A collection of Gnostic texts spanning centuries, geographical locations, and cultural traditions—“a wonderful achievement” (Elaine Pagels, author of The Gnostic Gospels) Gnosticism was a wide-ranging religious movement of the first millennium CE—with earlier antecedents and later flourishings—whose adherents sought salvation through knowledge and personal religious experience. Gnostic writings offer striking perspectives on both early Christian and non-Christian thought. For example, some gnostic texts suggest that god should be celebrated as both mother and father, and that self-knowledge is the supreme path to the divine. Only in the past fifty years has it become clear how far the gnostic influence spread in ancient and medieval religions—and what a marvelous body of scriptures it produced.The selections gathered here in poetic, readable translation represent Jewish, Christian, Hermetic, Mandaean, Manichaean, Islamic, and Cathar expressions of gnostic spirituality. Their regions of origin include Egypt, the Greco-Roman world, the Middle East, Syria, Iraq, China, and France. Also included are introductions, notes, an extensive glossary, and a wealth of suggestions for further reading. Read more

Why do we read literature and how do we judge it? C. S. Lewis's classic An Experiment in Criticism springs from the conviction that literature exists for the joy of the reader and that books should be judged by the kind of reading they invite. He argues that "good reading," like moral action or religious experience, involves surrender to the work in hand and a process of entering fully into the opinions of others: "in reading great literature I become a thousand men and yet remain myself." Crucial to his notion of judging literature is a commitment to laying aside expectations and values extraneous to the work, in order to approach it with an open mind. Amid the complex welter of current critical theories, C. S. Lewis's wisdom is valuably down-to-earth, refreshing and stimulating in the questions it raises about the experience of reading. Read more

An honest, unflinching tale of re-finding one's faith, from one of the world's most famous theologiansWithout Buddha I Could Not Be a Christian narrates how esteemed theologian, Paul F. Knitter overcame a crisis of faith by looking to Buddhism for inspiration. From prayer to how Christianity views life after death, Knitter argues that a Buddhist standpoint can encourage a more person-centred conception of Christianity, where individual religious experience comes first, and liturgy and tradition second. Moving and revolutionary, this book will inspire Christians everywhere. Read more

El eterno clásico sobre «las últimas novedades del Infierno y las irrebatibles respuestas del Cielo».Esta clásica obra maestra de sátira ha cautivado e iluminado a lectores alrededor del mundo con su irónica y astuta representación de la vida y las debilidades humanas desde el punto de vista de Escrutopo, el asistente de alto rango de «Nuestro Padre de Abajo». En este libro divertidísimo, muy serio y excepcionalmente original, C. S. Lewis comparte la correspondencia entre el viejo diablo y su sobrino Orugario, un novato demonio encargado de asegurarse de la condena de un joven hombre. Cartas del Diablo a su sobrino es la historia más fascinante sobre la tentación  —y el triunfo sobre ella— jamás escrita.-----The timeless classic on “the latest news from Hell and the irrefutable answers from Heaven”.This book by C.S. Lewis is a classic masterpiece of religious satire that entertains readers with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to ""Our Father Below."" At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation—and triumph over it—ever written. Dedicated to Lewis's friend and colleague J. R. R. Tolkien, The Screwtape Letters is a timeless classic on spiritual conflict and the psychology of temptation which are part of our religious experience. Read more

A 25th anniversary edition of the collection of classic recipes from the 'enfant terrible' of theUK restaurant scene, featuring striking photographs of his kitchen and his cooking.Once in a blue moon a book is published that changes irrevocably the face of things. WhiteHeat is one such book. Since it w as originally produced in 1990, it has gone on to becomeone of the most enduring classic cook books of our time. With its unique blend of outspokenopinion, recipes, and dramatic photographs, White Heat captures the magic and spirit ofMarco Pierre White in the heat of his kitchen. Marco Pierre White, the original 'enfant terrible', has earned his place in British culinaryhistory as much for his strong temperament as for his unique talent as a chef. Theyoungest chef ever to earn three Michelin stars, he has become not only a star chef ofinternational renown and food icon of our time, but also a multimillionaire entrepreneur. White Heat has combined sales of over 75,000 copies since first publication in 1990This immensely influential cookbook is regarded by many chefs and foodies as one of the greatest cookbooks of all timeFeatures 73 recipes and reportage from behind the scenes in Marco's kitchen, illustrated with iconic photographs by Bob Carlos Clarke'White Heat is an edifying read ... a book that breaks new ground.' - Time Out'Wonderfully illustrated with photographs by Bob Carlos Clarke...this will sit equally wellon your coffee table or kitchen worktop.' - GQ 'Amazingly religious experience' - Anthony Bourdain'White Heat is as unlike any previously published cook book as Marco is unlike any run of-the-mill chef.' - Sunday Telegraph Read more

