Reviews (40)

The Bible in a Book
As a parish director of adult faith formation, this is a book that I am continually placing orders for and promoting among my adult students in the parish.Why?Because this text is what I like to call "The Bible in a book."Scott Hahn, Ph.D. has taken years of his personal research and blended it with his unique writing style, which is accessible to the average layperson - not reserved for the Biblical scholar.The result is a text that summarizes Salvation History in 290 pages from an authentically Catholic, orthodox perspective.
A great book for beginners
This was my fist book about scripture I have ever read. It was very enjoyable. It help me with the basics. It was very helpful to learn about the different covenants.

A covenantal stroll through (salvation) history
Dr. Hahn has always been my favorite theologian.He writes in a way that I can "get" the first time though.This particular volume is an arrow-straight shot through the first six covenants of salvation history.Despite the fact that I have been reading loads of books on this topic, this easy-to-read book STILL has new insights to give me!My favorite is the correlation between the animals that the Egyptians (and many Israelites) worshipped during the Israelites' 400-year stay there and the animals both destroyed by plagues and subsequently ritually sacrificed on Israelite altars.God tries hard to sever the worhsip link between those gods (represented by the animals) and His people.Now all those years of animal sacrifices make sense AND why it was no longer necessary in the new Covenant in Jesus' time.It was a particular discipline for a particular time.Neat!
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Subjects:  1. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - Old Testament    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Theology - Apologetics    4. Christianity - Theology - Catholic    5. Christianity - Theology - General    6. God    7. God (Christianity)    8. Love    9. Redemption    10. Religion    11. Religion - Classic Works    12. Salvation    13. Christian theology    14. Nature & existence of God   

Reviews (16)

Competent compilation of the anti-Creation movment.
John Brockman has succeeded in assembling a good cross-section of anti-ID essays in one reasonably concise volume (less than 300 pages).The quality therein fluctuates from competent to outstanding, while the tone ranges from strictly professional to strangely defensive at times, all depending on the individual authors.Some wrote for purely to share knowledge, while a few (and only a few) bore an agenda on their backs, which weakened their credibility.
Amounts to a destruction of Intelligent Design
As Editor John Brockman writes in his introduction, this book, a collection of 16 essays by eminent scientists, "is a thoughtful response to the bizarre claims made by the ID movement's advocates, whose only interest in science appears to be to replace it with beliefs consistent with those of the Middle Ages." (p. x)
Scientists debunking pseudo-science...
If you're unclear why serious scientists get so frustrated with the intelligent-design movement, then this book is a must-read. It offers the opinions of respected professionals from a variety of fields, from biology to psychology, all of whom have one thing in common: they recognize that while science and evolutionary theory have not answered every question in the universe, intelligent design has not answered any. Another common theme throughout is the debunking of "teach the controversy", touted by intelligent designers as a back-door means of getting religious belief taught in the classroom. As these insightful authors explain, the only "controversy" is the misappropriation and distortion by intelligent-design proponents of evidence produced by serious researchers to satisfy the former group's untenable claims. There's nothing scientific about that... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Essays    3. Evolution (Biology)    4. Human Evolution    5. Intelligent design (Teleology)    6. Life Sciences - Evolution    7. Philosophy Of Science    8. Religion and science    9. Religious aspects    10. Science    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Science / Evolution   

Editorial Review

A lifelong pursuit of knowing God should embody the Christian's existence. According to eminent theologian J.I. Packer, however, Christians have become enchanted by modern skepticism and have joined the "gigantic conspiracy of misdirection" by failing to put first things first. Read more

Reviews (64)

