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:

Frank and Josephine Hardy rush to the rescue!
not bad..not bad at all
Stone Barrington "light"
Dark Harbor
What? Exactly!

Dark Harbor (Stone Barrington Novels)
Stuart Woods
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: B000JSDPR8

Book Description

Stone Barrington investigates the secrets of a CIA officer's suicide in this next thriller in the bestselling series.

Stuart Woods's newest bestseller, Dark Harbor, brings us the perfect mix of sexy intrigue and swift suspense that have earned him legions of fans over the years. In this latest thriller, Stone enters the picturesque town Dark Harbor off the coast of Maine, where the shocking deaths of three people have cast a long shadow over this island haven-a locale as mysterious as it is exclusive.

Stone Barrington hasn't heard from his cousin, Dick Stone, in years-though he has fond memories of a teenage summer spent at his house in Maine. Then, Lance Cabot of the CIA interrupts an otherwise pleasant meal at Elaine's with news of Dick's death-apparently by his own hands. It seems that Dick Stone, a quiet family man who doubled as a CIA agent, methodically executed his wife, daughter, and then himself-or did he? What would cause a loving father and husband to murder his family as they slept? Before his death, Dick had appointed Stone executor of his will, giving him full control of the disposition of a sizable family estate. Was Dick preparing for his suicide, or forewarning Stone of his murder?

With the help of his ex-partner, Dino, and his friend Holly Barker, Stone must settle the estate and piece together the elusive facts of his cousin's life and death as a CIA operative. At every step Stone knows he is being watched by Dick's family-and one of them just may be a killer.

Customer Reviews:

Frank and Josephine Hardy rush to the rescue!.......2007-09-06

(This refers to the book-on-tape version) About halfway through this I realized that the mystery wasn't going to have a great resolution and that several seemingly important details (a household appliance, a kidnapping, a murder here or there) were going to be kicked into the rough in the hopes that the reader would forget about them. I was reminded of the Hardy Boys novels I grew up reading, but they're really more tightly structured (although not as much sex) than this book. Getting into the motorboat and quietly going up the cove to the abandoned boathouse! Figuring out from the angle of the bullet that - gasp! - it wasn't a suicide! Hopping into a plane to chase the villains through the sky - to almost crash into them! Almost all action taking place off-camera!
When Woods wants to write about something he cares about (Hollywood and the movie biz, airplanes ... umm, anything else?) he can bang out a darn good tale (The Prince of Beverly Hills). Plots with more depth or intrigue seem to get away from him (thus requiring insertion, as it were, of fairly gratuitous sex scenes to distract the reader - not that there's anything wrong with that) and, with this one, there's a sense in which the reader is just asked to say "keep turning the page - at least some of these details will be 'splained by the end". A book for people who miss Nancy Drew, Frank and Joe and their chums ferreting out the truth while getting into scrapes and escaping peril almost every chapter!

not bad..not bad at all.......2007-08-30

It's been a while since I've read anything but Stuart Woods, must less a Stone Barrington novel. It's nice to see that everything I enjoy about the Stone books was not missing from this one.

Overall I found the book pretty good, although I have to say that stone and his friends constantly walking into money (and the bedroom) does get a little annoying =)

It's Stone's uncanny knack of getting himself and the people closest to him in trouble that makes these books engaging reads. All the usual suspects are in this one: Stone, Dino, Holly Barker (I like how she's now crossed from her own series into the Barrington books), Lance, and a few others.

One thing I found annoying about the book was the way it ended. Woods is great at letting you think you figured out whodunnit only to pull the rug out from under you at the last minute, but a lack of explanation for certain crimes that took place in this book left me a little unsatisfied. I think if the book were another twenty or so pages, it would have been even better.

All in all, another solid addition to the Stone Barrington series of books. A fast and engaging read.

Stone Barrington "light" .......2007-08-22

Having followed Stone through his past adventures this was a resounding disappointment !! Woods must have called this one in !!!!

Dark Harbor.......2007-05-29

"Dark Harbor" is the 12th Stone Barrington novel by Stuart Woods. Barrington travels to Dark Harbor, and island off the Maine coast to execute the will of his first cousin, Dick Stone who had died along with his wife and daughter in what the police ruled as a murder-suicide. Barrington and his former NYPD partner believe that it is a triple murder by the position of the gun. They also learn that Dick was a high ranking CIA officer from Lance Cabot. They think it could be work related. There are 4 other murders and a kidnapping on the island. Stone, Dino, and the local policeman, Young, solve the murders. This is an entertaining murder mystery even though it is not Woods' best effort.

