Product Description
JOHN HUGHES AND EIGHTIES CINEMA

John Hughes is the acclaimed writer and director of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, Pretty In Pink and many other classic movies of the 1980s.

This book is the first full-length analysis of all of John Hughes’s films throughout the 1980s; not only the features that he directed, but also those for which he provided the screenplay. By analysing these pictures and discussing their social and cultural significance in the wider context of the decade, Hughes’s importance as a filmmaker will be considered, and his prominent contribution to cinema assessed. The book concludes with a detailed analysis of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a film which is considered to be among Hughes’s most critically successful works and also one of his most structurally refined.

EXTRACT FROM THE INTRODUCTION

Think of the American cinema of the 1980s, and your mind is instantly bombarded by dozens and dozens of flamboyant moving images from this most distinctive of cinematic decades. You might be thinking of films which became classics such as Irvin Kershner’s The Empire Strikes (1980), Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Robert Zemeckis’s Back to the Future (1985), or possibly even Tim Burton’s Batman (1989). It was a decade that gave birth to some film franchises – one need only call to mind John Rambo’s explosive first appearance in Ted Kotcheff’s First Blood (1982), the harrowing exploits of Officer Murphy in Paul Verhoeven’s RoboCop (1987), or even the improbably long-running knockabout antics of Cadet Mahoney and his fellow recruits which began with Hugh Wilson’s Police Academy (1984).

It was against this creatively abundant background of the Eighties film world that audiences were first introduced to the work of influential director and screenwriter John Hughes (1950-2009). Today he is just as well known for the scripts he created for hugely popular family films throughout the 1990s, including Chris Columbus’s blockbuster Home Alone (1990), Brian Levant’s Beethoven (1992) and Nick Castle’s Dennis the Menace (1993), written under his pen-name of Edmond Dantès. But even these accomplishments couldn’t compare to the artistic diversity of his output throughout the eighties. Although it is easy to remember Hughes for his meteorically successful teen movies right the way through the including The Breakfast Club (1985) and Ferris Bueller’s Day (1986), he was every bit as adroit in his handling of suburban satires such as Mr Mom (1983) and Uncle Buck (1989), his wry observations of the great American holiday in National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) and The Great Outdoors (1988), the trials of an exasperated everyman commuter in Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), and the expectation of anxious new parents in She’s Having a Baby (1988). Throughout the course of Hughes’s career, there has rarely been a lack of variety in his choice of subject matter.

Product Description
You can quote lines from Sixteen Candles (“Last night at the dancemy little brother paid a buck to see your underwear”), your iPod playlist includes more than one song by the Psychedelic Furs and Simple Minds, you watch The Breakfast Club every time it comes on cable, and you still wish that Andie had ended up with Duckie in Pretty in Pink. You’re a bonafide Brat Pack devotee—and you’re not alone.

The films of the Brat Pack—from Sixteen Candles to Say Anything—are some of the most watched, bestselling DVDs of all time. The landscape that the Brat Packmemorialized—where outcasts and prom queens fall in love, preppies and burn-outs become buds, and frosted lip gloss, skinny ties, and exuberant optimism made us feel invincible—is rich with cultural themes and significance, and has influenced an entire generation who still believe that life always turns out the way it is supposed to.

You Couldn’t Ignore Me If You Tried takes us back to that era, interviewing key players, such as Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Andrew McCarthy, and John Cusack, and mines all the material from the movies to the music to the way the films were made to show how they helped shape our visions for romance, friendship, society, and success. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Well written and satisfying...
Susannah Gora's book, "You Couldn't Ignore Me if You Tried: the Brat Pack, John Hughes and Their Impact on a Generation" reads like a college essay.A good college essay.

If you grew up in the eighties watching films like The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles or Ferris Bueller's Day Off, (or if you didn't necessarily "grow up" in the eighties but you adore these films and others like it just the same), then this book is definitely for you.

Gora goes into appreciable depth on the backstory of many of the cast and crew involved in making these films.She gives us behind-the-scenes information in large quantities, sating the appetite that so many of us have for watching the shows or reading the books and magazines that provide us the trivia or gossip for which we are looking.Everything is here: relationship drama, fights and disagreements and the inspirations behind some of the greatest cultural milestones.The best part, though, is that Gora provides the details chronologically and in such a way that you know she isn't assuming you may have heard some of the information before.

Gora explains the relationship between pop culture guru John Hughes and his muse, Molly Ringwald, his buddy, Anthony Michael Hall, amongst many others, and the downfall of them all as well.It was surprising to learn of Hughes' tendency to shut people out when things did not necessarily go his way.One would think that the man behind the lens on such films as Home Alone or Weird Science would be a bit more happy-go-lucky.This was not the case with Hughes, who had a much lonelier and reclusive side to him that those who worked with him or befriended him got to know quite well.

