Ulysses S. Grant : Memoirs and Selected Letters : Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant / Selected Letters, 1839-1865 (Library of America)

Book Description

Grant wrote his "Personal Memoirs" to secure his family's future. In doing so, the Civil War's greatest general won himself a unique place in American letters. His character, sense of purpose, and simple compassion are evident throughout this deeply moving account, as well as in the letters to his wife, Julia, included here.

Customer Reviews:

U.S. Grant in his own words..........2007-06-26

U.S. Grant is often said to have been a failure at everything in his life except his marriage, war, and his memoirs. The latter, written as he was dying of throat cancer in 1884-1885, provide a straightforward account of his years in uniform during the Civil War.

Grant passes quickly over his Ohio boyhood and time at the United States Military Academy. His service in the Mexican War and his financial misfortunes out of uniform between the wars get only slightly more coverage. His story really begins with his return to uniform in 1861 as a commander of Illinois volunteers. The narrative follows Grant's campaigns in Missouri, Tennessee, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, his elevation to supreme command of the Union Armies, and the final grinding agony of the war in Virgina. The account ends with the cessation of hostilies in 1865.

Grant's memoirs are remarkable reading for a number of reasons. First, they provide insight into the first-rate military mind of a consistantly successful general. Grant's ability to determine the essentials of a situation and remain focused on them are evident. Second, the memoirs are a classic example of clear, simple, English narrative. Third, they display the considerable modesty of a naturally reserved man, a departure from the egotism often found in the personal memoirs of famous men. Grant himself continues to be something of a mystery to historians; these memoirs do not really lift the veil of his sense of privacy.

The Union Army of the Civil War had more than its fair share of politicians in uniform and politically-minded generals. Grant was not immune to spinning history his way; careful-eyed scholars have found more than a few instances where Grant remembered only part of the story or settled a few scores with old opponents. Nevertheless, Grant's memoirs are a valuable resource for understanding the conduct of the Civil War, not least because Grant became such a key figure in the winning of it.

Grant's memoirs are highly recommended to students of the Civil War, and to scholars seeking to understand the art of war in the midst of rebellion.

Review of Memoirs of US Grant.......2006-07-10

General Grant's use of the English language is very interesting and informative. Absolutely a pleasure to read.

A Masterpiece.......2006-02-22

This book is a must-read for any Civil War or American history buff. Grant's writing is consistently clear, elegant, beautiful. He gives an engaging account of his wartime experiences that are accurate to the best of his ability, and he writes with introspection and humility. The personal letters at the end of the volume reveal much about this fascinating man, and are a welcome addition. Please read this one! Another wonderful book in this series is the volume containing Frederick Douglass's autobiographical works.

A History Buff's Wet Dream..........2006-01-17

This is certainly a great book, and in parts, it is a good book. Grant has a very terse, matter-of-fact style, which makes for easy reading. The bulk of the book is devoted to the Civil War, and there are dry patches, and multitudes of "We went to the ridge, and then to the river, and moved our artillery up to the picket" and such-like. But that is what happened, and so you can't fault Grant for his meticulous detailing of troop movements, correspondence with fellow officers, etc. As I said, the great majority of the book is devoted to the Civil War, and there is not a word about Grant's tenure in the White House. Personally, of all topics covered by Grant, I find him to be most fascinating on the subject of the Mexican-American War of 1847. This is not something commonly focused on in history classes, but Grant's account is riveting. Additionally, Grant's remembrances of Lincoln are very interesting, as is his almost awed reverence for the military abilities of Sherman. The book is long, but it doesn't seem long, and if you have a love of history, this is indispensable stuff.

essential.......2005-10-04

A unique chronicle of one who saved the Union. Lucid, entertaining, and expansive. A rare view of one of the most important lives in the 19C. Highly recommended

Letters To A Young Therapist (Art of Mentoring)

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Connecting to new therapists
Refreshing- Everyone effected by mental health should read!
Reads like you have a guardian angel by your side.
Easy to read and cleverly written
Will recommend it to clients and colleagues

