Average customer rating:
- Both The Real Thing and A Merciless Parody
- Let's be reasonable.
- What a joke!
- Good Writer Loses Control
- It doesn't have anything to do with the dance - Polka, but lively language of Civil War tale...,. a Book Loons reviewer
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The Amalgamation Polka
Stephen Wright
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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The Echo Maker: A Novel
ASIN: 067945117X
Release Date: 2006-02-14 |
Book Description
Hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as “a bright star in the literary sky,” Stephen Wright now extends his astonishing accomplishment with a Civil War novel unlike any other.
Born in 1844 in bucolic upstate New York, Liberty Fish is the son of fervent abolitionists as well as the grandson of Carolina slaveholders even more dedicated to their cause. Thus follows a childhood limned with fugitive slaves moving through hidden passageways in the house, his Uncle Potter’s free-soil adventure stories whose remarkable violence sets the tone of the mounting national crisis, and the inevitable distress that befalls his mother whenever letters arrive from her parents—a conflict that ultimately costs her her life and compels Liberty, in hopes of reconciling the familial disunion, to escape first into the cauldron of war and then into a bedlam more disturbing still.
Rich in characters both heartbreaking and bloodcurdling, comic and horrific, The Amalgamation Polka is shot through with politics and dreams, and it captures great swaths of the American experience, from village to metropolis to plantation, from the Erie Canal to the Bahamas, from Bloody Kansas to the fulfillment of the killing fields. Yet for all the brutality and tragedy, this novel is exuberant in the telling and its wide compassion, brimming with the language, manners, hopes, and fears of its time—all of this so transformed by Stephen Wright’s imaginative compass that places and events previously familiar are rendered new and strange, terrifying and stirring. Instantly revelatory, constantly mesmerizing, this is the work of a major writer at the top of his form.
Customer Reviews:
Both The Real Thing and A Merciless Parody.......2007-01-26
"Wright's title refers to a racist editorial cartoon of the period, which depicted "an amalgamation polka," where whites and blacks dance together in genteel costumes. This was meant to suggest, one presumes, that other mutually enjoyable physical activities might occur between the races later in the evening. Race mixing was the great shibboleth of slavery advocates and segregationists from the dawn of American history almost to our own time and many of the characters in Wright's novel are obsessed with it." Andrew O'Hehir
Stephen Wright is one of my favorite authors. I was introduced to him by my best friend who recommended his book "Going Native". I read this book in almost one sitting ten months ago but left the last chapter until now. I wanted to be able to leave the last chapter for a time when I needed solace and understanding. Who else will tell you that our country is screwed, always has been and always will be. Who else, as in most of his novels, infers that this 'is both the real thing and a merciless parody'? And, who else writes such marvelous prose? Exactly, maybe no one.
Liberty Fish, yes that is his real name, grows up in a house used as a station on the Underground Railroad, but his mother was raised on a large South Carolina plantation and his father is the son of a Northern industrial family that has profited greatly from the slave trade. Liberty's parents want to destroy the institution that made their families rich, and this perversity runs through the book. When Liberty visits the devastated Redemption Hall, his mother's birthplace, and meets his maternal grandfather, Asa Maury, the old man is a bitter, angry, hardened bigot. Yet, faced with the destruction of slavery, he is facing the racial dilemma, and is trying to solve it. Liberty survives the horrors of war at Antietam. He is taken prisoner by the rebels, then deserts from the Union Army to go find grandfather Asa. There he works with his grandfather to escape the collapsing Confederacy and hijack a ship for Brazil, where slavery remains alive and well. This harkens us back to Liberty's childhood where he is educated by a one-eyed former slave named Euclid, taken carousing by his Uncle Potter and sworn into the secret fraternity of pirates by a strange character Fife. Where does this all take us? That journey, my friend, is for you take.
Stephen Wright may see bloodshed and tumult of the Civil War period as good examples of our American madness. Despite the parody or maybe because of it, Stephen Wright gives us a new vocabulary, 'sheconnery', 'buckra, and 'gallinipers'. Fitting words for the occasion. What do they mean? You decide.
One of the characters, a southern lady sums this book up the best 'This war,'" she says to Liberty, "'this horrible evil war, it's never going to end. You do understand that, don't you? Even after it's over it will continue to go on without the flags and the trumpets and the armies, do you understand?'
