Sync: How Order Emerges from Chaos in the Universe, Nature, and Daily Life

Book Description

he tendency to synchronize may be the most mysterious and pervasive drive in all of nature. It has intrigued some of the most brilliant minds of the 20th century, including Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman, Norbert Wiener, Brian Josephson, and Arthur Winfree. At once elegant and riveting, Sync tells the story of the dawn of a new science. Steven Strogatz, a leading mathematician in the fields of chaos and complexity theory, explains how enormous systems can synchronize themselves, from the electrons in a superconductor to the pacemaker cells in our hearts. He shows that although these phenomena might seem unrelated on the surface, at a deeper level there is a connection, forged by the unifying power of mathematics.

Customer Reviews:

Heavy Science for Light Readers.......2007-09-15

What a fun book. Strogatz has managed to talk about the leading edge of mathematical modeling without a single equation! He uses a comfortable prose and never strays too far from the story of his research. The reader is treated to a view of the way that the world network of scientists organizes itself within areas of research and finds unions where research from one speciality can contribute to another. Who would have thought that the western power grid, the Internet Movie Database and the nervous system of a worm called C. elegans could be effectively modeled with the same operational principles.

sync sync .......2007-03-14

This book gave both nature and theoretical explanation of what sync is and how it might
happen. Of course, its raminifaction still need a lot of exploration. This book is a good start and definite a good read for scientific inquiring mind. Read it and you know if you sync with this book.

Sync: The pulse of creation.......2007-03-06

In his 1987 book Chaos, James Gleick noted that choatic systems produce periodic patches of order.

At that time and during that state of research, the answer to the question of why this should be so remained largely unresolved. And to be honest, after reading this book and learning about the sync or synchronicity of how fireflies light up the night in unison and how inanimate pendulums can come to swing in unison the question will be still be largely unresolved.

However, you will leave this book with some additional interesting food for thought.

Why do periodic patches of order emerge in choatic systems?

Well, one answer suggested seems to be that if that chaotic system produces periodic amounts of a like particle -- like an electron -- that those like particles can generally be relied upon to behave similarly. Then maybe it's the delicate calculus of these mutually constitued similar behaviors that helps give rise to the rise of order.

But maybe not...and such is the state of research into this important issue.

Just Fun Useful Knowledge.......2007-01-17

If you have any interest in science or how things work, then this book promises to be an interesting read.

Strogatz discusses such cool topics like Fireflies, clapping your hands, sleep cycles, and related history.

Once you read this book, you will instantly appreciate how many random things have order, and I guarantee that at some point in conversation you will bring up a point from this book - I do, often.

Not quite synched.......2007-01-12

An interesting book, but rather unfocused and not particularly convincing-- I think he tries too hard to see synch everywhere.

Average customer rating:

A thorough study of the history of quantum physics and an exhaustive description of how order emerges from chaos
A classic on self-organization
Dissipative structures what? Chaos
A popularization of chaos and its philosophical implications

Order Out of Chaos
Ilya Prigogine
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0553343637
Release Date: 1984-03-01

Customer Reviews:

A thorough study of the history of quantum physics and an exhaustive description of how order emerges from chaos .......2006-12-01

Prigogine describes his ideas of how order emerged from a ground of chaos and how the processes of entropy can lead a system open to its environment to evolve greater complexity. He also gives an exposition of the relevance of science to society. Prigogine's Nobel prize-winning models of dissipative structures are difficult to understand but persistent effort will reward the reader. His theories are as applicable to the evolution and expansion of consciousness as to the emergence of life on earth from a relatively simple environment.

A classic on self-organization.......2004-05-09

This work is one of the classics of the breakthrough period of chaos theory, complex systems, and self-organization theories. Mixing two modes and two cultures it stretches its bow between the nitty-gritty details of dissipative systems, and the history of the relations of the human and natural sciences, from the age of the emergence of thermodynamics to the present. The book has something now routinely filtered from discussion, the early critiques of the Newtonian mindset as it was starting to become dominant. The material on the history of the two cultures would seem to fall on deaf ears these days, and gives the book at depth not often seen in works of this type. Very much worth reading.

