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:

The total is greater than the sum of the parts
Hilarious and delightful!
Pratchett's Funniest!
In which elves have left the building, and Granny Weatherwax has something to say about that
Discworld

Lords and Ladies
Terry Pratchett
Manufacturer: HarperTorch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0061056928

Book Description

Although they may feature witches and wizards, vampires and dwarves, along with the occasional odd human, Terry Pratchett's bestselling Discworld novels are grounded firmly in the modern world. Taking humorous aim at all our foibles, each novel reveals our true character and nature.

It's a dreamy midsummer's night in the Kingdom of Lancre. But music and romance aren't the only things filling the air. Magic and mischief are afoot, threatening to spoil the royal wedding of King Verence and his favorite witch, Magrat Garlick. Invaded by some Fairie Trash, soon it won't be only champagne that's flowing through the streets ...

Customer Reviews:

The total is greater than the sum of the parts.......2007-09-09

As with any Discworld book, Lords and Ladies is most enjoyable if you already have some grounding in the Discworld series. L&L also assumes some knowledge of its predecessor, "Traveling Abroad." I hadn't read that one, but Pratchett was nice enough to include a little synopsis at the beginning. Finally, L&L is probably best if the reader is familiar with Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

No single aspect of this book stands out as "outstanding": the plot is "good," the subplots are "good," the characters are "good," the humor is "good," etc. But like the title of this review says, "the total is greater than the sum of the parts" making the overall effect quite worthwihile and enjoyable. All in all, a solid effort.

If you're a Pratchett fan, definately give it a go. If you're new to Discworld, it's still enjoyable, though you'll (correctly) get the sense that there are a LOT of references and inside jokes going on you're not privy to; still, it'll probably pique your interest enough to check out more in the series.

Hilarious and delightful!.......2007-08-19

Lords and Ladies was the first novel I read by Terry Pratchett and thank goodness! After reading a dozen or so more by one of the greatest and most humourous authors ever, this is still one of the funniest. Ultimately love this quick read novel.

Pratchett's Funniest!.......2007-08-17

Lords and Ladies is literally the funniest book Terry Pratchett has written. He's written better books but this one is the funniest. To this day I continue to howl at the antics of the Lancre coven, Unseen's Wizards and a refreshing view of elves, marriage and romance. If you haven't read this one, why not?

In which elves have left the building, and Granny Weatherwax has something to say about that.......2007-05-07

...like that is a change. The nature of elves and their world is explored, the inadvisability of scheduling a wedding for the longest day is considered, the importance of a green bathrobe to an ape is discussed, and the true nature of crop circles is revealled. Despite all the folks who irrationally come forward admitting to the fabrication of crop circles as a prank, it is revealled that they are, in fact, a harbinger of an incursion by elves.
The Librarian's inner nature, insights regarding the Faery, and appropriate role in a wedding are illuminated. The curtain around Granny Weatherwax's romantic life is drawn aside (and hastily closed again). The King of Lancre figures in there somewhere. And Magrat Garlick comes to appreciate the value of a breastplate, despite an excess of airspace.

"Lords and Ladies" was the first Discworld book I read, and this was a terrible thing. Having read all of his works to date, I find myself struck with shakes and chills as we wait for his next work. And I swore up and down that I could quit any time I liked.

Still, this one is Pratchett on form. From Ankh Morpork to Lancre, with witches, wizards, and elves, Shakespeare, crop circles, New Age friviolity, and a host of other topics are ruthlessly skewered by Pratchett's word processor. Mr. Pratchett, please don't stop!

Discworld.......2006-08-27

I've decided he's too good and too prolific for me to write a brand new review every single time I read one of his books. Discworld currently has 34 titles and every one of them will probably knock your socks off. His mind bubbles and flashes like a boiling pot of electric eels, and I simply can't get enough of his writing.

A reviewer has compared him to Geoffrey Chaucer. He reminds me more of Douglas Adams, or perhaps S Morgenstern. Great company, isn't it? He's an extremely skillful and imaginative writer, damn funny, clever and observant to boot. He's also very easy to read. A master of characterization, and if there's anything else you like about reading that I didn't mention here, assume I simply forgot. He's awesome.

Another reviewer mentioned Jonathan Swift and PG Wodehouse. Why such hallowed company? Because Pratchett belongs there! Truly, I'm enjoying my quest to read every book in the series. You should do the same, and begin your quest at the library because he's got to be there. He's awesome!

