I) A Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, edited by Philip Schaff (HC, 1886, binding and covers are in rough shape but the pages are fine, 13 volumes of a 14 volume set, $35, which is 1/3 the internet price.)
The volume we are missing is #9.
The 1800s must have been an interesting time. First, Oxford's English Episcopalians published their Ante-Nicene Fathers in the 1840s. The Presbyterian Scots of Edinburgh later fired back with their own translation. Meanwhile, in Germany, the Roman Catholics had finished another version. The American one ended up almost identical to the one from Scotland. The story of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers translation followed pretty much the same course.
We of the internet age really can't understand how great an advance these books were. Before this a minister who wanted to read these classics had not only be able to read ecclesiastical Greek and Latin, but also to have access to a massive number of expensive books. Migne's Latin Patrology alone contained 222 volumes, and his Latin one "only" 167!
I loved reading the editorial comments on the earlier Episcopalian version- "incomplete and unequal". I was also impressed that Schaff had invited translators of other versions to "revise and edit" their earlier work. Some agreed, but some only "expressed their kindly interest in the enterprise". Of those in the latter category, the most famous was Dr. Newman, who had been Anglican when he translated for the Oxford edition, but had now become a Roman Catholic Cardinal!
Also, the editor's comments on price made me realize how much we take cheap books for granted. Before these books were published, the editors must have done a lot of planning to make sure the price was low enough for some ministers to buy, and yet of good enough quality that they would last. And last they have. More than a hundred years later, and even after hard use (we hope) in a college library, its pages are still in great shape.
2) A Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, second series, translated into English with Prolegomena and explanatory notes, edited by Philip Schaff (HC, various volumes from both the 1950s and 1960s editions, $4 each)
We are missing volumes I and II completely.
We have books from both editions of volumes V and VI.
The rest of the volumes we have in just one edition (III, IV, and VII through XIV).
Look for these books in boxes on the floor of the religion room. Volume I of the 1886 edition, and Volume III of the latter one, are on top of the box, so you can check them out without having to move boxes.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Ante-Nicene Fathers (1885 Buffalo edition)
The Ante-Nicene Fathers- Translations of the Writings of the Fathers down to AD 325, the American reprint of the Edinburgh edition, revised and chronologically arranged, with brief prefaces and occasional notes, edited by Rev. Alexander Roberts (seven HC volumes: volumes 1-4, and 6-8, 1885, in rough condition, $30 for the set, which is 1/3 the internet price.)
From an add for the Edinburgh edition, "The Ante-Nicene Christian Library is meant to comprise translations into English of all the extant works of the Fathers down to the date of the first General Council held at Nice in AD 325."
Back in the 1840s Oxford put out its 48 volume Library of the Fathers. Many scholars were upset to find it leaning heavily toward a Roman Catholic interpretation. This was probably a valid concern, because at the time many important Anglicans were leaving the Church of England to become Roman Catholic priests and even bishops! Edinburgh decided to take matters into its own hands, and produced its own Ante-Nicene Christian Library. Buffalo's Christian Literature Publishing Company would publish the American version. Except for some reorganization, their version was almost the same as Edinburgh's.
We are missing volume V of the set, which apparently included translations of writings by Hippolytus, Cyprian, Caius, and Novatian (whoever they were). This set is ex-library, and needs to be rebound, but the pages themselves, though darkened, are in good shape. Look for this set on the floor of the religion room in a box marked Ante-Nicene Fathers. Look for the first volume to be on top of the box, where you can check it out without having to move all the other boxes to get to the other volumes.
From an add for the Edinburgh edition, "The Ante-Nicene Christian Library is meant to comprise translations into English of all the extant works of the Fathers down to the date of the first General Council held at Nice in AD 325."
Back in the 1840s Oxford put out its 48 volume Library of the Fathers. Many scholars were upset to find it leaning heavily toward a Roman Catholic interpretation. This was probably a valid concern, because at the time many important Anglicans were leaving the Church of England to become Roman Catholic priests and even bishops! Edinburgh decided to take matters into its own hands, and produced its own Ante-Nicene Christian Library. Buffalo's Christian Literature Publishing Company would publish the American version. Except for some reorganization, their version was almost the same as Edinburgh's.
We are missing volume V of the set, which apparently included translations of writings by Hippolytus, Cyprian, Caius, and Novatian (whoever they were). This set is ex-library, and needs to be rebound, but the pages themselves, though darkened, are in good shape. Look for this set on the floor of the religion room in a box marked Ante-Nicene Fathers. Look for the first volume to be on top of the box, where you can check it out without having to move all the other boxes to get to the other volumes.
Travel the world with Stoddard and his magic lantern slides.
John L. Stoddard's Lectures, 15 volumes (HC, 1925, in fine condition, $79)
John Stoddard taught Latin and French at an exclusive private school, but he wanted to travel. And so in 1874 he did. For two years he explored the world with a passion. Eventually he returned to teaching where he could pass on his stories of the world's cultures and histories. Word of his exciting talks got around, and soon he was sharing stories with adults. Historic Camera's History Librarian writes,"This launched a surprising new career that would prove to be far more lucrative than teaching at a private school."
That may be true, but it wasn't his lectures that got me excited, it was his photographs. When he gave his talks, he would also show magic lantern slides from his trip. And what photographs they were! He may have considered them secondary to his lectures, but he still made sure they were of the finest quality.
His lectures "became truly unique visual experiences. For example, his lecture on Constantinople included a mixture of photographs, engravings, recreations of historical scenes, and reproductions of drawings from noteworthy sites. Typically contemporary slide shows offer[d] no such media variety..."
John Stoddard never took a photograph. He only told his personal photographer exactly how to take them. "Many of his photographs were not retouched in any way, while others were artistically enveloped in shadows or ornately framed. Mr Stoddard would frequently display artistic reproductions alongside actual location photographs. His attitude was essentially, 'Anything goes," as long as the visuals emphasized his verbal descriptions."
These are amazing books. The inside cover pages are darkened, with remnants of tape on them, but the rest of the pages are purest white. How can that be when they are almost 90 years old? I remain amazed.
Then there are those photographs! Who knows how many there are. Somewhere in these books there must be a set of pages without a drawing or photograph, but I have yet to find it. So sit back, read his stories, enjoy his photos, and be thankful a set of books like this exists.
I bought this set for myself a year ago, but now it's time to share them. Look for them in the sets section.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Bill Clinton, The Survivor
The Survivor: Bill Clinton in the White House, by John F. Harris (HC, 2005, autographed, $6.50, which is 1/3 the internet price.)
This is another book from my own collection. Harris signed it after a talk at Rundel Library. This Rochester native started as a Washington Post summer intern and worked his way up. He "covered the Clinton White House from 1995 to 2001 for the Post, earning the White House Correspondents' Association's Aldo Beckman Award and the Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency from the Gerald R. Ford Library for his work during that period." So, I guess he know his stuff.
Look for this on the new non-fiction table.
This is another book from my own collection. Harris signed it after a talk at Rundel Library. This Rochester native started as a Washington Post summer intern and worked his way up. He "covered the Clinton White House from 1995 to 2001 for the Post, earning the White House Correspondents' Association's Aldo Beckman Award and the Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency from the Gerald R. Ford Library for his work during that period." So, I guess he know his stuff.
