Mr. White's Confession: A Novel

Average customer rating:

Interesting book in more then one way

I too was deceived by Edgar Allen Poe Awards

Excellent

An unnerving novel

A Mystery about the Mystery and Beauty of Life

Mr. White's Confession: A Novel
Robert Clark
Manufacturer: Picador
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Police Procedurals | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0312204264

Amazon.com

In Robert Clark's second novel, Mr. White's Confession, two men grope through real and metaphysical mysteries in post-depression Minnesota. A pair of girls, taxi dancers at a local dance hall, have been murdered. It seems obvious to everyone involved that the killer is Herbert White, a quiet eccentric with a taste for glamour photography--particularly after portraits of the dead women are found in his apartment. Yet police Lieutenant Wesley Horner finds himself obsessed with the oddities of the case, starting with the fact that the suspect is afflicted with a faulty memory. Literally unable to recall anything but the distant past (and intermittent patches of the present), White cannot confess to the murders. Did he in fact commit the crime, or is he merely a convenient scapegoat? Agonizing over these questions, Horner also begins to ponder the role that memory plays in understanding the past--and the present.

Part of the narrative consists of Herbert White's journal, and this is the best part of Mr. White's Confession. Here Clark creates a voice that is both innocent and formal and, most of all, blind to its own desires. Recalling a visit by Ruby Fahey, one of the eventual victims, the photographer writes: "She went back to my bedroom to change, and I must say I felt a huge sort of breathlessness at the idea that she was in my room shedding and then donning her garments, rather as if some mystery of great enormity were taking place right here in my humble quarters!" Horner's half of the narrative, alas, is weighted down by tired lyricism, and populated by a hard-boiled cast straight out of Raymond Chandler. The result is a gripping mystery with an anticlimactic ending--less a philosophical resolution than the tail of a shaggy-dog story. --Emily Hall

Book Description

St. Paul, Minnesota, 1939. The body of a beautiful dime-a-dance girl is found on a hillside, and Police Lieutenant Wesley Horner, struggling and alone after his wife's recent death, heads the investigation into her murder. His chief suspect is Herbert White, an eccentric recluse and hobby photographer who spends his days recording his life in detailed journal entries and scrapbooks. In Mr. White's Confession, Robert Clark illuminates the complex relationships between truth and fiction, past and present, faith and memory.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting book in more then one way.......2007-06-12

When I picked up this book I did not know what to expect, perhaps a mystery book, well I did not get a real mystery but nevertheless I got a good book, so as already mentioned elsewhere, if you are mystery freak this is not for you, if you are a neutral person this is definitely good read. What I also found interesting in this book, is the picture of how in the last 60 or so years the "correctness" - referring to the treatment of minorities etc. by police - have changed, that is if the author is to be trusted with the description of the real life back in the late 30s.

I too was deceived by Edgar Allen Poe Awards.......2005-05-13

I have read several Edgar Allen Poe Award books and the authors, without fail, have captivated me with their imaginative and mesmerizing storytelling talent. Robert Clark's `Mr White's Confession' remains a noteworthy exception. Although the book claims to be a period piece of the 30's, its only historical revelation is its repetitive use of bigotry. On this point, I must say the author's range is quite impressive -he has something to say on everything from mental retardation to being Jewish and Black. On the whole, Clark's writing is tedious, dry, and at times borders on simple-minded. Additionally, his characters are overtly clichéd-cookie-cut-outs of something possibly mistaken (in the best possible light) for a Dick Tracey cartoon. Forgive me, for muddying the work of author Chester Gould! By p.82 of the 341 page book, I understood the entire plot, and humoured myself (and the author) by doggedly weathering it to the end. I do not pretend to understand the selection criteria for the esteemable Edgar Allen Poe Award. However, in their defense, all I can say is that being human, even Mystery Writers of America are prone to make mistakes.
`Mr. White's Confession: A Novel' is one such mistake.

Excellent.......2004-05-17

A truly different type of mystery in which the characters are richly drawn and unforgettable. Mr. White "seems" to be a rather pitiful fellow, but all is not what it seems to be. In this novel, the good guys can turn out bad and vice versa. Told from each character's perspective, the story weaves not so much a mystery thriller, but rather an insight on personal pains, demons, and redemption.

