1 comments about Architectural Regionalism: Collected Writings on Place, Identity, Modernity, and Tradition.

1. The intent of this volume was to construct a coherent history of the idea of regionalism from its many many supporting texts and ideas. It is an important collection of writing that covers the entire 20th Century intellectual history of Regionalism in Architecture and includes such authors as: Lewis Mumford, Le Corbusier, David Williams, Mary Colter, Pietro Belluschi, Christopher Alexander, Wendell Berry, Kenneth Frampton, Sigfried Giedion, Harwell Hamilton Harris, Richard Ingersoll, Benton MacKaye, John Gaw Meem, Richard Neutra, Paul Ricouer, Alan Colquhoun, Juhani Pallasmaa, among others (44 in all). Further, it considers Regionalism in an international context, particularly the developing world through the writings of Suha Ozkan (Middle East), Balkrishna Doshi (India), and Kenza Boussora (Algeria). In it are provided contextual introductions to each text and an introduction that attempts to place the discourse, as a whole in reasonable framework. The topics include: Regionalist theory, Referential Regionalism (1920s & 30s), Regional Modernism (1930s-1960s), Regional Planning, Bioregionalism, Critical Regionalism, and a set of essays that update and extend the discourse into the future via performativity theory, sustainability, and the socially-critical work of the Rural Studio.

4 comments about The Art of Pastoring: Ministry Without All the Answers.

1. This book is so real!!! I MEAN REALLY REAL to life. I LOVED it and so will you...Get it for a seminarian, student, pastor, laymen, their family, etc...It is rich in wisdom and I suggest reading it over and over again as the years go by.



2. I had to read this book for a Ministry Practice and Polity seminary class, and it was probably one of the most enjoyable books that I read in my whole seminary career.

   At the most basic level, this is sort of a 'day in the life' kind of book about David Hansen's experience in the role of pastor. The book is refreshingly honest as he discusses his struggles, victories, and overall experience of being a pastor in all the different compacities. I don't plan on being a pastor myself, but I would definitly recommend this book to anyone who is feeling called in that direction, as a 'window into the life of a pastorate.'




3. I could say a lot about this book. A whole
   lot in fact. But I am just going to say this:
   if you are a pastor or a family member of a
   pastor get this book! It is rich, deep,
   honest, Christian, Christlike, and so much
   more. I am glad it came across my path
   and am thankful the author shared his life
   with us.



4. EUGENE PETERSON said: "This is the freshest and most honest book on pastoral work you're ever likely to come upon." I agree. Hansen helps us pastors consider what is essential for us to be pastors. Prayer, presence, scripture are central. Stories drawn from Hansen's contemplative fishing experiences help the reader appreciate the value of paying careful, quiet, patient attention in ministry. Not a "how to do it in X steps" book, but a book about being. This is a simple but deep book; it's hopeful and encouraging for a too busy pastor.

4 comments about Indian Art.

1. While no expert in Indian art and architecture, I have been studying in this area off and on for about fifteen years. I have not encountered an introductory survey that was more balanced and illuminating. It is also well written and beautifully illustrated. The eccentric reviewer who accorded this book merely one star is obviously carping--perhaps because his or her own work was omitted from the necessarily selective bibliography. The other reviews have all been favorable up to this point, and for a good reason.



2. This is a significant improvement over Roy Craven's colonialist take on Indian art. This book is much more sensitive to the culture of India and its rich amalgamation of Vedic thought, the religion and philosophy of Buddhism, what we now term as Hinduism, and of course, later Islamic influence. Especially significant is the explanation of the narrative sculptural relief panels at Sanchi and Amaravati. Dehejia explains their rich narratives clearly - and what at first appears confusing becomes instead a rich tapestry of imagination. Her explanations also merge style with context; in effect, we understand these panels as they were understood at the time of their historical inception. She rightly de-emphasizes the dynastic and stylistically rigid categorizations that are so predominant in Western scholarship. A worthy and timely text. I highly recommend it.



3. I cannot agree with the previous reviewers. The illustrations may be wonderful, but the text is vague and uninformative. There are some puzzling omissions. Dehjejia wrote a book some years ago on Orissan architecture, but there is only the briefest coverage of this topic (and she does not even list her book in the bibliography. Speaking of bibliography, there are so many important omissions that it would be difficult to list them all. For the general reader, or for use as anintroductory textbook, it would be better to use Craven's by now classic Concise History of Indian Art.