Look for this on the new non-fiction table.
Famous Hymns, where did you come from?
We have two books that tell the stories behind a lot of well loved hymns.
The older of the two:
Famous Hymns with stories and pictures, by Elizabeth Hubbard Bonsall (oversize HC, 1923, $2) The reason I love this best is its old time printing and art. I just want to curl up on the sofa while I read through the pages. (This is also the only book to include music with the hymns.)
The second book:
Popular Hymn Stories, compiled by Don Sanford (TPB, 1962, $1.75) This one is enjoyable, just not as special as the first one.
Look for them both on the new non-fiction table.
The older of the two:
Famous Hymns with stories and pictures, by Elizabeth Hubbard Bonsall (oversize HC, 1923, $2) The reason I love this best is its old time printing and art. I just want to curl up on the sofa while I read through the pages. (This is also the only book to include music with the hymns.)
The second book:
Popular Hymn Stories, compiled by Don Sanford (TPB, 1962, $1.75) This one is enjoyable, just not as special as the first one.
Look for them both on the new non-fiction table.
What can a woman do?
What Can a Woman Do, or Her Position in the Business and Literary World, by Mrs. M. L. Rayne (HC, late 1890s (?), 552 pages, $7, which is 1/3 the internet price.)
This is a beautiful book. The cover is dark purple with black and purple decorations. A gilded square in the top left corner tells the book's title. I loved the marbled design of the page edges.
I expected little from the content, but I was wrong. She may be writing over a hundred years ago, but the author believed women could succeed at many jobs. Some jobs on her list are the usual ones held by women of the time: housekeeper, nurse, stenographer, cook, dressmaker, and clerk. Others on the list amazed me: journalist, lawyer, doctor, and even entrepreneur. My favorites, though, are the chapters on raising chickens, ducks and bees. (Bees?)
I was disgusted by her chapter concerning telegraph operators. In those days, it would seem, women were considered to have less endurance, and to be absent more frequently than men. I wonder if this was really true, or if it was just the reason men gave for paying their women workers 1/3 less.
The end half of this book introduces us to women's writing of the time, both poetry and prose. At the very end of the book is a weird rendering of the poem, "Curfew must not ring tonight". For some reason the poem, which is also quoted earlier in the book, is presented here in a 24 page, large print, fully illustrated version. Strange.
Since half of this book is non-fiction, it can be found on the new non-fiction table.
This is a beautiful book. The cover is dark purple with black and purple decorations. A gilded square in the top left corner tells the book's title. I loved the marbled design of the page edges.
I expected little from the content, but I was wrong. She may be writing over a hundred years ago, but the author believed women could succeed at many jobs. Some jobs on her list are the usual ones held by women of the time: housekeeper, nurse, stenographer, cook, dressmaker, and clerk. Others on the list amazed me: journalist, lawyer, doctor, and even entrepreneur. My favorites, though, are the chapters on raising chickens, ducks and bees. (Bees?)
I was disgusted by her chapter concerning telegraph operators. In those days, it would seem, women were considered to have less endurance, and to be absent more frequently than men. I wonder if this was really true, or if it was just the reason men gave for paying their women workers 1/3 less.
The end half of this book introduces us to women's writing of the time, both poetry and prose. At the very end of the book is a weird rendering of the poem, "Curfew must not ring tonight". For some reason the poem, which is also quoted earlier in the book, is presented here in a 24 page, large print, fully illustrated version. Strange.
Since half of this book is non-fiction, it can be found on the new non-fiction table.
Monday, July 23, 2012
A Partially Complete Stephen King
The Complete Stephen King Encyclopedia: The definitive guide to the works of America's Master of Horror, by Stephen J. Spignesri (oversized TPB, 1991, 780 pages, $6)
Included here are articles:
about Stephen King and his work,
about his fans, collections and conventions,
about his newsletter,
on his motion picture adaptations,
and on his poetry.
There are-
interviews with the people that knew him,
and an index-
of the first lines of his works,
of his published works,
of his unpublished works,
of his characters,
and an annotated bibliography.
The scary part for me is that all this "complete" stuff ends here in 1991, so a whole other 780 page book could be written about Stephen King and his works. That's a lot of words. Is he worth it? Yup, in my opinion, and I don't even read his stuff.
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table. (L-SK area)
Included here are articles:
about Stephen King and his work,
about his fans, collections and conventions,
about his newsletter,
on his motion picture adaptations,
and on his poetry.
There are-
interviews with the people that knew him,
and an index-
of the first lines of his works,
of his published works,
of his unpublished works,
of his characters,
and an annotated bibliography.
The scary part for me is that all this "complete" stuff ends here in 1991, so a whole other 780 page book could be written about Stephen King and his works. That's a lot of words. Is he worth it? Yup, in my opinion, and I don't even read his stuff.
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table. (L-SK area)
Monday, July 16, 2012
The shameful story of how the Cajuns ended up in Louisiana.
A Great and Noble Scheme: The tragic story of the expulsion of the French Acadians from their American Homeland, by John Mack Faragher (HC, 562 pages, 2005, $4)
This is one horrifying bit of history. Once upon a time there was an independent group of people living in Acadia, Nova Scotia. They were French, and Catholic, but they got along better with their English New England Protestant neighbors than they did their other neighbors who were French. The Acadians also were friends with their native neighbors, the Mikmaqs. When war came between France and England, the Acadians refused to fight on the side of the French, and they refused to fight on the side of the English. There was grumbling on both sides, but for a time they were left alone.
By 1755 everything had changed. The Pennsylvania Gazette wrote, "We are now upon a great and noble Scheme of sending the neutral French out of this Province, who have always been secret Enemies, and have encouraged our Savages to cut our Throats. If we effect their Expulsion, it will be one of the greatest Things that ever the English did in America; for by all Accounts, that Part of the Country they possess, is as good Land as any in the World: In case therefore we could get some good English Farmers in their Room, this Province would abound with all Kinds of Provisions."
Of course, the Gazette had it a bit wrong. The Acadians had not been secret enemies, and they had not encouraged Natives to attack the English, but no one cared.
What they did get right was the part about the land being fertile, really fertile. In order for "some good English Farmers" to take over that fertile land, the Acadians had to go . So New England troops "acting under the authority of the colonial governors of Nova Scotia and Mass... systematically round[ed] up more than 7,000 Acadians, the French-speaking, Catholic inhabitants who lived in communities along the shores of the Bay of Fundy. Men, women, and children alike were crowded into transport vessels and deported in small groups to other British colonies across the continent of North America. Many families were separated... some never to meet again. Another 10,000 or more fled into the forests and spent years living as homeless refugees. Thousands of them were captured and deported to France, while others took up arms in guerrilla resistance. Meanwhile, their property was plundered, their communities were torched, their lands were seized." Amazingly, from all over America and Europe many Acadians were able to make their way to Louisiana. Some families were united. Most were not.
Not until 2003 would Canada acknowledge their part in this tragedy. The United States still has not. Few people here even know the story. Perhaps some day we will.