An unnerving novel.......2004-03-17

Herbert White lives a strange life in Saint Paul in 1939. He's a very lonely man, has no friends, is profoundly attached to his daily routines and is an amateur photographer. He particularly likes taking pictures of taxi dancers working at the Aragon Ballroom where Herbert occasionally goes. And so he met Charlie Mortensen - also called Carla Marie LaBreque - and Ruby Fahey. Due to Herbert's eccentric way of life as a recluse, he doesn't feel very comfortable in the presence of women. All the photography sessions taking place at his apartment, Herbert's behaviour is always uneasy whenever a woman comes for posing. When Charlie Mortensen is found dead by strangulation on 30 Sptember 1939 and Ruby Fahey (killed in the same manner) on 22 October, the police suspect Herbert White and arrest him. Slowly White will be drawn into signing a confession stating that he killed the two women. But Lieutenant Wesley Horner becomes suspicious: why did Hebert White state in his confession that he killed the women "by battery to the head" when both of them died from strangulation?
Truth vs. fiction, past vs. present, love vs. hatred, faith and memory are the themes illuminated masterfully by Robert Clark. This is not a mystery story in the classic sense but rather a complex, intriguing and fascinating journey into the human psyche. A beautiful book.

A Mystery about the Mystery and Beauty of Life.......2003-12-02

What a marvelous novel: a searching exploration of memory, love, beauty, good/evil, and the hideously mistreated victim, who endures life and takes himself to a higher spiritual plateau. This novel is soaked in mystery, albeit most of it not of the superficial kind that litters most mysteries by, for example, Sandford, Grafton, Patterson, E. George. Readers enjoy a speed read through the kinds of novels written by most mystery authors. I have no quarrel with them. But I would argue vehemently that one Mr. White's Confession is worth more than all the "speed read" novels put together. I am of course making a value judgment, a rather absolute one, but the depth and beauty of this novel demands praise and the most heartfelt entreaty that if you are reading this commentary that you read this novel--your life will be enriched. This novel almost broke my heart at several points. But what it really did is stir into my consciousness the memories of love and beauty in my own life; it made me take stock of where I have been and how important it is that my future create memories that are full of love and beauty. Read this book and be the wiser for having read it.

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Arena is a book you can keep coming back to

One of my top five favorite books!

Still a Favorite..A decade later

Lots of Action - No Substance Underneath

A step above today's fantasy
Magic the Gathering: Arena Vol. 1
William R. Forstchen
Manufacturer: HarperEntertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Forstchen, William | ( F ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0061054240

Customer Reviews:

Arena is a book you can keep coming back to.......2007-02-25

Ah yes, Magic the Gathering. The child of Richard Garfield, run through dark magic and incest by the terrifying and evil Wizards of the Coast. I still play Magic, but it will never be like the old days, before Wizards of the Coast became huge. This book was written during the old days, and I reread it every couple years to remind myself of how cool the CCG world was back then.

Arena tells us a story of Garth One-Eye, a mysterious fighter who can control the flow of mana, as he plays a game of cat and mouse (where he's the mouse) in a city ready to tear him apart. Anyone who has seen a Clint Eastwood film will get numerous rushes of recognition. The basic plot of the book follows A Fistful of Dollars, with Garth playing the ruling houses of the city against each other.

So it's a rehash of a familiar plot. Does that make it bad? No. For one thing, it's a familiar plot, but we have to admit it was an entertaining plot as well. And there are twists and turns in this story that go off on their own (albiet Magic the Gathering inspired) direction. But don't be surprised if you start imagining Garth with that Clint sharpness in his voice.

Why read this book? First of all, if you're a fan of the old Magic the Gathering editions, you have to read it, just so you can say you have. Second of all, even if you're not a fan of magic, while it will lose about 10% of its goodness, it's still a great read, easy to pick up and hard to put down.

Any complaints? Only a couple. One, the sequels (by a different author) follow completely different characters and while a couple from Arena appear in later books, the cameos don't quite do them justice. Another downside is that one of the characters, Kirlen, was a potential gold mine of development and plot that only barely gets used.

But I reccomend Arena, especially if it's as cheap as I think it is these days. Pick it up before your next airplane flight or bus ride. It will keep you thouroughly entertained. And it may even make you want to play Magic again.

One of my top five favorite books!.......2007-02-24

Although the book is obviously part of the MTG series and world. It really is by far a great stand alone sci-fi fantasy book. This book single handedly intrigued me enough to go out and buy MTG cards and additional MTG books in the series. The card game is ok to play and the rest of the MTG books are not worth the money. However this book is an incredible read, it is no Thomas Paine or Thoreau, obviously, but it is a very entertaining little book. I highly recommend it if you enjoy sci-fi books.