4. Vidya's book is a delight not just for the scope and content of the written material and references, but also for visual pleasures it provides to the users. Indian art is nothing if not immensely varied and rich, and Vidya brings this to the fore. I was delighted to see the way the Madurai Meenakhsi temple was treated, to see its Gopurams teeming with mythological figures and dieties of all kinds : an apt symbol of the diversity and richness of this civilization and of life that it celebrates, for in many ways Indian art is like life : beautiful and confusing at the same time, a buzz of forms , shapes, and materials, all with their own rationale for existence and appeal. Vidya's book tries to a give a very good idea of this, from the earthy Khajuraho to the elegant Elephanta, from the ancient Indo-Greek Gandharan Buddhas to the naturalistic Nayaka. A book to please both scholars and lay readers alike.

1 comments about Likeness and Presence: A History of the Image before the Era of Art.

1. I find this book of Hans Belting an authorized work and a remarkable profound study in its field. I think this book is very inspiring to understand what images make on us.
   
   I am very grateful for your help. It was very easy to purchase through your service. Many many thanks
   Pedro

1 comments about Rome 1300: On the Path of the Pilgrim.

1. Ever wonder what it was like to go on pilgrimage in the Middle Ages? Check out Rome 1300 for an inkling.
   In the year MM, Pope John Paul II declared a Jubilee. Herbert Kessler describes the first millennial Jubilee, the year M, declared by Pope Boniface VIII. Follow in the footsteps of the 200,000 pilgrims who inundated Rome. See the sites and sights they saw, many of which are still extant, and view the artifacts, relics, churches, chapels, and other holy places that were their guarantee to salvation. Fantastic illustrations accompany the fascinating text.

4 comments about Buddhist Art and Architecture (World of Art).

1. The 1993 edition of Fisher's "Buddhist Art and Architecture" was reprinted, with revisions, in 2002. The cover of the revised edition is like the 1993 edition (i.e. the Kansas Guanyin), but now framed within a diamond-shape which is inset into a black background. The text is current on recent scholarship, such as the role of aniconism in Early Buddhist art, and cosmological interpretations of Angkor Wat. Attention is paid to the organic development of Buddhist art styles as they evolved in being transmitted from country to country, although I wish that even more emphasis had been put on this.

   The book is organized by region: of its 200 pages, approximately 40-50 pages each are devoted to India, China, Korea/Japan, and Southeast Asia. The book's wide area coverage is both an advantage and a disadvantage, since much has been left out. For example, there is only one paragraph on the life of the Buddha himself, and not even a mention of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion), arguably Japan's most famous and beautiful architectural icon. I would also have liked to see a greater use of color illustrations (only 32 of 179, in the present edition).

   I hope that readers who start with this book will go on to more in-depth treatments, such as the same author's excellent introduction to the Art of Tibet (Thames & Hudson, 1998).




2. I am an architectural historian with a fairly extensive knowledge of Buddhist architecture. Even though this is an introductory text, Fisher's book explained some things I've failed to find anywhere else. Another plus is that Fisher includes Buddhist art/architecture from every Buddhist country. Usually books of this type leave out countries for expediency. Though this book is short, Fisher touches it all.



3. Fisher's book offers an accessible, well-organized overview of both the evolution and meaning of Budhist art and architecture for the uninitiated. Never having studied Buddhism or Asian History prior to a recent trip to Southeast Asia, I found the balance between general explanations of subject matter and geographic breakdown useful. Returning to the book upon return, it was clear that most of the major, recurring symbols observed (Budha's subduing of the Mara, other meditative and teaching postures, the sometimes uneasy juxtaposition of Hindu and Budhist structure and symbols, etc.) were mentioned in this survey.

   The narrative is clear, if occasionally dry. The photographs are not, however, ideally located to match their corresponding texts, and it would have been helpful to have included in the captions a note about where the given object was located (rather than having to wade through a paragraph at the back of the book that does not even list the citations numerically). Still, the book is well indexed and the illustrations are well chosen.




4. As an instructor in Asian Arts and cultures survey courses, I am always looking for short works that give a quick overview of essential cultural elements across the wide spectrum of Asian experience. This book is excellent as a source book for understanding the breadth and beauty of Buddhist art forms throughout Asia.

5 comments about Jesus Through the Centuries: His Place in the History of Culture.

1. This was a good survey of Jesus and the impact he has had on culture. We see Jesus the rabbi, as the early Christians emphasized his Jewishness. We see Christus victor and how the cross of Christ imspired the armies of Constantine and the Roman Empire to conquer the world.
   