There is so much to say about this novel. Stephen Wright may be having as much difficulty as we are in understanding what is happening in our world today, but he is able to articulate his thoughts in remarkable prose. I do not have the words to express the mastery of Stephen Wright's prose,nor will I try. Suffice it to say that he has led Liberty to the conclusion that "Life ... makes mongrels of us all." So Very, Very Highly Recommended.
prisrob 1-25-07
Let's be reasonable........2006-12-24
I have never before submitted a review on amazon but feel compelled to do so in this instance. This book is terrible. The characters, scenarios, and dialogues are almost without exception trite and formulaic to the point of inducing nausea.
What a joke!.......2006-10-06
Puhlease folks! This book is filled with the most sophomoric metaphors and turgid prose that is taught at the Iowa Writers Workshop. And people think this is great literature - HAHAHA. Don't bother.
Good Writer Loses Control.......2006-09-25
Pro-slavery Americans used the term amalgamation polka to describe what they saw as the inevitable mixing of the white and black races, should abolition occur. Using this as a backdrop, Wright shows Liberty Fish growing up in an Abolitionist household in upstate New York, when amalgamation fears were common. Then, he shows Liberty fighting for the North at Antietam and foraging with Sherman's army, before joining his grandfather, Asa, in the Carolinas. Asa is a violent and sadistic slaveholder and a literal amalgamist, who has an insane and incestuous vision of eliminating Africans from America.
Unfortunately, the stories of these two characters misfire in combination, as the cipher-like Liberty interacts with his Freddy Krueger-like grandfather. Certainly, Wright creates a plausible coming-of-age narrative about Liberty and his three years of military service during the Civil War. But then, the crazed Asa appears and we see a warped and sadistic Southerner trying to cope with his culture and slavery, as well as his anger at his daughter. In a seminar, a professor might tease out the connections. But as a reading experience, Wright seems to seek resolution of Liberty's story with an implausible and gothic tale. The final third of this book certainly has vivid characters. But it felt unconvincing as Wright desperately sought to find the end of his story.
Nonetheless, Wright's writing is often terrific and even Faulknerian at the end of some chapters. Liberty fighting in the Battle of Antietam (Pages 171-191) is excellent. Still, the story seems arbitrary and bizarre when it's driven by Asa. And Liberty, the protagonist, is as flat as a slogan.
It doesn't have anything to do with the dance - Polka, but lively language of Civil War tale...,. a Book Loons reviewer.......2006-04-29
Author Stephen Wright has been idle from the writing scene for ten years of which The AMALGAMATION POLKA is his fourth novel, recently released. Many peers have accorded literary kudos to Wright, all of which is well-deserved attention. Wright's eerie style resembles TV's old 'Twilight Zone' serials. The author's style wends its way in a fashion that the reader anxiously forges ahead to find out the outcome, and wanting more.
The setting is Civil War era in the pre-consolidated America, and the abolitionist Fish family. Roxana Fish marries Thatcher of Saratoga Springs, NY, and having come from South Carolina slave owners, Roxana witnessed vicious beatings. She developed an intense outrage of injustice, pressing her family about the latter... she is told, 'a proper woman of the South doesn't act that way....'. Thatcher is committed to ending slavery, and recklessly leads Roxana to run away under secrecy, and to marry. Their home is opened to the Underground Railroad. Parenting a child named Liberty, they are sure the child will grow to fight for the Union. War begins developing into battlefield losses and enmity.
As in his prior Wright's novels, and with his gift of language, he transposes defined characters, time period dialog, and the reader travels forward, following the powerful pen of the author. With an average plot, added humor at times overly injected, Wright's mastery of language holds on to the reading audience.
Recommendation: WIDOW OF THE SOUTH, also Jeff Shaara(Michael Shaara) Civil War Trilogy is superb.
Book Description
Return with Maggie Shayne to the dark, erotic world of wings in the night . . .
He is every woman's fantasy, yet he remains alone and untouched. His world is one of secrecy and solitude, darkness and danger. Now one woman has found his journal. She has told his secrets. He must stop her, and there is only one way . . .
When struggling screenwriter Morgan DeSilva uncovers the ancient leather diaries in the attic of an old house in Maine, she is swept into the seductive world of a long-dead madman who had believed himself a vampire. Now, though Dante's story has made her rich and famous, Morgan is wasting away. At night she dreams of him, an erotic fantasy so real she can see the marks on her neck, feel her life's blood draining from her. Almost as if he were real . . .