But aside from John Hughes, Gora got to meat of the life and times of the career-stuntingly titled "Brat Pack" and those who do not occur to us as "members" automatically but came of age, both in careers and life experience, during that time period, such as Andrew McCarthy, Eric Stoltz, Lea Thompson and John Cusack.We even learn from Gora how the "Brat Pack" monikor came to be, how Rob Lowe made a huge mistake with a sex tape and what led to the break-up of the engaged Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Grey shortly after the release of Dirty Dancing.

Gora even analyzes the music that helped make these movies so magical and adds in some ditties regarding the careers of Howard Deutch, (director of Some Kind of Wonderful and Pretty in Pink) and Cameron Crowe, (director of Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Say Anything and Almost Famous).She even helps us to understand the origin of some of the other films of that time, such as Less Than Zero, She's Having a Baby and Weird Science.

We even get the goods on some films that were complete flops when the Brat Pack tried to make it in more adult-type roles, like the Molly Ringwald/Andrew McCarthy "is this Pretty in Pink all over again" flick, Fresh Horses or the less floppish but unappreciated The Pick-Up Artist with Molly Ringwald and Robert Downey, Jr. (whom, interestingly enough, Ringwald had originally wanted in the role of Blaine in Pretty in Pink!).

This book is a quintessential addition to you collection if you want to steep in eighties nostalgia for a brief time.There are some great trivia tidbits in here and documentation of the processes of how each of these movies came to be.Gora leaves nothing out and provides for a fully satisfying experience on which you won't regret spending your money.If you are a sucker for the eighties, teen movies or even just wel-written essays, you should definitely consider picking up a copy of this book!You can definitely judge this one by its cover!

Wanted to like it, but...
I heard about this book on NPR, and was really excited to get it. I grew up watching John Hughes' films, and was eager to learn more about him. Sadly, I don't feel like I learned all that much from this book. It's written like a freshman level research paper, and at some points you can almost feel the author trying to stretch the thin source material into whole chapters. I'll give some points for nostalgia's sake, but if you nix the parts on St. Elmo's Fire and Say Anything, this could've been a magazine article.

Ignore it.
As much as I wanted to like this book, it's just not nearly as compelling as watching a John Hughes movie was.

It's light and breezy, a little like a magazine, but doesn't offer any insight or depth or anything really other than some amusing anecdotes and facts, none of which were particularly surprising or interesting.

John Hughes was obviously a complex and interesting and troubled man, and someday someone will write a book about him that shows all his many sides, and hopefully that author will either interview his family and friends, or find a lost interview with the man himself.

Simply talking to the people he employed doesn't offer very much of interest, I'm afraid.

Not a very good book
I first heard of this book on NPR, not long after the Hughes tribute at the Oscars. I went to the website to further investigate, and found a discussion about the authors sources, which include people magazine, people.com, seventeen magazine, [...] and various other silly websites.

Dubious, I went ahead and got the book, hoping for some insight. But what I got was, indeed, quotes from 17 magazine and [...], presented as legitimate 'sources'.

Had this backed up some serious insight into Mr. Hughes films, I would've let it slide, but really it's shallow and kind of gossipy and ultimately I was disappointed. It's a big fat love letter to John Hughes, and I'm a big fan, but all you have to do is google him on the internet for a half an hour and you'll get as much depth and insight as this book purports to offer.

Don't waste your money!

Truly Not Ignored
This was a truly addictive read. Author Gora has broken down the fascination that we had and continue to have for movies directed at the teen audiences of the '80's. While providing running synopsises of the movies that captured audiences when they were made, Gora has interviewed the actors, writers, and directors and assorted key players that made the movies inordinately popular box office blockbusters.
Reading this book helped me to revisit the movies themselves. I think that a certain amount of distance enhanced the experience of reading this book. Gora informs her reader that John Hughes extracted a lot of what went into his scripts from real life experiences that happened to himself and his friends. One occured when a friend of his took Hughes and their girl friends to the Union League Club in Chicago because the friend's father had a membership there. I roared because anyone who has ever been there would know that the Union League Club is one of the stodgiest exclusive clubs west of Boston. And so it goes that Ferris Buehler became the sausage king of Chicago.
The term 'brat pack' was bandied about a lot when these films were made, but there seemed to be solid evidence from the actors that there was an extended family of sorts forged and many of these relationships exist in one form or another today.
While it wasn't all love and kisses while these films were being made, for the most part these productions became classic examples of really good ensemble acting and it all worked amazingly well.
The major suprise that the book had for me was that this book was not all about John Hughes who died in 2009. This book looked at other popular teen movies made in that era. One film analyzed was a critical failure SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL. I really liked that one quite a bit and thought it has held up well.
Another element included in this book were short bios of many of the key actors who have managed to have solid adult careers. It gave me a sense of who they were and the process they used to make these parts work from their perspective.
This book was thoroughly researched and well-written. If you are interested in film criticism, teen movies, or the cinema of John Hughes and his contemporaries, I think you would find this book a good choice. ... Read more

Product Description
First published by Odyssey Press in 1957, this classic edition provides Milton’s poetry and major prose works, richly annotated, in a sturdy and affordable clothbound volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Text book purchase.
One of the most SUPERB all-around transactions I've had on Amazon.com -- super fleet shipment; clean copy in excellent condition; no fuss or follow-ups on order whatsoever.Straightforward and hassle-free -- everything expected and more from an on-line transaction.TERRIFIC!