Yet another reviewer said Jerome K Jerome meets Lord of the Rings. Yeah, that works too.

Why do we, as reviewers, compare authors to other authors? Because it's easier than thinking. In the case of Terry Pratchett, it's probably because we'd otherwise wind up quoting the guy. He's so unique that we just don't know how else to cope with his greatness. Even this paragraph sounds like foamy drool raving, doesn't it? That's how all readers react to Pratchett. Reviewers simply don't have the good sense to keep it to themselves.

I could call his writing fantasy, but I could likewise call what Douglas Adams wrote science fiction. In both cases, I wouldn't be wrong, but I'd be neglecting so much and just totally missing the point. A rare few authors transcend a genre to such a degree that you know they're shouting out, loud and proud, a big fat "Bite me!"

I love Terry Pratchett's writing, and I completely understand why some folks refer to him as their favorite author. Or favourite, I should say, since we're being British. He's one of those authors that makes you want to grab whoever's in hearing range and start reading passages aloud. I'm simply thrilled that there's such an extremely talented and prolific author who's been working for years without me being aware of him. Now I have much catching up to do, and I will love it.

Average customer rating:

The Lady
Amazingly Insightful
Good book for any woman
YOU GOTTA READ IT
The book is going to change my life !

The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord
T. D. Jakes
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425168727
Release Date: 2000-07-10

Amazon.com

T.D. Jakes's insights and expressions are balm for every woman's soul. As he explains so compassionately, we have lost sight of "the lady," and it is a loss that continues to buffet women and misdirect men. Jakes eschews condemnation and exposes the lies that have cloaked women in sorrow, helping women to stand in the beauty, strength, and confidence God intended.

Bishop Jakes, church founder, pastor, and author of numerous books, including the bestselling Woman, Thou Art Loosed!, structures this book in three parts. In the first, he gently takes the hand of every woman who has been ill-used, crippled in the innermost being, and shows her what is truly beautiful about the feminine. In part two, he opens the door for communication between husband and wife, lover and friend. Part three brings alive the passion of the Lord for women, this most exquisite of His creations.

Much has been lost. Weep with Bishop Jakes over the pain to which women have succumbed. But loss is not forever. In fact, any woman reading this book will likely feel something emerge within her, something long forgotten but something that rings of truth. --Ann Weinheimer

Book Description

The phenomenal bestseller. At last, in trade paperback...

Here is the book that brought Bishop T.D. Jakes to the forefront of America's bestselling Christian authors. Selling over half a million copies in hardcover alone, The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord is as provocative as it is profound--a truly inspiring volume that shows today's women how to improve their relationships with their men, their God, and themselves. In a society that asks women to be perfect, sweet, sexy, submissive, and pristine, T.D. Jakes offers a spiritual path that cuts through the mixed messages and leads women toward the true self God wants them to be: strong, loving, and real.

"Bishop T.D. Jakes is a breath of fresh air....Take it from me, the material within this book does make a difference." --Natalie Cole

"He demonstrates an unusual ability to inspire, uplift, teach, and comfort. An eloquent wordsmith...[he] writes with an abundance of memorable metaphors and yet speaks to women's hearts in practical, often humorous terms....This masterful preacher offers all women sound advice and gentle, respectful encouragement." --Publishers Weekly

Customer Reviews:

The Lady.......2007-08-12

Awesome Book! A must read for those of us searching for a deeper relationship with our Savior! Highly Recommended!!!!

Amazingly Insightful.......2007-04-04

T.D Jakes has written a book that every woman should read. Each page gives tremendous insights into the needs of a woman. Quite surprising to me, was that it was written by a man. I believe though that he was inspired by God - the Creator of women.
I have bought several copies to give to women I minister to from prison. There are golden nuggets within each page which will bring insight, love and healing to the reader. It's a good read for men, but may be a bit hard to understand all the emotion that is involved within it's pages.
I cried often and when I finished the book, I felt loved by God.

Good book for any woman.......2007-01-11

This was a really good, easy-reading book. It's surprisingly insightful being written by a man. It's a book that speaks to the single woman hoping for a mate, as well as the married woman. I gives insight on how to understand how men think and feel and what they need, as well as how women feel. It challenges us to understand why we're have broken hearts and disappointments and how to become more whole.

