4 comments about The Book of Exodus.

1. I first read a review of this coffee table book in New York Times and went on line to purchase it from Rizzoli. It was selling for list price of 40 plus dollars. I have purchased two from Amazon and given as gifts. The recipients were very pleased. It is a beautiful book depicting the story of Exodus, soft pastels for illustrations. Would highly recommend it for those interested in the old testament and this compelling rendition.



2. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL BOOK AT A BARGAIN PRICE. THIS BOOK MAKES A WONDERFUL COFFEE TABLE BOOK OR A FANTASTIC GIFT. THE ARTWORK IS WONDERFUL AND I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE!



3. This is an amazing book. It far exceeded my expectations. I purchased it for the 6 year old daughter of a friend. The little girl is just beginning to read Hebrew. I know she will love the paintings and will eventually be able to read the text in both languages.



4. We all know the story of Exodus. Now to see it interperted in these amazing skys gives new meaning to each chapter.The caligraphy in both english and hebrew superimpsed on the sky is amazing. This is truly a work of love and art by the creator of this book. We have bought several copies and given them as gifts to friends and associates.Everyone who has seen this book at our home wants their own copy

1 comments about The Old Testament: Through 100 Masterpieces of Art.

1. Lovely book with beautiful photos. 13-year old recipients don't care too much now, but their parents like it, and one day the kids will too.

5 comments about Reading Buddhist Art.

1. Imagine yourself in an Asian museum, or some Asian art shop, on whose wall hangs a scroll that depicted some sort of a Buddhist figure. Assuming that you're someone who is interested in art, wouldn't it only be natural that you turn curious in the identity of the figure? This book, in my view contrary to the negative reviews, does a great job in meeting such need.
   
   The main part of book assumes a very convenient two-page format. The left hand side page consists entirely of photographs and illustrations. This side serves as the index -- as described above, you are to scan through these pictures to find which figure (Shakyamuni, Vairochana, Maitreya, etc), posture (standing Buddha, sitting Buddha, etc), artifact, mudra (hand gesture that is believed in the Vajrayana sect to facilitate reaching enlightenment faster) you seek to identify. To the right are explanations of related symbolism, function, different representations, convenient cross references, and even transliterations of the name of the identity in question into various languages (mostly Sanskrit, Chinese, Japanese; less Korean, Vietnamese, Mongolian).
   
   The book evidently isn't meant to be exhaustive. As repeatedly said, I think it is to serve as an introduction to the field. Criticizing the book for being short is equivalent to saying that no introductory book deserves to be written. No doubt there could be more detailed and thoroughly researched references in the field. Yet for beginners like myself brevity has its own merits (though in the long run I might have to purchase one of those more detailed references).
   
   Having said this much, some mundane criticism of my own: 1) all photos are in black and white, and a bit too small to allow for appreciation of the details -- imagine a colorful mandala (a geometric diagram that depicts the Buddhist universe) enclosed in a 4x4 inch black-and-white box. 2) In many cases the explanation on the right hand side page does not match the gesture in the accompanying illustrations.



2. With its excellent organization, concise explanations in clear language, and straightforward iconographic drawings, my entry level students found Reading Buddhist Art a welcome clarifying light upon a subject that is often impenetrably intricate and arcane. They were enthusiastic about this book. McArthur's achievement is first her neutrality; she does not emphasize one branch of Buddhism over another but rather by revealing the uniting threads in a religion that expresses itself in wide variation among disparate cultures and eras, she offers an overview that allows students to attain a secure foundation of concepts as revealed through art. Second is her exceptionally well designed, easy to follow, structured organization, in which the important particulars of Buddhism are revealed according to this cosmic yet also international and historical scope, and the intricacies of symbolism are shown to have a logic that unites iconography from seeming details to major architectural forms. Short, well-written opening essays focused on history and fundamental concepts precede a pictorial survey of the essential pantheon, presented individually in hierarchical order according to the original Indian name. Each deity is accompanied by a subordinate list of major variant names as they appear in different countries, and a brief yet thorough introductory description supported by comparative iconographic illustrations. This is followed by explanations of minor symbolism, major architectural monuments, a glossary of important terms, and other essential information. The beauty of this text is that it encourages students to learn actively, from what they can see, rather than bog themselves down in abstract descriptions of doctrine. It can stand alone as a beginner's guide in at a museum or temple site, and also function as a superb supporting reference in a general introductory class. McArthur has given any interested entry-level person the means to create a solid foundation on which more specialized advanced studies can be securely built.



