In the Forests of the Night

Amazon.com

Three-hundred-year-old Risika looks darn good for her age. Thanks to her "blood mother," a vampire named Ather who turned Risika (nee Rachel) into one of the undead back in 1684, she will always look as fresh as a 17-year-old. Now Risika is a world weary night stalker who sleeps in Concord, Massachusetts, by day and prowls New York City by night, in search of fresh blood to slake her inhuman thirst. One of the benefits of living such a long life has been discovering that most of the popular myths about vampires are not true: "Holy water and crosses do not bother me... and silver does not burn me. If someone hammered a stake through my heart, I suppose I would die, but I do not play with humans, stakes or mallets." In fact, there is little in the mortal world that surprises Risika anymore, until she returns from a hunt one night to find a black rose on her pillow--the same flower she was given on the eve of her mortal death. Knowing that the rose is a taunt from Aubrey, a vampire she believes murdered her human brother, Risika decides to confront her nemesis. In a bloody battle with Aubrey, Risika finally unearths her brother's true fate.

While the plot of this vampire tale may not stand out from the fanged masses of the genre, what does stand out is the fact that the author is 14 years old. Teen horror fans of Anne Rice and L.J. Smith will surely want to experience for themselves how In the Forests of the Night stacks up to their favorite adult titles--and will be especially interested in seeing how one of their young peers plies the writing trade. (Ages 12 to 15) --Jennifer Hubert

Book Description

I was born to the name of Rachel Weatere in the year 1684, more than three hundred years ago.

The one who changed me named me Risika, and Risika I became, though I never asked what it meant.  I continue to call myself Risika, even though I was transformed into what I am against my will.

By day, Risika sleeps in a shaded room in Concord, Massachusetts.  By night, she hunts the streets of New York City.  She is used to being alone.

But now someone is following Risika.  Someone has left her a black rose, the same sort of rose that sealed her fate three hundred years ago.

Three hundred years ago Risika had a family -- a brother and a sister who loved her.  Three hundred years ago she was human.

Now she is a vampire, a powerful one.  And her past has come back to torment her.

This atmospheric, haunting tale marks the stunning debut of a promising young novelist.

Customer Reviews:

This reads like a 16 year old wrote it..........2007-10-02

...which is a compliment, I suppose, considering she was 13 when it was penned. It's actually quite impressive for such a young woman, but the sheer wall of angst, the repetitive use of such overdone terms as good, evil and innocence, not to mention 300 year old creatures who react like high school students when approached with conflict...well, suffice it to say that the high rating this novel has received overall leaves me baffled. The tone, conflict and resolution call out the author's adolescence. I suspect in time, as she gets more life experience, she will be quite good at the craft, but for now? Not so much.

If you are in high school yourself, this might be a good read. Otherwise, skip it. There's plenty of YA lit of high enough caliber to appeal to adult sensibilities. On the plus side, this is an extremely short book, so you won't waste too much of your life if you feel the need to actually complete it.

Hmmmm.............2007-05-21

This is a unique book. It's unique in an obvious way in that it's only about 150 pages. It's also unique in that it delves into vampire world without getting sexually explicit (which I appreciated). Now, because it was so short, the book did lack some depth. With that said, I still found it to be quite captivating. A good read by a promising young author, this book is certainly worth your time.

A book that you just have to finish once you pick it up .......2007-05-05

A thrilling experence that you just want to read over and over again and you feel like you're right there watching the action in your own mind. I borowed it from my teacher for a week and I read it about six times.

-Adam Slavik

A First Effort.......2007-03-22

This is the story of a vampire, living today in Concord, Massachusetts. She wasn't always a vampire, though. Back in the sixteen hundreds, she was a real teenaged human being named Rachel, living with her father, younger sister Lynette, and twin brother Alexander. Alexander had been trying to tell her that there were evil things in the world that might try to hurt her, but Rachel ignored him, despite the fact that he seemed to have strange powers himself. Shortly after that, Rachel was transformed into a vampire and given the name Risika.

