Easter Books

This beautiful, 72 page book is a great gift for art lovers and Christians. Its introduction explains Rembrandt's possible inspiration and some details for each work. The text of the KJV Bible gives the book a devotional quality. Both text and art make for good meditation during a busy Christmas season. My favorite is the drawing on the book's cover, shown in full on page 27. It's a tender portrait of Mary and Jesus, possibly modeled by Rembrandt's wife and first child. I think knowing that the child died after two months makes this drawing all the more poignant to me. Jesus, God Almighty incarnate as a human, was just as frail as Rembrandt's first born.

This volume is a wonderful marriage of art by Rembrant and text from the Gospel infancy narratives. Thus the book revolves around well known episodes: the annunciation, Mary's visit to Elizabeth, the birth of John the Baptist, the birth of Jesus, the angel appearing to the shepherds ... etc. Some of the texts have multiple paintings and etchings associated with them; this has the effect of allowing the art more than the word to tell the story. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in religious or biblical art.

The pictures of this book are very good and the text fits well, however, having copies of the other two books in this series, "The Life Of Christ" and "The Old Testament", I was a bit dissapointed with the size of this book. The publishers seem to be attempting one of those "gift" books and in doing this they do a great disservice to the artist.

"The Rising of the Moon" is a fantastic book for those who enjoy romance and action all in one. It takes place in Boston in the year 1916. William Martin really makes history come alive. Irish immigrant Tom Tracy is trying to become a successful politician, while also trying to have a love live with his Jewish girlfriend, Rachel Levka. But when Tom's cousin, Padraic Starr comes to Boston, Tom has to make a decision on having a safe life in Boston, or avenging his father's death back in Ireland. Rachel must choose between her love for Tom Tracy, and her desire for Padraic Starr.

You need a thesaurus solely dedicated to the word "Remarkable" for a review to give its justice to "The Rising of the Moon". Martin's descriptions of early 20th century Boston far surpass similar works such as "The Alienist" or "Ironweed". Wonderful portrayals of the Irish immigrants struggle for acceptance and political power in Boston, the city that gave birth to our countries ideals. One mans fanatical struggle for those same ideals in his mother land, Ireland, eventually bring these exiting characters to the shores of Ireland to fight it's own battle for independence from British rule. This book should be cone-shaped because it moves at supersonic speed. The first chapter grabs you hard, and each following chapter is better then it's predecessor. When you reach the final 200 pages, prepare yourself, go to the bathroom, get something to drink, make sure your comfortable, because I guarantee, you won't want to move until you've finished. Nothing in this book is predictable. It's well plotted and the reader will be thrilled with surprises to the very end that will leave the reader emotionally drained. Even though this book was 471 pages, Martin is one of the few story tellers that has the ability to cary a book for 1000 pages and the reader is still crying for more. This was the best book I've read all summer, and found it's way into my top 20 books of all time. A publishing felony is being committed everyday this book remains out-of-print.

Publishers make strange decisions on books that I'll never understand. "The Rising of the Moon" is William Martin's story of Irish immigrants in Boston and the struggle towards independence of the Irish Republic. The story has a steady metered pace about it that causes reflection on past events and current day events. While Mr. Martin may not agree, the struggle for independence in Ireland mirrors the American struggle a century and a half before, but also foreshadows the struggles of the Palestinians for a home land today.

The book explores the deep nationalistic sentiments that drive a people towards independence. Demonstrating how passionate those drives may be and how at times those passions cause unintended pain and grief that time can't erase.

I think he toys with the notion that the end does not always justify the means, but in the end leaves the reader to decide. At times a very disturbing book, yet always captivating and provocative, the ending will surprise you

This book should not have been removed from the shelves of bookstores, The novice William Martin reader will be deprived of perhaps his most personal essay on independence, the central theme in his works. For those of you who have enjoyed the historical tails of Martin, make the extra effort to find a copy of "Rising". I promise you won't be disappointed. You will be challenged though.

This book is very well done. It puts together a large group of references to present a descriptive picture of the 1972 Easter Offensive. A suggestion to prospective readers; obtain a copy of "A Bright Shining Lie" by Neil Sheehan. The maps are invaluable as an aid to this book, and if you haven't read "A Bright Shining Lie" already, you should read it also. The two book tie together in 1972.

