Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Ancient World    6. History / Ancient / General    7. World history: BCE to c 500 CE   

Reviews (21)

Good effort, some disappointment
Although Karen Armstrong has made a good effort and has exhibited a wide range of overall scholarship, "The Great Transformation" was a disappointment when it came to her understanding of Ezekiel's vision. She sees the Merkava (chariot) as a "war chariot", written in response to the Babylonian exile, and as being a "terrifying, confusing vision" (Page 398). Since Ms. Armstrong's book is on the Axial Age, it would have been better for her to approach this vision from the standpoint of a meditative experience that could bring a person into the awareness of oneness. There are elements of this vision that are common to the meditative experience wherever it arises, within whatever religious tradition it takes place. Ezekiel's vision is a description of and a metaphor for this experience, and not a "war chariot." For a scholarly elucidation of this subject, Aryeh Kaplan's book "InnerSpace," Moznaim, 1990, discusses Ezekiel's vision in detail.

Thoroughly educational and fascinating
This is a very enlightening book about the development of religious traditions in China, India, Greece and Judea/Israel (and later on Arabia), from the dawn of history until the time of Mohammed.It centers on a period in each of these cultures that is called the "axial" age, which is when the most profound enlightenments occured.It's fascinating to learn the history of the development of different belief systems - both familiar and unfamiliar.

Excellent, but not for the faint of faith
Karen Armstrong is a prolific author who has gone far beyond the faith that was taught to her as an aspiring nun in the early 1960s.I've enjoyed a few of her earlier works (Through the Narrow Gate and A History of God) and I picked this up with great anticipation. I was intrigued by her assertion that a short span of history (800-200 BCE) marked a dramatic leap in the beliefs of several religions throughout the world at a time when they had limited or no contact with each other.Her writing is both gripping and persuasive and I was very impressed with the book.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Ancient Philosophy    3. History    4. History & Surveys - Ancient & Classical    5. History Of Religion (General)    6. History, Ancient    7. Philosophy, Ancient    8. Religion    9. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    10. Sociology of Religion    11. Religion / History   

Reviews (9)

A useful compendium of original source material
I obtained this volume of translations of Ancient Near Eastern texts and pictures along with its companionVolume I � An Anthology of Texts and Pictures which was first published in 1958.This volume, which was published in 1975,includes translations of more recently discovered material selected from the 1969 anthologyof Supplementary Texts and Pictures Relating to the Old Testament. A useful compendium of original source material
I bought this book along with its companion:Volume II � A New Anthology of Texts and Pictures,because it was time for me to see for myself what the the original sources had to say about the Ancient Near East. A Stimulating Resource
Volume II or "The Ancient Near East" is a good companion to Volume I, containing mythic, legal, and monumental information from the Middle East Bronze and Iron Ages. It really puts youback there to read actual letters and contracts, or to see the developments in poetic, narrative and visual arts. The only real problem is the lack of consistent dating infomation, particularly for the artwork. It makes it difficult to form a conceptual picture if things are presented in what appears to be a random order. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Bible    3. Bible.    4. Collections    5. General    6. History    7. History of contemporary events    8. History: World    9. Middle East - Egypt    10. Middle Eastern literature    11. O.T    12. O.T.    13. Oriental literature    14. Philosophy    15. Translations into English    16. ASIA    17. Ancient World    18. Archaeology and Ancient History    19. Biblical archaeology    20. History / Egypt    21. Mind, Body, Spirit    22. Reference    23. Religion   

Reviews (12)

Terrible
I thought this book would give me some new insight into biblical history. Its didn't. It is disjointed and much of it talks about one ruler or king or leader (none biblical) who died on such and such date in history. It gives little is any detailed information about anything pertaining to the bible. I thought that by reading this book I would have some new knowledge about biblical history but I have none. Its just a terrible book.

Outstanding Historical Cross-Reference.
"Annals of the World" is a great historical reference for the most discerning of scholars.Covering the time from the beginning of creation to 70AD, James Usshur used over 2500 historical sources to ensure that he compiled a complete collection of historical facts.
A Elbereth Giltoniel! - oh, sorry, wrong work..
I was so looking forward to this book! Thank you, Larry and Marion Pierce, for making one of the most important works of fiction available! Now, that Christopher Tolkien has given us the complete work of J.R.R. Tolkien, or that Brian Herbert has significantly enlarged the universe of his father Frank, today's fantasy fans get another wonderful addition to their shelves. And all this while George Lucas finally led us to new shores - ah, these are good times for imagination! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Chronology    3. Chronology, Historical    4. Classics    5. Early works to 1800    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History / Ancient / General    9. History, Ancient    10. Reference    11. Religion    12. Religion / Church History    13. Religion / Reference    14. World - General    15. Ancient - General    16. Christianity - History    17. Civilization, Ancient   