Risika has been living the life of a vampire for centuries, but still isn't quite satisfied with what she is. She had a hard time adjusting to the lifestyle and being able to kill humans without guilt. She still seeks vengeance for the death of her twin brother at the hands of Aubrey, another vampire who was there when Rachel was transformed. Now the time seems to be drawing near--Aubrey is challenging her and causing her the anger that may lead to her challenging him. But there is a surprise in store for Risika, something she would never expect.

I liked how this book challenged the basic myths about vampires, making them seem more realistic. The writing, though, was simplistic. I saw the surprise at the end coming, but I didn't think it seemed plausible. It didn't fit into the rest of the story.

Astounding.......2007-02-06

This book is yet again another divine book written by the one and only Amelia Atwater-Rhodes. Of course , it is filled with vampires and Witches and mysterys. Aubrey is a popular charactor in some of her other books that is in this book although, the great thing is although some of the charactors and events are similar or close to her other books you do not have to read them in order to understand whats going on in this particular story.

I also need to single out how well she brought in Charactors. She gives them such a personality that I fell in love with some and hated others.
This book had tons and tons of action and Mystery
No matter what kind of reader you are or what , the plot is so amazing that you have got to read it.

Average customer rating:

This rip roaring romance is a blast in the past!
Delightful!
time travel romance love story and chick lit at its COOLEST!
Entertaining sequel to "A Connecticut fashionista at King Arthur's Court",
3 stars

A Hoboken Hipster in Sherwood Forest
Marianne Mancusi
Manufacturer: Love Spell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0505526743

Book Description

If Chrissie Hayward knew that morning she'd be going back in time to rescue her crazy coworker Kat, she'd have worn better shoes. Doubly so if she'd expected to meet her true love. According to the mysterious gypsy, Chrissie was the "gentle soul who would tame an outlaw's thirst for revenge" -- aka the real Robin Hood. So how come the guy was such a dud?

LOST...IN SHERWOOD FOREST?

No, Robin of Locksley was no Prince Charming. And the part about robbing the rich to feed the poor? He didn't get the memo. In fact, all the guy seemed to do was mope. (And he and his not-so-merry men thought Chrissie was a boy. Sure, she wasn't stacked, but still!) Nonetheless, he was loyal and brave and handsome as sin. If Chrissie coudl just get him with the program, she could right his wagon and get these boyz'n the wood to be heroes of the realm instead of twerps in tights. Only then could this prince of thieves become king of her heart.

Customer Reviews:

This rip roaring romance is a blast in the past!.......2007-09-18

Note: This story is written in the first person which works surprisingly well in this comical time travel romance!

This story returns to King Arthur's Renaissance Faire in Upstate New York (present day), the starting point for Kat Martin's journey to Camelot in "A Connecticut Fashionista in King Author's Court".

La Style magazine fashion photographer Chrissie Hayward is already irritated with the missing "Park Avenue Princess" when she receives a disturbing (and unbelievable) cell phone call from said coworker.

Kat claims to be calling from the future with her medieval boyfriend Sir Lancelot, and Queen Guinevere (due to the famous misunderstanding which was apparently caused by Kat's need for secrecy) and needs help getting back home.

Chrissie thinks she's being Punk'd especially when she finds Nimue (a time traveling gypsy from Avalon), at Kat's request, and is told she'd have to travel back in time to the point of King Richard's return to England and bring back a drop of blood from the Holy Grail to aid in Kat's return. The gypsy sends her with a message about love and an outlaw bent on revenge.

Chrissie arrives in Sherwood Forest expecting to find Ashton Kutcher and instead who does she find? Could it be? Robin Hood in the flesh?