YOU GOTTA READ IT.......2005-08-18

I cant imagine going through life as a woman without having read this book. I have read this book over and over again and I have given it out to my girlfriends as birthday gifts. Every woman just has to have it on their shelf-next to the bible.

The book is going to change my life !.......2004-07-09

I got this book yesterday from a friend and I have only just read the introduction and T.D Jakes described me and the story of my life in a few sentences - It was amazing! I know I am going to love this book; for this book was wirtten for me...and it contains important messages tailor-made for me...So I suggest that you get this book too and it will speak directly to you too!

The Counterfeit Crank: An Elizabethan Theater Mystery Featuring Nicholas Bracewell (Elizabethan Theater Mysteries Featuring Nicholas Bracewell)

Average customer rating:

Book Number 14 in this Terrific Series
Good but not Great
Very enjoyable, a wonderful read
exciting historical mystery

The Counterfeit Crank: An Elizabethan Theater Mystery Featuring Nicholas Bracewell (Elizabethan Theater Mysteries Featuring Nicholas Bracewell)
Edward Marston
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312319495

Amazon.com

Things actually seem to be looking up for that chronically tormented Elizabethan theater company known as Westfield's Men. As the curtain rises on Edward Marston's exuberant The Counterfeit Crank, the cast has welcomed into their midst an oddly secretive but nonetheless talented new playwright, who brings with him a rousing historical drama, Caesar's Fall. Meanwhile, Alexander Marwood, the gloomy, henpecked landlord of the Queen's Head, that London inn where Westfield's Men are begrudgingly permitted to perform, has gone to visit his ailing brother (whom he hopes will remember him in his will), leaving the hostelry in the care of a more appreciative and exuberant manager. "Fortune has smiled on us at last," exults Westfield's veteran dramatist, Edmund Hoode.

Ah, but those words have hardly been uttered before a plague of gambling debts spreads among the actors--the result of their engagement with beguiling card sharp Philomen Lavery--and Hoode's health declines precipitously, dashing any chance of his completing a promised lithesome comedy. Adding insult to injury, the troupe's costumes are pilfered and its ticket proceeds pinched. Though Nicholas Bracewell, Westfield's book holder and necessarily practiced troubleshooter, hopes to rout all these woes, he's over-stretched, having also volunteered to aid a fetching, naïve young con artist who has survived abduction by the lecherous operators of a workhouse for the poor, but whose Welsh boyfriend has now gone missing. Deceived by people he saw as friends, and pursued by some of the very malefactors he aims to vanquish, Bracewell must marshal his considerable skills--both as a detective and a thespian--to save his livelihood, not to mention his own life.

British fictionist Marston has created other historical series in recent years, including those about a pair of 11th-century "Domesday" researchers (introduced in The Wolves of Savernake) and about 1850s London Inspector Robert Colbeck (who debuted in The Railway Detective). Yet he owes his popularity most to the Bracewell books, of which The Counterfeit Crank is the 14th (after 2003's The Vagabond Clown). While this novel offers a couple plot twists that are obvious from the outset, and more than one secondary character lacks the nuances essential to believability, there's no sign that Marston's regular cadre of 16th-century entertainers--each more egotistical or eccentric than the last--has been wrung dry of the possibilities for humor and hardship. --J. Kingston Pierce

Book Description

Nicholas Bracewell, the book holder for the London theater troupe Westfield's Men, has a few problems on his hands. The troupe's playwright is ill, a gambler is making short work of many of the actors' salaries, and their costumes have gone missing. When Nicholas meets a pair of troubled con artists, steering them clear of murder is almost more than he can handle. But he's got a good heart and an inquisitive mind. After all, the show must go on in Edward Marston's delightful fan-favorite, Edgar-nominated series.

Customer Reviews:

Book Number 14 in this Terrific Series.......2006-12-02

Edward Marston is the pseudonym of Keith Miles, a fairly prolific and extremely good writer of mainly Elizabethan and medieval mysteries. He has also written mysteries under his own name with both sporting and golf backgrounds. However it is primarily the books that take place earlier in history that I am interested in. He read modern history at Oxford and has had many jobs, including university lecturer, but fortunately for all his readers, he turned to the writing profession.

Nicholas Bracewell, the stage manager for the troupe of actors known as Westfield's Men has yet more problems to overcome. The group's talented playwright Edmund Hoode, has been taken ill and is unable to complete his latest offering. The problem is, is the illness a natural one or are there more sinister things afoot. Plus a gambler has moved into the inn the troupe calls home and is proceeding to relieve some of the actors of their hard earned money. Then, as if these problems are not enough the troupe's theatre costumes go missing from a locked cabinet. Nicholas could well do without all these distractions but of course, as usual, the show must go on.

