Average customer rating:
|
The Secundus Papyrus (Toby Crime)
Albert Noyer Manufacturer: Toby Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1592640346 |
Book Description
The "Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ": Forged or Found?November, A.D. 439, at Ravenna, Italy, capital of the Western Roman Empire. Surgeon Getorius Asterius and his wife Arcadia are called to examine the body of Behan, a monk seemingly drowned in a penitential rite gone awry. The couple discovers a prophecy text in Behan's hut, suggesting that a document of earth-shaking importance will soon be revealed. Shortly after, during an impromptu visit to the new mausoleum of Galla Placidia, mother of Emperor Valentinian III, a hidden niche violently reveals the "Last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ," purportedly dictated to Pontius Pilate's secretary while the procurator is outside addressing the crowd. The stunning terms of the will are an expression of Christ's supreme love and forgiveness, yet if implemented by the Bishop of Rome, His vicar, they now will bring apocalyptic chaos to the twin Roman Empires. Placidia supresses the papyrus while palace librarian Theokritos tests its authenticity.
After three witnesses are murdered, Getorius suggests to Placidia that Rabbi David ben Zadok, of the Judean community, evaluates the text and predict consequences if the document is made public. His response: empire-wide civil war, with Christians and Judeans pitted against each other.
In the interval of waiting for Theokritos's report, Getorius is arrested, falsely accused of dissecting the body of the monk, leaving Arcadia alone to deal with the papyrus.
Late in December, delayed by winter storms, Brenos, abbot of Behan's monastery, arrives from Gaul, ostensibly to bury his monk, but actually to reveal the will at the Nativity Vigil Mass. Frantic at finding that the papyrus has been prematurely discovered, Brenos meets with "Smyrna," his mysterious contact at Ravenna, in an effort to locate the will.
In the last late hours of December 24, it is still not certain that fanatical members of a religious order will not succeed in establishing a theocracy designed to supplant the dying Western Empire.
Customer Reviews:
Very Disappointed.......2007-03-05
Spellbinding historical fiction.......2005-08-11
Rather unimpressive.......2005-08-06
Entertaining and Educational.......2003-12-28
The novel begins showing Emperor Valentian III hunting with two Hunnic bodyguards at the outskirts of Ravenna. He was pursuing a boar he had just wounded, but the animal had escaped across a stream. The loss gave the emperor pause for a monologue about the three persons who were making his life difficult, his mother, his wife, and the commander of the West Roman army, all of whom the reader will meet as the story unfolds. While the emperor was still indulging in self-pity, his horse suddenly shied. In the icy waters of the stream bobbed the naked body of a man, striking a grotesque pose with his arms stretched out as if he were crucified. Valentian recognized the man from his tonsured head. "It's that Hibernian monk who comes to the palace library", he cried. With that begins a novel that is as suspenseful as any who-done-it and yet as fascinating as history can be.
There is a host of characters, but if anybody knows how to breathe life into them, it's the novelist. There are Getorius, a physician, and his beautiful wife Arcadia who have been charged with the investigation of the monk's death. The Empress Mother of Valentian invites them and several others to have a look at her newly finished mausoleum. While strolling through the cruciform building, one of them discovers a mysterious papyrus hidden in a wall-niche. As he tries to pull it out, he is struck and mortally wounded by the bolt from a small crossbow concealed in the niche.
Such are the circumstances surrounding the discovery of an ancient papyrus containing a message that could have disastrous consequences for the whole Roman Empire. Is the papyrus a forgery or is it authentic? Who put it there? Is this a conspiracy? Why did they guard it with the murderous crossbow? What are their intentions?
Now the plot thickens. One by one the persons who witnessed the discovery of the papyrus are dying under suspicious circumstances. Getorius and Arcadia wonder when it will be their turn. There are other ominous signs such as a cockerel that appears repeatedly at unexpected places, heightening the suspense.
But this is not an ordinary who-done-it. This is a skillfully designed novel narrated against a masterfully crafted historical background. There is the cast of colorful characters which in itself is no small accomplishment. Then there are the suspects, the intrigues, the false hopes, and the tracks that lead nowhere. It is an intricate web of actors and actions that can be confusing at times, but it is masterfully woven. The solution? You will be surprised.
Read it! When you have finished, you will have learned a lot, not only about history, but also about religion, medicine, food, customs, culture, and politics. Most important you will get a feel for the time.