Our history is filled with stories of all the good things we have done, both as individuals and as a country. Our history, though, is also filled with some not-so-pretty stories. Without facing our ability to do evil, we risk repeating those things we would now rather deny.
Look for this fascinating book on the new non-fiction table. (L- AmH)
This is one horrifying bit of history. Once upon a time there was an independent group of people living in Acadia, Nova Scotia. They were French, and Catholic, but they got along better with their English New England Protestant neighbors than they did their other neighbors who were French. The Acadians also were friends with their native neighbors, the Mikmaqs. When war came between France and England, the Acadians refused to fight on the side of the French, and they refused to fight on the side of the English. There was grumbling on both sides, but for a time they were left alone.
By 1755 everything had changed. The Pennsylvania Gazette wrote, "We are now upon a great and noble Scheme of sending the neutral French out of this Province, who have always been secret Enemies, and have encouraged our Savages to cut our Throats. If we effect their Expulsion, it will be one of the greatest Things that ever the English did in America; for by all Accounts, that Part of the Country they possess, is as good Land as any in the World: In case therefore we could get some good English Farmers in their Room, this Province would abound with all Kinds of Provisions."
Of course, the Gazette had it a bit wrong. The Acadians had not been secret enemies, and they had not encouraged Natives to attack the English, but no one cared.
What they did get right was the part about the land being fertile, really fertile. In order for "some good English Farmers" to take over that fertile land, the Acadians had to go . So New England troops "acting under the authority of the colonial governors of Nova Scotia and Mass... systematically round[ed] up more than 7,000 Acadians, the French-speaking, Catholic inhabitants who lived in communities along the shores of the Bay of Fundy. Men, women, and children alike were crowded into transport vessels and deported in small groups to other British colonies across the continent of North America. Many families were separated... some never to meet again. Another 10,000 or more fled into the forests and spent years living as homeless refugees. Thousands of them were captured and deported to France, while others took up arms in guerrilla resistance. Meanwhile, their property was plundered, their communities were torched, their lands were seized." Amazingly, from all over America and Europe many Acadians were able to make their way to Louisiana. Some families were united. Most were not.
Not until 2003 would Canada acknowledge their part in this tragedy. The United States still has not. Few people here even know the story. Perhaps some day we will.
Our history is filled with stories of all the good things we have done, both as individuals and as a country. Our history, though, is also filled with some not-so-pretty stories. Without facing our ability to do evil, we risk repeating those things we would now rather deny.
Look for this fascinating book on the new non-fiction table. (L- AmH)
Karl Marx, a US citizen?
Karl Marx On America and the Civil War, by Karl Marx (TPB, ?, $3)
Karl Marx, a US citizen? Probably not, but in 1845 he did consider moving to the States. Who would have thought it! Actually he was quite impressed by our technology. He was well-read regarding American economics, history, and agriculture. He hoped a proletarian revolution would follow the Civil War, but of course it never did. Interestingly, he thought the revolution would be non-violent.
At first Marx wasn't a good enough writer in English, so he had Engels write for him. Marx sent those pieces to NY under his name! Once in NY the Tribune sometimes completely rewrote "his" writing, took credit for it as their own, or just never published it. Why would he say he wrote something he hadn't? Probably because he needed the money. Living in exile in Brussels, he was both ill and broke.
Not until 1913 was it realized that Engels had written the pieces. That means Marx fooled people for more than 65 years. I find that amazing.
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table. (L-CW)
Karl Marx, a US citizen? Probably not, but in 1845 he did consider moving to the States. Who would have thought it! Actually he was quite impressed by our technology. He was well-read regarding American economics, history, and agriculture. He hoped a proletarian revolution would follow the Civil War, but of course it never did. Interestingly, he thought the revolution would be non-violent.
At first Marx wasn't a good enough writer in English, so he had Engels write for him. Marx sent those pieces to NY under his name! Once in NY the Tribune sometimes completely rewrote "his" writing, took credit for it as their own, or just never published it. Why would he say he wrote something he hadn't? Probably because he needed the money. Living in exile in Brussels, he was both ill and broke.
Not until 1913 was it realized that Engels had written the pieces. That means Marx fooled people for more than 65 years. I find that amazing.
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table. (L-CW)
Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Elizabeth Dole?
The Silence of the Lambs, Special Edition DVD, Best Picture for 1991 ($2)
So what does Hannibal Lecter have to do with Elizabeth Dole? Not much, except it was her Secretary of Labor office that was shown as the office of the FBI director. I wonder if she really knew what she was getting into? Probably so, she is one smart lady. Look for this on the shelf in front of the front desk.
This is from my collection. Believe it or not, I saw it for the first time this year. Creepy, creepy, creepy... (But you already knew that.)
So what does Hannibal Lecter have to do with Elizabeth Dole? Not much, except it was her Secretary of Labor office that was shown as the office of the FBI director. I wonder if she really knew what she was getting into? Probably so, she is one smart lady. Look for this on the shelf in front of the front desk.
This is from my collection. Believe it or not, I saw it for the first time this year. Creepy, creepy, creepy... (But you already knew that.)
Dorothy Sayers, "Are Women Human?"
Are Women Human?, by Dorothy L. Sayers (PB, 1992 edition of 1947 book, $1.50)
Dorothy Sayers a feminist? Why am I so surprised? Look for this on the new non-fiction table. (L- fem.)
Dorothy Sayers a feminist? Why am I so surprised? Look for this on the new non-fiction table. (L- fem.)
Knock in a 1956 Hungarian night...
Knock in the Night, by Refugee #14543, Balazs Szabo (TPB, 2006, $2.50)
"Government secret police with machine guns are ordered to fire into a crowd. Men, women, and children are slaughtered at the nation's Parliament...
Fifty years ago, the world held its breath as a nation rose up against tyranny and terror. The event was the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, when a small nation dared to challenge their Soviet oppressors. Though a bloody defeat, the uprising revealed to the the world the true nature of communism, which rules by terror... Knock in the Night is the artist's cautionary memoir of growing up under Communist brutality... This extraordinary book vividly recounts those desperate times and is an urgent reminder that where there is no democracy, there is no safety."
What more is there to say. Look for this on the new non-fiction table. (L-H)
"Government secret police with machine guns are ordered to fire into a crowd. Men, women, and children are slaughtered at the nation's Parliament...
Fifty years ago, the world held its breath as a nation rose up against tyranny and terror. The event was the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, when a small nation dared to challenge their Soviet oppressors. Though a bloody defeat, the uprising revealed to the the world the true nature of communism, which rules by terror... Knock in the Night is the artist's cautionary memoir of growing up under Communist brutality... This extraordinary book vividly recounts those desperate times and is an urgent reminder that where there is no democracy, there is no safety."
What more is there to say. Look for this on the new non-fiction table. (L-H)
The Bible Code and the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin
The Bible Code, by Michael Drosnin (HC, 1997, $2.75)
You take a chapter from the Torah, and put its Hebrew letters into your computer in the form of a program. Then you circle some things horizontally, and circle some things vertically, and some how you end up with predictions that later come true. One of those predictions was regarding the Rabin assassination. The code showed "Rabin", "Tel Aviv", "5756" ( the year of 1995-6), and "Amir" (the name of his assassin) all intersecting.