Best Collection of Milton Available
This is the best collection of Milton works available that I know of: sturdy, with thick white pages offering ample room for note taking, numerous footnotes, rare works such as Christian Doctrine (which is extremely interesting)and writings from people who knew Milton. Nothing more needs be said. The price, $40 something, is insanely cheap if you consider how much you're paying per work - probably comes out to a couple dollars each.

A lifetime of Milton resides between the durable covers of this book, inexhaustible hours with one of the greatest writers of the English language. Truly, this is one of the most enjoyable books I own.

A COLLEGE TEXT I"D BUY AGAIN
Coming from someone who was so frugal that my choice of major in college was influenced by the fact I could find most required reading for a dual degree in philosophy and English literature in the library rather than pay my hard earned money for books that were not worthy.... this is my strongest possible recommendation:This was one of the few texts I actually shelled out money for in college without regret and would even purchase AGAIN! ( My copy was destoryed by Hurricane Isabel) I have fond memories of studying Milton, and when he seemed at his most confusing the notes in this text were wonderfully clear.

This is the best edition
Others have suggested the Norton is the edition for college students.I disagree.The Hughes edition is definitely worth the money.The notes arethe best -- in reading criticism on Milton, there's usually plenty ofreferences to Mr. Hughes's notations themselves.This is the standard,accepted text.This is the complete poems, with his Latin and Italianpoetry appearing ajacent to an English translation.There's a generousselection of Milton's prose, too.

Spend the wad and buy the book.Ifyou're reading this, then you're a bibliophile, no doubt.For the rest ofyour life wouldn't you prefer to have the best edition of Milton on yourshelf, or will you be satisified with a $9 Signet Classic?(I tossedmine.)

Check out the Dore Illustrations for PL, too.

BTW, afterreading Areopagitica, I believe that everything Jeffereson said was a debtto Milton.

The Text to Own
This is still the most extensive, best-annotated, one-volume Milton set available. As the blurb above indicates, Hughes presents all the poems and prose in chronological sequence, so it is easy to trace the great poet'sincreasing facility, and later mastery, in both areas. We start withMilton, the fifteen-year-old student, translating Psalms from the Hebrew aswell as passages from the love poems of Ovid and Properius. We then followhim to Cambridge, where he really starts assimilating all his classicalstudies, first fashioning imitative Latin elegies followed by his firstpoems of native genius, "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity,""On Shakespeare," "L'Allegro and Il Penseroso."

Hughe's edition is invaluable as a tool for students, scholars, or generalreaders. The notes never get in the way of the text, but will lead thereader to relevant sources should he/she desire to learn more about a givenallusion or want morebackground. If the reader is patient, and actuallyreads all the material that comes before "Paradise Lost", he/shewill be rewarded with a richer understanding of Milton's magnum opus.Please be advised that if you have made it that far, don't stop there."Paradise Regained" and "Sampson Agonistes" arepowerful examples of epic poetry as well. I personally feel that"Paradise Regained" has had almost as large an impact on modernfiction in particular (Dostoevsky and Flaubert are prime examples)as has"Paradise Lost."

Blake said that Milton was of Satan's partywithout knowing it. Actually Milton's prose does open up some interestingpossibilities in that sphere. In "Areopagitica" he advocates forthe necessity of evil. He was, as history has amply recorded, hardly adefender of central authority. He was emphatic about individual liberty andwouldn't be dictated to by Pope or King.

There are several short earlybiographies of the poet at the end of the book. All paint a portrait of anidiosyncratic genius who suffered numerous setbacks both physical andpolitical, particularly in his last decades. He was an extraordinarilybrave man, who has taken some heat from Virginia Woolf and later feministsfor his "ill use" of his daughters, who, the line goes, he keptin ignorance and near slavery so that they could aid him as ameneunsesafter he went blind. If such detractorshad actually done any wide readingon the subject (Shawcrosse is an excellent source) they would not have madesuch charges. Though not what could be described as a "lovingfather," Milton certainly never inveighed against his daughters toremain "indentured" to him, nor did he subvert any marriage plansthey arranged (none were forced into "arranged marriages" either,though the practice was still common in that era). He didn't tutor them inthe Languages he asked them to transcribe, per se. But this begs thequestion, if they were'nt taught Latin, Greek and Hebrew, how would theyhave been able to act as scribes in those languages in the first place?