   We also learn about how the humanity of Christ impacted the 5th century ecumenical councils who didn't want to see the divinity of Christ overshadow his human side.
   
   I also enjoyed the chapter about Christ the Liberator, and how this image of Christ inspired the work of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
   
   There is also Christ the philospher, and how his teachings inspired Erasmus, and much later, Ralph Waldo Emerson and other humanists.
   
   There is also Christ the Monk, the One who was completely committed to a life of self-denying discipleship. This image o Christ inspired St. Benedict and Bernard of Clairveaux.
   
   The one thing these images of Christ have in common is that to one degree or another, they can be found in scripture. I recommend this book as a good historical study of Jesus and His impact on the cultures of the world.



2. Jaroslav Pelikan is one of the most admired men and intellectual giants of the past century. This book is a charming and exciting read that investigates the images of the "Jesus of Culture".
   
   He examines the person of Jesus of Nazareth and how he has influenced Western Culture through the past 2000 years. Some reviewers have commented that it is boring, but I beg to differ. It is thoroughly exciting and worthy of any thinkers bookshelf. As a matter of fact, I do not think you can be a cultured person without reading any of Pelikan's works.
   
   He investigates how the historical figure of Jesus Christ was interpreted by subsequent generations. This is highly enlightening, because he relates in each chapter the common thread that unites all these people, despite the (sometimes substantial) differences they have. The early Fathers, the later Fathers, the Neo-Platonist Fathers, the Scholastic Theologians, the mystics, the globalists, are all examined and discussed in scholarly detail.
   
   The first chapter focuses on Jesus the Rabbi and talks about how modern scholarship is helping us uncover (again) the Jesus of history. Jesus the Jew, who lived in a particular time-period and was restricted by his own cultural surroundings, a Jesus who is not so much different from us, a Jesus who helps us contextualize the beliefs Christians now take for granted.
   
   He moves in a logical progression, following the timeline of the Church until contemporary times. All in all this book is highly recommended and I hope you buy it, because you will not regret it.



3. This is not a devotional work, it is an insightful and valuable slice of intellectual history. Pelikan is a Christian, but distances himself from those he describes. I think the combination of sympathy and critical distance helps the reader have his own conversation with the persons described. Pelikan bites off more than he can chew. How can there be room in one readable, coherent and reasonably short book for Augustine and Blake, Renan and Ricci, Constantine and Gandhi? But Pelikan pulls it off pretty well, summarizing the history with interesting anecdotes, and making reasonable comments. Not all of which I think are correct, though.
   
   "It is not sameness but kaleidescope variety that is its most conspicuous feature." Pelikan includes a great deal of evidence for both, though. Early Christians attempted to translate Jesus as "logos" to relate to Greek thinking. Modern Christians in India and China undertook a similar task of describing Jesus as the "fulfillment" of the deepest truths in those great cultures. (Work I have studied quite a bit.)
   
   I give the book five stars, because it is brilliant, fascinating and informative. Nevertheless, Pelikan's position seems to soak up some of the subjectivm he chronicles.
   
   It is important to distinguish between images that are arbitrary, and those that depend on a reality that can be referred to. One could write a book called "The Moon through the Centuries." But that would be a different kind of book from "Martians through the Centuries," because in the first case, we just need to look up to be corrected. Pelikan does not take sufficient account of the fact that Jesus is more like the first than the second case. Kaleidescope is a mosaic of splintered reflections. But the image whom these reflections reflected, like the moon, is still before us, in the Gospels. Pelikan tells us we are "dependant" on "oral tradition" that was "eventually deposited" in the Gospels, but in fact they were written within the lifetimes of the first Christians. Rather than "tradition," they could have relied on memory.
   
   Pelikan does not distinguish between birds that settle in the nest as they find it, and birds that steal twigs to built their own. He weakly justifies the fantastic subjectivism that goes into revisionist historical Jesus studies. Pelikan is like a conscientious objector from the argument over what really happened. In a preface to a recent edition he admits, a bit coyly, that he doesn't buy the arguments of the "historical Jesus" crowd. Well and good: but this excellent book might be even better if the fascinating and fruitful subjectivism he chronicles were balanced with an occasional reminder that in the end, portraits are not about those who take the picture, but him whose portrait is taken.
   
   Still, a deserved classic, and a wonderful way to look at history. Highly recommended.



4. Over the last two thousand years man has struggled to understand the person of Jesus Christ. In this book, Master Historian, Jaroslav Pelikan, describes how various cultures have handled Jesus. It is truly a fascinating journey that taught me numerous things about Jesus, His church, and history that I did not know. Well worth reading if you are interested in this topic.
   
