The Female of the Species: Tales of Mystery and Suspense

Book Description

A young wife is home alone when the phone rings in “So Help Me God.” Is the strange voice flirting with her from the other end of the line her jealous husband laying a trap, or a stranger who knows entirely too much about her? In “Madison at Guignol” an unhappy fashionista discovers a secret door inside her favorite clothing store and insists the staff let her enter. But even her fevered imagination cannot anticipate the horror they have been hiding from her. In these and other gripping and disturbing tales, women are confronted by the evil around them and surprised by the evil they find within themselves.

With wicked insight, Joyce Carol Oates demonstrates why the females of the species—be they six-year-old girls, seemingly devoted wives, or aging mothers—are by nature more deadly than the males.

Customer Reviews:

When Enough Is Enough.......2007-08-11

The world portrayed in Joyce Carol Oates fiction is one filled with sudden violence, violence that more times than not comes at the expense of one of her female characters. The Female of the Species, a collection of nine stories, is indeed filled with violence but this time it is not the women who need to worry. Each of the nine stories shows what can happen when a woman decides that she has had enough of a man's abuse, infidelity, desertion and the like or when she gives in to her own sexual demons.

The book is subtitled "Tales of Mystery and Suspense" and that is not a false claim. Each of the stories is cloaked in mystery but the best of the nine shine because of the way that Oates gradually brings them to such a level of suspense that the reader can hardly wait to get to the last page to find all the answers. In "Hunger," the longest of the nine stories, and my favorite, a young wife and mother who seems to have it all, including a rich, older husband who spends more time working than with his family, meets a man on the beach and crazily becomes obsessed with him. Will she come to her senses before she makes a fatal mistake? Is her oblivious husband, a good man who truly loves his wife and daughter, in danger? As the suspense built and built, I completely lost myself in what is one of the best short stories that I've ever read.

The other eight stories are a bit uneven; some of them I will remember a long time for the tragic worlds in which they placed me for a few minutes and one or two others because they just did not work for me. The best of the stories somehow made me sympathetic to the women driven to violence despite the horror of what they were doing. Those included stories about women who respond to fears for their personal safety with violence of their own and stories of children driven to desperation by their mothers. But I found "Madison at Guignol" to be a surrealistic misfire that left me both repulsed by its descriptions of torture and confused by its message. And I was disappointed that "Angel of Mercy" did not offer any new insights into what causes a nurse to kill her patients rather than to watch them suffer slow and painful deaths.

That is the danger, I suppose, in a book that contains only nine stories. The ones that don't work out for the reader remain as memorable as the ones that do.

horrible and empty.......2007-03-13

I have been an Oates fan for 20 years or more--since I was a teenager and found my mother's copy of "Where are you Going, Where have you been?" I have always felt that the gruesome, macabre, and disturbing elements of Oates' work were unfailingly balanced by her subtle and precise renderings of complex human motives and desires. In this book, the shell of Oates is still there, but the deeper layers that had kept her stories from tumbling into sick, voyeuristic, violence-porn are glaringly absent. This book fails to explore anything deep or worthwhile and conveys only ugliness and evil. Many of the stories seem to come from some well of hatred toward women that is truly disturbing. In the past, reading Oates' stories was always worth the trip. No longer. Something has changed and not for the better. I would not advise anyone to read these stories.

Chilling and insightful.......2006-05-18

Scripture says that the sins of the fathers are visited on the sons. The meaning of this verse is commonly taken to imply the consequences of sinful parenting. For Oates, the sins of the parents are visited on the daughters. Here is an outstanding collection of women and girls of varying ages and circumstances who have in common both a horrible past or current hurt/injury by the one who they should trust the most and the horrible psychological and often sociopathic, violent and self-destructive effects of these hurts. Nabokov explores these themes. What makes Oates' contribution worthwhile is the brevity of the genre and glimpse into each life leaving you wanting to know more. In a sense, we often come across people with such backgrounds and who are severely disturbed as they briefly cross our paths. It is all too common and real. A book worth reading and thinking about.