Dissipative structures what? Chaos.......1997-11-20

The whole problem with writing about a book, and especially this one, is that one has to cut a long story short. A story long enough to encompass a fair amount of scientific history - elaborated, if not referenced exhaustively. Not that it is meant to be. Prigogine's journey does not offer to take you by the hand for a guided tour of order, complexity and self-organisation. Rather, it keeps to the spirit of Toffler's introduction, (Was it coincidental that it was the other way round?!) where he talks about the wonderful art of scientific dissection. Order out of chaos, however, is a difficult read for the anyone who has been initiated into the scientific non-fiction. For those who expect the book to be a popular account of concepts in complexity and self-organisation, the intense style and the depth of detail can be exhausting. Like Penrose in the Emperor's New Mind, Prigogine's style is uncompromising. Toffler's introduction is fitting, if only in parts. The book does not offer explanations. Rather, Prigogine prefers to illumate his readers with his keen philosophical bent. It is here that the book triumphs. The effort that has gone into integrating the ideas in the book, the subtle nuances reflecting Prigogine's own views is truly commendable. But then, one should be fairly conversant with the loopholes that science finds itself in. The description of the behaviour of complex systems warrants some mention. The idea of switching between reality and mathematical description does not gel with the rest of the narrative in parts - specially when chemistry is the running example. Well, Prigogine wasn't writing the book with the intention of it being self-contained - and he makes no bones about it. That is the seed of inspiration, I suppose, for any writer, be it for the cause of science or for the sheer love for the written word. Prigogine has shown that philosophy is in some way inseparable from what many consider the scientist's playground. And we are glad that he has shared his views with us.

A popularization of chaos and its philosophical implications.......1996-12-24

Prigogine argues persuasively that he has reconciled classical dynamics with the human conviction that the future cannot be predicted from a knowledge of initial conditions and differential equations alone. He draws the reader through his own intellectual odyssey from classical thermodynamics, through linear nonequilibrium thermodynamics, and finally to his holy grail of nonlinear nonequilibrium thermodynamics. I suspect he has identified the quantitative tools that will connect the Human Genome Project to a functional understanding of cell biology and physiology. Tools capable of dealing with complexity.
If you are a scientist who has followed these disciplines from afar, and who has wished for a succinct summary that does not shrink from rigor, then acquire this book. You will chuckle at the constant barbs directed across the English Channel, and you will learn wonderful things about thermodynamics and thermokinetics. So few scientific books reveal the authors' insights. Instead, they teem with facts and formulas. Prigogine and Stengers have bedded physics with philosophy as if they were matchmakers for an illicit tryst. You will find yourself whispering, "Aha!" And you will, as I have, wear out your pen with underlining. I loved Carl Sagan's "Demon Haunted World", but Sagan was speaking to everyman. Prigogine and Stengers are speaking to scientists in fields outside their own. They believe they have seen the light, and they want you to see it too. Give them the chance to convince you. You will not be disappointed.

Crystal and Dragon: The Cosmic Dance of Symmetry and Chaos in Nature, Art and Consciousness

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The Title Says It All

Crystal and Dragon: The Cosmic Dance of Symmetry and Chaos in Nature, Art and Consciousness
David Wade
Manufacturer: Destiny Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Li: Dynamic Form in Nature (Wooden Books)

ASIN: 0892814047
Release Date: 1993-05-01

Book Description

We live in a universe of apparent dualities: light and darkness, reason and romance, order and chaos. Exploring the interplay of form and energy, David Wade takes the reader on a journey through the world of successive ages--from Plato's conception of the ideal form and the ancient Chinese philosophy of change to the modern scientific view of structure and indeterminacy as embodied in the laws of physics.

The author shows us how perceptions about the nature of the universe are reflected in the art of of a given period. He details the form and fluidity of prehistoric art, the crystalline order of Islamic patterns, and the subtlety and vitality of Chinese landscapes and calligraphy.

Customer Reviews:

The Title Says It All.......2007-03-08

I buy a lot of books about these current theories about the brain, consciousness, the cosmos...and how it all relates to art and creativity.
This book is especially good in bringing all of those together...following threads in many directions...and keeping them all connected by common idea of Symmetry. Definitely grounded on scientific information as well as knowledge of the symbolic, spiritual, mystical, and artistic associations. The author has an enthusiasm about this subject that is evident, and he wants to explain his insights and broad views in a way that will be clear and interesting. Excellent book.

