Opening

This excellent book by Mednis has only one flaw: it is not long enough! This is really a repertoire book for white, but without covering all openings. He focuses on lines where quick resolution is brought about, so that a complex middlegame is avoided. For instance, against the King's Indian, he recommends an early dxe5, followed by the exchange of queens and Bg5, Nd5, etc. Similarly, Mednis recommends the Spanish Exchange. Other openings covered are: the Sicilian Dragon and Accelerated Dragon, the Pirc, the Modern, Queen's Indian, Grunfeld, English/Reti, and the French. Each chapter contains heavy verbal annotations of the main recommended lines, making this a phenomenal instructive manual on both the opening and the endgame. The illustrative games contain many beautiful and instructive endgames. Mednis really shined as a chess author, and this is, in my opinion, one of his most valuable works.

This books explains the game of chess from head to toe: as the name states, from opening into the endgame. This book does a good job of engaging the reader into each phase of the game with detailed explanations and most of all, the writer's insight into the game. Anybody should benefit from this book. A must buy.

This is the best book I have ever read in my lifetime concerning biblical prophesy. If half of the things revealed in this book are found to be true, then the only hope for this retched planet and the people occupying it is to have all the leaders of the world, e.g UNITED NATIONS come together and acknowledge that there is a CREATOR who will not allow the devil any more glory. This book is significant of the changing times we are living in.

This book is a very ecxellent book because it shows how much livity that a true brethren of this faith lives up. It also shows how ancient this deep Afrakan way of life is, and how naturally and wholistically Rastafari is supposed to live. It eliminates all ism and skism about Rastafari, and makes one how is seeking and hearing the call want to live clean and let Jah works be seen within him/herself.

Sincerely,

Jahmaal Usamah Israel

Jah Blessings!

This is an excellent, eminently practical book. Schiller has been accused of churning out books, but this one comes across as a labor of love. It is an excellent blend of text and variations, and he really gives you a feel for the Reti opening. There are lots of good reasons to play the Reti; the flexible first move, Nf3; the avoidance of queen's gambit theory; the avoidance of traditional approaches to the king's indian and grunfeld. In that sense, the Reti allows you to largely call the shots as to the direction of the game. This book has a special magic for the club player who wants to play the opening--one can get started almost right away, as you do not get bogged down. In that sense, the book is simpler than many opening manuals. But there is as much depth as I need, and one feels that one has a coach along for the ride in Schiller. He has great enthusiasm for the opening, and includes some of his notable wins, but he does not sugarcoat it either. The book is also very well made and solid, and is a pleasure to work through. All in all, a great chess book.

If you are of USCF playing strength 1600 to Master level, I believe you will find this book interesting (surprisingly interesting, I should say). The book gives solid examples of how hypermodern opening systems can ellicit poor play by black (primariliy due to apparent black non-familiarities with resulting non-classical and/or hypermodern opening structures). The non-familiarities inevitably lead black into inferior positions. The book also provides sound theory against solid black defensive systems adopted against white playing a hypermodern opening. In becoming intimately familiar with the Reti-System as outlined in this book by Schiller, you will find yourself going (1-0) against players who are rated several hundred points above your current USCF rating. I can attest to this because I have done so myself utilizing theory presented in this book! I must warn that if you are not a patient player, using the Reti system is probably not for you. Black will occupy the center until pawn breaks at e4,d4,c4 or even b4 will destroy the stronghold. The fact of the matter is simply this; Because there is still much to be learned about hypermodern play and inventions, the competitive player can prepare lines using these systems where black will be caught off-guard. I have also found much success in 5 min. blitz games with the Reti opening. I simply attribute this to too many players being comfortable with common/classical opening play.

First, i come to this book as an extended directed self study on the issues involved in the Creation-Evolution-Design debate. This book i rate as one of the 5 most significant books for a conservative reformed Christian who wants to come to reasoned and faithful conclusions in the CED debate. It is conservative which i define to be conscious and considerate of the traditions of the past, to take them seriously, not simply accepting something because it is new. It is Biblical in the way the author is very careful to allow the Scripture's Words to speak for themselves, being very careful not to read into the words his own cherished beliefs, but to allow the Word to speak to him, authoritatively and reliably. To this end he is not infected by the liberal J-P-D documentary interpretation so often evident in exegesis or interpretation.