The author's dedication to thorough research and personal interviews with survivors guaranteed a fascinating, informative read. I am virtually ignorant of the history of our participation in Vietnam (we never seemed to get past WWII in either High School or College). Even though I was unfamiliar with history or geography in Vietnam, this book was easy to understand. The included maps were helpful. I do agree with the previous reviews that more detailed maps (showing each location mentioned) would have been nice. I finished this book with vivid pictures of American advisors caught in the heat of action, US bombers bailing out the ineffective S. Vietnam army, and perhaps a taste of the sickening feeling the S. Vietnamese felt as they watched the US troops leave. A good read.

This is a excellent account of the 1972 Easter Offensive in Vietnam during the final stages of the American troop withdrawals. This is a story of courage, stupidity, cowardice and of major and minor fire-fights and battles. The courage of those American advisers and the South Vietamese troops they assisted during this brutal offensive is awe inspiring. Not to forget their enemies who took massive punishment from US airpower but carried on the fight! This is a well researched and written piece of military history which I think has been forgotten due to the fact that it was at the tail end of a unpopular war. The author has done a great job to remind us that the war didn't finish when all the troops got home, that people continued to fight & die long after. Well worth the time to read with over 500 pages of text, however the author could have provided some better maps.

As someone who's been doing Ukrainian egg decorating for only a few months, I found this book delightful. However, if you've not used this technique before and hope to learn from this book, my suggestion is to take a class, or at the very least watch a video. The methods described in this book are precise and well written, but there's nothing like seeing it done. This book contains lovely, inspirational photos and clear step-by-step instructions for how to replicate the designs. An excellent book for anyone who loves to decorate eggs.

This book, along with an initial read of the instructions on [...] is all I needed to get started. I purchased this book through All Things Ukrainian as part of a kit that included dyes, kistkas, egg blower, and this book. I found the instructions to be easy to follow and I feel successful although I'd never even seen this art form in person before. After the description on how to do each design, there are brief descriptions of the symbolism and colors used in each design. A few designs are bleached; where you start with colors and end with a bleach dip, leaving a background of white (if you're using a white egg). I wouldn't say there is much inspiration in the book, but clear instructions on traditional patterns. I chose to start with the traditional and hope to move to more personal expressions later. I am very pleased with the patterns in this book.

If you are a beginner to the art of pysanky, as I am, this book will not be enough to get you started. It gives brief directions and gets straight to the patterns, which are after all the point of this book. The cover has color photos of all the egg designs presented in the book, the inside cover has black-and-white pictures of the sides of the eggs; the pages of the book contain only black and white line drawings of the patterns. The patterns are given step-by-step with a line drawing for each step, but as a beginner I still find some of them a bit confusing. However, they are lovely designs and for more experienced decorators (which I hope to be very soon) I'm sure the patterns and instructions are adequate. Throughout the book, where a certain pattern is used, its symbolism is briefly explained. So, if you are a beginner, get a good starter book - I am finding Jane Pollak's Decorating Eggs to be an excellent learning and inspiration resource.

A very insightful look into the life and death of Jesus and the manyh questions sourounding the biblical tale, examining the evidence, the fact and new archeological discoveries. This book examines many facets of the last days of the life of Jesus, including especially quesitoning the location of 'Golgotha' and examining the claims pertaining tot he Garden tomb near Skull hill in Jerusalem. An interesting book the combines religion, theology, and archeology to examine the biblical tale.

Seth J. Frantzman

This is a good book. I purchased a copy while in Israel... Part 1 is a good telling of "The Story", Part 2 is "The Setting" = Come see the place where he lay. He is not here; for he has been raised. Matt 28:6. Part 2 talks about both locations and history of both the Holy Sepulchre & Garden Tomb. Part 3 "The Significance", this concludes the book. This book was so good I had to buy another copy when I got home from Amazon so I can keep my 'Israel' copy :)

Having visited the Holy Land in January of 2000 I was immediately drawn in by the cover of this book, with it's picture of the Garden Tomb (a possible alternative site of the tomb of Christ). Walker presents a nice chronology of the events of the weekend that changed the world (the weekend of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ), that is a mix of info from the Bible and informed speculation. I used this book for a Sunday School class during Lent and it was well received. The speculation can be presented as speculation and makes for the beginning of some interesting discussions. I'd recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the crucifixion and resurrection placed in historical context, but especially believe it would be of interest to those who have visited Jerusalem and have seen both the church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Garden tomb.

