Book Description
On a rainy night in Paris, Paul Christopher's lover Molly Benson falls victim to a vehicular homicide minutes after Christopher boards a jet to Vietnam. To explain this seemingly senseless murder, The Last Supper takes its readers back not only to the earliest days of Christopher's life, but also to the origins of the CIA in the clandestine operations of the OSS during World War II. Moving seamlessly from tales of refugee smuggling in Nazi Germany, to OSS-coordinated guerilla warfare against the Japanese in Burma, to the chaotic violence of the Vietnam War, McCarry creates an intimate history of the shadow world of deceit and betrayal that penetrates the psyches of the men and women who live within it.
Perhaps the most richly complex of McCarry's renowned Paul Christopher novels, The Last Supper is an epic recreation of the history of an organization ensnared by a culture of conspiracy, deceit, and senseless violence.
Customer Reviews:
The Last Supper.......2007-09-28
I enjoyed this book very much. It tied up some loose ends in previous "Christoper Holland" books I had read by Charles McCarry. I am looking forward to reading the rest of his books, especially those with Christopher Holland in them.
Rave reviewers must have read just the first chapter .......2007-09-10
I think this is the lowest rating I've ever given a book. Usually reviews in the newpapers are a good indication of what's between the covers. The reviewers and the quotes on the dust jacket promise that McCarry is a new LeCarre. But once you get past the first chapter (which does grab you), what you get is an author whose characters are ludicrously stereotypical and laughably one-dimensional.
It would be more laughable if it wasn't so transparent. Bad guys are really, really bad. They wear black hats to bed. Good guys wear white ones that don't fall off even when they leap over tall buildings. Heroines are beautiful and smart and physically fit; heroes are intrepid; villains have bad acne and pick their noses in public.
And the settings are similarly paper thin -- they seem to have been concocted from descriptions in old travel brochures published by local tourist agencies. Perhaps his other books are better, but with The Last Supper, Mr. McCarry is a formula writer whose formula is made from very cheap powdered milk.
Full Course Meal.......2007-08-29
Charles McCarry continues his saga of CIA operative, Paul Christopher, with this fine novel that further develops characters and plotlines begun in his earlier work, Tears of Autumn. Christopher returns to Viet Nam in an attempt to intercede and prevent the forces that may bring harm to his beloved Molly in reaction to the discoveries Christopher made regarding the Kennedy assassination in Tears of Autumn. Tragedy follows and Christopher ends up in a Chinese prison.
The novel expands the history of Christopher's extraordinary parents in Nazi Germany, and also gives the terrific back-story of Barney Wolkowicz, the wild and wooly Ukrainian-born blue-collar-agent-in-an-Ivy-League-world, the least pretentious and most effective anti-Soviet CIA operative, and devoted protege to Paul's father, Hubbard Christopher.
In fact, this is a character-heavy novel, with a great deal of examination and understanding of the various types and classes of people drawn into Cold War espionage.
There is much of death and loss and ultimate betrayal. The search for Moles within the Outfit and the surprising revelations that come with their discovery. There is the lingering memory of lost loved ones and McCarry does very nicely in limning the emotions of familial love and attachment, as well as adult physical and emotional love.
The descriptions of WWII Burmese jungle fighting, of the tense fear of Nazi ruled Germany, the harsh deprivations of Chinese prison, the privileged landscape of Yalie New England and DC, and the intrigue of Cold War Berlin are brought to life with care and detail.
Not a fast-paced thriller, although abundant enough with exotic locale and adventure, McCarry's interest lies in the people doing this work, and the emotional and psychic price paid in entering the Hall of Mirrors that is espionage. Fine work. Worthwhile. 4-1/2 Stars.
McCarry Is Definitely One Of The Best.......2007-07-08
It was really a pleasure reading this thriller that was published in 1983.
Paul Christopher is an interesting character born to an American father and German mother. His father Hubbard was a talented writer and his mother,Lori, was a strong willed and beautiful. He was born in 1924. As the Nazi ascendancy continued his parents would sneak people at risk on their boat to safety in Denmark.Their activities continued and came to the attention of the Gestapo. In 1939 his mother was arrested attempting to go into France. She disappeared. His father was allowed to leave Germany and subsequently returned to the U.S. and became an OSS agent.
Never losing hope to find his wife. Paul went to Harvard and eventually was recruited to join The Outfit (cia). He spent ten years in a chinese communist prison because his pilot intentionally but unknown to Paul violated chinese air space. Interesting characters were Wolkowicz, a very manipulative master spy and Patchen, badly wounded in battle and went on to be head of The Outfit. Many secrets were revealed as the book came to its unexpected exciting conclusion.
Terrific spy novel.......2007-04-02
This is a gripping, well-written and even somewhat sexy spy novel of the good old-fashioned kind: a story, a plot and real characters. I am now reading as many of McCarry's novels as I can find!
Average customer rating:
- Murder Mystery
- Just plain fun to read.
- The Last Suppers
- Fluffy mysteries at their best!
- The Case of the Missing Bridegroom
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The Last Suppers (Goldy Culinary Mysteries, Book 4)
Diane Mott Davidson
Manufacturer: Crimeline
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The Cereal Murders (Goldy Culinary Mysteries, Book 3)
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Killer Pancake (Goldy Culinary Mysteries, Book 5)
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The Main Corpse (Goldy Culinary Mysteries, Book 6)
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Dying for Chocolate (Goldy Culinary Mysteries, Book 2)
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Catering to Nobody (Goldy, Book 1)
ASIN: 055357258X
Release Date: 1995-08-01 |
Book Description
It should be the happiest day of Goldy the caterer's life. After years of putting the disaster of her first marriage behind her, she has finally found the courage to love again. Soon she'll be walking down the aisle of St. Luke's Episcopal Church to wed the man of her dreams, Tom Schulz, a homicide detective who shares Goldy's passions for preparing food and solving crimes.
