Customer Reviews (5)

Lyrical prose
Robert Morgan fills this quiet tale with poetic images and human truths.The story of a hardscrabble year filled with heartbreak for a very young newly married couple, Morgan writes with a sense of place nearly impossible to accomplish unless one comes from an identical background.Morgan, a poet who grew up on a small North Carolina farm succeeds in transporting us to the world of his maternal grandparents at the turn of the last century.I actually listened to the unabridged text narrated by Recorded Books by Kate Forbes which was a "tour de force".

He Said, She Said!
After reading a forth of the way through this book, it just drove me up a wall, on how the sentences were
structured. It seemed like every time when either Julie or Hank would make a comment the author would end it with, "he said", or "she said". Finally when they were in a tuff situation the author changes from "he said" to "he shouted!"Wow a change in structure! This book was a chore to read!

maybe the best book I've ever read
This review is for the audio book (read brilliantly by Kate Forbes) of Gap Creek which I found to be possibly the best novel I've ever read in my life, at least in the top three. I had never heard of this book or Robert Morgan so this was like finding a treasure on a library shelf.

I think a lot of negative reviews got it wrong when they said it was a book filled with tragedy after tragedy. To me, it was a book filled with triumph after triumph. I wish I could give 6 stars. A must read!!

A novel to climb inside and toss the key
Robert Morgan pulls the reader into his story almost without trying. The voice of Julie, the protagonist is one of the most natural and quietly alluring I've yet read. He is using language in a way that most writers ache to create. I prayed this novel would not end. I prayed for a sequel. You will cry for Julie and you will feel a pang in your heart for Hank, but all the characters are loveable in some way or another. There are trials of living in the wilderness, and then there are insurmountable odds; Julie champions all of them. She holds her husband up when he trips and falls over and over. Not once, does Julie stop to set and feel sorry for herself; she lets the reader do that. My jaw dropped again and again. Her suffering couldn't possibly compound. There were times when I just shook my head at Hanks actions. This writer knows men and women inside and out. The intricacies of marriage are laid thread bare and one does not easily find such honesty in writing.

The title: "The story of a marriage," is so correct. There are common denominators that every couple goes through: desire, spirituality, money issues, child birth and loss of a child, depression, isolation, family issues, poverty, shelter, making a living; its all there. this is like a manual of how it could be, and what issues couples should plan on dealing with.

Moving on, the visual scenery is like walking inside a life painting akin to a Southen Monet; I could feel the brustrokes of the golden leaves; the fall air climbs outside of the novel and lifts the pages.
You can feel that flood water rising inside the house. I could even smell
the barn.

Lyricism, stoicism, and superior story telling. Do not let this one flee from your readers clasp.

More gushing......one of the best lines of the novel that shows Julie's refusal to give up: "I throwed another log on the fire."In one word, "throwed," you get a feel for her personality, on a scale of lovability she's a twelve; her iron will just does not stop; and you desperately want her to come out with at least a years worth of warm and sunshine.

There are laughable moments and Julie even gets to talk smack to the know it all mother-in-law and the reader cannot help but cheer her on.
There is a town drunk that you can't help but feel sorry for. Two Amazing Grace church scenes that correctly display Julie and Hanks spiritual trappings. The great american novel does not get any better, these are big words for a little novel. But to be sure, Gap Creek, is no small thing.

Poor Julie
You've got a tough road ahead, Julie.This story- in spite of the fact that the main character is strong, hardworking, and downright inspirational- is totally depressing.Julie has a hard life in the days before microwave ovens, washing machines, or even running water for that matter, but she makes it a hundred times worse when, at the age of seventeen, she marries handsome Hank. Now, it would be easy to make excuses for Hank, given that he is also very young and basically has a lot of growing up to do.However, some of the things he does are so heinous that you just cannot overlook them:on p.219, he shows that he was capable of leaving Julie to die in the flood, and on p.200, although the author leaves some room for doubt, it appears that Hank rapes Julie's sister.Are we supposed to believe in the end that Hank has reformed, and that there are better days on the horizon for Julie?I think most readers would agree with me that poor Julie, bless her hardworking heart, is only at the beginning of a long, difficult life. ... Read more

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He's going down in history
as the baddest critic "that ever could be".