Chaos and Order in Nature (Springer Series in Synergetics)

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Chaos and Order in Nature (Springer Series in Synergetics)
H. Haken
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Chaos and Order in Nature:

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IBISPU

Chaos and Order: The Complex Structure of Living Systems

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Chaos and Order: The Complex Structure of Living Systems
Friedrich Cramer
Manufacturer: VCH Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3527290672

Book Description

Recent progress in biological research has had a profound effect on our perception of nature. The author approaches the great questions that have always fascinated mankind.

The Dynamic Nature of Ecosystems: Chaos and Order Entwined

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The Dynamic Nature of Ecosystems: Chaos and Order Entwined
Claudia Pahl-Wostl
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

The author presents the argument that it is the trade-off between the irregular, chaotic dynamics at the level of populations and the spatio-temporal organization at the level of the system as a whole that shapes ecological systems. This book combines the topics of theoretical analysis, natural science, philosophy and fundamental ecology in a synthetic treatment. Outlines a coherent framework to delineate the internal structure of ecological networks along the dimensions of time, space and function in the network context. Introduces mathematical tools to describe and quantify the functional importance of spatial and temporal patterns in ecological networks for ecosystem organization.

Chaos and Order in Nature: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Synergetics at Schloß Elmau, Bavaria, April 27 - May 2, 1981 (Springer Series in Synergetics)

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Chaos and Order in Nature: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Synergetics at Schloß Elmau, Bavaria, April 27 - May 2, 1981 (Springer Series in Synergetics)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Chaos and Order in Nature:
H. Haken
Manufacturer: Publisher Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UFPG7W

Complexity: The Emerging Science At the Edge of Order and Chaos ('Fu Za', in traditional Chinese, NOT in English)

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Look in the index and start at the 1st page mentioning Godel
Meh...
Interesting story
A tour through the complex realm of complexity
Mind-opening experience

Complexity: The Emerging Science At the Edge of Order and Chaos ('Fu Za', in traditional Chinese, NOT in English)
M. Mitchell Waldrop
Manufacturer: Tian Xia
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 9576212472

Book Description

Why did the stock market crash more than 500 points on a single Monday in 1987? Why do ancient species often remain stable in the fossil record for millions of years and then suddenly disappear? In a world where nice guys often finish last, why do humans value trust and cooperation? At first glance these questions don't appear to have anything in common, but in fact every one of these statements refers to a complex system. The science of complexity studies how single elements, such as a species or a stock, spontaneously organize into complicated structures like ecosystems and economies; stars become galaxies, and snowflakes avalanches almost as if these systems were obeying a hidden yearning for order.

Drawing from diverse fields, scientific luminaries such as Nobel Laureates Murray Gell-Mann and Kenneth Arrow are studying complexity at a think tank called The Santa Fe Institute. The revolutionary new discoveries researchers have made there could change the face of every science from biology to cosmology to economics. M. Mitchell Waldrop's groundbreaking bestseller takes readers into the hearts and minds of these scientists to tell the story behind this scientific revolution as it unfolds.

Customer Reviews:

Look in the index and start at the 1st page mentioning Godel.......2007-07-05

If you want to focus on complexity...then go to this book's index and start reading at the first page which mentions Kurt Godel.

As you proceed forward you will then find that this book spends progressively more time actually discussing the mathematical concepts underlying complexity or edge of chaos analysis and less time giving war stories about the founders of the Sante Fe Institute...which studied complexity.

Using this method you will learn about complexity theory which posits that simple algorithms can give rise to complicated outcomes.

Like a program to simulate a flock of birds in flight:

This book says that their flight can be similuated by the application of three simple coeffecients relating to maximum distance between birds, their common rate and distance of movement and finally a coeffecient directed to all birds to encourage them forward to being the center bird and leading the pack.

It doesn't take much creative thought to realize that the rules governing birds in flight must be similar to those governing genetic diversity and ultimately molecular diversity and creation itself.