The author's love for the Elizabethan theatre comes shining through this series of books. Plus his knowledge of the period fills the pages with authenticity and the sights and sounds of the streets and inns of Elizabethan London.

Good but not Great.......2006-11-11

This was an enjoyable read, but wasn't my favorite in the series. It still features the same wonderful characters, but the dialogue between them seemed forced and formulaic -- a little tired. The plot has an interesting twist involving playwright Hoode, but the other story line was pretty lame. Part of a great series, this book had all the basic elements of the earlier stories, but the telling seemed a bit dispassionate -- like an actor who has played the same role one too many times.

Very enjoyable, a wonderful read.......2004-12-28

I'm a latecomer to the series and after reading "The Counterfeit Crank," I will definitely order more of Edward Marston's books. The characters are wonderfully drawn, and the details are excellent. The mystery may not present much of a challenge to the experienced fan, but I think it's more than worthwhile.

We were snowed in over Christmas, and I read this book at the same time as I read Stephen Greenblatt's biography of Shakespeare, "Will in the World." Mr. Marston's portrayal of his theatrical company is exactly the way it was when Shakespeare was an actor and budding playwright. I highly recommend both books!

exciting historical mystery .......2004-07-28

In Elizabethan England the acting troupe of Westfield's Men is having their share of woes. Playwright Edmund Hoode has taken ill and it is up to his protégée Michael Grammaticus to finish the new play the actors are to perform. Michael is so grateful to his mentor for his support that he pays for the doctor and the special food he prescribes. A card player Alexander Marwood entices some of Westfield's Men into a game of cards with him. More times than not he is the winner, but there is no evidence that he is cheating but bookholder Nicholas Bracewell has his suspicions.

Someone steal the take for a play and their best costumes; nobody has a clue who is behind the thefts. Two young beggars who Nicholas befriended end up at Bridewell's workhouse where Dorothea is raped before she is released and her best friend Hywell is killed for his righteous attempt to hunt down the people who run the workhouse. Nicholas is determined to bring those responsible for the boy's death to justice as well as a couple of thieves who thought Westfield's Men were easy pickings.

Readers get a taste what it was like for actors who have the backing of a lord in Elizabethan England. Nicholas Bracewell is more heroic than usual as he tries to right many wrongs by bringing thieves and killers to justice. THE COUNTERFEIT CRANK is an exciting historical mystery and readers will be delighted to become reacquainted with characters they have come to regard as friends as it is always a treat to read about the endearing Westfield's Men.

Harriet Klausner

A Medieval Life: Cecilia Penifader of Brigstock, c. 1297-1344

Average customer rating:

Full of "perhaps" and "maybes"
An interesting book about a peasant's life
cecilia who?
Price is nuts
An Excellent Primer for Medieval History

A Medieval Life: Cecilia Penifader of Brigstock, c. 1297-1344
Judith Bennett
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0072903317

Book Description

This history of medieval village life is told through the experiences of Cecilia Penifader, a peasant woman who lived on one English manor in the early fourteenth century. This truly unique book offers a wealth of insight into medieval peasant society, bringing many of the characteristics of a time and a people to life. Short and readable, it is an ideal text for undergraduate teaching, suitable for courses in Western civilization, medieval history, women's history, and English history.

Customer Reviews:

Full of "perhaps" and "maybes".......2007-04-08

Admittedly I wasn't reading this book for pleasure, as I had to read it for a class, but it is very poor indeed. Okay, I'm not a PhD historian like Bennett, but that shouldn't mean my criticism is invalid. The book is an interesting concept, trying find out what a peasant's life was like, but is just FULL of "perhaps she did this..." and "maybe she did that..." Bennett, in reality, is writing a book about the medieval peasantry, trying to make it interesting and accessible to college students by making the book revolve around a character. However, the book proves condescending, and left me very frustrated as a slammed the book shut on the final page. Here are a few examples:

"I felt as if Cecilia was demanding...that I write her life" p. 138

And regarding the 'doodle' in the court records: "If Cecilia is the woman shown in this drawing, we can surmise that she was tall, thin, curly-headed, and perhaps the bearer of a prominent nose" p. 130

As with many other textbooks for college, this was too expensive for only 138 pages, and should be the $10 it is in the Marketplace, not the $30 that my bookstore was charging.