The South American countries are characterised by a very high natural diversity coupled with a relative scarcity of biologists and field naturalists, the result of which is a paucity of popular literature which would enable the curious resident or visitor to easily identify what he/she encounters. Admittedly, in recent years, the lack of reliable field guides is being successfully addressed for at least one group, and there are now excellent - if heavy! - guides to the birds of almost all of the countries of highest diversity. Even so, field guides to any other groups remain a rarity. So it was a very pleasant surprise to come across Sharon Chester's new book, particularly because it aims not just to identify the butterflies or the reptiles, but to provide a broad overview of the entire natural history of Chile and its territories. As far as I know, there is nothing similar available for mainland Chile and since this guide also covers the all Chilean territories, it will be of interest for visitors to the Antarctic too.

The book is very well organised and carefully laid out: it must have been a real labour of love for its creator, who wrote the nearly 400 pages of small text and produced the photographically derived illustrations. In scope it is a general guide to the natural history of Chile, something along the lines of the Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide series but, to my taste, better put together. After an overview of Chile's natural environments and ecology, subsequent chapters tackle marine organisms, flora, lepidoptera, reptiles and amphibians, birds (by far the largest section, though it does not replace Jaramillo's excellent Birds of Chile (Princeton Field Guides)) and mammals, after which there is a short gazetteer on wildlife viewing sites. The text is concise and informative and the illustrations very lifelike. The book would fit easily into a coat pocket, so it could be used as a true field guide, but is more likely to be used to plan trip or as reference back at base camp.

Should the potential visitor to Chile, the Chilean Antarctic or any other territories buy this book? Definitely! The book will certainly make a Chilean trip more enjoyable for the birder and general naturalist - there is nothing else comparable. And if you need further convincing, at under $14, it has to be one of the bargain nature books of 2008.

Highly recommended!

Chris Sharpe, 17 September 2008. ISBN: 0691129762

The book's appearance is quite appropriate to its genre and has immediate appeal. From a graphic standpoint, its organization seems intuitive and inviting. The text is engaging and accessible, clearly written on an introductory level, but also providing detailed, specific information that suffices for intermediate-level comprehension of the distinctions among species. In some cases, these distinctions are not widely known to most professional naturalists -- for instance, in rodents, moths, or lizards -- and this guide provides the only readily accessible material in English of any sort. The combination of the very basic with the genuinely obscure lends the book great utility and great charm.
It is refreshing to see a field guide that has had so much care taken in its preparation and layout, such careful attention to small details and to the ways in which readers would approach and use such a book. The pioneering use of floral backgrounds with key species seems one of the book's real strengths.
The guide is essentially a set of six field guides with brilliant front matter and back matter that answer many of the questions that arise in the context of travel and learning. Any student of natural history would find the book essentially indispensable for reference, although the material makes very nice reading outside the background of travel or research as well. And travelers will appreciate the coverage given to Chilean Antarctica, Easter Island and the Juan Fernandez Archipelago.
Other than Alvaro Jaramillo's excellent bird guide to Chile, or Shirihai's impressive guide to the Antarctic, I cannot think of a book that would overlap much at all with the content of this book. A few other books exist that offer "overviews" of Chilean wildlife, but these are not at all comprehensive. In brief, the book has no competition, either in print or out of print.
Few countries have a handbook so robust, and I can't think of any similar volume that's as portable, with the possible exception of much smaller areas such as the Galapagos. I know that I will certainly take this book with me on my next trip to Chile.
A Wildlife Guide to Chile: Continental Chile, Chilean Antarctica, Easter Island, Juan Fernandez Archipelago

This is not a specialized guide book, though birds predominate. But I particularly like the much wider spectrum this book offers. There are no range maps, and it took me a while to get to grips with the range info. But basically, range is indicated by using the administrative regions shown on page 3 of the book. Species pictured are mostly digital cutouts from photographs. This results in some odd outlines and in many missing claws in the reptiles, to just name the most often encountered drawbacks. Depending on the photos used, the quality of these illustrations varies, and their size as well. This variable picture quality is the reason why I have not given five stars. But the illustrations should serve very well for their main purpose; i.e. they are usually quite adequate for identifying the species. Photos, even in this form, however, rarely allow to illustrate all the plumages of the more variable bird species. Nevertheless, many species have flight pictures as well.

The book tries to cover the more common species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies. The flora is treated according to the major habitats with a few rather conspicuous typical species. For the marine environment, some commercial fish, molluscs and crabs, as well as some marine algae are presented.

