Book Description
This is the first paperback edition of Anatoly M. Khazanov's famous comparative study of pastoral nomadism. Hailed by reviewers as "majestic and magisterial," Nomads and the Outside World was first published in English in 1984. With the author's new introduction and an updated bibliography, this classic is now available in an edition accessible to students.
Customer Reviews:
Mmm, curdled sheep milk.......2005-07-07
(This is a review of the first edition)
This book is essentially a comparative study of pastoral nomadic societies in Eurasia, the Middle East, Near East, and Africa with a focus on how such societies interact with sedentary ones. The first chapters (Nomadism as a distinct form of food-producing economy, The origins of pastoral nomadism, and The social preconditions of the relations between nomads and the outside world) delve into how nomadic societies function, while the final two chapters (Modes of nomadic adaptation to the outside world and Nomads and the state) address the forms in which intercourse between "nomads and the outside world" occur.
The whole book is well-written, with a minimum of technical jargon, but some familiarity with the geography of the Eurasian steppes, the Middle and Near East, and Africa is assumed; also some understanding of marxism is need to wade through the foreward and introduction, but these may be skipped without real loss. It is all comprehensible to the lay reader, so long as they are not embarassed to consult an atlas or a dictionary as needed.
Book Description
The art of being Tuareg has fascinated travelers and scholars alike throughout recorded history. The elegance and beauty of the Tuareg peoples, their dress and exquisite ornament, their large white riding camels, their refined song, speech and dance -- all have been subjects of rhapsodic descriptions. Together they suggest a Tuareg "mystique," an existence made into art and lived out in one of the world's harshest environments.
Art of Being Tuareg: Sahara Nomads in a Modern World examines this "mystique," or identity, as it has been constructed by the Tuareg themselves and by their observers. Historically, the Tuareg have been stereotyped in the West, seen as romantic desert-dwelling warriors and nomads, or even as "bandits" resisting central governmental authority. What these generalizations fail to acknowledge are the complexities of Tuareg history and the remarkable resilience and responsiveness of this people to dramatically changing circumstances, especially their late-twentieth century adaptations to modernity.
Art of Being Tuareg, the rich, vibrant result of three decades of research and collaboration on the part of American, European, and Tuareg scholars and institutions, is one of only a handful of English-language volumes on Tuareg life and culture. Bringing together essays by many of today's most accomplished scholars of Tuareg art and society, it presents a comprehensive view of what it is to be Tuareg, exploring the remarkable arts that remain dynamic markers of the strength and perseverance of this highly inventive people.
Customer Reviews:
Being Tuareg is an Art.......2007-01-05
This book gives an excellent overview of the Tuareg Culture. It addresses the customs, history, Berber language and it's poetry, as well as the material culture of the Tuareg. The examples of the leather work and jewelry are superb. It was my pleasure to attend the sale of Tuareg jewelry at Fort Mason, CA, which is mentioned on page 67 of the book. This book is the catalogue for an exhibit which will visit the Cantor Center for the Visual Arts, at Stanford University, in 2007. If you like things Tuareg, you will love this book.
Book Description
In her short life Isabelle Eberhardt (1877-1904) came to be known as the ultimate enigma and representative of everything that seemed dangerous in nineteenth century society. Born the illegitimate daughter of an aristocratic Russian emigree she was a cross-dresser and sensualist, an experienced drug-taker and a transgressor of boundaries: a European reborn in the desert as an Arab and Muslim, a woman who reinvented herself as a man, wandering the Sahara on horseback. A profoundly lonely individual for all her numerous sexual adventures, she roused controversy and was loved and hated in equal measure. A mysterious attempt was made on her life and even her eventual death was ambiguous: she drowned in the desert at the age of twenty-seven.
Customer Reviews:
A beutiful writer that is sadly little known.......2007-04-16
It is such a pity that Isabelle Eberhadt is so little known because there is something about her that can be found in all of us.
