Book Description
Is Christianity rational? Sam Harris, best-selling author of Letter to a Christian Nation offers a uniquely pointed perspective on Christian America. Mr. Harris views religion today, on the whole, as a highly negative component of American culture.
R.C. Metcalf presents a compelling counter treatise challenging Mr. Harris' atheist worldview. Raised in an atheist home and trained in secular universities, Dr. Metcalf, now both scientist and Christian, speaks out in support of evangelical Christianity in America.
Does faith inhibit honest science?
Is Christianity a danger to society?
Are Christian morals irrational?
Does evil prove God doesn't exist?
Are humans good by nature?
Customer Reviews:
Response to Harris' book "Letter".......2007-06-25
First of all, I just need to point out that the rating system at Amazon is flawed. Ten of the 11 reviewers who rated this book before me gave the book either 1 star or 5 stars, with only one reader voting a 3. Too often I believe reviewers vote with their presuppositions rather than providing an honest critique of the book. While I think this book is worthy of your purchase, I will go against the flow and give it four stars.
I think the reader (like me) who picked this up without first reading Harris' book will not quite comprehend the flow of the argument, sometimes making it difficult to understand what is going on. If I were to do this again, I would recommend reading Harris first so the "counter point" would make more sense. I didn't do that, and thus I wish I would have, so that is my advice. The read is quick and not difficult at all. (So is Harris' book, I understand.) Metcalf does a good job in his explanation of Christian rationale while responding to Harris. Again, I don't pretend to be an expert because I did not read Harris beforehand. (Will I read it at all? Probably not. Having read Metcalf, it does not appear that there is anything earth-shattering or new here; if there is, please let me know and I'll see if it's worth the $12 purchase.)
One thing Metcalf may want to consider for future editions is some tighter editing. There were some grammatical/construction problems in several places, forcing me to reread the point he was making. Thus, a loss of one star. But as far as clear thinking and explaining the Evangelical Christian perspective, Metcalf does a good job. If you read Harris, you owe it to yourself to read Metcalf as well.
SAME OLD SHEEP.......2007-06-16
1. Misuse/Misunderstanding of Metaphysics
2. Lack of proper methodology on Epistemology
3. Swinging between subjective rights (to have a good feeling) to objective claims, depending on whether one can defend the latter.
4. Ignorance on latest research on Neurophysiology or Philosophy of Mind about the fallacy of Descartes' Dualism.
5. Ignoring negative socialogical impacts of what 'incorrect beliefs' are having on humanism.
6. Mixing up 'faith' (which is required even for science .. just that it comes with a proper methodology) with 'blind faith'.
7. Euphemism on obvious problems.
8. Misunderstanding of 'Rights' (which requires other people's obligation to fulfill)
9. Misuse of languages (see Wittgenstein) and rely on unsubstantiated analytics.
10. Clinging onto hope of living after death.
11. Intellectual dishonesty
12. Emperor's New Cloths
13. Systematic spreading of falsehoods
14. Ignorance of the problems relating to the concepts of 'Evil', 'Greatest of the greatest' and easy excuses for explaining away problems.
15. Ignoring the negative Mob Effect on the society.
A Very Good Christian Response. Three and a Half, really.......2007-06-13
`Letter to a Christian Nation Counterpoint' by Dr. R. Chris Metcalf is a rebuttal to Sam Harris' recent book, `Letter to a Christian Nation' which argues, summarized in simple terms, that Christianity (along with the two other major monotheistic religions, Judaism and Islam) should go away and die a quiet death, due to their history of irrational influences on national and international politics.
Dr. Metcalf replies from the point of view of a contemporary American Evangelical Protestant, although he is just a bit secretive about his current doctrinal affiliation.
Dr. Metcalf has a Masters degree in Theology, so, for starters, his replies to all of Mr. Harris' mistaken interpretations based on his `cherrypicking' (Harris' term) from the scriptures is thorough and, to my lesser knowledge of the scripture, quite accurate.