Reviews (1)

A Superb Study for Graeco-Romans
Those who study classical history know how rare it is that a scholar can take us in a consistent line from the development of classical and Hellenistic Greece to the conquering might of Rome, and illuminate both worlds.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Ancient World History    3. Civilization    4. Civilization, Classical    5. Civilization, Greco-Roman    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History Of Civilization And Culture (General)    9. History: World    10. Mediterranean Region    11. Ancient World    12. World history: BCE to c 500 CE   

Reviews (54)

I am not sure what to think...
..but the whole subject is intriguing one, disturbing for orthodox Christians and perplexing for undecided ones.
A must have for a religious history library
Here it is finally published the legendary Gospel of Judas, this will rank as probably the greatest codex find of this century. In this book you will find the first translation released to the public. It is a very brief read at 170 pages with 25 pages devoted to the actual Gospel that is well foot noted to explain most verses content. The book also contains four very well written essays by leaders in the field of religious studies.
Patchy, but Good
Granted, there is not much left of Judas due to where and how it was kept, but it follows in classic Gnostic form:Judas, the "author", is the only disciple who gets it.It is good to get to see the "Judas" perspective after 2 millenia of demonizing.'Tradition' says Judas was evil, but this says what I've always sort of felt and believed, Judas was just doing the job he was put here to do, just playing his part. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - General    2. Early Christian And Byzantine Art    3. General    4. Gospel of Judas    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History Of Religion (General)    8. Jesus Christ    9. Judas Iscariot    10. Religion    11. Religion / Antiquities & Archaeology    12. World history   

Reviews (34)

Provocative, appealing and controversial
Fomenko has succeeded to convincingly demonstrate the misconception about what "history" factually is... It is fiction and -like we can read and judge for ourselves- no science. It indeed is "make belief" only. I "discovered" Fomenko while studying the "old" history of Al Andaluz, Spain. Having found too many contradictions in available data, having seen too many forgeries as to pretend the importance of christianity for its decline, I ventured out to find Fomenko, who convinced me that we know little if anything for sure of the epoch before the XI-century. However, the integration of the Arabic-Islamic cultural history into the heavily distorted Western fails... There are some attempts to fit "the budding new religion" (Islam) into Fomenko's scheme, but they are too weak to be taken seriously and too often focussing on Turkey as the region where things started to influence the West, which is untrue at all.
pharaohs lived in the 3rd century AD
Traces of white wine were found in Tutankhamen's tomb however there were no record of white wine in Egypt until the 3rd century AD, 1600 years after the young pharaoh died according to the traditional chronology. http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/mg18925395.400
Immensely stimulating!
Fomenko's thesis that all of ancient history was either invented during the Renaissance or at least only based on recent medieval events provided me with an enormous trigger "to see for myself". Having been interested in history for a number of decades, but having got tired of always the same topics in only a new jacket, Fomenko's book opened wide avenues to study new topics to test the author's thesis. To give just some examples: medieval history of the Middle East (Islamic history), the history of the Mongols, Tamerelane, the Ottoman empire; the origins of Christianity and Islam, the development of cartography, language, technology, astronomy.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Civilization    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Medieval    7. Study & Teaching    8. History of science    9. Science / History   

Reviews (15)

Your Passport To The Next Life
What an absolute miracle we have these texts today, some four millennia after many of them were first conceived of in an ancient desert land! The story of the re-discovery in the nineteenth-century, after the last known copies were believed destroyed in Alexandria, is the recounting of an archeological miracle, and the fact that they survived the circumstances of their discovery at all amid corruption and mistrust in the black markets of Cairo is even more amazing.
A rich and interesting resource on this version of "The Book of the Dead" with fabulous reproductions of the papyri
This is book is a wonderful piece to just look at.The plates of the papyri are gorgeous and are able to hold one in an almost trancelike state just looking into them.However, the texts of the papyri are not easily understood.So, this book is also amazingly helpful by the way it is put together for those of us who are non-specialists.
Hymns for the Living; "Rise up, O. Pepi. You have not died !"