I'm sorry to see that this volume is now almost $100. In this day oflarge trade paperbacks, perhaps a more affordable edition will beforthcoming. ... Read more

Product Description
This book tells the stories behind some of the world's most disastrous military mistakes, whether caused by faulty information, bad interpretation, cunning plans to deceive the intelligence gatherers or leaders who won't listen to what they are told. It is an analysis of the "intelligence cycle" that turns raw data into useful information about capabilities and intentions and then brings it to the attention of the decision-makers. Who uses many examples of all kinds of extraordinary decisions and deceptions from history to show how often and badly things can go wrong. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Fascinating, and detailed
Apparently Colonel John Hughes-Wilson was in British Military Intelligence for a decade, and made a study of the profession and practice while he was there. When he left, he set out to write a book on the history of the art, using various historical examples to show why things work out the way they do, and why certain practices should be followed or avoided.

The book follows a simple format. The first chapter is an introduction to the subject, explaining the objective of Military Intelligence and the means of obtaining, evaluating, and disseminating the information involved. The rest of the chapters (save a short conclusion) discuss individual events from the past sixty years where an army or nation was surprised or somehow failed by intelligence. There's a brief discussion of the overall course of the battle and the parameters of what the author wishes to discuss, and then a critical analysis of the intelligence that was available, how it was handled, and what was made of it by the end-users. Usually, of course, the end-user ignored or misused the intelligence, and the result was a disaster.

The one minor quibble I had with the book was the selection of the various anecdotes involved. I felt that a couple were badly selected (notably the one on Malaya in 1942) mostly because the battles involved were British, and of course the author is a Brit. That having been noted, it doesn't detract much from the overall impact of the book, and there actually is some worthwhile information even in that chapter. I would have preferred, however, if he'd used something like the Japanese failure at the Battle of Midway, where their signal intelligence basically lost them the battle.

That all being said, this is a very worthwhile and intelligent book, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the subject.

A wealth of info in a small space...
An excellent series of case studies by retired Colonel John Hughes-Wilson.He definitely did his homework, as he has a wealth of accurate information on each of his studies.There are a few of his conclusions that I would disagree with, but that is just differing opinions.In some instances, however, he does not clearly distinguish between intelligence blunders and errors of command decision, which are not the same.This may lead the uninformed reader astray.Nonetheless, this is a well-written, easy to read book that provides an excellent review of intelligence practices that have had historic impact in our world.This has become a permanent addition to my library for future reference.Well done.

Nine vignettes with a consistent message
This very engrossing book covers nine intelligence failures, from Stalin's misuse of his intelligence assets in 1941 to the failures that preceded the 1991 Gulf War.All nine carry a similar message:The raw intelligence was available to avert a blunder, but the analysis was in some way flawed; Stalin, for example, chose to be his own intelligence analyst, and he turned out to be a very poor one.Another message comes through, as well:In all nine examples, the defender's intelligence failed.The attacker, if he can maintain surprise, has the intelligence advantage.

Very detailed and interesting look at history
This book was a very detailed and interesting look into some of the most amazing military blunders in history.The author has obviously done his homework, and gives surprisingly intricate detail into each situation.He does tend to ramble on a little with his explanations, and injects a lot of theory based on the facts about why he thinks certain leaders didn't see things coming, but it's very substantiated.He also seems to hold a general dislike for the job that the United States and British intelligence services do.Maybe there's some hidden issues there.

Excellent Insights by an Insider
This is one the best books about military intelligence thatI have read. Having spent many years working in the area, I find that most other books on the subject are written by outsiders who never quite fully understand what they are writing about, no matter how bright or well intentioned they may be. Few outsiders appreciate, for example, the details of the intelligence cycle, the multiple layers of intelligence collectors, the rivalries among collection agencies, the correct technical jargon, the practical effects on intelligence analysis of inter-agency battles for bigger budgets, etc.

Hughes-Wilson utilizes a case study approach. He analyzesnine different events or conflicts from World War II to the present. Having read about manyof the conflicts before, I did not expect to learn much that was new. However, the author presented many new factual details about the events involving the Brits, in particular, that were fascinating.He was clearly a very informed observer and/or possible participant in many of the conflicts.His analysis of the American failure in Tet 1968 is one of the most incisive and dispassionate that I have read. He is no fan of official histories.He is blunt in his criticisms. His comments (actually a very minor part of hisPearl Harbor story)about the FBI's handling of Japanese and German espionage in WW II makes one seriously question the FBI's competence to work effectively as an intelligence organization at that time. But, then has anything really gotten better at the FBI?

Bottom line: As one other reviewer has commented, Hughes-Wilson's real message is that political considerations - whether those of a totalitarian regime or a democracy - often lead to what are called "intelligence blunders."His call for truly objective and independent intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination should be heeded, but it will probably be ignored. We will see more such blunders again. ... Read more

