Customer Reviews (51)

This is an amazing book, love it!
If you love the Balkans and want to know more about it, this is a book for you.

A Croat's Return to Yugoslavia
This book recounts a journey made by the author and her husband as they traveled through Croatia, Dalmatia, Herzegovina, Bosnia, Serbia, Macedonia, Old Serbia, and Montenegro at a time when Hitter threatened to engulf all of Europe in a World War.

Describing and analyzing the journey, the author fills more than a thousand pages.

The highlight of the book is the epilogue which recounts the author's thoughts of the impact her travels made on assessing the politics of Germany and the Balkans at a turning point in history.

For All That
Yes "Black Lamb and Grey Falcon" is wonderful for all the reasons stated in these reviews, but for all that it must be said that the dominant theme of Ms West's masterpiece is the eternal human condition. She sees with the eyes of a woman and the eyes of a genius. She has seen humanity's troubled soul, and gently brought it to the surface in the fabric of her marvelous linguistic tapestry. "Black Lamb and Grey Falcon" is in a class by its self.

a fascinating mess
BLGF is a gigantic grab bag of a book.If yourinterested in the former yugoslavia,it is a fascinating read.Although i don't think anyone would wish it longer than it is.West offers sharp and at times profound insights.However the reader needs to be careful.West's prejudices distort much of what is on view.The first of these is her near pathological hostility to all things german.One might think that would not be all that important in a book on yugoslavia.It turns out to be of critical importance.West combines this anti-germanic perspective with a pronounced anti-catholic bias.Once you realize this the opinions expressed in the book as well as its omissions begin to make a kind of sense.It's telling that West virtually ignores slovenia except to point to bad conduct by the catholic church.Slovenia is mostly catholic and even worse the most"austrian " of yugoslavia's nations. As such i think she considers it unworthy of her attention.Croatia is a place she has to write about but one can infer she'd rather not.The croats are too catholic and somewhat german influenced.Almost as bad they are also italian and hungarian influenced.They just aren't "slavic" enough! Well it is fairly easy to guess who is slavic enough,the serbs.This is a very distorted picture.Westdoes seem to think that the serbs are noble savages by virtue of their freedom from non slavic influences.Whereas the northern south slavs are tainted by foreigness.To say the least,this is a strange viewpoint for a writer of"advanced" views.It smacks of an odd provincialism.Italy was at one point one of the most creative and dynamic societies on earth.It's croatias neighbor.Does West really think that the croatians should have turned their back on italy inorder to cultivate slavic purity?I think the answer is ,yes.West dissmisses late imperial austria as an intellectual and cultural wasteland.That can only beexplained as a by product of ignorance.This was afterall the land of klimt,mahler,freud and wittgenstein.Joseph Roth would wind up downright nostalgic about it.West says austria-hungary was the most repressive state in europe after russia.This is oddin two ways.One i doubt it's true.Austria was more repressive than the ottoman empire,spain,portugal,romania and bulgaria?Also even if true no one with a straight face could argue that austria was comprable to russia as a tyranny.That said this peculiar book is fascinating.Although like some of the other reviewers i too wondered what's the story on the husband and what's allthis talk about the positive benefits of the absence of homosexuality?(and where did she get that idea from?).

Another misconception of Balkan realities
A nice read but highly romanticized outlook of the old Yugoslav Kingdom and the people of Yugoslavia. The book is based on the authors interaction with the Yugoslav intellectual elite and her observation of the people of old Yugoslavia. Her interpretation of the Slav character needs to be understood in the context of the orientalist approach of the time- as a result - the Slav character in the book is idealized in the same manner that modern day nationalist in the same region see themselves. Namely, the great Slavic nation of the Serbs who defended Europe from the Turks and saved the rest of the Southern Slavs from the Austrians. Given the time in which it was written (late 30s) the author suffers from an extreme germanophobia in every possible sense! She seems to come across only irrational, pompous and arrogant Germans who can't appreciate the Yugoslav people in the same way that she and her husband can. The book is extremely pro-Serbian, so much so that the Croatian and Macedonian discontent and wish for separation is seen not as a solution to the Serbian dominated Kingdom but as, sometimes Vatican sometimes Austrian and sometimes Italian inspired propaganda to divide the otherwise brotherly relations between the Serbs and the Croats! How much of this brotherly love was genuine - we saw in the WWII that followed as well as the bloody brake up of Socialist Yugoslavia.As much as she has made a conscious attempt not to become another British traveler in the Balkans that picks her pet-nation and promotes their interests - she falls under the Balkan trap of victimization and myths and becomes in the process an ardent pro-Serb - as indeed her political activities would later reveal. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

A lot of good tips but.....
First of all, this book has a lot of good information and has been a good resource to me.I gave it 2 starts because the title is misleading.The author will not stop talking about canoeing and boating that it distracts from wanting just camping information.The book should either be about canoeing or camping.

Excellent Breadth but Has a bit of Overkill
This is a very well done work.This book is not that big, but the breath it covers is pretty amazing.

That being said, there are times he goes pretty far overboard.He has a section about tents you can make and he talks a little being a boy scout in the 50's.This section may have had relevance then, but it doesn't now, so don't include it.

A good counter point to this book is the very fine work by Michael Rutter called Camping Made Easy.

Good but similar to his other books
I really like this book and I gave it 5 stars because it has some really great ideas that are worth a ton (they made camping more fun).However, there is some filler and this is very similar to his other books.This is definitely a book that could be shared amoung friends (try or write down a few ideas and pass it on).

His best ideas (which are also coved in his other books) are:

1. Using a ground cloth inside the tent.
2. Basic Rope work and knots (he keeps it very simple which is good)
3. Use of a tarp (and how to modify it).
4. Waterproof packing (garbage bag inside the nylon stuff sack)
5. Make your own sheath.
6. Bring a sponge for cleaning your tent.
7. How to get dry wood and start a fire.

Each of these gets a page or more. There are lots of other tid bits but most did not strike me as worth the space.

His other book, Basic Camping, is more of a book to read while this was more of a alphabetical reference or list of ideas.Both are good but if I had to get only one it would be Basic Camping. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Just as good as the TV series
If you are a fan of the popular tv series, or just like good books with romance, intrigue, and mystery, I highly advise you to obtain a copy of this wonderful book based on the tv show Falcon Crest, if you find one. You won't regret it, I assure you. I think they should start re-publishing it right now.