But moments after Goldy's put the finishing touches on the scrumptious wedding feast, and just before the ceremony begins, she receives an urgent phone call from the groom. The wedding is off, and the reason is a killer.
In The Last Suppers, Diane Mott Davidson mixes irresistible suspense with delectable humor to create a five-star treat for readers and cooks alike. Included are Goldy's original recipes for such delicious dishes as her heavenly Dark Chocolate Wedding Cake with White Peppermint Frosting, savory Shrimp on Wheels and zesty Fusilli in Parmesan Cream Sauce. The Last Suppers is a mystery with a gourmet twist--recipes no one can resist!
Customer Reviews:
Murder Mystery.......2007-05-12
Love these books, enjoyed each one, purchased and read all to date. Arrived promptly.
Just plain fun to read........2007-03-08
Diane Mott Davidson always keeps the reader involved in her writings, and "The Last Suppers" is no exception. From the time Goldie starts her quest to find her missing fiance until they marry, you're wondering what can happen to this single mother next. I enjoy the recipes that come along as part of the package (and so does my family and friends). Hope everyone has as much fun with this novel as I did.
The Last Suppers.......2006-10-25
Goldy Bear, our lovable caterer, is back and waiting at the church for her bridegroom. When Tom calls her and says he cant make it because their priest has been murdered Goldy is devestated. However, this doesnt end her bad day. Tom has been kidnapped by the murderer and no one knows who that is, or where theyve gone. A cryptic note written by Tom at the scene is all the police and Goldy have to go on to find her fiance before its too late.
This is a cute series with great recipes.
Fluffy mysteries at their best!.......2005-04-28
This is the first Diane Mott Davidson that I've gotten to read and I was hooked right away. Similar in form to my other favorites (Dorothy Johnson, Rita Mae Brown, etc.) it took on the hokey beginnings and led their fluffy way down to the solving of the mystery, all the while the main character doesn't skip a beat with her catering.
I know it sounds bad, but I honestly love these types of light and fluffy mysteries, they aren't dark and depressing, they're easy to follow without too many characters and not enough substance. I don't like heavy mysteries that get confusing within the first chapter and get wayyy too descriptive when it comes to the crime scenes or the lack of morals of some of the characters.
This one in particular does seem to be a little bit too hokey in the plot (dead priests and missing soon-to-be husbands) compared to the other books, but it's forgivable!
The Case of the Missing Bridegroom.......2005-03-12
When you're planning to get married and your priest is murdered and your fiance disappears, you know you've had a bad day. That is the case with Goldy Bear whose wedding is called off when Reverend Olson is murdered and Tom Schulz, who is leading the investigation, is suddenly among the missing. As Goldy frantically searches for Tom and tries to solve the murder, she discovers that all is not well in her Episcopalian Church. She uncovers the possibility of adultery, thievery, and a church split over worship style and music. Which of these issues might cause someone to murder their church leader? Both Goldy and Tom's lives are in danger before the murder is solved. This book contains lots of interesting recipes, along with another good mystery by author Davidson.
Average customer rating:
- It's no secret, this is a very enjoyable read
- Too many details, disappointing ending.
- The Secret Supper
- It just didn't draw me in...
- Poor Leonardo!
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The Secret Supper: A Novel
Javier Sierra
Manufacturer: Atria
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0743287649
Release Date: 2006-03-21 |
Amazon.com
The Da Vinci juggernaut rolls on, this time in the capable hands of a bestselling author in the Spanish-speaking world. The Secret Supper has been ably translated by Alberto Manguel, author of A History of Reading, that delightful revelation that squiggles on a page are words, and words make stories. Set in 1497 Milan, at the time of the painting of the Cenacolo, or The Last Supper, in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Sierra has created a tale of religious fanaticism, betrayal, murder, Church politics, artistic chicanery and mystery to confound the reader.
Fra Agostino Leyre, a Papal Inquisitor, is sent to Milan to confirm--or not--the messages of the "Soothsayer," who alleges that Leonardo Da Vinci is a heretic and has hidden heretical messages in his painting of The Last Supper. Leonardo is a figure larger than life, literally. A blue-eyed, tall, handsome man, always dressed in white, he is surrounded by faithful students and friends who are his acolytes. His brilliant mind, ranging over a multitude of ideas, has gained him a reputation for "hiding heterodox ideas in paintings apparently pious."
What Father Agostino follows is a labyrinthine path through alliances and rivalries, differences of opinion about Leonardo and a discussion of the heresy of the Cathars. They are a fascinating sect, more extra-Christianity than Christian heretics. Their practices are based on a belief that certain deprivations--primarily food and sex--will purify and make them worthy. Sierra is a very fine guide, taking the reader through palaces and monasteries rife with intrigue and typical of the flowering of intellect that came after the Dark Ages. It is a time when "Suddenly, from one day to the next, Plato's Greece, Cleopatra's Egypt and even the extravagant curiosities of the Chinese Empire that Marco Polo discovered seemed to deserve greater praise than our own Scriptural stories." Dangerous for the incumbency.
A compelling case is made that Leonardo's heretical beliefs are there for all to see in The Last Supper, if only we know how to find them. Sierra gives us the key--and keeps the suspense going right up to the end of the book. It isn't necessary to believe any of it, or even care if it's true, to enjoy this pilgrimage through another time and place. --Valerie Ryan
Book Description
The most-talked-about international bestseller of the year!
Tightly paced and atmospheric, The Secret Supper is a dazzling historical thriller with a unique vision of both Leonardo da Vinci's genius and his masterpiece -- which you will never look at in the same way again.
Milan, 1497: Leonardo is completing The Last Supper. Pope Alexander VI is determined to execute him after realizing that the painting contains clues to a baffling -- and blasphemous -- message that he is driven to decode. The Holy Grail and the Eucharistic Bread are missing, there is no meat on the table, and the apostles, shockingly, are portraits of well-known heretics -- and none of them are depicted with halos. And why has the artist painted himself into the scene with his back turned toward Jesus?