One of Dr. Metcalf's early arguments is that much of the unpleasantness over the past 2000 years which can be put at the doorstep of `Christianity' is due primarily to the Roman Catholic church, the church which is lead by the Pope, from the Vatican City, within Rome. The suggestion is that the Protestants, beginning with the Reformation precipitated by Luther and broadened by Calvin, Zwingli, and others are `the good guys'. Being a card-carrying Lutheran (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) who teaches adult Bible study in a Lutheran church on Sundays, I'm sympathetic to the argument, but I believe it doesn't fully answer Harris' points. It does blunt some of Harris' criticisms of Calvin by pointing out that Harris criticisms of Calvin, like much of his use of scripture is infected with the same `cherrypicking' and interpretation out of context.
One approach this Metcalf argument does bring up against Harris, although Metcalf does not pursue it fully, is that one can take the position that all the evils Harris documents are the result not of the doctrines of Christianity in themselves, but the result of specific church agendas over time. And, as Metcalf points out, the church, or at least major parts of the organized church, is quite capable of reforming itself and evolving toward a better realization of Christian values.
This brings up the two authors' understandings of morality. As I argued in my review of Harris' book, Harris doesn't really understand modern Ethical theory (the study of morality) and the fact that religious commandments are NOT, in themselves, an ultimate basis of morality. They are values for proper behavior of those people who bear witness to the faith in God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. True moral rules (per the famous categorical imperative of Immanual Kant) apply to everyone, whether they be Christian, atheist, Muslim, Buddhist, or Republican.
Regarding both morality and the connection between Christian cosmology, Dr. Metcalf overlooks one of the soundest (and oldest) principles behind the philosophy of Science. This is Ockham's Razor, formulated by a Catholic cleric, William of Ockham, in the Middle Ages, and is as true today as it was in 1200 CE The principle states that given two hypotheses for the same state of affairs, the one which assumes the fewer things is more likely to be true (apologies to Father William if I misquote, but you get the idea). Ockham's Razor shows that in order to conceptualize the physical world or the principles of morality, there is no NEED to posit a purposeful God to bring these into existence. They simply are, thank you very much. I must say that Dr. Metcalf has a far better handle than Mr. Harris on Ethical theory, as he refers to at least three famous proponents of what has become to be known as Utilitarianism, one of the principle theories for justifying the moral rules. The problem is that Utilitarianism has lots of holes, and the doctrine leads to a lot of especially difficult logical problems. A far better basis for Ethical theory is the work of Kant (see above) and those theories based on Thomas Hobbes' political theory in `Leviathan'.
That doesn't mean that in the moral world, Christian beliefs and values are not a powerful motive to doing the right thing, even if Mr. Harris misunderstands the Christian doctrine between faith and good works (See the Epistle of James as the best description of the connection between faith, grace, and works). This has two salutary results for both Christians and the polity in general. For Christians, it means that it does not make sense to bash non-believers for not signing on to some part of a Christian agenda, until you've convinced them of the value of the whole package and they line up to take Communion. For the atheists, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, and Democrats among us, it means that while a Christian faction can vote it's conscience, they have no SPECIAL license to hoist their values over those of everyone else. That's what the American democracy is all about (it's right there in the Constitution).
It is very important to realize that the positions of Harris and Metcalf do NOT cover all the options. In fact, both authors refer to what I think is the best position from which to address these issues, and both authors dismiss the position. Harris refers to a quote from the National Academy of Sciences, which he describes as `stunning for its lack of candor'. Metcalf cites exactly the same position, espoused by Stephen Jay Gould in his book `Rock of Ages', and finds it lacking in a statement which continues to violate Ockham's Razor. I will offer a third voice for this position separating the combatants to their respective corners, and cite Ludwig Wittgenstein's famous simile in the `Philosophical Investigations' which can be paraphrased to say that there are many different worlds of discourse, i.e., there are many different kinds of tools in our intellectual toolbox, and the hammer, which works so well on one task, will not suit tasks requiring a saw.
This dialogue is terrific, but it is far from over.
Not an effective rebuttal.......2007-06-05
After having finished reading Sam Harris's "Letter to a Christian Nation" I wanted to see what the Christian response was ( self disclosure: I am an agnostic). Metcalf's response is a poor rebuttal. Metcalf makes claims then doesn't follow up with supporting evidence. For example in a section entitled "Science and Christianity" Metcalf writes " ...I would suggest that while the essence of God Himself exists outside the physical universe,Christian claims about God can ( the word "can" is italicized for emphasis) be addressed scientifically" ( p50 ). Metcalf never states how. Bottom line, for myself, Metcalf does a poor job in rebutting Harris.