Product Description
He published an article on “The Question of Ireland” in The Freeman’s Journal, September 9th, 1848, blaming the insurgents for their lack of organization, recommending Catholics to give them no more money, and intimating that little of what was given reached its destination. He urged that inflammatory meetings, passionate appeals to the feelings of the people, societies, rifle-clubs, etc., should be discontinued. They could do no good, and were not only foolish, but dangerous and wicked. He determined that his own contribution to the fund in aid of the rebellion should be devoted to some more useful purpose.—from Chapter XVIII: 1847–1850Catholic priest and Church administrator John Joseph Hughes was already an outspoken, even controversial figure in New York City long before Rome elevated the metropolis and appointed him the new archdiocese’s first archbishop. Long a defender of the faith against the dominant Protestantism of the day—he had instigated a reorganization of the city’s public school system to eliminate the Protestant overtones in the supposedly secular classrooms—he would later reject abolition yet support the Union during the Civil War, even to the point of acting as emissary to France on behalf of President Lincoln during the conflict.Here, in this classic 1866 biography—the only one available of this intensely private man who nevertheless was a renowned public influence and voice—journalist John Hassard explores extracts from the archbishop’s private correspondence and utilizes personal details drawn from the memories of friends and relatives to create a complete, if uncritical, portrait of Archbishop Hughes, from his birth in Ireland through his education in America and his years in the New York cultural spotlight.More than just the life story of an overlooked but important figure in the history of New York City and the Catholic Church in America, this is also a valuable study of the city, the Church, and the attitudes of the mid 19th century.American newspaper editor and historian JOHN ROSE GREENE HASSARD (1836–1888) was the first editor of Catholic World Magazine. He is also the author of History of the United States of America (1878), Life of Pope Pius IX (1878), and Pickwickian Pilgrimage (1881). ... Read more

Product Description
This book, Kashmir Shaivism: the Secret Supreme, by the twentieth century's great philosopher saint Swami Lakshmanjoo, presents a systematic unfolding of the Tantric teachings of the ancient tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. This profound tradition, long enshrouded in secrecy, is so rich and detailed in its descriptions of what it reveals as the ascent of individual consciousness to universal God Consciousness that it has been characterized as a mystical geography of awareness. Within the pages of this book is found the key of the oral tradition which unlocks its secrets and provides the reader with the tools necessary to venture into this wondrous landscape. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Beyond Brilliant!
One of those rare spiritual texts that comes along and knocks you for a whallop!A bit heady at first.A short book, only 135 pages in length.But the denseness to many of the statements makes you pause and think for awhile.The philosophy is rich with depth.John Hughes' concise editing maitains the flavor and vibrational quality of Swami Ji's speeches.He seems to just shine through the text straight into the reader's heart!A book to be cherished.To be read again, and again, and again, and again, and again!It's it.The secrets are there, but well hidden somewhere in the the text ititself.So, you have to pay close attention and read between the lines.Ah, it's all there! Swami Ji's glorious thought's, ideas, and Shaivite philosophies.Things that make you say, hmm.

Interesting
It is quite scholarly, but the heart of the author's message comes through nicely.I recommed it for those whose hearts belong to Shiva...

Real Spiritual Secrets.
The Nineteen chapters of this book cover the most important topics of the Philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism.

Though this book has been available since 1985, most people don't realize that the majority of its chapters are condensed translations of some of the most important chapters from Abhinavagupta's epic Tantraloka.

I once meet someone who made it up to Kashmir in the late 80's and actually met Swamij Lakshmanjoo. The Swami presented him with a copy of this very book and told him, "if you read it over and over, you will come to understand Kashmir Shaivism." This has been my experience also, and though some of the material was complex at first, I found that with each subsequent reading it became more and more clear.

Another interesting thing about `Kashmir Shaivism, the Secret Supreme' is that it reads like the spoken word. You often feel that the Swami is talking directly to you. It is obvious that Swami Lakshmanjoo bases his teaching on his own personal experience.

I have been interested in Yoga and Kundalini for many years, and have read an enormous amount of material on these subjects. For the first time I find Swami Lakshmanjoo's explanations of Kundalini very clear and insightful.

This book is a great help to the sincere spiritual aspirant interested in the subject of Kashmir Shaivism. ... Read more

Product Description
No one captured the teen portion of the eighties as poignantly as writer-director John Hughes. Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and Some Kind of Wonderful are timeless tales of love, angst, longing, and self-discovery that illuminated and assuaged the anxieties of an entire generation.

Fondly nostalgic, filled with wit and surprising insights, don't you forget about me contains original essays from a skillfully chosen crop of novelists and essayists on the films' far-reaching effects on their own lives -- an irresistible read for anyone who came of age in the eighties (or just wishes they did).

Featuring new writing from:

Steve Almond * Julianna Baggott * Lisa Borders * Ryan Boudinot * T Cooper * Quinn Dalton * Emily Franklin * Lisa Gabriele * Tod Goldberg * Nina de Gramont * Tara Ison * Allison Lynn * John McNally * Dan Pope * Lewis Robinson * Ben Schrank * Elizabeth Searle * Mary Sullivan * Rebecca Wolff * Moon Unit Zappa ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Surprised and disappointed at the same time.
I bought this book expecting something different, perhaps it's my own fault for not reading the cover too carefully, but this is NOT a discourse on the John Hughes films, it's a batch of selected writings on how the John Hughes films mattered to the various writers at different points in their lives.

The book turned out to be quite interesting and well written, but I still found myself wishing it were actually about the films themselves.Hopefully one day that book will come out!