Letters To A Young Therapist (Art of Mentoring)
Mary Bray Pipher
Manufacturer: Basic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0465057675
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Book Description

Intimate and inspiring lessons from beloved author and therapist Mary Pipher

Mary Pipher's groundbreaking investigation of America's "girl-poisoning culture," Reviving Ophelia, has sold nearly two million copies and established its author as one of the nation's foremost authorities on family issues. In Letters to a Young Therapist, Dr. Pipher shares what she has learned in thirty years as a therapist, helping warring families, alienated adolescents, and harried professionals restore peace and beauty to their lives. Letters to a Young Therapist gives voice to her practice with an exhilarating mix of storytelling and sharp-eyed observation. And while her letters are addressed to an imagined young therapist, every one of us can take something away from them.

Long before "positive psychology" became a buzzword, Dr. Pipher practiced a refreshingly inventive therapy--fiercely optimistic, free of dogma or psychobabble, and laced with generous warmth and practical common sense. But not until now has this gifted healer described her unique perspective on how therapy can help us revitalize our emotional landscape in an increasingly stressful world. Whether she's recommending daily swims for a sluggish teenager, encouraging a timid husband to become bolder, or simply bearing witness to a bereaved parent's sorrow, Dr. Pipher's compassion and insight shine from every page of this thoughtful and engaging book.

Customer Reviews:

Connecting to new therapists.......2007-07-29

In the field of mental health there are so many research-based, self-help, anectdotal, and other types of books to assist therapists in improving their skills. This book is different and delightfully so as it is written in a diary-form but with warm guidance. Pipher's understanding of the healing power of therapy and how connecting with clients is essential is well-written. This book is from Pipher's role as a mentor to a blossoming therapist, but even experienced therapists will enjoy the way she conceptualizes clients' concerns. Pipher clearly sees therapy as one way to make positive changes in the world and that is inspiring to all of us who do this work.

Refreshing- Everyone effected by mental health should read!.......2007-03-12

Mary Pipher again shows her ability (gift) to combine artful writing with important information and a bright ray of hope. The writing style is casual. This book is easy to read and the messages are wonderful. An excellent way to recuperate and re-find one's healing spirits. Don't miss out on this fabulous book!

Reads like you have a guardian angel by your side........2007-02-02

Incredible combination of amazing intellect and powerfully compassionate heart. Wise, real & very warm. Should be compulsory reading before anybody is allowed to graduate a counselling course. Extremely satisfied with it. Try Kottler's "On being a therapist" as well. Dido " ".

Easy to read and cleverly written.......2007-01-04

The type of boook you don't want to put down. Even if you're not a therapist many clever insights into how to behave and react to different situations.

Will recommend it to clients and colleagues.......2006-08-20

I will frequently recommend this book to colleagues, students, clients and friends. Much like Dr. Yalom's books this is an easy but powerful read. Dr. Pipher understands therapy at a meaningful and complete level. She even manages to present cognitive therapy in a humanistic and sensitive context! Her frequent metaphors tend to be right on the money and her observations on issues through the generations were also very enlightening. Summarily, you get the sense that there is a very authentic and experienced person writing this book and you get a rare opportunity to experience the potential of psychotherapy.

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Entertaining
A Model of Healthy Male-Female Relationships
Beach Reading without shame!
Diminishing returns
Smart and Fun!

A Letter of Mary (Mary Russell Novels)
Laurie R. King
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0553577808
Release Date: 1998-01-05

Amazon.com

Sherlock Holmes and his scholarly companion Mary Russell are caught up in an exciting mystery when an archaeologist leaves them with a treasured find, a papyrus supposedly written by Mary Magdalene. When the archaeoligist winds up dead and someone attempts to make off with the artifact, Holmes and Russel become embroiled in a rollicking story filled with political intrigue and highbrow sleuthing. The level of writing hasn't been higher in this Laurie King series.