More importantly, the code also connects "the End of Days", "5760" (2000), and "delay". To the mathematician, Dr. Rips, and the author this means that the "holocaust of Israel" which was to have happened in 2000, has been delayed.
Well, we managed to get through 2000 OK. We even survived 2001, which did seem like the end of days to most of us. (My mother died within the month of the Towers falling, so for me it was a doubly awful time.) So maybe we were just lucky, or maybe the "End" is coming soon? Like maybe this year when the Mayans also predict the end of the world? Actually, I think we all know the world is in a precarious position, but is the real Armageddon around the corner? I am not sure I really want to know.
Pretty spooky? Look for this oddity on the new non-fiction table. (L- NA)
You take a chapter from the Torah, and put its Hebrew letters into your computer in the form of a program. Then you circle some things horizontally, and circle some things vertically, and some how you end up with predictions that later come true. One of those predictions was regarding the Rabin assassination. The code showed "Rabin", "Tel Aviv", "5756" ( the year of 1995-6), and "Amir" (the name of his assassin) all intersecting.
More importantly, the code also connects "the End of Days", "5760" (2000), and "delay". To the mathematician, Dr. Rips, and the author this means that the "holocaust of Israel" which was to have happened in 2000, has been delayed.
Well, we managed to get through 2000 OK. We even survived 2001, which did seem like the end of days to most of us. (My mother died within the month of the Towers falling, so for me it was a doubly awful time.) So maybe we were just lucky, or maybe the "End" is coming soon? Like maybe this year when the Mayans also predict the end of the world? Actually, I think we all know the world is in a precarious position, but is the real Armageddon around the corner? I am not sure I really want to know.
Pretty spooky? Look for this oddity on the new non-fiction table. (L- NA)
The King of Toronto builds his castle!
Sir Henry Pelliatt: The King of Casa Loma, by Carlie Oreskovich (TPB, 1996, $2)
Who knew Toronto had a king? Well, actually, Sir Henry Pelliatt wasn't a king, just a robber barron who had been knighted. He did, though, have a 98 room castle. He made his fortune in many ways. One project that didn't work out well was his building of a power station at Niagara Falls. Earlier Pelliatt had made lots of money selling electricity to both towns and individuals. Then electricity was produced by steam generators fueled by coal. Until new technology made hydropower feasible, and a coal strike reduced the availability of coal, no one was interested in harnessing the water power. Unfortunately for Pelliatt, the government decided to provide people with cheap power, and so took over control of the power station. But never mind, Pelliatt had lots of other ways to make money.
Pelliatt was proud of bringing 891 men of the Queens Own Riflemen Regiment in 1910 to England to practice maneuvers with other parts of the British army. His men, even after intense training, were obviously not in the same class with the rest of the British army. (In part, because some of the Canadians were coming down with typhoid fever.) The British soldiers also laughed at the Canadians' "toy" rifles. Regardless, Pelliatt had shown that Canada was able and willing to fight if necessary to protect the British Empire. Pelliatt never led his men into battle, but when war came in 1914, 210 officers and 7,352 of his men left to fight in the trenches. (Even after several modifications, their rifles still didn't work well.)
In 1910 Pelliatt was fabulously rich, but after the recession in 1913, and then the war, his finances were in trouble. Trying to remake his fortune, Pelliatt both invested badly, and "borrowed" money from banks, his companies, and even his family that he could never pay back. Long before the stock crash, Pelliatt was broke. His castle, Casa Loma, had been started at the peak of a financial boom, but even if it had not, his grand dreams were just too expensive. He had dreamed so big, and bought so high, that even downsizing his dream castle wasn't enough. Some of the wings and floors were never finished, and eventually the furnishings were all sold at auction. They went for a song. The castle never did sell. With out anyone looking after it, the Casa Loma started to crumble. The city of Toronto forced him into bankruptcy for unpaid taxes in 1934. Until 1937 people feared Casa Loma would be razed, but in 1937 it was bought by the Kiwanis Club and turned into a tourist attraction, which is why we can still visit it today.
What a complex man. I probably should feel sorry for him, but I don't. He caused people too much pain for me to feel that way. Look for this book on the new non-fiction table. (L-tr. C.)
Who knew Toronto had a king? Well, actually, Sir Henry Pelliatt wasn't a king, just a robber barron who had been knighted. He did, though, have a 98 room castle. He made his fortune in many ways. One project that didn't work out well was his building of a power station at Niagara Falls. Earlier Pelliatt had made lots of money selling electricity to both towns and individuals. Then electricity was produced by steam generators fueled by coal. Until new technology made hydropower feasible, and a coal strike reduced the availability of coal, no one was interested in harnessing the water power. Unfortunately for Pelliatt, the government decided to provide people with cheap power, and so took over control of the power station. But never mind, Pelliatt had lots of other ways to make money.
Pelliatt was proud of bringing 891 men of the Queens Own Riflemen Regiment in 1910 to England to practice maneuvers with other parts of the British army. His men, even after intense training, were obviously not in the same class with the rest of the British army. (In part, because some of the Canadians were coming down with typhoid fever.) The British soldiers also laughed at the Canadians' "toy" rifles. Regardless, Pelliatt had shown that Canada was able and willing to fight if necessary to protect the British Empire. Pelliatt never led his men into battle, but when war came in 1914, 210 officers and 7,352 of his men left to fight in the trenches. (Even after several modifications, their rifles still didn't work well.)
In 1910 Pelliatt was fabulously rich, but after the recession in 1913, and then the war, his finances were in trouble. Trying to remake his fortune, Pelliatt both invested badly, and "borrowed" money from banks, his companies, and even his family that he could never pay back. Long before the stock crash, Pelliatt was broke. His castle, Casa Loma, had been started at the peak of a financial boom, but even if it had not, his grand dreams were just too expensive. He had dreamed so big, and bought so high, that even downsizing his dream castle wasn't enough. Some of the wings and floors were never finished, and eventually the furnishings were all sold at auction. They went for a song. The castle never did sell. With out anyone looking after it, the Casa Loma started to crumble. The city of Toronto forced him into bankruptcy for unpaid taxes in 1934. Until 1937 people feared Casa Loma would be razed, but in 1937 it was bought by the Kiwanis Club and turned into a tourist attraction, which is why we can still visit it today.
What a complex man. I probably should feel sorry for him, but I don't. He caused people too much pain for me to feel that way. Look for this book on the new non-fiction table. (L-tr. C.)
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Has "Story Time" Become "Bore-y Time" at Your House?
Might be time to refresh your children’s hardcover picture/story book library. We've got several new titles - all are in excellent condition - nearly new - and priced at $2.00 each. Choose from:
“The Pet Shop Revolution” by Ana Juan **SOLD**
As the title promises, the animals revolt over their mean, scowling owner who seems to care more about his toupee and his pride than his fuzzy and feathered charges. With the help of a sympathetic young neighbor, watch the critters turn the tables! Favorite illustrations: the sad toucan and Mr. Walnuts’s Dr. Dentons.
“My Best, Best Friend” by Lauren Child
What little one hasn’t felt like a third wheel at some point in their youth? In this Charlie & Lola story, jealousy and friendship take front and center stage when Lola’s very best friend Lotta starts swapping lunches with a new girl and Lola’s insecurities take over.
