History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

a little objectivity please....
Gospel Truth
The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
The Gospel Of Mary Magdalene Words To Live By:
Earns a re-read

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene
Jean-Yves Leloup
Manufacturer: Inner Traditions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0892819111
Release Date: 2002-02-01

Book Description

Restores to the forefront of the Christian tradition the importance of the divine feminine

â€¢ The first complete English-language translation of the original Coptic Gospel of Mary, with line-by-line commentary

â€¢ Reveals the eminence of the divine feminine in Christian thought

â€¢ Offers a new perspective on the life of one of the most controversial figures in the Western spiritual tradition

Perhaps no figure in biblical scholarship has been the subject of more controversy and debate than Mary Magdalene. Also known as Miriam of Magdala, Mary Magdalene was considered by the apostle John to be the founder of Christianity because she was the first witness to the Resurrection. In most theological studies she has been depicted as a reformed prostitute, the redeemed sinner who exemplifies Christ's mercy. Today's reader can ponder her role in the gospels of Philip, Thomas, Peter, and Bartholomew--the collection of what have come to be known as the Gnostic gospels rejected by the early Christian church. Mary's own gospel is among these, but until now it has remained unknown to the public at large.

Orthodox theologian Jean-Yves Leloup's translation of the Gospel of Mary from the Coptic and his thorough and profound commentary on this text are presented here for the first time in English. The gospel text and the spiritual exegesis of Leloup together reveal unique teachings that emphasize the eminence of the divine feminine and an abiding love of nature over the dualistic and ascetic interpretations of Christianity presented elsewhere. What emerges from this important source text and commentary is a renewal of the sacred feminine in the Western spiritual tradition and a new vision for Christian thought and faith throughout the world.

Customer Reviews:

a little objectivity please...........2007-08-22

In all this debate about Mary Magdelene (and now Judas), one all-important fact seems to elude us "enlightened" moderns: the Church Fathers, who established the official canon at the Council on Nicaea, lived nearly 1600 years closer to the time of Christ than we do. That means that the apostolic Traditions, which they strove to follow, were much fresher in memory; in other words: there were only 400 years of transmission of those traditions. 1600 years later, along come the moderns, suddenly boasting that now we know what REALLY happened with Christ and His followers! This is the height of pride. The Church Fathers were not dreaming or pleasing their own ideological fancies, as most moderns are in these matters; they were striving to strictly adhere to the truths and sacred memories that were passed down to them, in an unbroken line of apostolic succession. Think of that before dismissing their decisions about rejecting certain texts.

Gospel Truth.......2007-08-10

One of the happy outcomes of The Da Vinci Code phenomenon is a wider awareness of the "Gnostic Gospels". Publishers have not been slow to respond, but this precious volume towers above the crowded scene along with its companion titles in the series: the Gospels of Thomas and Philip. The French admire and understand these long-lost Scriptures and Leloup uniquely combines mystical insight with scholarly wisdom. The big problem is that other most editors and commentators "leave the track" because they are one or the other. Your best guide is qualified in both fields! Take this book to your heart.

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene.......2007-08-09

Enlightening and very well written. Confirms what I always felt was Mary's status in relation to Jesus.

The Gospel Of Mary Magdalene Words To Live By:.......2007-05-29

It's disheartening that the first 6 pages and pages 11--14 of Mary Magdalene's gospel are missing. It would've been a gemütlich experience to read those missing passages considering the inquiries that were raised.
On page seven of the gospel the inquiries asked were "What is matter? Will it last forever?" It seems that Jesus (in the tradition of Aristotle) and his apostles were engaging in a dialogue about physics. Could Jesus have been an academic in philosophy? It seems to delineate in that direction and Jean-Yves Le Loup's interpretation of the gospel may indeed hold the argument apposite.
It isn't at all surprising to note that the Catholic Church won't endear this document since it (along with the Gospel of Philip) shows unequivocally that Jesus wasn't a virgin, that he had passion for a woman (Mary Magdalene) who also had intimacies toward him. (How salacious of them!)..........{I'm being cynical so don't be offended.}
Furthermore, most religious individuals who are indoctrinated by the lies of the Church still believe that Mary was a prostitute even though the Bible doesn't indicate this. "Mary's identity as a prostitute stems from Homily 33 of Pope Gregory I, delivered in the year 591[AD], in which he declared that she and the unnamed woman [prostitute] in Luke 7 are, in fact, one and the same, and that the faithful should hold Mary as the penitent whore." Pope Gregory's comments were and still are abhorrent, but what is even more despicable is the fact that it wasn't until 1969 that "the Catholic Church officially repeal[ed] Gregory's labeling of Mary as a whore, thereby admitting their error--though the image of Mary Magdalene as the penitent whore has remained in the public teachings of all Christian denominations. Like a small erratum buried in the back page of a newspaper, the Church's correction goes unnoticed, while the initial and incorrect article continues to influence readers [believers,]" said Le Loup.
Anyway, what ever happened to love, respect and forgiveness? Isn't that what Jesus was being pedagogical about?
Religion has never been about love because religion is really a euphemism for government, and governments since the beginning of time have always been malevolent!
And this gospel, plus many others (such as the Gospel of Thomas) demonstrate that fact. If religion were really about love then why would the Church be so adamant about hiding the fact that Jesus had a companion? It's something you should really think long and hard about especially after reading this book.
Ponder on this thought; in chapter seven Peter asked Jesus: "Since you have become the interpreter of the elements and the events of the world, tell us; what is the sin of the world?" Jesus then answered by stating, "There is no sin."
Now, just think about that for a moment "There is no sin." This quote from Jesus is what the Religious institutions don't want you to read because then you'll begin to ascertain what the meaning of life really is.
Jesus then went on to say; "It is you who make sin exist, when you act according to the habits of your corrupted nature," as religious leaders and governments do all the time. They are corrupt and give into their proclivities for empire, which is something we should never ascribe to. Jesus also said; "This is why you become sick, and why you die, it is the result of your actions; what you do takes you further away. Those who have ears let them hear!"
The arguments that Jesus and Mary Magdalene raise are simplistic, yet uncanny. What is even more amazing is the leadership role that Mary takes after Jesus' death. She becomes the teacher and leads the Apostles on their godly mission.
Insofar as Le Loup's commentary, it is very intricate yet deep. Le Loup searches for a deeper meaning by using philosophical arguments to make his case. He meticulously uses the gospels in the Bible and makes comparisons to Mary Magdalene's gospel in hopes of showing a correlation between them; that there isn't any contradiction.
In my opinion, Le Loup successfully validates the authenticity of the Gospel Of Mary Magdalene, and that we should all take a profound glimpse into our Four Dimensions of Humanity, which he thoroughly explains in his commentaries.
In some aspects Le Loup's commentary reads like a new-age self help book, which makes it an A+ dissertation because personal spirituality is always healthy, whether you are an atheists, or a religious person it doesn't matter just getting in-touch with your positive self for the good of all mankind is worthwhile. Le Loup effectively demonstrates that this is what Jesus was ascribing to achieve.