Second, the book is significant on two levels, the first is the exegetical level, the principles of understanding that the author explores in the first few chapters. Second is the line by line study that forms the bulk of the book, roughly chpt 3 on.

The structure of the book is that of Gen 1-3 but the way he writes is interesting and worth a moment of reflection here. The chapters are more like consistent essays than the usual exegesis bound to the text. He takes a major theme in the next section of Genesis then expands it to cover this issue through the past interpreters and links to other related Scripture. It roughly follows the systematic organization of reformed covenant theology.

pg 26 has what i think is the best analysis of the human writers relationship to Scripture. "That rule follows from the humanity of Holy Scripture. In the act of inspiration God did not turn his sookesmen into robots; his Word became their word, under their signature and their responsiblility. Thus we have no right to go over their heads in order to set forth a 'divine' meaning which they would never possilby have imagined-even if those men did not grasp the whole import of what they attested God in his condescension has limited himself to their instrumentality; our interpretation must conform to the corresponding discipline."

If the church would hend this advice much of the CED debate would be solved, for we would cease to search Genesis for the equivalent of quarks, trying to query the first few chapters of the Bible and mine it for scientific truths. Rather we would, as this author does, submit to the authority of Scripture to speak to the way we do science, to the ideas that we bring to the universe as we question the master workmen's creation that we are a small part of.

The book is literary framework in its approach to Gen1-3, M. Kline being the best example of this in the english speaking world. Anyone familiar with the CED issues would be advised to read the first 2 chapters of this book simply to see a careful analysis of exegesis and the result of allowing Scripture to speak for itself rather than being pushed out of shape by young earth creationists whom would interpret the 7 days too literally. Or by scientific reconcilationists would would try to find modern science confirmed in the light appearing before the sun(ie the big bang).

The first principle he outlines carefully is to allow Scripture to speak to its first listeners, their culture, their history. His exegetical task doesn't end there but extends to teaching what these things mean to us in our place in space and time. But this application, this preaching follows critical-historical interpretation not prior to it as so many would desire.

Thanks to the author for this excellent book and i hope to read more from his pen.

When I was single and about to leave college some 15 years ago, a semester-long private study of this book and the book of Genesis itself filled me with a new sense of meaning concerning my existence as a man in this world.

Blocher argues on the basis of the elaborate literary structure of Gen. 1:1-2:3 that the original readers would have read it figuratively. The 7 days of creation represent neither 24-hour periods of time, nor long epochs of natural history, but are instead a literary structure that conveys meaningful and true content about the relationship of God, humankind, and the creation. No chronological significance was intended whatsoever, Blocher believes, nor inferred by the original readers. The literary phenomena he explores include the repetition of certain key words 7 or 10 times (numbers with symbolic value to the ancient Hebrews), the symmetrical correspondence of creation day 1 (light and darkness) to day 4 (sun, moon, stars), day 2 (sky and ocean) to day 5 (sea animals and birds), and day three to 3 (land) to day 6 (animals and humankind), etc. Moreover, the parallels--or rather deliberate contrasts--between Gen. 1 and other ancient Near Eastern creation stories, show how Gen. 1 served as a pointed polemic that exalted a higher concept of the utterly transcendent/immanent God to whom we are accountable, over and against polytheism. Even the reader who retains some kind of chronological understanding of the days of creation will be enriched by an exploration of these literary phenomena of the text. (A fascinating article, "Space and Time in the Genesis Cosmogony," by Dr. Meredith G. Kline of Westminster Theological Seminary in California and Gordon-Conwell Seminary, argues similar conclusions, and makes good companion reading to Blocher concerning Gen. 1.

Blocher sees the story of the Garden of Eden in Genesis 2 and 3 as a depiction in mythical terms of a genuinely historical fall of our first human ancestors from fellowship with God. The "seed of the woman" promised in Gen. 3:15, Jesus Christ, restores our access to the "tree of life" (see Rev. 22:2,14,19) of which human sin deprived us. The whole Bible is God's revelation about real historical realities, even if some of those realities (such as our remote origins and distant future) are more aptly and naturally described to us in figurative terms, while others (such as the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ) are more appropriately narrated in a literal manner.