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Subjects:  1. Ancient - Egypt    2. Antiquities & Archaeology    3. Future life    4. History    5. History: World    6. Incantations, Egyptian    7. Reincarnation    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Ancient Egypt    10. Ancient Egyptian religion    11. Egyptian archaeology    12. History / Ancient / Egypt    13. History of art: BCE to c 500 CE, ancient & classical world   

Reviews (1)

thru a distant lens
This well honed 8th edition is an entrancing and beautiful description of the mythology of ancient Greece and Rome. The emphasis is Greece, naturally, since the Romans based so much of their beliefs on the Greeks. No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed. But the book is not some simple entry level exposition, like some freshman texts.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient and Classical    2. Antiquities & Archaeology    3. Literary Criticism    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Mythology, Classical    6. Classical Studies | Classical Mythology    7. Hellenic languages    8. Literary Criticism & Collections / Ancient & Classical    9. Literary studies: classical, early & medieval    10. Myths & mythology    11. World history: BCE to c 500 CE   

Reviews (105)

avoid the other reviews
This is a great book( here's the point where I would check the other reviews this reviewer has written to get a sense of where I'm coming from); the author is careful to point out that of course this is all part of the mystery of Jesus and he makes a fascinating case. It's a book full of great photos and research. The problem is that Jesus as the myth hits too close to home for most people. at least we ( at this point) don't have the Inquisition of the middle ages around.

I'm still wondering... what are the Jesus Papers?
The first chapter piqued my interest by describing an encounter of the author's with some Middle Eastern businessmen peddling old documents.However, after finishing the book, I am still wondering what this had to do with his story.
Unsubstantiated hype!
"It must now be self-evident that there is a vast gulf between the Jesus of history and the Jesus of faith."This is Baigent's theme in "The Jesus Papers."But does he succeed?Does he provide evidence to prove his assertion, or even lead a careful reader to consider his claim probable?No.Not even close.
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Subjects:  1. Antiquities & Archaeology    2. Biography    3. Christianity - General    4. Christology    5. Controversial Knowledge    6. History Of Religion (General)    7. Jesus Christ    8. Miscellanea    9. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    10. Religion    11. Religion - Church History    12. Religion / General   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (4)

Used it for history
I had to buy this book as the textbook for my History of the Ancient Near East class, and it ended up being fairly good.Textbook reading is never the most exciting, but it was decently well-written and easy to understand.The timelines at the beginning of each chapter definitely helped.It's not exactly and exciting topic, but for what it is I think that this was a helpful book.

Detailed and straightforward
The author here manages to write a chronological account from the dawn of civilization in Mesopotamia to the coming of Alexander the Great without getting boring.While it is pretty detailed, it could use a bit more fleshing out in my opinion.In terms of history and political developments, the author obviously knows what he's talking about, although I do think his statement about the spread of Indo-European languages from the Eurasian steppes being an "outdated nineteenth century concept" is a bit ignorant as to the state of that field.Other than that, the book is well-written and makes ample use of primary sources.

Practical and well-written
This is a very good introduction to mesopotamian studies. I was impressed by the very good quality of the information given and the effectiveness of short and well-articulated chapters. The book does not assume that the reader is familiar with ancient history and explains step by step the history as well as the culture and social development of the ancient near east. I did not give five stars to this very good book because I thought it did not dwell enough on the linguistic aspects of the matter. Otherwise all is very well explained, without needless lengthy digressions. Pictures are kind of limited, but still enough to follow the descriptions. The inserts are particularly interesting featuring mainly translations of ancient text, as for example passages taken from the Amarna letters. The list of kings at the end of the book is particularly interesting. I recommend this book to all who are interested in having a basic knowledge of ancient near east history and even to those who are already introduced to the subject, because this can be considered a good quick-reference book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Civilization    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Middle East    7. Middle East - General    8. To 622    9. ASIA    10. Ancient World    11. Asian / Middle Eastern history: BCE to c 500 CE    12. History / Middle East    13. MIDDLE EAST_HISTORY_TO 622   

Reviews (5)

Neglected History
For many of us in the West, Byzantium is an exotic mystery. Colin Wells opens up this mystery by outlining the crucial role of Byzantium in transmitting ancient Greek culture to three civilizations: the West, the Slavic East, and Islam. There is much in this history that is of relevance today as we reflect on the different roles played by these three civilizations that were shaped by Byzantium. Yes, the myriad of unfamiliar names and places are at times overwhelming; but Wells provides a list of major characters in his history to help the reader, along with a chronology and plenty of maps. For me and I suspect many others, this book opens up a previously neglected but crucial part of our history.