Don't Listen to the 1-Star Reviewers...This is a Great Book!.......2007-05-31
Have you noticed that this book only gets either 5-star reviews or 1-star reviews? If you loved Sam Harris's book, you probably won't like this one. OK, we all know that. Even so, you should read it to give yourself a chance to be fully informed. If you're looking for a good response to Sam Harris to share with a friend who's read "Letter to a Christian Nation," well, you've found it.
The reviewer that called RC Metcalf's book "rantings of the Christian Taliban" couldn't have actually read the book, or else totally missed the point. After all, Metcalf writes in his intro that "regardless of its effect on public policy, it remains [his] sincere desire that this book will provide the reader, along with Mr. Harris, a clearer picture of the reasonableness of the ... Christian faith."
Metcalf states, in no uncertain terms, that his book is not intended to have any effect on public policy, but rather on the individual reader. Dr. Metcalf's book was also not intended to present an extensive argument for the existence of God. It WAS meant to be a response from a Christian, who believes in God, to Sam Harris and his readers. Metcalf offers an excellent list of books that are good resources on the arguments for God.
As for the reviewer who accuses Metcalf of the fallacy of "appealing to authority"... at least Metcalf DOES cite authoritative resources for his claims. And he does so three times as much as Harris! Both Metcalf and Harris wrote books that are a little over 100 pages long. In Harris's "rantings" he only cites authorities 31 times, and one-sixth of those are references to articles in the New York Times, a highly liberal "authority" (to say the least). In contrast, RC Metcalf has 96 references in his book, including US & NZ government sites and websites of respected universities like Princeton. Or, Metcalf directly quotes sources like Harris, Dawkins and even Jesus.
Sam Harris's book has many more logical fallacies than RC Metcalf's book. Harris builds a straw man (another logical fallacy) by describing Christianity as he sees it, rather than for what it actually is. Such a straw man is easy to tear down. The problem is that most Christians have little in common with the religion Harris describes. In fact, from what I read, Metcalf corrects this version of Christianity by giving the reader an accurate picture of Christianity, which also has nothing in common with the Taliban. Rather than using ad hominem fallacies, Metcalf addresses concrete issues raised by Harris and corrects his faulty assumptions... and he does so with respect, not ranting.
I have to say, I was impressed with "Letter to a Christian Nation: Counter Point." RC Metcalf addresses Harris as one scientist to another, but writes clearly and doesn't mince his words. There are two other books that respond to Sam Harris. One was written by a historian, Michael Patrick Leahy and one by a theologian, Douglas Wilson. They all have their place, because Harris chose to tread on science, history and theology. I prefer Metcalf's response because, although he's a scientist, he obviously has a good grasp of theology. I think it can be harder for non-scientists to write about science, and those areas suffered in the other two books. If you can, read them all! If you can't, start with this one. If I could have, I would have given it six stars. Despite what atheist reviewers have written, you won't be disappointed.
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Tobacco in History and Culture: An Encyclopedia Edition 1. (Scribner Turning Points Library)
Manufacturer: Charles Scribner's Sons
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Book Description
Tobacco in History and Culture explores how tobacco became one of the most important commodities in the history of world trade and the source of one of the biggest public health concerns in modern history. Originally used by Native Americans for medicinal, religious and social purposes, tobacco quickly became the biggest export from the American colonies. By the mid-1990s, more than 14 billion pounds of tobacco leaf were grown worldwide each year, with international treaties governing its advertising and distribution. It has affected agriculture, religion, social customs, business and trade, government policy and medicine in many countries. The unique and innovative reference work presents entries on all aspects of tobacco and from a global perspective, providing support for assignments at many levels and in a variety of fields, including history, economics, government and health.
Tobacco in History and Culture is the first set in a new reference line, the Scribner Turning Points Library. Future titles will explore other discoveries and historical events that have changed the direction of human societies worldwide, whether through sudden upheavals or gradual evolution.