Generally, both English and Spanish, as well as the scientific names are given. Often, more names are mentioned as well, with at least some names in other languages. For those birds that are included, there is always a German name as well. The texts for the individual species vary considerably. But they are usually quite comprehensive for the birds and mammals.

As a birder, I would not want to take along only this book, but this guide has definitely enlarged my view of nature in Chile. And a special benefit is the inclusion of the outlying islands that belong to Chile. There is also a section on where to go for wildlife observations. The paperback version is quite compact and lightweight, and it is thus the perfect travel companion. But it's a fine book for preparing a trip or just to get an overview as well. Definitely worth getting if you have any interest in that area of the world.

This is a lively, straightforward and factual account of the circumstances in which one of the most important political documents of the 20th century was created. There are more detailed bibliographic descriptions of the proclamation and later reprints but O'Connor provides all that is neccessary to identify the rare first printing. While focused on the heroic efforts to print the document, this brief book provides a detailed account of the Easter week, with photographs enhancing the text.

I found while i'm writing a history book in Denmark about the 20.th century history of Ireland. I need this book, but I can't find my way to the tright pages. Bit I'find this book extremely interesting aand i need to read it. please help.

In "40 Days of Prayer & Fasting," Mahesh Chavda challenges the reader to begin a lifestyle of prayer and fasting. Chavda shares life experiences from his own spiritual journey. This is a book of renewal that urges the reader to unlock the power of the Holy Spirit within to experience the greater works of Jesus, in deliverance, provision, and restoration.

I found myself eager to read more as I discovered the importance of fasting, I experienced release from bondage, and began to experience a life of holiness, and purity. His power released within enabled me to face my own spiritual battles triumphantly.

The book is divided into forty individual day's reading. These daily readings include a carefully selected scripture, a stimulating devotion, penetrating questions, and a powerful meditation for contemplation and application.

This is a book for anyone indwelled by the Holy Spirit who wants to find a freer flow of the Spirit and an outpouring of His anointing for a super natural ministry.

I purchased this book hoping to learn how to go on a 40 day fast. However, this book is only a devotional with each day (beginning with day 1) being a devotion. If ever I do go on a 40 day fast, I am sure this will be a very beneficial book.

Minnie and Moo are back, this time with an Easter story. The cows discover that the farmer will not dress up and play the Easter bunny for his grandkids. They set out to enlist the help of some farmyard friends. Now one will help so they dress up to play the part. When the time come for the visit from the Easter bunny Minnie and Moo find that all of their friends had a change of heart and are dressed to play the part! Follow them on their adventures as they all play the part of the Easter bunny for the farmers grandkids.


The pictures in the story are very colorful and add a lot to the story.


I would recommed this book to others. If you like the Minnie and Moo series you will enjoy these books by the same author.

When Minnie tells Moo that the farmer says he's too old to be the Easter Bunny this year, Moo panics and looks for an Easter Bunny replacement. She asks Elvis the grumpy rooster and some of the other farm animals. In the end, Moo tries solving the problem herself, and gets an Easter surprise of her own. It's a fun trek across the farm as Minnie and Moo plead and plan to give the farmer's grandchildren a traditional Easter.

Minnie, Moo and the rest of the farm animals are amusing and adorable. The illustrations are charming and colorful. Parents looking for a light, enjoyable moment of reading with their kids should try any of the eleven Minnie and Moo books.

The Attack of the Easter Bunnies is a part of the "I Can Read Book" series, a wonderful line of books created to introduce children to the joy of reading.

We got this book for my son when he was 20 months. He tends to be a little sensitive and actually was scared of one of the pages where Roley and Scoop looked a little menacing (just the angle of the picture). He would run away crying if we tried to turn to that page. But, after a few weeks, he would let us read it to him while he stood on the other side of the room. Now it is one of his favorite books. He loves to tell us what each of the trucks is going to find before he lifts the flaps and even likes the "scarey" page now.

This is a precious book for youngsters to enjoy even as early as two years old with older brother or sister or grandmother.
My two grandsons age 1-1/2 and 3-1/2 both read it over and over since I couldn't wait to share this Easter fun with them.

Bob the Builder has the positive effect on children with his "yes, we can do it/fix it/find it" positive attitude.
They love his colorful friends and he keeps his lessons simple but obvious.

I highly recommend it to anyone....but certainly to anyone who likes to share quiet time and encourage cuddling.