What? Exactly!.......2007-03-30

This book gets two stars because I actually read the whole book. What a dumb plot. And what's with the characters? Everyone has a pilot's license in their back pocket, they all have 5 million dollars waiting for them somewhere, and a bunch of other seemingly disconnected coincidences, which is a lame attempt to resolve the ridiculous plot.

Woods, buddy, please for the love of God and all humanity, get some better names for your characters. Stone Barrington? And his grilfriend is named Arrington? Huh?

Stone Barrington is investigating a murder case about his cousin whose last name is Stone. How stupid is that? What a childish/amateur way of trying to make a plot twist.

The one bright spot in this book...never mind, there isn't one.

In a Dark Wood: The Fight Over Forests and the Myths of Nature

Average customer rating:

Ina a Dark Wood: The Fight Over Forests and the Myths of Nature
ignorant and angry but useful
eye-opening clear analysis that changed my views

In a Dark Wood: The Fight Over Forests and the Myths of Nature
Alston Chase
Manufacturer: Transaction Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0765807521

Customer Reviews:

Ina a Dark Wood: The Fight Over Forests and the Myths of Nature.......2007-01-10

A very well researched and well written account of the "Old Growth Forest" controversy. I strongly encourage students of enviromentalism to read it. It clearly lays out some of the seminal disagreements of forest management that stil plague our forests today.

ignorant and angry but useful.......2005-05-03

Chase's angry critique of "environmentalists" and their myths of nature has its points, but he ignores most of the substantial efforts to manage our ecosystem holistically -- e.g. including land, people, and money. He criticizes "biocentrism" but many of us recognize that human life, for example, is totally dependent on other organisms, E. coli to start. The question is not hierarchy, but interdependence.

Hundreds of pages on what's wrong in my edition, and only two pages that mention possible pathways to the future in the form of the Quincy Library Group and Applegate Partnership.

eye-opening clear analysis that changed my views.......2002-11-28

Until reading "In a Dark Wood" I espoused "politically correct" environmentalist views -- such as "all old growth forests must be saved at any cost from evil logging" -- in a knee-jerk, emotionally charged, self-righteous way, without ever taking the trouble to study or think through what was really at stake, and what premises about reality underlay my views. Alston Chase's thinking on conservation is so clearly presented, so well backed by evidence, so carefully analysed, and so full of good will and integrity, that I find it impossible to read his book without respecting his intentions -- and his conclusions, which challenge everything I had unthinkingly assumed in the past. This is the kind of book that not only addresses concrete problems, such as the political struggle between, say Earth First and Maxxam Corporation, but also inspires the reader to think more deeply, and question his/her assumptions. This is the kind of book I think most self-labeled "environmentalists" -- especially those who come from white, middle class, college-educated backgrounds -- will dismiss prior to investigation, and will never read. If so, it is a sad loss. It's a book that can change your views and help you learn to think better -- and I believe most people would rather not do so, since thinking better might well spoil the dramatic excitement of waging a war of good against evil, nature against humanity. Still, I hope people will read this book. It's one that changed my life.

Average customer rating:

Amazing amount of info and inspiration & [good] price!
Great details

One Small Square: Woods
Donald M. Silver , and Patricia Wynne
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0070579334

Book Description

The woods are full of puzzles to be solved, clues to be found. Inspired by this book's hints and fun-filled experiments and activities, and using only simple equipment, young readers unlock the closely guarded secrets of the woodsfrom the strange meetings of lazy butterflies, to the miraculous "walking" of a twig, to the riddle of why the leaves turn color and fall. One small square at a time, these "detectives" plunge deeper and deeper into ancient mysterieswithout ever getting lost. Beautifully illustrated, Woods offers a picture field guide, a glossary-index, and a resource list.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing amount of info and inspiration & [good] price!.......2002-10-27

What a gem! I was surprised when I discovered this book. The gist of the book is for the child (or adult) to mark off a square space in the woods and begin exploring and learning. This book is a real integration of activities, suggested observations, and fact. The learner is to explore, dig, look, observe and investigate every inch of this square area. While suggesting the learner look for this or that, the author provides factual information about various findings. The book goes into a lot of detail and there are many things that the author thinks may be found. I bet that the learner won't find everything that is mentioned but that is OK, at least the reader can experience it in reading about it in the book if it is missed "in real life".