He comes to her at night. Watching her. Wanting her.She is one of The Chosen. She can be his, if he desires. And he desires it so much that he is filled with a terrible fear. He knows that his kiss can save her from destiny's curse, and from the enemies who stalk them both. But to save her, he must trust her. With his life. With his love. With the promise of immortality.
Customer Reviews:
Twilight Hunger.......2007-01-15
I enjoyed this book very munch. I lead me to try and get all of her books in this series. I really enjoy reading books by Maggie Shayne. I have read all of her Texas Band Books and the Oakahma ones as well. I suggest anyone who would like a good vampire book read this one and any in this series. They should also just read any of her books.
Trees died for this??.......2006-11-20
Paranormal romance is truly one of my favorite genres. I love seeing new books by Charlaine Harris and Kim Harrison. Twilight Hunger was purchased with the hopes of finding a new author for me to enjoy. Oh how very wrong I was...
There is not ONE likable character in the entire book, and believe me there are A LOT of characters to choose from. Morgan is the weak heroine that can only be saved by the handsome vampire Dante, who was turned by his great aunt evil Sarafina. There's plenty of story there, if Ms. Shayne has left out some of the ridiculous melodrama, that even middle school kids would find over done, and not thrown in lost twin sisters and hooker mothers. I'm really not sure how many stories she was trying to write, but in my opinion failed to write one that holds up through out the book.
I got the book for $4.99...and now I know why. I couldn't even finish it. I'm thinking of using it for firewood this winter, at least that way it will be some use to this world.
Once upon a time, I read an article that said anyone can get published...just look at the sludge that is on airport gift shop shelves. This book is what they were talking about...
Loved this book..........2006-04-12
Somehow I came into this series in the middle and bought this and blue Twilight. Am reading Blue Twilight now and then am going back and reading every book in this series from the beginning BECAUSE I LOVE THIS SERIES!! Even coming into this series in the middle, it was a great book and I can't wait to read the rest, and for Prince of Twilight to come out this year.
# 7 in the Twilight series.......2005-07-10
Morgan Desilva is dying. To get a new prespective on her career as a screenwriter and some much needed rest she moves to Maine into an old house where she happens upon a diary in the attic. A very vivid diary about a vampire, Dante, that stirs her emotions and imagination. She decides to use the diaries as inspiration for her new works.
Dante returns home to find a woman living in his house. She is thin...horribly so. She suffers and he can sense her pain. But he can also sense something else. He is drawn to her; coming to her nightly, desire rising within him as he watches her from afar. He recognizes her as one of the Chosen, the few with the ability to change into a vampire, her body is declining young as everyone of the Chosen must...that is unless he changes her.
I liked this story. It wasn't one of the best but it also wasn't bad. Just a bit longer than her other stories because it is filled with secondary characters moving the entire series with backfill story content. Some of that story was interesting and I know she HAD to do it in order to keep the series going it just took away from the romance a bit.
Pretty good.......2005-06-05
Her writing has improved from early novels. Just so happenily the first time I read a Shayne novel was a much more recent edition, so I know she gets even better (thus the four stars instead of five).
The best part of the book is the flashbacks. I like the story being told about Dante, being seduced into the world of vampires by his great-great-great aunt, Sarafina. Then Sarafina tries to twist his mind in how she believes a true vampire should act.
In the present world, Morgan, is living in an old mansion that once belonged to Dante. She finds journals that describe his experences and plagerizes them by turning them into movie scripts under her own names. Anyway, one thing leads to another and they eventually meet. It's hard to like Morgan when she steals someone elses work.
On the side is Max and Lou. Max comes into proof that vampires really exist. Lou is a cop, nearing retirement. Max wants to get into private investigation. Lou turns to her for help with what is apparently a paranormal investigation. This investigation brings her into contact with Morgan and Dante.
I like the subplots of this book as well as having a "bad" guy. Someone everyone hates, including the reader.