Earns a re-read.......2007-04-17

Very interesting that Jesus shared w/Mary the details of a woman's inner knowing, we call women's intuition. Some of this writing was over my head & I've read many parts many times.

Quantum Psychology: How Brain Software Programs You and Your World

Average customer rating:

Interesting - a bit hard to get through
Damaging Your Assumptions
This is Anton Wilsons' take on Leary's Eight Neural Circuit model of human consciousness
Niels Bohr Meets the Buddha
Great book

Quantum Psychology: How Brain Software Programs You and Your World
Robert Anton Wilson
Manufacturer: New Falcon Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1561840718

Book Description

Throughout human history, thoughts, values and behaviors have been colored by language and the prevailing view of the universe. With the advent of Quantum Mechanics, relativity, non-Euclidean geometries, non-Aristotelian logic and General Semantics, the scientific view of the world has changed dramatically from just a few decades ago. Nonetheless, human thinking is still deeply rooted in the cosmology of the middle ages. Quantum Psychology is the book to change your way of perceiving yourself --- and the universe. Some say it's materialistic, others call it scientific and still others insist it's mystical. It is all of these --- and none. The book for the 21st Century, complete with exercises. Picks up where Prometheus Rising left off. Some say it's materialistic, others call it scientific and still others insist it's mystical. It is all of these --- and none. Second Revised Edition!

Customer Reviews:

Interesting - a bit hard to get through.......2007-06-08

I would say this is ideal for an intellectual type, who enjoys a clever professor. A bit tough for me to get through - being that I'm more just generally interested in the topics discussed and not passionate about any particular point of view. Learned some things, forgot some things, let some things just pass by. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Probably wouldn't get another book from the author.

Damaging Your Assumptions.......2007-01-29

This is arguably one of Robert Anton Wilson's best books, along with Prometheus Rising. Although not a quantum physicist by trade or by training, RAW, with unfailingly skill and humour, applies the insights of quantum theory to the psychology of everyday life. If this book alone out of RAW's huge catalogue of works were to be read (and understood), that would be enough to guarantee severe and lasting damage to your previously immutable assumptions... Radical Uncertainty

This is Anton Wilsons' take on Leary's Eight Neural Circuit model of human consciousness.......2006-12-01

This book offers some interesting variations on the Eight Neural Circuit Model of human consciousness developed by Timothy Leary. The major differences are to be found in Anton Wilson's descriptions of the 6th and 7th neural circuits. The magician and psychonaut may judge for themselves which version of this consciousness model is more useful.

Niels Bohr Meets the Buddha.......2006-11-06

This book revisits the notion that while your brain doesn't actually create the universe, it does create the model of the universe that you are aware of and experience. Many well thought-out concepts; ideal for those who need a different perpective to get them out of a psychological rut. The chapter on the E Prime language was a good laugh. It is the exact opposite of what they taught us in journalism class.
Wilson, as always, inspires. My totally unbiased opinion: he is a national treasure.

Great book.......2006-08-15

This is every bit the mind bender that the blurbs say it is. Wow!

New Babylonians: Contemporary Visions of a Situationist City

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New Babylonians: Contemporary Visions of a Situationist City
Iain Borden
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0471499099

Book Description

The Situationists, who first appeared on the architectural scene in the 1960s, regarded cities as the ultimate opportunity for creative self-expression. While there are many publications about the history of the Situationist International, New Babylonians offers unique coverage of how their tactics are currently employed in architectural and urban strategies. It features renowned architects and educators who were first generation Situationists and also highlights some of the most exciting international practitioners involved in urban design today.

