Product Description
Newbery-finalist James Lincoln Collier creates insightful character studies of our most well-known American figures. By blasting through the myths surrounding our heroes, we see them as they really were, with their conflicts, their fears, their shortcomings, and their ambitions. We come to know them and so to admire their achievements all the more. ... Read more

Product Description
Former James Dobson aide and Focus on the Family co-founder Gil Alexander-Moegerle offers an insightful and detailed expose of militant moral and political activist James Dobson, the man credited with the power surge of the religious right. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

James Dobson's War on America
I couldn't wait to get this book and I wasn't disappointed after I read it.
Before you think sour grapes about the man that wrote it you need to know that most evangelicals are soft hearted people and very moderate so for this man to blow the whistle on this powerful man who is in the Christian media business. It was a life changing move for the author he had to leave this field completely in order to make a living because Mr. Dobson has the power to prevent him from staying in the Christian media business,Mr. Dobson makes lots of money for the companies he deals with for books,DVD,etc.and he doesn't hesitate to drop the company if they don't do what he wants.It's really something to see how he runs this empire.There are so few people that reach that height with so much money and power that doesn't become corrupted.As Mr. Dobson is a fundamentalist he is not the person that should be involved in politics. He stays away from the secular media and uses the radio to reach women who are 54% of the vote.He circulates emails that create hate for gays and pro choice for women and he wants to change the separation of church and state law. This book was written in 1997 as a warning which no one heeded and now when Mr. Dobson's says something on the radio the politicians get swamped with phone calls and emails from his followers which gives the politicians the wrong idea about what is really happening.
Mr. Dobson's followers have no idea there are two personalities the warm and fuzzy family advisers and the tyrant that runs Focus on the Family and tries to intimidate politicians. The book has more detail about Mr.Dobson and the things he does it will shock you if you are a Christian and have heard him on the radio. You need to know from whom you are taking advice and supporting with you purchases.

Gosh - where to begin...
Wow - what we have here is a clash of core beliefs.If you look at things from Dobson's core beliefs (whether you agree with them or not - and being in America we have to agree he has the right to believe and ACT on them) his actions and agenda are pretty consistent.Has he or his organization made mis-steps or been guilty at times of hubris?Arguably yes - but I dare say you would be hard pressed to find any organization anywhere that couldn't be accused of the same thing.Dobson admits his human-ness, and his falibility - despite the author's assertion that "Dobson's Nazarene belief that he is sinless and morally perfect results in Dobson's stance that he is morally superior to others, even his employees."I've heard Dobson admit a number of times on his own sinfulness - so this is an example of the trouble I have with many of the inferences the author makes from Dobson's background or associations.

Most of the reviews I've read wind up at a fundamental level disagreeing or mis-stating Dobson's core belief - and the mis-statement I'm guessing comes back to their own perceptions of what is "right and wrong".So - my bottom line is - you've got an author here who - like Dobson - has his own agenda.If you are looking for a "balanced" review of Dobson - you won't find it here.You will find compelling information, and certainly it will serve as a base for doing your own research.Just realize that a man writing a book and changing his whole world view because he got fired by the man he is writing about MAY be writing with a bias of his own.:)

For your reference, here's an example of the misunderstanding of where Dobson is coming from (with my comments in CAPS) from the April 2004 review

"a. Legislating so-called "Christian principles." As a religion, Christianity is to be accepted by individuals, not by imposing its principles into law by decree. The Christian faith cannot be spread by imposing it onto others.REMEMBER THAT DOBSON HAS MULTIPLE AGENDAS - HERE YOU HAVE THE REVIEWER MIXING HIS AGENDA FOR EVANGELISM WITH HIS AGENDA FOR PROMOTING A LEGAL FRAMEWORK THAT REINFORCES DOBSON'S VIEW ON RIGHT AND WRONG ACTIONS TAKEN FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE.ANY LEGAL FRAMEWORK PROMOTES A VALUE SYSTEM - E.G. MURDER IS WRONG, ETC.DOBSON IS LOOKING FOR ONE CONSISTENT WITH HIS BELIEF STRUCTURE - WHICH IS WHAT ALL OF US DO.

c. Furthermore, you don't have to be politically conservative to be a Christian. NO - DOBSON WOULDN'T FIGHT YOU ON THAT EITHER.HE WOULD HOWEVER ON SPECIFIC ISSUES CHALLENGE YOU TO SUPPORT BIBLICALLY SPECIFIC AREAS WHERE YOU DISAGREE WITH HIM.TO HIM THE BIBLE IS THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY - SO REFERENCE HIM BACK TO IT.HE FEELS SOME TRADITIONAL "LIBERAL" POSITIONS ARE INCONSISTENT WITH A LITERAL BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION - BUT IF YOU HELD THEM HE WOULDN'T SAY YOU AREN'T A CHRISTIAN - JUST THAT YOU AREN'T BEING CONSISTENT WITH CHRIST'S TEACHING ON THOSE ISSUES.

d. I am a straight married woman, but I don't think I have a right to interfere in the lives of the gay community. I don't see them as messengers of evil, and I have no vendetta against them, either political or religious.AGAIN - DOBSON'S VIEW ARE DRAWN FROM HIS VIEW OF THE BIBLE AS THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY.CERTAINLY READING IT AT FACE VALUE YOU ARE HARD PRESSED TO SAY THE BIBLE IS NEUTRAL OR "PRO" HOMOSEXUAL ACTIVITY OR THAT IT DOESN'T CAST A MORAL VALUE OF "SIN" ON IT.SINCE DOBSON BELIEVES THAT SOCIETY IS MOST "HEALTHY" WHEN IT HAS LAWS IN PLACE THAT MIRROR BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES - HE IS PURSUING ACTIVITIES THAT REINFORCE THAT VIEWPOINT.