   I do agree with a few other reviewers that some sections are hard to read, and that Pelikan jumps around a bit. My one critique is that the book becomes less interesting towards the last few chapters.
   
   Despite these challenges, this book is well worth the effort. Simply put, Pelikan is a brilliant historian who possesses a depth of knowledge about this topic that few others can match.



5. This is a very useful, well researched, largely descriptive survey of how Western culture has viewed Jesus Christ. It's not a work of theology, it's not an inspirational work--it is what it is, interesting with its limitations. There's much that Pelikan faithfully records that's nonsense, such as Thomas Jefferson's breathtakingly vain and obtuse pronouncements about what Jesus really said. There are also some staggering transitions, such as the discussion on Emerson that suddenly veers into Dostoyevsky's The Grand Inquisitor from The Brothers Karamazov (the greatest novel ever). It's worth a read, particularly in paperback, but understand that it won't bring you much closer at all to an answer to Jesus's own question, Who do men say that I am?

3 comments about Angels and Demons in Art (Guide to Imagery Series).

1. While this is an interesting compilation of angels and demons in art, it is incomplete. There are several key pieces of art that are completely missing and deemed not worthy of mentioning by the author or editors.
   The images are poorly reproduced, and so small as to leave me wondering if I was able to interperet the art for myself, or just left be told what I'm supposed to think it means. The orginization of the chapters is well done, even though it roughly follows the biblical presentation of such.
   
   Within seconds of opening the cover, I felt as if it was writing down to the reader. The inane descriptors targeting key points in the presented art work are reminiscent of a children's television show presenting colours and alphabet to pre-school children.
   
   If you are looking for a Cliff's notes book for art interpretation, or a religious education course, this might be a passable resource for one term paper or reference for further research. I personally wouldn't use it as a resource for teaching or writing beyond those means.



2. I first checked this book out at the library. No special reason. I was captivated by the wonderful descriptions of paintings that I had not seen before. Except maybe many years ago in Art history classes. I so loved the book that I purchased it!!! I also ordered another one in the Guide to Imagery series sight unseen.



3. If there was a review higher than five stars, this book should get it! The cover alone deserves five stars! This book is the single most perfect book I've seen on angels! It's wonderful! The artwork, the explanations of the different categories of angels; it's all perfect! If you're interested in angels, this is a must have for any collection!

5 comments about He Was One of Us.

1. This book is incredible. Rien Poortvliet is an extremely gifted individual. He has captured the essence of the "Suffering Servant." Because of this book my library includes all of his inspired publications. Indeed, I have gifted most of his collection to my family (and friends).



2. For those who need to take a moment and remember Who Jesus is and did for us, this is a must. Beautiful images with deep comments that makes you love Him and desire to be like Him.



3. WOW, POWERFUL!!!
   The emotions that these pictures capture are amazing. My spirit just wept as I read this book. It brings to life the story of CHRIST in a way a child can comprehend, yet an adult will read over and over.
   It is amazing how the simple text can pile such truth about the story of CHRIST. It is alive and real.
   These pictures are a gift... one that takes you to the time HE was crucified.
   I highly recommend this book for parents, teachers to read to their class or children.

   Only after you have read it will you understand the gift that this book is to the truth of our salvation.




4. I love it. What I find most illuminating is that it reflects Jesus in the faces of the people around Him. He still has that effect today.

   I'm thinking about buying a copy for our church library.




5. This is the story of Jesus' life captured in exquisite pictorial vignettes of events from His birth to His death and resurrection. The brief text which capture the essence of each story are tied to Bible reference in the back of the book. The characters shown are defintiely from the Middle East and not sentimentalized Hollywood faces. The reader is plunged into the time of Jesus with emotional and visual impact which provoke thoughtful meditation. An outstanding book of its genre.

2 comments about Visual Faith: Art, Theology, and Worship in Dialogue (Engaging Culture).

1. This book brings a whole new perspective to the table of Christianity and the arts. Dyrness is able to argue that such things are an essential part of Christian life, especially if we are to live holistically. I enjoyed it very much.



2. I really enjoyed how this book looked very practically at the arts and the evolution of them within the church. It gives not only a historical requirement to continue to press for more artistic use and involvement in the modern movement of the church, but also gives practical ways in which to do so. If you're involved in creative arts ministry in any capacity, you probably should read this book in order to get your berings.