“Mario and Baby Gia” by Mario Lopez. Illustrated by Maryn Roos
In this likable story of a boy who’s feeling cross when has to babysit on his birthday, Mario’s toddling cousin Gia teaches him a thing or two about family values. Written for his daughter, author Mario Lopez adds “children’s author” to his resume that already includes Broadway, tv sitcoms, dancing competitions, entertainment hosting and fitness writing. Where does he find the time?
“Guess How Much I Love You – Pop-Up Edition” by Sam McBratnay, Illustrated by Anita Jeram
The classic “love you to the moon and back” story goes 3-D with delightful pop-up pages and pull tabs for the toddler/pre-school set. It’s in very good to excellent condition, with only one non-working tab.
Other titles include “The Yellow House” by Blake Morrison & Illustrated by Helen Craig; “Polka Dot Penguin Pottery” by Lenore Look & Illustrated by Yumi Heo; and “The Great Bear” by Libby Gleeson & Illustrated by Armin Greder.
There’s also a board book called the “Little Black Book” – full of pictures of cats and hats and other everyday ebony objects that invites babies to touch & feel, lift the flap and scratch & sniff. (This book is also in fine shape - even the scratch and sniff spot still works - mmmm...licorice!) This one's just $1.50!
Find them all in the Childrens Section.
How to Win an Election (1964)
How to Win an Election: The Art of Political Victory, by Stephen C. Shadegg (PB, 1964, $1.50)
"The art of political victory has undergone drastic changes during this period. But in this volume the author reveals those modern techniques and strategies that are successfully used today." This author's "political experiences are varied. For instance; he managed Barry Goldwater's 2 successful bids for the Senate against unbelievable odds..."
I didn't have time to read this entire book, but I wish I did. It is filled with interesting stories of elections; what the politicians did, what the politicians didn't do, and why people voted as they did. Does any of this still hold true today? Maybe not, but it is too bad. Shadegg thought politicians should run on the issues, not their private lives, and that voters should know how politicians try to manipulate them. Aamazingly, Shadegg thought a woman would make as good a governor as a man!
The timing of this book is interesting. 1964 was the year Barry Goldwater ran against President Johnson. Goldwater was very anti-communist. He never turned against McCarthy, even at the end. He was against the Civil Rights Bill, feeling the federal government has no business telling states or individuals how they should act. In the 1964 election, the Deep South voted overwhelmingly for him. The rest of the country voted overwhelmingly for Johnson. Of course four years later, at the peak of Vietnam, the country voted in Nixon. So we got out of Vietnam, only to get into Watergate. Both events would scar the nation for decades.
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table. (L- pol.)
"The art of political victory has undergone drastic changes during this period. But in this volume the author reveals those modern techniques and strategies that are successfully used today." This author's "political experiences are varied. For instance; he managed Barry Goldwater's 2 successful bids for the Senate against unbelievable odds..."
I didn't have time to read this entire book, but I wish I did. It is filled with interesting stories of elections; what the politicians did, what the politicians didn't do, and why people voted as they did. Does any of this still hold true today? Maybe not, but it is too bad. Shadegg thought politicians should run on the issues, not their private lives, and that voters should know how politicians try to manipulate them. Aamazingly, Shadegg thought a woman would make as good a governor as a man!
The timing of this book is interesting. 1964 was the year Barry Goldwater ran against President Johnson. Goldwater was very anti-communist. He never turned against McCarthy, even at the end. He was against the Civil Rights Bill, feeling the federal government has no business telling states or individuals how they should act. In the 1964 election, the Deep South voted overwhelmingly for him. The rest of the country voted overwhelmingly for Johnson. Of course four years later, at the peak of Vietnam, the country voted in Nixon. So we got out of Vietnam, only to get into Watergate. Both events would scar the nation for decades.
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table. (L- pol.)
Did God destroy Port Royal, a city of sin, or was it just an earthquake?
Port Royal Rediscovered, by Robert F. Marx (HC, ex lib., 1973, $2)
"The historical and archaeological reconstruction of the notorious Jamaican city which sank in Kingston Harbor in 1692."
This is quite a tale. Port Royal in 1692 was a terrible place, but a great seaport. Located in the middle of the Caribbean, it had a wonderfully deep harbor. Six forts protected it. Buccaneers, privateers and pirates loved to drop off their plunder there, and merchants loved to have that plunder to sell. They also loved to sell stuff to the sailors. Spanish colonists loved having a place willing to smuggle manufactured goods to them. (They were Spanish citizens, but Spain didn't have the money or the ships to send them supplies!) New England also loved to trade with them. Jamaican plantation owners loved having a deep harbor near by, so that BIG ships could dock and take their sugar, indigo, cotton, tobacco, mahogany and spices off to England to be sold.
On the other hand, God didn't like Port Royal very much, and neither did its African slaves. There were churches on Port Royal- Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Quaker, Roman Catholic and even a Jewish synagogue. These, though, weren't where you found most people. Sailors just off the ships had money in their pockets- lots and lots of money, as well as gold, silver, pearls and emeralds. They didn't want God. They wanted alcohol, gambling, and women, and Port Royal had those in abundance. No one seemed to care that Port Royal had a lot of deaths from disease, violence, and alcohol.
Death also came to Port Royal on a beautiful day in June of 1692. Following three strong earthquakes and a tidal wave, 15 of Port Royal's 25 acres of land were under water, and more than 2,000 people were dead.
Two years later a rebuilt Port Royal was once again "the dunghill of the universe", but its "prosperity" wouldn't last long. During the next 30 years it would be destroyed three times, once by fire, and twice by hurricanes. In the 250 years following that, it would be destroyed 24 more times, twice by fire, twice by earthquakes, and twenty times by hurricane. Kind of makes you want to not build a house there, doesn't it!
I was fascinated by the story of Port Royal, but this book is really about the Marx's recovery of its artifacts and treasure. Some of the recovery was done on land, because some of what been under water was now under many feet of silt. Mostly, recovery was done by diving. Or at least it was when the Jamaican government, Kingston developers, union representatives, thieves, or amateur divers didn't get in the way. Or when brick walls didn't fall on them, sharks attack, or cuts get infected from the polluted water.For three years the author and his crew worked hard, risking their lives daily. Yet when Marx later visits, many of his finds have been thrown back into the sea, and most of the important artifacts displayed in the local museum have been stolen, never to be seen again. He is crushed, and never again travels to Jamaica. Can you blame him?
I wish the story had ended differently. I wish there had been more photos. Still, I really liked this book. Look for it on the new non-fiction table. (L-arch.)
"The historical and archaeological reconstruction of the notorious Jamaican city which sank in Kingston Harbor in 1692."
This is quite a tale. Port Royal in 1692 was a terrible place, but a great seaport. Located in the middle of the Caribbean, it had a wonderfully deep harbor. Six forts protected it. Buccaneers, privateers and pirates loved to drop off their plunder there, and merchants loved to have that plunder to sell. They also loved to sell stuff to the sailors. Spanish colonists loved having a place willing to smuggle manufactured goods to them. (They were Spanish citizens, but Spain didn't have the money or the ships to send them supplies!) New England also loved to trade with them. Jamaican plantation owners loved having a deep harbor near by, so that BIG ships could dock and take their sugar, indigo, cotton, tobacco, mahogany and spices off to England to be sold.