2. His attitude towards women. Many women see Dobson as their friend, but he clearly upholds a hierarchical view of the male as the "head." While this doesn't necessarily need to be a problem (though it often ends up that way) he also puts women into a "Catch 22" situation:
AGAIN - YOU HAVE TO REFERENCE HIS BASELINE VALUES DRAWN FROM A LITERAL INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE.HE IS BEING CONSISTENT TO HIS BELIEF SYSTEM - WITH HIS CORE BELIEF BEING THAT A SOCIETY WILL BE HEALTHIEST WHEN IT HAS ITS LAWS AND FAMILY STRUCTURES BASED ON THAT BIBLICAL POSITION.SO IF YOU DISAGREE WITH HIS POSITION ON THIS, HE WOULD SAY HE ISN'T PUTTING YOU IN A CATCH 22 POSITION - SINCE WOMEN IN THE BIBLE HAD MULTIPLE ROLES IN HOME AND FAMILY THAT WOULD AVOID THE CATCH 22 THE REVIEWER REFERENCES. AGAIN - DIFFERING PERSPECTIVES ON FOUNDATIONAL ISSUES.
=================================

The Religious Right
Frankly, when I watch Jerry Falwell debate his arch nemesis, pornographer Larry Flynt, I am not sure who is more dangerous. I am not sure who is more of a disgusting and contemptible pig.

I was born and raised in the conservative evangelical movement, and I cannot stomach listening to Dobson, Falwell, Robertson, or any of the other imbeciles that my fellow teammates have dubbed their leaders.

What I find very difficult to swallow is how they have turned certain "sins" into whipping posts so they can prop themselves up as moral crusaders. Down with wine! Down with women! Down with wearing dungarees!

But what about being a proud jerk of a human being?

What is equally frightening is that the Bible clearly states that there will be people on that Day that will stand in complete shock when told, "Depart from me"; that somehow they miscalculated all of their moral filabustering and self-righteousness as something that God had intended them to do.

I've met Dobson's son... he's an idiot. Focus on your own damn family indeed.

Hooray Gil...

Confirmed some uneasiness I had about Dobson
Because Dr. James Dobson is such a prominent Christian leader, it is hard to provide a critique of his ministry without getting into hot water in some circles. But Gil Alexander-Moeggerle has done his critique, and I found that this book has answered some uneasy feelings I had for a long time -- especially after Dobson became so deeply entrenched into right wing politics.

I will not re-hash the book here. Previous reviews have shown the outline of the book, the topics covered, etc., as well as being able to look inside parts of the book here on Amazon.

However, I will share some problems I began having as I followed his ministry more.When I first started reading Dobson's books, I appreciated his views on the development of children and some of his practical psychological wisdom.However, my misgivings began to crystalize into two categories.

1.Political involvement.Now please understand -- I have no problem with Christians being involved in politics.But I do have serious issues with the following:

a.Legislating so-called "Christian principles."As a religion, Christianity is to be accepted by individuals, not by imposing its principles into law by decree.The Christian faith cannot be spread by imposing it onto others.

b.Although I am pro-family, pro-business and pro-life, I don't believe that the "conservative" camp exclusively owns these issues.

c.Furthermore, you don't have to be politically conservative to be a Christian.

d.I am a straight married woman, but I don't think I have a right to interfere in the lives of the gay community. I don't see them as messengers of evil, and I have no vendetta against them, either political or religious.

d.I get the impression that Dobson doesn't have a clue as to how the poor live and the challenges they face.

2.His attitude towards women.Many women see Dobson as their friend, but he clearly upholds a hierarchical view of the male as the "head."While this doesn't necessarily need to be a problem (though it often ends up that way) he also puts women into a "Catch 22" situation:

a.He wants women to make their homes and families the center of their lives.

b.But then, he has critiqued the fact that women don't seem to talk about topics from as broad a base as men do -- and has even had programs that impress on women that they need to have something in their lives besides home and family.But he forgets that MANY women have made the home and family the center of their lives by listening to HIM.

I worked at a religious radio station for a while where Dobson's program was aired, and one time I had the poor judgment to express some of my problems with Dobson's ideas -- and I was treated like I had attacked God Himself!

I think that Dobson is trying to amass too much power (if it hasn't already happened) and is trying to speak for the Christian community as a whole.Well, Dobson does not represent all Christians.

The best way to "Christianize" a country is for Christians to non-coercively share Jesus Christ with their family, friends, colleagues, etc., and let them accept Christ on their own.If enough Christians will simply live their lives as Christ would have them live it and practice GENUINE Christian love (ICorinthians 13) then I believe that more people will become Christians than through any kinds of laws made by any kind of government.

