Editorial Review

Edward Boyd's agnosticism rested "not ... too much on any positive position ... but rather on a host of negative ones" about Christianity. In an attempt to address these negative issues, his son Greg, a professor of theology, asked his father, a strong-willed, highly intelligent, and stubborn 70-year-old, to enter into a correspondence in which "all of their cards would be laid on the table." Greg would give his father the opportunity to raise all his objections to the veracity of Christianity, and Greg would "answer these objections as well as give positive grounds for holding to the Christian faith." Read more

Reviews (103)

Jerking Tears & Provoking Thoughts
What could be more touching? A son, brilliant and educated, trying to reconnect with his father via a series of touching, challenging, and thought provoking letters. Over a span of three years, the father and son try to reconcile each other's beliefs and in the end both of them experience an insurpassable victory in life, death, and God! This relatively short book is easy to read and will definitely capture the imagination and hearts of skeptics and believers alike. Highly recommended.

Insightful
The book was letters from a father raised in the Catholic church that had many questions and doubts about a loving God. His evangelical son answers all his questions, and in the end the father gives his life to Christ. This book gives insightful answers to some difficult questions like "Why is there suffering in the world?" And "Why would a loving God let people go to hell?"

Father - Son Dialog On the Things That Matter
Greg and Edward Boyd have have given us a great blessing in publishing their correspondence on the nature of Christianity.This book is unique among the many apologetic sorts of books I have read for a few reasons:
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Subjects:  1. 1957-    2. Apologetics    3. Boyd, Edward K    4. Boyd, Edward K.    5. Boyd, Gregory A.,    6. Christianity - General    7. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    8. Correspondence    9. General    10. Letters And Correspondence    11. Religion    12. Theology - Apologetics    13. Boyd, Gregory A    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (2)

Seeing history from an amazing perspective
Reading someone else's old letters can evoke universal feelings and can even bring to life a time before we were born. This is what happens in "Women's Letters: America from the Revolutionary War to the Present," edited by Lisa Grunwald and Stephen J. Adler. In more than 800 pages, the editors compiled women's letters from 1775 up to and including the current war in Iraq. The letter writers include slave owners, slaves, politicians, movie stars, moms and daughters. There are love letters, a "last will and testament" and eyewitness accounts of historic events. For me, the most unusual was from Marilyn Monroe, who taped a handwritten note to her stomach before having her appendix out, begging her doctor to "cut as little as possible." I also got caught up in the World War II letters from a Japanese American wife housed in a separate internment camp from her husband. This is a fascinating way to see America through its cultural and political changes and observe the changing roles of women.

A social history shaped through the correspondence of women
Lisa Grunwald and Stephen J. Adler, the powerhouse couple behind LETTERS OF THE CENTURY --- and now WOMEN'S LETTERS --- make history both accessible and captivating, presenting it in the format of correspondences written throughout our nation's history. With this epistolary approach Grunwald and Adler illuminate the events that molded and defined America.
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Subjects:  1. Correspondence    2. History    3. Letters    4. Letters And Correspondence    5. Literary Collections    6. Literature: Classics    7. Pictorial works    8. Sociology    9. Sources    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. Women    13. Women In The U.S.    14. Women's Studies - General    15. Women's Studies - History    16. Literary Criticism & Collections / Letters   

Reviews (2)

A brilliant lyric poet who died far too young
Hart Crane is one of those powerful poetic voices that is its own style and immensely attractive.As others have noted, he was modern for his time, clearly American, and yet full of the great poetic traditions of the English language.His influences are identified directly in his works.He talks to Walt Whitman and discusses Emily Dickinson, Chaplin, Poe, and others.His early death was a great loss to English letters and the American voice in the 20th Century.
A Poetry of Vision -- A Life of Excess
In a short, tumultous life, Hart Crane (1899 -- 1932) wrote two of the greatest books of 20th Century American poetry: White Buildings (1926) and the Bridge (1930) as well as some splendid individual poems.His poetry is collected in this outstanding volume of the Library of America, edited by Langdon Hammer of Yale University.
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Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Crane, Hart, 1899-1932    3. Letters    4. Poetry   

Editorial Review

It would take a deeply cynical heart not to fall in love withRainer Maria Rilke's Read more

Reviews (59)

Encouragement and Commitment for a Writer's Life

Classic
If you don't know who Rilke is, please don't tell me. Go see what's in your local library. I guarantee you they have some Rilke, and I don't care what country you live in. I haven't even checked in Hangzhou, nor do I feel the need. He's like that. I've loved him for most of my life. Since I'm supposed to be reviewing this little book, its honesty is astounding. An aspiring poet who attended Rilke's university years later asked for some advice, and got the most accurate responses an author has ever sent an aspirant. I absolutely love this book.

