Customer Reviews:
Space opera at its best.......2006-09-24
Set in the world of his Lensmen, Doc Smith creates another spectacular space-based swashbuckler. Dr. Neal "Storm" Cloud lost his wife, children, and will to live when an atomic vortex destroys his home. A super-human mind like his can't stay down for long, though, so he applies his super-mathematical skills to solving the equations of vortices and destroying them, one at a time.
That makes for plenty of interstellar zooming around, like a galactic Red Adaire blowing out nuclear fires all over the place. In time, a crew attaches itself to him, including woman with a super-mind suitably inferior to his own since he's the man. This leads to a runin with evil druglords, to solving the mystery of where the vortices originally came from, and to a new true love.
This is a wonderful bit of trash reading from a master of the genre. No one has equalled Smith's frat-boys in space, bounding hither and yon with bold abandon and with wildly offensive stereotypes. Even Smith had gotten away from race-based type-casting by the time this book was written (1960), and he almost made it through the book without offending the women of the world. At one point, his takes on a female M.D. as ship's doctor. Since women in medicine have to be nurses, he makes sure that she's an R.N., too, but that wasn't too bad. Then, towards the end, it comes out the every woman in creation, right down to his cigar-chomping chief engineer, really just wants to have babies. Smith was a product of his time, though, and such stuff really makes me appreciate our own times even more.
It's a brief read, especially by the standards of today's 800-page minimum. If you have taste for anachronistic, adventurous goofiness, it's well worth the few hours needed to read it.
//wiredweird
Customer Reviews:
A must for fans of the series..........2004-12-23
Though I agree that this book isn't the epic tale that the six books of the 'original' series are, it is a good entertaning read. It fills in many details of a universe populated by more than just (dare I say perfect...?) lensmen. The characters are flawed and thus far more human seeming than the characters in the other books.
An unworthy sequel to a classic series.......2004-07-09
Unlike the first 6 books of the lensmen series, which easily rank among my all time favorites of classic golden-age sci fi, I have to be blunt ... this sequel just plain stinks by comparison.
As best I can tell, it was a half-hearted sequel written by the author many years later, and he utterly failed to catch the same lightning he harnessed with his original series.
Save your money.
{www.IBDoF.com}
Average customer rating:
- Super Reader
- Space opera at its best
- Yes, Virginia, this is Lensman Canon!
|
Masters of the Vortex (Pyramid SF, X-1851)
Manufacturer: Pyramid
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: 0515018511 |
Customer Reviews:
Super Reader.......2007-08-27
This book is set in the same universe as the others in the Lensman series, but it is only tangentially related. It references events that happen then, but it is completely Kinnison free.
The hero of the piece is Neal Cloud, a scientist nicknamed Storm. His family are killed by what you could call a space tornado. He is a supergenius, and sets out to do some storm chasing and destroying, picking up a crew along the way.
Space opera at its best.......2006-09-24
Set in the world of his Lensmen, Doc Smith creates another spectacular space-based swashbuckler. Dr. Neal "Storm" Cloud lost his wife, children, and will to live when an atomic vortex destroys his home. A super-human mind like his can't stay down for long, though, so he applies his super-mathematical skills to solving the equations of vortices and destroying them, one at a time.
That makes for plenty of interstellar zooming around, like a galactic Red Adaire blowing out nuclear fires all over the place. In time, a crew attaches itself to him, including woman with a super-mind suitably inferior to his own since he's the man. This leads to a runin with evil druglords, to solving the mystery of where the vortices originally came from, and to a new true love.
This is a wonderful bit of trash reading from a master of the genre. No one has equalled Smith's frat-boys in space, bounding hither and yon with bold abandon and with wildly offensive stereotypes. Even Smith had gotten away from race-based type-casting by the time this book was written (1960), and he almost made it through the book without offending the women of the world. At one point, his takes on a female M.D. as ship's doctor. Since women in medicine have to be nurses, he makes sure that she's an R.N., too, but that wasn't too bad. Then, towards the end, it comes out the every woman in creation, right down to his cigar-chomping chief engineer, really just wants to have babies. Smith was a product of his time, though, and such stuff really makes me appreciate our own times even more.
It's a brief read, especially by the standards of today's 800-page minimum. If you have taste for anachronistic, adventurous goofiness, it's well worth the few hours needed to read it.
//wiredweird
Yes, Virginia, this is Lensman Canon!.......2006-09-14
First, regardless what anyone says, "Vortex Blaster" (AKA "Masters of the Vortex"), IS a Lensman novel, as much any other of the standard canon. Kinnison is a background character in the book, there are Lensmen (Telluran and Rigellian) in the story, it is set in the Lensman Universe, and it was written by Doc Smith. If these criteria do not qualify it as a Lensman book, nothing else does.