Hocus-Pocus On The Family
I can't believe some of the nutty reviews posted for this book. Some of the vitriol directed towards this book & its author reminds me of the remark Disraeli made about the Jewish fear of Christianity: Jews were terrified of Christians due to ages & ages of "Christian love," i.e. pogroms, demonization, persistent persecution, etc. That same "loving" spirit has saturated many of these reviews posted on Amazon.com.

Whether you like it or not, this nation was formed on secular principles, not on the Christian religion. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison and Paine were deists. John Adams had Unitarian views. The Founding Fathers based their experiment on rationalism, not on any transcendental foundation. They drew their inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including atheists (like Voltaire & David Hume). You certainly have a right to believe whatever you want, but don't rewrite history.

Gil Alexander-Moegerle was an insider in the weird world of Christian fundamentalism. In fact, he was the right-hand man to the Religious Right's most powerful (and clandestine) leader, Dr. James Dobson. Although it may be easy to dismiss it as "sour grapes" and a hatchet job, War On America actually has a balanced tone. Alexander-Moegerle never resorts to trash talk; frankly, I kind of wished that he would have hit Dobson a little harder. Alexander-Moegerle's relationship with Dobson is of minor interest, however, compared to the tell-all on the inner workings of Dobson's operation.

Taking refuge in the tax-exempt status of religious organizations, Dobson's Focus On The Family has played unfair hardball with other religious publishers, such as Word, Inc. According to the author, Dobson also has a penchant for meddling in his employees' personal lives. This is entirely believable, considering Dobson's self-appointed status as America's moral guardian.

Like many a successful multimedia preacher (Graham, Falwell, Robertson, Colson), Dobson makes it a point to lavish support on the Republican party, both secretly through lobbying, and openly. This itself should be enough to revoke the "tax-exempt" status of these men. Dobson's dubious lack of salary is also given an interesting twist, as is his boorish treatment of those he disagrees with. In this light, Dobson seems more of a wrathful Jehovah than a gentle Jesus.

One of the author's most interesting observations is his view on the political development of the Religious Right. It was initially a sleeping giant, awoke to become destructive, and now this giant has to decide as to which path it will take: dialogue or destruction.

The only quibble I have is that Alexander-Moegerle seems to imply that he never would have altered his ultra right-wing views except for the fact that he was fired by Dobson. If that is indeed the case, I'm glad he got canned. Unlike the vast majority of the Religious Right, Gil understands the need for compromise in a pluralistic society. For that, I salute him. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Media Economics: Theory and Practice focuses on the basic principles of economics in the business sector and applies them to contemporary media industries. This text examines the process of media economics decision making through an exploration of key topics, such as industrial restructuring, regulatory constraints upon media operations, and changing economic value, providing key insights into media business activities. With the structure and value of media industries changing rapidly and sometimes dramatically, this text moves beyond a basic documentation of historical patterns to help readers understand the mechanics of change, offering insight into the processes reproducing contemporary trends in media economics.


Thoroughly updated in this third edition, Media Economics focuses on the primary concerns of media economics, the techniques of economic and business analysis, and the overall characteristics of the media environment; and explores contemporary business practices within specific media industries, including newspaper, magazine, television, cable, movie, radio advertising, music, and online industries. New for this edition are chapters on the advertising, book publishing, and magazine publishing industries. Chapters contributed by expert scholars and researchers provide substantial discussions of the crucial topics and issues in the media industry sectors, and emphasize both domestic and international businesses.


Offering a thorough examination of the economic factors and forces concerning the media industries, Media Economics is appropriate for use as a course text for advanced media management and economics students. It also serves as an indispensable reference for scholars and researchers in media business arenas.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Terrible
Unbelievably dry and boring. Absolutely zero effort to make the experience even the least bit entertaining. The author goes to great lengths to make each sentence as wordy as possible (seemingly from an internal self-esteem issue that requires one to be as verbose as possible), as if vocabulary will cover up a lack of ability to convey a clear thought. ... Read more

Product Description
Functional Family Therapy ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A wonderful little book
My title is chosen carefully - this is both a wonderful book and a "little" book.Most of those reviewing it who give it less than five stars are simply expecting too much of it, and part of the charm of the book is its simplicity and limited goals.

It is a book with limited goals and aims which collects the available bits of a fascinating story."Him on One Side and Me on the Other" does not seek to draw any grand conclusions or deeper analysis from these bits, though it does try to fill out the bits and give us the parts of the story that can be filled in from other documents.

The two Campbell brothers represent a bit of America that transcends the Civil War - these are immigrant stories and stories about the growth of the country.But, most of all, they are simply stories.They leave us wanting to know much more about the brothers and their families, where they came from, and what they were doing.Beyond reading the footnotes, it really is helpful to read this together with more analytical histories of the time, both histories of the 79th (a fascinating regiment and story), of 19th Century America (especially its immigrants and industrialization) and, perhaps, though oddly less importantly, of the Civil War.