On the other hand, God didn't like Port Royal very much, and neither did its African slaves. There were churches on Port Royal- Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Quaker, Roman Catholic and even a Jewish synagogue. These, though, weren't where you found most people. Sailors just off the ships had money in their pockets- lots and lots of money, as well as gold, silver, pearls and emeralds. They didn't want God. They wanted alcohol, gambling, and women, and Port Royal had those in abundance. No one seemed to care that Port Royal had a lot of deaths from disease, violence, and alcohol.
Death also came to Port Royal on a beautiful day in June of 1692. Following three strong earthquakes and a tidal wave, 15 of Port Royal's 25 acres of land were under water, and more than 2,000 people were dead.
Two years later a rebuilt Port Royal was once again "the dunghill of the universe", but its "prosperity" wouldn't last long. During the next 30 years it would be destroyed three times, once by fire, and twice by hurricanes. In the 250 years following that, it would be destroyed 24 more times, twice by fire, twice by earthquakes, and twenty times by hurricane. Kind of makes you want to not build a house there, doesn't it!
I was fascinated by the story of Port Royal, but this book is really about the Marx's recovery of its artifacts and treasure. Some of the recovery was done on land, because some of what been under water was now under many feet of silt. Mostly, recovery was done by diving. Or at least it was when the Jamaican government, Kingston developers, union representatives, thieves, or amateur divers didn't get in the way. Or when brick walls didn't fall on them, sharks attack, or cuts get infected from the polluted water.For three years the author and his crew worked hard, risking their lives daily. Yet when Marx later visits, many of his finds have been thrown back into the sea, and most of the important artifacts displayed in the local museum have been stolen, never to be seen again. He is crushed, and never again travels to Jamaica. Can you blame him?
I wish the story had ended differently. I wish there had been more photos. Still, I really liked this book. Look for it on the new non-fiction table. (L-arch.)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Moravian Revival of 1727
Power from On High: The Story of the Great Moravian Revival of 1727, by John Greenfield (thin TPB, 1977 edition of 1927 book, $2)
I think I have this right-
After being persecuted Moravian Christians were given sanctuary by a German count. In 1727, until they began to pray intently, the community had begun to splinter over doctrinal issues. Their praying continued until an August 13th communion service.
Something really strange happened that Wednesday at noon. "We saw the hand of God and His wonders, and we were all under the cloud of our fathers baptized with their spirit. The Holy Ghost came upon us and in those days great signs and wonders took place in our midst."
Nothing was ever the same for them. Great hymns were written, and great sermons preached. Meanwhile the community started sending people out into the world "to make Christ's Salvation known to the heathen".
Ironically, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was someone converted by them. He was on his way to America to "convert Indians" when the ship he was traveling on floundered in a storm. Everyone on board was terrified except for a group of Moravians. Realizing the weakness of his own faith, he turned to the Moravians for guidance. For a long while he and his followers (called Methodists because they methodically "set about living a holy life") worshiped together with the Moravians. Eventually, Wesley split from the Moravians, but he would never turn away from his conversion experience. Meeting the Moravians had shown him his need for a personal relationship with Christ. His journey to find that personal relationship would change "the political and religious destinies of English-speaking Protestantism... [and relight] the expiring fires of religion."
Wow!
This book was written to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the "Moravian Pentecost". Look for it on the new non-fiction table. (L-r)
I think I have this right-
After being persecuted Moravian Christians were given sanctuary by a German count. In 1727, until they began to pray intently, the community had begun to splinter over doctrinal issues. Their praying continued until an August 13th communion service.
Something really strange happened that Wednesday at noon. "We saw the hand of God and His wonders, and we were all under the cloud of our fathers baptized with their spirit. The Holy Ghost came upon us and in those days great signs and wonders took place in our midst."
Nothing was ever the same for them. Great hymns were written, and great sermons preached. Meanwhile the community started sending people out into the world "to make Christ's Salvation known to the heathen".
Ironically, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was someone converted by them. He was on his way to America to "convert Indians" when the ship he was traveling on floundered in a storm. Everyone on board was terrified except for a group of Moravians. Realizing the weakness of his own faith, he turned to the Moravians for guidance. For a long while he and his followers (called Methodists because they methodically "set about living a holy life") worshiped together with the Moravians. Eventually, Wesley split from the Moravians, but he would never turn away from his conversion experience. Meeting the Moravians had shown him his need for a personal relationship with Christ. His journey to find that personal relationship would change "the political and religious destinies of English-speaking Protestantism... [and relight] the expiring fires of religion."
Wow!
This book was written to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the "Moravian Pentecost". Look for it on the new non-fiction table. (L-r)
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
King, Koontz and Lumley
Look for books by these authors in the sci-fi/fantasy section. Most are hardcover.
Brian Lumley
Dean Koontz
Stephen King
Brian Lumley
Dean Koontz
Stephen King
Wee "New Webster Dictionary" (1914) **SOLD**
The New Webster Dictionary and Complete Vest-Pocket Library. 45,800 Words. Five Books. All Within These Covers.
A Dictionary, page 9
Absolutely Full Pronunciation; Synonyms; Plural Forms; Compound Words; 5000 Difficult Words; Proper Names; Business Forms; Social Forms; Capitals; Punctuation; etc. Thoroughly Reliable Throughout.
Parliamentary Manual, page 161
Expert Calculator, page 173
(small sized, published in 1914, $4, which is 1/3 the internet price.)
I love these little treasures. Did you know-
A contract with a minor or a lunatic is void.
Curl-papers, dressing gowns, and bare shirt sleeves should never be seen at the table.
Jokes, puns and anecdotes are always in bad taste.
Address servants quietly.
Do not be looking about at prayer time.
Avoid the use of the blunderer's mark.(^)
Don't use postal cards, except for matters of business.
To cleanse house paper, rub with a flannel cloth dipped in oatmeal.
To test death, push pin into flesh. If dead, the hole will remain. If alive, the hole will close.
As you can see, this is not just a dictionary, but a passport into another age.
Enjoy this book to be found in the glass case, avail. after July 17th. (I want to share it with my friends first!)
A Dictionary, page 9
Absolutely Full Pronunciation; Synonyms; Plural Forms; Compound Words; 5000 Difficult Words; Proper Names; Business Forms; Social Forms; Capitals; Punctuation; etc. Thoroughly Reliable Throughout.
Parliamentary Manual, page 161
Expert Calculator, page 173
(small sized, published in 1914, $4, which is 1/3 the internet price.)
I love these little treasures. Did you know-
A contract with a minor or a lunatic is void.
Curl-papers, dressing gowns, and bare shirt sleeves should never be seen at the table.
Jokes, puns and anecdotes are always in bad taste.
Address servants quietly.
Do not be looking about at prayer time.
Avoid the use of the blunderer's mark.(^)
Don't use postal cards, except for matters of business.
To cleanse house paper, rub with a flannel cloth dipped in oatmeal.
To test death, push pin into flesh. If dead, the hole will remain. If alive, the hole will close.