Contains contributions from an impressive roster of academics, designers, writers, and art practitioners
Offers timely and lively insights about contemporary urban architecture and art

Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson: All And Everything: 1st Series (All and Everything Series 1)

Average customer rating:

Challenging and Thought Provoking - Highly Reccomended.
out of darkness
I like the 3-volume paper edition better because...
What to think.
There really is no other book quite like this

Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson: All And Everything: 1st Series (All and Everything Series 1)
G. I. Gurdjieff
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140194738

Book Description

With Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson, G. I. Gurdjieff intended to "destroy, mercilessly . . . the beliefs and views about everything existing in the world." This novel beautifully brings to life the visions of humanity for which Gurdjieff has become esteemed. Beelzebub, a man of worldly (and other-worldly) wisdom, shares with his grandson the anecdotes, personal philosophies, and lessons learned from his own life.The reader is given a detailed discussion of all matters physical, natural, and spiritual, from the creation of the cosmos to man's teleological purpose in the universe. This edition of Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson--the first single-volume paperback to appear in English--restores the original, authoritative translation.

Customer Reviews:

Challenging and Thought Provoking - Highly Reccomended........2007-05-10

This philosophical expose` covers ancient history, many truths about man, and what our planet looks like from the perspective of a higher life form. Wars, Diet, the Creation and Maintainence of the Universe are but a few samples of topics covered by G in his 1200 page tome.

The writing style presents a unique challenge to the reader, forcing him to hold consciously the idea presented in his mind, and further to think about it in a way the author had intended. It also minimizes incorrect interpretation, and gives you the pure intent of what the author was trying to say.

A fictituous novel - it holds more truth then any non-fiction book I've yet to read. Granted, much is hidden in allegory, but overall his message is clear and obvious, assuming you can hold you attention on the work and not give up on it.

Overall it forces your mind to work harder, and thus improve itself throughout the course of the work. Highly reccomended reading for anyone who has mental agility, patience and enjoys the challenge of a truly unique read.

out of darkness.......2007-02-24

Gurdjieff reveals candidly in the opening pages of Beelzebub's Tales that this First Series of his writings is for the real consciousness buried within us and is intended to "destroy without mercy" the conceptions and views that have become so firmly rooted because of centuries of people living abnormally. He shows us with compelling exactness our place in the universe, our responsibility as human beings and why, despite the best efforts of sacred messengers sent to us from above, we remain tragically separated from what is most essential to the aim of human existence.

While helping us to see the harsh truth about ourselves, Gurdjieff does not leave us in the lurch. He leads us back out of the darkness and, as a kind grandfather, guides us patiently toward the light, at every step carefully watering seeds of consciousness that lie buried deeply inside us. On the long journey toward discovering Beelzebub's most subtle lessons, we are helped to feel our smallness and our partiality and to see that if we wish for real understanding, the mind alone, no matter how adroit, will never be enough.

Gurdjieff warned us in his introduction not to expect the kind of literature to which we are generally accustomed. As we try our best to penetrate to the core of Beelzebub's Tales, it turns out that we, instead, are being penetrated. The Great Beelzebub, telling stories to his grandson, leads us to rediscover in the depths of ourselves, God's quiet representative.

Anyone who approaches Beelzebub's Tales with an attitude of openness is likely to receive substantial help, though the exact manner in which one is worked on by this remarkable influence may remain something of a mystery. Familiarity with the Gurdjieff work is not necessarily a prerequisite to receiving the book's special gifts. If there is a preparation that may allow one to hear better, perhaps it is only the deep wish to be oneself, the wish to live as a normal human being.

I like the 3-volume paper edition better because..........2006-11-23

I can't really add anything to some of the perspicacious reviews here, and I even appreciate the negative ones which have their own validity. But I just wanted to make some comments about the actual book itself.
Back in the early 1990s a very attractive hardbound edition was released under the Arkana imprint, supposedly carefully edited by people in the Work to more faithfully reflect Gurdjieff's original intentions compared to the original. But for some reason I kept going back to the three-volume paperback edition under the Dutton imprint (which I think is the same text as the original 1950s English version). I have carried these little paperbacks around so much they are falling apart, and I am looking for a nice set to replace them with. I can't really put my finger on why I like this edition better than the (Arkana) one; you might want to look at both and compare them.
With the Dutton set you can carry one of the volumes around with you and dip into it during your downtime...it's too hard to do with that big hardback or one-volume softcover.
One of the most essential books I own, and one of the most provocative I've ever read.

What to think........2006-06-06

Looking over the vast descrepency of reviews on this book (which I have read) I had an interesting thought.

Many people have read this book (obviously,) some of which have no idea whatsoever they are reading (obviously,) and display this in their rather ill-informed reviews.

Thinking about this I had the thought that perhaps Gurdjieff would be rather disappointed at the ammount of people who have given this book 5 stars. In the introduction, Mr. G. muses at the idea of working with publishers to allow a reader to return the book after reading the introduction when they have no doubt found the book to be rubbish.

Now it became clear to me why he thought this. The best way to get a feel for this book through the reviews is to look at the people who have given it 1 or 2 stars. If you can see yourself saying such close minded rubbish after reading a volume of 1,300 or so pages, then this book is not for you.