The book starts off in autumn, assuming the learner begins in the fall and in an area of deciduous trees. A small sampling of what is addressed in this book is why trees lose their leaves, how trees store energy and make energy, examples of camouflage with animals, migration of birds and butterflies, insects, spiders and their webs, lizards and mammals big and small. As the book progresses winter then spring then summer is discussed.

The illustrations are drawn and in color (just like the cover), these are not photographs. There are loads of details in the drawings. At the back is an illustrated guide to creatures grouped by their classification (leaves, mammals, fungi) and an index.

The learner is encouraged to do creative projects such as leaf and trunk rubbings. Also keeping a nature journal or notebook to record the findings is recommended.

I am surprised that so much information and creative ideas packed into this small and very inexpensive book. This is one in a series of "one small square" books and I plan to buy more to use in our homeschooling adventure. Now this is science!

Great details.......2000-03-30

This book provides a small instant field trip to those students who might not have access to woods. It gives incredible details of what goes on in one small square of woods. For those who have access to wooded areas for exploration...safety tips are included as well as supplies needed for collecting data while exploring. I teach second grade and use all of the Small Square books in my teaching.

Average customer rating:

If you like Horror stories - You will LOVE this book!
Pretty darn good!
Hmmmm...
Very scary and shocking read!!! One of Laymon's best
Get the British edition not the Warner Books editon

The Woods Are Dark
Richard Laymon
Manufacturer: Feature
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0747235503

Customer Reviews:

If you like Horror stories - You will LOVE this book!.......2006-12-21

I am convinced that Laymon cannot write a bad book. This story is about travelers that seem to "disappear" as they are traveling through a small town. Maybe its the Krull's that live in the forest - which are deformed human being like creatures that make the forests their home?

If this is your first Laymon book - I guarantee it won't be your last! Fun and easy reading, and written in Laymon's classic innocent style.

Pretty darn good!.......2005-02-26

I've been all about trying out new (or new to me, at least) horror authors recently. 3 or 4 names really stood out in my search, Ketchum, Lee, Little, and Laymon. People either seem to love them or hate them. I decided to give Laymon a try, so I hunted down the UK editions of Funland, The Cellar, and The Woods are dark. So far, I'm very impressed.

I won't write a synopsis of the story, you can read the dust jacket for that. I will say that The Woods are dark, has the feel of a cross between Off Season and Deep In the Darkness. There's nothing creepier than deformed cannabalistic Inbreeders! It's well written and contains twists and turns that are unexpected. I would like to have had a little more back story revealed but it doesn't diminish the story at all.

I don't know how I missed these guys as a teen-ager. I guess the American world of horror literature was too jammed up with King and Barker. No room was left for Laymon, his style must have been just a little to edgy for mass-marketability. It's true what they say about getting your hands on the UK prints of his books. It's worth it. The US editions are hacked to pieces, no pun intended.

Hmmmm..........2004-09-02

If you read Laymon then you'll understand this review. Out of all the books I have read I found this to be a typical Laymon. Some of his books have that "amazing" last page. This one didn't. In fact I thought this one left a lot (of what I would consider) important information out. I hate a book that leaves me asking questions at the end. Without giving anything away, I wanted to know about the "hole" and "more history" to this. The book did move very fast and as most Laymon novels go...it had me at the edge of my seat the entire time.

Very scary and shocking read!!! One of Laymon's best.......2003-09-18

This is a fantastic book with a scary beginning. The book's pace never slows as it reels you in page after page. Richard Laymon was one sick guy but knew how to write a good horror fiction book. This book would probably make for a cheesy movie but its a great read for a good scare. My only small complaint is the ending, which is a minor letdown in my opinion. It doesn't reveal much about the story and kinda leaves you hanging.

Get the British edition not the Warner Books editon.......2003-01-12

The British edition published in 1991 by Headline is the good version. (see amazon.co.uk)

The 1981 edition from Warner Books was wrecked by the editor.

Richard Laymon ignored all of the changes from the US edition when his British publisher offered to publish the book.

Average customer rating:

Running Dark

Didn't cooperate

Read to win

another great wood cop novel......