Still a Favorite..A decade later.......2006-06-19

I read this book when it first came out. And still to this day I remember it being a great read and I just recently purchased it again and re-lived the experience. This is one of my 10 ten favorite books.

Lots of Action - No Substance Underneath.......2006-04-29

It's an unfortunate curse that all popular franchises have. You know what I'm talking about - that horrid thing known as over marketing. You start with one thing that that's pretty cool on its own, like a trading card game, or a video game, or even a book. Then someone realizes that there is so much more money to be made by the unsuspecting masses, who are oblivious to the fact that they are about to be bombarded with some of the most ridiculous drivel ever conceived of by mankind. Before you know it, what was once just a really great game, is now an abominable never ending landslide of action figures, T.V. shows, DVD series, full movie theatrical releases, clothing lines, coffee mug sets, and backpacks! Who could possibly live without those awesome new Pokemon sandals? The price for them is unbelievably low - it just costs the tattered remains of your dignity!

The curse has spread to Magic: The Gathering in the form of the novel "Arena". Now we've got an unending series of books that follows all the new releases of the different card sets (which will continue until people realize "Hey, I've spent the majority of the money I've ever made on more and more new cards trying to make a non-existant perfect deck. I need to accept that I have an addiction and quit"). What we've got here is a book that should be absolutely freaking awesome - I mean come on, the entire universe of Magic is already pre-made for the author, William Forstchen. He doesn't have to make ANYTHING up himself. Mr. Forstchen could have given us an amazing plot-driven book with tons of character progression, believable dialogue, and an incredible story. With the entire historical background, geographical areas, major characters, and system of magic already done for him, there should have been plenty of time allocated to giving the readers the most amazing book ever made. Obviously, that didn't happen.

Judging this book solely as a part of the Magic: The Gathering universe, it's pretty good. Lots of out of control combat, gratuitous sex for no apparent reason (and completely contradicting a character's previous statements about his views on sexual intimacy), and an "under-dog" figure who is able to take down the current not-so-nice all powerful deity figure. It's a pre-pubescent boy's dream come true. Judging "Arena" as a stand alone novel, against all the other fantasy novels out there, it certainly ranks among the most trite, self-serving, completely pointless books of the last century. Why give it even 2 stars then? Because, unfortunately, book series based on games are judged by a different standard. Their merit as a novel has to be balanced with how well they stay true to the themes and tone of the game (which this does decently), while keeping in mind that because they exist solely to make company X more money, there will be all kinds of unnecessary stuff packed in to please all the fanboys. If only we treated game based novels as they should be - by holding them up to a HIGHER standard than most fantasy novels (for the above mentioned reason - all the work is already done for the author), but experience has taught that, against all logic, game based novels tend to be substandard in comparison. The use of vivid, or even adequate, description in "Arena" is passed over in favor of popular buzz words in order to keep the action moving at a fast enough pace. For example, when describing a battle between two wizards, the author actually wrote the sentence "He summoned some Llanowar elves". Now keep in mind there is no material either before or after that describes what Llanowar elves are - what they look like (anyone whose played the card game will have seen them, but this leaves all other readers completely out of the loop), what they do, or why they were chosen over any other creature. The most important aspect, the actual details of the summoning, is left out as well. We aren't given any description at all of how the magician accomplishes this feat, which is honestly just sloppy writing.

"Arena" isn't 100% bad writing though. There are some genuinely interesting characters and situations present, although they aren't used very effectively. The character line up starts off with a one-eyed magician/fighter type who is known as a Hannin, because he doesn't belong to any of the guild houses. Curiously, several previous reviewers of this book commented on what an amazing mystery it was to figure out who Garth really is. Obviously they didn't read the blurb on the back of the novel, as it blatantly gives away the "secret", or any of the hints placed throughout the book that were about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the stomach. Next, there is a woman belonging to the intriguing Benalish caste system, which isn't given nearly enough detail as it should have. The obligatory fiery read head type who is too strong willed for her own good makes an appearance here, as well as the old man who isn't really what he seems. The main characters aside, the most fun part of this novel is reading about the four guild leaders and their various vices (although they were done WAY over the top, and again, no attempt at subtlety is made here). The character with the most potential is Kirlen, the leader of the guild called Bolk. Having lived for an incredible length of time by using rejuvenation spells and potions, her body has withered away to the point that she could almost be labeled an undead creature. Kirlen was once the lover of the "big baddy" in the story, and he betrayed her to attain the power to become a Planeswalker - a being who can travel to different dimensions and has near godlike powers. While this could have been the most interesting story arc, it was unfortunately relegated to an un-important backstory, just some filler to tack on the pages.