Also those for whom this book is not for, those who would like an introduction into the fourth way. This book is written almost entirely in allegory. If you want a clear explination of Mr. G.'s ideas, read first "In Search of the Miraculous" by P. D. Ouspensky.

There really is no other book quite like this.......2006-05-11

What is it?

It's a spell. Repeat 3 times as instructed and it will begin it's work.

What is the purpose of the spell?

Simple - to remove all other spells.

Uncommon Wisdom: Conversations With Remarkable People

Average customer rating:

leading edge
Hidden Treasure
A fine introduction to Capra.

Uncommon Wisdom: Conversations With Remarkable People
Fritjof Capra
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0671473220

Customer Reviews:

leading edge.......2003-03-11

Enlightening, sometimes radical penetrations of thought revealed by one eminently qualified at the task.

Capra explores leading edge thought in a readable and enriching way.

Excellent book.

Hidden Treasure.......2003-03-05

I have found all of FC's books very helpful. He has been able to take many exceptionally complex ideas in science and make them accessible to the lay reader - such as myself. In particular, he has made the link between the New Physics and Living Systems and the ancient wisdom.

Uncommon Wisdom takes a different approach to his other books. His traditional books are based naturally on explaining the ideas. This book is grounded in experience and in relationship. Here FC takes a personal and musing approach. He shares his own life journey, doubts, fears and hopes, as he meets, talks and develops relationships with some of the great thinkers of our time. He shows us through his story how his thinking develops. We as readers share the unfolding process in his own being as he too struggles with the import of what he is learning.

The ideas in this book are embedded in story and in people. As such they are more "sticky" than ideas simply defined and outlined. It is one thing to have Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle explained. It is so much better to listen, via FC's ears and eyes, to Heisenberg talk.

Another lasting impression I received from the book is what a time the 1970's 1980's was. Was it our Golden Age? Much of the book is located in the 1970's and 1980's when the idea of the breakdown of the Cartesian view and the rise of an interrelated view of reality was so new.

The book is out of print and I encourage him to persuade his publisher to get it back on the shelves. Why? In middle age, our youth has a pull. FC's current writing is already looking back at the 1970's which he now sees as a "Turning Point". Now in late middle age he and many millions of us are looking back with a new perspective. It is worth re-discovering the wonder of that time. In Uncommon Wisdom we travel back with FC and sit at his shoulder as he hears for the first time the ideas that are changing our world 30-years later. Maybe we have digested this time enough and we need to remember when we questioned more and to pick up the gifts we left aside as we turned away to raise our children and to get on in the world.

A wonderful book full of compassion and wonder

A fine introduction to Capra........1999-02-08

This is an excellent book that acquaints you with the intellectual odyssey and personality of Mr. Capra. Filled with brilliant insights and fascinating discussions with people like E.F. Schumacher, R.D. Laing, Gregory Bateson, Geoffrey Chew, Krishnamurti, Warner Heisenberg, and many other giants of the 20th century who shaped Capra's thoughts in the writing of Tao of Physics and The Turning Point. Gives you an underpinning for The Web of Life too. An insider's multidisciplinary look into the intellectual cutting edge of the 60s and 70s. Warmly written and very pleasant. I highly recommend it as a starting point for a deep understanding of Fritjof Capra.

365 Days of Walking the Red Road: The Native American Path to Leading a Spiritual Life Every Day (Religion and Spirituality)

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Not what I expected
365 Days of Walking the red road
A Special Native American Daily Read & Meditation
Good Book
Native American treasure

365 Days of Walking the Red Road: The Native American Path to Leading a Spiritual Life Every Day (Religion and Spirituality)
Terri Jean
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1580628494

Book Description

According to Native American tradition, walking the Red Road is a metaphor for living within the Creator's rules—a life of truth, friendship, respect, spirituality, and humanitarianism. For centuries, Native American elders, parents, teachers, and spiritual leaders have handed down their wisdom and values from generation to generation, leading others down the path of self-discovery and enlightenment.

365 Days of Walking the Red Road captures this priceless ancient knowledge and shows you how you can live your life to the fullest through integrity, compassion, and brotherhood. By reading the daily messages in this compelling work, you will discover yourself inside and out and move positively down your personal road without fear or doubt.

Special highlights:

·Inspiring quotations from Native Americans, such as Tecumseh, Black Hawk, Geronimo, and Chief Joseph
·A monthly Red Road ethical principle
·A monthly Red Road spiritual lesson
·Instructions on what to do at a powwow
·The proper uses of dreamcatchers and other symbols and crafts
·The twelve moon names that tribes use to track the seasons
·Important dates in Native American history

This superb collection of Native American philosophy and culture helps you on your path along the Red Road in your quest for truth, light, and love.

Customer Reviews:

Not what I expected.......2007-10-01

I bought this book expecting it to be spiritual and some of the statements were, but they were not backed up with anything that relates to how the Indians incorporated those thoughts into THEIR daily lives. I just got an unrelated history lesson. For example, Feb. 10th-"To clothe a man falsley is to distress his spirit..." Then the next information on that page is about a Native Day in American History on "Feb 10th 1763 The French ceded the North Americans territory to England in the Treaty of Paris, ending the French and Indian War (1754-1763)." Now, what do the two have to do with each other? Or at least put something in about how Native Americans dress or something related to the spiritual quote of the day. The format bugged me. There is some good information, but very poorly organized.