Bruno and Renate Manz
Enjoyed second novel by Noyer.......2003-12-23
Average customer rating: |
The Secundus Papyrus
Albert Noyer Manufacturer: Toby Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000JZOW2I |
Average customer rating: |
The Secundus Papyrus
Albert Noyer Manufacturer: New Milford, CT, U.S.A.: Toby Press LLC, The ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000NZRD3O |
Average customer rating: |
Pliny on paper making: Being an extract from the Naturalis historia of C. Plinius Secundus
Pliny Manufacturer: Glade Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Unknown Binding ASIN: B0007C0ZI8 |
Average customer rating: |
Secundus Papyrus
Manufacturer: Tandem Library ProductGroup: Book Binding: Unknown Binding ASIN: 1417642564 |
Average customer rating:
|
Beldan's Fire: Book Three of the Oran Trilogy (The Oran Trilogy)
Midori Snyder Manufacturer: Puffin ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0142403482 |
Book Description
Two hundred years ago, the Fire Queen destroyed her rival queens of Earth, Air, and Water in the fateful Burning and took power over Oran. No child with a trace of the elemental magic was alloved to live. Years later, the country still trembles under her oppression. But now there are rumors of hope. Four young women escapedfour who have the powers of Earth, Fire, Water, and Airand are even now finding each other. At the same time, a ragtag army of artists and singers, orphans and vagrants, thieves and knifewielders is stealing into the city. Their sign is the bloodred, blade-thin New Moon . . .Customer Reviews:
Great ending to a fascinating series.......2006-07-15
Great Book.......2005-07-18
Unconvincing and Tedious.......2001-05-18
I have read and liked other books of Midori Snyder's (my favorite being The Inamorati). This series is unfortunately inferior. The historical background reads as if it was researched by attending a Renaissance and/or a Dickens Faire (street scenes and petty criminals in the main city of Beldan), watching a Middle Eastern dance troupe (the Ghazali), and reading a book about the problems with English (Silean) rule in Ireland (Oran). Grafted onto this is a New-Agey idea of the country of Oran (not the planet, just this country) being maintained by four queens with supernatural powers drawing on the four elements (earth, air, fire, water). Mixed in is some modern pop psychology about intergenerational conflicts, the fear of death, anorexia, and other current concerns.
Although represented as intelligent and resourceful, the characters don't act with ordinary common sense. Perpetually pursued and attacked, hungry and cold, whenever they come to a recently deserted village (which is often), they almost never bother to look for weapons, food, clothes, or other much-needed items. There are many other illogical actions. For example, the Ghazali substitute the words of their native tongue for the most common words of the Oran language (such as "yes") rather than more obscure or untranslatable ones.
This series is an unconvincing and tedious read.
Unique.......2000-08-26
The concept of the trilogy is that the world of Oran is held together and protected from Chaos by a "Queen's Quarter Knot", composed of four women, each with the power of one of the four elements. 200 years ago, the Fire Queen Zorah revolted, killed her three sisters, and is now ruling the country herself, using the magic of her element to keep herself young. But she can't do everything herself, so she has brought in a Regent and many of his followers from the neighboring country of Silea, and the native Orans are suffering under the arrogant rule of the Sileans. The New Moon is the name that the Oran rebels have given themselves, and their struggle both against Zorah and the Sileans is one focus of the story; the other is the formation of a new Queen's Quarter Knot as the four elements find each other and realize that Zorah is beginning to lose control and let Chaos claim the land.
The tough street slang of Jobber and the other city-bred characters makes the dialogue more interesting and fun to read. Snyder's Beldan is a well-detailed city with both a seamy underworld and corrupt nobility. The Oran countryside is no less well described. I wish that these three books (the first two are New Moon and Sadar's Keep) were not out of print, because I'd recommend them to any fantasy reader. They're worth searching used bookstores for.
Excellent.......2000-01-16
Average customer rating: |
Beldans Fire
Midori Snyder Manufacturer: ST MARTINS PRESS * ProductGroup: Book Binding: Mass Market Paperback ASIN: B000Q2Y9KE |
Average customer rating: |
THE QUEEN'S QUARTER - Book (1) One: New Moon; Book (2) Two: Sadar's Keep; Book (3) Three: Beldan's Fire
Midori Snyder Manufacturer: Ace Books; Tor Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000OQ3EVM |
Average customer rating: |
Beldan's Fire
Midori Snyder Manufacturer: Puffin ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000OJLY0C |
Average customer rating:
|
How You Can Survive When They're Depressed: Living and Coping with Depression Fallout
Anne Sheffield Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
Accessories: ASIN: 0609804154 Release Date: 1999-05-18 |
Amazon.com
"Depression fallout" is the emotional upheaval suffered by the friends and family members of someone who's depressed. Because at any given time, 17 million Americans are suffering from depression, there's a huge number of people suffering from this, says author Anne Sheffield, the daughter of a depressive. She compassionately recalls situations discussed in her support group at New York City's esteemed Beth Israel Hospital to illustrate how "co-sufferers" can successfully cope with their grief, confusion, guilt, and reduced self-esteem.One of the most overlooked yet thoroughly damaged lots of depression fallout victims, she says, are the toddlers and children of depressed mothers. Children with behavioral problems at home and in school may be struggling for attention they don't get from a depressed parent. She writes, "Although a depressed parent of either sex creates problems for a child, the bulk of the research on parental depression and its effects on young children has zeroed in on the mother, because she is the center of a young child's existence: the primary nurturer, teacher, and emotional and social contact. Ideally, a mother is a good listener, communicator, and problem solver; authoritative without being authoritarian; warm and consistent; and tolerant and patient. Mothers in the grip of depression are often just the opposite: harsh, critical, impatient, irritable, and unaffectionate. And because one in every four women will suffer serious depression at some time in her life--more often than not, right in the middle of her prime childbearing years of twenty-five to thirty-five--the research findings are applicable to a very substantial number of children."