Splendid Femme Fatale Tales from Oates.......2006-04-15

I certainly beg to differ with some of the disappointing customer reviews I have read here for Joyce Carol Oates's latest short story collection, "The Female of the Species". While Oates is not my favorite writer, I have yet to be disappointed with any of her work; whether these are short stories, novellas or novels demonstrate her considerable range and artistic abilities as a writer of superb fictional prose. In her latest collection, Oates certainly doesn't disappoint with her richly textured, stylish prose offering tales of women and children who are forced to commit acts most foul. My own favorite stories are "So Help Me God", "Madison at Guignol", and "Hunger", but the others are well worth reading too. "So Help Me God" chronicles the loneliness of a young wife who takes matters into her own hands when she finally deals with her older, violent husband, after being taunted by an unknown obsessive caller who knows intimate details about her life. "Madison at Guignol" is Oates at her stylishly wicked best, as a young fashionista gets her just desserts at the hands of some salesgirls in an opulent Madison Avenue store. "Hunger" describes a married woman's obsession with a young, handsome French-speaking visitor, who wins not only her heart, but also her young daughter's. Without question, Oates is still at the height of her creative powers with these elegant tales of diabolical mischief and mayhem; these are tales worth reading, but in small doses - as an editorial reviewer noted - to enjoy not only her elegant prose but also her splendid plotting.

Crushingly Disappointing.......2006-03-24

Would the woman writing under Joyce Carol Oates' name these days please return America's greatest living author to us?

Seriously, this was the most unenjoyable, in fact most distressingly bad, book by Oates I've read, among the maybe thirty I have had the utmost pleasure to read.

I don't know what vein Oates is tapping to construct these writings but the prose does not sound like her at all, the stories themselves are unimpressive, unwelcoming, unpleasantly centered on people who do not merit consideration. And worse still, I find this is a trend with Oates these days. I can't think of a single book she's published since Middle Age that has been (yes, strictly in my opinion) any good. The short story in Female of the Species that was called "Madison at Guignol" was perhaps the worst Oates story ever published. (And yes I do understand the connotation of the word "Guignol" in the title.)

Some might accuse me of approaching Oates with preconceived notions and then recoiling when she fails to deliver what I, myself, wanted, but that's not the case. One thing I have always applauded in this author is her chameleon-like ability to cross genre boundaries and create tales so divergent in theme and tone that they could have been the opus of a half-dozen different people. I have avidly read along thru Gothic stories, mysteries, romances, non-genre pieces, novellas, poems, short fiction, novels, literary criticism and plays by Oates, and so I believe I can fairly say I do not stereotype Joyce Carol Oates or expect any one thing from her, but in this case, as much as reporting it pains me, this was a bad book and I can only hope Oates bucks the trend and reaches back into the well of talent the world knows she has, and that her next book(s) will be much better.

The Female Of The Species: Tales Of Mystery And Suspense

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The Female Of The Species: Tales Of Mystery And Suspense
Joyce Carol Joyce Carol Oates; Oates
Manufacturer: Harcourt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OJ97W4

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Female of the Species: Tales of Mystery and Suspense
Joyce Carol Oates
Manufacturer: HARCOURT, INC.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OKELLK

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Valentine creatively mixes time, place and voice to narrate different strands pertaining to four American families.

Loved It!

Written With Style!

Better Days Ahead

Characters and Writing Style - A Hit!
Better Days Ahead
Charlie Valentine
Manufacturer: English Mill Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0977218708