365 Days of Walking the red road.......2007-07-16

This is a nice book for any year or every year. Helps you through each day of the year spiritual. I love this book.

A Special Native American Daily Read & Meditation.......2006-11-03

For those of us who take the time to get up extra early, open our front doors, and listen to the birds calling as the sun is rising, this book is so helpful to start your day off just right. The Words of our Grandfathers remind us to live with our hearts and pay attention to the old ways in our every day lives.

The author, Terri Jean, has had the foresight to add in History notes to remind us of what heppened in the past, reminding us of seasonal thoughts, and so much more.

This book is dynamic and meditative. A worthwhile present for someone special who is a Native American.

Good Book.......2006-06-01

Though the book is designed as a daily meditational, I read through the Red Road Ethics beginning to end. Full of wisdom, but I felt a couple of the quotes were inacurate (paraphrased).

Native American treasure.......2006-03-27

When I bought this book I was waiting something difficult to read for but I was so surprised how wonderful and easy this book is! It gives me lots of hope and joy every morning when I read each day's part! IF you value these Native people's thoughts - this book is MUST to own!

Empire's Workshop: Latin America, the United States, and the Rise of the New Imperialism (American Empire Project)

Average customer rating:

Lots of Info
Amazing book on US intervention in its own backyard
Not in your history book
Bit Overreaching
It's all connected

Empire's Workshop: Latin America, the United States, and the Rise of the New Imperialism (American Empire Project)
Greg Grandin
Manufacturer: Metropolitan Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0805077383
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Book Description

In recent years, one book after another has sought to take the measure of the Bush administrations aggressive foreign policy. In their search for precedents, they invoke the Roman and British empires as well as postwar reconstructions of Germany and Japan. Yet they consistently ignore the one place where the United States had its most formative imperial experience: Latin America. A brilliant excavation of a long-obscured history, Empires Workshop is the first book to show how Latin America has functioned as a laboratory for American extraterritorial rule. Historian Greg Grandin follows the United States imperial operations, from Thomas Jeffersons aspirations for an empire of liberty in Cuba and Spanish Florida, to Ronald Reagans support for brutally oppressive but U.S.-friendly regimes in Central America. He traces the origins of Bushs policies to Latin America, where many of the administrations leading lightsJohn Negroponte, Elliott Abrams, Otto Reichfirst embraced the deployment of military power to advance free-market economics and first enlisted the evangelical movement in support of their ventures. With much of Latin America now in open rebellion against U.S. domination, Grandin concludes with a vital question: If Washington has failed to bring prosperity and democracy to Latin Americaits own backyard workshopwhat are the chances it will do so for the world?

Customer Reviews:

Lots of Info.......2007-08-13

Very well researched but could tell it was written by a historian. Somewhat repetitive and bland. Obviously liberally biased.

Amazing book on US intervention in its own backyard.......2007-08-01

This is truly an excellent book that in a clear way illustrates American involvement in South and Central America.The book begins by telling the story about how Kennedy set out to reshape the Americas into a place where true revolutionary ideals could grow spread by free men and women. He started something called the "Alliance for progress" which contained the nucleus of this idea. The problem was that he armed exactly those people who where completley opposed to these revolutionary ideas. thus began an era of counterrevolution, that gave birth to the death squads and coups in Brazil, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina. When Richard Nixon arrived in Venezuela in 1958 his limousine was attacked by an angry mob. The next day they cleared the streets with tear gas so he could leave safely. This set the tone for American and Latin American relation in the coming years. Allendes election in Chile terrified Nixon because Allende wasnt trying to create another Cuba with Soviet style repression of civil liberties. He wanted a socialist state that would be a symbol of real reform, and this was truly frightening to Washington. Therefore Nixon with the help of the strong arm of the CIA ordered Allendes downfall.

Later when Reagan came to power he saw his purpose to reinstate a sense of national purpose and this he did by restoring military power. Almost all of Latin America was ruled at the time by pro american dictators, but something was starting to brew in Central America. The hardest hit countries where El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala. US allies killed approximatley 300,ooo people during Reagans two terms. Hundreds of thousands where tortured. Jean Kirkpatrick advised the Reagan administration to undo the human rights programs that Carter had initiated and spoke instead of the true nature of politics that was based on "competition for power", and that "brute force" was often better than "human reason". This rationalized such things as the dictatorships death squads-because "salvadors political culture respected a sovreign who was willing to wield violence". America now painted itself as the vanguard against the evill empire of the Soviet Union and this was used as an excuse to legitemize the brutal opposition to third world nationalism. In countries like El salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua, the United States did not make the same mistake as they did in Vietnam. Instead they "outsourced" their army and by supporting local bad boys let death squads do their dirty work. The idea of "going primitive" was implemented in these conflicts, where the most brutal crimes against human rights imaginable where committed.To tell you the truth I skimmed past most of the descriptions of the violence due to the intense brutality that was described.