Hilton Kramer and I agree on at least one thing: the publication of Clement Greenberg's *Late Writings* is an exceptionally welcome event.But should Kramer think Greenberg would be pleased by his critical stance, I must ask what possible reason there would be for that.Really, the *New Criterion* is *Scheisseclem*: pampered "terrors" trying not to like new developments, such as the growing evenness of women's representation in the art world.But if Greenberg is to be dug up as a support for attacks on "modifications" to modernist traditions, I must confess the evidence for his foursquare opposition to such preening and prancing lies elsewhere: namely, in his private collection, now on display at the Portland Art Museum.

If one expects this to consist in backdrops for Buddy Lee commercials, we are very far gone from the singleness of purpose manifested in Greenberg's classic writing (even his issuing of the first principled Luxemburgist statement in the US): the portion of the collection on display (?) consists primarily of muted and small color-field paintings -- and if you think this is at all funny, you probably didn't read art-appreciation teacher Barnett Newman's passionate inveighing against Hegel, Marx and Lenin (recommending Spinoza, Plato and Kropotkin instead).

Clement Greenberg was inclined to give young people the benefit of the doubt, and it shows: his defense of modernist values was none too dessicated, even in this era, and there are shades of Rothkonia in the packaging of this book.(Compare with the "homemade aesthetics" of his collected pieces.)Still, it's refreshing to have ready access to such *principled* materials and the fact of this is testament to the durability of Greenberg's prose: also the quality which made him an artist's *favorite*, a complete lack of both exoticist and theoreticist tendencies.In other words, this book has already paid for itself, and I'm inclined to let partisans of the "counter-avant-garde" (and occasional patrons of "art prostitutes") do the same.

Inessential Greenberg
I'm not sure that the publication of this book was a great idea.I can understand that there was a need to tie up some loose ends to cover the period of Greenberg's writing after 1969 (where the "Collected Essays" left off).

However, by this point, Greenberg's essays were beginning to sound like a stuck record- the flexibility and openness of his classic criticism of the 1940s and 1950s was replaced by an ossified aesthetic, a dogma which prevented him from dealing relevantly with artistic practice from the 1960s onwards.This is exemplified most clearly by the essay "Modern and PostModern", where Greenberg says nothing helpful whatsoever about the Postmodern, but simply trots out his definition of Modernism for the umpteenth time.One wonders whether Greenberg had actually bothered to find anything out about PostModernism before dismissing it so casually.

Nevertheless this book has its moments.It contains some good interviews with Greenberg, where his pithy responses are both witty and incisive.Asked about the relation between Abstract Expressionism and Existentialism, he replies, "Phew! How did that fit in?Existentialism.Existentialism came from Paris and sounded jazzy.At the time, they [art writers] would co-opt anything."Furthermore, some of the essays are shot through with the odd sharp insight, especially "Influences of Matisse," where Greenberg waxes lyrical about the artist who exemplified his paradigm of a cool, detached, materialist Modernism most succinctly.

However, there is a pervading tone of laziness; the writing is often casual where it was once lean and precise, and the length of some of the essays is frustratingly short, sometimes only a page and a half long.It is quite astonishing that a critic who wrote such lengthy, sophisticated gems as "The Jewishness of Franz Kafka" and "The Plight of Our Culture" back in his heyday, could become so complacent.Furthermore, two of the essays, "Can Taste Be Objective?" and "Seminar 6", are already contained in "Homemade Esthetics," which is a stronger collection than this one.Perhaps the two collections could have been combined in one, saving the reader some time (and cash). ...

Modern Art In a Nutshell
I read a four-volume set of the collected writings of Clement Greenberg and consider this to be the fifth book, even though a different editor put it together. It wraps up what I read earlier and clarifies what little Greenberg had left to clarify of his aesthetic. Granted it is only one man's opinions, but what opinions! Even if you don't agree with many of his individual ideas, he gives off a profound sense of understanding the ins and out of Modern Art. Further, if what he states is Modern, you are left with a sense of what must be Postmodern. He touches briefly on that topic as well.

I recommend this book both for artists and for anyone attempting to understand Modern Art. Greenberg's writing became a little thicker as he aged, but he is about as down-to-earth as a critic of his type can be. You might have to run to the dictionary here and there, but that is a small price to pay for what you get in return. If you are frustrated with other art critics being too opaque, Greenberg is a good alternative. Well, I can't help but add that, to me, he is one of the definitive critics of Modern Art! ... Read more

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This volume brings together some of the most distinguished writers in the field of New Testament studies to provide an overview of discussions about the nature of New Testament theology.