Book Description

Late in the summer of 1923, Mary Russell Holmes and her husband, the illustrious Sherlock Holmes, are ensconced in their home on the Sussex Downs, giving themselves over to their studies: Russell to her theology, and Holmes to his malodorous chemical experiments. Interrupting the idyllic scene, amateur archaeologist Miss Dorothy Ruskin visits with a startling puzzle. Working in the Holy Land, she has unearthed a tattered roll of papyrus with a message from Mary Magdalene. Miss Ruskin wants Russell to safeguard the letter. But when Miss Ruskin is killed in a traffic accident, Russell and Holmes find themselves on the trail of a fiendishly clever murderer. Clearly there was more to Miss Ruskin than met the eye. But why was she murdered? Was it her involvement in the volatile politics of the Holy Land? Was it her championing of women's rights? Or was it the scroll--a deeply troubling letter that could prove to be a Biblical bombshell? In either case, Russell and Holmes soon find that solving her murder may be murder itself.

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining.......2006-04-06

A Letter to Mary the third of the Russell/Holmes series is in a nutshell, entertaining. You can read it before falling asleep, on the bus, or beach and enjoy the plot which in this case is not overly complex but is not dull either. I enjoyed this book as much as I did because of the subject matter, the banter between Holmes and Russell and the interesting secondary characters. The case begins with a mysterious letter dated 70 A.D. from the "apostle Mary", Russell is just a little skeptical when she states, "This couldn't be Mary Magdelene?" Dorothy Ruskin the archeologist introduced in O Jerusalem, has given this manuscript along with an interesting box for Russell to translate and interpret. After an enjoyable day in Sussex, Holmes and Russell are horrified to learn that Dorothy has been killed by an automobile in London. The case begins and through the various twists and turns we enjoy the ride as Holmes and Russell go undercover and discover the secrets of the manuscript, the mysterious box and the murderer of their friend Dorothy Ruskin. King has created a realistic and endearing relationship between Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes and it is a pleasure to read.

A Model of Healthy Male-Female Relationships.......2005-09-03

Laurie King's A Letter of Mary is the third volume in a series of mystery novels that portray an older Sherlock Holmes who is still solving mysteries with his young bride Mary Russell Holmes. The time is 1923, and the couple lives in their country home in Sussex Downs. Mary is studying Theology at Oxford and busily involved in her research.

The couple is visited by Miss Dorothy Ruskin, an amateur archaeologist from Palestine, who has returned to England to seek funding for her work. During the visit she leaves with Russell an antique papyrus letter that appears to be written by Mary Magdalene, an apostle of Jesus. It was given to Ruskin by a Palestinian who claims the document has been in his family for ages. Soon after she leaves, she is hit by a car in London and dies. Holmes and Russell are drawn into what appears to be a murder, but have a devil of a time figuring out who did it.

What I like about this novel is the way that King creates the atmosphere of 1920's England. The old cars and trains, the buildings, the pace of life, and the people are all described in great detail. There is a lovely scene at a party on an old estate where Mary meets and gets help from Lord Peter Whimsey, another fictional detective, that is just filled with details about dress and manners. Another wonderful description is of a woman witness's hair style as Mary interviews her.

However, it is a difficult stretch for me to envision Holmes falling in love with any woman, never mind a young orphan whose parents were killed in an auto accident. And although I feel that King develops and portrays a good partnership between Russell and Holmes (they call each other by their last names!), with each bringing their own strengths to their work together, I find it not believable when they close the door and are intimate together.

Also, the plot is a murder mystery but the book resembles real life more than fiction. There are lots of suspects, and trails that go cold or lead nowhere. I can't fault the author for this bit of realism, but it is an interesting approach to the mystery novel.

Overall, I liked the novel and plan to read the rest of the series. The friendship, based on mutual respect between Russell and Holmes, makes this a wonderful book, not so much as a mystery, but as a model of healthy male-female relationships.

Beach Reading without shame!.......2005-03-28

The third in the Mary Russell series. It's a great series - the books are a quick read, and generally touch on some topic in enough detail that your interest is sparked into finding a little more about what you're reading about.