Book Description

Welcome to the 1950s where four uniquely intriguing families are in search of the American dream. In BETTER DAYS AHEAD, debut novelist Charlie Valentine brings mid-century America to dazzling life in this enthralling tale of passion, power, and betrayal that sweeps from the Midwest to the deep South to the West Coast. During the course of this dramatic saga, readers will be enthralled with these four interwoven stories and will relate to the sacrifices each family must make and the consequences they must live by in order to realize their visions for a better way of life. We meet: Sarah Robbins, a lounge singer with a drinking problem from Cleveland. Her life will soon change forever when she discovers at the last possible moment that she is pregnant. Readers will become acquainted with her adorable son, Billy; her business partner, Sam; her svengali, Judge Henry Kinslow; and her lover, Jack Stratton. Neil Dvorak, a Detroit native with exquisite taste in woodworking and rotten taste in women. After his first wife, Janet, is caught in a bold affair, he leaves her and loses his beloved daughter, Amy, in the process. Neil thinks his luck has changed when he meets Anne a respectable and kind woman, but after she gives birth to baby Victoria, Annes true nature emerges with unforgivable consequences. Dolores Drake, a devoted mother of two teenage daughters, with a baby boy on the way. She works long hours in a local Alabama sweatshop to provide for her two teenage daughters and her drunk, abusive creep of a husband. The rest of her hours are spent keeping her children safe from the clutches of her leering husband and warding off his drunken blows to her unborn baby. When she finally gains the courage to leave him and accepts the help of Ruthie Jackson, a black woman in town, ugly racism bubbles to the surface and lives are changed irrevocably. David and Karen Stratton, the California golden couple who has everything going for them stunning looks, excellent breeding, the best educations, and wealth. But even the Strattons are not immune to loss and tragedy as they learn when David becomes way too close to one particular client, Jessica Heisen. Eventually, circumstances compel three of these families to head West to California in search of a fresh start for their children. No one can predict the high-stakes drama and devastating results that ensue when their lives intersect. BETTER DAYS AHEAD is filled with historical detail, drama, and romantic intensity. With moving prose, Charlie Valentine tantalizes readers with a captivating saga that explores the struggles of love, hope, disappointment, and loneliness universal themes that touch us all. Ultimately, this tale, the first in a trilogy, is a story of possibilities and hopeof BETTER DAYS AHEAD.

Customer Reviews:

Valentine creatively mixes time, place and voice to narrate different strands pertaining to four American families........2006-07-09

Charlie Valentine's ambitious debut novel Better Days Ahead is a testimony to the tenacity of the human spirit to survive; no matter how bleak and difficult life may be there is very often a silver lining ahead.

Valentine creatively mixes time, place and voice to narrate different strands pertaining to four American families living in different parts of the country during the 1950s and early 1960s. In addition, Valentine carefully develops histories for her characters that depict different but not unfamiliar heart-wrenching themes, thus providing the reader with an emotional connection with the story.

As we get into the novel, we realize that there is an attempt to create a single narrative out of a choir of voices all fighting for our attention. The effect is impressive, as Valentine devotes one chapter at a time focusing on each of the families' secrets. During the first three quarters of the novel our four stories are not connected, thus keeping apart the protagonists. It is not until the final chapters of the novel that this ultimately changes as Valentine ties it up in a nice neat package.

We are first introduced to Sarah Robbins who lives in Cleveland and who becomes involved with a prominent local Judge, Henry Kinslow. Initially, Judge Kinslow is Sarah's legal guardian, as the result of Sara being left an orphan at the tender age of sixteen. Kinslow manages to gain complete control of Sarah's inheritance that turns out to be more substantial than he had anticipated, which incidentally, he partially misappropriates for his own benefit.
Once Sarah is no longer a minor, the deceitful Judge enters into an adulterous relationship with her and deceives her into believing that he will shortly leave his wife and children and marry her.

Judge Kinslow is also indirectly responsible for helping further Sarah's singing career when he convinces a local businessman, Sam Donahue, not to open a buffet-style restaurant, but rather a first-class supper club. Donahue follows the Judge's advice and also accepts the latter's offer of financial help. Unfortunately, during her career as a night-club singer at Donahue's supper club, Sarah falls prey to alcohol which proves to have a devastating effect on her life.

The next of the families we meet are the Dvoraks from Detroit. Neil Dvorak is a pleasant and naïve gentleman that unfortunately has twice chosen the wrong wife, first marrying Janet, who becomes the town slut. One day Neil shockingly discovers Janet in bed with another man. Eventually, the couple agrees to a divorce, as Janet finds another mate, however, she insists on taking with her their two daughters. Neil's second wife, Anne, turns out to be psychologically unbalanced and quite a handful, as she badly mistreats their daughter Victoria.

Our third family is the Drakes from a small town in Alabama, where racism is rampant and wife beating is alive and well. Dolores Drake is married to Thom Drake, an alcoholic and a bigot. On the day Dolores is about to give birth to their youngest son Ethan, she is forced to find shelter in the home of the only individual that will come to her aid, which turns out to be an African-American, Ruthie Jackson. Ruthie, however, lives on the wrong side of the tracks and during the 1950s Whites never entered this section of town. Remember, this is the deep- south during the horrendous segregation years.