She was a free thinking, independent woman at a time when it was hardly the thing to do. She converted to Islam by her own free will but remained her own person, she did not conform to an image of what Islam should be or what others thought it should be nor did she just convert and then melt into the mass of her fellow co-religionists.
She maintained much of her anarchist upbringing and lead a life that was free from and restraints. She endered the Qadiri Sufi order and seemed to have taken the order seriously practicing the prayers that she was ordered to perform.
She travelled deep into Algeria and wrote of the land and its people with a style that reflects her own free spirit. She would not be confined by anyone and perhaps it was that which brought about an attempt on her life and the anger of the colonial powers who ruled Algeria.
She lead a lonely life but seemed to have had several partners. Her life was full of contradictions and this book, her diaries reflects all of that. The life of a young woman who would not be restrained neither by the times that she lived in, the culture that she was from nor the religion that she had chosen to convert to. This book captures the wild mystery of a life that was lived both in the deserts of Africa and amongst the cities of Europe.
A beutiful book recomended to anyone who still has the spirit of travel or the love of the writings of someone who chose to life life as they wished to live it.
Vivid writing - difficult life.......2006-07-25
This is a book I remembered for 30 years and went back one day recently to find. I was not disappointed although I can see why this book appealed to me so strongly as a 20 year old. Isabelle is an amazing writer. Like the writers of haiku, Isabelle captures the beauty of the desert around her and her feelings about her life in so few words and yet so beautifully. Her love of her adopted country and religion season her view and experience of life. One might wish she had had a happier time of it or been a little better at making a living, but overall this brief book is an amazing contribution to the world by a very unusual person. I highly recommend it.
An amazing life, a one-of-a-kind diary.......2004-05-28
The unusual life and bizarre death of Isabelle Eberhardt (1877-1904) remains a mystery. Dressing as a man, she traveled through Saharan Africa and drowned -- in the desert -- at age 27, which only emphasizes the uniqueness of the written record she left behind. Unlike the works of other desert adventurers such as Sir Richard Burton and T. E. Lawrence, Eberhardt's diary never clarifies why she endured these hardships, or why her life was such a complex tangle that there was an attempt on her life shortly before she drowned. Her unsettling story of gender deception, unaccompanied travel in Islamic society, and unresolved death is so far out of cultural norms that her story is seldom told, and makes this diary all the more intriguing.
Something creepy this way comes.......2004-01-20
I can't put my finger on it but there was something about Isabelle Eberhardt that just made my skin crawl. I didn't like her as a person and never really got to care about her or what happened to her. It's strange because normally I love this kind of book about unconventional women living outside of society's expected norms for them, but this woman, I just did not like!
Book Description
M. J. Eberhart, aka the Nimblewill Nomad, was a 60-year-old retired doctor in January 1998 when he set off on a foot journey that carried him 4,400 miles (twice the length of the Appalachian Trail) from the Florida Keys to the far north of Quebec. Written in a vivid journal style, the author unabashedly recounts the good (friendships with other hikers he met), the bad (sore legs, cutting winds and rain), and the godawful (those dispiriting doubts) aspects of his days of walking along what has since become known as the Eastern Continental Trail (ECT). An amazing tale of self-discovery and insight into the magic that reverberates from intense physical exertion and a high goal, Eberhart’s is the only written account of a thru-hike along the ECT. Covering 16 states and 2 Canadian provinces, Ten Million Steps deftly mixes practical considerations of an almost unimaginable undertaking with the author’s trademark humor and philosophical musings.
Customer Reviews:
Great read-10 stars.......2007-06-21
I received my copy today and I'm up to page 100. It is a blend of humor, a man's journey, and numerous inspiring quotes...that makes me want to hit Eastern Mountain Sports and start the hike. Someday I plan to hike the Triple Crown, etc. Cheers to this man who has had the desire, dream and drive to complete an epic journey and share it with the world. Thanks for a great read and giving me another glimpse into long-distance hiking.