"The beauty and levity that Perry and Gabriele have captured in this book are what I think will help it to become a standard text for general audiences for years to come….The Bright Ages is a rare thing—a nuanced historical work that almost anyone can enjoy reading.”—Slate"Incandescent and ultimately intoxicating." —The Boston GlobeA lively and magisterial popular history that refutes common misperceptions of the European Middle Ages, showing the beauty and communion that flourished alongside the dark brutality—a brilliant reflection of humanity itself.The word “medieval” conjures images of the “Dark Ages”—centuries of ignorance, superstition, stasis, savagery, and poor hygiene. But the myth of darkness obscures the truth; this was a remarkable period in human history. The Bright Ages recasts the European Middle Ages for what it was, capturing this 1,000-year era in all its complexity and fundamental humanity, bringing to light both its beauty and its horrors. The Bright Ages takes us through ten centuries and crisscrosses Europe and the Mediterranean, Asia and Africa, revisiting familiar people and events with new light cast upon them. We look with fresh eyes on the Fall of Rome, Charlemagne, the Vikings, the Crusades, and the Black Death, but also to the multi-religious experience of Iberia, the rise of Byzantium, and the genius of Hildegard and the power of queens. We begin under a blanket of golden stars constructed by an empress with Germanic, Roman, Spanish, Byzantine, and Christian bloodlines and end nearly 1,000 years later with the poet Dante—inspired by that same twinkling celestial canopy—writing an epic saga of heaven and hell that endures as a masterpiece of literature today.  The Bright Ages reminds us just how permeable our manmade borders have always been and of what possible worlds the past has always made available to us. The Middle Ages may have been a world “lit only by fire” but it was one whose torches illuminated the magnificent rose windows of cathedrals, even as they stoked the pyres of accused heretics.  The Bright Ages contains an 8-page color insert. Read more

"The Varieties of Religious Experience" is William James's philosophical and psychological examination of the nature of religion in human civilization. Based on James's own Gifford Lectures given at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland between 1901 and 1902, James argues that "Scientific theories are organically conditioned just as much as religious emotions are; and if we only knew the facts intimately enough, we should doubtless see 'the liver' determining the dicta of the sturdy atheist as decisively as it does those of the Methodist under conviction anxious about his soul. When it alters in one way the blood that percolates it, we get the Methodist, when in another way, we get the atheist form of mind." Read more

Why do we read literature and how do we judge it? C. S. Lewis's classic An Experiment in Criticism springs from the conviction that literature exists for the joy of the reader and that books should be judged by the kind of reading they invite. He argues that 'good reading', like moral action or religious experience, involves surrender to the work in hand and a process of entering fully into the opinions of others: 'in reading great literature I become a thousand men and yet remain myself'. Crucial to his notion of judging literature is a commitment to laying aside expectations and values extraneous to the work, in order to approach it with an open mind. Amid the complex welter of current critical theories, C. S. Lewis's wisdom is valuably down-to-earth, refreshing and stimulating in the questions it raises about the experience of reading. Read more