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When it was published in 1928, Point Counter Point no doubt shocked its readers with frank depictions of infidelity, sexuality, and the highbrow high jinks of Aldous Huxley's arty characters. What's truly remarkable, however, is how his novel continues to shock today. True, we may hardly lift an eyebrow at poor Marjorie Carling leaving her husband to live in sin with--and get pregnant by--her lover Walter Bidlake. And the sexual exploits of Lady Edward Tantamount or her daughter, Lucy, seem quite in keeping with the behavior expected of such exalted persons by readers inured to the exploits of the British Royals. If the varieties of sexual experience on display in Huxley's novel seem tame by current standards, his clear-eyed dissection of the motives behind them are thrillingly fresh--and his commentaries on everything from politics to ecology sometimes chillingly prescient. Take for example, the wisdom of amateur biologist Lord Edward Tantamount on the subject of non-renewable resources:
"No doubt," he said, "you think you can make good the loss with phosphate rocks. But what'll you do when the deposits are exhausted?" He poked Everard in the shirt front. "What then? Only two hundred years and they'll be finished. You think we're being progressive because we're living on our capital Phosphates, coal, petroleum, nitre--squander them all. That's your policy. And meanwhile you go round trying to make our flesh creep with talk about revolutions."
When his interlocutor, the fascist politician Everard Webley, demands to know whether Lord Edward wants a revolution, Tantamount first asks whether such an event would reduce the population and check production and then, when assured it would, he responds, "'Then certainly I want a revolution.' The Old Man thought in terms of geology and was not afraid of logical conclusions."
Huxley fills his novel with a multitude of characters, from the obscenely wealthy Tantamounts to the priapic painter John Bidlake, his children Walter and Elinor, and their respective mates, Marjorie Carling and Philip Quarles. There is also the venomous Maurice Spandrell, the revolutionary Illidge, the unctuous Burlap, and the happily married (a rarity in this novel) Mark and Mary Rampion, who are the book's moral center--theirs is the one relationship that combines reason and passion in proper measure. They are purportedly in part based on well-known figures of the time such as D.H. Lawrence and Katherine Mansfield. Love, loss, infidelity, and murder are the subjects under discussion as Huxley juxtaposes one point of view against its opposite, and mixes in a healthy dollop of science, politics, religion, and art, as well. Point Counter Point is an intelligent novel about the intellectual world, and one that bears up gracefully under the test of time. --Alix Wilber
Book Description
A brilliant social satire, it’s also been called the
Vanity Fair for the Twenties: the dilettantes who frequent Lady Tantamount’s society parties engage in dazzling and witty conversations in these wickedly funny portraits of D.H. Lawrence, Katherine Mansfield, Ottoline Morrell and Huxley himself.
Customer Reviews:
This is fantastic........2007-07-18
Like all of Huxley's other books, this one requires that you have some intellect before embarking on reading it. Once you finish it you will feel as though you have done more than just read a novel, but rather you will have a better understanding of the human psyche, this being a product of the novel's rich characterizations and dialog.
Point Counter Point - I'm waiting.......2007-04-29
Oh, Aldous Huxley. You're a fabulous writer, but couldn't you just take that talent and put it towards something substantial?
"Point Counter Point" has no plot. It's that simple. Instead it has many characters. We follow them around and see how their lives are rather empty and bland. Because we're only seeing moments in time, we don't actually have a storyline or a plot, and therefore nothing to describe here. Right?
Not exactly. Huxley obviously wanted readers to gain something from his book. I saw that he probably didn't really like the wealthy upper classes (he spends a lot of time describing them, their habits, and their lives) or at least didn't like their attitude. He writes about so many secret relationships, about many lies, and about difficulties. Dramas. It's almost like a soap opera at times, but because of Huxley's writing talent, it's actually enjoyable.
I suppose that's the best way to describe this book. It's ENJOYABLE. It's fun to read, even if it doesn't really have a point. Though some parts are quite predictable (of COURSE this person will cheat on their girlfriend), other parts are entirely shocking (how did those two characters just DIE?). This gives the book a whole lot more intrigue and more of a reason to read it.