Finally, we come to the rich and sophisticated Strattons, David and Karen who live in California. David was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he marries his high-school sweetheart, Karen, after attending four years at an out-of-state university.
Upon graduation David is offered employment by one of his father's friends, Theo Bachman, who turns out to be quite a cad and who indirectly almost causes the break-up of David and Karen's marriage.

At times the novel feels like a daytime television saga complete with tantalizing themes of adultery, racism, child and wife abuse, embezzlement, employer manipulation, corporate "hanky panky," alcoholism, and all of the other "goodies" that have crushing effects on families and where we have melodramatic characters standing in for the forces of good and evil.

For the most part, the novel's momentum is sustained throughout and the story will keep you reading long into the night.
However, the weakest aspect of the novel is that the concluding chapters are a trifle too coincidental and hence the plot's credibility is overstretched. If you are wondering how you are going to keep track of all of the characters, Valentine does provide us at the very onset with a list of all of the who's who. And yes, there will shortly be a sequel-stay tuned.

Norm Goldman, Editor Bookpleasures

Loved It!.......2006-03-14

Ms Valentine's ability to create characters with such depth and intensity is quite remarkable. Through this ability, she enables the reader to enter their lives and share not only their hardships and sorrows, but also their triumphs and good fortune. I feel like I've made new friends.
Looking forward to the sequel...

Written With Style!.......2006-03-08

From cover to cover, this book captured my complete and undivided attention. The story line as well as the diversified backgrounds and descriptive details of all the characters made this book impossible to put down! The writing style made the characters "come alive!" and you find yourself sympathizing with the situations or rooting for the underdog. Each and every character plays a unique part in making the complete story. Sarah touches about every emotion possible (my co-worker just got back from lunch and is more than a little annoyed with Sarah right now....), while my favorite part is the friendship that develops between Ruthie and Delores. I laughed, I cried, I am reading it for the 2nd time and can't wait to see where the author takes us next!

Better Days Ahead.......2006-03-08

WOW WOW WOW!!! All I can say is once you pick it up you'll never put it down. FANTASTIC!

Characters and Writing Style - A Hit!.......2006-03-03

It does not take long to finish a chapter and begin the next as you want more. Ms. Valentine's writing style makes it so easy for the reader to go back in time to the 50's. She has quite a skill of allowing the reader to visualize and understand the family situations. She doesn't hold back with the reality of life. I plan to purchase five additional books for my friends. I can't wait for Ms. Valentine's next book!

Average customer rating:

Cheer up, world: It's better ahead
James Orville Wilson
Manufacturer: Review and Herald
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Asia Pacific: biding time: while the "glory days" are gone for Asia Pacific, papermakers are hoping better times lay ahead.(Regional Report): An article ... Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper

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Asia Pacific: biding time: while the "glory days" are gone for Asia Pacific, papermakers are hoping better times lay ahead.(Regional Report): An article ... Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper
Diana Ward
Manufacturer: Paper Industry Management Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper, published by Paper Industry Management Association on October 1, 2001. The length of the article is 2836 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Asia Pacific: biding time: while the "glory days" are gone for Asia Pacific, papermakers are hoping better times lay ahead.(Regional Report)
Author: Diana Ward
Publication: Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 2001
Publisher: Paper Industry Management Association
Volume: 84 Issue: 10 Page: 48(4)

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Better days ahead for the local travel industry. (Focus on Business and Personal Travel).(New York)(Brief Article): An article from: Westchester County Business Journal

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Better days ahead for the local travel industry. (Focus on Business and Personal Travel).(New York)(Brief Article): An article from: Westchester County Business Journal
Ed Klein
Manufacturer: Westfair Communications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Air Travel | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Westchester County Business Journal, published by Westfair Communications, Inc. on January 14, 2002. The length of the article is 796 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Better days ahead for the local travel industry. (Focus on Business and Personal Travel).(New York)(Brief Article)
Author: Ed Klein
Publication: Westchester County Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 14, 2002
Publisher: Westfair Communications, Inc.
Volume: 41 Issue: 2 Page: 11(2)

Article Type: Brief Article

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Better days ahead: cautious optimism characterizes Northern N.J. market. (Metroscope).: An article from: Journal of Property Management