The issue with Kindle only showing an abridged version is now fixedMost Christians neither have the time nor the inclination to read a lengthy book on logic. So, let me distill the essentials for you into a concise, easy-to-understand guide on the logical fallacies most relevant to Christians. Be ready to sharpen your mind and deepen your faith! Join me on an exhilarating journey through the world of logical fallacies and discover how to think critically and argue effectively.Over the past few years, I have participated in live debates, including the first-ever debate conducted in Hebrew between myself and an Israeli Orthodox Rabbi, as well as a debate with an Israeli atheist university Bible professor. Those who know me well are aware of my passion for apologetics and my enthusiasm for logical and critical thinking. What exactly do I mean by that? You've likely encountered questions like, "Can God create a rock so heavy He cannot lift it?" (a Category Error fallacy) Or the objection that, considering the vast amount of pain and suffering in the world, can we truly believe in God's existence? (an Appeal to Emotion fallacy). Addressing these questions can be approached in various ways, one of which is by identifying why these and other arguments actually represent logical fallacies. A logical fallacy is an argument that can be disproven through reasoning. This differs from a subjective argument or one that can be disproven with facts; to qualify as a logical fallacy, an argument must contain a logical flaw or deceptive element. This is why becoming familiar with logical fallacies is an essential tool for intellectually engaged Christians.One commonality we all share, regardless of our religious views, is the tendency to commit logical fallacies. In my experience, religious individuals often fall into these errors just as frequently, if not more so, than others. The distinction in a religious context is significant because it influences your belief system, theology, worldview, character, and attitude, making critical thinking particularly vital for you as a Christian.In this book, we'll explore the fascinating realm of logical fallacies through simple, everyday, easy-to-understand examples and engaging stories from the imaginary village of Laymenville. You'll learn to spot and avoid these fallacies, strengthening your ability to think critically and argue persuasively.Join me in this captivating exploration, and let's equip ourselves with the tools to navigate and challenge flawed arguments, fostering a faith that is both intellectually robust and spiritually enriching. Dive into the pages and become a more discerning, articulate, and thoughtful believer.About the Author:Dr. Eitan Bar, a Jewish-Christian scholar with advanced Bible, apologetics, and theology degrees, is a unique combination. As a native Hebrew speaker and a Jewish Bible scholar, he combines his Jewish background with his Christian education and faith to offer a fresh perspective on various biblical topics. Read more

The definitive biography of the fascinating William James, whose life and writing put an indelible stamp on psychology, philosophy, teaching, and religion—on modernism itself. Often cited as the “father of American psychology,” William James was an intellectual luminary who made significant contributions to at least five fields: psychology, philosophy, religious studies, teaching, and literature.   A member of one of the most unusual and notable of American families, James struggled to achieve greatness amid the brilliance of his theologian father; his brother, the novelist Henry James; and his sister, Alice James. After studying medicine, he ultimately realized that his true interests lay in philosophy and psychology, a choice that guided his storied career at Harvard, where he taught some of America’s greatest minds. But it is James’s contributions to intellectual study that reveal the true complexity of man.   In this biography that seeks to understand James’s life through his work—including Principles of Psychology, The Varieties of Religious Experience, and Pragmatism—Robert D. Richardson has crafted an exceptionally insightful work that explores the mind of a genius, resulting in “a gripping and often inspiring story of intellectual and spiritual adventure” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).   “A magnificent biography.” —The Washington Post Read more

Bertrand Russell famously quipped that he didn’t believe in God for the same reason that he didn’t believe in a teapot in orbit between the earth and Mars: it is a bizarre assertion for which no evidence can be provided. Is belief in God really like belief in Russell’s teapot? Kenneth L. Pearce argues that God is no teapot. God is a real answer to the deepest question of all: why is there something rather than nothing? Graham Oppy argues that we should believe that there are none but natural causal entities with none but natural causal properties―and hence should believe that there are no gods. Beginning from this basic disagreement, the authors proceed to discuss and debate a wide range of philosophical questions, including questions about explanation, necessity, rationality, religious experience, mathematical objects, the foundations of ethics, and the methodology of philosophy. Each author first presents his own side, and then they interact through two rounds of objections and replies. Pedagogical features include standard form arguments, section summaries, bolded key terms and principles, a glossary, and annotated reading lists. In the volume foreword, Helen De Cruz calls the debate "both edifying and a joy," and sums up what’s at stake: "Here you have two carefully formulated positive proposals for worldviews that explain all that is: classical theism, or naturalistic atheism. You can follow along with the authors and deliberate: which one do you find more plausible?"Though written with beginning students in mind, this debate will be of interest to philosophers at all levels and to anyone who values careful, rational thought about the nature of reality and our place in it. Read more