Tautly written and plotted

Running Dark: A Woods Cop Mystery (Woods Cop Mysteries)
Joseph Heywood
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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Chasing A Blond Moon: A Woods Cop Mystery

Blue Wolf in Green Fire: A Woods Cop Mystery (Woods Cop Mysteries)

Ice Hunter: A Woods Cop Mystery (Woods Cop Mysteries)

The Snowfly: A Novel

Strike Dog: A Woods Cop Mystery (Woods Cop Mysteries)

ASIN: 1592288901

Book Description

BOOK SENSE NOTABLE BOOK, JUNE 2005

Grady Service is back. And this time the scene is dicier than ever. We go back in time twenty-five years to meet Service as a young conservation officer. He's still fresh from Vietnam, but he's on his home turf now. Service is good at his new job and he's been tapped for an unusual assignment that threatens to be his last. It's the height of the historical battle in the U.P.'s Garden Peninsula. The Garden had always been a lawless place. In the 1970s, armed fishermen claimed their takes and to hell with law enforcement. The renegades far outgunned the COs who, understaffed and underfunded, risked their lives to attempt to enforce limits. Shootouts were common, intimidation reigned, and overfishing continued. Service goes undercover to expose the leaders of the Garden revolt. He's as good as dead. With the aid of a one-legged female informant and lessons of stealth learned in the jungles of Vietnam, Service descends into the land of outlaws. The question goes beyond whether he will come out of the Garden alive--but whether he can root out the criminals without becoming one himself.
Full of outrageous characters and the verisimilitude this series has come to be known for, Running Dark is a wild and fully entertaining ride.

Customer Reviews:

Running Dark.......2006-12-03

I have read all of Joseph Heywood's books. His Wood Cop series are mesmerizing, great reads all of them, can't put them down till I finish.

Having lived in the U.P. for over 3 decades his stories hit home from what we hear up here concerning hunting rights, land, the economics etc. Loving the outdoors one can appreciate all the obvious research Heywood has put into each novel. His words are true, the kinds of poaching he writes about goes on continually. Each of his Wood Cop series has a different kind of poaching. The characters are a bit scary, lawless, lacking morals, also lacking any kind of respect for man, woman or beast, they are all here in the U.P. Hope to see a movie down the road sometime in the future.
The characters are true to form. Their speech, which originates from the Finnish population here is in fact exactly how the old timers speak. The culture is exactly as he describes it to be among people who have lived up here is this sometimes politically forgotten land. However amongst the law abiding population you will hear people call this "God's country" We love our outdoors, wide open spaces, the thick brush, miles and miles between towns, and even our wetlands. Most people struggle to survive, but would not leave, you have to be a hardy sort to maintain here. Heywood describes his major and minor characters in these terms. He is right on the money writing about the law abiding citizens up here. We are a caring people.

At the end of Running Dark Heywood has a heartfelt description and explanation of how and why he writes about his seemingly chosen second home. It has been a pleasure to read about his main character Grady Service who dedicated his heart mind and soul to his homeland and carries on his fathers tradition of being a Wood Cop. Heywood is probably writing some of himself into these characters, the good ones that is!

I'll be waiting for Wood Cop #5

Didn't cooperate.......2006-09-14

Reviewed by Lorraine Robins for Reader Views (8/06)

The author takes us to the beginning of Grady Service's career as a DNR officer. Grady is following in his father's footsteps, as he had worked for the DNR his entire career. The book is set in the mid 1970's.

Grady's marriage crumbles very quickly after he becomes a DNR officer. His wife does not understand why Grady would care about the Department of Natural Resources. But it is all Grady Service has ever wanted to do.

The author's main point was to have the reader experience what Grady Service goes through, trying to enforce the law against poaching, over fishing, and his struggle to enforce the limits of the law. The book has some excitement and colorful characters.

Personally, I did not find this book very captivating. I grew up in Michigan and am familiar with the Upper Peninsula. This is where the book is set. The people in that area do speak with a sort of unique accent--not exactly Canadian, but not really Midwestern. I did not care for the way the author seemed to over-emphasize how everyone was speaking in this accent. I don't know if it was supposed to be humorous, but it was lost on me. I also felt the book dragged and did not grab my interest. I had a hard time getting though it.

Based on the way this book was written, I believe it would appeal more to men than women. There was a lot of tough, macho type language and behavior in the book which seems more suited for men. It did not suit me.

Read to win.......2006-07-30

A well done story with characters that feel real. The ending surprises in several ways that ring true. I'm looking for more by the author.

another great wood cop novel.............2006-04-09

This is the fourth woods cop novel I have read and as usual, completely enjoyed it. If you enjoy the great outdoors or northern michigan, and then throw in a mystery with it,then this is the series for you.... I sure hope MR. Heywood continues a long and many volume involvement in this series.....