It is indeed Robin of Loxley but he's far from the legendary version. Yes, he's incredibly handsome but all that business about stealing from the rich and giving to the poor hasn't crossed his mind and he thinks the idea of putting his neck on the line to defend the helpless is just plain crazy. Worse yet he thinks she's a boy!

Fortunately for him Chrissie's fully prepared to pull Robin up by his bootstraps and mold him into the man of the hour. What she isn't prepared for is losing her heart to him. After all she's on a mission and can't afford to be selfish. Then of course there's the fact that her idol thinks she's his latest merry man.

Poor Robin thinks he's gender confused until she finally reveals the truth. Although he is relieved that he's not gone crazy, a woman's betrayal had been responsible for his outlaw status, and another had broken his heart so he had formed a pact with his men that no women would be allowed into their camp. Can Chrissie trust a love that must be kept secret and what will happen when King Richard finally makes his appearance?

As we all know Prince John is just a puppet for the evil Sheriff of Nottingham who is not at all pleased with all this new distribution of wealth. His accomplice however may surprise you.

This story is a hoot especially when Chrissie is drawing on pop culture for their strategies or through some rather extraordinary magic Kat and Chrissie are dishing about their men and predicaments on their cell phones. And don't even ask about the ladies-in-waiting, it's just a little bit too much déjà vu for our erstwhile fashion photographer! For a rip roaring blast to the past I highly recommend A Hoboken Hipster in Sherwood Forest.

Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch for PNR Reviews

Delightful!.......2007-07-07

Chrissie receives a strange phone call from Kat stating she's stuck in the future. Kat insists that Chrissie must speak to the gypsy fortuneteller. However, the gypsy doesn't just zap Kat back to where she belongs, instead the gypsy sends Chrissie back in time.

Chrissie makes the best of the situation. She's thrilled to come face to face with the notorious Robin Hood, until she realizes he isn't even remotely similar to the hero she's read about in books.

However, Chrissie is determined to shape Robin into the man he was meant to be.

Ms. Mancusi's Robin Hood tale at times had me laughing aloud with the hilarious banter between Robin and Chrissie. Her heroine is a strong take-charge woman who cleverly urges Robin and his Merry Men to be all they can be. The hero is strong and honorable, very likable and not afraid to consider Chrissie's suggestions. This is a delightful fast-paced chick-lit tale!

time travel romance love story and chick lit at its COOLEST!.......2007-05-26

i've read lots of time travel romances and rarely read chick lit, but i must say, the blending of these 2 elements by the author is unique, fresh, and wonderful!!

i won't summarize the story since the summaries are all here. Suffice it to say that i read the author's "fashionista" story (which was almost as good as this sequel) and the author blending the heroine going back in time in trouble with the fact that she can use the cel phone to communicate with her friend to discuss her man troubles (like in chicklit stories) is a nice supporting touch.

And i was surprised how the author turned this classic robin hood tale on its head with the edited addition of maid marion. How does the author resolve Robin's love of Maid Marion and his love for the heroine? well when you read about maid marion you know why!

and the author as everyone says puts robin hood at first in the not_so_heroic light when he first refuses to save a boy who would be punished bodily by the Sheriff for stealing food because his family's starving. And only the heroine stepping in to help moves Robin. But Robin improves when the heroine shows up and she encourages him to fight for the poor more and more and the poor look up to Robin and his merry men. And this sounds more realistic, esp. when Robin bans women from his merry band because of maid marion rejecting him once and another woman betraying them, so when he and Chrissie, the heroine, become intimate, he tells her sadly that he can't admit their relationship to the others because of his ban otherwise they'll turn to another leader, but this really turns off Chrissie as it would to any woman who wants her relationship acknowledged.