“Dedicated readers of ecology, theology, or religious philosophy will want to savor each one [of these essays]” from the renowned environmental thinker (Library Journal). A leading scholar, cultural historian, and Catholic priest who spent more than fifty years writing about our engagement with the Earth, Thomas Berry possessed prophetic insight into the rampant destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of species. In this book he makes a persuasive case for an interreligious dialogue that can better confront the environmental problems of the twenty-first century. These erudite and keenly sympathetic essays represent Berry’s best work, covering such issues as human beings’ modern alienation from nature and the possibilities of future, regenerative forms of religious experience. Asking that we create a new story of the universe and the emergence of the Earth within it, Berry resituates the human spirit within a sacred totality. “This book addresses how the history and diversity of world religions offer ways to engage with Earth; how it is necessary to connect with a spirituality that is Earth derived; how science can be in conversation with the religious sensibilities of wonder and awe; and how our relationship to the natural world is crucial to our spirituality. In the earliest essays, Berry sounds most optimistic and urges readers to reconcile modern impulses and technology with religious traditions.”—Publishers Weekly   “Thomas Berry demonstrates in these papers the qualities he calls for: humanist vision and imagination.”—Resurgence Read more

Reading the Old Testament is a clear and carefully organized introduction for contemporary readers. It is designed to guide the student of the Bible through the text and its problems, enrich their understanding of the individual biblical books, and explore the way the Bible came to be written. Reading the Old Testament combines the latest scholarship with sensitivity to religious issues and Israel's ever deepening understanding of God's ways. The author gives special attention to recent archeological discoveries in the Middle East and how these affect our understanding of the Old Testament. The book contains numerous maps, charts, and drawings. Reading the Old Testament is particularly illuminating about the way Israel's religious experience was translated into written records. No other introduction offers the same thorough treatment of the Exile and the post-exilic periods as crucial times in the formation of the Old Testament. † Read more

A meditation on how religious language tries to limn the liminal, conceive the inconceivable, speak the unspeakable, and say the unsayable.In Effing the Ineffable, Wesley J. Wildman confronts the human obsession with ultimate reality and our desire to conceive and speak of this reality through religious language, despite the seeming impossibility of doing so. Each chapter is a meditative essay on an aspect of life that, for most people, is fraught with special spiritual significance: dreaming, suffering, creating, slipping, balancing, eclipsing, loneliness, intensity, and bliss. These moments can inspire religious questioning and commitment, and, in extreme situations, drive us in search of ways to express what matters most to us. Drawing upon American pragmatist, Anglo-American analytic, and Continental traditions of philosophical theology, Wildman shows how, through direct description, religious symbolism, and phenomenological experience, the language games of religion become a means to attempt, and, in some sense, to accomplish this task.Wesley J. Wildman is Professor of Philosophy, Theology, and Ethics at Boston University. His many books include Religious Philosophy as Multidisciplinary Comparative Inquiry: Envisioning a Future for the Philosophy of Religion and Fidelity with Plausibility: Modest Christologies in the Twentieth Century, both also published by SUNY Press.

An anthropologist examines the nature of religiosity, and how it shapes and benefits humankind.Believers is a scientist’s answer to attacks on faith by some well-meaning scientists and philosophers. It is a firm rebuke of the “Four Horsemen”—Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens—known for writing about religion as something irrational and ultimately harmful. Anthropologist Melvin Konner, who was raised as an Orthodox Jew but has lived his adult life without such faith, explores the psychology, development, brain science, evolution, and even genetics of the varied religious impulses we experience as a species.Conceding that faith is not for everyone, he views religious people with a sympathetic eye; his own upbringing, his apprenticeship in the trance-dance religion of the African Bushmen, and his friends and explorations in Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and other faiths have all shaped his perspective. Faith has always manifested itself in different ways—some revelatory and comforting; some kind and good; some ecumenical and cosmopolitan; some bigoted, coercive, and violent. But the future, Konner argues, will both produce more nonbelievers, and incline the religious among us—holding their own by having larger families—to increasingly reject prejudice and aggression.A colorful weave of personal stories of religious—and irreligious—encounters, as well as new scientific research, Believers shows us that religion does much good as well as undoubted harm, and that for at least a large minority of humanity, the belief in things unseen neither can nor should go away.