Don't you Forget about Me book
This book is great for any John Hughes movie lover, out there. However, I bought this book without previewing it was slightly disappointed. The book is made up of memoires from people who've been influenced by Hughes and his movies. It's more a recollection of their past and their childhood, rather than focusing on Hughes. for awhile it was the only book out there that dealt with Only John Hughes movies, however, recently more books have been published about this AMAZING director. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

5 stars
this guy gets it... John hughs was perhaps the smartest irish-american ever.

his love of 2 countries is un presidented ... Read more

Product Description

While each of the Gospels presents Christ with a distinct emphasis, the Gospel of John focuses on His greatness. As the timeless Creator-God of the universe. As the Word made flesh. As the gracious Lover of our souls who is the only Way to the Father.

Customer Reviews (5)

Excellent!
This entire series by Mr. Hughes is very resourceful.I would consider it like a high mid-level commentary, that has helped alot in preparing messages that have been taught.You will not be disappointed......

Fantastic
There is no doubt R. Kent Hughes has the Spirit working in him through his writings.His commentaries of the Bible have been a big enjoyment and have made the words of the Bible come alive for me, as well as strengthen my Christian faith.I believe anyone who is seeking a better understanding of Christianity, and wants to let the Bible guide you through you're seeking, than you will not be disappointed in any of his books (this one included).

Preaching The Word - John(A Very Helpful Book)
I typically consult perhaps half a dozen commentaries when it's my turn to lead our Bible study group.I like different ones for individual reasons.Matthew Henry is a "standard".I like Jamieson-Hausset-Brown because it's adenominational.Adam Clarke offers strength in the underlying languages (in which I am not schooled).But when it came to our study of John 17, I found the most helpful information in Preaching The Word.

As other reviews attest, this is not a verse-by-verse commentary.Indeed, it seems to be more a collection of sermons than a traditional commentary.But the information is faithful to Scripture, and it is practical.I found Dr. Hughes' applictions an excellent tool to focus our deliberations.

Is it the only commentary I'd own?Probably not.Maybe not the first I'd buy. But there's a lot of useful information here that a serious BIble student willl appreciate.It may be the most practical available.

Easy to read and enjoyable
I bought this to serve as a commentary on the Gospel of John, and although it is not truly a commentary, it is a wonderful read that covers John's entire Gospel.The author uses strories and antidotes to guide you through the meanings and it is easy to understand.It seems to be a series of delightful and compelling sermons that He may have at some time preached.It covers almost every verse in John, but does omit a few short passages, not in the sense of skipping something in the middle of a teaching, but rather skiping two or three verses occasionally when going from the end of one section to the start of another. Read John's Gospel first, then reading this book is a great place to start your in-depth study.I would add however, if you are looking for a verse by verse commentary, like Expositor's, this may not suit your purpose.

Great practical commentary on John's Gospel
The Preaching The Word series by R. Kent Hughes is a great commentary series for anyone who wants to understand any New Testement Book of the Bible from an Evangelical Christian point of view.For years Pastors and Sunday School teachers and interested students of the Bible have resorted to Barclay's series of commentaries on the New Testament for practical illustrations and understandings.But now Barclay can sometimes be outdated and are not always consistent theologically.Hughes has done a great service is supplying easy to understand explanations and challenging illustrations on each book of the New Testament.John is a very good commentary at that level.The serious student will suplement this book with a more scholarly commentary such as D A Carson's John.But everyone will be challenged reading this very consistent popular book. I gave it 5 stars because of its consistent practical explanations but I must re-state this is not a scholarly treatment of John. ... Read more

Product Description
Speaking the Truth in Love: The Theology of John M. Frame is a festschrift honoring Prof. Frame's career in seminary teaching. However, this book does not merely collect essays on the subjects of Frame's interests; it analyses Frame's own work in the fields of theology, apologetics, ethics, worship, the church, and others. The authors include Wayne Grudem, Richard Pratt, Paul Helm, Vern Poythress, Bruce Waltke, William Davis, William Edgar, Peter Jones, Reggie Kidd, and others who are familiar with Frame's work. Many are Frame's former students and colleagues. This is the first large-scale analysis of Frame's distinctive approach. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Colossal Collection of Many Fine Essays on Frame's Academic Contribution
"Speaking the Truth in Love: The Theology of John M. Frame" puts the "giant" in "gigantic" since this festschrift honoring Professor Frame is over 1200 pages - Amazing! Subsequently if you've only a cursory acquaintance of Dr. Frame, scholar/academician/philosopher/worship leader who has been called Van Til's second most significant advocate, you may be surprised to learn what a forbearing apologist he is.

"Speaking the Truth in Love" is teeming with outstanding essays by a variety of erudite apologists, ministers, and theologians. Herein are chapters touching an array of fascinating and diverse topics. For the Presuppositional devotee there are three essential chapters that offer fresh and potent analysis and application of Frame's employment of Cornelius Van Til's apologetic commencing with James Anderson, Don Collect and pressed further by Steve R. Scrivener.