The clues to Leonardo's greatest puzzle are right before your eyes....
Download Description
"The most-talked-about international bestseller of the year! Tightly paced and atmospheric, The Secret Supper is a dazzling historical thriller with a unique vision of both Leonardo da Vinci's genius and his masterpiece -- which you will never look at in the same way again. Milan, 1497: Leonardo is completing The Last Supper. Pope Alexander VI is determined to execute him after realizing that the painting contains clues to a baffling -- and blasphemous -- message that he is driven to decode. The Holy Grail and the Eucharistic Bread are missing, there is no meat on the table, and the apostles, shockingly, are portraits of well-known heretics -- and none of them are depicted with halos. And why has the artist painted himself into the scene with his back turned toward Jesus? The clues to Leonardo's greatest puzzle are right before your eyes....
Customer Reviews:
It's no secret, this is a very enjoyable read.......2007-08-22
Javier Sierra's 'The Secret Supper' has, unavoidably, drawn comparisons to Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code'...as they both, admittedly, deal with a few 'similar' themes....secrets of the Church...the works of Leonardo da Vinci, and 'secret societies'.....however, Sierra's 'Secret Supper' is a far superior work to Brown's 'Da Vinci Code'.
Most importantly, the prose style and storytelling capabilities of Sierra far outweigh Brown's very 'pedestrian' writing style. Sierra creates an atmosphere to invoke his tale, unlike Brown, who gives a 'laundry list' of details to set his story in motion, and carry it along.
Transporting readers back to Milan in the latter 15th century, Father Agostino Leyre is sent to decipher, if he can, the purported 'conundrum' being painted into da Vinci's 'Cenacolo', or Last Supper (Cenacolo being the colloquial name given to the painting in Milan at the time).
Father Agostino uncovers much more than initially bargained for in his inquisition, though, as the secrets of dead monks begin to pile up at his feet, the sought-after 'Soothsayer' (who also challenges Agostino to find the answers he seeks) haunts his movements in his investigation, and thanks to the predisposition of da Vinci to add layer upon layer of new riddles to old, in the same way he might add layers of color to his paintings.
An absorbing, if not difficult, read that examines and promulgates the famed 'Last Supper' painting. The much heralded religious icon of Jesus announcing his betrayal to his apostles becomes more than just pigment on a wall...the order of the apostles, the hues chosen to represent them, the placement of their hands, the items on the table...everything is a clue to the answer that Agostino seeks. In reading this novel, I was reminded, faintly, of reading Plato's 'Symposium' which dissects and examines love as a feeling, a tangible being, an idea, etc. - and teaches that sometimes it is only by understanding the 'pieces' that we can comprehend the 'whole'.
Certainly this is a 'work of fiction' as much as any of the other recent releases that have seen the light of day with 'similar' themes. However, having read a few now, including Dan Brown's 'Da Vinci Code'...Javier Sierra's 'The Secret Supper' is, to me, near the top of the list, even higher than Dan Brown's more celebrated and widely read work.
Too many details, disappointing ending........2007-08-09
It starts out to be an interesting book, but one quickly gets bogged down with too many names and details leaving one confused as to what is actually going on.
The secret itself is interesting, but the character to which it points could have been more unexpected and does not really fit the role that was played, to ultimatley point to himself.
The style of the book is well done and has all the elements of a mistery novel of sorts.
I don't really recommend the book because I was tired and dispointed by the ending of the book. The point being made at the end was not very clear.
I hope the authors next book will be better and worth the time to read. This book did of course provide some kind of escape, which at least is better than most of the tv programs.
The Secret Supper.......2007-05-24
Rarely do I not finish a book I have started reading; however, I didn't finish this one. It was boring!
It just didn't draw me in..........2007-05-23
After reading this novel, I wonder if maybe the flow of it was lost when it was translated into English. It just felt really choppy to me, and even though I attempted to give it a real chance, from about a quarter of the way in I just kept wishing it was over so that I could read something more interesting. Any person with half a brain can figure out who the "Soothsayer" is the minute the narrator meets him, and the big "secret" that is discovered at the end is completely anticlimactic. To put it simply, if you're looking for a blase kind of story, go ahead and read this, but if you want something that's a little more fast-paced, with a conclusion that might shock you, this novel is NOT it.
Poor Leonardo!.......2007-04-30
Ever since "The DaVinci Code", Leonardo's reputation has taken a pounding from authors jumping on the church conspiracy bandwagon. This book is better written than most (and much better than anything Dan Brown has published), and the mystery tends to be a bit absorbing. Unfortunately, the suspense (as it were) can only carry you so far, and when the final "mystery" in uncovered, it is a real letdown to the reader. Make no mistake, though, the book is entertaining to read, and as long as you don't take it too seriously, you most likely will enjoy it.
Customer Reviews:
Davidson's triple play.......2007-08-15
This set contains 3 abridged books: "Dying for Chocolate," read by Barbara Rosenblat; "Catering to Nobody," read by Mary Gross; and "The Last Suppers," read by Barbara Rosenblat.
Barbara Rosenblat did a fine job with "Dying," including some different voices for the characters. Her voice was especially good after the car crash, when I could've sworn she was actually crying, and her rendition of Arch, as a whining 11 year-old, was appropriately annoying.
The problem with both of her books, however, was that the CDs aren't divided into tracks, so if I fell asleep, got distracted, or walked away there was no way to get closer to where I'd stopped. Listening to the first CD 4 times got a little old.
Mary Gross did an adequate job with "Catering," which did have tracks but no appreciable voices.
Aside from the missing tracks, I thought the voice levels were weak and uneven on all of the books. I found that I had to turn the volume far beyond that of other books in order to hear it, even right next to me, then, shortly, the voice would be blasting. Additionally, I would have appreciated it if there had been a notice somewhere about the chronological order, which seems to be "Catering," "Dying," and "Suppers." The books refer back to each other, so it would be nice to be able to catch that.