In this way, ideas "merely" having to do with economics become VERY BIG indeed.

It's not surprising that this book was recommended by Richard Hofstadter (author of Godel Escher Bach) and likened to the (much better) Choas by James Glieck. The point is that the characters that this book introduces are very relevant to the discussions started by Hofstadter and so ably advanced by Glieck.

Read the book...or at least those pages following the first mention of Kurt Godel...and you'll see why.

Meh..........2007-04-15

I found the book disappointing. This is definitely NOT in the league of Chaos.

In particular, the coverage of the material of the subject, complexity, was very thin. Waldrop would bring up a subject, address it with some metaphor, and then move on without providing any details. The vast majority of the book is a series of stories about scientists at the Santa Fe Institute who had their inner-child hurt on their journey to discovering complexity. A better title for the book would have been "The Road to Santa Fe: A Tail of Grief."

The book had two redeeming features, the breadth of the material covered and the bibliography; both provide direction for more fruitful reading. Really, getting the feel for most of the subjects covered in this book could be found by putting 'complexity' into wikipedia and reading for a day, though.

Since it was not a complete waist of my time, I gave it 2 stars.

Interesting story.......2007-01-04

The main thread of the book is the Santa Fe Institute, a multidisciplinary research and education center founded in 1984 in the US. The institute deals with complex adaptive systems from physical, biological, computational, and social point of view. Complexity can be found in for instance environmental, technological, biological, economic, and political systems. Hence, this research area is highly relevant.

The story was interesting to read. However, being an engineer, I prefer a shorter and more concise style of writing. A deeper mathematical discussion about complexity would also have been appreciated. The book tells an exiting scientific story, but it is more of a well written novel than a technical textbook.

A tour through the complex realm of complexity.......2006-06-17

Explain many of the phenomenons that occur in nature, economics, and societies that have no current formulas (or the formula cannot be computed by humans). The book stresses that computer simulations could help us decipher the fields of chaos, complexity, and order. You will be surprised how many people think that the whole idea of understanding the universe by using reduction is total nonsense in some contexts.

One downside (or for some people a plus) is that the book goes to a great length to describe the complexity for an economist's point of view, while not spending that much time on complexity from a sociologist, anthropologist, or psychologist's point of view.

Mind-opening experience.......2006-03-22

For me it is THE book of the last few years.
My background is technical. Some reviewers have complained that it touches too much on biographies and too little on "complexity". There may well be a lot of "humanity" in it. The end result, the overall effect, though [for me, of course] was spectacular.

Amazon.com

Welcome to Mitford, North Carolina, the small mountain town at the center of Jan Karon's bestselling novels about rector Father Tim and the heartwarming cast of characters surrounding him. This boxed set includes paperback editions of the first four books in the series: At Home in Mitford, A Light in the Window, These High, Green Hills, and Out to Canaan.

Book Description

Readers everywhere have discovered Mitford is good for the soul. Peopled with a lovable cast of characters and filled with mysteries and miracles, Mitford has become one of the most memorable small towns in recent literature.

Boxed set includes:

At Home in Mitford
A Light in the Window
These High, Green Hills
Out to Canaan
A New Song
A Common Life

Customer Reviews:

At Home in Mitford.......2007-09-28

So, far I have gotten through the first book for class. I am a person drawn to "story", so this book is one I am reading for my ISSUES OF INTERGRITY class at my seminary, and it really speaks to me (and its not that bad of a read either). Sometimes I am weary about the number of pages, yet the story itself about Father/Rector Tim keeps me glued for hours, which has not happened in a while. There is also a subtle irony in the title, because Tim doubts some in the book if this is where he should be or not. Its almost a transitory title, it could be called "For Now At Home In Mitford" - but I guess that would seem too long.. ha ha

The Mitford Years (1-6).......2007-09-28

Because of a sudden death in my family I haven't had time to read but about 1/2 of the first book (At Home in Mitford) in the boxed set. After reading only 1/2 of the first book I would recommend it highly

Wonderful Series.......2007-06-06

I have read this series myself and have given it several times as gifts. This purchase was a gift for my best friend. I previously gave it to my 102-year-old aunt, my mother and my neighbor. Everyone I know who has read these books, loves them.