If you are a hardcore fan of Magic: The Gathering you will probably drink this thing up like it's the elixir of life and then rant about how it's the "best novel ever". Anyone looking for a good fantasy novel with any real substance should probably steer clear, though.

A step above today's fantasy.......2005-06-05

The main question on your mind right now has got to be "But isn't this just using a name to sell books?"

And I can tell you no. They could have easily just slapped together some drivel, put the Magic logo on it with the card offer, and it would have sold probably just as well. While you may appreciate its connections to the card game, it's not necessary to enjoy the book. The author adds much to a, at the time, thin background to realize a whole city and a system of magic.

The story does seem to come down to the childish, but not too often, and not enough to distract me from the rest of the book. The best part is learning about the different schools of magic and the people that head them!

The worst of these, let's call them childish asides, is that they put in some PG-13 stuff in that takes up all of a page. During the rest of the book the only reference to it is the phrase "It meant nothing", which comes out more than once. Which is true of the story as well, it meant nothing. It's just added as an afterthought I'm sure, to tantalize the younger reader. As I said however, the main story grabbed me unrelentlessly in such a manner that I could overlook such things.

This is a stand-alone book and, as I understand, does not have any direct connection to the rest of the series (new or old).

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A Springboard for being the Hero in your Life's Endeavors

A practical guide to the hero's journey

A map for transformation....

Handbook for creative living

The Path of the Everyday Hero: Drawing on the Power of Myth to Meet Life's Most Important Challenges
Lorna Catford , and Michael Ray
Manufacturer: Creative Quest Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0976220202

Book Description

THE PATH OF THE EVERYDAY HERO Drawing on the Power of Myth To Meet Life's Most Important Challenges Lorna Catford, Ph.D. Michael Ray, Ph.D. ".profound and possibly earth shattering..The supply of heroes will never be equal to the demand, and the demand seems particularly acute at the moment. You are important. Come join the journey. You are wanted and needed far more than you can even imagine." From the Foreword by M. Scott Peck, M.D. Author: The Road Less Traveled "This book is like having a compassionate friend who is totally devoted to helping you become who and what you really can be. A marvelous mix of transformational strategies and healing myths, it serves as a gentle but powerful guide to living the larger story." Jean Houston, Ph.D. Director, The Foundation for Mind Research Author: Passion for the Possible and The Hero and the Goddess "A program for enhancing creativity that is at once practical and inspirational." Stanley Krippner Professor of Psychology, Saybrook Institute Co-author: The Mythic Path Every day, life is challenging. Discovering what you truly want, how to go after it, how to form deep relationships-these are on-going questions that, in happy or in sad times, may call to you, trip you up or even completely block your path to success. But instead of being frustrated by such challenges, you can learn to see them as the very heart of life and meet them with zest. In this unique book packed with guidance, wisdom and empowering activities, the authors present a new way to accomplish all your important tasks: to become an everyday hero, someone who, like the great figures of ancient myths, learns through life's varied adventures to think creatively, choose wisely, and trust your inner resources. Become an everyday hero and make lives around you, and the world, better for your presence. The Path of the Everyday Hero taps into what Joseph Campbell, Robert Bly, Sam Keen, Jean Houston, and others have identified as the instructive power of myth. Here, the authors connect five classic stories to five of life's most important challenges. By reading and contemplating these stories, you can glean fresh insights for your own journey. In Perceval and the Holy Grail, you will learn how to live to fulfill your true purpose. In Beauty and the Beast, you will see how to create relationships that work for you and all. In The Peasant Who Married a Goddess, you will discover how to use your inner resources to turn the pressures and stresses of life into breakthroughs. In Theseus and the Minotaur, you will find a way to turn the competing demands of your personal and professional lives into a beneficial synergy. In Cinderella, you will explore values beyond material wealth to enrich your life. In the final chapter you will create your own personal myth as a metaphorical blueprint for transforming your life. Each chapter provides a variety of approaches to awaken your creative spirit and bring your life into alignment with your highest vision. When you translate each of your challenges into a story of the Hero's Journey, you experience a new awareness about the meaning of the challenge and your ability to resolve it. Wherever you may be in life right now and whatever challenges lie in front of you, The Path of the Everyday Hero will help you see your journey in a heroic perspective, and live every day with greater joy, strength, and fulfillment. Note: The Path of the Everyday Hero is a valuable handbook of ideas and activities for educators, counselors, consultants and anyone facilitating people's transformation beyond their challenges and into being more successful than they dreamed they could possibly be.