Excitement captured on pages!!
This is simply a great book ... Read more

Product Description
The Falcon of Palermo opens with the nations of modern Europe just beginning to take shape, while the papacy clings to its temporal power. Into this era of shifting borders and alliances steps a leader who will become legendary — the brilliant maverick, Frederick II. After losing his parents, Emperor Henry Hohenstaufen and Queen Constance, by age four, a young, neglected Frederick runs among the urchins in the Muslim quarter while German warlords overrun Sicily. To restore order the Pope sends Archbishop Berard, a warmhearted man who gradually develops a deep bond with the gifted boy. Fluent in Arabic and strongly influenced by Muslim culture, Frederick aims to return Sicily to her former glory. However, when elected Holy Roman Emperor in a surprise move by the German princes, his vision grows. Once established as the unchallenged ruler, Frederick works to create an empire equal to that of Rome. Marked by his struggle with the Papacy for the domination of Europe, his glorious feats in battle, his recapturing of the Holy Land, his falconry, and the passions that led him to wives, mistresses, and one enduring love, Frederick's life is a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period in medieval history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Very good read
The Falcon Of Palermo is an excellent book.It may be fictionalized, and maybe
too short by some opinions, but it's a book you can get through.How many people
could follow a book that might complete his life either with a book twice as thick
or more books.By telling the story as she did, it introduced an Emperor and
the battles he fought, both on the field and with the church that tells the tale
of a great and powerful man that I know that I had not heard of that much.In
that it was enlightening, yet kept interesting enough to make you not want to put
it down.

To me it's a great introduction to a great man.If it inspires more interest, then
digging into longer tomes and history books, which tend to be much drier, would
be warrented, but it's a good way to be introduced to someone who made a huge mark
on the culture of Europe.

Too much graphic prurience
The author does a reasonably good job of portraying the protagonist, devising some very good thought and dialogue. But she seems to think that following the "modern" way of writing fiction--which is to include graphic scenes of a pornographic nature--will give her work a wider audience. Practically the worst example comes early in the book--before even forty pages have been covered!

In reality, such scatological prose merely detracts from the value of the work as literature and ensures that it will not endure as a respected novel as the cycle in future swings the world back towards modesty and true morality.

In addition, some of the "history," even of the Church, may be incorrect. And the finale is certainly abrupt and "flat," as if the author had herself grown weary of the tale.

Some interesting tidbits of Medieval life...but nowhere near the greatness of such historical novels as "tale of Two Cities" or "War and Peace." Cleared of the too-frequent lust, the book would attain a higher level as literature and be rated as such.

The Falcon of Palermo
Outstanding fiction interpretation of one of the most interesting absolute monarchs in history. Wish there were more battle depictions.

Engrossing subject and obvious colossal research marred by flat telling of amazing life
Maria Bordihn's "The Falcon of Palermo" does a major service for modern readers by telling a fictionalized account of one of history's truly great players, Frederick II.Unfortunately, by choosing to tell Frederick's entire story in one novel, Bordihn skims along the surface and generally resorts to the crutch of "telling" the reader what's going on, rather than "showing."

It's a wonder that while the genre of historical fiction is crammed with multiple versions of the lives of Julius Caeasr, Henry V, and the other "Great Nasmes" that Frederick II really has gone ignored.Here is a man who lived an entire life of rich conflict.Reared among both Christians and Muslims on the island of Sicily, Frederick was a remarkable example of religious tolerance at at time when the slightest questioning of official church doctrine got you burnt at the stake for heresy.He also survived assassination attempts, fought to unify a horrendously-splintered Germany and Italy, and also fought to bring European scholarship back to Roman levels.This is a character for the ages.

Bordihn's telling of Frederick's life tries to do too much in too slight a novel.Reading Brodihn's book, I was reminded of Sharon Kay Penman's illustrious novels about the rise of Henry Plantagenat and Eleanor of Aquitane.Henry and Frederick were similar dynamos who dominated their age with charm, romance, arrogance, and military genius.But Penman took much longer to tell her tale (in multiple books, no less), and as a result Henry's world comes alive, while Bordihn's story falls sort of flat.

And Bordihn comes nowhere close to the magnificent recreation of the Roman world from Colleen McCullough's "Masters of Rome" series.

In general, the chapters are too darn short.Several chapters feel as if they are thrown in just to show a specific event occurring, and then we quickly move on to other events.There are several chapters where a character is put "on stage" merely to learn X, and then we get reaction Y, and then we move on.In so doing, Bordihn does not give the reader a chance to linger with these characters (other than Frederick and Bishop Berard, who are in the majority of the scenes).

For example, Frederick's eldest son and heir Henry, fails to register because he's offstage for 99% of the novel.This, despite the fact that he leads a rebellion against his father!An entire book could have focused on this tortured relationship, and yet Henry is little more than a cipher.

While Bordihn does spend quite a bit of time in Frederick's bedroom, to pretty good effect, the battlefield really gets short shrift here.Most battles occupy less than a page.After reading Stephen Pressfield, Bernard Cornwell, McCullough, and other masters of the genre of historical fiction, Bordihn's efforts here fall short.

One cannot quibble with Bordihn's research -- this book should qualify for several bonus points toward an advanced degree of some sort.Unfortunately, the story Ms. Brodihn tells based on all that research is too pedestrian and hurried to match her subject.

Still, I'm much more interested in this time period than I was before reading this book, and for that I thank Ms. Bordihn profusely.

Excellent historical novel
Interested in medieval Sicily, I found this book a wonderful read. I was impressed with the historical accuracy and how Ms. Brodihn made the characters come alive. I loved the historical asides--for those of us who could use some help in this department. In other words, the author never left anyone behind. I also loved the writing style and the rhetorical techniques she used to move the story at a brisk pace. I now have a renewed interest in Fredrick II. I hope this author will do something with the Sicilian Vespers, another very tellable story. ... Read more

Product Description
Col. Lawrence E. Casper (U.S. Army-Ret.) narrates the first documented account by a military officer of the harrowing U.S. operations in Somalia and Haiti.

As commander of the Falcon Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, and the UN Quick Reaction Force (QRF), Casper experienced Operation Continue Hope first-hand. Falcon Brigade and Special Operations aviators shared the skies over Mogadishu on October 3, 1993, providing cover as the Quick Reaction Force fought block by block to reach the stranded troops and remove them to safety. Casper's candid account of Operation Continue Hope, and the brigade's continuing involvement in Somalia until the U.S. withdrawal from the war-torn region some five months later, showcases the leadership skills and courage necessary for troop survival under beleaguered circumstances.

Just six months after their return from Somalia, Casper and Falcon Brigade were on the flight deck of the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower, preparing to air-assault 10th Mountain Division Lightfighters onto the shores of Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. Casper brings to life the frustrations and challenges the brigade soldiers experienced as they worked around the clock for thirty days, and he captures the untiring cooperation between soldiers and sailors as they joined together to ensure the success of the operation. His account concludes with the brigade's subsequent four-month involvement in Haiti.