Diminishing returns.......2004-04-14

The first two books detailing the further imaginary adventures of Sherlock Holmes and his wife, Mary Russell, were entertaining - sadly the same cannot be said of the third, A Letter To Mary. The irritating elements of the first novels - an over-precious writing style and a marked inability to convincingly recreate the aura of Sherlock Holmes' society in England in the early 20th century - become far more pronounced here and a relatively weak and unexciting plot compounds the dissatisfaction. The writing slips into occasional preachiness and the characters are becoming less, rather than more, believeable. Disappointing to be sure - I hope the author regains the form of the earlier novels in her next effort.

Smart and Fun!.......2004-04-02

I have never had an interest in reading the Sherlock Holmes' novels, but I read The Beekeeper's Apprentice and enjoyed it. The last 2 weeks I've read the next two installments. I absolutely loved them. Russell and Holmes' relationship is warm, amusing, and sweet. I've ordered the next 3 in the series and will be anxious for any others the author may write.

A Vindication of the Rights of men, in a Letter to the Right Honourable Edmund Burke (Collected Works of Mary Wollstonecraft)

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A Vindication of the Rights of men, in a Letter to the Right Honourable Edmund Burke (Collected Works of Mary Wollstonecraft)
Mary Wollstonecraft
Manufacturer: Classic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
ASIN: 0742621456

A House Is a House for Me (Picture Puffin Books)

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Can any illustrator ever reach this level again?
On every child's "must have" list!
Fabulous!
House is a House for Me
House is a House for Me

A House Is a House for Me (Picture Puffin Books)
Mary Ann Hoberman
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140503943

Book Description

Where does everyone—and everything—live? A House Is a House for Me is a rollicking rhyme about houses. Some of the houses are familiar, such as an anthill and a dog kennel, while others are surprising, such as a corn husk and a pea pod. This longtime favorite is filled with pictures that parents and children will want to look at again and again in a beautifully produced, deluxe fullsized edition.

Customer Reviews:

Can any illustrator ever reach this level again?.......2006-07-18

Just today my "Big Book" version of this classic fell out of the box and onto the carpet for my daughters and myself to re-read. It's summer and I'm a teacher planning the upcoming first grade year for a class in Oxnard CA coming to me in a "Sheltered Immersion" program.
This book I have traditionally used at year's start as we share and make pictures of our homes and families embarking on those themes of home that teachers use at year's start.I must have literature connections. This book is a phenomenal example of an author and an illustrator both rising to the occasion to fully complement the work of the other. The text is a delightful poem which my daughter proclaimed a limerick which essentially talks of homes for animals, people, so many interesting things and where they are nestled (mouse to snail)- then always in it's pattern finds a way to re-reference "But a House is a house for me." The illustrations are so rich I wondered aloud today if they were collaged or simply drawn in pieces and then assembled. It takes literally hours to "see" all the references and detail in these works. Syl today caught a glimpse of the white rabbit. I would say they are pen and ink but they are so dense, I can't be sure. I'd like to be able to ask this illustrator how this book evolved. To me if you placed these in with the beautiful poster art of the 60's you'd put them in the right place. It is a kind of work reminiscent of those psychedelic pieces that are just wonderful to examine. As a teacher I look for work like this both visually expansive and verbally expansive when I teach.I imagine a child is delighted with something to spend time dreaming through. Yearly this book captures the children I teach and takes a really long time before we find ourselves reading another. I recommend it as a gift in age range 4 to 9 depending on the child...I saw my 17 year old fairly taken today. Syl likes depth in a book. This has mind power.

On every child's "must have" list!.......2004-09-14

I used to have this book when I was a child (I actually STILL have it - albeit slightly worn and well loved). This book is absolutely wonderful!

I am now in my thirties and in the field of Developmental Psychology and personally highly recommend this book for any child! I'm sure that they will love it, and cherish it, as much as I have!

Fabulous!.......2003-10-04

My kids love this book. The rhyme and illustrations are splendid. They never tire of this one and neither do I. Highly recommended.