Customer Reviews:

A Springboard for being the Hero in your Life's Endeavors.......2007-07-26

Through this book, Catford and Ray offer an outstanding avenue for anyone that wants to thrive in their own heroic journey on a day-to-day basis. The book's content hovers above that which is the usual tools of neurolinguistic programming and takes you further, in a most enticing manner, through a journey to bring discovery and fulfillment into your life. Fortunate enough, this book is not about "solving" life's problems. Instead, it is about exerting your own inner power to create a great life. Actually more than a greate life - a legendary one for yourself.

A practical guide to the hero's journey .......2007-04-07

I like this little book as it's a practical guide to the hero's journey written about by Joseph Campbell and others. The book is part story and part application, through exercises, reflections and tasks. It's designed so that you can understand the hero's journey as described by Campbell and also to give you resources, tools and insights no matter where you are on that journey. The book covers a range of important areas for living a whole and fulfilling life and aims to deepen your insight, perspective and ability to handle these situations and challenges. It includes a tool to see where you're at on the journey, finding your purpose, living according to your values, creative living, stress free living, living in personal and professional balance and a valuable section on prosperity and money. Also included is a really useful chapter on bringing love into your life and seeing with the 'eyes of love' rather than our habitual eyes of judgment.

What I like about the book is that the exercises are useful and powerful. Doing them will definitely enhance your awareness of your strengths, tools and ability to handle your challenges. The use of the hero's journey story is also valuable as it gives you a reference point as to where you are at and the challenges faced by all heros... which is all of us!

This book has enough excercises in it that most people are likely to find many of great value that they can apply into their lives. It's not the whole puzzle, just a useful resource for those wanting to become more conscious. I highly recommend this book, particularly if you're interested in the hero's journey, Jung or mythology.

A map for transformation...........2005-07-15

This book describes a path I've taken on at least two occasions and it really helps to see I'm not the first one to take it...seeing the stages of transformation, from innocent high-ground to the depths of the pit and back up to the breakthrough and celebration helps, especially when one is at the bottom of the pit...a great companion for the seeker of new ground and new being.

Handbook for creative living.......2004-05-11

This book is a fabulous guide to more creative living in business and in everyday life. Way before Julia Cameron and The Artist's Way came on the scene, Michael and Lorna's book broke new ground. Much more than a book on living creatively, it's a book on how to tap into your highest self, step into your own greatness, and realize that your struggles and challenges fall into an age-old pattern that once you understand and internalize, can be overcome with strength and confidence.

This would also make a fine book for anyone interested in the power of myth, or Joseph Campbell's work.

Just a fine, fine book. Sprinkled with quotes and bits of wisdom as well as hands-on activities, this is a rich and rewarding personal development book. Too bad it's currently out of print. I think Lorna and Michael are pursuing reprint options, but there are plenty of well-loved copies available, so grab one NOW!

Average customer rating:

Humans, Neanderthals, and Dinosaurs on a distant world

A Fascinating, Good Read.

Path for the Hero
Dave Wolverton
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Wolverton, Dave | ( W ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0553561294
Release Date: 1993-03-01

Customer Reviews:

Humans, Neanderthals, and Dinosaurs on a distant world.......2005-10-16

Future scientists from earth used DNA from fossils on a distant world so humans, neanderthals, dinosaurs, and other creatures from earth's past live together. Humans have enslaved neanderthals and it's up to the half human, half neanderthal hero to free them. The world Wolverton creates is interesting, but I could have done without some parts with extended bouts of shamanistic mysticism thrown in.
Serpent Catch is set in the same world and precedes this book.

A Fascinating, Good Read........1998-05-21

A good slice of home (Earth), past and present, on an alien world. Some elements reminisent of Jurassic Park, but don't let that fool you. Especially with the Neanderthals and other pre-modern people. Here, they are not depicted as a bunch of grunting, primitive "cave men," but as an intelligent people whose emotions and sense of spirituality are more devoloped than our own.