The unfortunate truth is that it will be very difficult to ever know what life was like for the average medieval peasant since they did not write anything, and Bennett's account seems to add no real value to this subject area, and the 'story' of Cecilia Penifader could have easily been summarized on a page or two.

An interesting book about a peasant's life.......2006-08-17

This was an assigned book in my Medieval History class. It's not a thorough book, but that would be almost (if not entirely) impossible given the fact that Cecilia Penifader was a peasant and peasants' lives were irrelevant and unimportant to the rest of medieval society. Still, the book gives you a good understanding of what life would have been like for this particular woman in terms of work, religion, family, dealing with manorial courts and the harsh existence for peasants.

I found the book interesting. It's an easy read and though the author has to make inferences about Penifader's life, it is a well written book that at least gives some "face" to the typically unknown peasant. Bennett (the author) uses records from the courts and other written records of the times to at least give a good outline of Penifader's life.

cecilia who?.......2005-04-11

This book was written to give the reader a sense of what life was like in the Middle Ages and it did, however, the author tried to use the life of Cecilia Penifader as an example-bad choice. There is very little information about this woman (especially to write a book over)and it was a guessing game at what she did or did not do. Without Cecila and her family information this book probably would have been 10 pages shorter and still given the reader a look into life in a medeival town.

Price is nuts.......2004-01-30

Its a good book, but they're nuts to think a 120 page paperback is worth 28 dollars. I was going to assign this to my class, but no way at that price.

An Excellent Primer for Medieval History.......2000-10-04

I recently read this book for a history class and have to say that the book is very enjoyable. It's brevity and clarity make it a great introduction to medieval history. Cecilia Penifader was a well-to-do peasant woman living in Brigstock, England in the early 14th century. Bennett uses Cecilia to introduce the reader to all aspects of peasant life in this time period. There are in-depth studies of economics, religion, living conditions, and gender roles, as well as other interesting facets of peasant life. Bennett also makes sure to include some interesting little tidbits, such as the role of contraception during this period.

One of the best things to be said about this book is how Bennett highlights terms that the reader is most likely to not be familiar with. These words are listed in a handy glossary in the back of the book. Most people aren't familiar with terms such as heliot, so this addition to the book is very helpful. As mentioned above, the brevity and clarity of the book go a long way to making the text more enjoyable. The book foregoes footnotes and endnotes, which would certainly help the non-scholars who can't stand wading through tons of citations. There are also some nice diagrams that help the reader visualize various aspects of peasant life.

The lack of footnotes and endnotes is a problem for the historian and student, such as myself. I wouldn't go so far as the other reviewer here and pan the entire book, but that reviewer certainly has a point. Bennett also relies on inference more than she probably should. Although her deductions seem sound, her conclusions, backed up with more evidence and properly cited, would have been much appreciated.

I think this is an excellent survey text that would make a nice addition to any library. After reading the book, the reader can readily picture Cecilia and feel as if they almost know her, and any book that can accomplish that is always worth a read.

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CCEL Classics CD: works by Saint Augustine, John Calvin, John Donne, Julian of Norwich, Brother Lawrence, Martin Luther, Saint Teresa of Avila, Thomas Aquinas, Thomas a Kempis, John Wesley, and more!
Dr. W. Harry Plantinga
Manufacturer: Christian Classics Ethereal Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM

Mariology | Catholicism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Luther, Martin | ( L ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Augustine, Saint | ( A ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1931848076
Release Date: 2006-12-15

Product Description

The most important spiritual writings of Christian history are available on this Classics CD by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) at Calvin College. It contains 118 Christian classics, including three versions of the Bible, several commentaries, Bible dictionaries, readings, spiritual guides, sermons, poems and journals -- all in a convenient, searchable form. Books are available in HTML and PDF formats. The easy-to-use CCEL Desktop software powering the CD enables users to browse and print books and install additional books from the Web. The top-of-class search engine can search for words or phrases in books, in authors works or in the whole library. In addition, it can search for dictionary definitions of words and commentary or references to scripture passages. The interface is a Web browser. The CD is compatible with Windows 2000+, Macintosh 10.3+, and most Linux versions.