Not only a telling and vivid history, Falcon Brigade is an insightful—and rare—discussion of what did and did not work, and what went on behind the scenes at the operational level. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Somalia and Haiti as seen from a helicopter at night
I have six years experience in the U.S. Army, in light infantry, special forces and as a linguist (translating Haitian Creole, amongst other languages). I have worked with and flown in most of the helicopters mentioned in Falcon Brigade. Col. (ret) Casper did an excellent job discussing attack helicopter fire support to MOUT and staff operations for a joint/multinational task force. I especially liked his discussion of using hand-drawn sketches of the cityscape for controlling close air support and the use of snipers in helicopters for counter battery fire against mortars and his account of flag- and cabinet-level politics.

However, although quite a bit could have changed between 1992, when the events in Falcon Brigade occurred, and 1995, when I joined, it seemed obvious that Col. Casper was "not read in" (one of Col. Casper's favorite turns of phrase in this book) to special operations: his familiarity extended only as far as necessary for him to provide helicopter support. For example, his few references to SOF in Haiti usually evolve around his use of his helicopters for their re-supply. The further you get from the helicopter, the more sketchy his knowledge becomes: on pg 35 he claims soldiers are "attached" to the rope when fast roping. As someone who has fast roped, I can tell you that there was nothing attaching me to the rope except my steely grip. (although fast roping is done from a helicopter, these were SOAR helicopters and not under Col. Casper's control)

I enjoyed Col. Casper's discussion of clan geopolitics in Somalia. On the U.S. side, he does show insight (but does not elaborate) into U.S. foreign policy as far as it relates to the role of the U.S. military at the flag officer and cabinet level. The description of garrison life was also interesting. It seemed that Col. Casper had a few axes to grind with some of the generals who (mis)managed the campaign in Somalia. Unlike SOF and ground combat, Col. Casper seemed well acquainted with problems at the flag level. I just wish that he hadn't pulled his punches the way I have a feeling that he did.

I was put off, though, by Col. Casper's annoying use of the word 'crony.' According to Col. Casper, the "Crony" clan must be the largest and most prestigious clan in Somalia: every important Somali in the book is surrounded by Cronies. Why is it that Americans have assistants, aides, XO's, etc., but Somalis only have cronies? And, why is it wrong for Somalis to get through battle chewing khat, but not wrong for Rangers to get through battle chewing Skoal? Why the double standard?

Unfortunately, Col. Casper's description of Haiti and the Haitian people was rather ignorant. The Crony clan seems to be equally widespread and well placed in Haiti: every Haitian leader has the perequisite entourage of cronies. I'd really like to get 'read in' to this Crony clan! Then, on pg 201 he claims Port-au-Prince is a city of 1 million, but on pg 208 the population suddenly grows to 2 million. Either Port-au-Prince experienced some pretty intense activity nine months previously, or there is a mistake here.

His description of Voodoo on page 209 shows the typical American condescension for this religion. Why is Catholicism capitalized but "voodoo" is in lower case? Why is Catholicism acknowledged as a religion but Voodoo is just "magic"? Why do Catholics pray and Voodoo adherents 'cast spells'? Contrary to his claim that Voodoo lacks theology or clergy, Voodoo has a very well developed pantheon (the Loas) and clergy (the Hougans). Then, on page 221, Col. Casper claims that clairin, an alcoholic beverage, is the national drink and the 'sole pleasure' of the Haitian peasant's life. This is a rather skewed and unwarranted representation of the Haitian peasant. Why the double standard? I believe American per capita consumption of beer is far greated that Haitian per capita consumption of clairin, but I would certainly object to America being characterized as a nation of beer-swillers. If we are to believe Col. Casper, then it may have been a hiccup in the clairin supply that led to the sudden increase in population noted above.

On a more serious note, I believe that, regardless of military might, any U.S. peace keeping operation is doomed to failure unless Americans acquire a knowledge of the local people beyond the bare minimum necessary for combat operations. If we knew the people better we probably wouldn't have to fight them. As Col. Casper noted, U.A.E. had good rapport with locals and were able to accomplish the same tasks that severely tasked American military ability peacefully. Col. Casper's stereotypes of Somalis and Haitians as of khat-chewing, clairin-drinking, spell-casting, cronies will not help to establish that rapport.

Seeing as this book is entitled 'Falcon Brigade: Combat and Command in Somalia and Haiti,' I expected a balanced account of the U.S. involvement in Haiti (and Somalia) tempered by Col. Casper's personal experiences. Unfortunately, the account was largely about helicopters and I didn't find a lot of detail on Somalia or Haiti beyond what was visible from the door of Col. Casper's hooch or through NVGs from Col. Casper's cockpit at night. If you can't get enough 'Black Hawk Down' and are already 'read in' to the special forces portion, this may be the book for you. Stylistically, this is an enjoyable page turner with little complexity to slow you down. However, if you want true grit on the situation in Haiti or Somalia, this book may be somewhat of a pricey disappointment.

I was assigned with Col. Casper
When we were at Ft Ord with the 7th Infantry Division and
D Company, 7th Combat Aviation Battalion, from 1981 through 1984.

Colonel Casper was a consumate leader in all regards, and if I had a chance to serve with him again, I would not hesitate one moment.

Great book on military history
This is an outstanding book to have in one's library if you have an interest on American military involvements. COL Casper book is well written and you get to see the picture of what happened not only from a soldiers perspective but from a BRIGADE COMMANDERS view. A must for any soldier or military historian.

Not just for the military!
Outstanding! Well written insights from the man who lived it. The leadership knowledge shared is valuable for military and civilian alike. Colonel Caspers military training was tested to the core as he takes command of the Falcon Brigade already deployed in Somalia.The Colonel and his soldiers quickly find themselves in the thick of it.He shares many leadership lessons learned over 25+ years of service and how he uses those lessons in critical situations.He shows us the good, the bad and the ugly without holding back. Personal stories and thoughts intwined with the facts make this a great read that accurately records historic events and grabs your attention.I couldn't wait to get to the next page.Well done!