Robert the Bruce; The Path of the Hero King.

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Robert the Bruce; The Path of the Hero King.
Nigel G. Tranter
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0312685653

Average customer rating:

Robert the Bruce: Path of the Hero King

Manufacturer: Hodder and Stoughton Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000G9PMVM

Average customer rating:

Tranter is indeed the master storyteller!
Historical fictions as it should be ...
Excellent
Excellent Read
Quality

Path of the Hero King
Nigel Tranter
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0345236580
Release Date: 1973-11-12

Customer Reviews:

Tranter is indeed the master storyteller!.......2007-08-27

The Bruce Trilogy is actually a set of three separate novels written by Tranter about Robert the Bruce of Scotland, and I think enough previous reviewers have stated the basic outline of the novels that I don't need to restate it again. This was a fascinating story of an honorable, courageous man and an incredible military tactician, and his battle for freedom and peace for Scotland from the English, and most especially Edward I and II. The author did a marvelous job bringing not only Robert to life, but the secondary characters as well. I did find the third book, The Price of the King's Peace to be a bit slower than the first two, but in the end culminating into a spectacular finish as Scotland and Robert find peace at last.

Well worth taking the time to read this for anyone interested in this period in history, I found it both fascinating and educational at the same time, and isn't that what historical fiction is for after all? And I loved the epilogue with James Douglas as he made his final battle cry, "Lead on Brave Heart". Although I am probably the only person on the face of the planet who hasn't seen the movie. Highly recommended.

Historical fictions as it should be ..........2007-07-13

Containing three books originally published under separate titles, this trilogy tells the story of Robert the Bruce, who became King Robert I of Scotland. It begins with THE STEPS TO THE EMPTY THRONE, which portrays an impetuous strong-willed young man who agrees to co-govern the country with his personal enemy in an attempt to win its independence from England. The effort soon fails and Bruce steps down, but then he makes a separate move to unite Scotland under his sole leadership. Amongst much internal fighting, he makes great strides.

The second book, THE PATH OF THE HERO KING, reveals a passionate, courageous leader who has learned to win over some of those who would oppose him through a mix of diplomacy and cunning. The winning doesn't come easily, though. Bruce is excommunicated as well as harassed by Edward I's efforts to keep Scotland under England's control. This story culminates in the Battle of Bannockburn, which was an amazing win for the Scots.

THE PRICE OF THE KING'S PEACE, the third book, tells of the years of struggle to obtain a peace treaty from England after Bannockburn. During this time, Bruce's brother takes Scotland's fight into Ireland in a blatant ploy for power. Bruce's dealings in this treachery reveal a savvy leader, whose goals ever are to strengthen Scotland's independence. The story ends with his death.

All told, the trilogy covers about 1296 to 1328. Tranter is at his best when describing the history while the interaction between characters is sometimes stilted. Nonetheless, lovers of historical fiction will enjoy the action and adventure as well as a story that sticks close to the facts. I enjoyed books 2 and 3 the most.

Excellent.......2007-07-11

This book is an in-depth, detailed dramatization of the life of Robert the Bruce. No stone is left unturned. You will need to be REALLY interested in the subject, because the book is long. However, it is well-written. Robert strikes you as a real man of flesh and blood; not just a name from history books. His wife, Elizabeth de Burgh, is a feisty match for him and their love story adds spice to the tale.

Excellent Read.......2007-03-02

I, being of Scottish descent, found this book to be especially informative and compelling. Tranter gives such life to all the characters and such detail regarding the progression of conflict between the Scots and the English that the book is a real treasure. Just as many North American tribes learned they had to unite so the different tribal organizations within Scotland itself had to learn to co-operate with each other to have any chance at defeat King Edward's armies. One understands what is at stake for Scotland...it's people and culture destroyed by the English for England's own gain or win the right through suffering and bloodshed to live as Scots in a country of their own design. I devoured this book.

Quality.......2006-04-21

A quality read without question. I was with The Bruce. I struggled right along with him.. My my, I cried at the end, and at some parts in between.. Mr. Tranter was a talented man who knew his country and its history well. Whoever said that Tranter cannot write like Penman, I say, read it again. To love your country, to give up everything and everyone for the good of it.. Wow, Im off to read Wallace, for he is in this novel as well, and just makes it enough that I am happy that he has his own tale to tell.