Insipid spirituality
This book was given to me by a fellow evangelical when I was a member of the student union some time ago.While reasonably well-written, I deeply disagree with the fundamentalist presuppositions of Packer (he was part of the group of theologians who put forward the fundamentalist manifesto which included inerrancy of the Bible in all matters including scientific theory) and I don't find his vision of God inspiring or well thought out.He engages well with the bible but less so with Christian philosophy and tradition, something Alister McGrath seems to do much better in my view.
Knowing God by J. I. Packer
Our small group at church is reading and discussing the book.We are older adults whose ages range from mid-fiftes to early seventys.None of us would call ourselves "intellectuals" and reading the book for some has been a challenge because of the depth of the subject matter that Dr. Packer addresses.
Not Enough On Hell
There is not enough teaching on Hell.How can you talk about knowing God with out full-blown explanation on the nature of eternal damnation and hell.It's impossible.J. I. Packer fails in a great way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Discipleship    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. God    5. God (Christianity)    6. Religion    7. Theology - Lay    8. Religion & Beliefs   

Reviews (24)

Comprehensive, treatment of military Jihad and it's relationship to slavery
This book is a very comprehensive treatment of the unique Islamic phenomena of Jihad (often called the 6th pillar of Islam).The book is very heavily footnoted and will be a guide for scholars for many years.
BRILLIANT ANALYSIS...INTERESTING ,FACTUAL AND QUITE DISTRUBING
THIS IS A QUITE INTERESTING BOOK. DONT LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT ISLAM IS THE RELIGION OF PEACE. THROUGH ITS FOUNDING IT HAS ONLY CAUSED DEATH,MURDER,RAPE,PLUNDER AND MISERY OF "INFIDELS" WHO WERE THE RECIEVING HAND OF JIHAD. EVERYONE TAKE NOTICE. FUNDAMENTAL ISLAM IS A CANCER IF NOT CHECKED WILL DESTROY ALL CIVILIZATIONS AND ALONG WITH IT CHRISTIANS,BUDDHISTS,HINDUS AND ALL THE OTHER "NON BELIEVERS" IN THE CRESENT TIDE..

no religious tolerance tolerated
This book is an excellent read if you want to know how non-muslims fair under islamic law.
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Subjects:  1. Dhimmis    2. General    3. Islam    4. Islam - General    5. Islam - History    6. Jihad    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Religion And Politics    10. Religion, Politics & State    11. Religious aspects    12. War   

Reviews (26)

A New Perspective on Pain and Suffering
This book does nothing to remove pain from a believer's life, and it does not give any instructions or quick fixes as to how to do so.What it provides is a new perspective on pain, one from a God-centered viewpoint rather than a man-centered viewpoint.The author sympathizes with the reader who may be suffering, but then continues to give new, biblical insights that identify pain as a blessing from God to a sinful, broken world.
China's Victory Over the USA will make you ask THIS QUESTION
The Chinese victory over the USA will make you ask this question.What's wrong with America?Thousands of things.USA dishonors Christ through its sexual immorality.Look at the rampant pre-marital sex in America.Don't tell me that America is a Holy Nation or a Christian Nation.It's not.China is more pure.We illegalize homosexuality and forbid pre-marital sex.China is a more pure nation.Christian writers don't seem to care about the purity of America.Mr. Philip Yancey hasn't written one book on it.I rest my case.

Obviously Yancey is a Pop Psychologist who has No Respect for the Bible
Mr. Yancey has no respect for the teaching of the Bible.God is always there when it hurts.In fact, God allows hurt.Look at Book of Job.God allowed Satan to kill Job's children (!!!) and tempt his wife away from Job and give Job a horrible disease.God was always there.In fact, God was a part of the plan to CAUSE Job to suffer.Why?On a whim.Satan said that Job would lose faith if disaster struck him, so God said, "Okay, give it your best shot!"Sometimes, God sends disasters into your home for a whim, for a wager with Satan.This is the lesson from the Book of Job.Sometimes, God Himself brings pain and death because Christians refuse to uphold the interests of the Kingdom of Christ.Look at the book of Jeremiah.It was God who chose to kill Israelites, destroy the Jerusalem Temple.In fact, Jeremiah specifically states that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who was not a believer, was anointed by God to bring destruction.It's like God anointing Bin Laden to destroy America.That would be the similar analogy in terms of anointing a hostile unbeliever to destroy a believing nation.The Bible is clear that God chose King Nebuchadnezzar to destroy the Jerusalem Temple and kill Israelites.And anyone who opposed King Nebuchadnezzar opposed God Himself.How does this apply to Bin Laden.This is how seriously God takes desecration of His House, the Christian Church.God will raise up an unbelieving enemey to destroy America if America desecrates God's houses.And opposing this anointed enemy would be opposing God Himself.Mr. Yancey should think seriously about what God teaches about suffering.God gives suffering when believers desecrate His house.God sends death and destruction when Christians refuse to uphold the interst of Christ.This is an important lesson for America to learn. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Religion    3. Religion - Socialissues    4. Christian Interest    5. Christian life & practice    6. Coping with death & bereavement    7. Nature & existence of God    8. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (75)