AT HOME IN MITFORD BOX SERIES.......2007-06-01

THIS ORDER CAME VERY QUICKLY! IT WAS A VERY NICELY PACKAGED GIFT THAT I WAS PROUD TO GIVE. MOM WAS VERY HAPPY!

Absolutly Delightful!.......2007-05-07

This set of books set in Mitford are such a pleasure to read. Part way through you begin to feel like you, too, are a citizen of this wonderful town. Jan Karon sure can write! I would reccomend them highly.

Average customer rating:

Book - "At Home in Mitford"
SUPERB WRITING
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Such FUN to read!
Mitford series review

At Home in Mitford
Jan Karon
Manufacturer: Penguin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 014025448X

Amazon.com

Father Tim, a cherished small-town rector, is the steadfast soldier in this beloved slice of life story set in an American village where the grass is still green, the pickets are still white, and the air still smells sweet. The rector's forthright secretary, Emma Garret, worries about her employer, as she sees past his Christian cheerfulness into his aching loneliness. Slowly but surely, the empty places in Father Tim's heart do get filled. First with a gangly stray dog, later with a seemingly stray boy, and finally with the realization that he is stumbling into love with his independent and Christian-wise next-door neighbor. Much more than a gentle love story, this is a homespun tale about a town of endearing characters-- including a mysterious jewel thief--who are as quirky and popular as those of Mayberry, R.F.D. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

Combining the stellar script-adaptation skills of award-winning writer Paul McCusker with the best-selling novel by Jan Karon, Radio Theatre's At Home in Mitford will leave listeners longing for more. Set in the charming village of Mitford, this book will delight listeners as it draws them into the life of Father Tim, an Episcopal rector who finds himself running on empty and longing for change. His bachelor existence is changed and enriched by a lovable cast of characters, including a stray dog, a lonely boy, and a comely neighbor.

Customer Reviews:

Book - "At Home in Mitford".......2007-09-21

It's an absolutely wonderful story. It's about the experiences of Father Tim over his lifetime of being a minister. Some of his experiences were funny, some sad. I highly recommend it. There are 9 books in the series, but this one should really be read first.

SUPERB WRITING.......2007-08-27

In my opinion AT HOME IN MITFORD is one of the most fantastic books you can't help but feel like your there.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.......2007-08-27

What a wonderful find ! I love books and am an avid reader,I have been blessed to have received this wonderful book from my sister.A pleasure to read and impossible to put down. No bad language,no violence,just pure love,joy,and how most anyone would love to live their life as this.Keeps you interest at high level all the way through the book,and leaves you with such a good feeling,can't wait to get to the rest of them.Jan Karon has to be a truly blessed author.Thank You

Such FUN to read!.......2007-07-24

A friend of mine insisted that I'd like this book but I wasn't so sure - because for some reason I'd presumed that it would be simple and silly. Was I wrong! This book is so much FUN to read! And you never know what will happen next. Spending time with these folks in this village is like a vacation. I will read the entire series. It reminds me of the style of James Herriott, the veterinarian in England stories.

Mitford series review.......2007-07-15

I have read all the books in the Mitford series. I could not put them down. I thought they were all very good. I think Jan Karon did an excellent job making the reader feel these characters were real and that we were right there with them in the story (and I'm not one to be like that at all!) I haven't found many books that I enjoyed reading as much as I did this series. I can't wait for more stories written by Jan Karon.

At Home in Mitford/A Light in the Window/These High, Green Hills (The Mitford Years 1-3)

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The Second Go Around
Volume 1-3: At Home in Mitford
Warm, engrossing stories of everyday life in a small town
Wonderful place to visit!!!
Please don't stop this woderful series!

At Home in Mitford/A Light in the Window/These High, Green Hills (The Mitford Years 1-3)
Jan Karon
Manufacturer: Penguin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0147712033

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

The Second Go Around.......2007-09-25

These books were purchased for my son who reads them every semester. They are his stress relief and he has just about worn out my copies. I got him these so I could have mine to read. Jan Karon has a wonderful way with characters - you know some of the people she writes about. The books are wonderful reading. Light but filled with the sorrows of life as well. Through these books you are encouraged to deepen your walk with God as He is portrayed so accurately.