Blocher's book has pastoral value that goes far beyond its relevance to these particular issues of biblical interpretation. The chapter on Man and Woman is worth the price of the book. I was left with a deepened appreciation of the significance of our earthly lives and their activities (marriage, family, work, etc.) in the context of God's plan to call out for himself a redeemed human community that is restored through Christ to be the image of God, and that will enjoy communion with God and one another forever.

This is a very good, highly readable history of James J. Hill, his family and his numerous successful business adventures, and the Great Northern Railway in particular.

Of the four major biographies of James J. Hill, this one is the best and most detailed. If it has a fault, it is that it is too detailed for many readers. But for those interested in the financial history of the Great Northern Railway and the personal history of its builder, this is the classic.

Martin had full access to the James J. Hill papers, now open to the public. Pyle's 1917 biography was also based on those papers, but Pyle was an employee of Hill's and tried to whitewash the truth, which actually made Hill look worse than he was. Holbrook's brief bio was based mainly on Pyle and rumor. Malone's 1996 book on Hill is to Martin's what Holbrook's was to Pyle's--a good intro but not as detailed as Martin's.

The saga of Jedediah Smith began at age 23, and ended ten years later, in 1831, when, on the Santa Fe trail, he was killed by indians when he stopped for a drink from a stream. He was one of the first true mountain men and trappers whose life story, during those ten years, introduces the reader to others whose names are more familiar now than his own. He died before the western movement began that relied so heavily upon the knowledge of such persons. Yet it is doubtful that any, except perhaps Kit Carson, came close to exploring so much country, much of it alone, or nearly so. The book is a scholarly presentation of his incredible feats each, for the most part, intended to discover the elusive beaver. Jedediah's territory covered the then unknown expanse ranging from the confluence of the Yellowstone and the Missouri Rivers, current site of Fort Union where I purchased my book, to Oregon, California as far south as LA, east along the Old Spanish Trial and the Gila River as well as into NM and everywhere in between. His knowledge of so vast a country was invaluable and, in spite of his untimely death, contributed mightily to what eventually would become known as Manifest Destiny. Some are destined to contribute whether intended or not. The book deserves a place in the library of every serious student of the west. As a CA resident, I have the advantage of having traveled by car, and know well, the land this man walked. It is amazing. Highly recommended.

This is a definite must read for early American West enthusiasts. Jed Smith's accomplishments, hardships and endeavors were in my opinion, unmatched by any others of his time. He was "the" mountain man! During the early days of exploration and expansion of the American West, Smith's courage and determination were beyond belief. The man was everywhere west of the Mississippi...it's unbelievable how much territory he covered! He was also the first white man to see and observe many of the places we all now take for granted. If you read only one book about the early American West...this should be the one.

This is one of my favorite chess books. It is filled with Sicilians and King's Indians. Wonderful, exciting chess and incredible annotations. Some people complain that Nunn is too technical and analytical, but this book is an exciting and gripping chess read to me. The fact is, chess annotation does not get much better than this. This book is 320 pages of pure chess meat for the chess carnivore.

This book contains 314 pages pure chess. A selection of John Nunns best games with in-depth analysis of each stage (opening, middlegame, endgame). And instead of just giving variations, you will find variations AND written comments showing the strategy and explaining the decisions. It is great to learn every stage of chess playing and chess psychology.

There are few better ways of understanding a show than by reading the words of the critics who review it. Hits or flops, big names or no names, this is an extremely comprehensive book of a dizzying number of shows, with excerpts from the critics' opening night reviews. Steven Suskin makes some cuts here and there, and offers his own thoughts about the shows, but the critics are the stars of this book, and shine they do. There are some wonderful reviews of hits and flops alike, and the totality of reviews help paint a unique and irresistible picture of the shows and Broadway itself.

You're in a restaurant. The wine is good, the food is better and the laughter is loud. All of the sudden, someone stops and yells "ONE LINE! A song, played on a solo saxaphone . . ." and you shout out "That's from "Miss Saigon!'"

If the above situation seems familiar, then "More Opening Nights on Broadway : A Critical Quotebook ofthe Musical Theatre from 1965 Through 1981" is for you! A book for those of us who love theatre with a passion, especially the mistakes! You can not have a library of musicals/theater literature without this book.