Without being flippant, Sheffield inserts bits of humor into the book. She describes what she calls "sticky-flypaper depressives" as those who blame themselves for everything and anything that has ever gone wrong, whether it be a relationship, or, as one psychiatrist recalled from one patient's session, "the bad Broadway season of 1947." She also gives a thorough analysis of the many causes of depression, illustrates the five stages of depression fallout, and considers the benefits and downfalls of psychotherapy and how a fallout victim may be affected by it. Sheffield offers reassuring advice on how fallout victims can defuse stress and rebuild their self-esteem and social lives, abundant resources and references for support groups and informational organizations, and an extensive list of medications commonly used for the treatment of mental disorders. No matter what the age or relationship of the fallout victim, How You Can Survive When They're Depressed will prove to be a much-needed dose of sympathy.
Book Description
Each year more than 17 million Americans suffer from a depressive illness, yet few suffer in solitude. How You Can Survive When They're Depressed explores depression from the perspective of those who are closest to the sufferers of this prevalent disorder--spouses, parents, children, and lovers--and gives the successful coping strategies of many people who live with a clinical depressive or manic-depressive and often suffer in silence, believing their own problems have no claim to attention.Customer Reviews:
A fantastic book.......2007-05-07
how you can survive when theyre depressed........2007-01-18
Remarkably written.......2007-01-12
A valuable read.......2006-11-06
This book saved my marriage and changed my life!.......2005-05-27
Average customer rating:
|
Vegan Deli
Joanne Stepaniak Manufacturer: Book Publishing Company (TN) ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
Accessories: ASIN: 1570671095 |
Book Description
Acclaimed vegan cookbook author Jo Stepaniak presents a rich legacy of meat- and dairy-free deli dishes using healthful, wholesome ingredients that echo authentic New York delicatessen flavor. Enjoy fresh and marinated salads, tempting spreads, tangy pickles, hot noodle dishes and casseroles and soups of every ilk.Customer Reviews:
Vegan Deli: Jo Stepaniak Does It Again!.......2004-08-10
A must have cookbook!.......2004-01-28
Some of my favorites so far include the black bean hummus, which has such a rich and wonderful flavor to it, yet it is not loaded with fat. Also the white bean salmon spread is always a party favorite when I bring it to gatherings. The lemony lentil soup literally had my guests moaning with delight. It brings the perfect combination of flavors together-red lentils and lemons. At the same time, Joanne adds a new twist to the lovely mixture by adding mint and noodles to the recipe. It truly is unique and delectable. The luscious cashew sesame bean "cheese" is a delightful spread for bagels. It reminds me slightly of cream cheese, but I find it much tastier than the cream cheese I remember from childhood. I love the tang of the lemon and the rich taste of the cashew butter mixed together with the bitterness of tahini. If I have not raved enough about the previous recipes, then perhaps this one might tempt you. The lentil walnut "chopped liver" is hands down one of the best foods I have ever eaten. It is wonderful on crackers, in sandwiches, or even just straight up with a spoon! It is worth buying the book for this recipe alone.
Not only do the recipes in Vegan Deli taste good, but they are also very healthful, easy to prepare, and light on the checkbook-making this cookbook one you do not want to miss out on having.
Fantastic!.......2003-09-12
I love this cookbook! :).......2003-09-10
I tried the Red Pepper "Lox" first, and my whole family loved it!
*Tip: we sprinkled nori granules (flakes of seaweed) on it for a subtle, fishy flavor!
I'm going to be preparing a lot of the salads often (especially the marinated veggie salads, salads with grains added (like bulgur), and the delicious Chick Pea "Tuna" Salad and White Bean "Salmon" Spread! :)
If you love NYC style deli salads/dairy type dishes/vegan cuisine, this is a wonderful cookbook for you, too!
Quick, easy, delicious, nutritious, & will please the palate.......2002-08-10
Books:
Recommended Books