Volume 1-3: At Home in Mitford.......2007-02-17

Upon recommendation of the a church librarian, we gave these books to my aunt in Texas. She has enjoyed reading them and appreciated their humor and the real life presentation. She thought they were great and is interested in others from the Mitford series.

Warm, engrossing stories of everyday life in a small town.......1999-11-16

The Mitford books are the most wonderful heart-felt adventures in small town living. The characters are real, their real-life problems and victories speak to all of us, and the feel of goodness and Christian faith stay with you long after the books are finished. Unforgettable! I wish Father Tim were the rector in our parish...

Wonderful place to visit!!!.......1999-09-06

The style of writing in this book transports you there!! I feel like I know these people after reading this series! Maybe because there is a little bit of all of these characters in each of us or we at least know someone like them!!! I look forward to all the Mitford books. Wholesome, fun, and easy to read!!

Please don't stop this woderful series!.......1999-05-31

I didn't think it was possible however, the second installment of the Mitford Series was just as warm, wonderful and cozy as the first! At last, it is such a pleasure to read a series of books dedicated to mature love with decency and something left to one's imagaination. I cannot thank Ms. Karon enough for bravely showing the timeliness and gentleness of what the gift of patience brings to those whose choose to wait on God and to wait for the other person to learn about themselves so that they may into share that knowledge in learning to love someone to include them in their life in marriage!

The literary world has been in need of such a refreshing style and gentleness of touch. That you again, Ms. Karon for giving us back love, respect and commitment.

Product Description

novel

Customer Reviews:

First in the Charming Mitford Series.......2006-10-25

In the 1st book in the Mitford series, we are introduced to Father Tim, a kindly rector who is overworked, overwhelmed, and is thinking of leaving his town parish in Mitford, North Carolina. He doesn't eat right, exercises only in his walks around town (he gave up his car for Lent 9-years-ago), and will not take a vacation. Being called the "portly priest" embarrasses him, but it is not until he discovers that he has diabetes does he make major changes to his life. Cutting out his beloved Little Debbie snack cakes, jogging three days a week, and finding house-help does much to improve Father Tim's physical health. But his mental health still suffers from his lack of time to relax. And several events that happen to Father Tim over the course of this lovely story initially only add to his frustration and fatigue.

First, he becomes adopted by a huge, furry dog that he names Barnabas, and quickly learns that the large dog is controlled only by the bellowing of scripture. He then takes in an orphaned boy, whose alcoholic mother decided to "get rid of" all of her five children. The boy, Dooley Barlowe, goes to stay with his grandpa, and when he becomes gravelly ill, Father Tim steps in to care for the boy full time. One of Father Tim's closest friends becomes romantically involved with a dying woman after the recent death of his wife, and Father Tim worries about the heartache that his friend will feel when he loses another loved one. And, after over sixty years of living alone, Father Tim discovers a romantic stirring in his own heart over his new neighbor, Cynthia Coppersmith. In the end, Father Tim realizes that all of these things have been a big blessing in his life, and that the Lord does indeed have big plans for himself and his cherished home in Mitford.

Taking a break from the cozy mysteries that I normally read, I was looking for a series that both my mother and I might enjoy. Based on the many glowing recommendations that I found, I picked up a copy of the books on tape for both of us. We both loved this charming and lovely book! As other reviewers have mentioned, the book grew on me the longer that I listened to it. It took awhile for the story to unfold, and for the characters and setting to become real to me. But after that...I found myself unable to read anything else, or stop myself from listening to the tapes! My mind kept drifting off to Mitford, wondering what Father Tim was doing, or if he would finally express his interest in Cynthia. I laughed, I cried, and at times I yelled at the cassette player. Father Tim can be exasperating at times...he won't take a break, and he bumbles his way around a romance with Cynthia. But, he is also kind, gentle, devout to Christ, and selfless...all of the things that make him such a rich, charming character. I can't say enough about this wonderful series...except that I was more content and felt more blessed in my own life after listening to it.

The next book in the series is called "A Light in the Window". Enjoy!