As an example of one fascinating place where this story and the broader historical moment come together, this book has some great detail on the transition of the military to a professional force.The 79th was a volunteer regiment, one where the men initially picked their own leaders, which made the regiment uniquely political.It also meant that the 79th really did have something of a mind of its own, interpreting orders rather than simply implementing them.In the letters from Alexander, you see some of the strains of this system on a rank and file infantry-man, one who is not apparently moving up through the political or military ranks, and this is one of those places where the stories interact very nicely with the history.There are, however, many others, and the book is highly recommended.

Decent collection of letters with unusual angle
"Him on the One Side and Me on the Other" tells one of thosestories that sounds like fiction. The Campbell brothers emigrate fromScotland to America. Alexander settled in New York City while James movedto Charleston. When the war broke out, Alexander enlisted in the 79th NewYork "Highlanders" and James in the 1st South Carolina"Charleston" battalion. Their war service was vastly different:Alexander fought in Virginia, South Carolina and Kentucky, and resigned in1863 after being wounded in battle. James helped guard the South Carolinacoast, was captured in the battle of Battery Wagner in July 1863 and spentthe rest of the war in three Northern prisons.

Although both brotherswrote the letters that are collected in this book, they are vastlydissimilar. The majority of the book consists of Alexander's letters to hiswife, while most of James's letters were from prison, by nature short andcensored. But one from James shortly after the brothers fought in thebattle of Successionville in 1862 laid the position down succinctly:"I hope that You and I will never again meet face to face Bitterenemies on the Battle field. But if such should be the case You have but todischarge your deauty to Your caus for I can assure you I will strive todischarge my deauty to my country & My cause." But despite theirbeliefs in their respective causes, Alexander and James were brothers, andtheir feelings for each other, as reflected in the letters and Alexander'sassistance to James while he was in prison, never changed. They werebrothers first.

Also included in "Him on the One Side" is anextensive collection of footnotes, explanatory material and maps.

History
Letter collections often can be a catch-as-catch-can propostion. As you can see from the previous reviews, this particular collection has raised some eyebrows. I've already posted my feelings on this book and won't boreyou with a restaging. But I would encourage everyone who reads thesereviews to approach this book with an open mind.It seems some of thereviewers have different agendas at work for whatever reasons; the bile isa bit off-putting. Obviously, opinions can differ, but there really is noreason to sling insults.

A Good Book for Scholars of the Individual Soldier
If you are looking for epic narrative, or soaring flights of Victorian prose, this collection of Civil War letters will not be of interest to you.But if a reader wants to hear a voice from the trenches, to see behind thegrand sweep of war to the every day concerns of common soldiers, this bookis a treasure.In the blunt, unadorned language of the ordinary man, theseletters address the timeless issues of worry about family at home, boredom,frustration, army politics, and longing for hometown news. Mr. Johnstondoes an excellent job of footnoting events mentioned in the letters, andlaying out in consice terms the greater happenings of the army, beyond theletters' scope.He also accomplishes the amazing task of identifyingvirtually every person named in those letters.

At times I did find theon-page footnoting distracting to the main text.However, upon reflection,I will conceed that to put the footnotes in some distant lump at chapter orbook's end would not be as effective.I would have perhaps liked to seejust a few more photographs, such as of one or two of the original letters. Yet I realize the scarcity of such photos as Mr. Johnston so fortunatelylocated, and the reader is gratified to have at least the faces of thesesoldiers to look at.

One should keep in mind the Campbell brothers'Scottish origins, while reading these letters, and look beyond the typicalScots reticence for flowery emotion. Between the lines lies the real story,worry for a wife and young family at home, with little money and nohusband/father.Understated poignancy lies in the expressions of concernfor the brother under that opposing flag, the search of a sharedbattlefield, and questioning of prisoners, each brother after the other'swelfare.And most notable is the reader's realization that, although theyeffectively sought to kill each other in the name of duty to country, theresumption of their fraternal relationship is as uneventful as though theyhad but played on opposing baseball teams.

Family is the strongestthread throughout all these letters, husband, wife, children, brothers andbrothers-in-law, whose ties of love are tested but not broken by theconflict that tore a nation apart.Therein lies the lesson of that war;that the nation's divisions would be healed not by politics, but by and inthe hearts of individuals.
As a reader of a good many Civil War books,I will say this.For the student of the inside of this war, particularlythe words of the men who fought it, this book will find an honorable placeon your book shelf.

Real History
It's refreshing to learn what it was really like to live through the Civil War without the opinions and embellishments of authors clouding the facts. ... Read more

Product Description
Through a collection of short stories, a grandfather describes his happy childhood in the small town of Valdosta, Georgia. It was a simple time when children played simple games with simple toys. Those were the days when failure of a child to say "yes ma'am" and "yes sir" to grown folks was considered an act of disrespect which brought swift rebuke and punishment from the disrespected adult and the child's parents. Most homeowners in his neighborhood only dreamed of indoor plumbing, electric lights and home telephone service. Despite the prevailing social order, dictated by racial segregation which choked the advancement of some of his neighbors, little James Edward was often permitted broader liberties to expand his borders simply because all of the adults encouraged his growth. His timing was right. Colored adults nourished his self confidence as though vicariously rekindling their own aspirations. White adults saw a fast moving innocent youngster with a cautions and keen intellect, so letting him roam was a gift to a child which did not threaten their prerogatives. So adults of both races sought ways to assuage the harshness of segregation for little James Edward by smothering him with affection and special attention. The effects of this esteem is reflected in his pleasant memories of the post depression years and other events of that time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A very pleasant read
Our book club selected this book since the author is from our local area. James Edward Alexander has written a memoir for his grandchildren about growing up as a young, black boy in the south.Alexander includes those little things in life that all add up to build a person's character.The importance of education, family, and hard-work are clearly evident.It is an easy, pleasant read.