3. I don't like to write reviews for books that are not good but I feel that people should think twice before spending their money on this one.
   Imagine a book called 'Dictionary of European Words.' It would contain some German verbs, some French nouns, some Italian adjectives, etc. How useful is it going to be?
   This book would be a cousin to such an imaginary but nontheless absurd book.

   My main gripe is that, as someone already pointed out, it is badly organized. It is nearly useless as a reference book. The faults are too many to mention, so I shall not, except for just one example: all the pictures are B&W, and not even numbered, so that one has to sort through just to figure out which description applies to which one of the many illustration found on the same page.

   The real source of the problem with this book is that it tries to cover way too many cultures -- from Thailand to Korea to Japan to Bhutan -- and it tries this in a mere 216 pages (!), including the frontispiece, blanks, and index: as if a Guide to Buddhist Art could be done like a store catalogue. Just the symbolism of the mudras alone would easily take 200 pages, I should think.

   Every Buddhist culture has its own peculiar relationship and input to Buddhism. Although there are large areas of doctrinal overlap that all Buddhist cultures have in common, each culture still has its own line-up and order in the pantheon of deities, rituals, implements and practices. This book blithely glosses right over them -- like Doria looking for Nemo in the deep blue sea.

   On that note, it bears mentioning that the author has a MA in Asian Art from London University's School of Oriental and African Studies, with a major in Japanese Art. My feeling is that the author herself has but a superficial familiarity with the topic at hand.
   The author was either brave, reckless, or ignorant to attempt so much with so little. This is unfortunately more of a scansion than a reading, properly speaking.
   (Compare Robert Beer's Encyclopaedia for a guide done right.)

   But to be fair, it might be somewhat helpful to those just beginning their studies and are grabbing at straws.




4. Despite nice illustrations and photos, this work suffers most from poor organization. Instead of going through each of the building blocks f Himalayan statuary and iconography, then putting them together (i.e., mudras, vehicles, hand objects, etc.), it is organized (not right word) in a peculiar fashion that resists its use as a reference book. Often it goes into great detail about trivial things, then omits more important things. For example, it clutters the landscape with discussions about different sects - this is really premature. If you read German, my recommendation is buying Wolfgang Schumann's masterful "Buddhistische Bilderwelt" [The world of Buddhist Iconography], which you can probably buy from www.amazon.de.



5. Buddhism is cool. All around us we see Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Tibetan prayer flags, and people standing at bus stops with their hands in mudras. Buddhism has been cool for a long time and throughout Asia smart people and devoted people have spent a long time delving into the elaborate stories about enlightened ones, buddhas of the past and future, celestial deities. Some have morphed from men to women. Some can save your soul, heal you, make you happy when you're sad. Meher McArthur's book can help you find your way through the bewhildering maze of Buddhist imagery and iconography. Laid out in a intuitive style and clearly explained, this guide is especially useful to students trying to get a grip on why that statue has eleven heads and eight arms. Highly recommended.

3 comments about Instant Skits for Children's Ministry.

1. We have used this book for several years with 5th and 6th graders and they LOVE it. We don't even try to have them memorize their parts. We just give them copies of the script to use and highlight their parts. Everyone wants to be in the skits and we get a lot of laughs, while also experiencing truths from Scripture. We would like another book like this one with new skits!



2. I wish I had had athe opportunity to see more of a Table of Contents and inside content so I could know ahead what I might be able to use.



3. This book offers a unique way to start a conversation on many Christian topics. You will need several(2-6) characters for each skit, so either have a lot of puppets or a lot of volunteers ready before you buy it. Most of the skits are written for kids to act out, but I'm not sure that kids could memorize that much dialogue every week. Going with puppets would be best. Each skit will take approximately 5-10 minutes to put on and the setup is minimal.