Already in the 1960s Kennedy had installed such anti-communist paramilitary groups in El Salvador called ANSESAL and ORDEN. These groups where to work preemptively to stop any communist threats in the area. These groups where such a large part of the political oppression that eventually the people rose up,and this gave the Reagan administration the motivation they needed to "go primitive". One US expert said that "the horrible lesson of El Salvador is that terrorism works". Several torturers defected from the notorious Battalion 316 and testified in American courts of how they where trained by American specialists. They where taught to employ psychological torture instead of physical torture. This is what we are seeing today in Abu Graihb. Ofcourse if this didnt work then the good old hands on methods where used. Finally at the end of the cold war in 1991 the FMLN rebels where not defeated and saw to it that the United States helped to implement the changes that they had long been fighting for. If El Salvador was bad then Guatemala was worse. Here there was a literal genocide that moved into its most brutal faze when Ronald Reagan became president. The military turned the Guatemalan highlands into a "slaughterhouse" committing as many as 600 massacres there between 1981 and 1983. Most of the victims being Indian men, women and children, all the while Reagan pushed military aid to the area.

Reagan was also handson in rearming Somozas National guard and with the help of the CIA turning that ruthless group of marauding thugs into the "freedom fighters" better known as the Contras. After the US government froze the funding for the Contras Reagans accomplice Oliver North was sent to negotiate arms deals with Iran, securing large sums of money for the Contras. Large amounts of evidence say that he also negotiated delas with drug cartels to have access to their planes bringing weapons to the contras while giving them easier access to US markets for their drugs. The Contras where infamous for their "murders, mutilations, tortures and rapes" and at the end of the war an apporximate 30,000 civilians hand been killed, most at the hands of the Contras. They destroyed schools, health clinics, and power stations to show the Nicaraguan civilians that the Sandinistas werent capable of bringing stability to the region. There also followed an intense degredation of the Sandinistas in US media. The sandinistas where linked to such things as "terrorism, nuclear submarines, religious and ethnic persecution, totaliarianism, Castro, East germany Bulgarians, Libya, Iran, and even the Bader meinhoff gang".

The American christian right opposed itself to "peace christianity"(the same thing as liberation theology)-this christianity opposed Reagans policies in Central America. Liberation theology said that democracy and capitalism were antithetical values. This liberation teology also threatend the new right because they opposed the rights claim that capitalism was linked to human freedom. The christian right therefore now claimed that corporate capitalism mirrors "god's presence on earth". They fought latin american liberation theology with an american "theology of the corporation". They called liberation theology the "theology of mass murder" and claimed it to be "the single most critical problem that christianity has faced in its 2000 year history". The evangelical christian right argued that in a universe of free will where the good are rewarded and the bad are punished, then the USA is a shining example of gods blessing. The misfortune of the third world was "gods curse". The christian right proclaimed Robert DÁubuisson, the despicable murderer of the El Salvadorian archbishop Oscar Romero, as hero and freedom fighter.

This is infact the story of how American corporate elites helped to bring down reformist presidents in places like Chile, Brazil, and Guatemala. Dictatorships where therefore needed for these countries to understand the values of individualism, consumerism and passive rather than participatory democracy. Grandin writes that "Chile had fulfilled the new rights agenda of defining democracy in terms of economic freedom and restoring the power of the executive branch." In 1973 the US experienced a deep economic recession therefore third world nationalism was seen as a great obstacle to economic recovery. This led to Latin Americas "second conquest". First the Spanish and the Portugese took all the gold. Then during the second half of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth the second faze came- which "entailed the initial phase of US corporate expansion, as firms like United Fruit Company, Standard Oil, and Phelps Dodge turned on the region as a source of raw materials and agricultural products, coming to control most of the continents railroads, electric companies,ports, mines and oil fields." The third conquest began in the 1980s "Railroads, postal service, roads, factories, telephone services, schools, hospitals, prisons, garbage collection services,water, broadcast frequencies, pension systems, electric, television,and telephone companies were sold off-often not to the highest but to the best connected bidder." Much of this property landed with multinational corporations or with latin American "superbillionaires- this was a new class that had taken advantage of the dismantling of the state.

Although Latin America now has democracies with the exception of Cuba many of its countries are devestated economically. Countries like Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador all suffer from incredible poverty In Latin America 165 millionpeople live on less than 2 dollars a day. 60 people are murdered in Guatemala city each week. For many people the only alternative is to try to make it into America through Mexico to find work. This is becoming increasingly difficult due to the tough border patrols. All this has resulted in a new movement in Latin America, which could be called the anti-globalization movement. More and more left politicians are being elected and are protesting against free-market orthodoxy. This to me is a hopefull sign. And even though the Us keep projecting their imperial ambitions in Iraq I think its clear that if they couldnt do it in their own backyard they wont be able to do it in the middle east either. All in all I think that this was a great book and I can reccomend it to anyone that wants to learn more about US foreign policy and how it has effected the third world.

Not in your history book.......2007-07-11

This is a great book that details America's foreign policy with Latin America during between roughly 1950 to present. With a good deal of time being spent in the 1980s and 1990s. The book specifically addresses the support of Latin American rebels that launched and led coups of political leaders in their respective countries. A lot of time is given to the post-Vietnam economic/war engine that America was attempting to create in the wake of the Vietnam disaster. Hearing stories about how our country and leaders were constantly overthrowing leaders, putting new ones in power, only to overthrow them shortly thereafter . . . is quite disturbing. The book is a part of The American Empire Project, which seems extremely interesting. My only complaint about the book would be the sheer amount of details and timelines that get thrown about. While this definitely shows good research . . . at times it left you confused as to what was being discussed as the author jumped from the 50's to the 70's to the 90's and then back to the 70's. It wasn't written with a linear timeline. But rather a philosophy timeline. Which I found confusing at times. But I definitely recommend the book if you are at least somewhat curious about what Cheney, Rumsfield, and Reagan's pals were up to in Latin America. And even how that policy is being reflected in the Middle East today.