Tautly written and plotted.......2005-12-14

This fourth book in the Woods Cops series is an enjoyable read. Heywood is back on top of his game here (by contrast to his third book). The plot elements all belong to and contribute to the story; we don't see diverting digressions from the story. Heywood has a gift for descriptive writing: his evocations of the outdoors settings are realistic and his account of Grady's dive into the lake waters is indeed chilling. Nice touch bringing in scenes from the present to offset the story which was set 30 years ago. I did choke on one page where Grady's ability to maintain a pace through the woods was described as "ten minute miles almost indefinitely"?? And "because of 15 inches of snow and higher drifts, unfamiliar and rolling terrain," he decides to allow 30 minutes per mile? The man's a regular beast!

It was a particularly nice touch to bring in the point that the Conservation Officers were working to carry out a state policy which really didn't make much sense other than to favor certain economic interests over older, declining interests. It really was not about maintaining fish populations or justice or fairness. Simply the politics of vested interests; the wardens were simply to carry out the policies without asking why.

As usual, Joe brought in the unique Yooper culture and language, which I was have always enjoyed in his books. His characters are believable and have feet of clay, even Grady Service. A really enjoyable story. I pull out all the Woods Cops stories once a year and read the whole series through, and enjoy them fully with each reading.

Average customer rating:

An excellent Light vs. Dark story

A Dark Traveling
Roger Zelazny , and Lebbeus Woods
Manufacturer: Avon Books (Mm)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0380705672

Customer Reviews:

An excellent Light vs. Dark story.......1999-07-01

The worst thing about this story is the fact that the late author never wrote a sequal. A Dark Travelling involves a boy who gets extra-hairy during full moons, his adopted sister who is a witch, his brother who lives in a castle and the exchange student who lives with them, having been raised as a trained assasin. They are part of a group of families which together controlls the secret interdimensional commerce between parallel worlds, and who support a revolution on a Darkband... an alternate reality where forces of Dark have taken over. This was a fascinating novel for Zelazny's younger fans, with visible influences from A Wrinkle in Time and the Dark is Rising sequence

In Search of the Dark Ages (In Search of)

Average customer rating:

Cries out for Maps
Brings Forth Form From the Dark
Meticulously Pieces Together A 1,000-Year Puzzle
A great accessible introduction to this field
Excellent "easy" history

In Search of the Dark Ages (In Search of)
Michael Wood
Manufacturer: BBC Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0563522763
Release Date: 2007-08-28

Book Description

The Dark Ages are often considered a mysterious era. Once paid little interest by scholars, this period has yielded astonishing discoveries about its events and the people who lived through them. Based on the classic BBC television series, In Search of the Dark Ages embarks on an enthralling investigation of the mysterious centuries following the demise of the Roman Empire. Richly illustrated and highly engaging, In Search of the Dark Ages is sure to entertain as well as enlighten.

Coverage includes:
* Archaeological evidence for Queen Bodicea's terrible war of resistance against the Romans
* Evidence for the shadowy resistance leader who fought against the Germanic hordes after the fall of Rome-and who may have been the real King Arthur
* The discovery of the Sutton Hoo, a ship that offers intriguing clues about the origins of English kingdoms
* Ofaa, Alfred, and Althelsan, three great kings who laid England's political foundations
* The pivotal and fateful confrontation between King Harold and William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.

Customer Reviews:

Cries out for Maps.......2007-04-14

I like the way Michael Wood presents history. His BBC documentaries are excellent. "In Search of the Dark Ages" reads like a TV series (and apparently is based on one), as its chapters are a series of vignettes of some of the most important British historical figures during the period of the first millennium (and in the case of William the Conqueror, just beyond).

Wood tells us about the Celtic warrior queen Boadicea; the defender of Roman Britain King Arthur; the Anglo-Saxon chieftain buried at Sutton Hoo, the Anglo-Saxon rulers Offa, Alfred the Great, and Athelstan; the Viking Eric Bloodaxe; the long-reigning failure Ethelred the Unready; and the Norman William the Conqueror, who ended Anglo-Saxon Britain with his invasion of 1066.

This is a book aimed at Britons, as there are things taken for granted that non-Brits may not understand. The biggest flaw is the total lack of maps. This book cries out for them, especially for those of us with a less than total understanding of English geography.