A must for all military personnel.
Finally! A great book written about 2 events of military history that I was a part of.Col. Casper tells my tale from a commanders perspective in a straight, to the point fashion.This book is 100% proof of the great care that the military commanders have for their soldiers.There wasn't a decision made that didn't involve or address the issues of soldier safety.Although, Inever understood the military decision making process then (I was a buck private), I certainly have to give my respects to people such as Col. Casper, who always thought of the troops.The book is well written, at a nice pace(It doesn't stagnate or wander off), and is a MUST read for any and all people who lead soldiers in the military. From the young NCO to the brass, this book is an invaluable training tool. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the tragic story of the corruption, suppression and ultimate destruction of Native American culture. It is also the tragic story of John Tanner, who was kidnapped from his father's Kentucky farm on the banks of the Ohio River at the age of nine years. Tanner lived, hunted, and starved with the Indians for thirty years, during which time he married twice, had children, and lost all knowledge of English, except for a few rudimentary words. At age thirty-nine, John Tanner returned and found his family.Edwin James, M.D., a world renown botanist and naturalist, and the Army surgeon at Fort Sault St. Marie, where Tanner worked for the Army as an interpreter, wrote down Tanner's complete autobiography, which was published in 1830 under the title: A NARRATIVE OF THE CAPTIVITY AND ADVENTURES OF JOHN TANNER (U.S. INTERPRETER AT THE SAUT de SAINTE MARIE) DURING THIRTY YEARS RESIDENCE AMONG THE INDIANS IN THE INTERIOR OF NORTH AMERICA. This edition by Hansa-Hewlett Publishing Company is a complete reproduction of the original 1830 edition, including the Introduction by Edwin James and his treatise of Indian culture and language, with a new Introduction and Epilogue by Charles Daudert, supplemented by detailed sections on the life of Edwin James, the circumstances surrounding the original publication, and the tragic events in the life of John Tanner after his book was published. Photographs, maps and sections regarding the important persons in Tanner's life have also been added. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Enthralling
This is an authentic presentation of the story of a boy who was "stolen by the Indians," from his point of view.Interesting insight into what life was like before we conquered nature.

THE QUINTESSENTIAL INDIAN CAPTIVITY SAGA
John Tanner was abducted from his father's Kentucky farm on the banks of the Ohio river when he was a boy of nine. He lived with the Indians for thirty years, dictated his narrative to an Army surgeon at Fort Sault Ste. Marie in Northern Michigan, and then took the manuscript to New York, where it was published in 1830. The original 1830 edition contained an introduction by Dr. Edwin James, the army surgeon who wrote down Tanner's story, and a section on Indian language and culture by Dr. James, who was fluent in the Ojibwa language. The original manuscript has been resurrected. Added to it are invaluable photographs, maps, portraits, and biographies of important persons in Tanner's unique life...Lord Selkirk of Scotland, Henry and James Schoolcraft, Governor Lewis Cass of Michigan, and Missouri Governor Clark of the Lewis & Clark expedition. This is a fascinating read, offering great insight into the lives of the Northwest Indians and how that remarkable society was corrupted by the fur traders, who plied them with liquor as a matter of company policy in order to literally steal their pelts. In the Epilogue, this spell-binding saga of the life of John Tanner is expanded to include the events after publication of Tanner's narrative. Through meticulous research and documentation, a compelling answer to the strangest event of all, the accusation that John Tanner murdered James Schoolcraft, has been carefully developed.

The book is not just another story of children raised in Indian captivity, it is the personal account of John Tanner, told in his own words. It is an authentic portrait of Indian life as well as the westward expansion of European culture in America...truly an American experience. The book is a "classic" which belongs on everyone's bookshelf.

... Read more

Product Description
Treadway's work is the first comprehensive study of Montenegro's relations with her Great-Power neighbors on the eve of WWI. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The most definitive history of this period ever written
I am not surprised that this book has unanimous 5 star reviews. John Treadway is a legendary figure in Balkan studies, and is quite rightly regarded as the world authority on the Montenegrin history of this period. He is uniquely able to make the study of Montenegro in the run up to World War One both scholarly and accessible, an all too rare feat in historical writing these days. Buy 10 copies of this book and give them to any historians you know to teach them how to write history properly. Christopher Catherwood, author of THE BALKANS IN WORLD WAR TWO (Palgrave, 2003)

Treadway's genius shines through
John Treadway has been the most authoratative, brilliant and generally outstanding scholar of Balkan history in recent years, and this is the wonderful book that made his well deserved reputation.You simply cannot understand the Balkans without reading this magnificent book.

Amazing book
Brilliant study about Montenegro and its relationship with Austria-Hungary but also with Russia and Balkan countries, especially Serbia. This excelent book is based on critically confirmed facts and scientific knowledge. Professor Treadway stresses eternal wish of Montenegrins and their king Nicholas I Petrovic Njegos to restore medieval Serb Empire of Dusan Nemanjic: "Ambitious for his dynasty as well as his country and incited by the nationalism of his people, Nicholas dreamed of uniting all Serbs under his aegis and sitting upon Dusan's throne in Prizren" [page 201] I recommend this book to everybody who cares for knowledge.

a first in its field.....
I was lucky enough to have been a student of Dr. Treadway at the University of Richmond.This book was on the reading list for his class European Diplomacy from Bismarck to Hitler.Treadway's intense teaching style as well as his insightful sense of humor are seen in this work.The events leading up to World War I were both complicated, and filled with lots of "what if's..."Treadway concerns himself with the "Powder Keg" of Europe, the Balkans, and presents a unique and facinating overview of the events surrounding the Annexation Crisis, the Scutari Crisis, the two Balkan Wars, as well as the history of Montenegrin relations with Austria-Hungary, Russia, Turkey, and other Great Powers.How did this small country with virtually no resources come to play such a large role in European diplomacy and politics?Treadway answers this question, making his way to June 28th, 1914 and the assassination of Francis Ferdinand in Sarajevo at the hand of Mlada Bosnia.Anyone interested in the causes of World War I would be interested in this book, moreso because it is written from the perspective of"the mouse that roared," the small country of Montenegro.

Treadways indepth study on Montenegro's history
Treadway has been extremely succesful in writing the dramatic history of Montenegro, its smart king and its brave people. After reading this fine historybook on the "black mountains" the reader will better understand the current trouble on the Balkans. Treadway describes in a detailed way why the two Balkan wars have taken place and what has been the political and geographical outcome of it. The Austrian-Hungarian influence on the European continent at that time as well as the Russian influence makes one see how history repeats itself today. For the current student on Balkan history, for the student on politics in the Balkan and for people who are interested in Montenegrin history this book is an absolute must! Highly recommended ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

midnight falcon
this is the book that started me reading Cassie Edwards books I liked it alot

Unique idea, not a nice fit,
This story lacked so much it's hard to pin point just where it went wrong.But the likelihood of this union happening is too great that it makes you want to cringe.It just would have never happened.The main characters seen to love each other with 100% faith one moment and doubt there entire love the next.Everything is made right with a few words and some violence.It was shallow with loving words and a pretty picture.

To give the author a slight benefit of the doubt, this was one of the first books I have read by her.But I have read many romance books and this just wasn't a great one.When I read a book I want to be swept away, I want to feel for the characters and fight for them.I just wanted this book to end.In most books Iworried about what's going to happen to them next because I don't want anything to happen to the pair, in this book I worried about what's going to happen next because I didn't want the book to drag on.