like whoopie says...
First heard about this in the movie "Sister Act 2" and Whoopie's character's arguement made sense...if you wake up every day and all you can think about is writing, then you're a writer..."Great book.Inspirational for all. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1875-1926    2. 1883-1966    3. 20th century    4. Authors, German    5. Continental European    6. Correspondence    7. Kappus, Franz Xaver,    8. Letters    9. Literary Collections    10. Literature - Classics / Criticism    11. Literature: Classics    12. Rilke, Rainer Maria,    13. German    14. Other prose: from c 1900 -    15. Poetry & poets    16. c 1900 - c 1914   

Reviews (2)

THE BOOK FOR ABBEY FANS
This is a wonderful book for Ed Abbey fans because it reflects in his letters the many sides of Abbey we find in his writings, from his curmudgeonly old crank statements, his love of wilderness, and his heart felt feelings (such as his letter to his dad March 1975).I especially liked the foreward by Terry Williams.Oh! Where are you George Washington Heyduke?Someone should make of movie of the Gang!

Abbey: Now, more than ever
This book is a great reminder of how far ahead of his time Abbey was.Issues he was concerned about 40 or 50 years ago are argued with a passion and intellect that is missing from today's political discourse.Also missing today is the humor and constructive anger which served as an undercurrent for much of his writing.Beyond all this literary mumbo-jumbo, Abbey still makes for a great read.This is possibly the last of his writing to be published.Savor it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1927-1989    2. 20th century    3. Abbey, Edward,    4. American - General    5. Authors, American    6. Correspondence    7. General    8. Letters    9. Literary Collections    10. Literature - Classics / Criticism    11. Literature: Classics    12. Nature / Essays   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. American Letters And Correspondence    3. Authors, American    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Correspondence    6. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    7. Journalism    8. Journalists    9. Letters    10. Literary    11. Literary Collections    12. Literature: Classics    13. United States    14. United States - 20th Century    15. Women - 20th Century History    16. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (17)

Review ofMemoirs of US Grant
General Grant's use of the English language is very interesting and informative.Absolutely a pleasure to read.

A Masterpiece
This book is a must-read for any Civil War or American history buff. Grant's writing is consistently clear, elegant, beautiful. He gives an engaging account of his wartime experiences that are accurate to the best of his ability, and he writes with introspection and humility. The personal letters at the end of the volume reveal much about this fascinating man, and are a welcome addition. Please read this one! Another wonderful book in this series is the volume containing Frederick Douglass's autobiographical works.

A History Buff's Wet Dream...
This is certainly a great book, and in parts, it is a good book. Grant has a very terse, matter-of-fact style, which makes for easy reading. The bulk of the book is devoted to the Civil War, and there are dry patches, and multitudes of "We went to the ridge, and then to the river, and moved our artillery up to the picket" and such-like. But that is what happened, and so you can't fault Grant for his meticulous detailing of troop movements, correspondence with fellow officers, etc. As I said, the great majority of the book is devoted to the Civil War, and there is not a word about Grant's tenure in the White House. Personally, of all topics covered by Grant, I find him to be most fascinating on the subject of the Mexican-American War of 1847. This is not something commonly focused on in history classes, but Grant's account is riveting. Additionally, Grant's remembrances of Lincoln are very interesting, as is his almost awed reverence for the military abilities of Sherman. The book is long, but it doesn't seem long, and if you have a love of history, this is indispensable stuff. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Ulysses Simpson),    2. 1822-1885    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Correspondence    7. Generals    8. Grant, Ulysses S    9. Letters    10. Literature - Classics / Criticism    11. Military    12. Military Personnel    13. Presidents    14. U.S. History - Antebellum Period (1840-1860)    15. United States    16. United States - Civil War    17. United States - Reconstruction Period (1865-1877)    18. Literary Collections / Letters   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. American - General    3. Authors and readers    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. History    6. Letters    7. Literary    8. Literary Collections    9. Literature: Classics    10. Sources    11. United States    12. Biography: general    13. English    14. Novels, other prose & writers: from c 1900 -    15. USA   

Reviews (7)

interesting and informative
It's like a very good college textbook.But it isn't boring

Untitled
Though some of the letters included in this book are quite hard to get through without having a coffee break, the poems are absolutely fascinating.They are filled with passion and mystery.The majority of poems to or from lovers of Veronica Franco in this book are unknown, which leaves the beauty of being able to make up your own mind.This title doesn't focus so much on her life so if your after history of Veronica then another title might be more suitable.Otherwise this is well worth the buy.