The only other weakness is that in an attempt to be relevant when the book was written in 1981, Wood often describes events in the past with modern counterparts. We get Vietnam references to guerilla warfare (and he probably would have used the term "ethnic cleansing" in some places had the book been written after the wars in the former Yugoslavia). Some of these references might be a bit dated, but the fact that most aren't is a sign that much of the brutality of history is still with us.

There is also a Postscript, written in connection with the 2006 paperback edition, that mentions a few modern archeological discoveries that basically just support the stories in the original edition.

And those stories are fascinating! Each chapter is necessarily short (and could each be a book in itself). But we are taken on an enthralling journey from the Celtic resistance to the Romans through the Anglo-Saxon and Viking invasions, to the arrival of the Normans. It should be an encouragement to read more.

But it desperately needs maps!

Brings Forth Form From the Dark.......2006-09-01

This is a well-written and concise account of England in the Dark Ages. Author Michael Wood seems especially qualified for this sort of subject since he is amazingly proficient in dealing with a time period that has conflicting and missing sources - as he was also with the Trojan War. While the history of the Dark Ages is obscure - in more ways than one - he manages a very clear, concise and accessible narrative. As he was previously only known to me as the host of historical TV shows, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of his writing. (When it comes to history, he is evidently the king of all media.) I particularly like Wood's diligence in trying to reveal history without a lot of personal opinions or filling in gaps with conjecture masquerading as fact.

In this fairly short book the casual historian will almost certainly acquire a significant amount of interesting new knowledge about Dark Age England. My favorite is the chapter on Althelstan (of whom I'd previously never even heard), an enlightened king who conquered the entire island of Britain - something even the Romans never accomplished! The amazing story of Alfred the Great, while less obscure, also makes great reading.

There is a surprising amount of relatively unknown and important history packed into this slim book. This is a period of time when reality was often hazy even for the contemporaries. The borders of now largely-forgotten kingdoms shifted and disappeared as people of different cultures, religions and languages clashed over and over. The results had a profound impact on our present day culture and language. (How different things would have turned out if Alfred had not, against all odds, refused to give up!) While many may know how England and the British Empire helped shape the modern world, this book tells you a lot about what shaped England.

My one criticism is that the title is misleading. In this book you won't find out much about the world in general, or even continental Europe, during the Dark Ages. It is almost entirely concerned with (what is now) England. But that was enough to make it a very interesting piece of work to me.

Meticulously Pieces Together A 1,000-Year Puzzle.......2005-03-28

This book was conceived as a companion volume to the author's 1981 BBC documentary series of the same name, and it stays current with a postscript penned in 2001. IN SEARCH OF THE DARK AGES tackles some of the same territory of at least two of Wood's subsequent books, DOMESDAY and IN SEARCH OF ENGLAND, though his objectives and lens are different each time.

Wood's Dark Age parameters are framed by the Roman triumph over the last, first century A.D. Celtic rebellion led by Boudica (that's right; "Boadicea" was a misreading of the calligraphy in the original source) and the Norman Conquest of 1066. In between, he selects a pageant of personages to elucidate succeeding generations and the overlay of first Roman, then Anglo Saxon, Viking and finally Norman cultures: King Arthur, the nameless Sutton Hoo man, Offa, Alfred the Great, Athelstan, Eric Bloodaxe, and Ethelred the Unready. The Dark Ages are quite the challenge in which to go looking for the truth, thickly crusted as they are with the opacity caused by too few extant primary sources and too many Medieval fictions, as well as so many change-ups in cultures, language and leadership. Wood does a quality job of reading the sources, critiquing the fictions and sorting out contemporary scholarship and archeological finds.

Wood writes in an astoundingly lucid voice that rings with wonder. The immediacy of his tone, though unsensational, does leave you feeling blood-soaked as you emerge from these violent times. Despite the ruinous invasions and battles, you can see a shift in values, the coloring of what would become the English language and the evolution of a nation. This is an excellent book for general readers wishing to shore up their knowledge of western civilization.

A great accessible introduction to this field.......2002-05-27

I loved the care this book took not to become too dryly academic, but at the same time to provide good, useful information. Interesting topics and figures in early English history such as Eric Bloodaxe, Stonehenge and Sutton Hoo are introduced in an engaging way, with many intersting illustrations and maps. This is the perfect book for someone looking to find out more about this subject, but not wanting to be put to sleep.