House is a House for Me.......2002-04-18

I have only been a first grade teacher for two years now, and am just starting to build up my own children's literature collection. House is a House for Me is without a question one of my favorites. The children loved it so much when I read this book of rhyme, not a peep was made on the rug. When I was finished reading the book, the children wanted to create their own class version entitled House is a House for Me 2! If you are a teacher or a parent, this is a small investment, but one that you and your children will treasure for years to come.

House is a House for Me.......2002-04-18

History of a Six Weeks' Tour through a part of France, Switzerland, Germany, and Holland, with Letters descriptive of a Sail round the Lake of Geneva, and of the Glaciers of Chamouni (Collected Works of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

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History of a Six Weeks' Tour through a part of France, Switzerland, Germany, and Holland, with Letters descriptive of a Sail round the Lake of Geneva, and of the Glaciers of Chamouni (Collected Works of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Manufacturer: Classic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 0742620999

Mary Queen of Scots and the Casket Letters

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Mary Queen of Scots and the Casket Letters
A. E. MacRobert
Manufacturer: I. B. Tauris
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Mary Queen of Scots was a romantic and tragic figure. The story of the 'Casket Letters' adds richly to the enigma and mystery - eight letters, a love sonnet and two contracts, allegedly written by Mary to her lover, implicated Mary in her husband's murder and 'proved' her adultery. This forensic re-examination of the controversy, the latest historiography, and the huge literature it has generated together with an accessible presentation of the 'Letters', is a detailed and powerful study for both scholar and general reader and illuminates sharply the dramatic events leading to Mary's imprisonment and eventual execution.

The Prentice-Hall Complete Secretarial Letter Book

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The Prentice-Hall Complete Secretarial Letter Book
Mary A. De Vries
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0136954944

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Letters to the Precious Group
Lucy Blount
Manufacturer: Lightbearers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 096300171X

Queen Mother: A Biblical Theology of Mary's Queenship (Letter & Spirit Project)

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A very good analysis of the Biblical evidence for Mary's queenship
Important Contribution to a Biblical Mariology
Would liked to have seen more

Queen Mother: A Biblical Theology of Mary's Queenship (Letter & Spirit Project)
Edward Sri
Manufacturer: Emmaus Road Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 1931018243
Release Date: 2005-02-13

Book Description

A compelling, in-depth presentation of the gebirah, or "Great Lady," tradition in salvation history and its profound connection to the doctrine of Mary's queenship. Edward Sri elucidates the common approaches taken to Mary's role as Queen and demonstrates how the queen-mother theme in the Davidic kingdom can shed light on the presentation of Mary as heavenly Queen in the New Testament and in the Church. A challenging read that will bear much fruit for those seeking to grow in knowledge of Scripture.

The Letter & Spirit Project aims to make studies of important themes in Sacred Scripture widely available to students, clergy, and laymen. The Project is sponsored by the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, of which Scott Hahn is founder and president.

Customer Reviews:

A very good analysis of the Biblical evidence for Mary's queenship.......2007-01-17

This re-publication of Dr. Sri's doctoral dissertation is a wonderful contribution to Mariology because it answers the Second Vatican Council's request that Sacred Scripture serve as the soul of theology (Cf. Dei Verbum).

We know well from Apostolic Tradition - as mediated by the Magisterium of the Catholic Church - that Mary was assumed into heaven to be coronated as queen. What Sri has done in this fine work is demonstrate how this dogma finds its source in the Kingdom tradition of Israel. He then goes on to show how several key New Testament passages draw from this same tradition when portraying Mary.

The scholar will discover an authentic addition to the wealth of knowledge in print regarding Mariology; the cleric will find a resource to enhance his Biblical homiletics; and the average layperson will uncover a beautiful foundation for his Marian spirituality. For all, the surprise of discovering the Old Testament foundations of Mary's ecclesial office is well worth the read. This enlightening presentation, I believe, will - as the book says in its closing chapter - advance the important work of ecumenism by demonstrating this essential Scriptural support for Mary in God's salvific plan.