And i like the fact the author didn't make the heroine perfect. she's not a stupid innocent virgin and she becomes furious and reacts physically (smashes their love nest) when she thinks robin is still in love with maid marion just like a real you or me would have reacted even though we find out later robin has let go of marion and his love has grown for Chrissie.

and mancusi's books are SOOOO funny, always referring to teen angst, modern fashions/celebrities/situations with modern humor, so that we can understand exactly how we'd react in modern terms if we were in her shoes. in contrast to fashionista, hoboken's heroine is definitely a take charge type. You see this in the beginning when Robin thinks she's a man(because of how she's dressed) and challenges her to knock him off a log in water if she doesn't want to pay him his "tax". The heroine manages to use her gymnastics athleticism to knock him off and so he's surprised but liking her (as him).

DEFINITELY GREAT READING MATERIAL worthy of an award.

Entertaining sequel to "A Connecticut fashionista at King Arthur's Court", .......2007-05-05

This highly entertaining romp is the sequel to Mancusi's equally amusing novel, "A Connecticut fashionista at King Arthur's Court."

Ever since Mark Twain wrote the brilliant comedy "A Connecticut Yankee at King Arthur's Court" other writers and Hollywood have mined a rich seam of humour from copying the idea of someone from the writer's own time sent back to Camelot.

Some of these have been very good. One of my favourite comic songs is "Busy Doing nothing" which comes from the first film version of Mark Twain's book. Others have been less inspiring. (For instance the film "Black Knight" starts well but gets increasingly tiresome.)

Marianne Mancusi's two books are definately amongst the more amusing of the genre.

Both books starts in upstate New York in the early 21st century at a mock medieval event called "King Arthur's Fayre". The editor of top women's magazine "La Style" has sent an assoicate fashion editor and a photographer to the Fayre to research an article about how medieval fashions are influencing the latest styles.

They are a mismatched pair. The heroine of the first book, Katherine (Kat) Jones, is the associate fashion editor, a Park Avenue Princess straight out of "Sex and the City" complete with the $400 Manolo Blahnik shoes and killer Armani couture which she insists on wearing despite the fact that "King Arthur's Fayre" is being held in a muddy field.

The heroine and first person narrator of this book is the photographer, Christine (Chrissie) Hayward, who is of course the Hoboken hippie of the title. Unlike Kat she is enjoying King Arthur's Fayre - or would have been if Kat would stop bitching.

Kat manages to annoy a gypsy fortune teller who threatens to cast a spell on her. Nobody else takes this seriously, but a few minutes later Kat is watching a simulated joust when the lance breaks, and a fragment flies towards her and strikes Kat on the forehead, knocking her out. She recovers in Camelot ...

Chrissie wasn't looking in Kat's direction at that moment, and this book opens with her searching for the absent partner she assumes has skived off. Then her mobile rings ...

Spoiler alert: it's Kat on the phone, having found a way to speak from another time, and if you read this second book as far as the call, it gives away the surprise ending of the first book. If you are minded to try these books, I strongly recommend that you read "A Connecticut Fashionista" first and then tackle "A Hoboken Hipster" if you like it.

What one can say without spoiling either book is that Kat needs help to get home: she asks Chrissie to go back to the gypsy (who is actually a sorceress from Arthur's time in disguise) to ask for assistance. At first Chrissie thinks Kat is playing a ludicrous joke or has gone off her rocker, but she goes to find the gypsy. Next thing she knows, Chrissie is sent back to the time of King Richard the Lion-hearted to find an item necessary for Kat's return.

Unfortunately she arrives while King Richard is still being held for ransom in a dungeon in Austria. Prince John and the wicked sheriff of Nottingham are running the country. Then Chrissie meets Robin of Locksley.

Robin is not remotely as Chrissie has imagined him, but nevertheless she finds herself falling deeply in love with him. There are three barriers in the way of her doing anything about this. The first is that she is due to return to her own time. The second is that he think's Chrissie is a boy. The third is Maid Marion ...

The style in which the story is told is a delight, and it is a funny, entertaining romp. Strongly recommended.