We can only hope that the television series upon which it is based will someday become available for purchase as well.

Excellent "easy" history.......2001-06-27

Wood is best known as a BBC "presenter" of the PBS variety, but he's also an Oxford-trained historian. His books (and television series) are solid history but still accessible. This book and his Domesday: A Search for the Roots of England are almost two halves of a whole, an investigation of what happened in England between the departure of the legions and the arrival of William's Normans, and why, and what the effects were on the further development of the "English" (. . . Celtic, Danish, Norwegian, Norman French . . .) people. Lots of maps and illustrations, lots of archaeological plats, and a nice turn of phrase in nearly every paragraph.

In a Dark Wood Wandering/a Novel of the Middle Ages

Average customer rating:

A treasure-find
Lyrical
A classic of the historical fiction genre!
An excellent historical novel
meticulously researched historical epic

In a Dark Wood Wandering/a Novel of the Middle Ages
Hella S. Haasse
Manufacturer: Academy Chicago Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 089733356X

Customer Reviews:

A treasure-find.......2006-12-31

I came across this book in a thrift shop offering a 3-for-1 deal. I had nothing else for the third book so I just picked it up. Its shabby condition put me off, and it gathered dust for several months.

When I finally got down to reading it, I felt like a found a gold mine. It is not something an ordinary person can finish in one sitting and it was a real pain to have to put it down. I had near-hits and missed turns because my mind drifted back to the novel while driving. I therefore decided to take a day off from work just to finish the book.

Charles d'Orleans' story is sad, and the beautiful writing wraps that sadness on to the reader. Even as I write this review I can feel the lump in my throat. Yet, there is no suffocation and only a feeling of being kindled by the fire of the human spirit. Subtly, the book displays the triumph of integrity, courage, and love.

This is clearly storytelling at its finest.

Lyrical.......2006-11-06

This is a fictionalized biography of Charles of Valois, Duke of Orleans, a French nobleman who spent 25 years of his life held captive for ransom in England following his capture at the historic battle of Agincourt. This book is not so much about plot as about Charles' internal landscape. More a poet than a man of government, Charles is used as a catspaw by the various kings and politicos whose efforts to achieve their own agendas underlie the events narrated. Driven by the promise made to his mother on her deathbed to avenge his father's murder, Charles' powerlessness over events and attempts to fulfill his vow as well as find some inner contentment are beautifully depicted and lyrically recounted. This book is beautifully written and the fact of its translation into English from Dutch is in no way a hindrance to the grace and rhythm of the narrative. I found the recurring references to the "forest of long awaiting" to be evocative and moving as Charles struggles to "keep the faith" through years of exile and frustration. The final description of his release from the forest is one of the lovliest passages I have read. There is satisfaction, too, in knowing that Charles' son was destined to become Louis XII, King of France. Apart from a few slow passages (there seem to be endless plots and jockeying for position among the squabbling factions), I found this book to be eloquent and moving. Recommended.

A classic of the historical fiction genre!.......2006-10-21

I was delighted to see this book is still in print and available in paperback. It is a novel of the life of Charles of Orleans, his life, his ladies and his loves. It is also a spiritual journey, and focuses on the inner development of the soul so often ignored in historical novels. As authentic, colorful, and captivating as a living medieval tapestry, I never fail to be impressed at the research that went into this superb book. And yet it flows effortlessly and does not fail to entertain and inspire. Many historical characters make an appearance, including Jeanne d'Arc. One is totally in touch with Charles' poet's heart, so brave, so easily wounded, and ultimately, so wise. I recommend this novel without reservations. It is everything historical fiction should be!