Average customer rating:

S, Kemp on Devonshir's Chatsworth
ENGLISH BEAUTY
One of the most perfect 'Country House' books ever
To the Manor Born......

Chatsworth: The House
Deborah Devonshir
Manufacturer: Frances Lincoln
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0711216754

Customer Reviews:

S, Kemp on Devonshir's Chatsworth.......2007-06-08

If you saw the Chatsworth exhibit which visited the Tyler, Texas museum, you will find this book greatly enhances your perspective. Although my daughter bought me the DVD from the exhibit, this book gave me much more indepth. I highly recommend it and, as always, Amazon has the very best price!!

ENGLISH BEAUTY.......2006-03-11

This is may not be the largest of the great English estates, but I'm not sure there is one more beautiful or better realized. This house is a stunner and what makes this book all the more interesting is that one of the authors is the duchess herself. This images are wonderful, they are crisp and vivid. It is said that Jane Austen considered this the most beautiful house in England and thumbing through this book it's hard to argue. Really a beautiful book perfectly realized.

One of the most perfect 'Country House' books ever.......2005-08-20

There is no shortage of books on English country houses, but books dedicated in their totality to one single house are surprisingly rare (and those that do exist do not necessarily cover the most obvious houses - there are books on Tyntesfield, Clouds, and Waddesdon Manor, but none on Blenheim Palace, Wilton House or Castle Howard. A book on Holkham Hall is in the making, though). Some books that discuss a greater number of houses are quite excellent (e.g., Great Houses of England and Wales by Hugh Montgomery-Massingbird), but it is hard not to feel shortchanged when a house as rich as Chatsworth is delt with in just a handful of pages. Here is the better alternative. I have collected a great many books on english country house history over the years, but this is certainly one of the most beautiful and satisfying of them all. Everything about it is right.
Chatsworth was already a tourist magnet in Jane Austen's days, and very much remains so today. Sequestered in its gorgeous green valley, it is the quintessential 'great house' in the quintessential English landscape. This book must be the next best thing to an actual visit; in fact, in some ways it may be better, for how many visitors enjoy the pleasure of being shown around by the Duchess of Devonshire herself? And a pleasure it is. The texts are immediately involving, due to their well-balanced mix of (art)history, anecdote, wit and personal recollections and reflections. Family, staff, and visitors all feature in the biography of a place that is very much alive, even though its maintenance poses daunting challenges. Never pompous, the lively, at times delightfully tongue-in-cheek style of the Duchess's writing betrays that she stems from a literary family (she is the sister of Nancy Mitford). Her undisguised great love of the place adds yet more charm.
The other glory, of course, is Simon Upton's photography, which is simply dazzling. All rooms of interest, both in the public route and the private appartments of the Devonshires, are illustrated in large, full colour images, as well as many decorative details, paintings, and several 'downstairs' spaces. In all, they provide fascinating insight into the workings and riches of a very large house like this one. Be aware, though, that the book details the interior only. For views of the house and the gardens you will have to get the equally alluring 'The Gardens at Chatsworth' by the same author (and as I gather, a book about the estate as a whole is forthcoming, so Chatsworthites can rejoice....).

To the Manor Born.............2002-11-13

Fabulous and delightful. A wonderful book with terrific pictures. The Duchess writes with wit and charm. I find this book a delight to pick up and just browse and enjoy. A objective but candid look at living in and maintaining a national and family treasure (not to mention coping with a couple of centuries of collecting and interior decorating!).

At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years #1)

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At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years #1)
Jan Karon
Manufacturer: Penguin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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At Home in Mitford
Jan Karon
Manufacturer: Lion Hudson Plc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years #1)
Jan Karon
Manufacturer: Penqin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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First in the Charming Mitford Series

At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years #1)

Manufacturer: Easton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
ASIN: B000COGY4U

Product Description

LEATHER BOUND book accented in 22kt gold! Personally signed by Jan Karon.

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First in the Charming Mitford Series.......2006-10-25

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At Home in Mitford (The Mitford Years #1)
Jan Karon
Manufacturer: Penguin Group, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Shepherds Abiding (The Mitford Years #8)

ASIN: B000P16IR8

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