Accessible, well written and convincing
Margaret Starbird has taken on what had to be a difficult task for herself: being brought up and fully involved in Roman Catholicism, she questioned her beliefs, followed the EVIDENCE and documentation and has written a very accessible book about Mary Magdelan and the whole Holy Grail controversy. It is very well argued and written and is very enjoyable. No starry eyed anti catholic, she is a catholic and goes back to the historical evidence, not the stories written since.

That Bird Ain't No Star
Pretty poorly written, repetitive, confusing, seems slightly bootlegged and almost too contrived.The author is too deeply rooted in orthodox Christianity in order to even make a run for the alternative.I love the subject matter though - that's why I bought this book.I am slightly disappointed to say the least.

must read
Reading this book makes you wonder how much control we really have. Control over history, religion and society. "peeling a label off a medicine bottle and realizing you've been taking the wrong medication all your life" how does one react to something as shocking as that.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - General    2. Christianity - Theology - Christology    3. Comparative Religion    4. Grail    5. Jesus Christ    6. Mary Magdalene,    7. Miscellanea    8. Religion    9. Religion - Church History    10. Saint    11. Specific Members Of Religious Congregations And Orders    12. Marriage    13. Mary Magdalene    14. Religion / Mysticism    15. The historical Jesus   

Reviews (97)

An Unreliable Indictment of Traditional Christianity
I must admit that The Jesus Dynasty is not the type of book I would normally read and I therefore approached it with great interest.Though much of it is written as a sort of adventurous novel, there is nevertheless much relevant historical information spread throughout the book.I learned much from Tabor's extensive Biblical and historical knowledge, yet despite this knowledge I feel that Tabor has, in several key points, provided speculative arguments without providing adequate evidence for his case.Nevertheless, I should have expected as much, for in his Preface, Tabor states that his book, "differs considerably, sometimes radically, from the standard portrait of Jesus informed by theological dogma.The Jesus Dynasty proposes an original version of Christianity, long lost and forgotten, but one that can be reliably traced back to the founder, Jesus himself (4)."Tabor has certainly presented an original version of Christianity, yet I don't believe it can be reliably traced back to Jesus as he claims.
Bravo !
I have no problem in giving 5 stars to Tabor's book. I first purchased an audio version of this book and found it so interesting that I bought the book itself.The book is very readable and full of surprises. Christians have been presenting one sided information regarding Christ and ignore all other possibilities in the name of faith.
Presuppositions Drive Tabor's Conclusion
In The Jesus Dynasty, James Tabor reaches a conclusion that presents a major challenge to conservative, orthodox Christianity. His claim is that Christ was not divine but part of a movement to establish an earthly kingdom led by his own family based on their Davidic ancestry. This dynasty lasted for a time, in spite of Jesus' death, led by Jesus' brother James, and subsequently by other family members.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Controversial Speculation    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Christianity - Theology - Christology    5. Christology    6. Controversial Knowledge    7. History    8. Jesus Christ    9. Jews    10. Kings and rulers    11. Origin    12. Religion    13. Religion - Church History    14. Religion / Christianity   

Reviews (6)