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Better days ahead: cautious optimism characterizes Northern N.J. market. (Metroscope).: An article from: Journal of Property Management
Amanda Druckman
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of Property Management, published by Thomson Gale on March 1, 2003. The length of the article is 604 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Better days ahead: cautious optimism characterizes Northern N.J. market. (Metroscope).
Author: Amanda Druckman
Publication: Journal of Property Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 68 Issue: 2 Page: 12(1)

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Better days ahead: for the Baker family, patience and discipline are the keys to financial freedom.(FAMILY FINANCES: FINANCIAL FITNESS CONTEST WINNER NO. 60) : An article from: Black Enterprise

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Better days ahead: for the Baker family, patience and discipline are the keys to financial freedom.(FAMILY FINANCES: FINANCIAL FITNESS CONTEST WINNER NO. 60) : An article from: Black Enterprise
Sakina P. Spruell
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Black Enterprise, published by Thomson Gale on July 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1184 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Better days ahead: for the Baker family, patience and discipline are the keys to financial freedom.(FAMILY FINANCES: FINANCIAL FITNESS CONTEST WINNER NO. 60)
Author: Sakina P. Spruell
Publication: Black Enterprise (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 35 Issue: 12 Page: 76(2)

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Better days ahead?(economy U.S.A.)(Editorial): An article from: Arkansas Business

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Better days ahead?(economy U.S.A.)(Editorial): An article from: Arkansas Business

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Arkansas Business, published by Thomson Gale on December 22, 2003. The length of the article is 427 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Better days ahead?(economy U.S.A.)(Editorial)
Publication: Arkansas Business (Magazine/Journal)
Date: December 22, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 20 Issue: 51-52 Page: 6(1)

Article Type: Editorial

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Better days ahead?(Editorial): An article from: Arkansas Business

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Better days ahead?(Editorial): An article from: Arkansas Business

Manufacturer: Journal Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Arkansas Business, published by Journal Publishing, Inc. on June 7, 2004. The length of the article is 445 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Better days ahead?(Editorial)
Publication: Arkansas Business (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 7, 2004
Publisher: Journal Publishing, Inc.
Volume: 21 Issue: 23 Page: 6(1)

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Economist predicts brighter days ahead: With less dependence on volatile industries, Iowa has fared better than other states. (BUSINESS FRONT).: An article from: Business Record (Des Moines)

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Economist predicts brighter days ahead: With less dependence on volatile industries, Iowa has fared better than other states. (BUSINESS FRONT).: An article from: Business Record (Des Moines)
Beth Dalbey
Manufacturer: Business Publication Corp.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

For the London market, better days may be ahead. (insurance and reinsurance market): An article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management

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For the London market, better days may be ahead. (insurance and reinsurance market): An article from: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management
John Jennings
Manufacturer: The National Underwriter Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management, published by The National Underwriter Company on August 24, 1992. The length of the article is 1109 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: The London, England property and casualty insurance and reinsurance industries have begun to come back from the severe financial losses sustained in the late 1980s. The marine insurance and excess-of-loss insurance sections have benefited by rate increases. Management reorganizations at Lloyd's of London, its syndicate members and independent insurers, have resulted in personnel and overhead cuts and tougher positions on what business to accept.

Citation Details
Title: For the London market, better days may be ahead. (insurance and reinsurance market)
Author: John Jennings
Publication: National Underwriter Property & Casualty-Risk & Benefits Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 24, 1992
Publisher: The National Underwriter Company
Issue: n34 Page: p27(3)

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The Authority Vol. 1: Relentless
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The Authority Vol. 1: Relentless
Warren Ellis
Manufacturer: Wildstorm
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
Superheroes | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Authority Vol. 3: Earth Inferno and Other Stories

The Authority Vol. 4: Transfer of Power

Planetary Vol. 1: All Over the World and Other Stories

StormWatch: Force of Nature

Planetary Vol. 2: The Fourth Man

ASIN: 1563896613

Amazon.com

Are we ready for yet another take on superhero morality? Let's hope so, because The Authority: Relentless retools old ideas for a new century. Warren Ellis has his heroes think globally as they kick butt locally, stopping or slowing down to consider how they can use their powers to "make the world a better place." How he can pull this off in our oh-so-ironic age is an artistic mystery, but the results are clear: superheroes with believable personalities and community spirit. Two story arcs, each encompassing terror and evil on a global scale, pit the group of seven against armies of superhumans dispatched in scenes reminiscent of the best action movies. Many of the characters from the older Stormwatch series reappear here, and fans will be pleased to learn that Ellis has, if anything, improved his depth and storytelling prowess. Bryan Hitch's penciling, Paul Neary's inking, and Laura Depuy's coloring are all equally responsible for the gloriously lovely artwork--from interdimensional spaceships to dismembered spinal cords, they make saving the world beautiful. --Rob Lightner

