesting read, too long
A good read on a slow boat to where ever

Pillars of the Earth
Ken Follett
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0688046592

Book Description

Ken Follett had long been a staple of the bestseller lists for his novels of intrigue and espionage. Then came The Pillars of the Earth, a grand novel of epic storytelling that readers and critics quickly hailed as his crowning achievement. Now, The Pillars of the Earth is available for the first time to a new audience of readers, in this attractive new trade paperback edition.

In 12th-century England, the building of a mighty Gothic cathedral signals the dawn of a new age. This majestic creation will bond clergy and kings, knights and peasants together in a story of toil, faith, ambition and rivalry. A sweeping tale of the turbulent middle ages, The Pillars of the Earth is a masterpiece from one of the world's most popular authors.

"A novel of majesty and power...Will hold you, fascinate you, surround you." --Chicago Sun-Times

"A towering tale...There's murder, arson, treachery, torture, love, and lust...A good time can be had by all." --New York Daily News

"Touches all human emotions...truly a novel to get lost in." --Cosmopolitan

Customer Reviews:

Easy read............2007-09-22

I loved this book the second time around as much as the first. Mr. Follett gives life to the cathedral as each chapter unfolds to dramatic characters and scenes associated with the construction of a massive building. If you are taking classes in architecture or the dark ages you will appreciate and understand the key words in his descriptions. I can't wait for the sequel.........I hope it is as page turning as Pillars of the Earth!

Building a dream.......2007-09-22

I first read this novel about 17 years ago. I became engrossed in the construction of the cathedral and the lives of those involved. For me, on that first read, the historical accuracy was irrelevant. The novel could have been set almost anywhere and I'd have been quite indifferent to historical anachronism.

I've reread the novel since, and while I'm more aware of some of the anachronistic detail and more critical of some of the relationship development it still doesn't concern me very much. For me, this is a saga about building an enduring monument. The characters and the historical setting are the vehicles and are largely secondary.

I consider this to be one of the most enjoyable escapist novels I have ever read, and am looking forward to the sequel.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

One star is too generous........2007-09-07

I am amazed at how many glowing reviews this book has. It is poorly researched, filled with anachronisms, and it would have been too long with half as many pages, the characters are entirely flat; frankly I could go on forever. I tried to like the story and the characters, but I had to draw the line at four errors in fewer than 300 pages. An earlier reviewer suggested William Manchester's "A World Lit Only By Fire" and I whole-heartedly agree. Manchester's book is far more informative if learning about the Middle Ages is your goal. Wikipedia is more accurate, as unreliable as a source as it is. I should have known better that Ken Follett is not worth my time when I could not finish "Jackdaws". I am certainly not reading "A World Without End" or anything else of his for that matter. He is forever on my "Banned List".

Interesting read, too long.......2007-08-31

I have never read anything by Ken Follet before so I thought I would give him a try - I will read more of his work. I love historical fiction and did enjoy this book. I love sinking my teeth into a long book, but this one just seemd to go on to no end. It just become painful to read after awhile as the characters are brutalized every other chapter. I understand that this book is portraying a historical time where this was probably the case, but I just got tired reading about it.

A good read on a slow boat to where ever.......2007-08-28

Over 700 people have already written reviews and comments about this book so most comments at this point are somewhat after ther fact. As most of the other reviewers have said, the book is well written, the plot is good and it does hold your interst. That being said, it is very long and near the end, I was ready for it to be over. I for one have never been a person to re-read novels so I found it interesting that several reviewers commented that the had re-read the book. It was good, but I could hardly see a re-read. Follett, the master of spy and intrigue has written a masterful book with a strong plot, but I found a few lose ends. What happened to Martha? What happened to Ellen? Maybe that's being picky or maybe I missed it. However, if you are into sagas -this is the book for you. If you are going on a long flight or a slow boat to whereever, its well worth the read. Will I read the forthcoming 1024 page sequel??? That depends on whether or not I get snowed in this winter or have a lot of dead time.

The Gothic Cathedral: The Architecture of the Great Church 1130-1530

Average customer rating:

The Gothic Cathedral is comprehesive AND readable!