We have a parallel case in the Narnia Chronicles. The second book, "Horse and His Boy" is an odd job: it is not part of the overall continuity, does not include the main characters except as background props, and is self-contained. Yet, we still consider it part of the Narnia canon. Similarly, we need to see "Vortex Blaster" as a full and bona-fide part of the Lensman canon.
(At least, much more so than Kyle's "Second-Stage Lensman" Trilogy.)
As to the book itself, I was blown away. I am tempted to say that THIS is the book you read if you want to get converted to the series. You get a taste of Doc Smith's gusto and operatic flamboyance, coupled with his sense of the unusual as Cloud meets the odd creatures that populate Doc's universe. Additionally, I found Neal Cloud and Joan Janowick to be far more vibrant and engaging characters than Kinnison and MacDougal.
Since they are not the Arisian demigods, they are more relatable and more human. They remind me of Kierkegaard's comment, "This is the reason my soul always turns back to the Old Testament and to Shakespeare. I feel that those who speak there are at least human beings: they hate, they love, they murder their enemies and curse their descendants throughout all generations, they sin."
Since the book is self contained, Cloud's and Janowick's romance is a steady flow, as contrasted with Kinnison and MacDougal start-and-stop relationship and marriage that is drug though three Lensmen books. Their mind meld is a sci-fi classic.
Since Red Jacket, Old Earth Books, and Bison--all who have reprinted Doc Smith's works--have not reissued this book, grab the first yellowed paperback you can find, and cherish the book.
Product Description
A churning nuclear fireball, appearing out of nowhere, bringing utter destruction -- and countless numbers of them were menacing planets throughout the Galaxy! "Storm" Cloud, nucleonic genius, set out in his spaceship Vortex Blaster to track and destroy the mysterious vortices -- and embarked on a saga of adventure, discovery and conflict among the far stars that could have been told only by the incomparable "Doc" Smith!
Book Description
Is there such a thing as "too far" when it comes to searching for the ultimate answers to life? Never.
But an important discovery has been made which you should know about.
Who are you? Where do you come from? Where are you going?
Did you ever wonder if the answers were sitting right under your nose?
So here's something different.
No mumbo jumbo. No initiation. No human sacrifices. Just the facts.
And they pack more punch than anything you ever studied on the subject of the mind, spirit and life.
Real answers work. They lead somewhere. You can use them. That's Scientology.
Scientology is used by people of all walks, races and faiths. It can restore honesty and trust, create happiness, raise I.Q. and improve personality.
If you want a better life and have been looking for a down-to-earth, practical way to make it happen, then read this book. With over 800 pages and 500 illustrations, this book will take you through an extensive overview of what Scientology has to offer and explain why it has become the fastest growing religion in the world.
Book Features:
Large-format color Hardcover Over 800 pages and 500 illustrations
Complete catechism Accompanying course available Scientology Results Speak for Themselves:
"I have been involved in the Scientology religion for 25 years and it has helped me tremendously in understanding my own true nature and thereby improving my life.
"What I learned in Scientology has helped me in every area of living. I have had a wonderful 22-year relationship with my husband and we work as a team. I have two great kids of whom I am very proud. They are happy, responsible and able to grow up drug-free as a result of their own moral code. They respect others and communicate well. All of these things I have in my life as a result of Scientology. It gave me the tools, and then I applied them to my life to change conditions.
"Now when I meet new people each day, I see how rough life can be for them and how it so adversely affects them. I know I have a spiritual technology that can truly help them, and I do help them. Scientology has given me the viewpoint that it is my responsibility to do so." - D.G.
"Before I discovered the technology of L. Ron Hubbard, I had been married three times. With all my marriages ending in divorce, I was desperate to find out what it would take to make one work.
"In Scientology, I learned what was behind my failures and how I had erred in choosing a mate. I learned about the basic principles of life and discovered I was able to repair the damage I had done. Soon afterwards I met and married a wonderful man. We recently celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary and together are very involved in the lives of our 10 grandchildren!
"Had it not been for achieving a whole new level of spiritual awareness through Scientology, I am certain I would have either continued my hopeless pattern of marriage and divorce or chosen to live alone and be deprived of the companionship and love of a very special man. Instead, I have a very fulfilling marriage and have been able to build lasting family relationships. This is truly wonderful." — D.C.