Book Description

Are we ready for yet another take on superhero morality?Let's hope so, because The Authority: Relentless retools old ideas for a new century. Warren Ellis has his heroes think globally as they kick butt locally, stopping or slowing down to consider how they can use their powers to "make the world a better place."How he can pull this off in our oh-so-ironic age is an artistic mystery, but the results are clear: superheroes with believable personalities and community spirit. Two story arcs, each encompassing terror and evil on a global scale, pit the group of seven against armies of superhumans dispatched in scenes reminiscent of the best action movies. Many of the characters from the older Stormwatch series reappear here, and fans will be pleased to learn that Ellis has, if anything, improved his depth and storytelling prowess.Bryan Hitch's penciling, Paul Neary's inking, and Laura Depuy's coloring are all equally responsible for the gloriously lovely artwork--from interdimensional spaceships to dismembered spinal cords, they make saving the world beautiful. --Rob Lightner

Book Description

Exploring the difficulty in determining the true nature, method, scope, and motivation for Old Testament theology, this book proposes the promise of God as the center of Old Testament theology and applies the solution to each of its eras.

Customer Reviews:

Standard OT Theology Book from an Evangelical Perspective.......2005-04-20

This has to be one of the best written OT theology books written from a conservative and evangelical perspective. Trying to study OT theology from a conservative perspective without reading Kaiser's work is trying to study Calvinism without reading Calvin's "Institutes". This probably being Kaiser's "magnum opus" book should be read by all students of OT studies and theology. Kaiser writes from a "promise-fulfillment" perspective and avoids the excesses of both "replacement theology" and classical dispensationalism. One of his arguments being that the OT authors had multiple fulfillments in mind when writing about the realization of the promises in the future. Thus, though the great promise will be fulfilled in the Church age to a degree, it will be fulfilled in completeness at the Parousia. The book has a nice flow and organization to it. It goes over all the major periods of OT history (Chapters 5-15) and up to the NT (Chapter 16). The first section of the book (Chapters 1-4) deal with OT theological methodology. Many may find these first four chapters dry and technical, but it is a good introduction to get the reader started. It also includes a bibliography and a full index. The only complaint I have is that the pages are made of beige-coloured paper-back novel paper. I hope in a future edition the publishers will print this book with better quality paper. Overall, though, this book is highly recommended to all students of OT theology.

Excellent! Ties up Lose Ends!.......2004-05-21

Walter Kaiser, does an excellent and very convincing job of tying the Old Testament together by showing the consistent, conscious, and continual theology of God's promise throughout the entire Old Testament. When I began reading this book I was skeptical, thinking that Kaiser was going to force the Old Testament into a convenient boxed way of thinking. I was actually hesitant to even read it, not being that interested in its contents. Now I am convinced that the authors of the various Old Testament books consciously understood the progressive revelation and fulfillment of God's promise of which they wrote.

I have to say, the first 70 pages will turn off many. In these pages Kaiser sets out to explain the history behind Old Testament theologies and why he believes many fall short and in which ways. Then he sets out to define how his theology of the Old Testament developed and what hermeneutic he uses (a defining difference between Kaiser and many others is his focus on authorial intent and the message's intent within the context it was written). He ends the first part with a summary of the continuity of the blessing of promise throughout the Old Testament. These pages are very heavy reading. You will probably find yourself dozing. If you are really having a hard time with this section, my recommendation: Read chapter 4 of Part 1 and then move on the bulk of the book, Part II (you can always go read part 1 later). I do not think that Part I is superfluous but it is not necessary to understand and appreciate the message of the book.