The Gothic Cathedral: The Architecture of the Great Church 1130-1530
Christopher Wilson
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Gothic | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0500276811

Book Description

The Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages are among the world's supreme architectural achievements. Hundreds of these great churches were built throughout Europe in a rich variety of styles between c. 1130 and c. 1530, all of them representing an investment of money and effort so immense that it is difficult to find a modern parallel.

Christopher Wilson focuses here on the interaction between design and the requirements of patrons, following the creative processes of architects by reconstructing the problems and opportunities that they faced. He discusses chronology, structural techniques, and stylistic developments and then goes further, seeing the story as a sequence of choices from which new challenges and solutions arose. 221 illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

The Gothic Cathedral is comprehesive AND readable!.......2000-02-04

How I ended up being the first to review this book is beyond me. I would've guessed that many a learned architectural scholar would've long since sung the praises of this wonderful book. I, however, am just a layman with a lifelong passion for Gothic cathedral architecture, which started in the Washington National Cathedral and became educated, at least partiallly, in this book.

I consider Wilson's "The Gothic Cathedral", a 'must own' for anyone who has ever felt a yearning to know more about the soaring arches, brilliant glasswork, and impossibly high, vaulted ceilings of these magnificent medieval structures. This book, details the development of this unique form of architectural artistry; beginning with it's modest antecedents in Romanesque architecture and the groin-vaulted churches of Normandy and England and continuing through even the most elaborate and extravagant versions of late-Gothic throughout Europe. Mr. Wilson moves the reader, comfortably and comprehensibly through the chronological development of Gothic architecture, while neatly detailing the differences in coincidental development in several diverse geographic regions. Even I, with no formal architectural education, can now explain most of the finer points of Norman Romanesque, French High Gothic, and the Rayonnant styles of architecture, as well as explaining the odd metamorphisis of the English Decorated style into the very uniquely English, Perpendicular style.

Book Description

This study focuses on the canons of the nine secular cathedrals in England in the later middle ages, who were amongst the most able and successful clerics of their age. After considering the functions of the cathedrals which provided them with a comfortable income and considerable status, Dr Lepine turns to the canons themselves, tracing their origins and analysing their careers. He examines the canons' residence at their cathedrals, establishing how many were resident in the close and how much time they spent there. The study concludes by presenting two case studies to show the vigour and diversity of capitular life in the later middle ages: Salisbury between 1398 and 1458 (its so-called golden age) and Lichfield from 1490 to 1540, on the eve of the Reformation. Dr DAVID LEPINEteaches history at Dartford Grammar School.

Average customer rating:

Splendid book
If you are looking for the definitive guide to European Cathedrals, this is THE book
A Spectacular Survey
great Book and reference.
This is my favorite photography book!

Great Cathedrals
Bernhard Sch?tz
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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

ASIN: 0810932970

Customer Reviews:

Splendid book.......2007-01-10

Awesome and great selection. Text provides enough information about the buildings. One of my favourite books.

If you are looking for the definitive guide to European Cathedrals, this is THE book.......2006-11-28

This book has been around for at least 3 decades; I'm 43 and remember looking over an earlier edition with awe and reverence in the town library when I was a teenager.

The current edition has some nice updates, including added coverage of the great eastern European cathedrals, such as St. Vitus in Prague. The photography is splendid, and gives a feel of the look and scale of each building, as well as for the smaller details like sculpture and stained glass that makes each great cathedral a triumph of Western civilization.

If you are looking for a book that covers the major cathedrals of Europe in a thorough, satisfying way via photographs and a text providing the history of each building, a discussion of its style, and so forth, search no more. This is EASILY the best book out there that provides what you want.