Wow!.......2007-05-26
Wow! That's really "Hit the road Jack". I live near the Florida Trail but swamp wading with the snakes and the gators? No way Jose! But I am totally enjoying it from my armchair. Go get them. You are a better man than me Charlie Brown!
Customer Reviews:
An excellent ethnography.......2000-03-09
As a student of Dr. Stearman's, I've had the pleasure of hearing her lecture on her experience with the Yuqui in person. Her ethnography is the next best thing to a lecture. It provides a balanced, informative description of a relatively little-known indigenous group. All aspects of the culture are well represented, including technology, ritual beliefs, kinship, etc. Sections covering missionary influence among the Yuqui are thoughtprovoking and carefully presented, without bias. The book is a well-written, enjoyable read and is perfect for all students, from those already well-versed in the methods of cultural anthropology to those with little experience in the subject.
Great for teaching social issues, cultural relativism.......1998-07-02
I have used the book to teach several courses (applied anthropology, comparative anthropology of social issues: Philadelphia, the USA, the World) and students like the book and get a lot out of it. Its approach to human rights, cultural relativism, material culture, anthropologists' responsibility to the people they study, etc.,brings home the major issues in anthropology today. I highly recommend it.
Download Description
It was late in the month of March, at the dying-out of the Eagle Moon, that Neewa the black bear cub got his first real look at the world. Noozak, his mother, was an old bear, and like an old person she was filled with rheumatics and the desire to sleep late. So instead of taking a short and ordinary nap of three months this particular winter of little Neewa's birth she slept four, which, made Neewa, who was born while ms mother was sound asleep, a little over two months old instead of six weeks when they came out of den.
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Amidst Ice and Nomads in High Asia
Edward F. Noack
Manufacturer: Natl Literary Guild
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Asia
| History
| Subjects
| Books
| Afghanistan
| Armenia
| Bangladesh
| Belarus
| Bhutan
| Brunei
| Cambodia
| Central Asia
| China
| Far East
| General
| Georgia
| Hong Kong
| India
| Indonesia
| Japan
| Korea
| Laos
| Malaysia
| Maldives
| Mauritius
| Mongolia
| Myanmar
| Nepal
| Pakistan
| Philippines
| Russia
| Seychelles
| Singapore
| South Asia
| Southeast Asia
| Sri Lanka
| Taiwan
| Thailand
| Tibet
| Turkey
| Vietnam
Afghanistan
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Pakistan
| Asia
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0866662502 |
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Auto nomad in Barbary
David Wilson MacArthur
Manufacturer: Cassell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Africa
| History
| Subjects
| Books
| African Studies
| Algeria
| Angola
| Benin
| Botswana
| Central Africa
| Comoros
| Democratic Republic of Congo
| Djibouti
| East Africa
| Egypt
| Equatorial Guinea
| Eritrea
| Ethiopia
| Gabon
| Gambia
| General
| Ghana
| Guinea
| Guinea Bissau
| Ivory Coast
| Kenya
| Lesotho
| Liberia
| Libya
| Madagascar
| Malawi
| Mali
| Mauritania
| Morocco
| Mozambique
| Namibia
| Niger
| Nigeria
| North Africa
| Rwanda
| Sao Tome and Principe
| Senegal
| Sierra Leone
| Somalia
| South Africa
| Southern Africa
| Sudan
| Swaziland
| Tanzania
| Togo
| Tunisia
| Uganda
| West Africa
| Western Sahara
| Zambia
| Zimbabwe
ASIN: B0007IU94C |
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The Comanche: Nomads of the Southern Plains (American Indian Nations)
Mary Englar
Manufacturer: Capstone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
People of Color
| Biographies
| People & Places
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ages 9-12
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
West
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0736821805 |
Customer Reviews:
Fantasy with an Asian seting.......2007-03-09
Russell's two-book series is set in Wa, an imaginary empire with a culture primarily based on medieval China, although the names, for some reason, are Japanese. I like fantasies with a non-Western cultural base, although Russell's is not as strong as the excellent novels of Barry Hughart.