Average customer rating:

Path Of The Hero
Dave Wolverton
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S9GYRQ

Average customer rating:

The Path of the Hero King
Nigel Tranter
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVVZ86

Average customer rating:

THE PATH OF THE HERO KING.
Nigel Tranter.
Manufacturer: London: Coronet Books 1972.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WH5WZO

Path Without Destination: The Long Walk of a Gentle Hero

Average customer rating:

Path Without Destination - Pilgrimage Without End
"A walking way of life."

Path Without Destination: The Long Walk of a Gentle Hero
Satish Kumar
Manufacturer: Quill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

New Age | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0688164048
Release Date: 2000-04-04

Book Description

Written with elegance, Path Without Destinationis the exhilarating account of Satish Kumar's extraordinary life. At nine, Satish renounced the world, left his home in rural India, and joined a wandering brotherhood of beggar monks until an inner voice guided hin to Gandhi's vision of a peaceful world. His inspiring journy led him to settle in England, where he became one of the leaders with E. F. Schumacher of the "small is beautiful" movement and the guiding spirit behind a number of ecological, spiritual, and educational ventures.

Customer Reviews:

Path Without Destination - Pilgrimage Without End.......2000-12-27

The very first paragraph will captivate most readers. There is a lot of life and a little magic in the author's introduction to his autobiography. I had never heard of Satish Kumar, and most people probably never will.But the very idea that a man would walk virtually around the world carrying a message of peace, says a lot about the potentiality of mankind. In my own view, a pilgrim was someone on a spiritual odyssy who brought peace as a consequence of their actions. Kumar seems to have accomplished this in a reverse manner. This is, to me, evidenced by his motives and in his writing. His story is well paced and and an enjoyable read. It is educational and informative - in a delightful way, where other books omit translations and accurate portrayals of custom, they are not lacking here. His honesty about himself requires the reader to at least attempt witholding judgement 'till the final page is turned. I found myself traped, particularly early in the book, in preconcieved notions about the mans emotional lacking. I even found the book to be rather emotionally flat, during the first half, but it did not dampen my desire to see it through. In retrospect, it seems that Kumar treated the aspect of the books emotional content as a reflection of his life's emotional content at the time. As the book comes to closer to it's conclusion, the author finds his heart. The finale chapters will leave you in awe, whether you agree with the author or not, you will know that he found his heart.

"A walking way of life.".......2000-04-25

I discovered Satish Kumar when I read his interview in "The Sun" magazine. His discussion there prompted me to buy this book. I'm glad I did.

Kumar writes, "sacred stories heal wounded souls" (p. 173). In this autobiographical collection of "sacred stories," Kumar describes his own way through life as "a journey without destination . . .it was as much an inner journey as an outward one . . .it was a journey into detachment . . .I was a wanderer, wandering through life . . .living from day to day, from inspiration to inspiration" (p. 100). In Chapter 5 of his book, Kumar remembers his 1962 peace walk, without carrying money or eating meat, from Delhi to Moscow, Paris, London, and then to Washington, or in his words, from "Ghandi's grave to Kennedy's grave" (p. 103), and then back to Delhi in 1964, where "the moment of beginning and ending became one" (p. 103). Along the way, there are notable encounters with Khrushchev, Bertrand Russell, and Martin Luther King. Later, in Chapter 9, Kumar recalls his friendship with E. F. Schumacher ("Small is Beautiful"). It seems Kumar finds a "sacred story" everywhere, in milking his cows, Radha and Hazel ("for me," he writes, "milking was meditation"), to reflecting upon trees: "How much I can learn from a tree! The tree is my church, the tree is my temple, the tree is my mantra, the tree is my poem and my prayer" (p. 178). This book encourages the wanderer in each of us to search out our own "sacred stories."

G. Merritt

Robert the Bruce Trilogy: The Steps to the Empty Throne; The Path of the Hero King; The Price of the King's Peace (3 Books)

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Robert the Bruce Trilogy: The Steps to the Empty Throne; The Path of the Hero King; The Price of the King's Peace (3 Books)
Nigel Tranter
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000TZDW9M

Average customer rating:

bought as gift

Some good information, some problems

Indispensable

Be an Instant Catering Star!

This is THE book for party planning!