A Spectacular Survey.......2006-07-09

Magnificent photography, both general views and close-ups of architectural details and stained glass. The book covers France, Germany, England, Spain and Italy. UIt contains a useful glossary of architectural terms and floor-plans of each cathedral. The "Crazy Vaults" of Lincoln Cathedral are not to be missed! I wanted this book to study cathedral design in general, and it more than met my expectations.

great Book and reference........2006-06-04

You will never find a better book on this type of archetecture

This is my favorite photography book!.......2006-03-29

This is my all time favorite photography book! My husband is active duty military and we have been able to live overseas for the last 6 years so each weekend, I travel from one cathedral or castle to the next. This book is full of some of the best cathedral photography I've come across. And the price on this website is great...I spent $100 for mine at a Barnes and Noble store.
--Vicki Landes, author of "Europe For The Senses - A Photographic Journal"

Average customer rating:

Lichfield Cathedral (Pitkin Guides)

Manufacturer: Jarrold Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0853720894

Guided by a Stonemason: The Cathedrals, Abbeys and Churches of Britain Unveiled

Average customer rating:

One of the first books to read about cathedrals and churches
Broad array of topics and easy to understand
Everything you always wanted to know about cathedrals ...
Guided By A Stone Mason,By Thomas Maude

Guided by a Stonemason: The Cathedrals, Abbeys and Churches of Britain Unveiled
Thomas Maude
Manufacturer: I. B. Tauris
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1860640397

Book Description

Visiting historic buildings is one of Britain's most popular pursuits. Visitors, however, are often frustrated by existing guidebooks, which assume much prior knowledge of architectural history and terms. This book presents a new look at cathedrals, abbeys and churches through the eyes of experienced stonemason, Thomas Maude. He uses historical and technical information, colourful anecdotes and his knowledge of building structures and techniques to convey the excitement which they hold in store.

Customer Reviews:

One of the first books to read about cathedrals and churches.......2006-03-02

Unlike so many books that I have read about churches and cathedrals, one will not need to keep an architectural dictionary or a reference book on the medieval church nearby as one reads. This will enhance both tours of the buildings and further reading. I will definitely keep this in my permanent collection.

Thomas Maude is a British stone-mason, and his love for his craft and the buildings that his fellow masons produced adds to the pleasure of reading.

The text is very well written, thorough and logically arranged. Maude works his way through the main structure of a cathedral, church or cloister in a way that is easy to follow and accompanied by well-chosen illustrations. He begins with Norman building styles and follows carefully through the developments in Gothic architecture. He explains the various types of building materials available in Britain, the daily offices of worship, the changing uses of various parts of the building (weddings used to be on the church porch, for example.)

The photography is all in black and white, except for the cover, and is generally very good with many excellent detail shots.

Extremely informative and a delight to read.

Broad array of topics and easy to understand.......2003-02-18

Even though the book is very nice and recommendable, it does not go into too much details. What I liked the most is that Mr. Maude covers some aspects in the design of the cathedrals and churches hardly to find in other books related to mediaeval architecture. I would recommend this book for someone looking for learning the basics and one who appreciates the religious lifestyle that prevailed at that time as an important factor for the design and construction of this sort of buildings. The explanations given by Mr. Maude concerning the physics used by the master builders to understand the behavior of walls, flying buttresses, arches, and other construction elements are very easy to follow. Definitely this is a book for a person who has just started into this wonderful subject of medieval construction.

Everything you always wanted to know about cathedrals ..........2001-12-06

The strength of the book is Maude's hands-on experince, which he uses to illuminate a lot of material. The book could be a bit clearer in places, and could use some labelled diagrams. He does not cover the structural aspects in detail (see the very difficult The Stone Skeleton for that) but explains a lot of stuff I haven't found elsewhere (what for instance is a 'rood'.)

Guided By A Stone Mason,By Thomas Maude.......2000-12-17

An excellent book about the history and construction of medieval churchs,abbeys,and cathderals.

The author , a working stone mason who has worked on the repair and restoration of these ancient buildings,gives insights into the development and technical details that went into creating these masterpieces.

The author's admiration for these builders is reflected in his discussion of the problems they encountered and how they arrived at solutions to create these masterpieces which have been handed down to our modern generation.

In additon, he also gives valuable insights into the history of the ancients times based on his intimate knowledge of the work undertaken by the builders.

The book is well illustrated with discriptive captions and is easily understood by the layman reader. I would highly recommend this book to any one who is interested in the medieval churchs and cathedrals of Britain.

Average customer rating:
More Great Hymns of the Church
Organist and Choirmaster Bruce Neswick
Manufacturer: Church Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: 0898692873

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