3 stars.......2007-03-02

A cell phone plea from her friend, if she can be called that, sends Chrissie Hayward to a Ren Faire fortune teller. Her friend, Kat, is stranded in the twenty-second century with Lancelot and Queen Guinevere (From A Connecticut Fashionista In King Arthur's Court), and needs Chrissie to contact Nimue and get a rescue going. Nimue is more than willing, but she needs special ingredients, among them a drop of blood from the Holy Grail, which was last seen in the days of King Richard the Lionheart after he brought the cup of Christ back from the Holy Land. So, Chrissie finds herself sent back in time to Sherwood Forest where she encounters Robin Hood the first rattle out of the hat. On the plus side, he's more handsome than some of the actors who have played him. On the minus side, he needs to get a clue about what he's supposed to be doing. He and the Merry Men have not gone in for the robbing the rich to give to the poor; they just got the first part right. He also thinks Chrissie is Chris, an eunoch, thanks to her lean build and pants. Since women are banned from the camp, that's an advantage, to a degree. Chrissie is able to become one of the Merry Men and get them on fire to be the heroes she has heard legends about, but that only makes life more dangerous. She has no idea when Richard will return from the Holy Land and Chrissie needs to stay alive and keep her secret from the Merry Men, though Robin did find out and a romance was begun, until the King gets back. Then, she can rescue Kat and go back to the future. But, does she want to?

*** Despite the somewhat annoying use of the first person, present tense narration, this is a fun read. The characters, mostly, are somewhat as expected, especially after they wake up to their destiny, but there are subtle differences that make them Ms. Mancusi's own renditions. If you enjoyed the original Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court or Back to the Future, you'll like this. ***

Amanda Killgore

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Mmmm...

Forests in Time

Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0300092350

Book Description

This important book relates the history of natural and human-induced changes that have occurred in the past one thousand years in New England and explores the modern ecology of this largely forested landscape. Written by leading biological, physical, and social scientists, the book uniquely demonstrates that an understanding of landscape history is essential for the study of ecology and environmental management. After a discussion of the elements that initially shaped the land, the authors describe how the New England landscape changed drastically with the arrival of European settlers nearly four hundred years ago, as they cleared the land of forest and extensively farmed it. Observed patterns of forest regrowth following a shift in agriculture to the midwest form the basis for explanations of changes in native wildlife populations and, more fundamentally, ecosystem structure and function.

Customer Reviews:

Mmmm..........2007-01-19

This book got here with a speed comprable to the starship enterprise entering warp speed. You know with the blurry stars.

State Corporatism and Proto-Industry: The Württemberg Black Forest, 15801797 (Cambridge Studies in Population, Economy and Society in Past Time)

Average customer rating:

Finally! Something new and interesting about proto-industry!
A must read about early modern European history

State Corporatism and Proto-Industry: The Württemberg Black Forest, 15801797 (Cambridge Studies in Population, Economy and Society in Past Time)
Sheilagh C. Ogilvie
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521025842

Book Description

State Corporatism and Proto-Industry focuses on the WÜrttemberg worsted industry, an example of a "proto-industry" that arose in many parts of Europe preceding factory industrialization. It has been argued that these proto-industries broke down traditional society but this book suggests otherwise. With the help of the state, corporate institutions such as merchant companies and rural guilds, regulated every aspect of rural life and thus profoundly shaped early modern European economic, demographic and social development.

Customer Reviews:

Finally! Something new and interesting about proto-industry!.......2000-07-20

Proto-industry attracted a lot of attention in the 1970-80's. Soon, however this line of research about early modern European social and economic history came to consist of a confusing plethora of disparate case studies, that lacked any coherence and theoretical underpinning, although all writers used the term proto-industry. Finally, however, there is this great book, that provides a unified, and thoughtful analysis, not only of the concept 'proto-industry', but also provides an excellent empirical study of a proto-industrial region in Germany. This is not yet another descriptive study about 'proto-industry', paying only lip service to the original literature. If you are to read one book about what is called 'proto-industry' this is it. The book is well structured, the arguments clearly put, and frankly, this is the book, that finally will turn the proto-industrial debate into an interesting conversation about early modern European economic development. Read and enjoy!