• Examines the development, purpose and scope of New Testament theology.
  
• Looks at the relationship of New Testament theology with other branches of theology.
  
• Considers crucial issues within the New Testament, such as the historical Jesus, the theology of the cross, eschatology, ethics, and the role of women.
  
• Offers fresh perspectives which take discussion of the subject further in key areas
  
• Includes a foreword by Rowan Williams.

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The spiritual questions you and your friends ask-about God, thecredibility of the Bible, angels, heaven and hell, and even worshipand prayer-are important. In fact, understanding your faith dependson finding answers to those questions, answers that work in thereal world and that make sense in real conversations.

To start you on your journey of discovery, ExploringTheology begins with God-probing his nature, character, andwork, including a helpful explanation of the Trinity. Then, to keepyou from getting lost in the swirl of today's ideas, you will finda concise presentation of the twelve basic beliefs that separateChristianity from all other religions. After establishing thegroundwork, the authors then examine both the historical andphysical evidence for the Christian faith, addressing commonquestions about Christ's resurrection, creation, fulfilledprophecy, the reliability of the Bible, and the changed lives ofbelievers. Throughout the book, you'll also find discussionquestions, ideas for applying what you've learned, and furtherresources to enhance your individual or group study.

"Our faith is not a blind leap into the dark but a sensible stepinto the light," says Robert J. Morgan. So whether you want to beready to answer a friend who doubts that Christianity is true oryou're looking to resolve lingering doubts, this book offers asolid base from which to take a step of faith and experience theultimate assurance that comes from knowing-and living-thetruth.

Customer Reviews (1)

The Poet Returns!
...Many of the forty-nine poems collected here document the history of Morgan's native southern Appalachians. The book's initial sequence traces the region's history from contact between the Cherokees and the British to the mid-twentieth century. In poems such as "Wild Peavines" and "Girdling," Morgan writes of the landscape changes that came with white settlement; in such poems as "Thrush Doctor" and "Fever Wit," he writes of old-time customs virtually eliminated by twentieth-century homogenization. Also, toward the end of the book is a very fine short sequence about traditional Appalachian music.

Morgan has always been intrigued by science and math, and a few poems here testify to that interest. "Music of the Spheres" calls attention to the "music" of subatomic activity, and "Pi" contemplates the important irrational number denoted by that Greek letter.

Technically there is much variety here. Some of these poems are in free verse, some are loosely metrical, and some are rigidly iambic. There are poems in rhymed quatrains, poems in rhymed couplets, two pantoums, and a sonnet. Many poets attempting such formal variety produce terribly mediocre work, but that's not the case with Morgan. In many cases you read these poems and admire them before noticing their structure.

Readers who love Morgan's novels and short stories, as well as those who admire his earlier poetry, will find cause for great celebration in TOPSOIL ROAD. ... Read more

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Robert Henery, a racehorse trainer, is forced by unfortunate circumstances in England to accept a position in Hungary, training the horses for a Count who has a beautiful and self-willed daughter. The chaotic events following the First World War and the Russian revolution soon envelope his life and that of the lovely Elizabet, and their destinies are entwined in the dramatic events that follow, ending eventually in a remarkable denouement in Britain. This is a love story, filled to the brim with adventure, tenderness and dramatic tension, and will hold the reader spellbound. ... Read more

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Word count: 3408. ... Read more

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This work provides an alternative viewpoint to the general American cultural discourse of the 1980s, showing that the real situation was not the exclusionary rhetoric of Postmodernism but was instead the conflict between late Modernism and Conceptual Art. The 24 essays range from discussions on Joseph Beuys and Allan Kaprow to studies of French artist Tania Mouraud and Polish artist Jan Zakrzewski. ... Read more

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Using the story of the parting of the Red Sea, Robert Morgan reveals how this remarkable story has implications for our lives today. In the midst of seemingly impossible situations God promises to make a way for us. Each of the ten chapters focuses on one "Red Sea Rule" that will soon have you moving away from fear and toward faith in God. ... Read more