In this story, the young monk Shuyun becomes an adviser to the powerful nobleman Lord Shonto. Both become effectively enemies of the corrupt Emperor without being willing to go into open opposition, since Shonto has no desire to ascend the throne himself. Sent to a frontier province, they discover that a new leader has unified the tribes of the desert (Mongols) and is preparing a major invasion of Wa. Various subplots deal with corruption in Shuyun's Botahist (Buddhist) order and the political and romantic intrigues of the imperial Court.
It's an exciting story overall. The numerous characters are done well and the setting is impressively imagined. Readers should be aware that this book doesn't have a real ending; you have to read the sequel to get any resolution.
outdoorpunk.......2006-11-10
I was casually recomended this book by a friend and after I started reading it I couldn't believe they had been so casual about it!! This was so much fun to read from beginning to end! At first you don't think you can keep up with the charaters but before long you know all of them intimately and share their struggle! Very fun and worth it!
The comparison with Dune is apt.......2006-09-04
I am capable of enjoying novels whose authors do not put the kind of thought into their back-stories as Russel has here, but in those rare cases where you can glimpse a breathing world behind the scenes, the enjoyment is greater. And so is the respect for the author.
This was my first exposure to Russell. I'm glad I found it. Five stars. The sequel is harder to find right now, but worth the effort.
"Dune" with an Asian Flare..........2006-06-15
"The Initiate Brother" is not for the casual reader. It took me a few tries to get into this book as it was so different than my expectations. However, once I was able to absorb into the story it became clear to me that this book was definitely a keeper. As in the classic story of Dune by Frank Herbert, this book as all about "plans within plans".
The setting is the nation of Wa, which is an amalgam of Asian societies (particularly China and Japan). Although the story appears on first glance to be about a gifted young Botahist (Buddhist) Monk, the story is really about power; the wielding and aquisition of it. The Empire of Wa has recently been overthrown by a new family and the new Emperor is fearful of the same. A new religion (essentially Christianity) has become in vogue and the Botahist order, in an attempt to keep their faith as the primary belief system of Wa, sends out a young monk named Shuyun; idealistic, and amazingly gifted in martial arts, meditation and the ability to slow time. He is to be the new spiritual adviser to Lord Shonto a powerful Lord and brilliant strategist and also an avowed Botahist believer. Shuyun is meant to be a pawn and spy for his order which is fearful of dissolution, but the young monk's eyes are opened to a new world and he learns quickly that all is not as it appears. This faithful, simple young man comes to doubt the very doctrine that he has been schooled in since he was a toddler. He suspects that the ancient texts have been changed in order that the Botahists can gain power. All of this along with court intrigue, assassinations and the threat of a new invasion of Wa by an unstoppable hoard of Barbarians from the outer regions.
Sean Russell has a deep understanding of politics. In this book there really are no "good" guys and everyone is out for themselves, even (and especially) "spiritual", religious orders.
Take the time to read this one and it's follow up "Gatherer of Clouds" you won't be dissappointed. This is an important lesson for our times and it will give the reader a deeper understanding of the motivations of government and religions.
A wonderful find.......2004-04-19
The world is rich and well-designed, the characters are strongly portrayed, and the plot is intricate and satisfying. What more can you ask? If you order this book, order the sequel at the same time, because it's all really one long story.
The only drawback: the book may be considered slow-paced by some, because of the detail of the portrayals and the intricate interweaving of several seperate plot lines. There are many characters to follow. All plot lines DO make sense and come together in the end, so it's a worthwhile effort.
Book Description
More than 65 stars of country music share their favorite recipes, cherished holiday memories, and family photos in this country-style Christmas treasury that includes a 15-song CD.