As you can see, this is not just a dictionary, but a passport into another age.
Enjoy this book to be found in the glass case, avail. after July 17th. (I want to share it with my friends first!)
Monday, July 9, 2012
1923, when the US had no president!
The Unique Inauguration of Calvin Coolidge, America's 30th President, at Plymouth, Vermont, August 3, 1923: The Swearing in of 'Silent Cal', by Vrest Orton (TPB, 1998, $1)
These days who cares about Calvin Coolidge, but in August of 1923 people sure cared. President Harding had just died in San Fransisco, and someone had to tell the Vice-President, but how? He was vacationing at his father's Vermont village home. Colonel Coolidge, Calvin's father, had no phone. The only phone in the village was at the general store, and it had long closed for the night. So everyone, wanting to be the first to reach the new president, raced their cars to the village.
The first to get there, by three minutes, was the Western Union agent's husband. Then came the big time reporters, who were disappointed to find the "president" asleep. With nothing happening till morning, they all raced back to town to phone in the story. All, that is, except the inexperienced one, Joe Fountain.
All this time the country had no president. This couldn't be, but what could be done? Normally the Supreme Court's Chief Justice administered the presidential oath of office, but he was in Washington. But wait, didn't it only have to be a government official, and Calvin's father was a government official, even if he was only a notary public. But what was the oath? It was sort of important to get it right. Ahhh, the Coolidges owned a copy of the Vermont Statutes which included the oath.
So by the light of a kerosene lamp, Calvin Coolidge officially became president, and standing right behind him was Joe Fountain.With that done, the new president just wanted to get some sleep, but more and more people kept arriving. Major arguments erupted about how and when he would go to Washington, and who would guard him. ( His first "guard" was a railway mail clerk and his tiny gun!)
You can read the rest of the story here, just look on the new non-fiction table. (L-AH)
These days who cares about Calvin Coolidge, but in August of 1923 people sure cared. President Harding had just died in San Fransisco, and someone had to tell the Vice-President, but how? He was vacationing at his father's Vermont village home. Colonel Coolidge, Calvin's father, had no phone. The only phone in the village was at the general store, and it had long closed for the night. So everyone, wanting to be the first to reach the new president, raced their cars to the village.
The first to get there, by three minutes, was the Western Union agent's husband. Then came the big time reporters, who were disappointed to find the "president" asleep. With nothing happening till morning, they all raced back to town to phone in the story. All, that is, except the inexperienced one, Joe Fountain.
All this time the country had no president. This couldn't be, but what could be done? Normally the Supreme Court's Chief Justice administered the presidential oath of office, but he was in Washington. But wait, didn't it only have to be a government official, and Calvin's father was a government official, even if he was only a notary public. But what was the oath? It was sort of important to get it right. Ahhh, the Coolidges owned a copy of the Vermont Statutes which included the oath.
So by the light of a kerosene lamp, Calvin Coolidge officially became president, and standing right behind him was Joe Fountain.With that done, the new president just wanted to get some sleep, but more and more people kept arriving. Major arguments erupted about how and when he would go to Washington, and who would guard him. ( His first "guard" was a railway mail clerk and his tiny gun!)
You can read the rest of the story here, just look on the new non-fiction table. (L-AH)
The Witches or the Tramp, whom do you believe?
The Franchise Affair, by Josephine Tey (PB, 1988 edition of 1949 book, $1.50)
Every once in awhile I run across something unexpectedly special. This timr it is a sweet classic mystery. How can a mystery be sweet? Probably it has something to do with it not being a murder mystery, and your never believing those two strange women, who live in an even stranger house, could have kept a girl hostage in their attic for a month, much less beaten her in hopes of having her become their maid. (Ha?) But, on the other hand, how can you not believe such an innocent looking school girl! The women aren't really witches, but neither is the school girl a tramp. Or are they? Or is she?
Our poor solicitor, Robert Blair, only gets himself involved because he is late leaving his office. Yes, he is supposed to be there every day until 4, but he never is. There is never any need. At the law firm of Blair, Hayward, and Bennet nothing unexpected ever happens. Robert might draw up wills, deeds, or investment documents, but to be involved in a kidnapping case, and with Scotland Yard... Never! Except one day he stays late. And the phone rings. And he answers it. And one thing leads to another... till his whole life is turned upside-down. No longer will discovering the kind of pastry on his tea tray be the excitement of the day.
And why would he help these two women, one an old maid of more than 40, who wears exotic clothing, and the other, her fierce and scary old mother? Worse yet, they are newcomers to the area, and were unwelcome even before they caused Scotland Yard to visit.
This book has a modern feel to it, except for the parts were horses are excited by cars, and all the women wear hats. I loved this book and hope you do too! Look for it in the mystery section.
Every once in awhile I run across something unexpectedly special. This timr it is a sweet classic mystery. How can a mystery be sweet? Probably it has something to do with it not being a murder mystery, and your never believing those two strange women, who live in an even stranger house, could have kept a girl hostage in their attic for a month, much less beaten her in hopes of having her become their maid. (Ha?) But, on the other hand, how can you not believe such an innocent looking school girl! The women aren't really witches, but neither is the school girl a tramp. Or are they? Or is she?
Our poor solicitor, Robert Blair, only gets himself involved because he is late leaving his office. Yes, he is supposed to be there every day until 4, but he never is. There is never any need. At the law firm of Blair, Hayward, and Bennet nothing unexpected ever happens. Robert might draw up wills, deeds, or investment documents, but to be involved in a kidnapping case, and with Scotland Yard... Never! Except one day he stays late. And the phone rings. And he answers it. And one thing leads to another... till his whole life is turned upside-down. No longer will discovering the kind of pastry on his tea tray be the excitement of the day.
And why would he help these two women, one an old maid of more than 40, who wears exotic clothing, and the other, her fierce and scary old mother? Worse yet, they are newcomers to the area, and were unwelcome even before they caused Scotland Yard to visit.
This book has a modern feel to it, except for the parts were horses are excited by cars, and all the women wear hats. I loved this book and hope you do too! Look for it in the mystery section.
E.T.s, not (continued): Transformation **SOLD**
Transformation, the Breakthrough, by Whitley Strieber (HC, 1988, $3)
The "visitors" continue to visit.
"Whitley began to challenge his fear of the visitors, to try to confront them with objectivity, in an effort to gain real insights into their impact on our lives. The more he did this, he found, the deeper and richer his experience became...
Transformation is a journey from the secret depths of the mind to the secret depths of the universe, a story of fear and courage and the final, triumphant breakthrough that may lead at last to real understanding. Communion was only the beginning."
Well, the weird gets weirder. I still admire Strieber's courage. His journeys into the forest at night was the bravest thing I have ever heard of, but how does he come to the conclusion the visitors are something we should get to know? Seems to me if these visitors kidnap people, poke painful things inside them, and mess with their brains, then they are not to be trusted. On the other hand, if they are really here, best get to know what we are up against.
I found myself pondering the first book. This one left me not believing. What do you think? Look for it on the new non-fiction table. (L-nage)
The "visitors" continue to visit.
"Whitley began to challenge his fear of the visitors, to try to confront them with objectivity, in an effort to gain real insights into their impact on our lives. The more he did this, he found, the deeper and richer his experience became...