Part II defines the Old Testametn theology in almost 200 pages. The Chapters are as follows:
5. Prolegomena to the Promise: Prepatriarchal Era
6. Provisions in the Promise: Patriarchal Era
7. People of the Promise: Mosaic Era
8. Place of the Promise: Premonarchical Era
9. King of the Promise: Davidic Era
10. Life in the Promise: Sapiential Era
11. Day of the Promse: 9th Century
12. Servant of the Promise: 8th Century
13. Renewal of the Promise: 7th Century
14. Kingdom of the Promise: Exilic Prophets
15. Triumph of the Promise: Postexilic Prophets

Finally the 3rd chapter is an 8-page summary of this Theology's connection with New Testament Theology. I do wish that this section had been more through, but the message was there.

The very thorough indices (by authors, subjects, Scripture referecnes, and Hebrew words) are very helpful to help you use this as a reference after reading it.

A book that I was not too excited about reading has now become on of the most used and dog-eared in my library. This book has come to help define my Old Testament theology.
-Jacob Hantla

Foundational Book.......2004-03-18

The first few chapter are tough, but the book uses a diachronic (Kaiser's term) to present the theology. In other words, he shows how each successive time period builds on the previous time periods. The books presents an exciting unity of the Old Testament using the promises and the covenants. The books helps place each O.T. book in its historical context. This book is fundamental in understanding Walter Kaiser's approach to theology or O.T. theology in general.

Awesome Book.......2002-01-20

This is an incredibly insightful book, tracing and understanding the promise(s) of God down throughout history. He picks up where Willis Beecher left off in his "The Prophets and the Promise", which I also highly recommend if you can find it, and explains it in a more easy to understand manner. Not an easy read...but well worth the effort. It will insert a fresh view into the Old Testment the next time you read through it.

Time well spent.......2000-04-05

This book is a great resource for tying together the Old Testament. It is not, however, light reading. I tried just reading straight through it, but it just wasn't happening. I finally read it taking notes as I went. I ended up with about 40 pages of notes and a new appreciation for Old Testament Theology. (Don't get bogged down by the first few chapters. I think you could even skip them if you want to and either do or don't go back to them later. The only reason I continued after these two boring chapters was that I had to read the book for a class.) I thoroughly recommend that anyone who desires to understand the Old Testament take their time reading this excellent book.

Spirit, Pathos and Liberation: Toward an Hispanic Pentecostal Theology (JPT Supplement)

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Spirit, Pathos and Liberation: Toward an Hispanic Pentecostal Theology (JPT Supplement)
Samuel Solivan
Manufacturer: Sheffield Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Religion & Spirituality | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Liberating Spirit: Toward an Hispanic American Pentecostal Social Ethic

ASIN: 1850759421

Toward Old Testament Ethics (Ethics - Old Testament Studies)

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Excellent book
Deals with most of the touchier ethical questions raised

Toward Old Testament Ethics (Ethics - Old Testament Studies)
Walter C. Kaiser
Manufacturer: Zondervan Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Religion & Spirituality | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Readings in Christian Ethics, vol. 2: Issues and Applications (Readings in Christian Ethics)
Principles of Conduct: Aspects of Biblical Ethics
Toward an Old Testament Theology
Human Dignity in the Biotech Century: A Christian Vision for Public Policy (Colson, Charles)
Old Testament Ethics for the People of God

ASIN: 0310371112

Book Description

Providing exegetical principles for the study of Old Testament ethics, this volume examines "moral" texts of the Old Testament, and explores the content of Old Testament ethics and its meaning to believers today. It can be used quite effectively as a textbook for Ethics in the Old Testament. This is a Lightning Source, Inc. print-on-demand title and can be ordered only from Spring Arbor Distributors by calling 800-395-5599. International Customers please call 615-793-5000 ext. 24882 or fax at 615-213-5720.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book.......2007-04-16

This is a most excellent book in all respects. It preserves the integrity of the Bible and of the Lord bringing into discussion Old Testament ethical life and its applicability to us today. I especially enjoyed its discussions on marriage and its banishments of hyperliteralism.

Deals with most of the touchier ethical questions raised.......2002-02-15

I used this book as a resource for a sunday school lesson I taught on War and the Christian. He deals with most of the relevant passages. I wouldn't rely on this book alone, but it is a good starting place. I would also recommend Norman Geisler as an authority on the areas discussed in Kaiser's book.