My advice: take your money and go buy a Julie Garwood book.

A good read
In 1700, still mourning the death of her husband, Chandra O'Banyon arrives in Jamestown from England to join her brother Jan Michael Neal and her niece Shannon. Through Shannon's secret friend Little Snow Feather, Chandra meets Powhatan Chief Midnight Falcon. He has already seen her before and thought that the sad-eyed white woman would make a regal queen as his wife.

With the push and matchmaking skills of two little girls, Midnight Falcon and Chandra begin to fall in love. However, chances of a permanent relationship seems slim as the Indians know the full lesson of Pocahantas and Jan Michael hates "red-men". With war eminent, Chandra risks her life to keep the peace and to be at her beloved's side forever.

Though an Americana romance, MIDNIGHT FALCON focuses much more on the historical and societal aspects of the era than the typical sub-genre novel. The story line is loaded with tidbits that provide unique perspectives and challenges to the growing love between the lead characters. The ensemble adds to the feel of authenticity even though the biases of secondary players seem unnecessarily extreme. One example is that Jan Michael did not have to loath Indians, only not desire one as a brother-in-law, to propel conflict. Still, Cassie Edwards has written an entertaining look at race relations circa 1700 within a romantic tale.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Product Description
A deeply personal journey to interfaith collaboration that offers hope for an inclusive and healing way of being together in the world.

Too often religion seems to fuel more hatred than love, more conflict than collaboration. Interfaith Talk Radio's "interfaith amigos"--a pastor, a rabbi and a sheikh--provide a rich understanding of the road to interfaith collaboration by sharing their stories, challenges, and the inner spiritual work necessary to go beyond tolerance to a vital, inclusive spirituality.

From their deep commitment and lived experience, they present ways we can work together to transcend the differences that have divided us historically. Together they explore:
* The five stages of the interfaith journey
* The power of our stories
* The core of our traditions
* The promises and problems of our traditions
* New dimensions of spiritual identity
* And much more

Along with inspiring insights and encouragement for tapping into the promise of interfaith dialogue, they provide practical actions, additional readings and discussion questions to help you embody their revolutionary spirit of healing.

"[A] very personal book ... proposes a road map for spiritual growth and interfaith cooperation. It will open [our] hearts and minds to each other and each other's faith traditions."
--Rabbi Leonard A. Schoolman, founding director, Center for Religious Inquiry, New York; author, The Changing Christian World: A Brief Introduction for Jews

"Not an ordinary book, rather the lived experience of three religious leaders and the exploration of their faith differences. Lifts up a way to peaceful living based in understanding and compassion."
--Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, former general secretary, The National Council of Churches in Christ (United States)

"Courageous.... Provides an essential and inspiring guide to religious healing and the human step to spiritual maturity."
--David Korten, board chair, YES! Magazine; author, Agenda for a New Economy and The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Getting to the Heart of Interfaith
In an era rife with inter-religious suspicion and fear, this book is good tonic!The three writers take a distinctly "bottom up" approach to reconciliation between faiths, starting from that solid place of rigorous, personal honesty.They don't gloss over the challenges. They DO hold to a deep hope: that their shared humanity will reveal the bridges to not only others' faiths, but to a deeper experience of their own.The book, and the journeys that created it, raise the bar for religious dialogue.Drink deeply of this gem.

Manifesto for the Interfaith Movement!
I feel fortunate to have been involved in interfaith dialogues for the past 9 years.This book distills the essence of interfaith exchange - it's not a call to forget your own faith beliefs, but rather to open yourself up to the richness gained from walking alongside someone else during their faith journey.It's honest, refreshing, & funny - a great read!These authors are authentic voices for reason & calm in the midst of the fear-mongering & intolerance which threatens to engulf us all, seriously - more people need to educate themselves about the basic beliefs of not only their own religion, but also a few of their neighbors' as well.The world would be a much happier place.

This book would also be useful for youth groups, book clubs, or world religion class curriculum.

beautiful and inspiring book
In this short but inspiring volume, the authors suggest meaningful dialogue is possible only when we let go of the fears that prevent us from listening to one another. We don't need to be threatened by beliefs or practices that differ from our own. We can remain secure in our own traditions, while opening ourselves to new perspectives. As we learn to listen more deeply, we discover and are enriched by the unique insights of each faith tradition. The "three amigos" recount their religious journeys, personal practices, and share what each of them loves, questions, and wants us to know about his own religion. These revealing and moving stories capture the essence of spirituality - the wellspring of life from which humanity emerges, the face of God reflected in each of us.

Fascinating book!
It is wonderful to read about three men from different faiths come to the conclusion that "interfaith" understanding is so important to this country and the world.The honesty, vulnerability and love that each author exhibits in his writing makes this book a remarkable read.

A rich and encouraging work
I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to broaden their understanding of how the Abrahamic faiths can operate in a real-world, open-hearted, spiritual context.Although the work is integrative in many respects, the content and approach serve to enrich the reader's understanding of each tradition in its own right.The content ranges from engaging personal stories, to exploration of specific content from religious teachings, to guides on how to initiate and support dialogue among people of different religious and spiritual backgrounds.The authors explore what they find beautiful as well as what they find uncomfortable in their traditions, and do so in a manner that invites inquiry and evokes hope. ... Read more

Product Description
Ace Double F-273. Includes the novel *Falcons of Narabedla,* plus these 8 short stories:The Dark Intruder; Jackie Sees A Star; Exiles Of Tomorrow; Death Between The Stars; The Crime Therapist; The Stars Are Waiting; Black And White ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Falcon Saga
Francis Ray is a wonderful author. Her books are great if you have
not read one of her books you are missing a wonderful treat. Her
stories come to life with every word you read. Once you start the
book you cannot put it down and her characters are great. I can't
wait for her to publish her next book.I hope it is a story about
Rio a character from a previous book.

I liked this book
Only Hers: Matt Taggart and Shannon Johnson were good characters, but my girl was Octavia.This book introduced Daniel Falcon and he was someone you didn't want to mess with.
Heart of the Falcon: The story of Daniel Falcon and Madelyn Taggart. What happened to the Daniel Falcon in "Only Hers?"This Daniel made me laugh.The couple I fell in love with were Felicia and John Henry, HOTNESS!!
Break Every Rule: Dominique Falcon and Trent Masters.I wanted more, I thought it ended way too soon.

Ms. Ray does it again!
Francis Ray is one of my favorite authors.Great stories, and great characters.I love to curl up with a glass wine and enjoy a great evening with Francis Ray's characters. A must buy!