A must read about early modern European history.......2000-07-07

In this book, Sheilagh Ogilvie combines painstaking empirical research about a small region in Germany, with a lucid application of economic theory, to a field of social history that hasn't seen much progress since the early 1980's. This book is a model of clarity, and of interest not only to students of early modern Europe, but to anyone interested in how institutions constrain human behavior. While the empirical part is based on a case study, Ogilvie spells out the larger implications for economic development in early modern Europe, based on the concept of 'State-corporatism', i.e., the symbiotic relationship between the state and privileged groups, e.g., guilds and local communities. She discusses the role of institutions, mentalities and the impact of early modern institutions on economic development. This is a must read for anyone interested in early modern European history and should be of interest not only to social historians, but also to economists interested in empirical studies of how institutions affect human behavior, past and present.

The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Forest (First Time Books(R))

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"Great Ghosts"

The Berenstain Bears and the Ghost of the Forest (First Time Books(R))
Stan Berenstain , and Jan Berenstain
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0394805658
Release Date: 1988-11-08

Book Description

Illus. in full color. When prankster Papa Bear plays ghost at the Bear Scouts' sleep-out in the Great Spooky Forest, he winds up scaring himself.

Customer Reviews:

"Great Ghosts".......2000-01-16

When our 4 year old son developed a fear of "things that go bump" in the night, and began imagining ghosts coming out of every piece of furniture in the room, I hauled out this book. We had fun playing "ghost" with each other, and over several days (and nights) of discussion, gradually discovered the fun in being scared, and the difference between fear of the real and imaginary.

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Buy it for 'Melodies of the Heart'
Classic Flynn

The Forest of Time and Other Stories
Michael Flynn
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312865872

Amazon.com

Good 'hard science fiction' stories are difficult to find, but with Michael Flynn behind the pen, you'd think they grow on trees. This collection of 10 stories shows how to put the "science" in science fiction and still tell a good story with real characters and intriguing plots. You'll find subjects ranging from time travel to space epic in this one, and Flynn isn't above crossing some genre lines when he needs to. Although some stories are better than others, they're all worth the price of admission. You can also gain some insight into Flynn through his introduction and afterword.

Customer Reviews:

Buy it for 'Melodies of the Heart'.......1999-09-24

I'm currently ordering my 3rd copy of this book: my mother stole my 1st copy and my older brother got the 2nd. This one will never leave my library! Most of the stories in this collection are intriguing but not particularly of consequence. The exception is 'Melodies of the Heart'. Read it. Read it again. Read it some more. It doesn't matter how many times you read this story, you'll keep crying harder every time.

"You are my sunshine... my only sunshine..."

Classic Flynn.......1997-11-30

_Forest of Time_ (the book) is a collection of classic Michael Flynn stories. Most selections are powerful stories that still satisfy even after rereading. (It was my second time for "Melodies of the Heart" and I cried as hard this time around as the first.) This is an excellent book from a master of the craft.

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Solo Time for Strings, Book 2
Forest Etling
Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0739013580

A Forest of Time: American Indian Ways of History

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Slow going
A fascinating, engaging dialogue and sourcebook

A Forest of Time: American Indian Ways of History
Peter Nabokov
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521568749