With all of this praise, you may ask why I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars? I believe Sri would have done better with a more thorough examination of the New Testament's allusions to Mary's queenship. For example, he fails to mention or examine Mary's statement: "All generations will call me blessed" in her Magnificat (Lk 1:48), which - as many have noted - seems to draw upon Psalm 45:18, the conext of which is a royal Davidic psalm that speaks of the King and Queen.

Also, Sri's examination of Elizabeth's response "How does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" (Lk 1:43) does not take into account Luke's continual allusion to content of the Books of Samuel, and the New Ark typology employed in the Visitation. He focuses upon "the mother of my Lord" as a form of declaration that Mary is the Gebirah, when he could have gone further and shown the correspondence between this exclamation and David's words: "How can the ark of the Lord come to me?" (2 Sm 6:9). I find this allusion to me much more tenable than a more abstract declaration of Mary as Gebirah. However, this point could lead to Mary's office as Gebirah if you take into account that in the ancient neighboring dynasties to Israel, the pagan Queen Mothers sat upon an ark that was carried in procession.

Important Contribution to a Biblical Mariology.......2006-10-06

I was quite prepared to like this book after only a brief look in the bookstore. The quotes from the well-known Marian theologians on the back were impressive:

Fr. Roten from the International Marian Research Institute wrote
"Sri's scriptural examination of Mary's queenship in light of
the Davidic kingdom tradition is a welcome antidote against
frequent unidimensional historical reductions of Mary's person
and role. Mary is not a shadowy figure frozen in the distant past
but the 'eschatological icon' of salvationhistory."

Dr. Mark Miravalle adds "The biblical queen-mother tradition is
of paramount importance for our contamporary understanding of Our
Lady's dynamic role of spiritual queen and advocate for all humanity.
Edward Sri offers an outstanding synthesis of this Gebirah or 'Great
Lady' biblical tradition."

Perhaps most intriguing was Dr. Scott Hahn's statement in the
Foreword that Sri's study is important not just for Mariology but
as a model for all biblical Theology. He writes, "An approach like
this provides theologians with superior interpretive and explanatory
power and has potential to heal historic divisions between scholars
and the Church, between the academy and the seminary, and among the
various separated Christian bodies...When we read the Bible in this
way, we find no tension between letter and spirit -- between literary
and historical study of scripture and faithful contemplation of its
religious and spiritual meaning."

The book turned out to be even better than I was expecting. This is not a book of Catholic apologetics. It is also not a book about Marian spirituality or devotion. Nonetheless it will both strengthen your faith and deepen your devotion.

Dr. Sri carefully and systematically lays out the scriptural roots of the Queenship of Mary in the queen-mother tradition of the Old Testament Davidic Kingdom. He then shows how the New Testament draws on those themes and applies them to Jesus, the royal son of David, and to His mother, Mary.

This book is scholarly but still accessible to non-scholars. My one difficulty was that he used endnotes instead of footnotes. There is so much good material in the notes (and there are over 50 pages of notes) but you have to keep flipping back and forth to follow it. I ended up just reading with my finger in the the proper notes pages and keeping two bookmarks in the book when I put it down; it's not too bad once you get used to it but footnotes would have been convenient.