Bit Overreaching.......2007-05-24

I felt Mr. Grandin had some very interesting insights into U.S. history in Latin America and its relevance on current administration policy and our involvement in Iraq. I thought that the background on Nicaragua and El Salvador, in particular, was very insightful as was his description of the "PR Campaigns" that have been waged domestically. I found Mr. Grandin's linkage of the militarists and the Christian right to be an interesting perspective. However, particularly towards the end of the book I felt that the stereotypes and judgments in the book were overreaching and that Mr. Grandin offered plenty of criticisms of U.S. foreign policy without offering any meaningful solutions.

It's all connected.......2007-04-07

I've understood for some time that there is a connection between US foreign policy history, corporate globalization, militarism, and current events around the world -- and that US rhetoric says one thing, while US policy often does the opposite. This is the first book I've read that presents the timeline and the players of our involvement in Latin America so completely and so accessibly. I'm not a history buff, or a political scientist, or an academic - just someone who believes that it's important to understand our history so that I can better understand the present and be an informed participant in our democracy. I'm following the events in Iraq and elsewhere with a greater understanding of the US's true objectives and methods.

The Gospel of Thomas: New Perspectives on Jesus' Message

Average customer rating:

Thomas vs John
Divine Light
Dr. Pagels is great, as usual
An informative perspective with respect to the attributes and teachings of Jesus Christ

The Gospel of Thomas: New Perspectives on Jesus' Message
Elaine H. Pagels
Manufacturer: Sounds True
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1591794129

Book Description

Millions of readers have turned to Elaine Pagels for her clear and insightful books about the Gnostic Gospels—the teachings of Jesus that have been lost for centuries. Sounds True is proud to present the first widely available audio recording of this extraordinary scholar as she explores the text that has changed the way many of us think about the message of Christ: The Gospel of Thomas. The stunning archaeological discovery of these lost scriptures of early Christianity in 1945 has revealed exciting new dimensions to the wisdom passed on from Jesus to his disciples. In her analysis of this revived gospel, Dr. Pagels reveals that Thomas was not a "doubter" of Christ—rather, his thoughtful inquiries reflected and brought out the deepest truths that Jesus had to offer. Thomas' account depicts a Jesus who taught us that the "Kingdom of Heaven" is not a separate realm, but a state of divinity that we all can reach. He is even called the "twin" of Jesus—a metaphor for the possibility that all of us can achieve the same state of divine grace embodied by Jesus. Elaine Pagels has riveted readers and audiences everywhere with her clear and provocative explorations of the testaments of early Christianity. The Gospel of Thomas gives listeners a first opportunity to join her in charting "a wider horizon" of Christian spirituality.

Customer Reviews:

Thomas vs John.......2006-11-06

The CD is absolutely worth listening to! The discoveries and points of view given by E. Pagels are fascinating. Nevertheless, my feeling is that both THOMAS and JOHN can be both read as gnostic texts, without them being antagonistic. In fact, I really enjoy THOMAS and JOHN and I read them both as beautiful gnostic creations, but I know they can have been manipulated to serve egoistic purposes. JOHN is quite anti-semitic in form, if read with very catholic eyes, but at the same time it is very gnostic and dualistic in essence if read with a higher and more spiritual level of understanding. Anyway, I believe we have to read those texts with a MENTAL and HERMENEUTICAL FILTER, and with caution. After applying the filter with our minds and hearts, it is a delight to read those seemingly antagonistic texts as THOMAS and JOHN.

Divine Light.......2006-09-13

Jesus said, "I am the light that is over all things. I am all: From me all has come forth, and to me all has reached. Split a piece of wood; I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find me there." (as recorded on page 14)

Dr. Elaine Pagels presents an intriguing introduction for the Gospel of Thomas. She is the best-selling author of The Gnostic Gospels. Do these new teachings shed new light on the words of Christ from the Bible? An English translation is included in an 18-page supplement along with two CDs.

In the first CD, Elaine Pagels introduces us to:

The History of Early Christianity
The Gospel of Thomas
The Secret Words of Jesus
The Good News: Knowing Who You Are
Jesus as the Only Son of God
Who Was Thomas?
Question and Answer Session
Elaine Pagel's Personal and Spiritual Journey

On the second CD, she presents ideas about the possible Eastern influences of the Gospel of Thomas, the different levels of Jesus' teachings and how we date the Scriptures. Audience participation becomes intriguing when they answer some of the questions.

This CD set sheds an especially interesting light on the topic of Jesus as the original light. Is the light in Genesis an ordinary light? This is explained as the divine light or source of divine energy.

The irony of listening to this CD set is that you may come away with less doubts and more enlightenment. Dr. Elaine Pagels presents a topic that not only expands our knowledge about Jesus Christ, it also creates a greater curiosity and understanding about the Kingdom of Heaven. I now understand the Kingdom of Heaven as an invisible dimension, where we experience an enlightened state of kindness and peace when we follow the commandments of Christ.