A Grandfather's Gift
In this lovely book, James Edward Alexander commemorates the many kindnesses shown to an energetic, precocious child growing up in the rural south during the 1930s and 1940s.The author depicts the sense of community and mutual cooperation that were so prevalent and so vital in those days.

But the author does not lull the reader into thinking those were necessarily better times.Grueling hard work was the norm, for both blacks and whites.Racial segregation defined situations that in retrospect were sometimes downright ridiculous, as in the case of white German POWs being allowed to use a swimming pool denied to local blacks during Word War II.

The pragmatic approach to life exhibited by Mr. Alexander's characters provides lessons for us, in this more affluent era.Halfway Home from Kinderlou also reminds us of the profound effect we can have on children and the responsibility we have to children.

Enhanced by charming artwork, this book is a delight.

How a Village Raised a Child
A heartwarming window into how a village raised a child, as James Edward Alexander shares his growing up years in Valdosta, Georgia.You gain insight into the living conditions, economic and social constraints, and cultural interactions of the 1930s and 1940s in the Deep South.Besides pure pleasure reading, this is a great item for schools to illuminate the times and the development of an unique individual.

A life I needed to know about
I grew up a 'white boy' in Washington, DC. during the same years James Edward grew up in southern Georgia. The difference is now, 60 + years later, as plain as "black and white". James' description of family and school life in the black, segreated south tells me that he enjoyed relationships within his family and community that never existed in mine.
I thoroughly enjoyed this man's writings and only hope he follows through with more of his memories in later editions. And, I also hope he finally wound up with a copy of Black Beauty that he could call his own! ... Read more

Product Description
Comprised of relevant selections from the writings of four ancient historians, this volume provides a complete narrative of the important events in the life of Alexander the Great. The Introduction sets these works in historical context, from the conclusion of the Peloponnesian War through AlexanderÂ’s conquest of Asia, and provides an assessment of AlexanderÂ’s historical importance, as well as a survey of the central controversies surrounding his personality, aims and intentions. Includes a timeline, maps, bibliography, glossary, and index. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Quite a good primary source document
This compelation of exerpts from all the major ancient sources that realte to Alexander the Great is a good source if you require a compact straight forward document on Alexander's highlights. Although it doesn't replace the full editions of the books it quotes from, it is a very handy - and inexpensive - source book that can be very handy if you don't want to wade through reams of pages of evidence. It can also give you an idea of a starting point to look at in the full editions.

The "GREATEST" OF THE "GREAT"
Alexander the Great, was born on or around July 20, 356 B.C.E., and is my favorite personality to read about in history. To me he is the whole package general, statesman, conqueror, and philosopher. The smartest man who ever lived, Aristotle, tutored him. Alexander conquered more of the known world than any other figure in history, accomplishing all this before he dies at the ripe old age of 33. Some people called him conqueror and violent overlord. Some other called him civilizer and even God! All of them yet, called him "The Great". He was the first man in modern history that took this name, "The Great"! Even as a young boy, he shows great promise.

Diodorus a Greek historian who lived from 80-20 BCE wrote 40 books of world history. He is an uncritical compiler who used good sources and produced them faithfully. His work is one of the oldest works available and is based on eyewitness accounts. He does a better job than most in explaining the battle scenes, and seems to be more balanced in his admiration and criticism of Alexander then any of the other early biographers. I love his Bucephalus Story, and I recount it here so you get a flavor of the promise this young Alexander shows.

The legend begins with Philoneicus, a Thessalian, bringing a wild horse to Philip for him to buy. None of the hands was able to handle it, and Philip grew upset at Philoneicus for bringing such an unstable horse to him. Alexander, however, publicly defied his father and claimed that he could handle the horse. The bet between Philip and Alexander was that if Alexander could ride the horse, Philip would buy it, if not, Alexander would have to pay the price of the horse, which was 13 talents, an enormous sum for a boy of Alexander's age to have.

Alexander apparently noticed that the horse had been shying away from its own shadow, and so he led it gently into the sun, so that its shadow was behind it, all the while stroking it gently and whispering into its ear, (Alexander seems to be the original horse whisperer). Eventually the horse let Alexander mount him, and Alexander was able to show his equestrian skill to his father and all who were watching. The incident so impressed Alexander's father, King Philip that he told the boy "Look thee out a kingdom equal to and worthy of you, for Macedonia is too little for thee". He named the horse Bucephalus, which means Ox head, and rode it across Asia, founding a city in its honor in India after its death. This story gives you an inkling about the man.