Thinking About Your Church Meeting in Different Locations?READ THIS BOOK
I love this book.Here is why!
The Multi-Site Church Revolution is the Complete Package
The Multi-Site Church Revolution is the complete package!At just over 200 pages, it's packed with some really good back-story from churches where the idea is working. Equally helpful are examples of missteps in many of the model churches. Through the stories the authors effectively demonstrate that this is a strategy that is working in many different locations and in a variety of ways (Part One explores five different models).
The revolution is coming
The great thing about "The Multi-site Church Revolution" is the hands on feel the book has.One of the authors (Geoff Surratt) is on staff at Seacoast Church, plus they connect with a wide variety of churches that are doing "multi-site".The benefit is that we are not just getting one perspective and one experience, but many.The multi-site church is more philosophy than it is model (although they introduce us to many).The philosophy is driven by a desire to reach more people with the life changing message of Jesus.Multi-site allows there to be a good stewardship of resources.Each new start-up doesn't have to reinvent the wheel each time around.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Church Administration - General    2. Christianity - Pastoral Ministry    3. Church facilities    4. Church management    5. Institutions & Organizations    6. Parish And Church Management    7. Planning    8. Religion    9. Religion - Ministry & Pastoral Resources    10. Social Theology    11. Christian Interest    12. Christian ministry & pastoral activity    13. Religion / Church Institutions & Organizations   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Pastoral Ministry    3. Gifts, Spiritual    4. Lay ministry    5. Ministries    6. Pastoral Theology    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religion - Christian Living    10. Christian Interest    11. Christian moral & pastoral theology    12. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (7)

Liberalism Under the Guise of Ghandi
I found this book rehashed a lot of her old books which I used tohighly recommend to everyone. She kept using the term "democracy".We are a republic, as anyone who recites the Pledge of Allegiance knows.She is anti-gun, using the term "gun violence" and says the gun manufacturers are in it only for the money.We used guns to extricate/defend ourselves from the British, and would probably still be under their control if we had used what, bows and arrows safe enough for you?Also used guns to "win the west".The problem is not guns but the psyche of those who use them in a bad way.The countries with gun control have the highest rate of violence - England, Australia.She sheds tears for the abortion clinic worker who has to wear a bullet-proof vest but sheds none for the unborn. Yet she says we don't take good enough care of our children in America.She can't have it both ways, baby!!

Extremely intelligent, articulate, and profoundly moving!!!
This is an absolutely wonderful book!!!It is a must-read for anyone who would like to see changes made in the world, and especially in the political system. Written at the dawn of the millenium, it is even more profound and timely today.Every page has quotes worth saving, every example has meaning, every solution resonates.Ms. Williamson is a very talented writer, and she has cut to the heart with this book, in more ways than one.She outlined very articulately EVERYTHING that has been bothering me. She not only nailed all of the problems, but she also gives solutions, and provides blueprints and resources. The Time is Right to Read This
I bought this book (published as "The Healing of America") in 1997, and it sat on my bookshelf for five years. Picking it up recently, I felt a chill of recognition as I read its contents. America is on the verge of a renaissance or a catastrophe, she writes, and Islamic terrorists manipulate the masses with tales of our superficial values. Williamson was clearly onto something.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Healing - General    3. New Age    4. New Thought    5. Religion    6. Religion and culture    7. Religion and politics    8. Sociology of Religion    9. Spirituality    10. Spirituality - Mentors and Gurus    11. United States    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Mental & Spiritual Healing    13. Mind, Body, Spirit   

Editorial Review

"Perhaps we are not accustomed to thinking of the Pentagon, or the Chrysler Corporation, or the Mafia as having a spirituality, but they do," writes Walter Wink. In Read more

Reviews (15)