Through the pages of this book, country music fans can share the joys of Christmas with some of America’s most beloved stars. This rich collection of memories and traditions features stories—in the stars’ own words—of childhood memories and favorite ways of celebrating the most festive holiday of the year. Stars like Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus recall how childhoods like theirs—poor in terms of money, but rich in terms of love—resulted in some of the happiest Christmas memories they have. And memories are being made today with stars like Tim McGraw, Tanya Tucker, and Clint Black, who discover anew the magic of Christmas through their children’s eyes.
Photos reveal the private side of the stars, and their recipes make Christmas country-style easy to achieve, with dishes such as Barbara Mandrell’s Christmas turkey and Alan Jackson’s cornbread stuffing, John Michael Montgomery’s wild goose with currant sauce, Charlie Daniels’s sugar cookies, Naomi Judd’s miniature fruitcakes, and many more.
The 15-track CD features songs specially recorded for this book. The album includes Tim Rushlow’s “Little Drummer Boy,” The Jordanaires’s “Joy to the World,” and Kristy Rhode’s “Come On Ring Those Bells.”
A portion of the proceeds from this book will benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum®, and the Edie Hand Foundation™.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is operated by the non-profit, educational Country Music Foundation (CMF). The mission of the CMF is to identify and preserve the evolving history and traditions of country music and to educate its audiences. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum presents the country music story through its treasure trove of historic country music video clips and recorded music, dynamic exhibits with state-of-the-art design, and a regular menu of live performances and public programs.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tennessee, St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fund-raising organization.
The Edie Hand Foundation’s mission is to raise and donate money to Alabama communities and national charities to help raise a child or to defeat an incurable disease or to provide children joy at Christmas. Visit www.ediehandfoundation.org.
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Songs From the Stars
Norman Spinrad
Manufacturer: simon and schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000OMMC6Y |
Average customer rating:
- Songs from the Stars
- A chance for us yet
- Excellent
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Songs from the Stars
Norman Spinrad
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0553248790 |
Customer Reviews:
Songs from the Stars.......2005-03-11
Spinrad blends two different motifs from science fiction - post-apocalypse and firs contact - in this unusual entry in the science fiction field. In the "Big Smash", most of Earth was blown to cinders. Centuries later, the only surviving civilzation clings to a feeble existence on the west coast of the former United States. Gathered in tribes with names like "Lightning" and "Eagle", they live roughly halfway between traditional native Americans and hippie communes. In the absense of government, we instead get "Perfect Masters" flying around in balloon/bicycles, dispensing justice whenever forbidden industrial technologies make an appearance. Spinrad pulls of a difficult trick with this society. He wants us to laugh at the raunchy side of their lifestyle (sex, drugs, and rock and roll, minus the rock and roll) while also taking seriously their commitment to clean technology and the concept of karma.
However, there are also "spacers" living in the desert, using bad black technology such as oil and electricity. Their plan is to build a space ship capable of reaching the Big Ear, and radio telescope built before the nuclear showdown that recieved messages from alien civilizations. No spoilers here, since this is all spilled forth on the inside jacket. Anyway, the success of this novel rides on the revelations that the character get when they actually reach the Big Ear being big and thought-provoking enough. In my humble opinion, Spinrad doesn't quite cut it at this point in the story. His creativity runs out and starts recycling stuff that sci fi fans have seen before.
A chance for us yet.......2005-03-02
An enjoyable read. Post-Smash earth has pockets of society that find pre-Smash technology abhorent. They prefer the white magic of muscles, sun and wind. La Mirage skirts the grey magic by being a center of commerce where one can get supposedly pre-Smash white solar cells, etc. upon which their Way of life depends. Beyond the mountains, beyond the atomic ruins, a small enclave of scientists, using 'dark' science, support the vestiges of civilisation producing the items of trade while working to build a space shuttle to reach the Big Ear in space which may hold a message of hope for the future...
Excellent.......1999-11-22
A really well-crafted story. A lot of elements that might be described 60's/new age utopianism, but it gives the book a unique rather than dated feel. If you can get a hold of a copy of it, it's worth reading.