First story - ok the rest good
Only hers - 3 stars; ok Shannon was a weeping willow wimp, Matt a brooding idiot. The best characters were Daniel Falcon and the ranch staff.
The Heart of the Falcon-3.5 stars- Daniel supposedly a man of integrity behaved abominably at first but I suppose he came good in the end. Madelyn well I suppose she loved him,if it was me from the time he denied the baby he wouldn't see me for dust. Best characters- John Henry Falcon and Felician Falcon. Kane and Matthew acted like hypocrites and as if their sister was a small child not a 24 year old woman.
Break every rule - best story 5 stars! Love story handled well, with good emphasis on characterisation rather then the physical sex which is different but nice.

"Whatta Novel"
Here's my review: "Only Hers" (3 stars), this book was o.k. Octavia was my favorite character because she was so down to earth, Cleve made you just want to hug him. The main characters, Shannon and Matt really got on my nerves, with Matt's bullying, and Shannon crying every other paragraph. "Heart Of The Falcon" (3 stars), this book was so funny to me. Daniel was hilarious...and I don't mean this in a good way. Mr. Big-time Businessman strutting around Texas, people fearing him saying..."You don't want to cross Daniel Falcon", but at the same time singing his praises like he's a god or something. The way Ms. Ray describes how Daniel dresses, with his Stetson hat, tight pants, and cowboy boots and his hair in a ponytail....I bet he looked like I don't know what. Madelyn's pregnant at the drop of a hat, hoping and praying that Daniel will love her. Ms. Ray what are you doing to the women in these stories. Give the ladies backbones PLEASE!!!! The only interesting characters in this novel were Daniel's parents John Henry and Felicia, Higgins(Felicia's driver), and Madelyn's parents Bill and Grace. I liked how Kane and Matt took Daniel off to the side for a "talk". The ending pissed me off because all Daniel had to do was get mushy, tell Madelyn all the things she wanted to hear, she cries, excepts his ring and BOOM! they get married, after everything he's said and done to her, especially denying that he was the father of their baby. "Break Every Rule" (5 stars), this book I really liked. Trent and Dominique were nothing like Shannon and Matt, and Daniel and Madelyn. Trent was all that without being a bully, Dominique had a "BACKBONE", and the storyline got right to the point without being boring. I liked how Trent was nice and respectful and looked out for Janice. Trent's background should have been dealt with more. All the characters were a joy to read, from Trent all the way down to Isaac. To me all 569 pages of this book should have been "Break Every Rule". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

How to analyze handwriting
This is a good book for anyone starting graphology. It's simple and accurate and you can be a fairly entertaining graphologist by the time you finish this book. Hal Falcon's experience is an important factor in determining the accuracy of analysing handwriting. I have learned much from this book for the last thirty years and what it has taught is still relevant today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Dashiell Hammett collection
Being an old movie buff.I wanted to read the books that the movies such as The Maltese Falcon, The Thin Man were based on. The book was in great condition.I'm enjoying reading the books. ... Read more

Product Description
You have not discovered Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks until you have stepped into the backcountry.Written by veteran outdoor author Erik Molvar, Hiking Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks, formerly The Trail Guide to Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks, covers every trail in both parks and takes hikers to glistening glaciers, mountain lookouts, peaceful lakes, and remote campgrounds in a remarkably diverse wilderness. The Glacier-Waterton Lakes complex has trails for everyone, ranging form two miles to thirty-eight miles and from strenuous to easy.The text includes mile-by-mile descriptions, easy-to-follow maps, and elevation charts, along with narratives on the geographic features you'll pass, the wildlife you might see, and the places you can camp, boat, fish, or simply explore. Hiking Glacier & Waterton Lakes National Parks also includes a fishing chart, a campground rating chart, and a special section on extended backpacking trips.This is a guidebook to put in your pack the next time you head into the untamed backcountry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A definite must-have for planning a backpack in Glacier!!!
I used this book to help plan a backpacking vacation in Glacier National Park during summer 1998.I was very satisfied with the information and descriptions provided by Mr. Molvar.As I knew little about the parkbeforehand, planning this trip would have been nearly impossible withoutthis book.Contains text, simple maps, elevation gain/loss charts,backcountry campground info and ratings, advice, warnings, etc.I can notsay enough good things about this guidebook! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Great cookbook for Scouters
Tons of great recipes here.I'd recommend to any Scouter or anyone who loves cooking out doors.Some of the recipes aren't exactly diet friendly, but I guess when you're camping, do you care??Great book - well worth the price.

Scouts Outdoor Cookbook
Good reciepes for base camp / family camp.Don't expect too many backpacking reciepes.

Exactly what I was looking for
After doing lots and lots of looking through camping cookbooks and reviews here on Amazon.com, I settled on purchasing The Scout's Outdoor Cookbook and The Well-Fed Backpacker.I was so pleased when the books arrived as they were EXACTLY what I was looking for to assist me in planning a 2 week car camping trip.
Easy, filling and delicious meals that can be cooked in a dutch oven. I didn't want to spend time before the trip dehydrating food which is what most of the other books are about, nor do I need to cook gourmet food out in the wilderness (the other type of book I found).This book is wonderful and I highly recommend it to car and tent campers wanting to eat well!

Great dutch oven cookbook!
For some reason, we just stick with the same few recipes for camping.Try the Pineapple Cake (which can be doubled and a big hit with even the pickiest of kids) and the Jambalaya recipe (both adults and kids love this one). Sometimes we'll dutch oven in our backyard and get creative and use scallops and hot sauce.Try preplanning and pack chopped ingredients in a gallon ziploc.A staple for dutch oven cooking.Get it on Amazon where it's cheapest.

Excellent camping companion
I bought this book to expand meal possibilities while camping. Food is such a fun part of the camping experience and who knows better than scouts? I have only tried a half dozen or so recipes so far and every one has been a winner. Every week I pick a couple to try. I need to work on some of them to make them healthier but they are certainly tasty and simple. The dutch oven recipes are the ones I've focused on so far but the open fire recipes will be tried as well. ... Read more

Product Description
On November 12, 1912, a rescue party trekking across Antarctica's Great Ice Barrier found what they had set out to find: the snow-covered tent of the British explorer Robert Falcon Scott.Inside, they made a grim discovery: Scott's frozen body lying between the bodies of two fellow explorers.The remaining two members of the party were nowhere in sight, but Scott's eloquent diary soon revealed their fate.They, like the others, had perished in nightmarish circumstances after successfully reaching the South Pole.