Product Description
When struggling screenwriter Morgan DeSilva finds old journals in her attic, she's swept into the seductive world of a man who believed himself to be a vampire. Dante's story is one that begs to be told--and just the boost Morgan's career needs. But the success that follows soon loses its allure as, each night, Morgan is overcome by erotic dreams of Dante. They are so vivid she can see the marks on her neck and feel the ecstasy of her life's blood flowing away. For Dante truly exists. he desires Morgan above all other women, but her movies reveal age-old secrets to his enemies. Can he still trust her-- with his life, his love and the promise of immortality?
Average customer rating:
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TWILIGHT HUNGER
Manufacturer: MIRA Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GJVL2Q |
Book Description
'The range of stories indicates that SF still doesn't know the meaning of the word 'boundaries.'' -Publishers Weekly (starred review) on the Twenty-First Annual Collection Long considered a necessary read for fans of science fiction, the 2004 Locus Award-winning anthology The Year's Best Science Fiction is the best collection of short SF stories this side of the universe. The twenty-second edition of this venerable collection continues to uphold its traditional standard of excellence with stories from James Patrick Kelly, Nancy Kress, Terry Bisson, Pat Murphy, Vernor Vinge, Stephen Baxter, Benjamin Rosenbaum, Robert Reed, Christopher Rowe, and Albert E. Cowdrey, and many others.
Customer Reviews:
Good Sci Fi book.......2006-08-20
A collection of recent sci fi, ranging across various topics. I've always been a fan of hard sci fi, and this collection contained a number of entertaining stories. A good value for the $$$.
It's the best SF of the year again.......2005-12-03
Another year, and another set of "Year's Best" anthologies. While I've always enjoyed David Hartwell's anthologies, last year was the first time that I read the more venerable one edited by Gardner Dozois. However, I enjoyed last year's so much that I just had to check out this year's, the 22nd annual edition. As was last year's, it is an imposing book, with twenty-nine stories in it, all from acclaimed science fiction authors. Unfortunately, I find this year's edition not quite as good as last year's. There were a few stories in it that just didn't do anything for me. On the other hand, there were definitely some stand-outs.
In a rarity for me, some of my favourite stories in the book were more on the hard science side than is usual for my taste. There is Stephen Baxter's excellent "Mayflower II," which deals with a generation ship on a trip to the far reaches of the galaxy and beyond, and what happens in the meantime. On the very edge of the solar system, there is a colony that has hidden itself away the alien Qax who had conquered the Earth. Now, the Coalition of Interim Governance has freed Earth, and is on its way to the colony. Five generation ships are dispatched to save as many of the colony's citizens as possible. On Rusel's ship, the "Pharaoh" of the ship has decided that they are going to journey all the way across the galaxy, a trip that will take many thousands of years. The story is Rusel's, and how he becomes virtually immortal, and how the citizens of the ship begin to devolve as time goes on. It's a truly horrifying story in a way, demonstrating what isolated societies can become over time. For a while, I was beginning to get bored with the story, as it's not really my favourite type of story and it was quite long. However, I soon got wrapped up in this society, and Rusel's severance from his own humanity. It's a slow story in some ways, but the ideas behind it just grab you and don't let you go. It's probably the best story in the book.
Another great story is "The Clapping Hands of God" by Michael F. Flynn. In this one, a gate has opened to another world. Teams of scientists go through these gates to explore the worlds, but this one just happens to be inhabited by an intelligent species. Hassan Maklouf is the leader of this particular expedition, and he is in charge of making sure they are not seen by the inhabitants, as well as making all the decisions. The studies are going well, with some progress being made on studying their language as well as their culture. Theories are presented for why they act in certain ways, especially when an apparently martial rally is seen. This is followed by what appears to be a couple spending their last night together. Then things really start to go wrong, as Hassan discovers that they aren't the only invaders here. There are two main characters in this story, Hassan and a female anthropologist, Iman. There are some romantic sparks between them, even as they both try to act like proper Moslems. However, the broader story is their conflict once things start to go wrong, as Iman is the humanitarian scientist and Hassan is the practical one. The ending is tragic, all the more so because of the hints of their relationship earlier in the story. It was very nice to see a story where the characters' religions were just part of their character, rather than a main part of the story. While these two are the main characters, all of the other scientists are also well done, giving the story a broad tapestry on which to weave its magic.