I'll summarize it briefly since Amazon hasn't posted any information: It takes place in the United States, many years after a technologically-driven holocaust reduced civilization to agrarianism. Technology is developed in small, socially acceptable forms, but certain forces wish to revive it again, and the book follows three people; a new-age shaman-like man, a young woman who heads a network of information distributors and involves herself with forbidden technologies, and the leader of an insular band of engineers and scientists, who are trying to resurrect ancient technologies. All three become involved with a startling discovery made in the last days before the apocalypse. Hopefully I've gotten most of the facts straight, it's been a while since I read it. Definitely worth picking up if you can.
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I Write the Songs
Manufacturer: Charles Hansen Distributor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Star Trek
| Media
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000KA867E |
Product Description
Easy Evil; Fly, Robin, Fly; I /write the Songs; Last Night I Made Love to Somebody Else; Leftovers, Mandy; Nice, Nice, Very Nice; Shining Star; Sing a Song; Skkybird; Sugar on the Floor; Theme From 'Star Trek'; Venus and Mars Rock Show; What I Did For Love; When You're Next to Me; Who Are You Now?; You.
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Songs From A Star
Peter Buttross
Manufacturer: Red Dawn Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Poetry
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0967624207 |
Book Description
A book of 52 love lyrics, some very brief, written in the tradition of shameless romanticism. The collection contains mostly structured free verse, though some poems are more traditional in form, including three English sonnets.
Book Description
"I owe Morison a great debt of gratitude. Who Moved the Stone? was an important early link in a long chain of evidence that God used to bring me into his kingdom. Morison’s stirring intellectual exploration of the historical record proved to be an excellent starting point for my spiritual investigation." --From the foreword by Lee Strobel
English journalist Frank Morison had a tremendous drive to learn of Christ. The strangeness of the Resurrection story had captured his attention, and, influenced by skeptic thinkers at the turn of the century, he set out to prove that the story of Christ’s Resurrection was only a myth. His probings, however, led him to discover the validity of the biblical record in a moving, personal way.
Who Moved the Stone? is considered by many to be a classic apologetic on the subject of the Resurrection. Morison includes a vivid and poignant account of Christ’s betrayal, trial, and death as a backdrop to his retelling of the climactic Resurrection itself. Among the chapter titles are:
* The Book That Refused to Be Written
* The Real Case Against the Prisoner
* What Happened Before Midnight on Thursday
* Between Sunset and Dawn
* The Witness of the Great Stone
* Some Realities of That Far-off Morning
Who Moved the Stone? is a well-researched book that is as fascinating in its appeal to reason as it is accurate to the truthfulness of the Resurrection.
Customer Reviews:
who moved the stone.......2007-01-04
Book was easy to read and understand. Found it interesting and informative.
Debunks the common claims against Christ.......2006-10-09
Every Christian has their own story about how they came to know
Jesus Christ as their personal savior. This is known as their testimony. Frank Morrison's testimony can be found in Who Moved the Stone? What makes this story compelling on many levels is that Morrison, an English journalist and one-time skeptic of Christianity, actually began this book as a means to disprove the very foundation of the Christian religion: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He researched numerous historical documents including the four gospels found in the Bible and it became apparent that over the course of his research one question continued to plague him, thus the title of his book. What began as a narrative aimed at refuting the resurrection soon became a testimonial of how one man transformed from skeptic to follower. Rather than argue the case for the resurrection with faith alone, Morrison uses logic and reason to discount the counter-theories that he
once believed to hold the truth. For example, why would the Jewish high
priests hide Christ's body when the resurrection itself poses such a
substantial threat to their power? Why would the disciples do the same
and not immediately proclaim that Christ had risen, knowing that not
doing so would risk the movement running out of steam as had been the
case with other philosophic and religious leaders at the time? Instead,
they waited months before doing so, perhaps because they were asking
the same question that Morrison was asking. And if the resurrection
were false, how could such a large following have developed on its
heels? If you're a Christian, you will enjoy the pure and simple reason that Morrison applies to the trial, conviction, execution and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you're searching for spiritual answers, Morrison may very well have provided them.