In the autumn of 1834, New York City was awash with rumors of a strange religious cult operating nearby, centered around a mysterious, self-styled prophet named Matthias. It was said that Matthias the Prophet was stealing money from one of his followers; then came reports of lascivious sexual relations, based on odd teachings of matched spirits, apostolic priesthoods, and the inferiority of women. At its climax, the rumors transformed into legal charges, as the Prophet was arrested for the murder of a once highly-regarded Christian gentleman who had fallen under his sway. By the time the story played out, it became one of the nation's first penny-press sensations, casting a peculiar but revealing light on the sexual and spiritual tensions of the day. In The Kingdom of Matthias, the distinguished historians Paul Johnson and Sean Wilentz brilliantly recapture this forgotten story, imbuing their richly researched account with the dramatic force of a novel. In this book, the strange tale of Matthias the Prophet provides a fascinating window into the turbulent movements of the religious revival known as the Second Great Awakening--movements which swept up great numbers of evangelical Americans and gave rise to new sects like the Mormons. Into this teeming environment walked a down-and-out carpenter named Robert Matthews, who announced himself as Matthias, prophet of the God of the Jews. His hypnotic spell drew in a cast of unforgettable characters--the meekly devout businessman Elijah Pierson, who once tried to raise his late wife from the dead; the young attractive Christian couple, Benjamin Folger and his wife Ann (who seduced the woman-hating Prophet); and the shrewd ex-slave Isabella Van Wagenen, regarded by some as "the most wicked of the wicked." None was more colorful than the Prophet himself, a bearded, thundering tyrant who gathered his followers into an absolutist household, using their money to buy an elaborate, eccentric wardrobe, and reordering their marital relations. By the time the tensions within the kingdom exploded into a clash with the law, Matthias had become a national scandal. In the hands of Johnson and Wilentz, the strange tale of the Prophet and his kingdom comes vividly to life, recalling scenes from recent experiences at Jonestown and Waco. They also reveal much about a formative period in American history, showing the connections among rapid economic change, sex and race relations, politics, popular culture, and the rich varieties of American religious experience. Read more

William James was a philosopher who spoke out against the arrogant attitude of scientists who viewed religion as a biased relic of the past. His writings frequently examined the relationship between science and religion. He also tried to defend society from the inhumane tendencies of science. His arguments against the cult of science and technitzism were quite effective and led to the new philosophical pragmatism movement.Many consider The Varieties of Religious Experience as one of the seminal works in establishing a psychology of religion. This collection also includes The Principles of Psychology and Pragmatism.Contents:The Principles of PsychologyPsychology (Briefer Course)The Will to Believe and Other EssaysHuman ImmortalityTalks to Teachers on Psychology and to Students on Some of Life's IdealsThe Varieties of Religious ExperiencePragmatismA Pluralistic UniverseThe Meaning of TruthSome Problems of PhilosophyMemories and StudiesEssays in Radical EmpiricismCollected Essays and Reviews Read more

How should philosophy approach religious experience, which by definition surpasses its competence? Can philosophy do more than describe the religious experience without discussing its object? Can religion make genuine truth claims - especially when the prevalence of suffering and evil in the world seems to belie those claims? These are some of the basic questions raised in this engaging collection of essays by philosopher Louis Dupre. According to Dupre, a philosophical analysis of faith must take account of the unique system of symbols in which it expresses its beliefs, rituals, and modes of worship. The justification of religious symbols has become a particular problem in an age that tends to separate the objective from the subjective, interpreting the former literally and denying objective reality to the latter. Dupre's essays on von Balthasar's theory of religious form and on the nature of ritual attempt to restore the original meaning of religious symbols, while integrating them with the modern emphasis on human creativity. "As this slim but remarkable book of essays makes abundantly clear, its author bids fair to have an influence that will last into the next century, at the last: there is something about his philosophy that seems not just nourishing for a day or hour but perennially satisfying. " - Commonweal "Dupré writes with the clarity of an analytical philosopher about the issues of experience dear to phenomenologists and with a depth of historical understanding and sensitivity to the life of faith that is rare now in philosophy. In short, this book is that all too unusual phenomenon, religious philosophy. It is done very well, indeed." - Theology Today " This is a wise and thought-provoking collection." - Modern Theology Read more