Despite the problems, I gave this set 4 stars. It's a good value, but it could stand some improvements.
Average customer rating:
- A Historical Novel
- wonderful book
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The Day Christ Died
Manufacturer: Greenwitch House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:
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The Day Christ Died
ASIN: B000E12BY8 |
Customer Reviews:
A Historical Novel.......2007-09-04
Using the accounts of the four Gospels and other texts written at the time of Christ, the author writes about the last day of Jesus Christ. He starts at the beginning of the Hebrew Day at 6 P.M. with Jesus and ten of the apostles coming through the pass between the Mount of Olives and the Mount of Offense en route to Jerusalem and the Last Supper. And we follow an hour-by-hour narrative of this day until it ends at 4 P.M. the following afternoon, when Jesus was taken down from the cross.
The book also has three chapters that give us the historical context in which to understand the words and actions of those involved that day. The chapters cover a background on Jesus Christ himself, and on Roman and Palestinian life and history.
The narrative style of the book is very engaging and gives us a view of that day as Mel Gibson tried to do in his movie 'The Passion of the Christ'. And Jim Bishop as able to give you great insight about the deeper history of the reasons and actions regarding Christ's last day, as he understands it.
wonderful book.......2006-02-09
This is a wonderful book about Jesus. Although the title implies that you will only read about his last day on earth, you will actually read about much more than that. There is one section that skips clear back to the day he was born and other sections that cover other times in his life. There are sections that give descriptions of the geographical area, the lifestyle of the people, the rulers and the religious leaders of the time, and much more. All descriptions are factual and very interesting. Only recently I discovered that this book has a description of the scourge that is very similar to the scourge as depicted in the movie "The Passion". Bear in mind this book was written nearly 50 years ago, so it is not "copied" from the movie.
Book Description
The Silver Chalice recounts the story of Basil, a young silversmith, who is commissioned by the apostle Luke to fashion a holder for the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper. The Silver Chalice was the best-selling fiction title of 1953 in the United States and was made into a film starring Paul Newman.
Customer Reviews:
Very relevant book for our time also........2006-07-28
This book was originally published in 1952 and was the year's best seller. The book is just as good today. Costain is a researcher that writes this novel with good background in church history. It was our book club book of this month.
On My List of Top 5 Books!.......2005-06-14
I am a prolific reader and The Silver Chalice is one of my all time favorite books. It has suspense, history, greed, romance, love, longing, spirituality - the list of in depth emotions that the main character experiences is amazing. Basil is adopted by a wealthy family at a young age and upon his adopted father's death he is sold into slavery. The story of how he meets Luke, the great physician, Joseph of Arimathea, and many other bibical characters and their influence on his life is astounding. This is a must read book that you will want to read many times.
Religious Fiction.......2001-08-28
This book gives you an inside view of the Luke and Paul and the other apostles as they struggle to give Jesus' church life. It talks about the danger they were in and the predjudice they faced. I read it before an exam in religion to help me understand the new testament better...it worked! The story follows a young man who was illegally enslaved and then had his freedom purchased by Luke so that he could produce a silver chalice with the likeness of all of the prophets. In order to do so he has to travel around to their lectures and speeches, stay in their homes and become friends with them. It is very insightful. A nice long book, that should keep you busy for quite a few hours of reading time.
Attention keeper.......2000-09-29
This book is long but worth every bit. When I read it I can't put it down (and I've read it several times!). The characters and plot are indepth and believable. This book gives me a window into another world. I would definitely recommend it.
A gripping story of Love, Labor and Faith.......2000-09-16
This book was given to me over the summer by my mother who read it when she was young. From the moment I opened it, I couldn't put it down. The story of Basil's journey from Antioch to Jerusalem is one of great courage and faith. The fictional characters are well developed, and the historical ones are portrayed quite uniquely with qualities of real people one seldoms sees in Paul and Luke. This book has led me to read more of this genre, including Taylor Caldwell's "Dear and Glorious Physician". The awkward situation Basil finds himself in between Helena and Deborra is a believable situation, and it provides great insight into the mind of an intelligent, and proud young man. I recommend this book to those who are fascinated with history, the Christian religion and excellent writing.
Customer Reviews:
Worth your time to read........2006-11-07
This book puts into words what is infinately true and worth pursuing. I highly recommend reading this book regardless of who/what you are.
Bruteau Offers New Paradigm for Living.......2005-12-29
The marvel of this book is that Dr. Bruteau traces the troubles of the modern world back to their roots. She argues that for too long, we have existed in a world based on domination which appears in every scale of human experience from worldwide war to one-on-one disputes. What characterizes domination is that one part undertakes to control the other party.
This political, economic, and social attitude/action results from a psychology of fear, "a tortured psychology and the even more fundamental existential anxiety and insecurity."
Bruteau argues that "we do not have a secure hold on existence.... Each of us believes we are a finite, contingent, vulnerable being and each of us has personal identity by 'not being the other.'" This she calls the "logic of mutual negation."
The alternative, according to Dr. Bruteau, is "mutual affirmation," from which arises a metaphysics of 'community' making possible at long last 'love for the neighbor.' On this foundation can be erected a politics, economics and social structure of equal respect and friendship.
This is the message of the New Testament story of "Holy Thursday" which finds its focus in the illustration which graces the cover of her book. The message is: when the Lord (Dominus, dominator) behaves as servant, then there is no longer any meaning to lordship or servanthood. The concepts perish together. In their place we have the saying, "I will no longer call you servants but friends."
This is all explained with many examples. In my mind, what makes the book especially attractive is Dr. Bruteau's retelling of Holy Thursday and the Revelation at Sinai. The mark of her revolution is the as individuals we are liberated from the stress of self-protection and self-promotion mandated by the deep anxiety of our existential insecurity.