This book is a necessary read for students of Alexander, I also recommend Plutarch's and Arrian's work, and from contemporary writers, J. F. C. Fuller and Tarn. Most of Alexander's greatest military traits are in the area of military logistics and to understand his genius in this area I highly recommend reading, "Alexander the Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army," by Donald W. Engels.

As a retired U. S. Army Major, I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in ancient warfare, and history.

Abbreviated Journey w/ the Ancient Chroniclers
In what can only be described as historic irony, the short and tumultuous career of Alexander I of Macedonia marked the start of the slow decline of direct Greek participation within the scope of ancient-world politics; but it also ushered in the period of that civilization's most profound cultural influence. In just a dozen years, the Mediterranean world had changed forever, the political landscape reshuffled and its known boundaries expanded. But just as pioneers in any field are beholden to those who came before, the world's first great conqueror displayed many values of the ancient society from which he sprang and paid homage to several ideals that pervaded the culture of ancient Greece from its prehistory to his own time. This work is an annotated journey through Alexander's life as recounted by the ancient chroniclers Arrian, Diodorus, Plutarch, and Quitus Curtius. It is not modernized, or summarized. It is a true historian's read, not a popular manifestation of Alexander's story. Like reading Herodotus or Thucydides, it is history written by historians who are, themselves, a part of history. That being said, everything we know (or think we know) about Alexander was recorded by these chroniclers. This is the historical basis of the popular image of Alexander.

And what about that image? Ironically, the very act of bridging the gap between civilizations and exposing the world to more and more scrutiny that, in the end, is Alexander's most important legacy, was the very mechanism that insured that he would never become a god in the ancient tradition. Alexander was a transitional figure in history - both a destroyer of old values and the creator of new ones. Like the great Colossus of Rhodes, Alexander's life bestrides the strait dividing the ancient world from its next incarnation, the Hellenistic Age, the era that - thanks to Alexander and no other - introduced the enduring values of ancient Greece to the known world and beyond. ... Read more

Product Description
Now you can listen to The Voice of the Bible on AMG Publishers KJV Complete Bible on Cassettes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Scourby KJV Entire Bible
Great product at a great price.

The files are large at 4-5 mb per chapter.They are recorded in stereo even though the original is mono.The quality is good.

Complete Bible: KJV Alexander Scourby
This is the best Bible for your MP3 player.
Alexander Scourby is still the best of the best.

very good
very affordable bible to hear everytime you want in mp3 form
there is a time we are going to hide just to read bible, like now the spirit of anti-Christ making us tolerance with sodomites, so in that way no increase in population, since they try hard to eliminate people,...so, pick up your cross and follow Jesus in spirit of obedience and humility.

KJV MP3 Version Alexander Scourby
I do apologize for taking so long to send in this review,but I recently had Spinal Fusion Surgery and did not have an opportunity to review the product until recently.

This product is defective as it does not have have the book of Genesis on any of the CD's.I am not sure what else may not be correct but I am deeply disappointed as I wanted to have this to listen to while I am going through my recovery.

Is there a way for me to get a product that has the actual KJV, of the Bible on it from Genesis to Revelations?This is not at all what I expected as the last disc just reads"New Testament" and it does not seem to follow along with my Bible on paper.

What can be done to rectify this issue, I would like to be able to hear the entire Bible on audio?What do I need to do? I am ususally so satisfied with my purchases from your company.Please help me to rectify this issue as the Bible does not start in the middle of the book of Exodus.I don't want to write a bad review, I just want the correct product.

Sincerely,
Donna Allridge

Bible on CD
King James Version, audio CDs, narrated by Alexander Scourby is wonderful. Years ago, I had the cassette version. Needed to upgrade to CDs. Scourby is considered "the voice of the Bible." This is so true. Recommend this to everyone. ... Read more

Product Description
Within the liturgy, congregations pledge to accept, love forgive and nurture the newly baptized member. The church, however, often lives out this covenant selectively, forcing its gay/lesbian members into silence, alienation, and doubt. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Can the Church Tell the Truth about Those Who are Different?
The subtitle of Alexander and Preston's book is "Claiming God's Grace for Lesbians and Gays."Nevertheless, this is not a book for homosexuals.This is a book that raises important theological andliturgical questions for all of God's people.Reduced to their simplestforms the question are: "DOES the Church tell the truth about thosewho are different?" and if not, "CAN the Church tell the truthabout those who are different?"

Cutting through thepsycho-babble and well-intentioned but destructive, liberal, socialthinking, Alexander and Preston quickly get to the heart of the matter: (1)some denominations baptize infants and young children, boldly declaringthat what matters is not our decision for Jesus, but his decision for us;(2) a growing body of scientific evidence argues for a significant geneticcomponent to homosexuality, but (3) despite the commitment thatdenominations make in infant baptisms and a growing body of scientificevidence for sexual predispositions, most congregations effectivelyexcommunicate homosexuals.The point is simple: every time the Churchchases away an homosexual, we sin.

In the face of our religioushypocracy and failure to keep the promises of infant baptism, Alexander andPreston calmly remind us, "We Were Baptized, Too."Thisthought-provoking argument demands to be read and discussed within the"straight" Church.Can we tell the truth about those who shareour faith, but whose ways of loving are different from our own?