Additional chapters (editor is John J. Hughes) have a mix of superb, splendid, captivating, ordinary, tedious, and lackluster writing from first-class scholars such as:

- Wayne Grudem
- Richard Pratt
- Paul Helm
- Vern Poythress
- Bruce Waltke (resigned from RTS due to his defence of "scientific evolution.")
- William Davis
- William Edgar
- Peter Jones
- Reggie Kidd
- Don Collett (his chapter is his third published revision of his essay on Van Til's TAG)
- Frame's most recent reply to Collect's defense of the Transcendental Argument for God's Existence (TAG)
- And more mostly fine essays.

An extraordinary chapter includes Steve R. Scrivener's cogent essay contrasting and intermingling of Frame's and Van Til's apologetic while utilizing insights from Greg Bahnsen: fresh, perceptive, remarkable, stupendous, and profoundly contemplative. Scrivener makes use of the work of Frame, Van Til, and Bahnsen as he issues a powerful defense of TAG. He then reformulates the classical arguments in a TA formulation. One may not affirm all of Scrivener's innovations and amalgamations, but all readers will be challenged and encouraged in the employment of TAG. Scrivener discusses the work of Craig and other non-presuppositionalists as he presses the need of presenting the Gospel as the center of one's apologetic approach.

Another superb essay comes from the pen of Esther L. Meek on Frame's epistemology in comparison with Michael Polanyi's (1891-1976, a European chemist who became a groundbreaking philosopher and epistemologist) epistemic insights. Polanyi asserted that epistemic rights are obtained by central and subsidiary aspects of awareness while fixing on the article at hand while focusing on less important derivative things as epistemic backdrops. Meeks notes that for Polanyi "normative structures such as interpretive frameworks, or even languages, work like hammers... I indwell them, I pour myself into them, to attend beyond me a further focus or project. All knowing involves integrative orientation from subsidiary to focal, from `from' to `to' and beyond" (p. 619). Meek's work in this volume is captivating, enthralling, instructive, and enlightening. A must read for Christians interested in epistemology.

Classical apologist R. C. Sproul acknowledged that "John Frame ... has distinguished himself in the fields of theology, apologetics, philosophy, and Christian ethics."
The Necessary Existence of God: The Proof of Christianity Through Presuppositional Apologetics
This massive volume offers several convincing assessments of Frame's academic efforts regarding the following issues:

- Theology
- Van Til's apologetic
- Ethics
- Worship
- Ecclesiology
- Classical apologetics
- Evidential apologetics
- Law and government
- Moral absolutes.

A chapter that is well-fitted for a pastor is Bruce K. Waltke's explication of "Psalm 19: A Royal Sage Praises and Petitions I AM." Waltke delivers an exegetical gem infused with precision and hearty application. His exposition is laden with exceptional scholarship that makes for a stirring devotional read and will drive many men of letters to their knees in humble thanksgiving (note: Professor Waltke resently resigned from RTS due to his defence of "scientific evolution," but not "philosophical evolution").

Two other noteworthy chapters discuss "The Attributes of God Within Frame's Theology"(Derek Thomas) and Paul Helm on "Frame's Doctrine of God."

The price of this admirable book is nearly cut in half since its publication; moreover I would heartily recommend this volume for Christian apologists, philosophers, epistemologists, and ministers of all apologetic schools and disciplines.
One Way to God: Christian Philosophy and Presuppositional Apologetics Examine World Religions

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A practical guide, for beginners, people working at home on their own and students and teachers on writing courses, which explains how to go about evaluating their own work and then taking steps to improve it. ... Read more

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The Life and Times of Richard J. Hughes explores the influential public service of this two-term New Jersey governor, the only person in New Jersey history to serve as both governor and chief justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. John B. WefingÂ's research includes interviews with prominent politicians and leaders who worked with Hughes at various points in his career. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Where Are Men Like This Today?
Thank you, John Wefing, for reminding us that at one time people in public service understood that they were in service to the public.I knew little of Richard J. Hughes; but, thanks to this biography, I have hope we can have leaders like this again in politics.Well-researched and very enlightening; an outstanding work.

Interesting, informative and well-written
I thoroughly enjoyed this biography of New Jersey Governor Richard Hughes.The author painted a vivid word picture of a great public servant who made a lasting impact on the state he loved and who also made significant contributions nationally.After reading this book I feel like I know Richard Hughes.And I like him.

Remarkable Portrayal
Professor Wefing has disproven Mark Twain's dictum "that biographies are but the clothes and buttons of the man."Wefing also gives us the heart and head in this remarkable portrayal of Richard Hughes, one of the great governors of our State -- and our nation.In so doing, he provides us with a bonus -- his history of New Jersey in those turbulent times is must reading for any student of the Garden State.

James R. Zazzali

Fantastic!

This book clearly describes the life of one of New Jersey's greatest assets.John Wefing has done a remarkable job.Anyone interested in public service, social justice and law should read this book.A masterpiece!