Read the book to learn how she explains how we can pass from the domination paradigm to the friendship paradigm and realize the truth in the phrase, "Children of God." This life-transformation realization liberates energy to love one another as we have been loved. This shift in the basic dynamic of life constitutes the "Revolution."
Customer Reviews:
Food, life and agriculture come alive.......2007-10-09
Food At The Time Of The Bible: From Adam's Apple To The Last Supper
We are using this wonderful resource to help us recreate the village of Bethlehem on the eve of Jesus' birth at our large parish hall this December. It was recommended as an accurate resource by a recreated village in Israel.
I was delighted to find that it contained far more than recipes. It explains the foods, crops, and agricultural practices from the time. The farming practices bring the food to life! You will read about the "Seven Species as well as a multitude of other foods. You will read about farming and harvesting year round; the barley harvest in Spring, grapes, wheat, and pomegranates in Summer, dates and raisins in Autumn and leeks, onions and garlic in Winter. These descriptions are often tied to biblical customs or references: "They came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest..." (Ruth 1:22)
Profusely illustrated with photographs and drawings you will see images of tilling, planting, cutting, threshing, winnowing, milling, and finally baking with grains. The photos are thoughtfully presented using people in costume as well as farmers today still using the old methods. I've bought and handed out at least 6 copies of this great resource to people involved in our recreation project.
It is a great general reference as well as an agricultural tour and cookbook.
GOOD FOOD.......2007-07-04
GREAT BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON FO0DS IN BIBLE TIMES. PICTURES ARE GREAT. I WANTED A BOOK TO HAVE A BIBLE FOODS PARTY FOR YOUNG TEENS. WELL PRESENTED IN A WAY THAT ALL COULD TAKE A PART. BROUGHT IT TO A FRIEND'S HOUSE AND THEY WOULDN'T LET ME TAKE IT HOME. I THINK THERE WILL BE MORE ORDERS FOR AMAZON.
Depends on What You're Looking for.......2007-06-09
If you're a pastor or Bible studier, this is an excellent, fun, and interesting book. There are lots of illustrations, although the quality of some of the pictures is lacking.
If you're a cook or someone looking into healthier eating, it may not be exactly what you're looking for. There are a couple dozen recipes at the back of the book, but explanation on ancient food techniques related to the recipes leaves you wanting more information.
If you're just curious and interested in the way the Old World esteemed and prepared food this is probably just the book for you. Whatever your reason for considering it, it is a nice book, although a little thinner than I expected.
Recommended by the National Cathedral in Washington DC.......2006-10-29
Per their catalogue: "This family guide introduces a fascinating multitude of Bible plants and animals, their symbolic meanings, and offers a collection of delicious, biblically inspired and easy-to-prepare recipes for your own table. Generously illustrated."
Average customer rating:
- Uno se pierde leyendo este libro...
- A great read in Spanish or English
- Wonderful reading
- La Cena Secreta
- En la línea del "Código da Vinci" pero afortunadamente mejor escrito....
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Cena Secreta, La
Javier Sierra
Manufacturer: Plaza y Janes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Abril rojo/Red April
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El Enigma Sagrado/ the Holy Blood and the Holy Grail
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La Dama Azul: El Vaticano Nunca Conto Toda la Verdad
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Los Illuminati (The Illuminati)
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Malinche Spanish Version: Novela
ASIN: 0307348008
Release Date: 2006-01-03 |
Book Description
Un monje dominicano, Agustín Leyre, escribe sus memorias, de acontecimientos que ocurrieron hace muchos años cuando fue enviado a investigar el fresco de la última cena que estaba pintando Leonardo da Vinci en el convento de Santa Maria delle Grazie en Milan.
A finales del año 1496 los monjes habían empezado a recibir cartas anónimas, firmadas “el Agorero”. Hablaban de la magia diabólica de la escena, de las símbolos esotéricos y heréticas que contiene, de una conspiración que pervertirá a muchos y dañará a la santa iglesia si nadie lo frenara.
No era la primera vez que las obras de Leonardo llamaban la atención de la inquisición pero esta vez la iglesia se encontraba en una situación muy delicada. La pintura era un encargo del poderoso duque de Milán y lo está pintando en la pared del refectorio del convento del cual es el benefactor.
Agustín consiguió la llave del refectorio y cuando Leonardo no está, se dedicó contemplar su obra cuya belleza le deslumbró totalmente pero a la vez le preocuparon y luego horrorizaron muchos detalles que al principio no entendió.
Pero las pistas fueron pocas y la investigación se complicó con unos cuantos asesinatos. El simpático bibliotecario se suicidó, otro fraile empezó a predicar doctrinas cátaras para luego prenderse fuego. Un peregrino se encontró asesinado en la iglesia....
Customer Reviews:
Uno se pierde leyendo este libro..........2007-08-16
Las continuas explicaciones y detalles complican la lectura de este libro.
Ha veces tengo la impresión que el autor se sirve del estilo de narrativa de "El nombre de la rosa", pero carece de la paciencia para escribir bien y se deja llevar por frases cortas, sin mucho esfuerzo.
Es difícil leer este libro. Es como cuando uno te habla y continuamente saca historias que no tienen mucho que ver con el tema de conversación. Al final uno se pierde y pierde la calma para continuar leyendo.
Es como si el autor quisiera demostrar en todo momento sus conocimientos de temas monacales y de la historia de la Iglesia. Al final resulta un poco pedante y cansa.
Me deje llevar por el buen feedback de otros lectores, para comprar este libro. Definitivamente fue un error.
No es un "torchon" pero no se queda lejos. Comparar este libro con El Codigo DaVinci no tiene sentido, ya que el ultimo es al menos un trabajo mucho mas elaborado donde el detalle no interfiere con la historia narrada.