Philosopher and psychologist William James was the best known and most influential American thinker of his time. The five books and nineteen essays collected in this Library of America volume represent all his major work from 1902 until his death in 1910. Most were originally written as lectures addressed to general audiences as well as philosophers and were received with great enthusiasm. His writing is clear, energetic, and unpretentious, and is marked by the devotion to literary excellence he shared with his brother, Henry James. In these works William James champions the value of individual experience with an eloquence and enthusiasm that has placed him alongside Emerson and Whitman as a classic exponent of American democratic culture.In The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902) James explores “the very inner citadel of human life” by focusing on intensely religious individuals of different cultures and eras. With insight, compassion, and open-mindedness, he examines and assesses their beliefs, seeking to measure religion’s value by its contributions to individual human lives.In Pragmatism (1907) James suggests that the conflicting metaphysical positions of “tender-minded” rationalism and “tough-minded” empiricism be judged by examining their actual consequences. Philosophy, James argues, should free itself from unexamined principles and closed systems and confront reality with complete openness.In A Pluralistic Universe (1909) James rejects the concept of the absolute and calls on philosophers to respond to “the real concrete sensible flux of life.” Through his discussion of Kant, Hegel, Henri Bergson, and religion, James explores a universe viewed not as an abstract “block” but as a rich “manyness-in-oneness,” full of independent yet connected events.The Meaning of Truth (1909) is a polemical collection of essays asserting that ideas are made true not by inherent qualities but by events. James delights in intellectual combat, stating his positions with vigor while remaining open to opposing ideas.Some Problems of Philosophy (1910) was intended by James to serve both as a historical overview of metaphysics and as a systematic statement of his philosophical beliefs. Though unfinished at his death, it fully demonstrates the psychological insight and literary vividness James brought to philosophy.Among the essays included are the anti-imperialist “Address on the Philippine Question,” “On Some Mental Effects of the Earthquake,” a candid personal account of the 1906 California disaster, and “The Moral Equivalent of War,” a call for the redirection of martial energies to peaceful ends, as well as essays on Emerson, the role of university in intellectual life, and psychic research.LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation’s literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, America’s best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries. Read more

Reform Judaism is constantly evolving as we continue to seek a faith that is in harmony with our beliefs and experiences. This volume offers readers a thought-provoking collection of essays by rabbis, cantors, and other scholars who differ, sometimes passionately, over religious practice, experience, and belief. Its goal is to situate Judaism in a contemporary context, and it is uniquely suited for community discussion as well as study groups. Read more

Published originally as part of C. Eric Lincoln's series on the black religious experience, Is God a White Racist? is a landmark critique of the black church's treatment of evil and the nature of suffering. In this powerful examination of the early liberation methodology of James Cone, J. Deotis Roberts, and Joseph Washington, among others, Jones questions whether their foundation for black Christian theism—the belief in an omnibenevolent God who has dominion over human history—can provide an adequate theological foundation to effectively dismantle the economic, social, and political framework of oppression.Seeing divine benevolence as part of oppression's mechanism of disguise, Jones argues that black liberation theologians must adopt a new theism that is informed by humanism and its principle of the functional ultimacy of wo/man, where human choice and action determine whether our condition is slavery or freedom. Read more