Sweet Fruit of Poetry
Veronica Franco had an unbelieveable ability to write-beautifully translated and expressed in Poems and Selected Letters (Other Voice in Early Modern Europe). Margaret F. Rosenthal put this book together with careful thinking, allowing it's readers to skip to different poems andletters easily. I am not reviewing Ms. Rosenthal as much as I am VeronicaFranco in her writing.The poetry is revolved around her daily events,none out of the ordinary.My particular favorite being Capitulo 13-AChallenge To A Lover Who Has Offended Her.Excellent for those interestedin this portion of history, a Courtesan's life, and one who loves poetry. Very beautiful!I rated it 4 out of 5 stars-it only lacks the one starbecause it take a working brain to relate the poetry to what it actuallymeans.But once done, it is well worth the time. :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Continental European    2. Letters    3. Poetry    4. Biography: general    5. Italian    6. Poetry & poets    7. Poetry / Single Author / Continental European    8. Works by individual poets: 16th to 18th centuries   

Reviews (7)

Poor selection of letters
Although I love books of letters, I found this anthology uninspiring and a poorly chosen group of contributors. The letters rely mostly upon the interest of the reader in the author, not the content of the letter itself. For example: Arlo Guthrie is a neat character, but in his letter to his son, when he tells him to be thankful to God -- why? Sure, It's good advice, and any half-wit can relay it, but the real intellect and insight comes in explaining why someone ought to be thankful to God when they or someone else is suffering. I think a much, much better anthology of letters can be found in Lisa Grunwald and Stephen Adler's "Letters of the Century". It collects hundreds of letters from authors famous and anonymous, and each is tremendously insightful about the emotions of the author, and often makes prescient remarks about the era.

Personal and Revealing
This wonderful book spans more than three centuries and gives the reader insights into the thoughts of many great Americans as they wrote to their children. A Wonderful Display of Humanity
To often, we think of historical figures as cardboard characters, names in a textbook. In this wonderful book, they come alive as thinking, feeling human beings, sharing their innermost thoughts with their children. No matter the era, or the fame of the writer, the humanity is what one remembers. Perhaps the greatest tribute I can give Dorie McCullough Lawson is the fact that I have since read, or am reading, biographies of N.C. Wyeth, Theodore Roosevelt, John J. Pershing, and Harriet Beecher Stowe...all because of what I learned about them from her book, and the letters therein. "Posterity..." is a book to treasure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American letters    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Civilization    5. General    6. History    7. History: World    8. Letters    9. Rich & Famous    10. Sources    11. U.S. History - Westward Expansion    12. United States    13. United States - General    14. History / General   

Reviews (12)

Something to pass on!
I just Read Spragins amazing collection of letters and had to post this message about it.If you're looking for a meaningfull thought provoking gift this is it!This book will be cherished not just because it reveals the inner thoughts of some amazing people on our planet, but because it confirmations the inner voice in all of us that is often ignored.
A Lesson in Reflection
I found this book as I was looking for a gift for my daughter's college graduation. The concept seemed incredible to me so I grabbed it up and brought it home. Reading the letters inpired me to write my own letter. I wrote a letter to myself 23 years before, pregnant with my daughter. The process of reflection was intense for me. I cried as I remembered the fears I had--the uncertainty. My sister called as I was writing this letter and the two of us went even farther back than 23 years. We remembered each other as children--when we were unable to communicate our fears. Our conversation helped our relationship and helped me to finish my letter to myself. In the end, my letter to me became my gift to my daughter. Without this book, all this reflection would be lost.

Author of "Live in the Moment" wishes every HS Grad would receive this book!
I read about this book in the newspaper and ordered it right away, even though I already get it when it comes to "wishing we knew then what we know now".I wrote my book for the same reason - if only I'd had a book like "Live in the Moment" or "What I Know Now" to read as I entered into the adult world.Learning things that other people wish they'd known at a younger age only helps to reaffirm my belief that it's up to us to help open the eyes of the next generation. They've got the world by the tail, if only they would realize that and make the most of it!Brava Ellyn Spragins. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Conduct of life    3. Feminism & Feminist Theory    4. Letters    5. Miscellanea    6. Motivational & Inspirational    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Personal Growth - Success    9. Psychology    10. Psychology Of Women    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Women    14. Women in public life    15. Women's Studies - General    16. Self-Help / Success   

Reviews (1)

confessions of an angry young man
Anyone curious to learn more about the (in)famous art critic Clement Greenberg will be intrigued by this collection, which documents his letters to his friend Harold Lazarus between 1928-43.Unfortunately, few of Harold's replies are extant, thus we are only privy to one side of the correspondance.We are presented with the fascinating portrait nonetheless; of an ambitious and extremely well-read young man, although not a particularly pleasant one.Read more

Subjects:  1. Artists, Architects, Photographers    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Letters    6. Literary    7. Aesthetics    8. Biography: general    9. The Arts: General Issues    10. Art    11. Biography   

Reviews (3)

Revealing and inspiring look at what it means to parent a disabled child
I've just listened to Mary Beth and Megan on the Diane Rehm Show and was very moved by their openness in describing their sons with Fragile X and their life with them, how they parent these sons, searched for the best education and medical care for them, and how they have found meaning and joy in their sons, despite their severe disabilities. Their book is an inspiration to all parents with disabled children.