BrianKate's Review
This is a very good book for gay/lesbian people who want to see some positive messages on the subject of religion, which is definitely needed.With all the hatred that masquerades as "God's word" when itcomes to homosexuality (even though Jesus himself *never* mentionssexuality or gender identity *at all*, it's about time people startedputting loving book which shows gay/lesbian people they don't have toabandon religion.My only complaint is that the authors don't ever mentionor include bisexual or transgendered people at all.They just quickly saysomething to the effect of "we'd like to, but that's beyond the scopeof our book."I'd say someone should write another book addressingthis, since bi and trans people get the same harassment from so-called"religious" people, but except for that, this is a very goodbook.I'd recommend it to any gay/lesbian people I know who don't want togive up on religion, since it shows you *can* be gay *and* a Christian. ... Read more

Product Description
Publisher: London ; New York [etc.] : Hodder and Stoughton limitedPublication date: 1920Notes: This is an OCR reprint. There may be typos or missing text. There are no illustrations or indexes.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Architecture and History of San Francisco
This book has justifiably been called the best book now available on San Francisco history and architecture. Beginning with the arrival of Spanish missionaries and soldiers in 1776, and going through the Spanish/Mexican periods, the conquest by U.S. in 1846, the Gold Rush, the Belle Epoque, the 1906 Earthquake & Fire, the rebuilding of the city, the very lively and readable narrative includes most residential areas of the city, various architectural styles and eras. Includes history of Mission Dolores and the Presidio, from their establishment up to the present. B&W illustrations include 455 maps and never-before-published archival photos, and 140 superb color photos of surviving Victorian and 20th century houses, all make this book a feast for the reader and for everyone who loves Sann Francisco. Based on many years of research, design and production, this book is unique, incomparable, fascinating. It is also superbly bound and printed, with the highest possible production standards. ... Read more

Product Description
Ribbon of Sand is a rich and beautifully written explanation of the unique natural history and romantic past of the Outer Banks, the fragile barrier islands that stretch for almost two hundred miles down the North Carolina coast.First published in 1992 and now updated, this new edition brings the Banks' story to the present—from the on-going excavtion of what is believed to be Blackbeard's ship, to the impending threat of oil drilling at Manteo Point, the authors reveal the controversies, natural wonders, and fascinating legends that make the Outer Banks one of the nation's most beloved treasures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An amazing convergence......
........of history, science, poetry and politics.I can't think of an existing category that this book properly belongs to; perhaps the literature of place, if I create one for it.I don't know of another book that so accurately and beautifully gives a true sense of a real place in all of its complexity.

And what a place!A unique treasure that has somehow been substantially preserved while it continues to evolve according to contemporary usage.Not without struggle and controversy, of course.Don't just read the book, go there and experience it in your own way.

Using some kind of specific guide book for planning is probably a good idea:I thought "North Carolina Beaches" by Glenn Morris (Chapel Hill) was useful and pleasant.

5 Star Subject, 3 Star Writing
Anyone who has visited the Outer Banks -- and many who have only seen them from the famous 1970-era Apollo space shot -- knows that the islands are unique, fragile, and someday going to be overrun, either by trashy tourism or, eventually, nature.Alexander and Lazell hope, but are hardly convinced, that nature will get the chance to run its long course.Beyond the fascinating subject, the authors' chapter by chapter analysis of the forces that compete on the Banks -- sand, wind, land, forest -- is a clarifying approach to writing about the science of the Banks.In separate chapters, Alexander and Lazell then effectively show how the forces combined to impact Blackbeard's last battle and the Wright Brothers efforts to fly.The final chapter, Convergences, is like reading a decade-early preview of the impact on the islands of Hurricane Isabel.I would call Alexander and Lazell prescient, but I suspect they themselves would be the first to admit they were simply documenting the inevitable future.Only problem with this excellent book is that the writing feels as if it was done either in turn or by compromise, and is often far less compelling than its subject matter.Still, Ribbon of Sand offers some science, some entertainment, and a whole lot of appreciation for this wonderful speck of the world.

Engrossing
I purchased this book to learn more about the Outer Banks, which I have long wished to visit and where we will spend a week this summer.It is an amazingly interesting and informative book.Geology, geography, biology, weather, ecology, politics, and more are all discussed as is the importance of each in relation to the others.I found the book engrossing and would recommend it even if you are not going to this unique area of the world.Now when the kids ask me why there is a forest in the dunes I will be able to tell them and I will be much better able to appreciate the beauty of the place.

Man and Nature on a Tiny Strip of Land
I picked this book up during a recent week's stay on Topsail Island (one of the southernmost of the Outer Banks).Having never read a book on natural history or the ecology, I was prepared for the paper-pulp equivalent of Sominex.

Never have I been more wrong in my preconceptions about a book.Ribbon of Sand captures PERFECTLY the true mystique of North Carolina's Outer Banks -- how a half-mile wide band of barrier islands survive both because of nature . . . and in spite of it. Each segment of the book ties together both human and natural history.How the wind the shapes the wonderfully high dunes near Kill Devil provided the Wright Brothers with the means to test their gliders and to develop the first airplane.How shifting tides and currents that continue to shape the Outer Banks both abetted . . . and spelled doom for Blackbeard the Pirate.