This is the July 7, 2014, 4th edition of the Visitor’s Guide to Bermuda. It has been updated as of July 7, and is always updated very quickly when I learn of new or outdated information. New photos have been added and the maps have been enlarged for better viewing. But there's more: if you purchase the paperback edition of the book, you get the Kindle edition for free. So, if you’re planning a visit to Bermuda, or if you’ve booked a cruise to the island, you’ll find this book a valuable resource. Within these pages you'll find all the In-depth information you'll need about Bermuda to make your trip a success, including: Things to do in BermudaWhere to Stay – Resorts, Small Hotels, Guest Houses and Self-Catering CottagesHow to get Around BermudaBermuda’s Beaches and ParksHiking - and the Bermuda Railway TrailFishing, Boating and SnorkelingScuba Diving, including detailed shipwreck infoTouring the Island Parish by ParishPractical Visitor InformationAnd Much MoreBermuda is a magical island, a quite world of pastel-colored buildings with snowy-white roofs, emerald waters and pink, sandy beaches. I fell in love with Bermuda more than 25 years ago, and I can still remember the first time I set foot upon the island. I also remember that first flight in over the reef: the turquoise blue of the deep ocean, the emerald shallows, and then the verdant greens, pastel colors and glistening whites on the islands proper. Magical does not describe that first glimpse of Bermuda from the air.There’s something very special about this little group of islands. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve visited the Bermuda; it’s addictive, an experience you’ll never forget, and I’ve been writing about it for as long as I can remember. Whether it’s the combination of the English culture and its sub-tropical setting, or something else, Bermuda is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places on Earth.Bermuda, one of the world’s smallest countries, is a tiny world with a tiny capital city, Hamilton, and shops, churches and cafes on narrow streets that might well have been plucked from any one of a hundred little English towns. The old-world cathedral, the bright red British pillar boxes (post boxes), and the food, especially afternoon tea - an almost religious experience in Bermuda - all seem to make Bermuda even more British than England itself. Nowhere in England, however, will you find anything that can compare to the pink sandy beaches, the crystal ocean waters, or the beautiful island terrain. You have to see it to believe it. Today, the island of Bermuda welcomes visitors from around the world, and it will welcome you too. You can spend a week, or two, or more, at one of the expensive luxury resort hotels, or perhaps one of small cottage colonies; or you can choose to stay at one of a hundred neat little bed & breakfast homes, guest houses or all-inclusive hotels, or you might like to choose from one of the many self-catering options. Just about every budget is catered for, and you’re sure to find something to suit your taste, and your wallet. You can do six nights, seven days on the islands for as little as $1,250 U.S. per person, or you can pay that much, or more, per night. Whatever your budget, you’re sure of a wonderful experience.One more thing before I leave you to read on: should you find out of date information herein (and you probably will, because nothing stays the same for very long),I would appreciate the opportunity to update it. You should also know that I do not have any control over the size of the photographs or maps; this controlled by Amazon as part of their formatting for the devices. So, rather than putting a negative review on Amazon, please send me an email explaining what needs to be updated and I will do it immediately - the same day I get it. You can send me an email at [email protected]. Thank you, and enjoy. Read more

"He [Wagner] has been much criticized for this strongly personal statement of a religious subject, which mingles the concepts of sacred and profane love; but in the light of modern knowledge, his insight into the relationship between religious and sexual experience can only seem much in advance of his time." — Encylopaedia BritannicaCompleted in 1882, Parsifal is Wagner's last opera and one of his finest, renowned for its splendid music and glowing orchestration. With its deeply personal treatment of the legend of the Holy Grail, and the subtle intensity and depth of compassion of its treatment of themes of innocence and purity, remorse and sexual renunciation, the opera ranks as one of Wagner's most symbolic, intense, and compassionate works.This Dover edition reproduces every note of this glorious masterpiece from the authoritative C. F. Peters edition, including the list of characters and contents in both German and English. It will be welcomed by musicians, music lovers, opera buffs, and admirers of Wagner as the only complete, inexpensive edition of a 19th-century landmark. Read more

Embark on a captivating journey through the rich history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes of the Czech Republic. In this engaging and meticulously researched book, explore the ancient beginnings of this storied land, trace the rise and fall of empires, and witness the triumphs and struggles of its people."The History of the Czech Republic" takes you on a comprehensive exploration of this fascinating nation, from its early settlements and medieval times to the modern era. Delve into the lives of influential rulers, experience the religious upheavals, and witness the transformative moments that have shaped the Czech Republic's identity.Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Czech art, literature, and music as you discover the artistic brilliance that has emerged from this cultural hub. Learn about the Czech language and its linguistic roots, and savor the unique flavors of Czech cuisine, from traditional delicacies to modern fusion.Step into the historic cities that have witnessed the passage of time and stand as testaments to the country's remarkable past. Explore the magnificent Prague, the medieval gem of Kutná Hora, the fairy tale town of Český Krumlov, and many more historic hubs that capture the essence of Czech history and architectural grandeur. Uncover the natural wonders and biodiversity of the Czech Republic, from its diverse wildlife to the breathtaking landscapes of national parks and mountain ranges.Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of culture, or simply curious about this remarkable country, "The History of the Czech Republic" is a must-read. Gain a deeper understanding of the Czech Republic's past, appreciate its cultural heritage, and embrace the spirit of resilience and freedom that defines this extraordinary nation.Note: This book is text only, providing a comprehensive exploration of the Czech Republic's history, culture, and natural wonders. Read more