A Lot of History in a Small Book
While reading this book, I was overwhelmed by the density of names and events that grace almost every page of this scholarly work; it was rather confusing for me at times and required that I drastically slow down my reading pace in order to be able to follow what was happening and the sequence of events. This is most likely because of my nearly total lack of knowledge of detailed Byzantine history - religious, political, philosophical, social, cultural, literary and military - and its very numerous and important participants. Consequently, this book has much to teach people like me; I, for one, have learned much from it. This book appears to be a labor of love for the author who is obviously very well-versed in this branch of history. The writing style is quite clear and, despite the density of information, engaging. It would likely be of most interest to serious history buffs that have had previous exposure to, and an intense interest in, Byzantine history.

OUTSIDE IN
If you feel an unsatisfied curiosity about Byzantium, this book is actually a good place to start, precisely because it works from the outside, focussing on the external outreach whereby Byzantine language, culture, and literature reached Italy (sparking the Renaissance), the Muslim world, and the embryonic Slavic world. Underneath that story, the ebb and flow of Byzantium's fortunes, its dark age, and its periods of renaissant literature and religion are sketched lightly but vividly by Wells. This book offers a painless way to get your feet wet in this subject by placing it in a broader world context. After, you're ready for Cyril Mango's superb thematic intro "Byzantium" followed by the historical surveys of John Julius Norwich (short in one volume or long in two). Then, if you're still on board, you can dive into the deep waters of the great John Meyendorff ("Byzantine Theology" and others). Byzantium has been well studied since the 1950s; this book by Colin Wells will serve as your way in. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Byzantine Empire    3. Byzantine Empire - History    4. Byzantine influences    5. Civilization, Islamic    6. Civilization, Slavic    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History Of Civilization And Culture (General)    10. History: World    11. Medieval    12. World - General    13. History / Ancient / General   

Reviews (234)

A Well Presented Theory
I'm a big fan of ancient history. I remember when I went to a university open day toward the end of high school. I wandered over to the archaeology wing, and in a glass case they had a genuine Sumerian cuneiform, one of the oldest pieces of writing in known history. It was only a little one, but I remember being mesmerized by it. I'm also a big fan of alternative histories, because I do have a feeling there is more to prehistory than there appears, and have read quite a few of the "essential" reads.
Amazing Book
This was a serious and thought provoking look into facts that modern science wants no light shed on. Modern geography, anthropology, and especially Egyptology are turned completely on there heads by the undisputable evidence put forth in this book.
He did it again !
After Fingerprints of the Gods, I read Supernatural, Then reread Andrew Collins, From the Ashes of Angels, I would like to see these authors cowrite a book, because I have a feeling that now we are really getting close to the truth on Earths past history. Maybe the animal headed gods of egypt and other places were seen by the shamans, and reported on when they returned from thier Astral Journeys. I do know these Authors will produce some more great books !!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Anthropology - General    3. Archaeology / Anthropology    4. Astronomy - General    5. Controversial Knowledge    6. History: World    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (18)

A Horrible Book
This book deals just with Ancient Greek Grammar.It can be used only as part of a University Course or as part of any teaching process involving a teacher.It is a book for ...professors of Ancient Greek!
Serious Introduction to Attic Greek
Mastronarde's book is an immensely useful and well-written introduction into Attic Greek.Now, Mastronarde does not bold-face important concepts or provide nice illustrations to guide the reader.However, if you are diligent enough to read the book thoroughly and do the exercises, you will have quite a thorough understanding of this language.
More praise, with some additions
I used Mastronarde's book to teach myself Attic Greek several years ago (and _before_ I knew Latin).I was adrift until I bought the ANSWER KEY.Nowadays, Mr. Mastronarde has a *(free) online website* which supplements this textbook, offering among other things versatile electronic flashcards keyed to the units (and is easily findable on Google). Of other textbooks I've seen, I also recommend Hanson and Quinn's "Intensive", which I think is a little stronger with respect to teaching the Subjunctive and the Optative Moods, but less good for solo learners.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient Languages - Classical Greek    2. Attic Greek dialect    3. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    4. Language    5. Ancient (Classical) Greek    6. History / Ancient / General    7. Language & Linguistics    8. Language learning: specific skills   

Reviews (15)

richcontent,easy to read
The Sumerians is a very interesting book about ancient Mesopotamia andSumerian civilisation.
The best source of information on Sumeria
This is one of the best books ever written on any ancient culture. One of the nicest things is extended passages from original source documents. Frequently books written on ancient civilizations only give very brief excerpts. I have given this book as a gift to friends and family and highly recommend it to everyone.