While those two stories were the best of the lot in my opinion, other strong stories included "The Tribes of Bela" by Albert Cowdrey (a series of grisly murders on a remote mining colony are symptoms of a planet that's trying to reclaim itself and expel the invaders), "Leviathan Wept," by Daniel Abraham (a member of a futuristic anti-terrorism squad discovers that fanaticism comes in all shapes and sizes, including possibly his own), and "Investments," by Walter Jon Williams (a space opera that gives us illegal business dealings as well as a star cluster shooting out x-rays that could destroy the planet, making the investigation of the business dealings kind of moot). Most of the other stories in this volume were also quite good, or at least readable.
Some choices I did disagree with, however. As I said above, "Mother Aegypt" isn't one of Baker's best stories. It has a strong first three-quarters, but then fell apart for me at the end. "Start the Clock," by Benjamin Rosenbaum, was a nice little story but I didn't find the world that believable and thus I wouldn't include it among the best of the year. Finally, I didn't really care for "The Defenders," by Colin P. Davies, when I first read it in Asimov's. It didn't improve when I read it again here. It was decent, but again not one of the best.
One thing I do have to say about the quality of this anthology, however, is that the copy editing was horrendous. Typos were all over the place, a few words were wrong here and there. I usually don't notice these things, as I'm sure they exist in almost every book that's out there. When I do notice them, however, it must really be bad. That being said, I really did enjoy this anthology, and while it's not as good as the 21st edition, it is definitely worth picking up if you like science fiction. Dozois is one of the best editors out there, and it shows once again.
David Roy
Really is the best.......2005-08-23
Gardner Dozois routinely edits the best collection of the years short SF. If that's what you want then his is the one you buy first, all others second.
high anticipation.......2005-07-22
I'm ordering this now, all the past ones I've read have been very good, so I hope this lives up to the standard. Always a good selection and stimulating amount of stories. Cheers to them!
great annual survey.......2005-07-16
Dozois continues his long running series with this latest massive compendium. Other reviewers have commented on the stories. But for me, the main and continued attraction of this series has been his lengthy analysis of the science fiction and fantasy field. It masquerades as the Introduction. But it really is akin to a "State of the Union" address.
No other author provides such a comprehensive assessment of the field. And it's not just in terms of critiquing the stories published in that year. But also of his take on overall trends, especially an assessment of the viability of the magazines, fanzines and small publishers.
Book Description
The Kabbalist Rabbi Laitman, who was the student and personal assistant to Rabbi Baruch Ashlag from 1979-1991, follows in the footsteps of his rabbi in passing on the wisdom of Kabbalah to the world. This book is based on sources that were passed down by Rabbi Baruchs father, Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag, the author of the commentaries on The Book of Zohar, who continued the ways of many great Kabbalists throughout the generations before them. The goal of this book is to assist individuals in confronting the first stages of the spiritual realm. This unique method of study, which encourages sharing this wisdom with others, not only helps overcome the trials and tribulations of everyday life, but initiates a process in which individuals extend themselves beyond the standard limitations of todays world.
Customer Reviews:
Best introduction into the world of Kabbalah.......2006-10-25
Having read all of Rav Laitman's Kabbalah books, I have to say that, on the positive, I was able to read this whole book while waiting at a bus stop, and it did make me look at all the people on the bus completely differently once I got on (well, this is a Rav Laitman thing which I like about all his books, including this one--that he always talks about "you"--the "desire to receive"--the person reading the book, and you simply can't see things the same way afterwards)...HOWEVER, on the negative, in the span of having read all of his books, and considering that this was his first book...the explanations in this book are much more incomplete and less satisfying than any of his other books.
Actually, I'd have to go as far as saying that if I only read this book, I would simply categorize Laitman's teaching of Kabbalah as another one of many ways that we can look at the world and ourselves, with agreeable and disagreeable concepts, simply because that's the style that comes across, and the style and explanations aren't as "calculated" as they are in later books.
But I have to put the stick in here and say that this book is misleading as to the ever-increasing depth that Laitman gets into in his later books. For starters, I'd recommend anyone who's interested in buying this book, that you instead buy Laitman's 2006 beginners book "Kabbalah, Science and the Meaning of Life." For one, it is a much better translation, it speaks to you much more, and it really hones in on what Kabbalah is and isn't. The uniqueness of the Kabbalah teaching is much more clarified and differentiated from other teachings in "Kabbalah, Science and the Meaning of Life," it speaks a lot more to the English mentality, and presents a lot more information about Kabbalah, about how it relates to a person individually and to humanity as a whole, in a much more intriguing scientific manner.