Important Message
This book proposes that the real Powers that Be need to be transformed.Wink rightly recognizes the world views in which redemptive violence works and proposes that non-violent resistance is how the powers should be opposed instead of violence and instead of a weak pacifist perspective.The book was on point in this regard and Wink points to examples of how non-violent resistance has worked in cases of South Africa, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. and others.The main contribution of this book for me was Wink's point about not resisting evil by evil means and thus becoming the thing which you are opposing.The Church desperately needs to grab hold of this and realize that violence cannot be combated with violence and evil cannot be combated with evil and that might does not make right.
THEOLOGY??????? IN THE TITLE
Walter Wink, member of the "Jesus Seminar" oddly titles his book "THEOLOGY for the New Millenium."This title is really odd since Mr. Wink in this book refutes the divinity of Christ: Constantine The Great you see declared Christ to be divine at the Council of Nice in 325 A.D. This to obscure His message as a social reformer that the emperor did not like. Well "theology" though it might be, if the divinity of Christ is an invention then it is not Christian theology. Excellent philosophical basis for activists
I bought this book when it was recommended as "essential reading" at a peacemaking workshop. I found it invaluable in putting to rest my tendencies to demonize others, especially those in power, and to forego action because I was not blameless. This book proved the basis for me to regain my optimism about the possibility of acting in the world--acknowledging reality while remaining optimistic for change and social justice. I went out and bought 12 copies to give to influencers of policy, from Bill Clinton to fellow members of my Peace Covenant group. You don't have to believe in any particular dogma to get a lot out of this overview of ways to look at the world and to engage with it. I've already run out of copies and hope that more people read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - Angelology    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. Religion    4. Religion - Theology    5. Theology    6. Christian theology    7. Religion / General   

Reviews (23)

Beware final pages before giving as a gift
I enjoyed the prayers in this book very much. I have enjoyed A Return to Love, A Woman's Worth, Healing the Soul of America and Everyday Grace.
Peace From Within
Marianne Williamson is a gentle soul who cares deeply about people and the world. She has shared with us some of her deepest convictions through her soulful words. She has a way with words that draws you in and she very simply shares her messages of peace and love. She has reminded us of how prayer is about being grateful and asking for help and about how it helps everyone. At some of the most trying times in my life, this book, Marianne Williamson's words, have been my saving grace. I have recommended this book to many friends and family and have purchased several to give away as gifts over the past few years.

This book is a very good prayer book.
This book is especially good for college students and intellectual adults.This book is also good for students who would like to be engineers and scientists.This book is very inspirational and it will help you rise above hopeless circumstances to a great destiny. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Life cycle, Human    2. Meditation    3. Prayer    4. Prayers    5. Religion    6. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    7. Spiritual life    8. Religion / Bible / Meditations / General   

Reviews (29)

A superb and enduring work...
A superb and enduring literary work based upon careful biblical exegesis and ancient church history which calls for reformation, now as then, in the Christian Church. Whether one agrees with all of Calvin's conclusions or not, it is evident that his writings have greatly influenced Western thought and action. These books are required reading for the culturally aware. The modern backlash against Western civil and religious tradition demands the present-day examination of these volumes.

Calvin is Man of Christ
The very first thing that John Calvin did after founding Geneva as a theocracy and Christian state was to kill those who opposed the Word of God.What a man!Calvin was man of Christ.We Christians in America should follow his example.

Calvin Institutes
very good volume of the Institutes with lots of footnotes.a must for any Calvinist or those looking to broaden their knowledge of Calvinism and what it is all about ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Calvinism    2. Christianity - History - General    3. Christianity - History - Protestant    4. Christianity - Theology - History    5. Christianity - Theology - Systematic    6. Religion    7. Theology - Academic    8. Christian theology    9. Continental European Reformed Churches   

Reviews (5)

Good story, unattractive illustrations
I thought the story of Christmas as told by this book was simple enough for my young children to understand without diluting the meaning of the holiday or hitting us over the head with religious sentiment.However, the illustrations in the book are so unappealing that I dread it when my kids bring it to me to read to them.The characters were devoid of any personality and so very, shall we say, white bread.I give it a 5 for the telling of the story and a 1 for the illustrations, evening it out to 3 stars.

I love this book
I love this little book.The story is simple.The story is easy to understand.The illustrations are very good.Unlike another little Christmas book I bought for my 2-year-old, this one actually does tell the story of Christmas.