He Kissed Him and They Wept: Towards a Theology of Partnership

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He Kissed Him and They Wept: Towards a Theology of Partnership

Manufacturer: Scm Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Christianity in the Old and New Testaments: Towards a New Theology

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Christianity in the Old and New Testaments: Towards a New Theology
Evelyn Francis Capel , Alfred Dowyona Hammond , and Alfred Dowuona-Hammond
Manufacturer: Temple Lodge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Theosophy | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Transformations in the Septuagint: Towards an Interaction of Septaguint Studies and Translation Studies (Contributions to Biblical Exegesis & Theology) (Contributions to Biblical Exegesis & Theology)

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Transformations in the Septuagint: Towards an Interaction of Septaguint Studies and Translation Studies (Contributions to Biblical Exegesis & Theology) (Contributions to Biblical Exegesis & Theology)
Theo A. W. Van Der Louw
Manufacturer: Peeters
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Product Description

This study inaugurates interaction between Septuagint research and Translation Studies. From the field of Translation Studies the author has singled out approaches suited to LXX-research. The historical survey of views of translation in Antiquity reveals that among Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Jews similar disputes about language and translatability existed. Three Septuagint-chapters, Genesis 2, Isaiah 1 and Proverbs 6, are analysed in-depth, whereby the transformations ('shifts') are categorised with help of linguistic Translation Studies. Before ascribing 'deviations' either to the translator's ideology or to a variant in the Hebrew parent text, we must ascertain that the 'deviation' does not have a purely translational origin. Every transformation has a reason, and by categorizing the reasons behind all transformations one can trace the translational hierarchy that (un)consciously guided the translator. The rationale behind a transformation can be detected by analysing the literal alternative which the translator rejected. The conclusions of this study are of importance for Translation Studies, Classical Studies and Theology.

Wholeness in Christ: Toward a Biblical Theology of Holiness

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A carefully researched presentation of biblical holiness

Wholeness in Christ: Toward a Biblical Theology of Holiness
William M. Greathouse
Manufacturer: Beacon Hill Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Bible & Other Sacred Texts | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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A Century of Holiness Theology: The Doctrine of Entire Sanctification in the Church of the Nazarene : 1905 to 2004
John Wesley's 'A Plain Account of Christian Perfection.' The Annotated Edition.
Recapturing the Wesleys' Vision: An Introduction to the Faith of John and Charles Wesley
A Plain Account Of Christian Perfection
Holiness Teaching: New Testament Times to Wesley (Great Holiness Classics, V. 1)

ASIN: 0834117029

Customer Reviews:

A carefully researched presentation of biblical holiness.......1999-07-27

This most helpful and quite readable treatment of the biblical foundations of the Wesleyan perspective on the life of holiness comes from the prolific pen of William M. Greathouse, General Superintendent Emeritus in the Church of the Nazarene. A university educated churchman, he writes out of a life spent in the pulpit, the classroom, and leadership positions in church and academia, as well as in research and writing.

As he lays out before the reader the Old Testament roots and the New Testament teaching on Christian holiness, William Greathouse blends his pastoral and evangelistic spirit with careful biblical exegesis and scholarly exposition. Fully knowledgeable in the pertinent scholarly literature, he presents an optimism of grace that will inspire the heart of every Christian. The Old Testament ideal of the holy, the Christian experience of the Holy Spirit, the New Testament concepts of sanctification and perfection, and the Sermon on the Mount as a "kingdom ethic" are convincingly related to the contemporary Christian life. Both those who seek to understand the traditional Wesleyan concern for the holy life and those who proclaim it will see it firmly grounded here in Scripture. This fine work is well suited for use as a textbook or supplementary reading in courses on spiritual formation and the theology of holiness.

In the Ways of Justice Toward Salvation: A Rhetorical Analysis of Isaiah 56-59 (American University Studies. Series VII, Theology and Religion, V. 13)
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In the Ways of Justice Toward Salvation: A Rhetorical Analysis of Isaiah 56-59 (American University Studies. Series VII, Theology and Religion, V. 13)
Gregory J. Polan
Manufacturer: Peter Lang Pub Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Old Testament | Commentaries | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) | Sacred Writings | Judaism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 082040280X

Look toward the East;: Some aspects of Old Testament theology
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Look toward the East;: Some aspects of Old Testament theology
John Power
Manufacturer: Gill and MacMillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Theology | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0717102386

Studies in Old Testament theology
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Studies in Old Testament theology
Leonard J Coppes
Manufacturer: The Author
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006RQH4K

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