1 comments about Mary, Mother of God: Her Life in Icons and Scripture.

1. This is a beautiful book. I bought it for a gift for a person who is very interested in Mary.

1 comments about Communion Ecclesiology: Vision & Versions.

1. This is an excellent introduction to twentieth century "catholic" ecclesiology from de Lubac to Zizioulas. It is a reliable in its analyses and a sure foundation for further reading (if one were to be so inclined). It is unusually well written. I found it generous and honest. I thoroughly recommend it.

5 comments about Fool of the Kingdom: How to Be an Effective Clown Minister.

1. this is the best book i have read in a long time. even if you don't want to be a clown it is very good. it has a different writing style than i usally read. alot of books tell about I I I I this book shows how you can serve others .it has little gold nuggets of truth spead through out. it really gets your creative mind bing bonging. i will read and reread this book again. in HIS service ,just clowing, around belinda



2. Philip Noble is an Anglican priest and evangelist from Scotland. He is also a very creative clown minister, and cofounder of the International String Figure Association. Philip uses these gifts in his ministry. He wrote "Fool of the Kingdom" so that others could also learn these techniques.

   "Fool of the kingdom" explains how to develop a clown character, how to juggle, how to do origami and string games, and also provides many other clown tips. It is full of ideas, advice, instructions, anecdotes, as well as sketches.

   Philip wants us to know that although performing is a great idea, we must make sure that the message of the sketch or story always remains clear.

   What I appreciated most about this book were the sketches and origami, because I enjoy drama and like to show my friends new tricks. People who want to use acting or story telling to help them communicate God's message to others will be interested in reading this book.




3. Philip Noble's book FOOL OF THE KINGDOM: HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE CLOWN MINISTER is a joy to read. I would recommend this to youth, Youth Ministers and missionaries as well as anyone who is searching for a unique way to open hearts to the wonder of Christ's life and message. As Rainbow the clown, Pastor Noble uses string games, origami, juggling and gentle magic that is explained at the end of the book. The role of a clown is presented not only as a comical one but also as a wise and humble peacemaker. Reading this made me want to present this book to several youth ministries in Japan, and develop a clown character myself.



4. Dans ce livre,on trouve toutes sortes de choses. Par exemple, comment couper une pomme en faisant en sorte que les deux morceaux s'emboîtent ensuite, ou comment apprendre à jongler ou à faire un singe avec une peau d'orange? Philip Noble est un type épatant, qui nous fait partager sa joie d'etre clown. Il nous explique des tours de ficelle, un pliage de mouchoir (souris) ou de papier, les base du maquillage, de l'habillage.. Les histoires et les sketches sont très bien et m'ont fait bien sourire et rire. Les histoires sont soit bibliques, soit des histoires traditionnelles juives ou autres. Mon fils a bien aimé le chapitre sur les bulles de savon. En bref, un livre épatant comme son auteur.



5. I share with many new clowns only three books and this is the best!

No comments about The Jesuits: Cultures, Sciences, and the Arts, 1540-1773.

2 comments about The Power of Icons: Russian and Greek Icons 15th-19th Century.

1. Lovely book. Lavish with illustrations. Perfect for what I wanted.



2. This is one of the best books on the subject to have been published in recent years. It is very informative and well written - there are one or two minor spelling mistakes, but that does not affect the overall quality. So many books are repetetive and pedestrian that it is refreshing to find one which covers so much including the history of the thought behind the Icon as well as technical details. If anyone only wants two or three books on the Icon this should be one of them.

4 comments about The New Banner Book.

1. If you are just beginning to making banners this book has good information on how to get started.



2. This is also an excellent book. Our team also used it with much success.



3. I just received this book and one glance through it makes me wish I hadn't ordered it. This book is definietly for beginners.



4. Although I did not get her first book, I recently purchased this one in hopes of figuring out how to make a banner for our church. This book covers it all. It talks about fabric choice, design considerations, using Christian symbols, words, colors, how to make tab hangers, poles, tassels, the works. There are 4 pages of beautiful color examples of banners that people have made (32 of them). She encourages the reader to design their own. I can't wait to get started.