An excellent historical novel.......2006-05-20

During the Second World War, the German Army occupied the Netherlands. They demanded University students a loyalty declaration towards the Nazis ideas. Those that did not do it were excluded. One of those students was Hella S. Haase, who had been born in Java. She took advantage of the situation and created this historical novel. It is one of the best in this genre. A very, very good one, as Memoirs of Hadrian or I, Claudius or Julian.
An exciting time comes to life again: XVth century in France, the Hundred Year war... A very thrilling history if you love History. France was never so delicious and fascinating. England or the Netherlands never more cold and undesirable. An impressive fresco about the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Rennaisance and the great kingdoms od Europe.
Characters are not flat, but full of life, with their contradictions, defects and virtues. The main character is Charles of Orleans, a very noble man, gradson of a King, nephew to anothe, and father of a third one. He belonged to the Royal Family of the Valois, so he was in the middle of political intrigues, battles, treason,... He tried to be loyal to his family and the country. The lesson of his life could be that loyalty sometimes brings a great suffer.
Around him, magnificent kings, as the the cold and ruthless Henry V, poor Charles VI the Mad, the charming Rene d'Anjou, who really had nothing to do with the non-existent Priory of Sion... Dark queens as Queen Isabeau of Baviere, ambitious people like Louis, Duke of Orleans, John, Duke of Burgundy, the Fearless, and sometimes you find a moment or two with reach supporting actors as Joan of Arc, Dunois, the [...] of orleans, christine of Pisan or François Villon.
You will find nothing about sects, templarians, esoteric mysteries or all that nonsense that has lately spoiled the best effords in the genre.
You could read a good historical essay about the same time: The Autumn of the Middle Ages, wrote by Johan Huizinga. Or the literature of the time, specially the poetry by François Villon.

meticulously researched historical epic.......2005-07-15

This book was amazing. I read that the author has been interested in this subject since childhood. I can believe it!! It was written about 50 years ago in Dutch and has never been out of print!!

The story follows Charles of Orlean back in the 1400s. The book, epic in scope, gives you quite the detailed information on all things political in France from mad King Charles to all the nobels around him jostling for power. It follows Charles' father, Louis until his untimely death, to Charles become Duke and then political hostage in England during the 100yrs war. I found that aspect of the book quite excellent. I did feel that the novel was not an engrossing read. I felt like I was reading more of a nonfiction book than one of fiction. I still enjoyed the historical information, but that was why it only recieved 4 stars.

Recommended to history buffs or anyone wants more information on medieval France.

In a Dark, Dark Wood: An Old Tale with a New Twist

Average customer rating:

EXCELLENT HALLOWEEN BOOK
This book is not for kids who are in pre-school.
Super Book...Any Time of Year
The biggest hit in the Kindergarten class.
Great book for Halloween or anytime. 4yr. olds +.

In a Dark, Dark Wood: An Old Tale with a New Twist
David A. Carter
Manufacturer: Little Simon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0689852800

Amazon.com

"In a dark, dark wood, / there was a dark, dark house" begins this well-known ghost story with its dramatic build-up and Eek!-producing finale. Paper engineer David A. Carter (Bugs in Space, The Elements of Pop-up) enhances the traditional tale with his own spooky paintings of the dark, dark house and its dark, dark mysteries along with a green ghost that pops up at the end. This story takes less than a minute to read aloud from cover to cover, so don't get too cozy. A good Halloween gift for kids who like to be just a tiny, tiny bit scared. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

David A. Carter's fans will love

this delightfully spine-tingling tale...

with an appropriately spooky surprise ending.

Open this book -- if you dare!

Customer Reviews:

EXCELLENT HALLOWEEN BOOK.......2005-10-28

My 5 and 3 year old absolutely LOVE this book. They have now memorized it and "read" it to me. It is a must-have for anyone looking for a good Halloween story. We have read it nightly for the past 2 months and the kids never get tired of it!

This book is not for kids who are in pre-school........2003-10-15

It is a really cute book, but do not read it to very young kids or kids who have a propensity toward nighmares. The publishers would have you believe that this book is targeted for kids from 3 to 6 years old, but it is best suited for late 4s +. I read this to my 3 year old, not knowing the end was a pop-up picture of a goulish green ghost. It's given her nightmares.

Super Book...Any Time of Year.......2003-07-03

I teach first grade and my students couldn't get enough of this book! It's very short, and just a tiny bit scary...especially in the dark! It's a cute story, one your kids will surely love!

The biggest hit in the Kindergarten class........2002-11-02

My 5 year old's entire Kindergarten class has wanted to hear this story over and over. The class was so enthralled by this wonderfully spooky little story with a big surprize at the end, that the teacher used the storyline as a Halloween craft project. The story is very quick to read, and so easy that a pre-schooler can have it memorized in no time. Your little ones will be thrilled when they can "read" it to you complete with the "scary" ending.
Perfect for 3 to 6 year olds.

Great book for Halloween or anytime. 4yr. olds +........1999-11-15

I have been reading stories to Head Start pre-schoolers for four years and children LOVE this book! The sentences are easy for them to repeat and the three dimensional figure that pops out at the end of the book thrills the children every time!

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