The other book I'd recommend which is a MUCH better introduction to Kabbalah, and to Rav Laitman's teaching method, is "Awakening to Kabbalah: The Guiding Light of Spiritual Fulfillment." It is also written in much better English, and it really digs into new ways of perceiving things.
Basically, the main thing that I get from Laitman's Kabbalah books is that they change you, slowly, gradually, you start perceiving things differently and reacting to things differently, and you start "researching" the world completely differently. They really give you a wisdom that you take with you at every moment and that you use and experiment with at every moment. All it takes is some initial willingness to change your current perception of reality, and then, Laitman offers this life-changing process of how to keep changing it, continuously.
A vast array of books on Kabbalah.......2006-10-22
"Kabbalah for Beginners" is the first book written by Rav Michael Leitman for the purpose of answering questions posed by those curious about Kabbalah, in a simple and plain way.
Rav Laitman does not elaborate on the process but wets the appetite of those who just might want to look further than this short book. It's only 64pages long and a quick read geared for those whose attention span may tend to be short.
For those who are searching for more in-depth explanations on Kabbalah and who are willing to probe and dig deeply in a study that ask for patience to attain the treasure that Kabbalah holds, there are several books that Rav Leitman has written since his first one.
Depending on your personal preference, spiritual vs scientific minded, there are books for everyone. For those with a more spiritual bent try, "Attaining The Worlds Beyond"
Rav's wrote this book from a more personal perspective guiding the reader beyond themselves, in a style that will move the readers heart and touch you at the soul level.
Those who thrive on a clearer and more scientific explanation, can benefit from the newest book, "Kabbalah Science and the Meaning of Life"
Rav Laitman engages his reader with such subjects as "Kabbalah meets Quantum Physics". Elaborating on a subject that scientist have pondered and studied for centuries: What is the nature of matter?
The book is filled with diagrams that Rav Laitman uses in order to illustrate the Kabbalah's concepts.
There is also a glossary at the end of the book that assists the beginner in learning Kabbalistic terms to get a better grasp of those concepts.
All in all this book engender a partnership between the reader and Rav Laitman in together discovering the vastness of the reality we're in.
Then for the reader who is also looking for a bit of background history on Kabbalah and where it came from; they can check out the book " Awakening to Kabbalah".
This book approach is from the aspect of exploring the foundation and historical figures who undertook to discuss the Kabbalistic significance of the Torah and The Zohar.
.
An interesting book!!!.......2006-08-05
This is an interesting book. I recommend it to anyone looking for spiritual answers. You may not agree with everything -- and that's OK. But take whatever you get from this book and simply make it yours. You don't have to become a follower of Kabbalah to put some of the ideas into practice. Try it. You may like it.
Also recommended: "What Did Jesus Really Say, How Christianity Went Astray: [What To Say To A Born Again Christian Fundamentalist, But Never Had The Information]" by Peter Cayce
Kabbalah for Beginners.......2006-07-06
This book, on the whole, was fairly informational, yet is was a little vague, at times. The author seems to know the subject matter, however I was disappointed the book was so small. I do want to emphasize that as I began to read it, I felt light piercing through me, if that makes sense. The author made some very provocative points and I have read the book several times, so I guess that shows that I do really like it, inspite of the vague parts and the brevity.
Elitist and Dogmatic.......2006-07-02
Reading this book tends to evoke more comparisons to the catechism of the Catholic Church than it does to the Light of Understanding. I do not deny that the people of B'nei Baruch and their predecessors have had authentic spiritual experiences, mystical or otherwise. However, they are foolish and childish enough to believe that anyone who doesn't experience the other realms their way, can't or won't fit into their models, or draw other interpretations and conclusions than they do are false; while their group, as Leitman reiterates throughout this propaganda booklet, is the One True Kabbalah and Wisdom and has a monopoly on Truth and real spiritual experience. Leitman has obviously fallen into the trap of believing his teachers to be infallible and chosen, and thus must arbitrarily dismiss every other kabbalist outside of his school as illegitimate. On top of this, he is extremely hypocritical in that while he is plainly arrogant, he constantly accuses everyone not willing to adopt a completely passive attitude towards the Divine (in this case, available only through B'nei Baruch's authorized teachings - call now, operators are waiting) as being egotistical! This book reads like a recruiting pamphlet for a cult, and offers no real or practical introduction to any part of Kabbalah. What it offers instead is a mythology and creed that insulates these people against perspectives that differ from theirs and which could throw all their beliefs and even their experiences of the higher worlds into question. You get the impression from reading this that Laitman would probably condemn even God Himself if he disagreed with his beloved "Master of the Ladder".