While perhaps "Point Counter Point" isn't spectacular, it IS an enjoyable, well-written book. It's not nearly as good as "Brave New World", but it's difficult to live up to such a masterpiece. Huxley created a fascinating world in "Point Counter Point". You may like it - you may not. I think it's a pleasant read, but nothing more. I recommend it to people who liked "Brave New World" and want to read more Huxley. It's very different (more society, less science), but still well-written and good, despite the lacking plot.
Literature ...........2007-01-14
Every time I write a review of a book which is considered "literature" I am afraid that some Pulitzer Prize winner dude with 2 PhDs is going to track me down and hit me over the head with his cane, but, since I move once a year, I will take my chances. I wish the rest of the book tasted like the first 20 pages. It starts with a series of insights of the minds of the characters which is just exquisite, but then it dilutes onto other things, which are much, much more mundane and I just do not see the same quality of thought put into the writing until some chapters ahead.
My 2 cents.
Huxley is the 20th Century Thackery!.......2006-12-16
Many years ago I saw the Masterpiece dramatization of Aldous Huxley's "Point Counter Point." I have finally found time to sit down and read the original text. This is a wonderful novel. Huxley's command of English is striking. He is an artist- except that he uses words and not paint brushes to fill in the canvas. Some have compared "Point Counter Point" to Thackery's earlier work "Vanity Fair." They were not wrong. It is interesting to note that Huxley writes of the deep cynicism and hypocrisy that infected post-WWI Europe. He captures a jaded society that has lost all moral bearings. He characters are cruel and brutal with their emotions and intellectual swords. Thackery also wrote after a long conflict- the Napoleonic Wars- and similarly captures a society bent on seeking pleasure and material satisfaction. Perhaps a major difference is that Thackery's characters are funny and amuse. Many of Thackery's creations would actually be fun to meet in person. Who would not want to spend an exhausting evening with Becky Sharp or the foppish Josh? The characters in Huxley's novel are far from agreeable. In fact, I could not wish to meet any of them in real life. However, Huxley captures an age. In fact, reading "Point Counter Point" I now understand better the collapse of the West in the face of Nazi aggression. Appeasement and the rapid collapse of France's Third Republic have always been a mystery to me. Huxley provides a clue- Western Europe after WWI had lost its moral compass and inner strength. The characters of Lucy Tantamoun and Burlap were bereft of true emotional empathy with their fellow human beings. Where Thackery paints a picture driven by material gain; Huxley tells of a society that suffers extreme ennui and moral abandonment, driven only by the pleasures of petty cruelty and puerile interests. This is a must read for anyone wanting to better understand the late 1920s and the onset of the 1930s. Otherwise, read it for the sheer pleasure of experiencing Huxley !
Autism and Point Counter Point.......2006-11-06
This book was written by a very observant man; everyone should be able to relate to at least one scene in it. But the characters, who were simply viewed as intellectuals in their day, behave like people with Asperger's syndrome by today's educationally deficient standards. Even Rampion, the most mentally healthy character in the book, can quote French, alienates his family, and makes references to philosophers. Neurotypically normal people will nonetheless understand most of the characters' antics, but "Aspies" will identify more with the Quarles family and Marjorie than the other characters.
Brave New World is the dystopia that Huxley is famous for, but this book depicts a dystopia as well-one that happened to exist in Huxley's time. His world was ruled by not a bread-and-circus government, but people who were so intelligent they didn't understand the meanings of love and friendship. Huxley himself is one of these people- he seems unable to conceive of any other kind of world than the one he lived in. Anatole France's THAIS, a book I'd never heard of until I read this, is referred to as a children's book. The proletariat are, with few exceptions, only mentioned as examples of the "unwashed masses"-apparently he didn't feel comfortable around them (one person with a colloquial English accent frightens Walter just by grumbling at him). No one seems to understand or utilize love except for the obviously abnormal (Rampion, Burlap). In these times, the characters' antisocial tendencies and formidable intellects seem especially striking; the world of PCP appears to be ruled by autism.
I am recommending this to my psychatrist mother as a book that her autistic patients should read. I have a feeling it will find favor among them.