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Like looking through an old woodpile
These poems by Robert Morgan, North Carolina's poet laureate and author ofseveral novels, including the bestseller "Gap Creek," andnumerous volumes of poetry, are like picking through a woodpile, lookingfor dry kindling.Most burn brilliantly with the earthy essence of theSouthern Appalachians, and most are like kindling: they burn quickly.Hispoems are conversational and simple, and they deal with such subjects asfarming, lumbering, and ramblings through the forest.They haveintellectual weight but are not self-referential, since Morgan writes aboutreal life in the mountains.A lovely book, and an absolute bargain foronly two bucks--while other poets are asking fifteen dollars for volumes ofpoetry of a similar length.I woulnd't normally describe a book inmonetary terms, but this one is a great value. ... Read more

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Robert Morgan's most concentrated evocation of the southern Appalachian mountains in poetry. Poetry was the form for which he first received notice and it is an important basis for all the other writing that came after. ... Read more

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The New Cambridge History of Islam is a comprehensive history of Islamic civilization, tracing its development from its beginnings in seventh-century Arabia to its wide and varied presence in the globalised world of today. The six volumes reflect the geographical distribution and the cultural, social and religious diversity of the peoples of the Muslim world. Four volumes cover historical developments and two are devoted to themes that cut across geographical and chronological divisions, ranging from social, political and economic relations to the arts, literature and learning. Each volume's introduction sets the scene for the ensuing chapters and examines relationships with adjacent civilizations. Written by a team combining established authorities andrising scholars in the field, this will be the standard reference for students, scholars and all those with enquiring minds for years to come. ... Read more

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The most comprehensive and authoritative single volume text on the subject, the fourth edition of the acclaimed Oxford Handbook of Criminology combines masterly reviews of all the key topics with extensive references to aid further research. In addition to the history of the discipline and reviews of different theoretical perspectives, the book provides up-to-date reviews of diverse topics as the criminal justice process, race and gender, crime statistics, and the media and crime. The fourth edition has been substantially revised and updated and is essential reading for all teachers and students of criminology and an indispensable sourcebook for professionals.

Online Resource Center

* Test bank of questions enabling lecturers to test their students' progress and understanding
* Web links to key criminological resources allowing students to further research the subject
* Notes on the Contributors
* Editors' Introduction to the 4th edition
... Read more

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Outstanding
This is the leading modern text in criminology, comprehensive and authoritative, written by 35 distinguished British contributors. The editors are Mike Maguire, Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University, Rod Morgan, Chairman of the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales and Professor Emeritus at Bristol University, and Robert Reiner, Professor of Criminology at the London School of Economics.

It has five parts: the history and theory of criminology, the social construction of crime and crime control, the dimensions of crime, the forms of crime, and reactions to crime. It covers research and policy developments and their relationship to race, gender, youth culture and political economy.

The evidence is that the serious violent crime rate is much higher in Thatcherite political economies than in welfarist ones. As Reiner writes, there is a plethora of material confirming that crime of all kinds is linked to inequality, relative deprivation, and unemployment. So, for example, the rise in crime in Britain in the 1980s was due to what happened in the 1980s: naturally Thatcher blamed it on what had happened 20 years before. And it was the 1980s, not the 1960s, that saw the dramatic rise in opiate use here.

The evidence shows that states with higher welfare spending have less crime and lower imprisonment rates. For every dollar spent, Michigans Head Start welfare programme brought $17 of benefit by cutting crime, thereby cutting the numbers imprisoned and thus the costs of imprisonment.

Of course, recognising that crime has root causes does not stop us exploring all possible avenues of crime reduction, victim support and penal reform. Nor does it mean ignoring offenders moral responsibility. Understanding does not cancel the need for judgment.

Thatcherite political economies also have more punitive penal policies. Yet welfarist Sweden has had a smaller rise in crime than Britain, while having a less punitive penal policy. Similarly, Finland has dramatically cut its prison numbers, without increasing crime.

Growing economic inequality and social polarisation increase crime and therefore insecurity and fear. We cannot afford to leave the economy, or society or security to the market. We need to take responsibility for all aspects of our society.

The bible of criminology
This is one of the best books out there dealing with criminology.It is huge and has essays dealing with many subjects written by some of the most influential criminologists in England and abroad.

A must for anyone interested in or studying criminology
A vast collection of essays on different criminological subjects that covers most things on a course of study.Will also act as a good book for reference and background reading.Although it appears pricey it does covera lot of ground and is indeed very cost effective when compared to similarbooks that offer not much for a similar price.The only criticism is this- if you are wanting a feminist perspective this often comes off aslacking, although in saying this it does (by this ommission) reveal theholes in criminological research that feminists are seeking to correct. Well worth adding to your collection. ... Read more