So your cat won't play with you and the only things on TV are "The Psychic Friends Hotline" and "Alligators: the way they love today?" Curl up in a big overstuffed chair and read about your favorite musical. Guaranteed to lift your spirits. You'll relish every fact, every mistake, every juicy tidbit. Then you'll call up your best friend and say "Hey, did you know what happened on the set of "My Fair Lady?'"

Don't think! Impulse buy! You won't regret it.

This 267 page volume published in 1994 is one of Kosten's finest works. It probably would be best though to get a more general work on the Nimzo-Indian before embarking on this one. The move order (1.d4 Nf6, 2.c4 e6, 3.Nc3 Bb4) is easy to understand and allows Black quick development. Invariably White is either saddled with 2 c pawns after Bxc3 bxc3 or if White chooses an early Qc2, the White Queen captures at c3, but this slows down White's development since he has made 2 Queen moves so early. One word of caution though. White decides on Move 3 if he will allow the Nimzo-Indian to be played by Black, or instead choosing 3.Nf3 which usually leads to the Queen's Indian defence (3.Nf3 b6). You really need both in your opening repertoire as Black if you're not a King's Indian or Grunfeld defence player (2.c4 g6). Of course if you're really ambitious you could try the Blumenfeld Gambit if White offers 3.Nf3 (3...c5, 4.d5 b5!?) but it's hard to find deeply analyzed material on that. Needless to say, the semi-serious to serious chess player needs to know this defence as Black against the Queen's pawn player. I would also suggest a book on the Benoni defence (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5, 3.d5 e6) and the Benko Gambit (3.d5 b5).

For those of you that play the Nimzo-Indian Defense, this is a great game collection of 189 deeply annotated games. I would recommend first reading "Mastering the Nimzo-Indian With the Read and Play Method", also by Tony Kosten, first, and then when you have a feel for all the various lines and pawn structures, tackle these 189 games.

When I first read this gem of John's Journey of Hope I did not connect-up the contrasting picture of his Seminary struggles with mine. Since we were in Southern Seminary during the earlier struggles between trustees and faculty, we came under the influence of those Baptist giants: Moody,Theron Price,T C Smith, Elliott, Francisco, Peacock. Several were asked to resign, which caused blows to many students. John and I served on a committee of Protestors, to no avail!

While he referred to his experience of seminary years "in the community of grades," I admit mine were rather within the mold of a community of grace! We took longer routes of gaining our degrees, as teaching fellows. For me in the shorter program, it was necessary to postpone my degree until Jan. of 1958. Then it was given by grace with projects to repay missing May classes! The students from halls of Theology were an encourgaement; John called that a time of professional turmoil: "we needed to see with new eyes." He was called to a large campus pastorate...I was sent home to the changed perspective of teaching Math! Our contacts were renewed thru hearing his sermons and reading his books.

For my second reading of Opening Blind Eyes I saw the dramatic changes in John's life after his loss of Laura Lue and the wife from his divorce. Both of us moved from large churches to the more intimate smaller, for him, Northminster Church in Jackson. Since we shared the experience of leaving large churches and settling into those places of deepening relationships, we ended up in doing CPE, another parallel. When we crossed paths in his retirement from St Luke's in Birmingham, we share new interests. Here is new acceptance of "Life as Gift" + mutual journeys of Hope! Great stories & experiential questing.
Chaplain Fred W Hood

Claypool, once a learned and respected Baptist pastor and seminarian gives us his faith journey into sacramental, liturgical Christianity, becoming an Episcopal priest. It is his frank, open story of his 'awakening' as a person loved by God, with once blind eyes, so much like all of us, who once thought 'doing' equals 'being' but who solidly met the mysterious true God of grace in learning that to 'be' and not to 'do' is the most important thing you can do in this thing called living. The 'rat-race' of modern American 'Christian ministry' has sapped and zapped many of us, but, unlike most modern Christian ministry 'experts'...to be somebody does NOT mean competing and achieving. It means letting God work through, flow in, flow out of and bless you--then you bless others--pressing on and passing on His Light and Love. As he says in the book, "The challenge is to become aware of what is already inside by grace...and to learn to bring that fullness out through generous and sacrificial service to the whole of creation." I hope someone reprints this excellent book and gives it a wider audience. Also, along these same lines, read Eugene H. Peterson's excellent 'The Contemplative Pastor.'