In short, Ribbon of Sand captured my imagination and instilled in me a greater appreciation for the fragile balance of nature and man on the Outer Banks.I very highly reccomend this book! ... Read more

Product Description
ST. IRENAEUS was one of the Christian Fathers of the Greek Church, probably born near Smyrna. A priest of the Graeco-Gaulish Church of Lyon, he became bishop there in 177. A successful missionary bishop, he is chiefly known for his opposition to Gnosticism, his theological writing, and his attempts to prevent a rupture between Eastern and Western Churches over the computing of Easter. Curiosity is baffled, but faith and love are fed by these scanty relics of primitive antiquity. Yet may we well be grateful for what we have. These writings come down to us as the earliest response of converted nations to the testimony of Jesus. They are primary evidences of the canon and the credibility of the New Testament. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Better editions are available.
I am grateful to apocryphile for attempting to bring Irenaeus bac into print. However, this simply isn't the best edition out there. The text of the Ante-Nicene Fathers is presented here in its cramped format, hardly legible owing to its size. A much better edition that attactively re-sets the text while retaining in-text original page-numbers, is available here: Against Heresies.

Positive Transaction
I have nothing but praise for the product and the manner in which it was transacted.

Great Founding Father
Oh God, Change This Scene! Changing the Situation This is truly a wonderful Book! This Book is a real ''keeper'' because It gives you a tremendous grasp on Scripture as seen by the Saint, Irenaeus. I love the way Irenaeus exploits heresies, tradtions, and false teachings of men. This Book has so much to it, that you can pick it up anytime, read a few excerpts and find yourself truly enlightened. Irenaeus--his marvelous works amongst the Churches was also vindicated with many signs and wonders. His understanding of Church organism and methods for growth are also invaluable to clergymen everywhere. Truly a delight to have in my library! ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Savor the Spoken Word

Available now in the convenient, easy-to-use MP3 format, the world’s best-loved translation of the Bible is brought to life in this powerful, word-for-word narration by renowned dramatist Alexander Scourby. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Excellent value
Scourby's reading of the King James Version has long been the standard. This MP3 collection allows you to get the entire reading on only three (3) disks, where with the audio CD collection, there are many more disks to contend with. I loaded mine into iTunes and enjoyed putting them on my iPod and Droid. Make sure that your cd player can handle MP3s, otherwise you'll have to use these to burn audio CDs.

Great CD's
It's so wonderful the have the whole Bible on just three cd's and I love Alexander Scourby.The words are very acturate and clear.I have Mr. Scourby's KJV or the bible on regular cd's and it's over 30.Thanks God someone put them on MP3.Best thing since slice bread.

My dad loved it!
My dad wanted the Bible to listen to on his MP3 player. So this Christmas I did an Amazon search and found this one. There was no way to preview how it sounded so I went by the reviews. Many loved the voice of Scourby... my dad didn't want any music that often accompanies the Bible readings so fortunately someone wrote in and said this version had none. My dad listens to it all the time. I put it on an SD card for him and made a Bible "sticker." My only complaint would be what others wrote about - and that is the sound quality on the MP3. It is a little off - that's why I gave it 4 stars and not 5. But this is def worth the price!

Great Work: So So Sound
I get paid for teaching and writing history and am an Early Church junkie (do buy anything by Luke Johnson or Larry Hurtado if that subject grabs you). Experts in this field argue about everything but I think everyone would agree that Scripture arose from an oral tradition. Until the wide-spread use of the printing press, most Christians encountered scripture orally - this would true if one worshiped in the time of the Apostles or Thomas Aquinas. It's no accident that readings take a central position in all Christian liturgy. The Bible, in a very real sense, was written to be heard. And it's wonderful in that venue. This isn't a lazy Christian's way to the Scriptures either. When I read Scripture, I often tend to over-analyze (easily done with so many cross references at the bottom of the page). Obviously this can be a profound experience and is central to a life of faith for many believers. But when you listen to a Gospel read in entirety, you are by necessity taken up by the narrative flow and, in a sense, see the "big picture" in a different and likewise profound way. And, as most of us lack someone to read the good book on demand, the Bible on audiobook is something that anyone, believer or not, will find a marvelous experience. (I've found that other works, like the Iliad or Beowulf, which were written to be read out-loud also make for great audiobooks.)
This edition gets high marks for me. I don't read the KJV often, but it's classic reputation is well deserved on many levels. Scourby, as other reviewers point out, was a splendid reader. This edition has no music or dramatics to ruin things. The only problem is that the publisher's didn't spend enough time adjusting sampling rates for their MP3 conversions. Consequently, the audio quality runs from perfectly good (all the Gospels are thankfully in that category) to not so hot. Nothing is irritating, but they could have done better. Indeed, I'm getting the 60 CD version of this recording so I can do my own conversions. But that's a quibble. If you have any interest in the Bible you need an audio version. This one fills the bill.

Scourby Rocks!
I really enjoy listening to Scourby recite the Bible.The CD's were easy to use and download to my MP3 player. Now I can listen while bike riding. I had tried another audio bible but I never could enjoy it. Scourby does a great job. ... 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