Reviewed on behalf of [...]
AND EAT YOUR SPINACH, TOO!.......2006-06-12
While I am not a "Christian" according to the fullness of the contemporary definition of that word, I unhesitatingly acknowledge that Yeshua (Jesus) is my King and personal Savior, and I am well past ANY doubt that the Bible was Divinely inspired - though certainly not inerrant as "Born Again" Christians somehow insist. I don't exactly recall when or why I came into possession of 'WHO MOVED THE STONE?' but finding it in my To-Be-Read Bookcase, and knowing it is considered one of the true classics in Christian apologetics written by a former skeptic, I read it with interest.
I appreciated the powerful reasoning ability that Frank Morison brought to the Scriptures and how he - much like I tend to do - dissected passages, examinig every word for nuance and hidden meaning. A couple of reviewers have complained that Morison uses only the Bible itself to prove the historicity of the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection of Christ. Though this is not wholly true (he occasionally references extrabiblical sources such as the Apocrypha and the Jewish historian, Josephus), I think that the thrust of his argument is that the New Testament "books" contain many internal proofs of their authenticity. I agree! Even so, one reviewer here wrote "Though this is an interesting study, this is not a book for newcomers." And I agree with him also (we'll come back to this point later).
My personal definition of a 3-Star book is: "Worthwhile though notably flawed." In what way is 'WHO MOVED THE STONE?' notably flawed? The book was originally published in 1930 and Morison's writing exhibits the more formal (read: "stiff") style of his times. It's nothing like trying to read Shakespeare, yet be prepared for words like "hitherto" and "hardihood", and phrases such as "wrought to the extremest pitch of anguish" and "ever memorable in human history." These are small prices to pay for the meaning that his careful analysis sometimes wrings from the Scriptures. Still, I feel that some of his conclusions are highly arguable - being based on tortured suppositions - and I even disagree with one or two basic assumptions (i.e., on page 37 Morison states that at The Last Supper, Judas knew that the spirit of Jesus was "already bending to the Cross." I am not the only person who believes that Judas recognized Jesus as the true Messiah but didn't recognize the Messiah's true mission. Judas meant to force Jesus into a position where He would have to assert Himself and violently defend his Kingship. Judas was caught by surprise when Jesus went to the Cross rather than fighting for the Crown, thus the "traitor's" remorse that drove him to suicide in Matthew 27.) But one doesn't need to agree with every point in a book for it to be well worth the reading.
I particularly enjoyed Morison noting that it would actually have been strange "if the band of mourners had not been predominantly women." It makes perfect sense these being "the mothers of His men and the woman whose life His influence had utterly transfigured" and that they were in possession of "the mighty and unchanging instincts of the human heart, especially the feminine heart." And chapter 12 which takes a good hard look at the motivating factors that drove Saul/Paul, "the man from Tarsus" from being "the outstanding figure on one side of the controversy" to becoming "the outstanding figure on the other" was very well conceived and executed. Morison even observes that Paul believed that Jesus would return in glory to the earth during Paul's own lifetime. This gets overlooked by so many Bible students. There's reason to suspect that John also misperceived the timing of the "Second Coming." Saint Peter it seems was the only apostle who clearly understood that the return of Jesus was two thousand years in the future (see 2nd Peter:3).
Overall, 'WHO MOVED THE STONE' is a valuable lesson in deductive reasoning, and reading it would help train anyone's mind in the way that he or she should undertake a serious study of Scripture. (I'm always surprised when supposedly earnest Bible students give me that blank stare when I mention that there are verses in the Bible that indicate Jesus had the ability to materialize and dematerialize at will PRIOR to the Crucifixion and Resurrection! Aren't they THINKING about what they're reading?)