~The Rebecca Review

Dr. Pagels is great, as usual.......2006-09-01

Dr. Pagels addresses an audience, discussing her view of the Gospel of Thomas, one of the earliest non-canonical gospels. Thomas is not a story of Jesus, rather it is a collection of sayings atttributed to him. Several are familiar and/or similar to sayings in the canonical gospels, while others are not. Many are a bit puzzling, for even Dr. Pagels. However, they are truly powerful upon reading them, and accompanying the CD is a compilation of Thomas, which really needs to be read prior to listening to the CD. Mark the ones that are puzzling to you and you will find them probably addressed on the CD! She also makes some interesting contrasts between the Gospel of John and Thomas, indicating perhaps an early rivalry in spiritual points of view. There is a concern I have regarding the quality of a portion of the second CD. It is very hard to hear the questions from the audience, and it sounds extremely "tinny" when someone in the audience is speaking. It is rather distracting and not of the quality that other Sounds True recordings are. The previous reviewer must not have listened to all the second CD, so just be aware of this should you purchase. You will love Dr. Pagels' voice and the way she interacts with her audience. Enjoy!

An informative perspective with respect to the attributes and teachings of Jesus Christ.......2006-07-04

The audio-book edition of The Gospel Of Thomas: New Perspectives On Jesus' Message as written and read by Elaine Pagels (Professor of Religion, Princeton University, New Jersey) offers an informed and informative perspective with respect to the attributes and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented through the interpretive ideals of Apostle Thomas as revealed in his apocryphal gospel. Deftly covering a vast array of theological inquiries and historical scholarship relevant to the its original rejection from the approved canon of scriptures that were to become the New Testament, The Gospel Of Thomas offers readers an insightful grasp of Thomas' writings including his concept of "the light within us all", the influence of Eastern thought in the teachings of Jesus, who Mary Magdalene was in the Gospel attributed to the apostle Thomas, the gnostic scriptures interpretation, and perspectives into some of the most puzzling Christian koans from both the canonical and gnostic texts. This flawlessly recorded 2 CD audiobook edition of The Gospel Of Thomas includes an 18-page study guide, has a running time of 1 2/4 hours, and is very strongly recommended for anyone with an interest in gnostic literature in general, and the Gospel of Thomas in particular.

Electrifying America: Social Meanings of a New Technology, 1880-1940

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Plug it in, turn it on
A fantastic history of the development of electricity

Electrifying America: Social Meanings of a New Technology, 1880-1940
David E. Nye
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0262640309

Book Description

How did electricity enter everyday life in America? Using Muncie, Indiana, as a touchstone, David Nye explores how electricity seeped into and redefined American culture. With an eye for telling details and a broad understanding of cultural and social history, he creates a thought-provoking panorama of a technology fundamental to modern life.

Emphasizing the experiences of ordinary men and women rather than the lives of inventors and entrepreneurs, Nye treats electrification as a set of technical possibilities that were selectively adopted to create the streetcar suburb, the amusement park, the "Great White Way," the assembly line, the electrified home, and the industrialized farm. He shows how electricity touched every part of American life, how it became an extension of political ideologies, how it virtually created the image of the modern city, and how it even pervaded colloquial speech, confirming the values of high energy and speed that have become hallmarks of the twentieth century. He also pursues the social meaning of electrification as expressed in utopian ideas and exhibits at world's fairs, and explores the evocation of electrical landscapes in painting, literature, and photography.

Electrifying America combines chronology and topicality to examine the major forms of light and power as they came into general use. It shows that in the city electrification promoted a more varied landscape and made possible new art forms and new consumption environments. In the factory, electricity permitted a complete redesign of the size and scale of operations, shifting power away from the shop floor to managers. Electrical appliances redefined domestic work and transformed the landscape of the home, while on the farm electricity laid the foundation for today's agribusiness.

Customer Reviews:

Plug it in, turn it on.......2005-10-11

This book is about how electricity transformed America. Nye explores how electricity changed the home (it was now cleaner and safer than gas), the factory, and transportation (it made the subway and inter-urban trolley-car systems possible). Americans embraced this new source of energy quickly and convincingly. The mantra, however, that electric appliances would free the housewife was not true: men did not take to the appliances as readily and (surprise!) women suddenly were doing chores (vacuuming) that men used to do (beat the rugs). There is a lot of detail in the book, but not much that is new or not obvious. For that reason it was somewhat dull.

A fantastic history of the development of electricity.......2000-06-09

Did you know, in the early days of electricity, the power went off at 11:00 pm each night? Or that electricity was billed at a flat rate of $1 per day? Or that most homes had only one or two outlets and a light bulb hanging from a string?

This book is a compendium of both fascinating facts and substantial histories of the development of residential electrical usage in our country.

I love old houses and historical information, and perhaps because of that, I found this book to be a fascinating read. Some parts of it were a wee bit dry, where he delved into some of the more technical aspects of this modern utility, but the majority of the book was a treasure.

After reading this book, and gaining an better understanding of the history of electricity, I'd say, without hesitation, that introducing the modern convenience of electrical current into our homes may be the most significant discovery of the last 500 years.

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