A "must read" for all Fragile X families!
This is the book that all of the families in the Fragile X community have been waiting to read.These letters between two women tell us the story of their personal griefs and triumphs; but they tell us so much more.The chapter called Dropping Bread Crumbs explains Fragile X for the layman more clearly than you've ever heard it explained before.We will all relate to the devastating news of the diagnosis in the chapter called Diagnosis and Dealing.And we will admire the courage of Kelly Randels' chapter on the hearbreak of facing an abortion.These women have the courage to tell us what we need to know; and the talent to keep you riveted throughout their journey in a world that has been defined for them by Fragile X.A extraordinary accomplishment.

A most remarkable, touching, educational, moving book
This is an incredible book.Mary Beth met Megan at a conference for parents of children with Fragile X, and decided to write to her.Mary Beth wrote to Megan, and in her letter, she quotes Margaret Mead:"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world."And, indeed they have.They have also exchanged these simple, yet powerful letters. -- letters that talk about daily life,advice to each other, their family histories, the nature of Fragile X, the pain of Mother's Day, the nature of what is a home -- an endless array of interesting subjects.But these letters reveal so much more, namely, their courage, their disappointments, their tenacity, their truthfulness, their endless ability to love. It is a book that shows the human spirit at its best and is an inspiration to us all. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Collected Correspondence    3. Diseases - Genetic    4. Diseases - Nervous System (incl. Brain)    5. Family & Relationships    6. Fragile X Syndrome    7. Letters    8. Medical / Nursing    9. Mental Disorders    10. Miscellanea    11. Parent And Child    12. Parenting - General    13. Pediatrics    14. Personal Narratives    15. Family & Relationships / Health   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (2)

Love this book!
This is a must have for all Americans!It's a sweet reminder of the many heroes here and abroad.

Dear Soldier, I Pray For You Every Night Before I Go To Bed
In this time of uncertainity, this book is a wonderful tribute to our soldiers and helps us realize what is really important through the eyes of children. A wonderful book to share with family members young and old. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Inspirational    2. Inspirational - Gifts    3. Letters    4. Literary Collections    5. Literature: Classics    6. Military Personnel    7. Motivation    8. Motivational & Inspirational    9. Inspiration/Gift Books/General    10. Religion / Inspirational    11. Religious Orientation/Christian   

Reviews (9)

A few nuggets
First things first. The book is mis-titled. This is not a book of the greatest eulogies of our time. Rather it is a book of eulogies about "great" people.
Sixty four choice examples of eloquent eulogies
I am not inclined to agree with the sub-title of "Farewell, Godspeed" that these are indeed "The Greatest Eulogies of Our Time," simply because I think there are so many eloquent farewells given to loved ones who have passed away that never see the light of day.But that hardly detracts from the point of Cyrus M. Copeland's collection, which serves as a potent reminder of a neglected art form by providing sixty four examples from the past century.
Bedtime Reading
You'll read this book slowly.If you want to savor each of the imaginative, evocative portraits of 20th century legends.As with a batch of homemade chocolate cookies, better to consume just a few each night with a warm glass of milk.And then fall asleep and dream of what you want to become.The inspiration is ineluctable. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eulogies    2. General Biographical Works    3. History    4. Letters    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Reference    7. Speeches    8. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (5)

A better title than book
The idea conveyed by the title is wonderful, and to some degree the notion is realized.Unfortunately, it doesn't really fly.While there still may be merit in study of Einstein's educational comments to children, this volume doesn't offer much insight.
Great book ABOUT Einstein, not by him.
This book has very little actually written by Einstein himself. It gives a brief biography and background of Einstein. The letters are from children and show the enormity of his fanbase in the 1940's and 50's.The biography is informative and there are plenty of interesting pictures.The letters are interesting, but toward the end, they seem repetitive.Still, it is a great book worth buying.Barnes and noble has a cheaper edition, which makes it well worth the 6 dollars!

Misleading Title
I had been looking forward to this book's release for some time.As yet another self-confessed Einstein fan, the idea of a collection of correspondences between the greatest scientific mind in the history of human endeavour, and curious children from around the world, was irresistable.So, when I finally got my hands on it, I wanted to enjoy it very much.However, in the end, I felt a bit cheated and misled.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1879-1955    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Children    4. Correspondence    5. Einstein, Albert,    6. Essays    7. Letters    8. Literary Collections    9. Literature: Classics    10. Physicists    11. Scientists - General    12. Biography: general    13. Literary studies: general    14. Literature: Texts    15. PHYSICS    16. Science: General Issues   

Editorial Review

The 1990s have seen a resurgence of interest in