A great read in Spanish or English.......2007-07-17
This is an relatively easy novel for those trying to improve their Spanish skills, as the mystery is the key element. Fast-paced and interesting. I loved it.
Wonderful reading.......2006-08-15
This book is fantastic, probably better than Dan Brown's Da Vinci code. I read it in Spanish and it is extremely entertainning. I am looking forward to read more of Javier Sierra' books. I love the plot, the mistery and the fiction. Great book. A must read if you liked the DaVinci Code.
La Cena Secreta.......2006-06-19
This book keeps you entertained from beginning to end. I read it in Spanish although it is available in English. I like the way it unfolds and allows us to look deeper into Leonardo Da Vinci's work. An eye opening on the catars.
En la línea del "Código da Vinci" pero afortunadamente mejor escrito...........2006-02-17
Al padre Leyre, integrante del grupo Betania (grupo secreto de la curia católica encargado de vigilar y desentrañar posibles movimientos heréticos) se le encarga la misión de vigilar a Leonardo da Vinci e investigar si efectivamente en la obra que está creando "La Cena Sagrada" se encuentra codificado un mensaje herético que puede poner en peligro la autoridad religiosa del Papa.
El libro mezcla con maestría, de manera concisa (muy a diferencia del Código da Vinci) y muy bien fundamentada elementos típicos de este tipo de libros: asesinatos (de personas relacionadas con la creación de la obra "La cena sagrada"), un personaje que anticipa todos estos problemas (el agorero), mensajes cifrados, sectas religiosas desaparecidas (cátaros) y sobre todo el mensaje oculto en la pintura de Leonardo.
La lectura de este libro es muy entretenida, su brevedad comparada con la del "Codigo da Vinci" su virtud.
Carlos Ortega 2006-02-17
Book Description
Reveals the hidden meaning of the Grail and a secret Christian doctrine for achieving higher consciousness
• Shows that Gnosticism is not a derivative of Christianity but the revelation of the true message of Jesus
• Describes the ancient relationship between water and spirit
• Explains the doctrine of immanence taught by Jesus at the Last Supper
• Features the translated source text from The Refutation of All Heresies by Bishop Hippolytus, the only existing record of the Naassene Sermon
In the third century C.E., the Catholic Bishop Hippolytus composed
A Refutation of All Heresies in which his chief target was the Gnostic sect the Naassenes, whose writings included a recounting of Jesus’ actual teachings at the Last Supper. Contrary to Church attacks, the Naassenes were not a heretical derivative of Christianity but the authentic foundation and purveyor of Christ’s message. In fact, much of what passes as Christianity has nothing to do with the original teachings of its founder.
The message recorded in the Naassene Sermon was intended for an inner circle of disciples who were prepared for advanced initiation into Jesus’ wisdom teachings. The Grail discussed therein was not an actual chalice but a symbol of the indwelling of the divine. The teachings involved the awakening of spirit and included practices aimed at restoring the soul’s lost connection with God.
Immanence, in the true sense intended by Jesus, thus allows for spiritual attainment in this life by ordinary individuals without the intermediary of Church or priest. This was the real meaning of the Last Supper and why the Naassenes believed that Jesus was the fulfillment of all the Mystery traditions.
Customer Reviews:
Gnostic Secretsnof the Naassenes.......2007-10-06
I found that the book lacked an organized approach to the subject and I finally quit reading it even though the subject itself is very close to my heart and I was quite anxious to learn more about it.
Ideas that collapse, as always, in the face of time-tested refutations by Remnant Christians.......2007-09-15
This book is the latest in a growing series of well-presented but poorly thought-out works that try to make the claim that the Gnostics were the first true Christians
The Gnosticism presented in this book is not easily understandable, but with careful study, and with an understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as laid out in the scriptures, can be repudiated and exposed for what it truly is: a misguided belief in salvation from within yourself, rather than from the Lord on High. It is futile, it is vain, and unfortunately is a highly seductive door to the spirit realm that appeals to otherwise well-educated and intelligent men and women.
This reviewer is a born-again Christian raising issues with this book (of which I will quote from the introduction) that must be addressed for an honest analysis of Gnosticism to be complete:
Regarding the author's statement: "Today, however, increasing numbers of Christians are disenchanted with the standard salvation formula. They find the liturgy tiresome and the rituals and sacraments empty exercises"
Answer: this is a classic "straw-man" argument (whether intentional or not). The liturgy and rituals of the organized church, especially those churches under the umbrella of Catholicism, became apostate long ago! You will find NO mention in the King James Bible, for example, of:
1) The ordination of priests
2) The office of supreme pontiff or "pope"
3) Adherence to the Seven Sacraments as a prescription for salvation
4) The establishment of the Eucharist for the remission or prevention of sin
By building on this initial claim, Gaffney makes the case that Gnosticism is the "true" and "lost" doctrine of Christianity. All the while the true doctrine of remission of sin and salvation through belief in the power of Jesus' shed blood, and in His death, burial and resurrection, is right there in the pages of your everyday Bible!
Regarding the author's statement: "How, then, do we account for the remarkable resurgence of interest in Gnosticism over the past two centuries?"
Answer: this resurgence is accounted for by the gradual state of apostasy that the organized Church has slid into during this period, especially with the rise in the acceptance of "New Age" beliefs within the church. Gnosticism is not alone in seeing a rise in acceptance among the body of believers disillusioned and deceived by priests and pastors who no longer teach the fundamentals of the Gospel.
We have "The Secret", "The Purpose-Driven Life(death)", Dominionism, the "Jewish Dispensationalism", the Christian Identity movement, and the "Sacred Name" heresies with which to contend.
Note the parallels between the falling away of the modern church with:
- the ancient northern kingdom of Israel (taken away during the Assyrian conquest in the 8th century BC)
- the kingdom of Judah (taken away during the Babylonian conquest of the early 6th century BC)
- the seige of Jerusalem by Rome and subsequent "Diaspora" of the Jews in the first few centuries after Christ.