Average customer rating:
- Without care, "scholarship" becomes corruption
- This is the new age form of the Kabbalah.
- Simplified Magic : A Beginners Guide to the New Age Qabala
- Compact and Useful
- Straightforward
|
Simplified Magic: A Beginner's Guide to the New Age Quabala (Llewellyn's New Age)
Ted Andrews
Manufacturer: Llewellyn Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Simplified Qabala Magic
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Mystical Qabalah
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How To See & Read The Aura (How to (Llewellyn))
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Modern Magick: Eleven Lessons in the High Magickal Arts (Llewellyn's High Magick)
ASIN: 087542015X |
Customer Reviews:
Without care, "scholarship" becomes corruption.......2002-03-11
This book is an affront to the ideals central to the Qabala. It diverges greatly from the principal teachings of this system, most notably the Sepher ha-Gilgulim and the Sepher ha-Bahir. It has taken some of the ideas introduced by the Golden Dawn, a system which, I might add, does take proper responsibility for the material it is propagating, and mutates it into something convenient and simple. The Qabala is about disciplined study, not dime-a-dozen charlatanry
This is the new age form of the Kabbalah........2002-01-25
I do not care for this book, and I am the first to admit that the more I study the Kabbalah; the less I seem to understand.
However; I do know real Kabbalists, and will say that they never heard of the "Path of the Sword" in ascending the Tree of life glyph.
According to them; there are 22 paths connecting the 10 sephiroth together; and people may use any of the paths to go from Malkuth and ascend toward Keter (if memory serves the name of the top sephiroth on the tree of life.)
I encourage questions and comments about my reviews; Two Bears.
Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)
Simplified Magic : A Beginners Guide to the New Age Qabala.......2001-06-10
A wonderful book that gives some much needed basic information to anyone interested in the Qabala from a non-religious background. Ted Andrews shares his wisdom in a practical way that will protect anyone interested in working with the Qabala. He teaches the importance of being balanced and being mindful before starting. It shows a little of his vast knowledge on the subject and is the first of the books he has written on the subject.
Compact and Useful.......2000-07-15
Many books on the market today are all about wasting time and going on a tangent that the reader doesn't even understand yet. This book is really straight-forward, honest, and sincere. Putting the ideas in a small bite that the reader can understand, especially if they are a new comer to the realm of magick.
Ted takes the reader and explains things in a light that is easily understandable and fun to read. This would be an excellent primer to reading any other works by Mathers, Crowley, and Fortune.
Straightforward.......2000-05-06
It's a great book for beginners. It's blabber free, easy, and straightforward.
Average customer rating:
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A Beginner's Guide to Kabbalah
David Cooper
Manufacturer: Sounds True
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: 1564558584 |
Book Description
"Kabbalah": the word itself suggests secret wisdom and ancient mystery. Now a leading voice in the Jewish renewal movement explores the wonders and riches of the Kabbalah, with the contemporary seeker in mind. Presented in the oral tradition, just as the Kabbalah was taught for centuries, here is Rabbi Cooper's easy-to-follow exploration of this esoteric wisdom body. Covers the history of Kabbalah, the Light of Creation, structures of the universe, the 32 Paths of Wisdom, the Tree of Life, the sefrot, meditation practices, and much more.
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Kabbalah for Beginners
Laitman Rav
Manufacturer: Bnei Baruch/Laitman Kabbalah
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0978159098 |
Book Description
This book answers such key questions as 'Why are we here?' 'Why is there pain?' and 'How can we make life more enjoyable?' The book describes the emergence of Kabbalah and its prominent figures, the essence of the wisdom, and previously hidden revolutionary Kabbalistic concepts. Lastly, the book explains how we can make life better and more enjoyable.
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Qabalah: A Beginner's Guide (Beginner's Series)
Kate Rheeders
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0340673397 |
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