Would liked to have seen more.......2005-07-29

This review is not meant to be critical of the author as a person. I simply want to offer some points for critical consideration, that I feel need to be addressed for those who may use this book in a Catholic theology course. I will just narrow them down to 3 points.
First, Sri says on p.34-35, that the PBC(Pontifical Biblical Commission of 1993, which no longer enjoys the teaching office of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, unlike the ones that came before Vatican II)makes a distinction in the different ways that the "sensus plenior" can come to be known. This distinction that Sri is trying to insist on, is NOT a distinction that the PBC talks of when explaining how the "sensus plenior" can be assertained. Please see PBC document p.130-131. The PBC states this about the "sensus plenior", "Its existence in the biblical text comes to be known when one studies the text in light of other biblical texts which utilize it(meaning sacred scripture)OR in its relationship with the internal development of revelation." The later is called by the PBC p.131 "a genuine doctrinal Tradition."(sacred tradition) Notice how the PBC does not make a distinction on how to arrive at the "sensus plenior" as Sri is insisting. The PBC does not place one above the other, but rather side by side. The PBC has so worded it this way because the sacred deposit of Faith comes from 2 divine sources, sacred scripture and sacred tradition(see also Dei Verbum #9,10). Sri seems to suggest that the PBC deems less important on how sacred tradition or the Magisterium comes to the understanding of the sensus plenior, than sacred scripture. This is not true. It seems as though Sri has either unintentionally or intentionally, adopted this view that sacred tradition is of little value when it comes to biblical exegesis. A case in point is found specifically(& generally throughout the book) on p.54-58, where Sri speaks about the prophecy of Is.7:14. Sri is in agreement with the view of modern and rationalistic exegests, that the "almah" spoken of in Is.7:14 refers to the "wife" of King Ahaz and sees this prophecy has having a "double fulfillment with the successor to Ahaz bringing the prophecy to a partial fulfillment & Christ giving its ultimate fulfillment(p.58)." Sri also says, "Finally, we note that the extent to which this passage can be viewed as messianic prophecy is still debated(p.58)."
First of all, this view of "partial or double fulfillment" of this prophecy or that it was referring to the wife of King Ahaz, therefore his son, was defended in early times by Jews against Christians. Sts. Justin & Jerome, both refuted this view. Is.7:14 has been viewed by the Faith of the Catholic Church & the unanimous view of the exegetical tradition, that this text is to be understood as exclusively Messianic & Marian. Meaning that the debate is over as to whether it is messianic or not & it exclusively and literally refers to Jesus & Mary.
Let me make another note, the PBC itself gave this text of Is.7:14 as a prime example of how the "sensus plenior" can come to be known. It says, "when a subsequent biblical author attributes to an earlier biblical text, it takes it up in a context which confers upon it a new literal sense(p.130)." As an example of what the PBC means by this, it refers to the very text of Is.7:14. It says that the "almah" in Is.7:14 was taken up by St. Matt.1:24 & had given it the fuller meaning(sensus plenior). St. Matt. definitively gave the meaning of the word "almah" to mean virgin, because it was translated into the Septuagint as "parthenos". Therefore, the Gospel of St. Matt. then confered upon the text of Is.7:14 a NEW LITERAL MEANING. The word "almah" is to literally mean "virgin" in the strict sence & could not refer to the wife or the son of King Ahaz. If Sri had paid more attention to what the PBC said & to what sacred tradition had already solved, he would not still hold this view of "partial or double fulfillment" of Is.7:14. In addition, it would have given him a stronger case for the Church's Queen-Mother typology of Is.7:14.
Another note: Sri says on p.153 in footnote #113 that "While it is true that Vatican II was cautious on its use of Gen.3:15 as having Marian significance,..." This is just not true, nowhere in Vatican II Lumen Gentium, which has a section devoted to the Blessed Mother, are the Council Fathers cautious on giving Gen.3:15 "Marian significance". If they did do this they would have been going against sacred tradition & the dogmatic development of Marian dogma. The dogma on the Blessed Mother's Immaculate Conception, specifically referred to Gen.3:15 in Pope Pius IX bull Ineffabilis Deus.
Lastly, Sri agrees with the position that the "Woman" in Rev.12 refers primarily to "the community of believers, God's people of both the Old & New Covenants(p.96)." On p.103 Sri asserts the same statement but adds, "she also can be understood as the mother of Jesus, Mary, when the passage is read in light of the Gospel of John & the wider New Testament canon." It is unfortunate that Sri has not brought out the view of the "Woman" being Mary the physical person representing the Church as a mystical figure. This view has a strong support among prominent biblical-mariologist & this would have also given a stronger support for the Queen-Mother typology for Rev.12. For a more extensive treatment on this topic please see the great work of Fr. Stefano Manelli's book "All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed."
In conclusion, I did not see how the 3 criteria for interpretating scripture as expounded on in the Catechism of the Catholic Church #'s 112,113,114 was followed, as stated at the beginning of the book.

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