If that "Still, Small Voice" inside is telling you to acquire this book and read it now, I am the last person who would attempt to dissuade you from doing so. But I will also point out that if you are new to Scripture study and simply looking for something to get you started and to give you confidence in the reliability of the Bible, there are probably better points of entry. If you want something brief but potent, I would first recommend the booklet, 'MORE THAN A CARPENTER' by Josh McDowell. If you want something more extensive, then go with 'LEARN THE BIBLE IN 24 HOURS' by Chuck Missler. But either way, I would suggest that you EVENTUALLY make time to examine what Frank Morison has to say here, and make double certain that someday you also investigate the book, 'MERE CHRISTIANITY' by the brilliant C.S. Lewis.
As Pope Yoey O'Dogherty VII wrote in his second papal bull, "Dovete leggere tutto il libro del Morison franco e mangiare tutti i vostri spinaci; sono buoni per voi." I've been told that this translates to, "You must read all of Frank Morison's book and eat all of your spinach; they're good for you."
The stone was rolled away by Angels?.......2006-03-08
I find the title very interesting. I must confess that I have not yet read the book, but can give those who may still be asking the question some food for thought, or possible insight that affirms what the gospels speak of. The title sparked my interest as to what others may say, and as I write I am sure there will be many who disagree with me, which is expected.
In my past, I have counseled with quite a few who have had serious problems spiritually, emotionally, mentally, etc. which medicine and other forms could not help.
The Bible clearly states that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against Satan and his forces. One incident some fifteen years ago happened as a few friends and myself where counseling, and praying for an ex-Satanist who had spirits speaking out of her as they manifested. This, when concerning the source may or may not be 100% accurate, but is still food for thought.
As we were praying for God to cast a manifesting evil spirit out (some evil spirits actually cried out to Lucifer to help them) A gentleman who was also there with us was reading some scripture's out loud in the background concerning the resurrection of Christ. All of a sudden the manifesting evil spirit spoke up with anger and said "We know! we were there, we tried to stop them from rolling away the stone." Then we said angels, and it said with disgust "Yes!" (this was said without any prompting by anyone, but the creature itself!) We all looked at each other in disbelief, for this vile thing may well have witnessed the greatest event in history, for when we consider how Satan must have reacted when he realized what he had done and the scenario he had set up, It is likely that Satan and all his demons was there to battle against God and his angels in stopping the stone from rolling away and opening the tomb. If the stone could have been stopped, then Satan would have had a great victory, as Jesus would have not arose after stating earlier that he would. But he did, just as was foretold hundreds of years earlier! He lives! As I mentioned, food for thought :)
Interesting Study, But Not For Newcomers........2006-01-30
I've never been much of a religious person,and have just in the last two years started "searching". The birth of my daughter really made me think about life and the world around me. After some discussions a co-worker asked me to read this book.
Though this is an interesting study, this is not a book for newcomers. Being one myself, this is not a book that I would have chosen to start with. It is very interesting, and has many things for a person to consider and look into. However, it is quite overwhelming and analytical for a beginnger.
There is really no introduction, other than the forward. Morison, just jumps right in with his analysis, with no thought of set up or background. Now, I'm not faulting him for this, because this may well have been his intention. However, it made this book very difficult to jump into. It is assumed that the reader is knowledgable of this time period. There is neither a glossary or appendix for reference. However, it may also be assumed that the Bible itself would be reference enough.
Morison's points are well thought out and he uses knowledge of Roman and Jewish society to lead to his conclusion. He connects what would seem unlike events to make a cohesive timeline of Christ's final days before crucifiction. So, even for a beginner he provides lots of information for study and reflection.
This book was written in the 1930's and you can tell, as the writting style is a bit dated. I'm sure that a more modern version of this would be easier to read (much like the Bible). The copy that was lent to me was from 2002, so I don't know if there have been any updates that may address some of these issues.
I will have to come back and reread this book once I've come futher on my journey. Now I have some things that I can study more in depth. But again, I would not recommend the book for anyone just begining to find their way.
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Who Moved the Stone?
Manufacturer: InterVarsity Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0877847029 |
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