Please take caution with one of the reviews
Do not bother with the nazist review you will find below. L.A. Waddell was a crackpot with no formal training in Assiriology, and a typical old-fashioned german anti-semite, full of aryan theories and praise for ''the great white warriors''. It's very disturbing for a foreigner to see how anti-semitism has poured into almost all fields of learning - even Ancient Near-East studies. And his rather demented theories have been dead for decades, by the way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. General    4. Sociology    5. Sumerians    6. Middle & Near Eastern archaeology    7. Travel / Essays & Travelogues    8. World history: BCE to c 500 CE   

Reviews (87)

A Positive Portrait of Genghis Khan
Nomads and non-European conquerors do not fare well at the hands of Western historians. Genghis Khan fares about the worst of all.Weatherford sets the record straight. Genghis and his Mongol conquests were enormous and pieces of the empire he established endured in one form or another for seven centuries, the final coup de grace being the English outster of the Moguls in India in the 19th century.Rather than being a simple-minded raider the author portrays Genghis as a man ahead of his time in many ways: the art and science of war, religous tolerance, the creation of a meritocracy, and the overthrow of aristocracy. That Genghis Khan was brutal and violent is also brought out although the Mongols could hardly have been more cruel than their contemporaries in Medieval Europe, the Crusaders.
Interesting,but with a surprising number of factual errors
For the most part, I enjoyed this book.I discovered a great deal about the Mongols and I believe that the author proves his basic case that the Mongol Empire provided an unprecedented flow of goods and ideas between East and West.
Humanizes Genghis Khan, while detailing the avarice & brutality
I first encountered stories about the Golden Horde and the 13th century Mongol domination of the Russian principalities during my graduate studies on Russian history.Reflecting on how Russia, China, Turkey, Persia and many of the nations of the Arab world reached the 20th century in an apparently underdeveloped, and authoritarian, state, relative to the nations of Western Europe, I often thought that this could be traced back to the unfortunate intercession of the Mongols in each of these nations history 700 years ago.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Historical - General    5. History    6. History: World    7. Kings and rulers    8. Medieval    9. Mongols    10. ASIA    11. Asian / Middle Eastern history: c 500 to c 1500    12. Biography: historical    13. History / Asia    14. c 1000 CE to c 1500   

Reviews (10)

No longer useful
I have taught mythology at the university level at various insitutions for the more than a decade now.Indeed, when I first began was when the first edition of Powell came out.At that time it was quite useful as his prose is modestly engaging, and the large swathes of original material and the occasional illustrations he includes is quite useful.
Doesnt deal with myths' deeper historical origins
I can only say, not being a classicist, but one who did study under the esteemed Prof. Edward O'Neil of Univ. of Southern California, that I find it curious that this author does not deal much with the theories of migrations (Achaeans, Dorians later) into Greece that explain origins and approximate dates of certain myths. For example the inclusion of chthonic deities/mother earthdeities being early myths of Minoan influences, the patriarchal - sky-god myths relating to Achaeans and their influence by migration on the Greek mainland. I find H.J. Rose better at this for sure, as is O'Neil's work on Library of Apollodorus. Man, Myth and Monument,is also an excellent guide for anyone who wants to follow this fascinating aspect of myth.

Great Composition
Powell has done it again in his fourth edition.Though there are minor changes whcih he made in the newest edition, this book offers great details about ancient gods and heroes - putting the reader's mind into the ancient mythical land.The books also has actual passages from various ancient writers and also included more background stories to help the readers understand the story in a better perspective.His writing is simple and honest.Its worth your money if you are an avid mythology reader. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient and Classical    2. Antiquities & Archaeology    3. Folklore & Mythology    4. General    5. Literary Criticism    6. Mythology    7. Mythology, Classical    8. Religion - Church History    9. Social Science    10. Hellenic languages    11. Literary Criticism & Collections / General    12. Literary studies: classical, early & medieval   

Reviews (6)

Genius!
As a former student, I am compelled to write a review drawn from personal experience. I was first introduced to Dr. Robert Eisenman by another professor who had highly recommended his class afterwhich, I thoroughly agree that he is the "Einstein of the Dead Sea Scrolls." His lectures are fascinating in that he recalls in detail countless sources which he has aquired over decades of study, thus I am highly satisfied with the outcome and depth of his latest book, 'The New Testament Code: The Cup of the Lord, the Damascus Covenant, and the Blood of Christ.' Truly this book blows whatever understandings one thought to have of James, the brother of Jesus, and the Dead Sea Scrolls out of the water. One cannot help but to follow the pieces Dr. Eisenman connects, which questions traditional thought and provokes the reader to explore the challenging truths portrayed in both books. The most originial, and challenging books I have ever read thusfar! A "must own," and "must read."