The elusive character of Scott, in whom incredible courage was fatally matched by self-doubt and miscalculation, continues to haunt the popular imagination.His story--and that of the other four men on his final expedition--has never been told more grippingly or with greater compassion than it is in this book."It is a tale of perseverance and unquenchable spirit in the face of terrible odds, " writes Diana Preston, "but it is also a story of stubbornness, sentimentality, and of men who are deeper and more complex than we sometimes acknowledge."Heroes, yes, but humans, too.Amazon.com Review
British explorer Robert F. Scott spent three years exploringthe Antarctic, returning to England a hero in 1904. His ambition wasto be the first man to reach the South Pole, and he overcameinnumerable obstacles to assemble another expedition, which left in1910. Scott and three of his men did reach the pole, only to discoverthat Norwegian Roald Amundsen had been there only five weeksearlier. Slightly more than two months later, Scott and his companionsdied in their tents, their bodies--and Scott's diaries--found eightmonths later by a search party. This account of Scott, having followedthe explorer from childhood through his naval training and marriage,gives us at the end not only a national symbol but a fully developedtragic hero. Diana Preston commendably ventures beyond thelongstanding myth, including material that shows how Scott's decisionsand faulty judgements ultimately sealed his fate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

a second rate book
The entire thesis of the book is that Scott's fate was a darn good attempt, despite the result.Unfortunately, Ms. Preston's arguments fall flat.By the end, the reader has but no choice but to deem the mission a failure on a grand scale through Scott's incompetence more than anything else.

Ms. Preston's failed arguments have been summed up by other reviewers well, so I won't rehash all of them, but I will add this.One of the aruguments she tries to use that Scott was a product of his time and that his actions, such as the pseudo-scientific mission, were reasonable given the times.However, she then also tries to justify certain actions, such as man-hauling , by stating that this is now fashionable with modern adventurers.Well, you can't rightly defend him both in and out of historical context.It's cherry picking and it's scholarly dishonest.

Ok, given my criticisms above why then did I give it even two stars.Well, it was fairly well written in the story-telling sense, if not logic.I also think it provided a good look into the British colonial mindset, which Ms. Preston still clings to in a lovely wigged-Parliamentarian manner.So while the thesis of the book is laughable, the book does provide some good, if unintended, entertainment. In other words, I finished it.

Good account of the South Pole expedition
Diana Preston was written a concise, good book about Robert Falcon Scott who led a 1910-1913 expedition that reached the South Pole.Scott and his four companions died on the return from the Pole, but left journals that told of their ardous journey right up to the end.Scott lost the race to the Pole to Norwegian explorer Raoud Amundson who beat him by a month but in death Scott became a great English hero nevertheless.

Preston's book is not as good as two others about the expedition.Apsley Cherry-Garrard was with Scott for the expedition, but did not accompany Scott to the Pole.His account, "The Worst Journey in the World" is a classic of travel adventure.Roland Huntford's, "The Last Place on Earth" is a blistering attack on Scott's competence and character along with a favorable account of Amundson.

Was Scott incompetent?Well, Amundson made the 1400 mile plus trek to the Pole and back from his base camp in 99 days, averaging about 15 miles per day.Scott averaged less than 10 miles a day, the short Antarctic summer ended, the weather got worse, and he and his companions died.Amundson made good use of skis and dogs; Scott relied on man-hauling his supplies.The British apparently loved Scott in death because of his amateurism, rather than in spite of it. A timely and tragic death can be enhancing to one's reputation.

Preston is generous with Scott and tells a touching story of Scott's relationship with his ambitious and independent wife.

Smallchief

Scott as Tragic Hero
Books on North Polar exploration seem to take a pro-Peary or pro-Cook slant.Even the National Geographic Society pushes Peary's claim, because it also helped fund his expedition.So when a book like Bryce's COOK AND PEARY comes out, saying what many of us believed all along, that both men were unscrupulous liars and neither deserve polar priority, it's a breath of fresh air on the subject.Nevertheless, Bryce also tempers this conclusion by saying both men were skilled in extreme conditions and remarkable real achievements below their belts before they started lying on a big scale and claiming for themselves what they had not achieved.Bryce tries in a valiant book to put an end to the nonsense that if Cook failed, Peary won, and vice-versa.

Books on South Polar exploration must be different. Amundsen reached the pole.It's indisputable.Scott died bringing back the proof that he didn't get priority.Because he reached the pole and -- to the anti-Scotteans, more importantly -- he got back.However, Scott's expedition was not a failure.It was, first and foremost, a scientific expedition;Scott wanted polar priority and probably deserved it (Amundsen wanted the north, denied him by the charlatans Cook and Peary, so he jumped Scott's claim).

Scott's reputation, unlike Amundsen's, has undergone a roller coaster ride for almost a century.First he was made a hero.Then the iconoclasts set in.Roland Huntford's book on Scott and Amundsen was the Big Nail for the anti-Scott forces. To them, Huntford's book is gospel, and to question it is to question reality.

But Huntford, a fine biographer of polar explorers (Nansen, Shackleton), was distintly and unapologetically anti-Scott.And while Scott made errors (the biggest being his modern-minded "diversity" in taking seaman Evans along), his expedition was meticulously planned and employed the latest scientific and techonological advances.Solomon's COLDEST MARCH lays some Scott criticism aside (and since Solomon is a scientist who has actually worked in Antarctica her credentials should carry more weight with the anti-Scotteans than it does).Scott and Amundsen were products of their class and their era, but both also had been on polar adventures before and both men knew what they were up against.Scott is often, these days, portrayed by his detractors (euphemism) as mercurial and indecisive and, in some cases (as in the dramatization of Huntford's book) cruel.

In fact, Scott's polar expedition was a tragedy, in the classic sense as well as the modern.Many events beyond his control led to his death, but decisions he made did go woefully wrong.In any event, it seems, in light of more recent evidence than Huntford's, the whole party would have made it back in most years, but conditions were different on that part of the Antarctic than had been scientifically observed previously.Scott made some bad decisions that led to the tragedy, but it also seems he had a run of bad luck, while Amundsen (and this is not a detraction of him to say so) had a run of good luck.It's ironic that Amundsen left a letter for Scott to take back (and he did) in case Amundsen died, but it proves Amundsen knew that, even with his methods, which seem the "right" ones because he lived, he ran the risk of death in those extreme conditions.

In A FIRST RATE TRAGEDY Preston presents her case clearly and with fairness, and without the judgmentalism that mars Huntford's well-researched and iconoclastic study.

To lighten up some on Scott, folks, does not demean Amundsen's achievements.It's not the silly either/or with the partisans for Cook or Peary.Both Amundsen and Scott could have died (probably should have died) and both might well have made it back alive.There seems to be, in the anti-Scotteans, the fear that if someone treats Scott with a modicum of non-judgmentalism and doesn't bludgeon Scott as a downright fool, it somehow makes denigrates Amundsen.Nonsense.Both men were brave, courageous and intrepid leaders.Their men deserve every bit of praise as being the brave men they were.Scott's expedition was more interested in the scientific end and Amundsen's willy-nilly chase for hte pole was an opportunistis to get the fame to do researches in the north, but the achievements of both neither man, unlike Cook and Peary, need to be given proper appreciation without the need to bludgeon the other.