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Point Counter Point by Aldous Huxley
Aldous Huxley
Manufacturer: Penguin books, complete 3/6 unabridged
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Legalizing Marijuana (Point/Counterpoint)
Paul Ruschmann
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ASIN: 0791074838 |
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This report was created for global strategic planners who cannot be content with traditional methods of segmenting world markets. With the advent of a “borderless world”, cities become a more important criteria in prioritizing markets, as opposed to regions, continents, or countries. This report covers the top 2000 cities in over 200 countries. It does so by reporting the estimated market size (in terms of latent demand) for each major city of the world. It then ranks these cities and reports them in terms of their size as a percent of the country where they are located, their geographic region (e.g. Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, North America, Latin America), and the total world market. In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have been occasionally asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services across cities. The purpose of the studies is to understand the density of demand within a country and the extent to which a city might be used as a point of distribution within its region. From an economic perspective, however, a city does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries. To an economist or strategic planner, a city represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another. In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for the world\'s major cities for "letterpress printing of display advertising posters and floor, counter, point-of-purchase, window, and outdoor advertising materials" for the year 2007. The goal of this report is to report my findings on the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by a city when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in most cities of the world. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by residents or industries within the world\'s cities. Without certain cities, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both regions and cities. This report takes the broader definition and considers, therefore, a city as a part of the global market.
Book Description
This report was created for global strategic planners who cannot be content with traditional methods of segmenting world markets. With the advent of a “borderless world”, cities become a more important criteria in prioritizing markets, as opposed to regions, continents, or countries. This report covers the top 2000 cities in over 200 countries. It does so by reporting the estimated market size (in terms of latent demand) for each major city of the world. It then ranks these cities and reports them in terms of their size as a percent of the country where they are located, their geographic region (e.g. Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, North America, Latin America), and the total world market. In performing various economic analyses for its clients, I have been occasionally asked to investigate the market potential for various products and services across cities. The purpose of the studies is to understand the density of demand within a country and the extent to which a city might be used as a point of distribution within its region. From an economic perspective, however, a city does not represent a population within rigid geographical boundaries. To an economist or strategic planner, a city represents an area of dominant influence over markets in adjacent areas. This influence varies from one industry to another, but also from one period of time to another. In what follows, I summarize the economic potential for the world\'s major cities for "sheet-fed lithographic counter, floor display, point-of-purchase, and other advertising display material printing" for the year 2007. The goal of this report is to report my findings on the real economic potential, or what an economist calls the latent demand, represented by a city when defined as an area of dominant influence. The reader needs to realize that latent demand may or may not represent real sales. For many items, latent demand is clearly observable in sales, as in the case for food or housing items. Consider, however, the category "satellite launch vehicles". Clearly, there are no launch pads in most cities of the world. However, the core benefit of the vehicles (e.g. telecommunications, etc.) is "consumed" by residents or industries within the world\'s cities. Without certain cities, in other words, the market for satellite launch vehicles would be lower for the world in general. One needs to allocate, therefore, a portion of the worldwide economic demand for launch vehicles to both regions and cities. This report takes the broader definition and considers, therefore, a city as a part of the global market.
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The Bachelor List
Jane Feather
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ASIN: 0553586181
Release Date: 2004-02-03 |
Book Description
In this exhilarating new trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Jane Feather, a trio of spirited sisters secretly run a thriving matchmaking service. But these three good catches of impeccable pedigree have little interest in matrimony themselves—until, one by one, they meet their matches.
Constance Duncan may be the eldest of three sisters, but she has more important things on her mind than finding a husband—for herself, at any rate. Through the Personals services of her popular newspaper, The Mayfair Lady, Constance connects lonely hearts. But her own heart lies in her work, and nothing will distract her from it—until she finds herself irresistibly drawn to a man of disastrously different views. Max Ensor is a politician whose outmoded attitudes outrage her—even as his powerful presence intrigues her. Clearly there is only one thing to do with such an exasperating man: convert him! Little does Constance know that Max has the same plan in mind for her.... What follows is a fiercely passionate duel in which two headstrong people discover that, differences or not, sometimes one gender cannot—will not—do without the other.
Customer Reviews:
You really need to read the Trilogy .......2007-09-30
This is a great book! Per some of the other comments, the three books really do flow together and this one does not end with a resolution. That is the entire point of a trilogy to keep the story going. I Loved Constance and Max. Constance is a stronge willed woman who was nothing like women of her time. Max is pretty realistic to the traditional man of his era. Both have to compromise to make their relationship work.