Customer Reviews:
Decide for Yourself about Scientology!.......2005-07-18
"What is Scientology" is the book that will let YOU decide what it's all about. That's what I did many years ago and it has helped me become a more successful, prosperous and happy person! I know full well about all the recent publicity surrounding this philosophy but it is about making this world a better place to live and as you know, we could use that at this particular time in history. Enjoy satisfying your own curiosity, read this book and pass it along. You won't be sorry.
Honest look at this popular religion.......2005-06-06
I have been practicing Scientology for 15 years, and have found that this book is a faithful representation of what Scientology is all about.
The book covers all aspects of the religion - from religious services, classes, perspectives on man, the mind, and the spirit, counseling (auditing), volunteer activities of church members, statistical information on members, what to expect in a church.
The book has a sturdy binding, and we've had ours for over a decade - it's been used often, and is still in good shape. It's got tons of pictures, including a fascinating section on the background of Scientology and its founder, L. Ron Hubbard.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking into Scientology.
Extremely Thorough!.......2005-05-24
I purchased this book because I am interested in learning about ideas espoused by various religions. I was shocked to see that the original price was nearly $100.00 - that is, until I received it. This book is an amazing piece of art! I cannot even imagine the time involved in creating it.
This book contains everything you'd ever want to know about scientology, along with an extremely thorough review of just who L. Ron Hubbard is, and how he came to believe in the processes he calls "scientology".
Having read this book, I now realize how wrong many people are in what they think scientology is... One thing I now know for sure is that this is not some form of cult, seeking to destroy its members individuality. It's quite the opposite.
It appears to me that scientology is a form of personal psychology and spirituality. In fact, I think the tenets could be used side by side with other religious beliefs (it doesn't appear to be all or nothing - that if you believe in scientology, you can't believe in christian/jewish/muslim etc... ideas). Instead, the principles can work in conjunction with various other beliefs. The main premise is to bring the individual to a point where they understand who they are, what they are here for, and how they can help themselves and others with the difficulties we all encounter. It appears to place one on a spritual search - to find the answers that feel right to him/her. Instead of just believing whatever you are told, you are asked to seek within yourself.
If you are just wondering what scientology is all about (as I was), or if you are already involved with it, this book can be quite valuable. The pictures included are amazing, and the information is complete. For the bargain price above, you just can't beat it!
Fastest growing? Religion? .......2005-05-22
I don't believe anyone actually reads this book, even the scientologists who dutifully buy it. I may be the first person who actually did read it from cover to cover! And why? To find out the number of Scientologists according to Scientology. Millions and millions, right? Nope. The book doesn't say! It's a mystery folks.
A wonderful, easy book to read and learn from........2002-05-03
I, myself am Jewish and my Husband is Christian. We both read this book and found it very interesting. Just by reading it, we both were able to analyze our lives and make changes. It is a great handbook to have when one has a dilema or would like a little push. I love the question and answer section. We are not the type of people that will judge a religion by what others say. We like to look into it, learn about it and research. So far, we have both learned that this is not a cult but a way of positive living. It's just like going to alcoholic anonymous or a therapist. People go for help, We both believe that there is nothing wrong with that. Who are we to judge? After 22 years of marriage, this is the first time we both agree with a philosophy. We like the way Scientology works things. Yes, I admit, none of us out there like to let go of our money. I know I, myself pay a membership fee to my Temple. My husband donates 10% of his paycheck to his church. And I ask myself why? Why do we need to pay to worship God? I never understood that. I did find out that you pay to take self improvement classes in Scientology. It makes sense. One has to pay for the books only. Not for the help you get from the people that are there. Doesn't this make more sense? It does to me. Whatever the case, everyone lives life the way they choose to live. I'll always be a Jew and my husband will always be a Christian. We don't judge. We don't live life based on what others say or do. We do for ourselves. If I had to do it again, I would buy the book again. We are now reading Dianetics! God bless you all.
Book Description
Is there such a thing as "too far" when it comes to searching for the ultimate answers to life? Never.
But an important discovery has been made which you should know about.
Who are you? Where do you come from? Where are you going?
Did you ever wonder if the answers were sitting right under your nose?
So here's something different.
No mumbo jumbo. No initiation. No human sacrifices. Just the facts.
And they pack more punch than anything you ever studied on the subject of the mind, spirit and life.
Real answers work. They lead somewhere. You can use them. That's Scientology.
Scientology is used by people of all walks, races and faiths. It can restore honesty and trust, create happiness, raise I.Q. and improve personality.
If you want a better life and have been looking for a down-to-earth, practical way to make it happen, then read this book. With over 800 pages and 500 illustrations, this book will take you through an extensive overview of what Scientology has to offer and explain why it has become the fastest growing religion in the world.