Preston's A FIRST RATE TRAGEDY is a study of Scott whose time has come.

Great book on the polar adventure
This is a great tale of the fateful journey of Mr. Scott to the South Pole and the disaster that became him on the return journey.

Instead of rehashing the story of the book in this review, which other reviewers have already done, it's more interesting to focus on the book itself.I notice that many of those who rate this book poorly seem to do so because the author was too sympathetic to Scott, too hard on Schackelton or Amundsen, or point to other works as superior accounts of this historic tale.

I give this work 5 stars for a couple of reasons.First, she develops the inner psyche of each participant, digging into their personalities, explaining what made them tick and how that caused them to make the decisions that they made.Second, it's obvious a well-researched book.The author continually points out inconsistencies between the participants published (and sanitized) works vs. what they said privately in their journals.Third, the story is balanced.I supposed this is a point that other reviewers disagree on, for what one person calls "balanced" another person calls "biased".She points out what they did right and what they did wrong, not dwelling on either point.People who downgrade this book seem to do so because the author didn't berate Scott more for his mistakes and blunders, of which he made many of.However, I'm interested in history, and not finger pointing.Fourth, it's a great story.

The reading of this book is easy and interesting, and I recommend it.

A First Rate Justification
Please read other works of Antarctic exploration before you read this book of fiction promoted as a work of historical research.Read books like Huntford's "The Last Place on Earth", Amundsen's "South Pole", Cherry-Garrard's "The Worst Journey in the World", and from Scott's own diaries "The Diaries of Captain Robert Scott" for reliable information on which to make up your own mind about Scott's expedition.Read these books with a nuanced view, using your critical thinking to come up with your own conclusions.I doubt you will agree with Preston's thesis when you have done so.

In my readings, I have identified 31 separate areas in which Scott's methods were inadequate for safe polar travel as compared to his contemporaries (Amundsen, Peary, Cook, Borchgrevink, Nansen, Shackleton, etc.).Could all 31 areas really have been a matter of bad luck, Ms. Preston?I think not.

If this is the only book you are reading on Antarctic exploration, don't even bother.While she writes a good story, it is just that - a story. ... Read more

Product Description
In the year 998 A.D., the Apocalypse is believed imminent. Strengthened by a fearful populace, the Church is seeking to harness a decaying Holy Roman Empire by asserting its absolute authority in interpreting the will of God. Aileran, a monk perceived as saintly, takes issue with the Church and is accused of heresy. Based on real events, this book magically evokes the political landscape of the tenth-century while exploring love, friendship and timeless spiritual and religious questions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

for the most part loved it, but...
I have read much of Raymo's nonfiction, as well as his novel Dork of Cork - he has a wonderful way of bringing science and nature to the forefront.He does the same with this book. And like his other books, his writing is just perfect. But...

There are several situations in the book that are constantly mulled over by one of the characters - over and over again.I could have done less of that, and less introspection, and more debate between the two monks who were friends, with one becoming a pope (I didn't realize he was based on a real character)Also the time line of the book is rather difficult to keep straight - and I usually don't have problems with this.I had trouble remembering when the character had done something or if he was about to do something....Finally - there was a very Inquisition like section that made me wonder - was this happening that early? But overall, if you are interested in religious discussion, and discussion of miracles vs science/nature, this is a book to read.

Church historical - fiction at its best
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (1/07)

In the year 998 A.D., the teaching of the Apocalypse is believed imminent and the year 1000 A.D. is established as the date for the long anticipated end of the world.A combination of fear and superstition among the church followers, and the attempt to strengthen the church at Rome at a time when the Roman Empire is crumbling, give cause for the church to focus on the final Day of Judgment.The Roman church declares itself to be the absolute authority in interpreting the scriptures and bidding of God. People are encouraged to prepare for the end times, to sell what they have and give it to the church.

Aileran, an Irish born monk, takes issue with the Church. Once he was acknowledged by the church and the people as saintly and now Aileran is accused of heresy. The novel is based on a mixture of real events and fictional characters.An illicit romance, greed, and power, draw the reader back to the tenth century.Raymo has developed a story that reflects science and nature in a spiritual setting toward the end of the Dark Ages in Europe.

The author has captured the essence of the political landscape era. The book is written as a memoir of Aileran and includes correspondence that offers additional insight and commentary to move the plot forward. The story explores love, friendship, and incorporates a profound questioning of ageless spiritual and religious questions.There is a theme contrasting cowardice and compromise that carries throughout this poignant story.

Raymo has a gift for using poetic descriptive prose that involves the five senses of the reader: colors that dazzle one's visions, word pictures of foods that waft with aromas which water the taste buds, textures that one can feel, and sounds that jar the eardrums, or harmony that implant a rhythm in one's soul.Passages from Solomon's song, the poetry of Ovid and Virgil enrich Aileran's journals.

I personally enjoyed a glimpse into the disciplines of the monastic life.Self-denial, penance, guilt, redemption, bigotry, deception, purity of heart, good works, repentance and forgiveness all come to play in this dramatic rendering of life in early church.

Brilliant writing, an expertly developed plot and characters, suspense, drama, and romance make this novel, "In the Falcon's Claw," a must read for all historical fiction lovers.

A Deeply Touching Novel
I've read this book three times now and I'm sure that I will again. Chet Raymo is, in my humble opinion, one of America's best writers. In the Falcon's Claw he takes us to the world Christianity just before that other millennium -- the year 1000. Christianity by then had its strongest dogmatic grasp on the peoples of Europe and any other enlightened views within that religion were strongly repressed -- often with death. Common events in nature were nearly always seen as signs from God rather than just what they were. The protagonist Aileran, an Irish monk, rejects supernaturalism and, after many years of searching for some kind of enlightenment, finds himself, in the end, facing heresy charges in Rome -- under the authority of an old friend of his youth, Gerbert, who is now the Pope. A beautifully written book that is very relevant to the current dialog concerning faith and reason here at the next millennium.

Good book dealing with the life of unusual medieval pope
Read it a while ago - the first edition came out in english in 1990 - but this novelized biography of Gerbert of Aurillac - a medieval scientist, unusually learned for his time in western europe and who would rule as a pope with the name of Sylvester II in the year 1000 - was a very interesting read, if my mind does not fail. Before becoming pope, Gerbert lived a number of years in Spain, and was able to contact the muslims scientists living there - Spain was unusual during that time for the (relatively) peaceful coexistence of jews, muslims and christians in its territory. A good book dealing with a period of time - the millenium - we do not know much about - western civilization was at its low point around that time. ... Read more