Three Lords for Lady Anne (Signet Regency Romance)

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Read it at one sitting, very clever and engaging

Three Lords for Lady Anne (Signet Regency Romance)
Charlotte Louise Dolan
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Signet Regency Romance | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0451170644

Customer Reviews:

Read it at one sitting, very clever and engaging.......2003-02-05

I will admit that at first I got a little frustrated with the book, since the hero and heroine don't even meet each other until page 92, and I was wondering whether it would ever get around to the "romance" part! But, despite the rather slow start, and the fact that at the beginning it was hard to figure out who all the characters were, it turned out to be a highly enjoyable read. Lady Anne has become a governess to support herself and to get away from her odious relatives. She is something of a bluestocking, as well as being so tall that she towers over many men. She is independent, intelligent, and strong(just my type of heroine--can't stand the simpering miss type). Her new charges are twin boys, and they provide much of the humor and tenderness in the book. I would love to hear what becomes of them when they grow up! Their guardian, Bronson, Lord Letham, has a very low opinion of women, and no inclination for marriage, and Anne believes that men are pretty much useless and that marriage wrecks a woman's life. It is so much fun to follow these two along and watch them change their minds. The dialogue was great. One of my favorite parts is when Bronson is on his knees to apologize and he says, "...you have brought me to my knees. I hope you are satisfied. You may name your price." The thing that came to Anne's mind was the line from the fairy story--"I want your firstborn son!"
All in all, a highly enjoyable, romantic and funny read. I am looking forward to reading The Black Widow, which is the story of one of Bronson's friends, Demetrius. I am sure I won't be disappointed. Every one of Charlotte Louse Dolan's books have gone on my keeper shelf after I have read them.

Recollections Of A Long Life: 1816-1822 V2

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Recollections Of A Long Life: 1816-1822 V2
Lord Broughton
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 142861494X

Book Description

In Two Volumes. Lord Broughton (John Cam Hobhouse). With Additional Extracts From His Private Diaries.

Recollections Of A Long Life: 1786-1816 V1

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Recollections Of A Long Life: 1786-1816 V1
Lord Broughton
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1428614931

Book Description

In Two Volumes. Lord Broughton (John Cam Hobhouse). With Additional Extracts From His Private Diaries.

Lord Gresham's Lady (Signet Regency Romance)

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Between the devil and the deep blue sea! Brilliant
Another winner from Patricia Oliver

Lord Gresham's Lady (Signet Regency Romance)
Patricia Oliver
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Regency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books

Signet Regency Romance | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0451180925

Customer Reviews:

Between the devil and the deep blue sea! Brilliant.......2000-05-01

Patricia Oliver has another winner with Lord Gresham's Lady - and I'm amazed more people haven't reviewed this excellent book. Sarah Stanton is an impecunious widow whose only means of support for herself and her daughter is to marry a man she dislikes intensely. Until Lord Gresham comes on the scene.

Gresham, for those who've read other books by Patricia Oliver, made his first appearance in Miss Drayton's Downfall; in that book, he was portrayed as a cynical rake who would even contemplate running off with another man's wife. Here, he is immediately attracted to Sarah, and is very willing to assist her in her predicament, too... but only if she becomes his mistress. Despite her refusal, he is willing to use whatever unscrupulous means he can in order to get what he wants.

However, as is frequently the case, when someone gets what they want it turns out not to have been everything they expected, and that's certainly so here.

As usual with Patricia Oliver, this book has plenty of excellent character introspection, angst, and a brilliantly-written resolution at the end. I've already read my copy several times, and - as with the rest of her Seven Corinthians series - this is definitely a keeper.

Another winner from Patricia Oliver.......1999-08-03

In this book we meet again the Marquess of Gresham, the cynical character from 'Miss Drayton's Downfall' who helped to save Mansfield's marriage to Cassandra and, in doing so, lost his own heart to Cassandra.

Here, the man who believes himself incapable of any finer feelings finds himself attracted to lovely but impoverished and increasingly desperate widow, Lady Sarah. He helps her out of a number of difficult situations, telling himself that his actions are merely a means of making her dependent on him and eventually giving her no option but to accept his carte blanche. She eventually does, but... things don't turn out as Gresham expects.

We learn just why Gresham has lost all faith in love and in women; and we see him undergo the difficult journey towards rediscovering his faith in humanity.

This is a book which I highly recommend on its own, but is even more worth acquiring as part of Oliver's Seven Corinthians linked series. One of my favourites in this series of novels, along with An Unsuitable Match.

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