Book Description

A Forest of Time is the first introduction for undergraduates and graduates, Western and Indian history buffs, and general readers to the notion that American Indian societies had vital interests in interpreting and transmitting their own ways for themselves. Through separate discussions of legends and oral histories, creation stories and folktales, it illustrates how various Indian peoples related and commented upon their changing times. Drawing upon his own varied research as well as sampling the latest in scholarship from ethnohistory, anthropology, folklore and Indian Studies, Dr. Nabokov offers dramatic examples of how native peoples put rituals and material culture, landscape, prophecies, and even the English language to the urgent task of keeping the past alive and relevant. Throughout these lively chapters, we also witness the American Indian historical imagination deployed as a coping skill and survival strategy. This book surveys the latest integrating ideas while offering a useful bibliography that opens up, and demands that we engage with, alternative chronicles for America's multi-cultural past. Peter Navokov is Professor in the Department of World Arts and Cultures and American Indian Studies Program at UCLA. He is the author of several books, including Native American Architecture, (Oxford, 1991, co-author Robert Easton) which won the American Institue of Architects honor award and the Bay Area Book Reviewer Association Award. His book Native American Testimony (Thomas Y. Crowell, 1978) was named the American Library Association's Best Book for Young Adults and Library School Journal Best Book 1978 in addition to receiving the Carter G. Woodson Award. His work as a journalist in 1967 earned him prizes from the Albuquerque Press Association and the New Mexico Press Association.

Customer Reviews:

Slow going.......2003-02-05

"A Forest of Time" moved very slowly for me. The continual use of $100 words and one reference after another. During the book it appeared that Nabokov was scrambled in all these references himself. However; if you hang in their, Nabokov does hit on some insightful learning towards the history of American Indians. This book is a slow starter that does finally bring it home in the end. This book will better serve a classroom, rather than, the casual reader looking for fast knowledge of American Indian history.

A fascinating, engaging dialogue and sourcebook.......2002-06-08

A Forest Of Time: American Indian Ways Of History by Peter Nabokov (Professor of American Indian Studies and World Arts/Cultures, University of California, Los Angeles) is a college level study of how Native Americans have interpreted and transmitted their own histories in creation stories, folktales, oral histories, and tradition. Individual chapters address a range of subjects from the dynamics of myth versus history, to the value of rituals, and Native American prophecies for the future embedded within tribal culture. A fascinating, engaging dialogue and sourcebook that contributes a unique multicultural perspective on the origin of America and its native peoples, A Forest Of Time is strongly recommended for personal and academic Native American Studies supplemental reading lists and academic reference collections.

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Solo Time for Strings, Book 3
Forest Etling
Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0739016040

The Mythic Forest, the Green Man And the Spirit of Nature: The Re-emergence of the Spirit of Nature from Ancient Times into Modern Society

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Highly Recommended

The Mythic Forest, the Green Man And the Spirit of Nature: The Re-emergence of the Spirit of Nature from Ancient Times into Modern Society
Gary R. Varner
Manufacturer: Algora Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 087586435X

Customer Reviews:

Highly Recommended.......2006-07-13

Who is the Green Man? "The image of the Green Man is that of a foliated head, a face with vines and leaves sprouting from the mouth, eyes and nose, the hair and beard formed, as well, from leaves and twigs. The image may be stern and almost frightening, or a beguiling face peering out of a wealth of vegetation. The Green Man represents the creation of all plant life and its continued renewal." (p.85) But where and why did these images originate, and how have they evolved over the years?

This comprehensive and well-researched work is presented in two parts. In the first section, the author introduces the reader to the numerous spirits dwelling in the forests. The mystical properties of various trees are also explored as well as the legends associated with them.

In the second part, the reader encounters many of the gods and mythical characters who share several qualities of the Green Man. These include an affinity with vegetation, springtime resurrection, and abundant harvest. The author also touches on the interesting appearance of the Green Man in religious structures, where one would least expect to see this pagan figure. Many pictures of the Green Man in modern era architecture are provided.

The Green Man has been with us for several thousand years, but why does humankind keep creating his image? Maybe to remind us of our connection with nature, and our responsibility to make sure the forests and vegetation continue to thrive.

This is a well-written and well-documented portrayal of mystical forests and the Green Man. If you are interested in this enigmatic figure and what he represents, I highly recommend this book.

MUSE REVIEW MARK: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Reviewer: ALICE BERGER, MUSE REVIEWS

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