Book Features:
Large-format softcover Over 800 pages and 500 illustrations 64 color charts Complete catechism Accompanying course available Scientology Results Speak for Themselves:
"I have been involved in the Scientology religion for 25 years and it has helped me tremendously in understanding my own true nature and thereby improving my life.
"What I learned in Scientology has helped me in every area of living. I have had a wonderful 22-year relationship with my husband and we work as a team. I have two great kids of whom I am very proud. They are happy, responsible and able to grow up drug-free as a result of their own moral code. They respect others and communicate well. All of these things I have in my life as a result of Scientology. It gave me the tools, and then I applied them to my life to change conditions.
"Now when I meet new people each day, I see how rough life can be for them and how it so adversely affects them. I know I have a spiritual technology that can truly help them, and I do help them. Scientology has given me the viewpoint that it is my responsibility to do so." - D.G.
"Before I discovered the technology of L. Ron Hubbard, I had been married three times. With all my marriages ending in divorce, I was desperate to find out what it would take to make one work.
"In Scientology, I learned what was behind my failures and how I had erred in choosing a mate. I learned about the basic principles of life and discovered I was able to repair the damage I had done. Soon afterwards I met and married a wonderful man. We recently celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary and together are very involved in the lives of our 10 grandchildren!
"Had it not been for achieving a whole new level of spiritual awareness through Scientology, I am certain I would have either continued my hopeless pattern of marriage and divorce or chosen to live alone and be deprived of the companionship and love of a very special man. Instead, I have a very fulfilling marriage and have been able to build lasting family relationships. This is truly wonderful." — D.C.
Customer Reviews:
I really liked this.......2006-04-22
I really liked this book. It gave a nice overview of the scientology religion and answered a lot of questions I had. I have some very practical uses for what I read and am glad I did.
I say Read it and deicide for yourself.
THE BOOK ANSWERS THE TITLE'S QUESTION.......2005-08-31
This is a good, thorough overview of the philosophy of Scientology and the activities of Scientologists. There are a lot of conflicting opinions floating around out there, and it is great to have the facts easily available in one concise book.
Good book, but read Dianetics instead..........2005-07-07
Its a good book. According to my research, Scientology is a religion and is worth a shot if you want a miracle, because Scientology does gives hope, and the tools you need to have a good life. A lot of these people who have some things to say otherwise are really big jerks!!!!!!!
I would have given more stars because history-wise its a good book and i have nothing wrong with it. But if you want to learn why Tom Cruise loves Scientology, and how you can be as successful as he is (minus Katie Holmes) you should then read Dianetics. And then the adventure begins....
And by the way, they sell the book here too.
Excellent book, excellent information.......2005-06-18
This book gives excellent insight into exactly what Scientology is and answers all the questions that I had on the subject. It turns out, that the negative things I heard people saying about Scientology are not true and I was listening to them instead of finding out for myself. So, disregard what you have 'heard' from others who probably never actually read it and research it for yourself. you will not be disappointed!
You don't NEED this book........2005-01-23
I say you don't NEED this book because it is not critical to your progression in Scientology. It is great as a supplement to your understanding of the basics of the religion and the degree to which it has permeated society, but if you are hoping that this book will get you started on the path of Scientology in terms of exercises, you will be disappointed.
Here's what this book will tell you. 1) L. Ron Hubbard founded Scientology in the 1950s as an extention to his ground-breaking book on Dianetics. 2) Scientology is pervasive in the world today, and it has been/continues to be very successful. 3) In order to benefit from Scientology, you MUST go through the processes of auditing and training. 4) Auditing evaluates your current condition and training helps you to improve your life in a variety of ways. 5) Auditing requires the use of the E-Meter, which is supposed to help the auditor find aspects of your reactive mind, but in reality is only a glorified Ohmmeter and will tell you your body's resistance to electricity.
If you want to get started in Scientology, go to scientology.org and find your nearest Scientology Church. [...]. Hubbard wrote many many books, and if you're serious about learning on your own what Scientology has to offer, start with his first major work, Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. But whatever you do, don't buy this book unless you're alredy engaged with the religion and simply want to enhance your understanding of it.
Average customer rating:
- Very informative!
- A great book about Scientology
- This book contains the true secrets os L.Ron Hubbard
- Comprehensive and enlightening
- Lots of facts, but not all!
|
What Is Scientology
L. Ron Hubbard
Manufacturer: Bridge Publications Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Scientology
| Other Practices
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Spirituality
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health
-
Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought
ASIN: 0884048500 |
Customer Reviews:
Very informative!.......2005-05-07
This comprehensive resource answers all the commonly asked questions about Scientology, including the history, a biography of the founder, church locations, various courses and counseling services available, Sunday Service, services provided by chaplains, volunteer ministers, support given by Scientology to the community, and more.