Wonderful!.......2005-10-10
I really loved this book. The first page hooked me and I was a goner from there. Constance, Prudence, and Chastity are very well-developed characters that make you feel as if you know them personally. The story is very good with secret newspapers, self-indulgent papas, and a rather explosive relationship with a parliment member. I rather good read. I enjoyed every minute.
i really liked it.......2005-04-17
i had an overkill of romances and stopped reading them for a while in favour of biographies when i picked up The Bachelor List- it was fantastic after all that serious reading it was fun and fabulous.. quite a few people didn't seem to like, but to me, it was the perfect thing on a lazy afternoon or a stressful day at work- perfect!
Easy reading, but some oddities..........2005-02-19
I like the writer's style of prose, and have enjoyed other stories by her. There were some things about this book that bothered me, however.
From the start, the heroine and her sisters are at what I thought was a tea room - drinking tea and eating pastries. Then one of the women is asked to DANCE. That seemed odd.
The heroine dates - as in going on dates to restaurants and parties with a man.
Maybe that was done during this time period, but I don't think it was done by members of the England upper class.
The story is written in what I've come to think of as a Regency style - but it takes place in the late 19th century.
I did like the characters, but did feel that they jumped into bed too quickly and too casually.
That sounds like I didn't like the book - but I did! The writer has a very smooth style of writing. I did enjoy the feminist viewpoint - it was refreshing.
Hate the trilogy.......2004-07-07
I really love Jane Feather but this 'three sister' trilogy is terribly devised. I read this book but I refuse to read the other two in the trilogy becuase, frankly, the sisters are not likable and are definitely not 'heroine' material. When you put their ways of thinking and ways of acting in the time period that they're in, the whole story becomes laughable. I'm not attacking their feminist beliefs, but I am questioning how realistic it is for these three sisters to not only survive on their little enterprises AND conceal all of their adventures from everyone else, but also "decide" quite matter-of-factly that they're all going to lose their virginity--there's a deadline too--to their "gentlemen friends." Why? Because they want to prove something to themselves. Because they don't want virginity to be a "burden."
Ok, first of all, this idea is just plain stupid. Not only is it silly, and possibly dangerous, but they're just doing it for the sake of having done it. And they claim to be level-headed, intelligent young women. Second of all, Jane Feather is asking her readers to believe an incredible thing: that these "gentlemen friends" are not going to keep this all a secret?!! And WHO ARE these guys anyway? IF they're friends, why don't they appear in the novel to help the sisters? Third, this idea is not romantic in the least, it destroys the integrity of these sisters and it makes us question their very character. I feel sorry for the men who fall in love with them.
I'm not applying double standards here, but I do wish to point out that the premise this whole series is built on is too outrageous to be taken seriously (or taken romantically). Even disregarding the time period, the personalities of the sisters do not fit the way that they're acting, especially Charity.
In conclusion, I also do not like how the sisters can be so condenscending, always making fun of their guests, believing themselves to be better and more-educated. I think their intentions are good, and they think they're doing the right thing, but I really wish they stop blinding themselves to reality and learn to accept and tolerate things from other people instead of always imposing their beliefs on others.
Average customer rating:
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Calendar Of Knights: Containing Lists Of Knights Bachelors, British Knights Of Foreign Orders; Also Knights Of The Garter, Thistle, Bath And St. Patrick
Francis Townsend
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 143253680X |
Book Description
Also Contained Are The Guelphic And Ionian Orders From 1760 To The Present Time. This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.
Product Description
Three massmarket paperbacks.
Books:
- LETTERS OF A PORTUGUESE NUN: UNCOVERING THE MYSTERY BEHIND A 17TH CENTURY FORBIDDEN LOVE
- Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama, Interactive Edition (9th Edition)
- Lucifer, Book 11: Evensong
- Mara and Dann: An Adventure
- McSweeney's Issue 15 (Mcsweeney's Quarterly Concern)
- Mother of Sorrows
- Nova Express
- Oracle Night: A Novel
- Our Nig: or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black
- Pears on a Willow Tree
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