GENIUS!!!!!
Mr. Wefing has written the definitive work on Richard Hughes; and though New Jersey may stink this book does not. I loved every page of it, and have already bought it for several friends as Christmas presents. I anxiously await the next book from the talented Mr. Wefing. ... Read more

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Now in paperback, this helpful volume by pastor andbest-selling author John MacArthur guides readers in cultivating abiblical worldview on a wide range of issues.

What we think shapes who we are. That's why the Bible tells us,"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by therenewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2a). In a world of differingvoices competing for our allegiance, we must learn to "thinkbiblically" so we can distinguish good from evil. God is theCreator of this world; his voice-his Word-must guide our thoughtsand our lives.

With the Bible in their hands, John MacArthur and other scholarsand teachers from the Master's College confront the falseworldviews that dominate our postmodern world. The authors providemodels for cultivating a biblical mind-set on worship, psychology,gender, science, education, history, government, economics, andliterature. This book will help anyone who is striving to thinkbiblically in today's culture.

Customer Reviews (6)

Hard truths
Great wisdom within by leaders not afraid to tell the truth to a compromising world.

A must read for all believers!
John MacArthur calls us to examine how we, as believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, percieve and live in this world. He gives practical ways to align our thinking and hearts with the truth of the Word rather than with the world. I highly recommend this book to any believer whether a formal leader in the church or not.

College course in a Biblical worldview concept
A really outstanding book exploring the concept and role of the Christian mind throughout history with a challenge to the reader to be not just a hearer of the word, but a doer as well.MacArthur is thoroughly Reformed in his presentation of the Christian worldview laying out the foundation of the Creation-Fall-Redemption model as the framework within which is built the Christian mind.MacArthur begins with presenting the case for the sufficiency and authority of Scripture and continues to remind the reader that developing intellect is not the goal of the Christian worldview - rather, it is bringing all things into focus using the lens of God's revealed Word.MacArthur writes that "the Christian mind should be a repository of God's revealed truth."The rest of Part One of the book presents the foundational truths of the nature of God, the nature of man and man's responsibility to walk in obedience to God's will in his relations to others.

MacArthur then taps the expertise of his faculty at The Master's College in Part Two as each chapter explores some component of a biblical worldview.The chapters cover issues such as understanding the currently postmodern thought, profiling true masculinity and femininity, an in depth examination of the role of worship and music, a contrasting view of psychology with true biblical counseling, a look at the significance of science, the role of Christian education, an honest reflection on history, a biblical worldview of the church in relation to the state, a biblical concept of economics and the importance of literature and the arts in culture from a Christian perspective.Each chapter really could be its own book on the subject, presented from a professor whose expertise is in that particular field of study.

Personally, I enjoyed the book, especially the foundational concepts presented in Part One.MacArthur's Coming to Grips with Sin (chapter 4) was absolutely outstanding and is essential for the Christian to understand that Scripture teaches that sin is the problem with the human dilemma and the only viable solution to the condition of mankind is offered through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.Every chapter had something valuable - a nugget of pure gold - but the second half of the book was pretty tough treading.Overall, a very good book that would be an excellent recommendation for any person interested in examining how their faith addresses all facets of life beyond just the issues of religion.

excellent book
I'm a college student, and I ordered a bunch of these books for the men's small group that I attend, and all of us can agree that we're learning a lot. John MacArthur and his colleagues do a great job presenting the inerrancy of the Bible, and what negative ramifications there could be if our presuppositions are otherwise. Definitely helps us to understand the Bible and God more.

The only healthy way to think
Think Biblically is edited by John MacArthur, who also has contributed four chapters to the book. The other contributors are faculty members of the Masters College. Every person has a weltanschauung we are told in the introduction. A weltanschauung is a personal worldview. This book contrasts the christian worldview from a secular mindset. How should a christian think about and relate to the world in which we live? Think Biblically is very helpful in giving answers to that question on a number of subjects. How should a christian view creation versus evolution,history,education,church and state,science?
An important feature of this book are the insights given to what the implications of not holding a christian worldview can be. On p.79 John MacArthur writes "There is no viable explanation of the universe without God. So many immense and intricate wonders could not exist without a designer. Theres only one possible explanation for it all, and that is a creative power of an all wise God." God has given meaning to everthing that exists, and without God there is no meaning to anything. This is ultimately where evoulutinary philosophy must lead. It is mans attempt to escape moral accountability for his actions from an omnipotent, righteous creator. As the Bible says in Romans 1:22 "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."
What the christian believes about about creation, masculinity and feminity, history, literature will greatly impact how we live and interact with those in our culture. There is no neutral ground . We are affected by our culture whether we realise it or not.
Think Biblically will help to instruct and challenge christians to see if they are reflecting Biblical truth in the postmodern world in which we live. This is an important and relevant book for twenty first century christians. ... Read more

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This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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General Books publication date: 2009Original publication date: 1892Original Publisher: Dodd, MeadSubjects: BishopsBiography ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more