All three of these historic precedents are evidence of a periodic "falling way" of the Lord's chosen people (who today are the Christians - 1 Pet. 2:9, Gal. 3:28,29, etc.). This same "falling away" was prophesied to happen yet again by St. Paul in II Thess. 2:3. These events happen because of wickedness, idolatry, unbelief, and are many times due to heresies that creep in to the Body of Christ.
Obviously the discovery and promotion of non-canonical and spiritually corrupt texts within the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi library have contributed to Gnosticism's rise and have exasperated the organized Church's already apostate condition.
Regarding the author's statement: "In the process of allowing the Gnostics to speak for themselves and tell their own very different story, we will arrive at conclusions that are utterly subversive to orthodox Christianity"
Answer: are you kidding me? The Gospel of Jesus Christ IS subversive to today's orthodox Christianity. C'mon, where has Mark Gaffney been lately? I went into a "Disciples of Christ" Church here in Austin a few years ago (this happened to be LBJ's old church, full of Masonic symbols and hexagrams!) and tried to tell their pastor about how I was born-again back in '04 and actually felt the presence of the Holy Ghost and that Jesus really did wash away my sins, and literally changed my consciousness, and he looked at me like I was a space alien! Sheesh!
Can you imagine if John the Baptist, reeking of old honey and locusts, walked into Joel Osteen's mega-church in Houston and exhorted that well-dressed crowd of hypocrites to "Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance"? He'd be TAZED by security guards!
Regarding the author's statement: "We are going to examine powerful evidence that the Gnostic element was present in Christianity from the beginning, and was, in fact, the very heart of the teachings of Jesus"
Answer: have you ever read The Church History by Eusebius? He chronicled long ago the infiltration of heresies into the early Church after the original apostles all died off.
Regarding the author's statement: "the Naasene Sermon (was) . . . Unlike the institutional Church, that . . . sought to sever every link with antiquity"
Answer: the history of God's Church over 2000 years is most certainly going to be complicated, and if you continue to carefully study it, you'll discover that the organized church sought to stamp out not only occasional real heretical groups (such as Gnostics, Manicheans, Mithraists, Marcionites and later the Cathars, Albigensians, etc.), but also actual "Remnant" Christian groups as well, such as the Waldensians in Italy, or converted Celts in Ireland, or the many Bible-believing Christians who fought to keep the Textus Receptus free from the clutches of Catholic agents and apostate theologians (ever heard of the Tractarian Movement or the Westcott and Hort affair?). Remnant Christianity IS the true link to antiquity.
Remember that it was the Pharisess and Sadducees that tried to stamp out Jesus' growing following. Just because of that fact, it does not necessarily follow that the Law of Moses was corrupt, now does it? Yet the organized believers in Judea during that time looked up to the Pharisees and the chief priests as the "authority" on God's religion and commandments. Once again, your accusations against the "institutional Church" are straw-man arguments.
Finally a question for everyone reading this review that believes as the author does:
If the New Testament of our modern King James Bible (a direct translation of the Greek 'Textus Receptus') is corrupt because of the actions of the church leadership from all the way back in the first few centuries A.D., why has there been such an unceasing effort by the organized church, over two millenia, to corrupt and defame it?
Whether it was the early "catholic" church leadership in Rome foisting the corrupt "Jerome's Vulgate" upon a body of believers who relied on the original latin Vulgate New Testament, or whether it was the Catholic Church banning the possession of bibles in the Middle Ages, or the Tractarian movement, or the Westcott and Hort affair in the late 1800's (from where we get all these apostate Bible versions of today like the NIV), institutional Christianity has been unrelenting in its attacks on the original bible.
Why? Why, after all these years would this be, if the Gospel message in the Bible had already been corrupted millennia earlier? How does one who claims that early Christianity owes its origins to Gnostic sects overcome this dilemma?
If you don't see the "proof," that shows your ignorance and bias........2007-08-21
In response to the 2-star review demanding "proof," if you don't see the proof, you didn't read the book yourself. The ties to the east, including the "spiritual nerves" represented in the Caduceus have been well-documented in previous books and the author gives a lengthy bibliography and plenty of footnotes.
The author also cites the foremost Gnostic researchers and directly compares Gnostic texts with those of reformist Church leaders. The entire book is a comparison of Gnostic texts, scholarly research and a Gnostic "refutation" by a prominent bishop reformist intent on wiping out Gnosticism from the face of the earth. As the author shows aptly, the Christians' own works reveal the truth. Whether we are reading the official Biblical canon selected by the Church officials or their ignorant rantings aimed at wiping out the earliest "Christian" traditions, the Christian authors' own words reveal the truth of irrefutable fact that Gnosticism is the seed from which their own hybrid religion sprung.
The author shows that the man we call "Jesus" denied both that he was "the Christ" and the "Messiah" and instead referred to himself as the "son of man" which effectively pulls him out of the Judeo-Christian framework and shows him to be in a line of spiritual tradition which dates back to our earliest history, the origins of which are truly lost in the sands of time. This gives new credence to the Gnostic beliefs, since they were not just "invented" 2000 years ago out of thin air, nor assimilation, corruption and amalgamation of traditions as was Christianity. Gnosticism is as old as history itself. This makes a lot of sense when you consider that Gnostics, like Sufis and Buddhists tend to dress themselves in the garb of the culture to preserve their traditions... hmmm, no wonder so many religions are so similar... and no wonder these 3 mystical traditions are so similar.
A highly personal view of gnostic spirituality.......2007-04-14
I enjoyed this book, but it is not, as one reviewer points out, a systematic interpretation of the history or "theology" of the Naasene sect. Maybe that's not possible given the nature of the problematic sources.
What gives this book considerable power is the author's focus on gnostic ideas of God's immanence. One example is his material on the spiritual nature of the "narrow gate".which is instructive, and seems plausible as one of the meanings of this important teaching of Jesus.