Great, basic version of the story
I bought this for my daughter, who is 4.I think the text is a little young for her, but it's a clear, simple version of the story.The best part is that it doesn't pile on the religious interpretations. It just tells the basic facts of the story: angel appears to Mary, Mary and Joseph prepare for the baby, donkey ride to Bethlehem, no room in the inn, Jesus born in stable, wise men follow star, angel appears to shepherds, we give gifts on Christmas "to show our love and to say Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus." Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Baby-Preschool    2. Children: Kindergarten    3. Christmas    4. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    5. Jesus Christ    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Nativity    9. Religion - Bible - Stories   

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Reviews (14)

Inspirational and Comforting
I did not read this because I was mourning but still this is a must read. A book of God's love for us.After reading so many books full of fire and brimstone, I needed this.

An Absolute Must Have
Of all the Christian books that I have read (and they are many), none have had the impact that came with reading this one particular book. It alone is the book that I have most given away to others to read. Weatherhead lays out in an very easy and non-heavy-handed way the question of What is God's Will?
The Will ofGod?Where was He in Katrina, Baghdad?
An exceptional book dealing with exceptionally important qustions: Where was God?Why did God allow this to happen?What is the Will of God? And, ultimately, if God is in control, and if He is a God of Love, why does He let bad things happen?What kind of God could let these things happen?This book not only addresses but answers those eternal questions.Weatherhead makes sense of the seemingly senseless.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Discipleship    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. Faith    4. Religion    5. Religion - Worship - Preaching    6. Sermons - Christian    7. Christian religious experience    8. Nature & existence of God   

Editorial Review

Here is an astoundingly rich and needed addition to spiritual literature. With Sisyphean diligence, Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat have managed to compile an extraordinary array of spiritual passages from writers across time and regardless of religious denomination, from the lyricist Leonard Cohen to the philosopher Jacob Needleman, from the mystic Christian Meister Eckhart to the novelist Annie Dillard, from the Zen master Robert Aitken to the poet Robert Haas. Read this book, contemplate it and learn the ABCs of spiritually, of life. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

spiritual intelligence is a skill
The editors of this enriching collection quote a broad spectrum of spiritual passages and shorter comments from writers throughout history, with different religious orientations, ranging from lyricist Leonard Cohen to philosopher Jacob Needleman; Christian mystic Meister Eckhart to writers Maya Angelou and Annie Dillard. With its diverse prose and poetry, there is much to inspire readers to "read the signs that point to the active presence of Spirit in the world around us."
A marvelous resource
Holding this hefty book in your hands, you cannot help but admire and respect the editorial efforts of the Brussats. They have put together a dazzling compendium of spiritual wisdom -- and have certainly done a lion's share of promoting many wonderful books that probably wouldn't have gained public attention otherwise! Many of the books they've quoted are now prized possessions on my book shelf, and I am grateful for having had this resource to light the path.
Comprehensive and excellent!
This book is arranged in a series of topics, covering the gamut from the simple (the spirituality of the things in our life, ordinary objects we take for granted), to the most complex (the spirituality of community) and all the steps in between. What is especially marvellous about this book is the way that it doesn't merely state a concept or a lesson. It deomstrates it, via the several quotes and story-lets per topic taken from all spiritual traditions and ways.If it were possible to rate a book with six stars, I would rate this book that high. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Devotional    3. Literacy    4. Religion    5. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    6. Religion - Prayer & Spirituality    7. Spiritual life    8. Spirituality - General    9. Body, Mind & Spirit / General    10. Personal Christian testimony & popular inspirational works    11. Psychology   

Reviews (234)

A Well Presented Theory
I'm a big fan of ancient history. I remember when I went to a university open day toward the end of high school. I wandered over to the archaeology wing, and in a glass case they had a genuine Sumerian cuneiform, one of the oldest pieces of writing in known history. It was only a little one, but I remember being mesmerized by it. I'm also a big fan of alternative histories, because I do have a feeling there is more to prehistory than there appears, and have read quite a few of the "essential" reads.