Secrets from a Caterer's Kitchen: The Indispensable Guide for Planning a Party
Nicole Aloni
Manufacturer: HP Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Culinary Arts & Techniques | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Quantity | Professional Cooking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Special Occasions | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

How to Start a Home-Based Catering Business, 5th (Home-Based Business Series)

Cooking for Company: All the Recipes You Need for Simple, Elegant Entertaining at Home

Cooking for a Crowd: Menus, Recipes and Strategies for Entertaining 10 to 50

The Complete Caterer

Perfect Party Food: All the Recipes and Tips You'll Ever Need for Stress-Free Entertaining from the Diva of Do-Ahead

ASIN: 1557883521
Release Date: 2001-02-06

Book Description

From the author of Secrets from a Caterer's Kitchen, the only 55 recipes you'll ever need to entertain with style and confidence.

Features:
€ 55 essential dishes with lots of variations for every occasion
€ 38 versatile menus-from casual meals to elegant repasts
€ The basics of how to roast, grill, or steam meat, fish, and vegetables
€ From napkins to utensils-what every home entertainer needs
€ Hints and tips from the professionals to make every gathering as much a pleasure for the host as it is for the guests
€ Crowd favorites and exotic cocktails
€ Expert wine selections

Customer Reviews:

bought as gift.......2007-10-04

sent to africa to a friend who was doing catering. was thanked over and again but am unsure of how useful it was.

Some good information, some problems.......2007-04-11

Overall a good resource, especially for the price.

Pros:
-- excellent lists and tips for making lists
-- good section on portions and quantities
-- interesting menu ideas
-- tips on how to find help and when to use hired help
-- good decoration ideas

Cons:
-- some of the recipes don't work
-- most recipes serve 8 people. If your party is for 50 it would be helpful to have recipes that serve more people or more specific information on how to scale the recipes (both those in her books and favorites from other sources).
-- could use more sketches/diagrams on table settings. The few she has are good. Possible layouts for rooms and buffets would be helpful as well
-- some information is obvious or redundant

Indispensable.......2006-07-12

I'm a private chef who occasionally caters specialty workshops. I appreciated all the information in this book.

Be an Instant Catering Star!.......2005-07-31

I enjoy cooking for 2 to over 20 people, and there can be so much to remember to have the entertaining/dining event turn out "just right".

Perhaps you have been to some terrific parties, many "ok" ones, and rarely to some you would uh, rather forget as well... so following this book's advice will better ensure that your event is among the memorable fun events!

This book has the commonsense keys to planning and carrying out all plans for the event, from scheduling the event, writing out clear and occasionally fun invitations, budgeting dollarwise for a simple picnic lunch or 7 course dinner's expense ($6 or $60 per person), budgeting for the right quantity of each food, whether it's lobster tails at a buffet, or ounces of turkey for a sit-down meal... it's all in here!

Learn correct place settings, kitchen equipment to bring along, bar setups and liquor amounts, rental of extra chairs and tables, where to put the buffet for best effect, ah, it goes on and on!

Did you remember to order flowers, when appropriate? Hire a bartender and or a DJ for larger gatherings, so you can mingle with your guests? Freeze and make flavored ice cubes, instead of diluting drinks with melted water from regular ice? Think of fun ways to "theme" decorate your event?"

Timelines are included so everything is prepared and placed in order, and making having your list to follow ensures that nothing is forgotten until the end, because it was "hidden in the refrigerator", or "left in the shopping bag".

Don't want to be embarassed halfway through the event by "Why didn't we think of that?" Well, get this book, and profit from Nicole Aloni's many years of great parties, and learn from her rare bloopers.

And, it has an ample number of over 150 "tried and true" recipes, as a bonus.

This is THE book for party planning!.......2004-02-14

I am planning on catering my own wedding with the help of a acquintance who does catering on the side. I have been looking for books that could help me plan a meal for 200 people, but without cheesy boring recipes. The reason I'm doing the cooking is we wanted some original and tasty menu items without breaking the bank. I also needed some practical information on how to pull off cooking for a large crowd without going crazy. This book is it, and it's the only catering book I found that fit the bill. Every other book I found had recipes like chicken kiev and casseroles. Snore! Even if you're having 10 people to your home, you can't go wrong with the tips and techniques mentioned in this book. It gives ingredient quantities as well as fabulous recipes and tips. There are even decorating and presentation techniques as well along with ratios for stocking the bar. The writing is crisp and intelligent without being stuffy and dull. All in all, a great book. A must buy for anyone planning a dinner party to hosting a large reception.

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