A Masterpiece of Historical/Scriptural Analysis
Professor Eisenman continues to raise the bar. This is another great masterpiece from the man who put everything on the altar to give the world access to the Scrolls. His analysis and presentation are impeccable. This is a book that every serious student of the First Century, and even those with just a curiosity about the beginnings of Christianity, should pick up and read. Whether a seasoned academic/scholar, or a person with a desire to simply immerse oneself into a captivating and stimulating topic, Professor Eisenman delivers a controversial and provocative argument with a language and style provided by only the very best of teachers. No one can ignore this work and claim to be well-informed about the First Century and the Jewish phenomenon later called Christianity.

Absolutely amazing - incredibly compelling new insights on 1st century Christians
After reading Eisenman's newest addition to `James the brother of Jesus' I find his ideas are significantly different from mainstream early church historians and those "in the know" of Judeo/Christian/Islamic studies.In the first place, Eisenman's work area is always massive and challenging, and I found this one to be particularly chllenging. There are so many new ideas in it, in a subject one might have thought was already dead, that it is hard to catch one's breath or count them all.
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Subjects:  1. Antiquities & Archaeology    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - New Testament    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Religion    5. Religion (Specific Aspects)    6. Religion - Church History    7. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    8. Religion / Antiquities & Archaeology    9. Religion / Church History    10. STUDY AIDS - SPARKCHARTS   

Reviews (30)

A rare glimpse into the Heian mindset and lifestyle
The Pillow Book and the Tale of Genji continue to amaze me--they are each a thousand (!) years old and yet continue to captivate generations not only in their native Japan but around the world.One can easily picture Sei Shonagon being secretly quite pleased by her Pillow Book's popularity, all the while blushingly pleading her embarrassment that her modest writings have seen the light of day.
in short
A lot of spirit is lost in translation. I would like to discribe the text anyway as, personal, very feminin, sometimes poetic, impressionistic and emotional.
Beautiful and Picturesque
Even though some people might find this book boring, as much of it I've read so far, I've found it to be beautiful.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Historical - General    4. Literature: Classics    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Literary Criticism & Collections / Asian   

Reviews (16)

Interesting but uneven
Bart Ehrman's bibliography includes some thoughtful and accessible work on the diversity present in early Christianity, particularly his duel "Lost Christianities" and "Lost Scriptures."While these books made him popular, his critical work reviewing the many absurdities of Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code" -- "Truth and Fiction in the Da Vinci Code" -- launched him into a truly popular sensation.That is all to the good.Professor Ehrman's scholarship is generally excellent and he offers readers many helpful insights into an important topic.
I appreciate objective history
Peter, Paul, & Mary Magdalene is the fourth of Bart Ehrman's books that I've read.I have hungered a long time for a unbiased scholarly examination of Jesus and the early church.Dr. Ehrman seems to provide that in his books.Peter, Paul, & Mary Magdalene is a brilliant investigation of the lives of three of the Church's most prominent figures and the many, many rumors, and even doctrines that that have grown up around them.This book helps to clearify their lives.I highly recommend this book to all who want to know Church history written without a doctrinal agenda to support.

Historically Inaccurate, Highly Polemical Treatise
In his most recent attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the Da Vinci Code, Bart Ehrman presents Peter, Paul, and Mary Magdalene.Most of the Amazon reviewers of the book seem unaware that the book is a skillfully disguised anti-Christian polemic--in the Tubingen tradition--which is based upon a number of historically and philosophically flawed assumptions.I mention this at the outset because so many reviewers continue to praise Ehrman for his objective historical scholarship and lack of theological bias.This is laughable.He is about as theologically unbiased as John Gager, Elaine Pagels, and the other post-Protestant, anti-Christians of the PTS.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - New Testament    2. Christianity - History - General    3. Mary Magdalene,    4. Paul,    5. Peter,    6. Religion    7. Religion - Church History    8. Saint    9. the Apostle, Saint    10. Christian theology    11. Myths & mythology    12. Religion & Theology | Biblical Studies | New Testament    13. Religion / Church History    14. World history: BCE to c 500 CE