I found this to answer many of my own questions!
A great book about Scientology.......1998-09-28
I especially like the pictorial history of world religions.
This book contains the true secrets os L.Ron Hubbard.......1998-09-23
Despite attacks and slants against his works L.Ron Hubbard still remains one of the best selling authors of the century. One must ask why, well contained in this book are all the top secret answers. If you had questions about the religion or the author then read this book. Many people will say its a PR book to blur peoples vision. If that was the case turn to the chapter that gives you allthe details about the IRS investigations on the church. Try the pages that give you copies of all the declarations to the church, or thew question and answer pages. Don't believe anyone until you look for yourself
Comprehensive and enlightening.......1998-08-24
The book 'What is Scientology' is a very comprehensive and thorough text on the subject of the Scientology Religion. I found it to be the finest text on the subject matter, and very enlightening. Anyone reading this text will find it will answer truthfully any questions you may have on the subject matter. It is definitely a reliable source of information on the subject of Scientology. Hubbard was truly an amazing man to have founded such a compeling movement. My hat is off to those who compiled such a fine reference.
Lots of facts, but not all!.......1997-12-31
I give a 7 because it's well written and the layout is superb. However, the photos of various E-Meter drills and Scientology sessions look VERY formal and almost military in nature - with some even wearing Navy-like uniforms. Also, very few photos of non-white persons. The info about Scientology is very interesting yet no mention is made of any 'teacher' other than L. Ron Hubbard, and he is presented in an almost God-like manner. Scientology doens't seem to support the teachings of anyone other than L. Ron Hubbard, whereas Chopra, Tracy, Robbins, etc all read and support each other's teachings. I also found it perplexing that while L. Ron Hubbard is very highly praised by Scientologists, I could not find a single mention in the book about any Hubbard family members that are involved and carrying on his lagacy. I found no mention of Hubbard children or widows who are currently in Scientology. Scientology and Dianetics might be for some people, but definitly not for everyone. Search CNN.com and other news sources if you're seriously interested. And by the way, if you have money you'll be very welcome because Dianetics & Scientology cost $$$! Their own literature says it's similar in cost (and time) to going to college for several years.
Average customer rating:
|
Does It Really Matter What I Believe about God?
David Maxfield
Manufacturer: Tate Publishing & Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Christian Living
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1598868292 |
Product Description
Author David H. Maxfield explores all the possibilities, and raises an additional question, what if it matters to God what you believe?
The author guides us through the maze of various beliefs as he reveals the source of confusion. Answering the question Does it really matter what I believe about God will have an impact on your life now, and forever.
Average customer rating:
|
What is Scientology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Scientology
| Other Practices
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000HFLUNY |
Average customer rating:
|
What Is Scientology
Not Listed
Manufacturer: Bridge Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Scientology
| Other Practices
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000JGJ4PW |
Books:
- Midnight Graffiti
- Midworld
- Mondo 2000: A User's Guide to the New Edge : Cyberpunk, Virtual Reality, Wetware, Designer Aphrodisiacs, Artificial Life, Techno-Erotic Paganism, an
- New Mexico: Images of a Land and Its People
- North Light's Big Book of Painting Watercolor Flowers
- OBJECTION!: HOW HIGH-PRICED DEFENSE ATTORNEYS, CELEBRITY DEFENDANTS, AND A 24/7 MEDIA HAVE HIJACKED OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
- Option Lock (Dr. Who Series)
- Perchance to Dream: Robert B. Parker's Sequel to Raymond Chandler's the Big Sleep
- Raechel's Eyes, Volume One: The Strange But True Case of an Apparent Alien-Human Hybrid (Star Kids Chronicles)
- Rico Lebrun drawings
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Our Constitution: The Way It Was
- Foods That Fight Pain: Revolutionary New Strategies for Maximum Pain Relief
- Bret Harte's Gold Rush: Outcasts of Poker Flat, the Luck of Roaring Camp, Tennessee's Partner, &
- Complete Trees, Shrubs & Hedges: Secrets for Selection and Care
- Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most
- Foundations of Image Science
- Einstein: His Life and Universe
- Freshwater Wetlands: Ecological Processes and Management Potential
- Bold Entrepreneur: A Life of James B. Duke
- Burkina Faso Business & Investment Opportunities Yearbook