Step into the World of Ancient Egypt – Where a Girl’s Future is Written in Stone… or Is It?Thebes, the heart of the Egyptian empire, is a city of pharaohs, temples, and towering obelisks. Here, the gods watch over a civilization where power is etched in hieroglyphs, and knowledge is reserved for men. But Neferet, the daughter of a scribe, dares to dream beyond the path set for her.From the bustling markets along the Nile to the hidden corridors of a grand temple, Neferet’s journey takes her deep into the secrets of her world. She sneaks into forbidden schools, overhears whispers of stolen treasures, and uncovers corruption within the sacred walls of the temple. When she discovers a dangerous plot that could bring suffering to her people, she must choose: stay silent and protect herself or speak out and risk everything.📜 Immerse yourself in the vibrant daily life of Ancient Egypt:✔ Walk through bustling marketplaces filled with spices, perfumes, and fine linens.✔ Witness the grandeur of the Valley of the Kings, where tombs hold both riches and secrets.✔ Experience lavish religious festivals, where music, dancing, and devotion blend into one.✔ See the power of scribes, the guardians of Egypt’s history—and those who control its future.🎓 Perfect for readers who love historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and educational adventures!This captivating novel brings Ancient Egypt to life through the eyes of a young girl determined to rewrite her own destiny. Featuring real historical insights, an engaging Fact vs. Fiction section, a glossary of Ancient Egyptian terms, and fun historical facts, this book is a perfect blend of storytelling and history for curious minds of all ages.Part of the Daily Life Through the Ages SeriesExplore the lives of young girls throughout history in this bestselling historical fiction series! Each book transports readers to a different era, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and struggles of the past. Other books in the series include:📖 Daily Life of an Ancient Roman Girl – Experience the grandeur of Rome and its hidden dangers.📖 Daily Life of an Ancient Chinese Girl – Navigate the Han Dynasty and the challenges of a scholar’s daughter.📖 Daily Life of a Medieval English Girl – Survive in a feudal village where hard work means survival.💡 For lovers of history, adventure, and the untold stories of the past!📥 Buy Now and Travel Back in Time to Ancient Egypt! Read more

In Dark Mirror, Sara Lipton offers a fascinating examination of the emergence of anti-Semitic iconography in the Middle AgesThe straggly beard, the hooked nose, the bag of coins, and gaudy apparel—the religious artists of medieval Christendom had no shortage of virulent symbols for identifying Jews. Yet, hateful as these depictions were, the story they tell is not as simple as it first appears.Drawing on a wide range of primary sources, Lipton argues that these visual stereotypes were neither an inevitable outgrowth of Christian theology nor a simple reflection of medieval prejudices. Instead, she maps out the complex relationship between medieval Christians' religious ideas, social experience, and developing artistic practices that drove their depiction of Jews from benign, if exoticized, figures connoting ancient wisdom to increasingly vicious portrayals inspired by (and designed to provoke) fear and hostility.At the heart of this lushly illustrated and meticulously researched work are questions that have occupied scholars for ages—why did Jews becomes such powerful and poisonous symbols in medieval art? Why were Jews associated with certain objects, symbols, actions, and deficiencies? And what were the effects of such portrayals—not only in medieval society, but throughout Western history? What we find is that the image of the Jew in medieval art was not a portrait of actual neighbors or even imagined others, but a cloudy glass into which Christendom gazed to find a distorted, phantasmagoric rendering of itself. Read more

In a world of swift and sweeping cultural transformations, few have seen changes as rapid and dramatic as those experienced by the Urapmin of Papua New Guinea in the last four decades. A remote people never directly "missionized," the Urapmin began in the 1960s to send young men to study with Baptist missionaries living among neighboring communities. By the late 1970s, the Urapmin had undergone a charismatic revival, abandoning their traditional religion for a Christianity intensely focused on human sinfulness and driven by a constant sense of millennial expectation. Exploring the Christian culture of the Urapmin, Joel Robbins shows how its preoccupations provide keys to understanding the nature of cultural change more generally. In so doing, he offers one of the richest available anthropological accounts of Christianity as a lived religion. Theoretically ambitious and engagingly written, his book opens a unique perspective on a Melanesian society, religious experience, and the very nature of rapid cultural change. Read more

One of the most striking developments in the history of modern civilizations has been the conversion of tribal peoples to more expansively organized "world" religions. There is little scholarly consensus as to why these religions have endured and why conversion to them has been so widespread. These essays explore the phenomenon of Christian conversion from this world-building perspective. Combining rich case studies with original theoretical insights, this work challenges sociologists, anthropologists and historians of religion to reassess the varieties of religious experience and the convergent processes involved in religious change. Read more