The personal nature of the author's views may undermine the credibility of his argument for some. But I found it stimulating. Connections among a variety of near eastern spiritual traditions, however problematic from a rigorous historical standpoint, , are fascinating to contemplate. And I don't have a problem (as at least one other review has) with trying to understand commonalities with non-Christian spiritual practices. Our hard and fast distinctions are not always helpful as we try to understand some of the esoteric aspects of the early Jesus movement(s).
I would recommend this book if you have a basic understanding of early Christian origins.
Historical Research, or New Age Propaganda?.......2006-11-10
It's nice to see that Mark Gaffney's book has received multiple rave reviews from all the New Age critics and pundits. But for those of us who are looking for genuine historical insights into the ancient Naassenes, this book simply does not deliver. For this reason I award only 2 stars.
I think this book has more to do with projecting Eastern/New Age ideas into the Naassene symbols as opposed to uncovering any historical facts about the Naassene sect and its place in history.
The fundamental lack of objectivity can be seen in this quote from the back cover:
"Contrary to the denouncements of the Church...the Naassenes were not a heretical derivative of Christianity but instead were purveyors of Christ's authentic message."
Before one even opens this book, the reader is confronted with this unqualified declaration that the Naassenes were the "purveyors of Christ's authentic message"!
Great! But where is the proof? Gaffney offers no historical evidence in support of his declaration. His premise remains as nothing more than an inductive leap. Certainly I'd like to believe along with Mark that the Naassenes spring from the original Christians, but I need to see some evidence.
Gaffney cites the Church Fathers as the source of his knowledge about the Naassenes. Most prominent is Hippolytus, who preserved a lengthy but obscure document known as the "Naassene Sermon."
There are numerous problems with the Church Fathers' accounts of the Naassenes -which is that they don't agree with each other on all the details. Hippolytus claims that the Nassenes were the founders of the Gnostic heresy; but he is alone in making this claim (Refutation., 6:1). All of the other Fathers claim that the Gnostic heresy was founded by Simon Magus. And then there is Origen, who in contrast with Hippolytus says that the Naassenes ("Ophites") were an "insignificant sect" (Against Celsus, 6:24). Hence the Church Fathers do not agree on the Naassenes in terms of their role in history and their significance. And again, there is simply no evidence anywhere to show that the Naassene tradition represents the original Christian status quo.
As for the Naassene Sermon, I think it is a difficult task for anyone to extract the meaning and context of the material that Hippolytus has preserved. How do we know that Hippolytus hasn't left important elements out? What if it was not Hippolytus' intent to preserve the true message and context of the Sermon, but to record only those salacious passages which tend to validate the charge that the Naassenes have mixed Christianity with paganism?
I wish that Gaffney was more concerned with uncovering the real history of the Naassenes rather than projecting his own Eastern/New Age ideas into the "Sermon."
Having given this book 2 stars I would like to mention the one thing that I like about the book.
I thought that the Introduction was well-written and was focused on two highly relevant issues. The first is that orthodox tradition continues to provide an antiquated and inadequate explanation of the Christian message. Gaffney is right, and more people are becoming disillusioned with the orthodox churches. As more historical information becomes available people are beginning to realize that the old 'formulas' just don't work. Gaffney suggests that Gnosticism provides an avenue for Christianity's renewal and restoration. Here, I agree.
The problem of course is that the balance of this book is a completely obscure New Age essay that the average disgruntled and seeking Christian is not going to understand. Again, the problem is that Gaffney's book isn't really about explaining the historical relevance of Gnosticism for Christianity, its about projecting New Age and Eastern ideas into ancient Gnostic symbols.
I also appreciated Gaffney's complaints in the introduction about the bias of scholars toward Gnosticism. I agree with him. Personally, I believe that Gnostic theology is derived from certain theological paradoxes found in the New Testament. But because most scholars insist on regarding the Gnostic movement as a parasitic error, no adequate research has been done in order to explain why the Gnostics read the New Testament the way they did -or why the Church Fathers had such a difficult time using the New Testament to refute Gnostic doctrine. (An exception here is Elaine Pagels' book "The Gnostic Paul.")
Now if you are someone who is looking for a New Age exposition of Naassene symbols then I recommend this book. In this case I would offer three stars but no more, because Gaffney has failed in my opinion to identify the audience to whom this book is written. His introduction indicates that his audience is disgruntled Christians, but otherwise you need to have a background in New Age doctrine and Eastern traditions in order to understand what Mark is trying to say in the balance of the book.
This book is in fact addressed to other New Age readers, not the average seeking Christian.
Books:
- The Strangers in the House (New York Review Books Classics)
- To Die Well: Your Right to Comfort, Calm, and Choice in the Last Days of Life
- Tony Hillerman: The Leaphorn & Chee Novels: Skinwalkers, A Thief of Time, Coyote Waits
- Transgressions
- Welcome to the Church Year: An Introduction to the Seasons of the Episcopal Church
- When Religion Becomes Evil: Five Warning Signs
- Who Murdered Yitzhak Rabin? 2nd Ed.
- Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison?
- Winter of the Ice Wizard (Magic Tree House 32)
- Witness to a Century: Encounters with the Noted, the Notorious, and the Three SOBs
Books Index
Books Home
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- Lies My Teacher Told Me
- Every Heart Restored: A Wife's Guide to Healing in the Wake of a Husband's Sexual Sin
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- History: Fiction or Science
- Death and Restoration
- Mediterranean Domestic Architecture for the United States
- Artists' Interiors: Creative Spaces, Inspired Living
- Suspicion of Madness
The Miernik Dossier
Tears of Autumn: A Paul Christopher Novel
The Secret Lovers: A Paul Christopher Novel (Paul Christopher Novels)
Old Boys
Second Sight: A Paul Christopher Novel