Transformation is a journey from the secret depths of the mind to the secret depths of the universe, a story of fear and courage and the final, triumphant breakthrough that may lead at last to real understanding. Communion was only the beginning."
Well, the weird gets weirder. I still admire Strieber's courage. His journeys into the forest at night was the bravest thing I have ever heard of, but how does he come to the conclusion the visitors are something we should get to know? Seems to me if these visitors kidnap people, poke painful things inside them, and mess with their brains, then they are not to be trusted. On the other hand, if they are really here, best get to know what we are up against.
I found myself pondering the first book. This one left me not believing. What do you think? Look for it on the new non-fiction table. (L-nage)
E.T.s., they are not! (Whitley Strieber's "Communion")
Communion: A True Story by Whitley Strieber (HC, 1987, $3)
OK, at age 57 I am a lot more believing than I was when I was younger. Still, Strieber's story of frequent meetings with aliens was hard to believe. Yet he approached his journey toward understanding with so much scientific care that it is hard to believe he made it all up. Ever since reading this, I have been pondering.
Regardless of whether his experiences actually happened, what is clear is the pain he and other people with similar experiences feel. Strieber eventually realized his experiences went all the way back to childhood. He was afraid they were also happening to his young son. No matter how often he changed where he lived, the experiences continued. Was he crazy? He determined to find out. If nothing else, you have to admire his courage to face the unknown.
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table. (L n-age)
OK, at age 57 I am a lot more believing than I was when I was younger. Still, Strieber's story of frequent meetings with aliens was hard to believe. Yet he approached his journey toward understanding with so much scientific care that it is hard to believe he made it all up. Ever since reading this, I have been pondering.
Regardless of whether his experiences actually happened, what is clear is the pain he and other people with similar experiences feel. Strieber eventually realized his experiences went all the way back to childhood. He was afraid they were also happening to his young son. No matter how often he changed where he lived, the experiences continued. Was he crazy? He determined to find out. If nothing else, you have to admire his courage to face the unknown.
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table. (L n-age)
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Duck when the bullets fly, even if you're in church!
The Mystery of St. Regis, by Neil Boyton, SJ (small HC, 1937, poor condition, $2)
I am confused-
If a gangster started shooting in a church, wouldn't someone come to investigate?
If an altar boy avoided being shot, would he worry about a torn cassock?
If someone found a dead body, wouldn't they shout for help?
In this book some weird things happen, but it is still cute to read.
Look for it on the new fiction table. Avail. 7/5. (l-my)
I am confused-
If a gangster started shooting in a church, wouldn't someone come to investigate?
If an altar boy avoided being shot, would he worry about a torn cassock?
If someone found a dead body, wouldn't they shout for help?
In this book some weird things happen, but it is still cute to read.
Look for it on the new fiction table. Avail. 7/5. (l-my)
Twister, the movie. Twister, the science
Twister: The Science of Tornadoes and the Making of an Adventure Movie, by Keay Davidson (TPB, 1996, $2.25)
How did they get that tank truck up into the air?
If you want to know how twisters form, this is the book for you.
If you want to know how Twister, the movie, was made, this is also the book for you.
Some facts:
The number of reported tornadoes in the US is six times the rate in 1950.
Twisters are being reported in states where they were never reported before.
In 1936 a tornado killed 200 and injured 700 in Tupelo, Miss., but spared the home of a young Elvis Presley.
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table, avail. 7/5. (L-ea.sc.)
How did they get that tank truck up into the air?
If you want to know how twisters form, this is the book for you.
If you want to know how Twister, the movie, was made, this is also the book for you.
Some facts:
The number of reported tornadoes in the US is six times the rate in 1950.
Twisters are being reported in states where they were never reported before.
In 1936 a tornado killed 200 and injured 700 in Tupelo, Miss., but spared the home of a young Elvis Presley.
Look for this book on the new non-fiction table, avail. 7/5. (L-ea.sc.)
Richard III (VHS tapes) **SOLD**
This year the Rochester Shakespeare Players are going to be putting on Richard III. I have problems understanding Shakespeare, so I thought it would be a good idea to read the play first. Then I figured it would be an even better idea to watch a movie version.
Turns out there were 2- one in 1955 with Laurence Olivier, and one in 1995 with John Wood. Of the two, I understood and liked the 1995 one best. The newest one's 1930s setting and costumes made it easier to figure out who was who. Or maybe it was only because I had first watched the other film, and already (sort of) knew who people were....
Nope, the newer film is just easier to understand. Of course, what is there to understand? Richard wants to be king, and he he doesn't mind killing to get there. Since no one likes him, he has to keep killing even after he gets to be king. Around Richard, no one, and I mean no one, is safe. (Warning- watching some of these murders requires a strong stomach. Whoever wrote this screenplay was a bit twisted.)
The weird part of is how off this play is from historical reality. There seems to be no record of Richard III being evil, or even malformed. The Earl of Richmond, who will take the crown as Henry VI, actually had no right to the crown. If I have this right, his grandmother, Katherine, was the wife of Henry V, but his grandfather was not Henry V, but Katherine's second husband. On the other hand, Richard III's great-great grandfather was Edward III, so Richard had every right to be king. Now if Richard wasn't the vile man Shakespeare said he was, then Henry VI had no right to fight him, and if he did, Henry never should have been king.
Of course, Shakespeare was writing for Elizabeth I. She probably wouldn't have been too happy to watch a play depicting her grandfather as anything but a hero. So, since Shakespeare was no fool, Richard ended up as a villain. But, hey, it was just a play, and no one ever pays attention to a play...
Break a leg, Shakespeare Players.
You can find these VHS tapes in the VHS area.
Turns out there were 2- one in 1955 with Laurence Olivier, and one in 1995 with John Wood. Of the two, I understood and liked the 1995 one best. The newest one's 1930s setting and costumes made it easier to figure out who was who. Or maybe it was only because I had first watched the other film, and already (sort of) knew who people were....
Nope, the newer film is just easier to understand. Of course, what is there to understand? Richard wants to be king, and he he doesn't mind killing to get there. Since no one likes him, he has to keep killing even after he gets to be king. Around Richard, no one, and I mean no one, is safe. (Warning- watching some of these murders requires a strong stomach. Whoever wrote this screenplay was a bit twisted.)
The weird part of is how off this play is from historical reality. There seems to be no record of Richard III being evil, or even malformed. The Earl of Richmond, who will take the crown as Henry VI, actually had no right to the crown. If I have this right, his grandmother, Katherine, was the wife of Henry V, but his grandfather was not Henry V, but Katherine's second husband. On the other hand, Richard III's great-great grandfather was Edward III, so Richard had every right to be king. Now if Richard wasn't the vile man Shakespeare said he was, then Henry VI had no right to fight him, and if he did, Henry never should have been king.
Of course, Shakespeare was writing for Elizabeth I. She probably wouldn't have been too happy to watch a play depicting her grandfather as anything but a hero. So, since Shakespeare was no fool, Richard ended up as a villain. But, hey, it was just a play, and no one ever pays attention to a play...
Break a leg, Shakespeare Players.
You can find these VHS tapes in the VHS area.
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